PL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent trip with Luitours & Safaris
Very well organized safari tour, everything as described in the plan.
Great guide – Atif made the trip very safe (prefect driver) and interesting (he knew where to go, his experience in spotting animals was very useful). It was amazing trip and unforgettable impressions for us. We definitely recommend this agency.
FR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A wonderful safari into real wildlife : a childhood dream became real
Superior guides expeditions did all what we admitted. This agency and its director Anna did for me all it could for my pleasure
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Ecovic is an excellent loving leisure and environmental conservation oriented tour operator
Well, when it comes to services, its really amazing. The staff is down is to earth and for sure i really recommend for other clients who are interested in environment conservation packages.
It was really a good experience working with the environmental conservation communities in Kibale forest reserve and on the Rwenzori mountain.
Hicking to the top was really a tough experience though enjoyable:)
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The Adventure Of A Lifetime
On the drive down to the Masai Mara, my guide, Johnny told me Leopard were some of the hardest animals to track and hardest to spot. Even when you find them, they can disappear in an instant into the bush.
With this in mind, our sturdy little van rumbled down the dirt road that cut through the Masai Mara National Reserve.
Forget what you’ve seen in pictures, read in books, and saw on TV. The Mara is impossibly big. You can’t quite comprehend the size of it until you’re there watching it all stretch out before you.
We got into the Mara ten minutes before one, driving through the reserve to get to camp when a radio call came in that I didn’t understand until Johnny brought our vehicle a halt. He looked at me and smiled before asking if I wanted to go see a leopard. I nodded and we flipped around, racing to reach the sighting with another pair vehicles. I experienced my first leopard sighting around 1:30 and would see two more leopards before we left the Mara.
That was just a piece of my first day with Beacon and trust me it only got better from there! Johnny was an amazing guide and driver that any solo traveler would be lucky to have for six days.
Before departure, I looked around a lot and talked with a lot of different companies before finally deciding to go with Beacon. Robert played a huge part in that decision. He was always quick to answer my questions no matter how big or small they were and when I used Whatsapp to contact him and inform him of an urgent last-minute change to my itinerary, he took it in stride.
On the morning of our departure from Nairobi, he had the staff at the Wildebeest Eco Camp to tell me to take my time and have breakfast. I had originally planning to skip breakfast to make sure we got on the road in time, so being able to push back our departure so I could take time to eat was hugely appreciated.
Once we were on the road, Johnny was very friendly and was always ready to answer my questions about the places we were going to and the animals we would see. Rest stops were frequent and I never felt like I was trapped in the car, praying we would find a bathroom and there was never a time I felt unsafe during our 4 to 5-hour drives when traveling between parks.
Although going by air can save you time, especially if you're on a tight schedule, Seeing the country and its varying climates and terrain, paired with the cities and towns that you pass through on your route is an adventure all on its own. 80% of the roads we traveled were paved. The stories of the road to the Masai Mara, specifically it's final third, being an unpaved and teeth-rattling mess are very outdated. A large section of that road has now been paved and is a smooth ride. When you do find those few dirt roads, you know that its official, you're really on safari! So don’t let the possibility of having to travel by land intimidate you! You'll wind up learning a lot about the country you've traveled so far to visit.
Johnny and I traveled almost 700 miles during our time. From the Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru and finally to Amboseli. Despite the long days, his enthusiasm never faded. He always kept me informed on what our plans were and explained why we needed to make changes when changes needed to be made. Like when he recommended we do our evening game drive in Amboseli earlier in the afternoon when we arrived rather than enter the park and go through it only to leave and drive to the lodge (which took 20-30 minutes) for a short time only to turn right back around and go back into the park.
Johnny and I saw so much during our time together, from a surprise elephant crossing in the Mara that left me speechless to a three hyena standoff over a dead hippo in Amboseli that left me scratching my head for days after. The one thing I wasn’t expecting was how Johnny influenced me as we traveled together. I'm a pretty quiet person, and as a solo traveler that can make connecting with your destination and the people who live there, as well as the other travelers you come across pretty difficult. As the trip went on, seeing Johnny interact with the people we came across from Kenya Wildlife Service Rangers to other guides we drove past on the open road made me appreciate the massive community of people who make going on safari possible. In response I found myself belting out a hearty 'Jambo!' more and more and struggle through bouts of small talk as our journey progressed.
On my final day in Kenya, I was pretty sad to say goodbye to Johnny, take my sunhat off my head and strap it to my bag before moving my winter clothes from the bottom of my suitcase to my overnight bag in preparation for the transition back to a much colder climate. I have made memories that will last a lifetime, and I have some new friends that I cannot wait to see again the next time I am in the country.
When we left Nairobi Johnny told me that Kenya was a place with unlimited possibility, I can now say that he's absolutely right. I have traveled so far and it amazes me that there's still more to see and do. So if you take anything away from this review, it should be that a Kenyan safari will leave you with a mountain of good memories, hours of stories to share with your friends and family, and a sense of adventure that will only be satisfied by once again striking out into the wilderness in a pop top van, following a dirt road that runs past the horizon.
Robert and Johnny, asante sana.
I hope to travel with you again soon!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Spectacular! Our driver Peter and Benson made everything a complete family memory.
Pendo from Benson communicated with whenever we had questions. It was very professional and easy even with multiple changes.
The Safari was beyond expected and our expectations were very high.
Peter knew how far he could push our family each day and managed to score some amazing siting late in the day 3 times. We seemed to have booked an excellent time of year with lush greenery and 57 different animals spotted over our 9 days.
Safari is not a "vacation" but an adventure experience and I was glad our youngest of 3 was 18. We had 6 people in the Land Cruiser and that was a full vehicle.
We choose to mid - luxury level accomedations and were blown away by the places we stayed. Lovely to have a great room and food at the end of 8-10 hours on the road.
I would highly recommend Benson and especially Peter. In fact I'm sure I will be back.
Steve Negen - Age 58
Traveled with my wife, my 2 sons 25,22 and daughter 18 and a family friend 25 years old. Excellent ages.
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great service of an excellent operator for an amazing experience in Uganda!
After the moment of getting in contact with them, they were really helpful. They answered all my questions and provided all the info I needed to plan the trip including my flights from Europe and made it an unforgettable holiday for me.
Once I landed in Kampala my tourguide (Onan) picked me up at the airport as planned and my 7 day safari trip started. He was a great driver, very obliging and answered all my questions, whether regarding wildlife or culture. All lodges, the 4x4, the safaris with Mega Wild in Queen Elisabeth NP, the Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest NP and the Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi NP were just amazing. Whenever there was some time left he suggested additional activities such as a visit of an orphanage, seeing some craters nearby or a community walk in Bwindi NP.
I definitely recommend Mega Wild Safaris as a tour operator. From A to Z great service and an awesome experience.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best safari and city tour
I would like to thank Silas and all at Apodiformes for making our Safari amazing. Silas was waiting at the airport for us when we arrived, took us to our hotel. Next day he took us to the giraffe and baby elephant sanctuary it was amazing, we got to feed the giraffes and touch the baby elephants. Silas then introduced us to James who was our driver/guide for our Safari. We visited Masi Mara, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli. Silas also gave us the option to upgrade our accommodation which I’m happy we did, we got to sleep in a beautiful bed in a luxurious tent listening to the beautiful sounds of nature at Kibo Safari camp. Our driver James was very knowledgable about the animals we saw and amazing at spotting them. We spent our last night back in the hotel in Nairobi then Silas took us the airport the following day to catch our plane home.
We would like thank Silas very much for giving us an incredible holiday.
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Rwandas highlights in three days
I had booked the 3-day tour chimps tracking, nothing was missing. I was able to put together my own itinerary (as a single traveller). I decided to stay at the Top View Hotel Emeraude, from where the chimpanzee tour started. Apes right ahead. Early in the morning through the Nyungwe jungle. Then I spent the second night at the Kivu Lake Resort in Cyangugu, Kamambe.
Recommendations can often be "fake", this one is definitely not. I would make the same decision over and over again and book the same tour. I can highly recommend it to anyone who plans to spend a few days in Rwanda, to do a three day tour in the probably most exciting part of Rwanda. During my tour I saw the landscape in and around the Nyungwe Forest, exotic plants, and then also Kivu Lake, 100 m from the border to the Republic of Congo. I found it especially exciting to stop in two villages on the way and take a short walk through the respective main roads. These are areas where probably no tourist has ever been before. It is best to discuss this with the tour guide. My tour guide named "Bienvenue" was a delight to travel with. He fulfilled all my wishes.
The price for all the services was reasonable and fair.
Do not forget your raingear (it is a rain forest, though there wasn't any in my case) and your hiking shoes (muddy ground) and plenty of water, of course!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable emotions with Orongai Safaris
Simply wonderful!
We are two female travelers who love traveling and exploring different places in the world. For a long time, we were hesitating to go for African safari as we knew that it would require organised trip, which is not our way of traveling. Yet, as a last-minute decision for my birthday, we have decided to visit Tanzania.
I have contacted several companies organising Safaris in Arusha; Anna form Orongai Africa safaris, unlike others, immediately responded with a great itinerary at a reasonable price.
When we arrived at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our charming guide Fredy was waiting for us. As a welcome surprise, Fredy prepared a table with Champaign, snacks, and water.
It is impossible to express the experience we had over next 7 days. Everything was perfect and luxurious. Fredy was all in one, great driver, professional guide, and a fantastic companion. As mentioned in other reviews, Fredy has truly an Eagle Eye, and we were able to see probably everything that Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro crater has to offer.
We loved Acacia Luxury Camps; it was like Shangri-La in the middle of National Parks. The food was terrific, cleanliness of the hotels was spotless, and the staff hospitality beyond all imaginations.
Where else in the world you can see walking family of Giraffes against sunset from your terrace, or hear Lions roars during the night?
Orongai Africa safaris car was in great shape, and with Fredys exceptional driving skills, we were able to pass any road obstacle the nature prepared for us, and it felt so safe to watch lions from proximity.
Tanzania is an incredible place, and I have learned so much about its nature. All these days spent in safari, we felt relaxed, safe, and happy. It did not feel like we are traveling with a guide, rather more like with a dear friend.
I genuinely recommend Orongai Africa Safari group and Fredy as a Guide to everyone who wishes to have a perfect holiday.
We will be back! Thank you for everything.
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great experience!
My 7 day climb of the Kilimanjaro with Enosa Expeditions was a great experience!
I booked my climb with Enosa via an international intermediary which worked well for a very decent price.
Together with an another European we formed a group of two climbers, supported by a total of 11 support staff: 2 guides, 1 cook, 1 waiter/porter and 7 porters.
All of them worked with their heart. Their loyalty to you is incredible in allowing you to reach the top. Also the porters worked incredibly hard. Guidance was very professional, while the cooking was magical in what we received every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Through all sorts of ways, the guides follow your physical (and mental) condition closely which gives a good feeling. If necessary, they have various measures they can initiate. I received a packing list from Enosa after booking and had a breefing and gear check with the guide one day before the start. What I forgot to bring I could borrow from Enosa.
Perhaps only thing for improvement is regarding tipping. There is much being said online about how much to tip. Numbers can vary greatly online. Much is also dependent on group and staff size. Enosa, but other operators as well, might help in providing clarity on this so you can better prepare this before getting to Tanzania. It is not so easy to lay your hand on large amounts of dollars in the country itself. Enosa allowed for paying tip with Creditcard which helped!
I will definitely advise booking with Enosa anytime! I want to thank the whole team as well as Noel Ernest for making this never to forget!