CZ
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Everithing was excelent
Our guide picked us up, helped us with everithing, in Safari we finded every animals which one we wanted ... he helped us to buy train tickets... everithing was absolutelly safety for me and my family.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An EPIC safari adventure!
My mother and I recently returned from a 2 week safari tour organised through Soul of Tanzania, beginning in Kenya and then continuing on through Tanzania, and ending with a 3 day trip to Zanzibar.
I contacted numerous safari operators while planning this trip and chose Soul of Tanzania as they were the most prompt and detailed in their replies and also as they were more than happy to assist with personalising a private safari experience for 2, as I already had a rough itinerary worked out of places I wished to visit.
I dealt with Sandy over the 4-5 months prior to the trip, and through over 60+ emails, she was absolutely wonderful - replies were very prompt, no question went unanswered and the level of detail and flexibility in the planning process was second to none.
Planning a safari experience, particularly if it is a first-time one, can be daunting, especially if you have never visited Africa and are not entirely sure of what to expect, but the level of assistance I received from Sandy ensured the trip was the most memorable I have ever had.
Additionally, even though it was a private safari, costs were relatively similar if not lower than numerous other companies I contacted who were not able to cater for my specific itinerary.
Our only hiccup was that the bank transfer for the balance of our trip bounced back while we were already in Africa, and it was a bit of a hassle and also more expensive to have to pay via credit card, particularly as a lot of the more remote accomodation has very limited internet access.
The only advice I have here is that Soul of Tanzania need to make clear in their contract that the balance of the payment MUST be made one month prior to commencing the trip if making via bank transfer. This was not made clear in the contract and therefore we were charged a fee.
We visited the Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Parks.
In the Maasai Mara in Kenya we were looked after by our wonderful guide Solomon, from Spirit of Kenya. From the first game drive, where Solomon took us to a lone male lion, who stood right next to my window and looked me straight in the eyes before walking slowly away, to the last drive in Tarangire where we were the only car to witness a leopard feeding in a tree next to us, we not only saw the Big 5, but such a variety of wildlife and birds that I never even knew existed!
In Tanzania, we were looked after by Dominick “Schumacher”, our modern Maasai! Dominick is incredible - a wealth of knowledge about every animal and bird around, as well as the national parks and Tanzania in general. He is very passionate about conservation and about his work and it really shows. Not only did we learn so much about the wildlife, but about Tanzania and its rich history and culture, especially the Maasai.
Dominick’s driving skills were pretty awesome, and even the daily Tanzanian massage wasn’t an issue for either my mother or I, especially me, who normally suffers from motion sickness!
I am a very keen photographer, and every day Dominick ensured that I had the best vantage points for excellent photo opportunities, he was accomodating for all manner of requests and questions, emergency toilet breaks, he seemed to have Spiderman senses to see and know where every animal would be, or where they would end up if they disappeared and he ensured that our safety and comfort was top priority at all times.
We chose mid-range accomodation during our safari, which was all excellent and which I would actually rate as on the high end when compared to many other accomodations I have stayed at around the world over the years.
Our accomodation in the Maasai Mara was in Ilkeliani Lodge, a beautiful tented camp looked after by the Maasai, where on our first night we had an exciting visit not only by an elephant but by a lion nearby! Our Maasai guards made sure all was safe and I can’t recommend Erik, our Maasai guide at the camp highly enough. Erik took us to a nearby Maasai village, where we were welcomed and shown around and he also took us on a walking tour to teach us about the land and plant life in the Maasai Mara.
The Serengeti Sopa Lodge was a large and very accomodating lodge, made all the more special by the beautiful staff, especially in the restaurant, who on finding out that it was my mother’s birthday during our trip, planned a surprise cake and had all the staff in the restaurant perform a traditional African song and dance for her on our last night there!
At Ngorongoro, we stayed at the wonderful Serena Lodge, which has the most incredibly breathtaking views I have ever seen.
The Ngorongoro Crater is a wonder that nobody travelling to Tanzania should ever miss - a feast for the eyes and the soul.
The Escarpment Luxury Lodge at Lake Manyara was not only the cheapest of the accomodation we had, but it was definitely the most luxurious - it was quite incredible, with stunning sunset views over the lake. It’s only very minor drawback was that it was the only place where I actually needed to use insect repellant!
In Zanzibar, we stayed at Dream of Zanzibar, on the North East coast. Zanzibar was the perfect way to end this trip of a lifetime, with beaches and water to die for!
While the beach is supremely beautiful, you will encounter numerous Maasai trying to sell you their wares and offering trips, and though I became friendly with many of them and had quite a laugh with them, it was quite a full on experience for some of the other hotel guests!
Zanzibar was definitely the most commercial and most ‘’Western’’ part of our trip, with the accomodation, amenities and experiences on the island catered to tourists, but nevertheless we were extremely well looked after and had a wonderful and relaxing time.
Asante sana to Sandy at Soul of Tanzania, Solomon in Kenya and Dominick in Tanzania for making this trip of a lifetime an absolute 5-star experience!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing lifetime experience
Just came back from Tanzania. We had an amazing safari and cultural experience. Safari Ventures has provided amazing service before, during, and after our trip. Our guide throughout our trip was very knowledgeable and welcoming. Accommodations were wonderful and very beautiful. We couldn’t have asked for anymore. A great company and we look forward to planning our next trip with Safari Ventures soon.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing to see the big 5 in their habitat.
The wildlife, weather, our guide Stanley from Venture Savannah were excellent. Most of Lodges we stay were great.
The biggest disappointment was to be caught on a FRAUD by the company “Kenya Walking Survivors Ltda”, I paid 50% 4 months in advance , had communication with Mr Otieno but 10 days before my trip all stopped. Ann at Ibis Nairobi help me to rebooked my Safari with Ms Pauline Mwarari from Venture, wonderful lady.
I’m a teacher from NY and love to travel.
AE
Indeed the 'PEARL OF AFRICA', Uganda is Remarkable
It was an awesome vacation back to Uganda courtesy of Avens Travel World. It is a land of exquisite African holiday encounters and extraordinary people, the journey from the city through the beautiful country-side is an experience of its own, where you get to see rolling hills with evergreen vegetation, local markets along the way with variety of tropical fruits, wooow!!!! I guess you wouldn't want to miss out the fruits, so tasty.
What I can't definitely forget apart from the wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National park is the food-a wide selection, it is something you would¦if possible wish to carry with you. Uganda is truly Africa's pearl.
Kudos Avens, looking forward to my next vacation to explore the powerful Murchison falls.
PT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect safari in Kenya
Our experience with Adventure 360 was fantastic. It seemed to us a professional company, well organized, always available and committed to providing a good service.
It was our first safari and Charity gave us all the support we needed to organize it. Our guide, Joseph, was tireless, always looking for the best scenes, the best framing, and always concerned about making the most of every experience.
I have no doubt recommending the Adventure 360.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing African safari experience with Hello Tanzania!
My brother and I had our expectations blown out of the water on this trip!
Lodging: 5/5 - We stayed in two locations over the course of the trip, African Safari Glamping near Lake Manyara and Pumzika Camp within the Serengeti. Both locations were unforgettable and had incredibly kind and professional staffs. The food at Pumzika Camp definitely exceeded any expectations we had!
Safari: 5/5 - We had the same driver for all of our game drives who was very knowledgeable about the all of the different animals and locations we saw.
Communication: 4/5 - Sylwia was our point of contact for the entire trip. She was very professional and always very responsive to any questions. There were only two instances where this could have been improved. The first was one of the features of our trip (a canoe ride in Lake Manyara) was cancelled and we were only notified a week before the start of our trip. The second, in our first day at the lodge before our first Game Drive, we did not have an itinerary for when we needed to wake up by and when we were planning on leaving the next day until close to dinner. However, unexpected issues are always bound to come up and Sylwia was very quick to resolve them as they occurred.
I would definitely recommend Hello Tanzania to anyone planning on visiting Tanzania!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Once-In-A-Lifetime Safari Experience
My friend and I chose this particular safari package because it was a perfect length - five days/four nights - and included time in Tarangire National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, but spent the most time – one full day, most of two other days, and two nights in the Serengeti. Don’t miss Ngorongoro Crater. It is a mystical lost world richly populated with diverse animal species. Think the Great Valley in the movie Land Before Time. Also, if you are trying to decide between Tarangire or Manyara, take note: if you want to see elephants, go to Tarangire. You won't really see them in the Serengeti. But visiting the Serengeti is mandatory. The fact that it is essentially an ancient mountain range filled in with sediment when the volcano that became Ngorongoro Crater erupted - the rocky outcrops jutting out of the savannah are all that is left of the mountains - created one of the most unique ecosystems on earth. This safari was also a great deal – only $850 per person. Mudy was flexible and helpful in arranging the details; when their credit card machine was not working, he drove us around town for about an hour to find a working ATM. Benson was a thoughtful and generous safari guide. He had a great sense of humor but didn’t speak much: his mind was constantly working as he tirelessly drove us around the savannah for almost twelve hours a day, relying both on the announcements from the other guides on the walkie-talkie as well as his own impressive knowledge about the animals’ favorite spots and daily habits. On our early morning game drive, we saw two leopards, a cheetah resting on a rock with her two cubs, and a lioness nursing her cubs on the ground about one meter from the front wheel of our vehicle. Our guide said we were "very lucky" to see that, but we wouldn't have seen it if he hadn't known how to bring us to the right place at the right time. We saw two additional leopard sightings - one playing with her cub - and two sightings of the rarer male lions. We even saw a pack of about 12 lions eating a wildebeest they had just caught. It was like a live episode of the Discovery channel. We even saw the mythical black rhino – the oldest species in the Serengeti disappearing at an alarming rate from the face of the earth - about 20 meters away. Sleeping in the tent in the camps in the Serengeti and on the rim of the crater was an adventure. The mats are thick and I was always comfortable and warm, but it was terrifying waking up in the middle of the night and crossing the campground to go to the restroom. We were told to bring our lights whenever we left the tent at night because you can use them to spook any animals you see. The campgrounds are not fenced in, and our guide told us that the animals "just know" to stay away from what they understand to be "human territory." But the first night I heard a growl right outside my tent about ten seconds after I climbed back in. The next morning we learned that both hyenas and lions had been lurking right on the edge of the campground. They were most likely just growling at each other, but I found that to be cold comfort. I did not shower the entire five days, even after the constant sweat and dust of the safari, because it was too cold in the evenings and mornings, so be prepared for a grimy time. Best to schedule your beach time at the end of our vacation because you'll need multiple days of soaking in the ocean to get yourself back to new. In case you're worried from the above that there is a complete lack of creature comforts on a camping safari, let me correct that misimpression. Our personal safari chef made us three hot delicious meals every day, so mealtimes were a pleasure. They even brought wine (which was a little extra I think)! Overall the rustic nature of the experience only added to the magic. There is absolutely NOTHING like a safari in the Serengeti. It’s an untouched ancient wonderland unlike no other place on earth. It is fascinating to see how the animals are neither afraid nor curious of the safari trucks. It is a profound feeling to realize that here is a spot on earth where humans are truly irrelevant. If you want the once-in-a-lifetime safari experience, you can’t go wrong with Planet Reserve!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Honeymoon In Kruger
One of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. My wife and I took the 4 Day tour in July 2019. Everything was unbelievable. Jay is the best safari guide anyone could ever ask for. We had him to ourselves for most of our trip and we had so much fun. Great personality, incredible knowledge of the park and the animals in it. He made it his mission to find everything that we wanted to see. The accommodations were beautiful. We stayed in the honeymoon suite at The Windmill Country Retreat. Everything was first class. The hospitality, service and food were all top notch. We had candle lit dinners waiting for us each night when we came back from our safari. We will DEFINITELY be coming back in the future. Anyone considering doing a safari in Kruger should do it with Shinzelle.
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Rwanda and Uganda Tour
As part of my Research and Safari, i have decided to do my tour in Rwanda and Gorilla trekking experience in Uganda.
Have been to Akagera National Park for game drive, Nyungwe Forest for Chimpanzees and Isumo Waterfalls, Tour of the cities, Kigali, Gisenyi,Huye among others, cultural & historic sites. Have enjoyed sharing meals with locals and cooking local dishes, participation to community works as well as living as local. Have enjoyed Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla Park. I thankful to Patrick for the nice drive and the rest of the team for organizing and coordination of my stay. Highly recommend it .