ES
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A little-known pearl in the heart of Africa
Perhaps Zimbabwe is one of those places in Africa where mass tourism has passed by in recent years due to socio-political reasons. May be it is also that same reason that turns a safari into this wonderful national park into a unique experience. Tranquility, little influx of visitors and an enormous diversity of fauna make this place an essential scene to enjoy any nature trip.
Located in an enclave punished by the history of the last two centuries, this park summarizes, in its entirety, the best of a safari in Africa: diverse landscapes, a high density of wild fauna and the recovery of endangered species - the African Wild Dog or Lycaon- make Hwange one of the best national parks in Africa.
With a bit of luck, especially at dawn, it is not difficult to find a herd of lycaons in full activity. A true experience to discover the group behavior of these fantastic animals: synchronized movements, strategic deployment, restless tracking to the search for food, and constant and jumping nerve. I had not had the luck to meet them in other African parks before and their picture was wonderful.
The great guides of "Ivory Lodge", located right on the edge of the park, gave us the possibility of going out to meet other equally interesting species. Also early in the morning, a herd of 18 lions on the side of a pond, delighted us with a good selection of playgrounds.
Among all the scenes of wildlife, I will highlight one of the most impressive I have lived in Africa. The displacement, at dusk, of a herd of hundreds of buffaloes through the dry basin of a river. Slowness accompanied by strength, serenity, sliding across the earth like a giant raft in the middle of a calm ocean.
A little-known pearl in the heart of Africa.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Interesting, varied - nothing negative to say.
We have seen all of the big five on our visit in Tanzania and many, many animals overall (although leopard was a bit shy hidden in a tree as well as Rhino's we very far and has it not been for binoculars we wouldn't have seen much - having said that we saw them chasing a hyena). We visited Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater.
Having visited three different areas the scenery was very different and very interesting. Our guide Isaac was good. In terms of accommodation on our Safari we opted to stay in a lodge outside the parks. We stayed at the Farms of Dreams Lodge which was excellent. Personally I don't see the upside in staying inside the parks, not sure how much more can one see if staying inside the park and it feels like you can get better accommodation at lower price if staying outside.
Overall, for us Safari is probably something we would only do once but if the opportunity was there we would definitely visit again.
ES
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Zimbabwe by Joaquín Rivero
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Our group of photographers was personally guided by Mr. Jamie Thom with finesse and wit.
I met a group of photographers by happenstance on a Botswanan Photographic safari led by Jamie Thom, owner of Conservation Safari Company a few years back. We all bonded during our 2 week Overland tour of Botswana. Sharing new experiences in the African bush has a tendency to bring people together and we have all become fast friends. We decided to reunite, from all corners of the world, for a Namibian photographic safari. You can guess we contacted Jamie immediately! He expertly listened to our expectations and quickly organized an itinerary that pleased the entire group. But even above his excellent organization Jamie's photographic advice was priceless. He helped all of us stretch out of our photography comfort zones with his solid advice and encouragement. Given Jamie's expertise about nature, wildlife, and photography I highly recommend Conservation Safari Company to anyone interested in completing an African safari.
ES
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
THE WORST EXPERIENCE POSSIBLE
After much comparison on Internet, I decided to book my trip to the Masai Mara for 3 days with this company. Big mistake.
Despite they took their time to answer my emails (great 'pole pole'), the reservation was made without major problem, for a single room in the Mara Springs, which I took charge of checking in person at his office in Nairobi, two days before the start of the trip (where they tried to trick me).
The problem came on the day of the activity, where they tell me that I will have to share a room with a stranger because there is a lot of traffic in the park this season, that they feel it, that I must have empathy, that I must be proactive, that they fuck me and that I can stand it . Well, no. Because one thing is that there is a last minute setback and quite another is that there is no seriousness here. But of course, one takes the trip programmed to the fingertips and I could not afford the pleasure of looking for another company that left in less than 10 minutes to the park, so I agreed to go with them, they made me a ridiculous price reduction that I would gladly have paid for 20, so as not to share a night with the boy who played for me, who had also paid for a single room and to whom I scarcely frightened entering his 'tent' to usurp the next bed.
Regarding the planning within the Masai Mara say that it was not fulfilled at all. The first day we spent 1 hour and a half at the door checking our passports (we were 9 people, so you calculate the slowness), and we spent half an hour in the park, which gave us a dreamy reddish sunset that I asked the driver to photograph and he did not leave me, answering me in an edge way and driving to the opposite side.
The second day was quite well and the guide seemed to change his character. However, same result trying to photograph the sunset of the previous day. Like they give bad luck to man, I do not want to prejudge, first of all empathy.
The last day, which was presented as to take advantage of to see the sunrise in the park, forced us to visit the Masai community, with no option to reply, and return to Nairobi, where they left me in a place that was not the agreed . I complained and they said I cause a lot of problems.
Regarding the VAN where we traveled all the time, although basic, it was comfortable a priori, it did not turn out that way since we were in it the top of possible people, bothering one another in many moments, inevitably.
On the other hand, the accommodation was finally carried out in the ENCORO WILDLIFE CAMP, which I will break down into another opinion, but which I can summarize in precariousness, dirt and loose snakes.
SULTRY.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect Safari Trip and a life time experience!
We were a group of 7 friends for our Tanzania trip. We had the perfect vacation thanks to Afrishare and Freddy.
Ibrahim was very responsive and offered us the itinerary that we wanted. Ibrahim and Freddy (our guide) came to airport and picked us up. Our trip included Tarangire, Serengeti , Hot air balloon ride at Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Eyasi. We also visited Hadzabe and Datoga tribes. Freddy would brief us about the morning trip every evening during dinner time. He was very punctual and too care of us like a big brother (Kaka in Swahili :) ). Freddy was a great animal spotter and made sure we saw the big 5 and more. He was really patient and gave us ample time to enjoy the beauty of surrounding and animals. He also took us to local stores for shopping.
Freddy was always communicating with other guides and made sure we reach the spots where something interesting was going on : we saw Cheetah Stalking an Impala, Sleeping Rhinos etc. He made sure the car was inspected after every trip, cleaned up the car, refilled water. We learned quite a bit about Tanzania from Freddy. He was the highlight of our trip, very friendly , funny, humble.
The trip was fantastic and I would totally recommend Afrishare + Freddy !
20-35 years of age
Amazing Tanzania Safari
This was our first Safari in Africa,so we had to check with a variety of travel Agents.The quick response and knowledge of Elias made us decide to go with Leadwood Expeditions.Upon arrival at the airport we were picked by John our driver guide.He was knowledgeable and took good care of us explaining characters of every animal we encountered.The landcruiser was very comfortable and of good condition to beat terrains while in game drives.Good choice we made because Leadwood Expeditions met our expectations.We are definitely booking with you in future for Kenya maasai mara migration.
AE
under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Enjoyable!
When we were picked up from our hotel there was someone to collect the remaining fees pick us up. He gave us a small run down of what to expect, then 5 mins to the bus station he got out and left. We were slightly confused what was happening, but the driver took care of us overall. He answered any questions/ request we had. Overall I would refer others to this company.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Fantastic experience
Excellent and prompt communication during organisation of trip. Wonderful Tony was our driver and really looked after us. Everything happened on time. The accommodation far exceeded our expectations. The gorilla trekking was amazing! Thanks to the team!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Michelle most excellent Swahili Coast 50th Birthday!
The service was excellent! Priscilla was so attentive and made sure we were satisfied. She was able to smooth out the one hiccup we had I am thoroughly impressed. Bernard went above and beyond just being a tour guide. He became our friend and photographer. He was extremely knowledgeable and made adjustments to our itinerary to fit our needs. I will recommend Africa Nziza Odysseys to all my family and friends.
