BH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awuor Escapades and Henry put in the maximum effort to ensure you have the best possible trip.
While browsing this website, I was quite unsure about booking with an agency that had only 5 reviews (as I am sure many of you are). Well, let me put your worries to rest and confirm that if you book with Awuor Escapades, you will have a good time.
I had a 7 day mid range Niarobi - Masai Mara - Nakuru - Naivasha - Hell's Gate - Amboseli trip where I travelled alone and joined a group of other people to save money. This review focuses on this particular experience.
From what I learnt during the trip is that these group tours involve a lot of planning and logistics as every person inside your Van can potentially have a different itinerary and managing these logistics is where the agency comes into play. I had 3 different groups over the course of my journey and Henry managed to coordinate all the switches without me having to worry whether my tour would be disrupted.
Initially, I have received 3 quotations from different tour operators but it was Henry's proactiveness and dedication that made me choose Awuor Escapades. He instantly messaged me on whatsapp and was ready to answer every question. Moreover, when some of my accommodations were overbooked, he was helpful with arranging upgrades to prevent the trip from being disrupted and I greatly enjoyed every single place that I stayed in. Additionally, when my hot air balloon ride was overbooked, Henry managed to secure a spot for me within a matter of hours as this was a highly important experience that I did not want to miss. Finally, when booking your Safari, you will have an option of a Land Cruiser or a Minibus. While the Land Cruiser is obviously good, I would like to mention that the minibus is not bad at all as it's completely 4 wheel equipped and results in less motion sickness because it drives slower and doesn't bounce as much as the Land Cruiser. Naturally, it also has a pop up roof and when you see the animals, nothing else in the world is going to matter.
Overall, I would like to say a big thank you to Awuor Escapades and Henry in particular. He has managed my trip through the ups and downs, and even when I was having certain problems, he tried his best to resolve them as soon as possible which showed his flexibility, problem solving skills and dedication to his clients.
P.S. If you have the option of choosing a driver, I would recommend a man named Stanley.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Reliable, trustworthy, and accommodating
Felix and Johnson provided transportation for us during a business trip. They had a lot of moving parts and moving people to deal with and were accommodating, as flexible as they could be, respectful, and kind. I felt safe in their hands, and they provided drinks and candy while we were on the road. They communicated with us promptly via WhatsApp anytime we had a question or needed them. Felix was great about making sure we were not taken advantage of by those looking to exploit tourists. Since I did not arrange this transportation, I did not realize they provided safaris, too; otherwise, I would've also used them for my safari instead of the company I used. Their vehicles were clean, new, and comfortable.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
John was accommodating, trustworthy, knowledgeable, and kind.
Our tour guide, John, always picked us up at exactly our agreed-upon time, and he was patient with us if we were a few minutes late. Along our journey, he accommodated a few stops for extra excursions, to get some cash at a cash machine, for restroom breaks, and souvenir shopping. I went with a work friend--two females--and we always felt safe with John on our way to and from Lake Nakuru and Maasai Mara National Parks. He treated us respectfully and participated in some friendly banter with us. He also kept us safe from a few Vervet monkeys who wanted to share our picnic lunch, and he was an amazing wealth of knowledge and driver on some rough terrain. The accommodations we selected through the company were both amazing. About a week before our safari was set to begin, I received a call from the company that we would need to change 2 nights of our accommodations, and they provided two similar options. I chose the Olengati Eco Lodge, and it turned out to be the most amazing part of our trip--eating meals with hippos was not something we were prepared for but was something we will never forget. The Ziwa Bush Lodge was the other one was stayed in. The customer service on this entire trip was phenomenal, and the food at the lodges was fantastic.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awestruck. We loved our Tanzania safari!
We visited three parks: Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater with Goshini Safaris and had zero regrets about choosing Tanzania as the destination for our first safari.
We saw the big five, the great migration, elephants, giraffes, zebras and so much more. What amazed us the most was the stunning landscapes and how natural it was to come across events like a leopard with a fresh kill in a tree or a pride of lions eating a water buffalo.
We never felt crowded and simply loved every day!
NO
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A beautiful country with a lot to offer!
It is a beautiful country, with a lot of variety when it comes to things to do and see, everyrhing from safari, whale watching, wine tasting, hiking, beaches beautiful landscapes etc. The country has an important history too, for the world to know and learn from. All people were very nice. We loved it all!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Kuda was friendly, intelligent and articulate.
Having Kuda as our guide at Victoria Falls made our experience so much more enjoyable. His knowledge of history, geography and geology was amazing and added so much to the tour experience. It was more than worth the cost to have Kuda as our tour guide.
Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Friendly and knowledgeable
Kuda was friendly and knowledgeable about Victoria Falls. He showed us perfect spots for beautiful pictures. Also took many of the photos. We were not rushed and answered our questions . Overall a great experience!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
James is THE BEST!
James went over and beyond to make our 9 day safari experience the most incredible vacation ever! His attention to detail and constant check-ins to make sure everyone was having a good time was so appreciated. We learned so much about Africa, the people, wildlife conservation and had quite a few laughs along the way! If you’re looking for a memorable safari vacation James and Jemu Expeditions is the way to go! Will definitely be back!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Funny and informative !
Very friendly and very knowledgeable guide for Victoria falls. Excellent English.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Shinzelle Safaris is a reliable tour operator who provided all promised services extremely well.
We booked the "4-Day Essential Greater Kruger Park and Panoramic Tour Combo" for a party of 5 people. Our liaison person at Shinzelle Safaris was Ms. Danielle Smith, who throughout the planning of the trip was very supportive and efficient. She also regularly checked in on us by email and phone/text message during our safari trip, to make sure that we were OKI and address any problems, which we did not have.
Shinzelle put us up at the “Leopard’s Lair Bush Lodge” in Hoedspruit. The early morning transfer from Johannesburg Oliver Tambo International Airport (JNB) to the lodge in Hoedspruit was very well organized and smooth. The driver, André, was very dependable and friendly, and he drove very safely. The lodge where we stayed at was very comfortable, and clean; and the staff very friendly and attentive.
On the afternoon of our arrival in Hoedspruit the first day, we were taken on our first evening safari tour in a private game reserve, very close to the lodge—complete with sunset drinks in the park—which we enjoyed very much.
Early the next morning, we set off on a full-day safari trip to the main Kruger National Park, which was an absolute treat! Our tour guide and driver, Goodman, was a very responsible driver and great safari guide, and he made every effort to show, and explain to, us all the accessible places and animals. We were very lucky to see a lot of great animals, large and small, including hoards of elephants, giraffes, impalas, zebras, leopards, lions, crocodiles, hippos, beautiful birds, and many more. Goodman definitely made our Kruger safari trip a special experience for all of us to remember, and we commend him highly to any and all of Shinzelle’s guests.
On the third day, we headed off on a delightful tour of nature, including gorges, waterfalls, and spectacular views of mountain and valley landscapes, as part of the Blyde River Canyon tour, in the capable hands of Vincent.
On the fourth day, after a delightful early morning safari tour guided by Helmo, again in the adjacent private game reserve, and a hearty breakfast at the lodge, we were picked up around 11 am, and driven back to JNB, where we arrived around 5 pm.
Looking back, all our excursions and trips were conducted by professional and courteous drivers and guides, and everything was completed very much in line with the advertised plan and schedule, as promised by Shinzelle Safaris. All I can say is: "Well done and keep up the good work!"
