CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible
Every part of the trip went very well, everything was laid out very well. From the planning , drivers, facilities! Very impressive.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Beautiful country, wonderful people and incredible wildlife
Bottom line up front: the best trip EVER. That is a bold statement because I have been to over 50 countries (including 8 African countries). The accommodations, the people, the country, our guide and the animals defied all expectations.
To start with Kosen (the owner of the tour company) arranged the trip to be exactly what we asked for. No detail was spared. It was our 30th anniversary and there was a special touch at every stop. More importantly, they sponsor schools in the bush to make sure the kids get a chance for education. They have recued young girls and built dormatories so they can get an education and autonomy. Furthermore, they sponsor soccer teams in the slums of Nairobi for impoverished urban kids and create academic support and tutoring programs to help lift them out of poverty. If you book with Kosen, you make a difference and have oppotunities to directly give back to the warm and wonderful Kenyan people.
I will go into detail.....the most important point is above.
Robert, our guide was with us the entire time. He picked us up at the airport and was with us until he dropped us back at the airport. Just the 3 of us the entire time.He is incredibly knowlegable about the history, tribes, culture geography and of course he knew everything about the animals. He has an uncanny sense of where to go away from the crowds to find the best stuff that the others miss. He emphasises patience and knows where to wait for the animals while others are rushing around. there wasn't a question or a topic he could not explain in depth.
We started out at the Ermara Ole Sereni hotel with a balcony overlooking the Nairobi National Park. We saw giraffes and ostriches from our balcony. We spent a day in Nairobi visiting the national museum (Robert set us up with a docent from the museum for a personal tour). It was amazing to learn about the tribes, culture and history of Kenya. The exhibit on the origins of man is stunning. We also went to the Rothschilds giraffe breeding center and the elephant/rhino orphanage.
The next day we drove to Lake Elmenteita over the 9800 foot escarpment the borders the Rift Valley.The Serena Camp was 5 star all the way. Our tent looked out over the lake and the flamingos. You wake up to Impala and zebras right outside. We rode horses on the lake and then into herds of Water Buck and Zebras.....a once in a lifetime bucket list experience. The next morning we drove to Lake Nakuru where we ate breakfast surrounded by white rhino. We saw too many kinds of animals to recount here to include black rhinos and rare Rothschilds giraffes. Back at camp we were pampered to the extreme.
The next day we drove to the Maasai Mara national park. On the way we stopped by a school they sponsor in the bush. Kosen had arranged for us to donate desks for the school because not all students had a place to sit. We also brought school supplies and soccer balls. It was incredible to meet the headmaster, teachers and students. Our next stop was a visit to Kosen's mother on the farm where he was raised. Then we proceeded to the Mara.
We stayed at the Keekorok lodge in the park. There is no fence, so the animals are right there. the first night there were hippos grazing behind our room. the next morning there were impala on the lawn and elephants walking by. At night there were lions roaring out side our back porch and we woke up to Vervet monkey hanging from the trees by our front door. The lodge is little old (it was the first lodge inside the Mara built in the 1960's) but you come for the nature not the house. The employees were sweet and friendly. By the way, because there is no fence, at night they escort you to and from your cabin for safety. The hippo bar was fun and we met some great people there.
Twice each day Robert took us on game drives but also took the time to show us the different areas and ecosystems in the park. He knows the park as well as I know my back yard. We saw more animals and birds than I can list here. This includes 4 different prides of lions, a herd of mother elephants and their babies, a lioness with her baby cubs, a cheetah with her babies and family groups of Maasai giraffes.The highlight was watching 2 huge herds of Wildebeests and zebras crossing the Sand River to complete the final phase of the Great Migration. We actually found the Sand River pride right after a crossing and they had just taken down a zebra that was crossing.
When we finally bid farewell to the Mara, we drove back across the Rift Valley to Nairobi. Kosen had booked a day room back at the Emara Ole Sereni overlooking the Nairobi National park so we did not need to hang out at the airport. Robert picked us up in the evening and took us back to the airport. It was a little sad because we were now saying goodbye to a close friend.
The trip was as close to perfect as it could get. If you are going to go to Kenya (and you definitely should) book it with Kosen. It will be a highlight of your life and you get the chance to change the lives of others.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Lake Nakuru National Park by Dr Mike
black rhino, white rhino and rothschilds giraffe
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Masai Mara National Reserve by Dr Mike
too many birds and animals to list
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exceeded our expectations! 10/10
Martin who arranged the trip responded quickly to our inquiry. We told him what we were looking for/ budget and he put together an itinerary that was perfect. We did a 9 night mobile safari at 3 different camps in Botswana. As outdoorsy people, we're used to camping but we were pleasantly surprised by well organized it was and the excellent service we received at camp. The food was delicious and they we're happy to accommodate my lactose intolerance and made me separate meals when necessary which I really appreciate. We had the larger tent which was really nice when we had downtime in the middle of the day and to spread out our luggage. Pilot, our guide, went above and beyond to make sure everything and everyone was take care of and his expert knowledge of the area and animals was what made the game drives so special, we saw all the animals we wanted to and more. He was also very respectful of the animals space and made sure we felt safe the whole time. We finished the trip at a hotel in Victoria Falls and they had all the transfers arranged so we didn't have to worry about a thing the whole time. Overall 10/10, great value for the money and we loved our experience in the bush.
PS. it's colder in the mornings in the open vehicle than you might expect so pack some warm clothes, I wore my wool hat almost every morning
Kind and he knows the area very highly recommend him to be our tour guide again
My wife and i booked a 7 day tour - Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Hells gate, Amboseli. Our driver, George was very knowledgeable and amazing, he provided us with very interesting facts and information about animals. We were able to see the Big Five on our first day.The accomodations and food was nice (we were on the mid range).Words cannot explain how happy we were considering we had two little ones the driver was so accommodating
I highly recommend blue range.
Freddy Parke
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Ronnie is the best. He was instrumental in make our safari experience the best it could be.
From the moment I reached to to Ruth, the experience and level of customer service has been the best. I highly recommend East African Safaris. I will definitely use them again.
CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An Unforgettable Safari Experience with Safari Soles Tours!
I recently concluded a remarkable safari journey in Tanzania, and I am thrilled to share my experience with Safari Soles Tours. From start to finish, this company exceeded my expectations and provided an exceptional safari adventure.
1. Pre-Trip Communication:
Magreth, who provided me with the initial quote, demonstrated remarkable patience by meticulously modifying the itinerary over a dozen times to meet our specific requirements. Even during the safari, she promptly responded to my emails and assisted with various inquiries. This was particularly helpful as I had limited calling capabilities due to my data-only SIM card.
2. Airport Transfers:
The airport transfers were punctual, and Andrew, responsible for our transportation, went above and beyond. He even took the time to accompany us to a local market to purchase a SIM card. Throughout the journey, he warmly introduced us to the city of Arusha, showcasing his enthusiasm and knowledge.
3. Safari Experience:
Undoubtedly the highlight of my trip, the safari itself was a dream come true. Our guide, Cheddy, was not only highly responsible but also incredibly humorous. He took us to Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, providing detailed explanations along the way. Cheddy's ability to spot animals from a distance or through radio communication without giving us prior hints added an element of surprise and allowed us to discover the wildlife ourselves. His exceptional driving skills ensured a smooth ride, skillfully maneuvering around potholes and driving cautiously when unavoidable. This greatly enhanced our overall experience. Additionally, Cheddy even knew the Chinese names of almost every animal we encountered, which was immensely helpful for us as we had limited knowledge of the local fauna.
Although I had an amazing experience overall, I would like to mention a minor inconvenience. Prior to the start of our journey, after we had paid the deposit, two of the nights in our lodge/camp were changed due to room availability. While the alternative accommodations provided were also excellent, and Magreth informed me the change timely, I still believe it would be perfect if such situations can be avoided.
I express my deepest gratitude to Safari Soles Tours and everyone involved for their outstanding service and support throughout this journey. I highly recommend this company to anyone seeking an unforgettable safari experience in Tanzania.
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful safari un Selous (Nyerere National Park)
We arrived in Zanzibar with the intention of going on a safari but we had not booked. We came across Snorkeling Zanzibar Tours through Abdalla. He took us for 3 days and 2 nights to Selous (Nyerere National Park) with a reasonable price. We were amazed and saw all the animals possible! He can include a French guide if you wish. We then just booked a dolphin and snorkeling trip to Nungwi with him. He can offer you a lot of activities on Zanzibar, don’t hesitate!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Excellent well packaged Tours
The Guide was well informed, staff ready to solve issues / problems. A well coodinated team while on a tour to Maasai Mara. thanks La mAra