65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Wish I could have had longer!
Ambrose was my driver/guide for an 8-day birdwatching/wildlife holiday which Mamaland Safaris put together for me. Mamaland were very patient and amended my itinerary several times to suit my preferences. Accommodation throughout was good, food was excellent with lots of choices for a vegetarian. In retrospect, I should have stayed a minimum of 2 nights in each place we visited to allow me more time for experiencing the facilities on offer/ambience of the location but I was anxious to cram as much as possible, with as much diversity as possible, into the 8 days. Result was there was a lot of time spent travelling from place to place, on roads that were, sometimes, challenging (to put it midly!). Throughout the trip, Ambrose was an excellent ambassador for a country he truly loves and is keen to share with visitors. His knowledge of birds/wildlife was extensive and his passion for conservation was infectious. I truly could not have had a better guide/companion/friend to introduce me to the wonderful country that is Uganda.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
More personalized, more affordable than the big safari tour companies (Gamewatchers, Expert Africa)
Natural Tour Kenya Safaris provided me with an experience of a lifetime. For 9 days, I had a private guide/driver for 3 different reserves in Kenya. My guide was extremely knowledgeable, tracking wildlife and providing background information. Because I had a private driver, my schedule revolved around my availability, rather than the set times for day and afternoon game drives given by the camps. Also, I traveled solo to Kenya, so the private guide/driver provided me with an extra sense of security.
Because this was my second safari to Kenya, I knew the itinerary I wanted to have. I contacted 3 different safari companies, stating the camps/reserves I wanted to visit. The well-known safari companies, quoted me $6000 more than Natural World Kenya Safaris! Natural World is Kenyan owned, so they are able to keep costs down, cutting out the middle man of travel agents, but keeping the revenue local. My only disappointment with the agency was that I wanted a more detailed itinerary months in advance. However, with the last minute changes in flight times for airstrip transfers, I can understand why I received the itinerary a few days in advance of my arrival.
I highly recommend Natural World Kenya Safaris- you won't be disappointed.
IT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Easy and smooth. Fast infos, fast solutions. Thanks, Erika!
Everything was easy and fast from the very beginning, meaning my first info request. Everything on the field was exactly as described, and sometimes better. I had a couple of little problems and Erika solved them in minutes.
Namibia itself helps, being so stunningly beautiful, but I don't need to tell you this, right?
I contacted Cardboard Box as per a blogger suggestion, and for sure, I will suggest it myself if ever someone asks me.
IL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
WOW!
WOW,
Where do I even begin?
As a nature lover and a photographer I am extremely happy for traveling with Baboon Budget Safaris. They were amazing.
First, the service was beyond expectations. We didn’t have to worry about a thing – food, water transportation, special request - everything was perfect.
Second, the safari itself was extremely productive. The guides spotted lots of special animals and knew exactly where to find them. Moreover, I guess the guides are in good relations with lots of people in the parks, because we were always informed if someone else spotted rare animals. In addition, the guides deliver a lot of information regarding the animal.
Third, as a photographer, I was extremely happy to work with them. I was afraid of the conditions and the cooperation I’ll get. To my good surprise, the guides and vehicles were perfect. The guides knew were to settle for a good photo, they were extremely cooperative with my request and even suggested very nice angles and tips. Furthermore, the open-roof allowed 360 view and even a way to set your camera on a steady support.
Thank you Josef Anthony and Denis.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great communication, timely and good value for money.
I travelled to Zanzibar at the beginning of July and used Tanzania Mwangaza Safari for transfers and to organise ferry travel from Dar to Stone Town. The communication before the trip was excellent, with clear information. They got ferry tickets for me, kept me calm when I was freaking out about my flight times changing and were always quick to respond to my questions, both via whatsapp and email. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this company to anyone travelling in the region.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Stunning trip and great driver!
Stunning trip and a great driver we had we loved it all. The hotel was amazing and the staff was so friendly and the service was on top.
CH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
One amazing week of private safari
When you look for a company from Europe to do a safari it is difficult to choose given the huge existing offer .. following the advice of a friend we chose Suricata Safari without comparing too much. It has been a 100% success.
We have done a one week safari in Tarangire, Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro. We chose a private safari (car only for us) and a French speaking guide. From the first moment everything was easy : the communication with Hilary (the local responsible), the arrival, the payment .. Everyone has been very kind to us, attentive and fun. Suricata is a fairly young company with a good atmosphere among its workers, and they manage to make you feel part of the family. Special mention for Hilda, the best cook you can have and a lovely person, and Rocky, our guide (English and French) always attentive and cheerful.
As for the price, it is more than fair. The safaris seem expensive, but what we do not know before coming is that the entrance fee to the natural parks is exorbitant compared to Europe and US, and what explains the final price. Companies do not have much profit margin.
We recommend Suricata without any doubt !
IN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The whole experience was very smooth and Issac our tour guide was very informative & useful.
Evrything was amazing apart from the food.
That is one area where i see some improvements are required.
NZ
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Everything I had hoped for and much more
Encompass Africa listened to me, had patience with me, understood me and then came up with a safari trip that more than exceeded my expectations. They were the only company I contacted that was happy to deal with me via email (which is my preferred way of organising holidays) - customer is king there!
I asked for a variety of scenery, activities, safari experiences and camps. The safari they came up with took us to Botswana and Zimbabwe. We slept under a million stars on the salt pan, we kayaked with crocodiles and hippos, we saw wildlife during the day, at night, from a vehicle, on foot and from the water (mokoro and motorboat). We stayed at San Camp, Splash Camp, Zambezi Sands Camp, Hwange Bush Camp and Ilala Lodge at Victoria Falls. All had their own character and all were excellent (location, accommodation, food and guides).
The wildlife we saw includes lion, cheetah, leopard, painted dog, hyena, jackal, buffalo, elephant, giraffe, zebra, baboon, monkey, bat-eared fox, aardwolf, mongoose, meerkat, warthog, wildebeast, impala, roam, kudu, ostrich, honey badger, crocodile, hippo and many birds.
The organisation of the trip was impeccable. I thoroughly recommend Encompass Africa - go to their website and check it out!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The experience was exceptional!
The highlight was our guide Phillimon Kamogelo of Walking Stick Tours. He was knowledgeable, professional, and respectful. His eye for wildlife was magnificent, and the camping accommodations he provided us were quite comfortable. We travelled during the dry season, so the animals were plentiful at waterways, and the temperature was moderate. Our experience at the Nxai Salt Pan was unique! We enjoyed traditional African cuisine at our safari campsite and other accommodations. We especially liked the Old Bridge Backpackers and the Gweta Lodge.