CN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very nice experience
Our driver is very responsible and helpful. Easy communication and excellent service. I would definitely recommend it to others
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Dream safari!!!
From beginning to end our Safari was absolutely fantastic! Our driver and guide, George, was super friendly and knowledgeable and he was a great fit for me and my husband’s trip. We did a private safari which was perfect for us. He let us choose what we want to do and where we wanted to go and how long we wanted to spend. Everything was perfectly arranged from the food the accommodations with good communication.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent tour of Mikumi and Udzungwa National Parks
Excellent communications and flexibility in arranging transport and a tour to meet our time availability and plans. Lovely accommodation near the park. A fantastic couple of days in Mikumi - Otto is very knowledgeable and seemed to find all the animals we could wish for. Also arranged a guide up the gorgeous Udzungwa mountains to see the impressive falls. Would certainly recommend Otto to everyone.
IN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Friendly and Professional - Highly Recommended
Our experience with Lion King was everything we could ask for. The operations were smoothly managed so that we could focus on the wonderful wildlife. Our guide Gilbert was friendly and professional, and not only acted the dutiful host and driver, but also enriched our safari by taking us to the right places and pointing out every animal and bird in his guidebook.
The rest of the Lion King team, especially James in Arusha, went out of their way to meet our every request. Highly recommend this group for anyone looking to book a safari in the region.
SE
Very interesting city tour of Dar es Salaam
We are a swedish couple who 19/7 attended a day-tour of Dar es Salaam. Our guide Patrick is very knowledgable about all things Tanzanian. The tour let us experience the more "common" sights like the Fishmarket and Village-museum but also took us outside of the beaten path to other areas and neighborhoods around town . That gave us a rather unique cultural experience. It was obvious that our guide went to great lengths to make us experience a taste of the "real" Dar es Salaam.
On comparison with other companies this full-day-tour was delivered at a very good price and offered excellent value for money.
All in all we can recommend Nodven Tour with Patrick as a guide as a very entertaingi and enlightening way to spend a day in Dar es Salaam
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable School Safari Trip
We have just returned from a wonderful 11-day Safari in Kenya with Africa Celebrity Tours. We were a large school group of 26 people in total. The booking process went very smoothly, and the operations manager Muli was very patient and understanding about changes to numbers of people who were coming. He worked with us to design a detailed itinerary through Nairobi, Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha and Amboseli. He took into account special requirements we had as a school group, which was very helpful. Communication all through the booking process was fantastic and Muli usually replied within only a few hours despite the time difference.
On the ground in Kenya the wildlife beat our wildest expectations. The Drivers were very knowledgeable and skilful at spotting animals. Within our first three hours on Safari in Masai Mara we had already spotted the big five. They also pointed out birdlife and smaller animals, which the children were equally as interested in by the end of the trip. The food and facilities in the hotels were excellent. They were all in the heart of the national park so we could start spotting wildlife as soon as we left the gates.
An unexpected highlight was Hell’s Gate National Park. Our guide told the kids that the park was the inspiration for the pride lands in which the Lion King is set. We spent the morning on a cycling safari in which our guide pointed out Pride Rock. We then had a 2-hour hike through the gorge in which Mufasa dies in the film. There aren’t any lions or other large predators here in real life, which makes it possible to cycle and hike, and also explains why it attracts much fewer tourists than the other parks. However, the opportunity to cycle with giraffes, Zebras and Buffalo more than makes up for this, especially if you need a break from the vehicle for a while.
Another highlight was visiting a Masai School one morning in Amboseli. Our children enjoyed interacting and sharing gifts with the local children before playing a game of football. They were impressed with how keen and energetic the local children were despite having very basic facilities in the school.
Thanks for an unforgettable trip! I would not hesitate to use this company again in a few years time.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Friendly and knowledgeable
We enjoyed the group tour immensely! It definitely exceeded our expectations. The guide was very friendly and went out of the way to ensure we had a memorable experience..
SG
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful Experience
Extremely helpful, accommodating and very honest.
I was a little sceptical about the whole experience prior to my visit. But, I have to be honest, I was mind blown.
Highly Highly Recommended!
NZ
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trustworthy and efficient.
Hi Malvika
Just winding down our trip now and would like to thank you and your crew for the work you have done on our behalf.
We have had an amazing trip.
Jock’s was outstanding, the Blue Train was interesting and unique, and the accomodation and golf, first class!!
We have loved the South African experience and would definitely consider another trip.
Thanks once again
Marion
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Water, Wilderness and Wildlife Safari through Zimbabwe and South Africa visiting heritage sites
John Cooper, the owner operator of African Adventure Safaris prepared an amazing itinerary for our group of six to some different places not generally on the tourist trail but most certainly worthy of a visit. We flew into Harare, Zimbabwe via Johannesburg from Sydney and spent two days recovering from the flight at Wild Geese Lodge. During this time we were able to grasp some of the economic hardship that is Zim at present, yet the spirit of the people we met was one of supreme optimism.
We travelled by road to Lake Kariba and stayed in the new Kariba Safari Lodge. A wonderful place with private amenities, delicious food and friendly staff. Three days on a houseboat allowed us to explore some of the lake which is over 200 kilometres long. The houseboat provided queen bed, A/C and ensuite for each of our party and the off shore excursions allowed us to get close to Hippos, Crocs, Elephants and other wildlife.
We flew in a charter aircraft to Mana Pools Lodge on the Zambezi River. Here Elephants would stroll through the grounds, Hyenas could be heard at night and we met a herd of Elan that actually posed for our photographs rather than run away as they usually do. Waterbuck, Baboon, Buffalo, Crocodile, Kudu and a variety of birds completed the African Cocktail.
A trip to Southern African would not be complete without a visit to Victoria Falls. The Kingdom Hotel is so centrally located and was our base for two nights after we had flown from Mana Pools. There is so much to do in Vic Falls one really needs two full days at least. We chose to Walk with Lions, a Helicopter flight and a walk through Victoria Falls National Park to view the amazing volume of water that the Zambezi River dumps into the gorge. Any spare time was easily consumed shopping in the various markets and stalls.
Hwange National Park, 14,500 square kilometres of untouched countryside is an ideal environment for Elephants, Lions, Giraffe, Wildebeest, Hippo, and Buffalo. We were so fortunate to stay at Bomani Tented Lodge and were taken to the site on a purpose built small train designed specifically for this trip. The "Elephant Express" is a unique experience as is "The Hide" inside the park. The "Elephant Express" crew seemed excited as we pulled up short of our accommodation. We were "detrained" and taken to view the first sighting of a Lioness with 3 week old cubs. Whereas the is such a range of animals in Africa, lions still hold a special place in one's experiences so to view this mother, her cubs and other pride animals on our first day was amazing. Shepherd our driver guide was so attuned to the animals and their surroundings. A nature walk was a special experience and then being in "The Hide" when several herds came down to drink at the waterhole was unforgettable. Virtually standing under Elephants only 7 metres away watching their interactions with one another was special. Having seen a range of animals we were still up for a close encounter with a Lion and on our last morning we located a Jackal that did not run away. Closer inspection lead us to a Lion who had killed a Buffalo the previous night and he was content to guard his kill and ignore us when we were only metres away. Some great photo opportunities.
Amalinda Lodge in the Matopos Hills was our next location. A stunning landscape, supposedly home to Leopards and where we met Ian Harmer a "Rhino Whisperer" who took us for close encounters with endangered White Rhinos.
Our last safari stop was at Camp Shawu in Kruger National Park for three nights and John had "saved the best till last". Here we were able to view ALL of the BIG 5. Whilst Lions are pretty cool, seeing a Leopard is REALLY special. Our game drive that afternoon allowed us to view not one Leopard but two in different areas. Plus earlier that same day we viewed Wild Dog which we had not seen anywhere else.
This was our SECOND trip with John Cooper from African Adventure Safari Company: www.africanadventures.com.au
We were delighted we travelled with John again. Our first experience 5 years ago was great, this time was even better. FIVE STAR!
