20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Mountain Gorilla Trekking was exceeded our expectation!
We booked a 5D4N package with Safari by John starting on the 13th June.
Lucky (the name of our driver) came to pick us up from our hotel. We were initially a little bit disappointed that our car was not a land rover but instead a 4by4 van, but it is also something we should have double-checked beforehand. Honestly though in some ways this car was better than a land rover (we had one in Kenya), as it was faster and on tarmac roads the ride was smoother.
Lucky was a very chilled-out, calm and experienced driver and we were similar age (28) so felt like we had things to talk about.
Our first meal was a local Ugandan buffet popular with the locals which was very good in particular the sugar cane juice with lemon.
Our first accommodation was a bit of a disappointment as it was not the lodge we were expecting as per our itinerary. John explained the one originally listed was booked up for that night but it would have been nice to have been warned in advance. John did manage to get us to the originally intended lodge for the second night we were at Queen Elizabeth National park though, where the food was noticeably better. The downside was we got two single beds instead of a double and the shower was an outdoor one, so more of a sidegrade than an upgrade.
We did the Kalinzu Chimpanzee Trekking, which in hindsight I think we should have done the Kibale one instead. As our fellow gorilla trekkers later told us, the monkey and chimpanzee number is far greater in Kibale than Kalinzu. We saw five chimpanzees but they mostly stayed high up in the trees, I guess safari is all about luck on the day.
Having done safariing in Kenya a week prior to this, the animal density and variety in Queen Elizabeth National Park were noticeably sparser. We were also admittedly a bit burnt out. However, the Kazinga channel boat safari was definitely worth doing, with a huge number of animals including elephants, buffalo, hippos, baboons and water birds. We even saw a monitor lizard and a Nile crocodile sunbathing.
The following day we travelled to the Ishasha region of the national park where we were fortunate enough to see one of the famous tree-climbing lions. This is rare though as our guide said he has only seen them several times in his 8 years of being a safari tour guide. Definitely a highlight of the trip.
Without a doubt though the main highlight of the trip was the mountain gorilla trekking. The lodge we stayed at had an amazing view of the forest and is also run by a NGO which gives a lot back to the local community. The trek can vary greatly depending on where your group of gorillas are (tourists are split into groups of 7 with a guide, two bodyguards, and porters). I strongly recommend a porter to carry your stuff, i.e. packed punch, camera etc as the trek can be quite challenging, very steep and slippery in some places. Our porter held my girlfriend's hand for a good portion of the hike which she very much appreciated otherwise she would have definitely slipped several times! It was all worth it though as we got very very close to several gorillas including a large silverback male and a baby gorilla. Certainly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The guide and the tracker make extra efforts to ensure we could get good photos and videos of the experience.
Bunyonyi Lake was a nice place to chill at the end. We had another hiccup with the accommodation though where we were put in a small cabin with no ensuite. Fortunately, after we brought this issue up with Lucky we were moved to a better room with an ensuite. The lake is worth visiting in my opinion and if you dont feel like rowing yourself there are tourguide services which do the rowing for you or motorboat hire is also an option.
Lucky then drove us safely back to Entebbe, stopping by for local pineapple, bananas and berries, which were delicious. The Ugandan countryside is something special and different to Kenya's for sure.
Overall a worthwhile trip and despite the hiccups is still something I'd recommend!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Sunnycreek Safaris offers a professional service of the highest quality.
From the beginning of my contact with Maureen at Sunnycreek Safaris I was put at ease. She responded quickly to my emails, and answered all of my questions. I travelled as a female by myself, and I can honestly recommend Sunnycreek Safaris to anyone who is considering traveling solo. You will be in safe hands, and experience Kenya and all that it has to offer to the full! Thank you for such an amazing experience!!! Charles, our guide was also extremely professional. He answered any questions we had of the wildlife or area, and he was accommodating of everyone who was on the safari. He is a very good driver and you will be in safe hands with him as your guide!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Astounding
From start to finish I have had excellent communication and all questions answered efficiently leaving me with no doubts about the company.Lulu put together a package appropriate for my needs swiftly and ensured I was completely happy with it.The safari experience itself-truly unforgettable.I experienced Tanzanian hospitality from start to finish.Our guides both Iddy and Joseph were so knowledgable,spotted animals quickly and kept our groups spirits up.They were always smiling and truly made us feel like family.If that wasn’t enough we had a wonderful chef Bago who cooked us 3 meals a day which were so tasty and wholesome.I saw many other tourists eating cold lunches from food boxes whereas we got a warm freshly cooked lunch daily.The entire 7 day safari experience was worth every penny.I also want to mention Alan who picked me up from the airport and instantly made me feel at home.Also Kelvin who introduced me to Arusha and the markets. Geoffrey the main man came to meet us after our safari and made us feel once again like part of the Go Makini family.I came away feeling so deeply fulfilled and happy that I’d seen all the wildlife I wanted to see and of course blessed for the care I’d received.I can’t thank you enough Go Makini,your all truly amazing!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A dream come true!
Soul of Tanzania delivered a perfect and unforgettable “trip of a lifetime” for us. I have been dreaming of going on safari in the Serengeti since I was a little girl and had very high expectations for this trip, all of which were exceeded. Soul of Tanzania quickly stood out as the company we should book with because they had prompt replies, a friendly demeanor, and higher level of customer service and detail than any of the other companies we were in communication with.
Our journey designer, Marta, was incredibly patient with us while crafting the vacation of our dreams and answering all our questions. To say I’m a planner is an understatement… our first contact with SOT was well over 18 months before our actual trip and Marta honestly must have answered a million questions!
We decided on a one-week northern circuit safari with a beach extension in Zanzibar. We started in Tarangire, went to the Serengeti next, and ended at the Ngorongoro Crater. Our guide, Francis, was a perfect fit for us, and did everything he could to ensure we were having a great time and were well taken care of. He is personable, cheerful, and very knowledgeable. It was clear he genuinely loves his job and was committed to making the trip special for us. Each morning we would be greeted with a high-five or a hug, and at the end of day he would review the plan for the following day so we would know what to expect. As someone who normally coordinates vacations and trips, I felt completely at ease and confident in Francis handling all the logistics once we arrived and was able to completely relax and unplug without worrying about anything. The sights were beautiful, the animals were abundant, and the entire experience was like a dream.
The accommodations we selected for the trip were all incredible and top notch! Arusha Villa Karamu Coffee Estate, Tarangire Nimali Camp, Melia Serengeti, Karibu Lions Paw, and Melia Zanzibar.
THANK YOU, FRANCIS AND MARTA!!! We are forever grateful to you both and look forward to our paths crossing again in the future.
Heather + Ben
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful!
We traveled as a family of 3 for two weeks in Uganda and Tanzania. Our private guides Donald in Uganda and Joseph in Tanzania went above and beyond to provide our family with an excellent experience. It was hands off and Lush provided great accommodations and beautiful daily itineraries which included Gorilla trekking in Bwindi, QE park, beautiful Kazinga channel cruise, chimp sanctuary in Lake Victoria tour, Beautiful Serengeti, and Ngorongoro area. Highly recommend
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime
The best way of experiencing Tanzania’s wonders. If you want a friendly, caring and impeccable kind of service, Easy Travel is the way to go! Our guide Gilbert did not rest until we saw everything we hoped to see and more, with consistent passion and professionalism. Him and his team, Edward, Santaely and Harry are the best guides ever and they are what made the trip special. Thank you all for the wonderful memories. Tutaonana!
(Edu Edu Edu!!! :)
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Incredible safari company
We had an incredible life time safari to Murchison falls national park with Derrick the driver guide
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great and professional service
Did two tours - Soweto half day and Pilanesberg full day. Both were well organized, tour guided went the extra mile to fulfill your wishes.
Check carefully the pickup times, this might vary.
A little tip is highly appreciated.
Overall great value for money.
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
He was friendly and funny
The pick up was much earlier than agreed. Overall had a great experience
CH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good travel safaris
Beautiful Safaris Uganda is the best good campany to travel with in Uganda, Good guide Derrick who took us queen Elizabeth np for 2 nights game drive and we saw the lions, elephants , big boat at Kazinga channel for other missing animals .
Beautiful quiet and green canary ,different species of animals and birds, and enjoyed the boat ride on Kazinga channel got us closer to the Hippos, Elephants .
We will again travel with Beautiful safaris ug
