US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Richard is wonderful!
I really enjoyed Richard’s upbeat and positive attitude. He made it so much more fun. He’s a great guy in general and a fun and outgoing tour guide.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Enjoyable budget safari
The communication was punctual and booking was easy, safari was good for a budget one, the driver was kind, the tent accomodation was fine, be aware that the visit to the Masai Mara camp will result with them asking you for money. Overall happy for a budget 3 day safari.
CL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
6 Days Safari Tanzania, excellent experience
I went to my honeymoon to Tanzania and Evelyn was very helpful giving me all the options for our budget and our time there.
Good communication prior, during and after the tours.
George was our tour guide and was very helpful and have a excellent spotting skills. We wanted to see cheetahs and he knew where to find them and spot them at very far distances.
We saw the big five, and visited Tarangire, Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
The tour was well organized and the time in each park was good. The hotels were we stay were very good too, and George took care of everything.
It was a great experience and will happy repeat it
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Superbly trained team, excellent adventure and a successful summit.
First, this is my third trip with eTrip Africa. That alone should tell you how I feel about this superbly-run, excellent boutique firm out of Arusha. That, and we are already planning our fourth and fifth trips. Repeat hirings speak to the level of trust I have in who they are and how they operate.
Back in July I contacted Ben Jennings, the director, about this trip, and he suggested that I take on Mt.Kenya. I accepted, having done Kilimanjaro with Ben's team precisely five years ago nearly to the day in November 2013. I took on a very serious training plan as I had before. This time Ben, his top three guides and I drove from Arusha to Nairobi together as a team, and took on this challenging and very different experience. It was rainy and cold, and we went up with a local team.
Two things are primary when you choose a summit team no matter which mountain or what country: their professionalism and commitment to safety. Professionalism is expressed in thorough preparation, from the safety briefing and detailed gear checks (done) to the nightly medicals which entail checking your oxygen levels, your BP, lungs, the whole gamut. While this can seem annoying at times when you would rather not have a cold stethoscope against your bare skin in the mess tent, these checks guarantee your safety and a healthy summit. Ben's team members were fun, funny, and dedicated. When the local Kenyan team sped up to an unsustainable pace (which can swiftly lead to altitude sickness), Caspar, one of Ben's guides, stepped in front of me and immediately slowed the pace in half to the proper Pole pole (slow slow) that protects me from any danger. Davis, another of our three guides, was in front of me a good bit of the time as well, and his green-gloved hand was regularly right there to help me get over a difficult rock or crag. Mt. Kenya is a much more challenging climb than Kili, and this kind of assistance, good humor and support made this experience not only much more fun but safer for me. While the mountain isn't as high as Kili, the physical challenges were greater, including sliding down a long scree field in the dark. Davis was just ahead of me shining his flashlight on the ground so that I could see where to put my boots and poles. That kind of attention goes a long way towards building your confidence as well as helping you master the summit. Ben has put a lot of time and money into developing his team's skills, and he was with us on this trip as well. I got to know him a lot a better, and they way he managed his team and used this trip as an opportunity to expand their skills (as well as his own). To this I would suggest reading https://medium.com/datadriveninvestor/practical-leadership-earning-respect-in-the-field-e50c72995454. Ben and his wife Aurelie run Researcher's Rest in Arusha (highly recommended for comfort and food) and they have lived in East Africa a very long time. As a result, they have intimate, first-hand knowledge of the concessions, the trips, what's available, and they can make excellent recommendations based on your preferences. What I appreciate most about working with eTrip is that they know what I like to do and the kinds of experiences I want to have, so I simply need to let them know I'm coming and where I'd like to go. From there I'm guaranteed that I'll be safely ferried from place to place, I'll have a superbly trained guide, and by the time I go home, I will have a raft of stories and experiences (and thank you, no foolish accidents unless it's my own fault) to write about. The truth is that you can spend a lot more for your safari experience, but that doesn't buy you much other than a brand name. From brand new vehicles to his well-trained staff, Ben manages to keep his costs mid-range while also delivering a top of the line experience to his clients. He also- and this is essential- ensures that his employees are well paid and that they get upgraded regular training. This makes for cheerful, happy guides and porters, and that makes for a very good experience for you and me. Ben and I are now planning a scuba diving trip to an offshore island and a return to Kenya for me to ride horses in two different locations- and I can't wait. As a 66-year-old adventure traveler and prize winning journalist, I am very discerning about where I spend my adventure dollars. I've used guides all over the world and I also train leadership skills for the Fortune 500. As a result, I know a good firm when I see one, and eTrip does it right every time. If you have questions please email me directly. If I am in country will be happy to respond.
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unique, custom made travel experience
African travels offered excellent, experienced service, through modern means of communication (personal app, specified information online and offline, whatsapp support). Their level of service was high, with a personal touch regarding our wishes for this vacation. The safari itself was unforgettable: the right balance between camping and comfortable accomodations, pioneering and relaxing, enjoying many first-timer adventures on the road.
AE
Wonderful services and absolute satisfaction.
Trevaron really try to learn one's preferences and can organize customized tour packages. The guides are all amazing and they value the business with clients. We had excellent experience with Trevaron on our wild life explorations in both Kenya & Tanzania. I can't be without mentioning the tour coordinator Hannah & Safari guide Simon for the wonderful experience they provided to us.
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I enjoyed even minute of the safari with Hekima
I booked a 5-day safari and a couple of nights at the Hekima House (hostel). On the day when I arrived, I felt very welcomed imminently. Every moment all the guys who work at Hekima try to make the experiences as good and suitable for you as possible. Even after the safari, we watched the Lion King together, played cards and they took us out to the party.
I would recommend this company if you enjoy being with a nice group of people and don't mind camping. Even if you want something that their standard program doesn't provide, just email them to see what the options are. They will find a way to make it work for everybody.
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
One of My best Memory With Rupia Adventure
Rupia Adventure organized a 6 day safari to Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Central Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Carter for me and my friend. Rupia Adventure took care of all the necessary details, including transport, and found us beautiful accommodations at lodges and tented camps throughout the trip. In short, they took care of absolutely everything, and we were able to just sit back and enjoy the ride. Also, throughout our safari, one of Rupia Adventure’s representatives, Voice, called our guide and asked to speak with us, just to check in and make sure that all was going smoothly and according to plan.
Additionally, our driver and guide, Miraji, was incredibly knowledgeable and talented. He had a knack for spotting animals while also navigating rough terrain. He also always made us feel safe and secure. Thanks to his skill, kindness, and expertise, we had an incredible Safari, and have some amazing photographs and memories!
We would highly recommend Rupia Adventure. The personnel are warm, welcoming, and experts in their field.
FR
A unique, rewarding and magnific experience!
We had the chance to go on a safari under a beautiful sun! Unfortunately, we did not see any lions and leopards! The rangers have done everything so that we can see them but without success! Despite everything, we could see an extraordinary wildlife and flora. Isaac, our ranger, transmitted us throughout the day, his good mood and his love for nature and his country. Regarding the accommodation, nothing to complain about. The lodges are equipped with outdoor showers that provide an original experience. For an aperitif, I advise to take a bottle of South African rosé at the bar and then go eat in the big covered room next. In our cicuit was scheduled 2 days at Kruger Park but one or two more days would have been fine.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Surprisingly abundant wildlife sightings
We did a 3 day safari tour of Kruger Park in an open vehicle with Simon from Wild Wings safaris. We were worried that the time would be too short but we saw an amazing abundance of wildlife. We saw many, many elephants, giraffes, rhinos, all varieties of antelope, warthogs, hyenas and even multiple lions every day. We did not find cheetah or leopard this trip but we were not disappointed.
Our guide Simon was fabulous and was excellent at finding animals and taught us a great deal. He was also a great cook. This was a great holiday.