CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
This trip was incredible.
Safari bookings website was very useful to narrow down some criteria for our trip. Once our criteria was entered, Safari bookings webpage produces all of the tour companies who meet that criteria. From this list, I narrowed my search to about 6 tour companies as Safari bookings suggest obtaining a few quotations from different tour companies to compare cost, itineraries, etc. When I narrowed down my search, I contacted the tour companies directly and asked more specific questions, such as availability and some more details about what was included. We booked through Viva Safaris, this company was a great organization for first time travellers to South Africa. The itinerary was busy, but well organized and included both visits to Kruger and Private reserves as each has a different feel. The busy itinerary made good use of the 6 day safari but also had good down time as well. The accommodation at Tremisani Lodge were nothing short of fantastic, it was a bit of an upgraded price but well worth it and would definitely be happy to stay there again - zero complaints. Very private, secluded chalets and a private chef for the 8 lodges. The staff at the lodge could not have been more friendly and helpful and the chef was passionate about the food he prepared. The time of year we went was winter, the trees are sparse and it makes viewing the wildlife better. The scenery was spectacular and the stop at the Blyde River Canyon on the way back to Joburg was great. I particularly enjoyed our guide Nico, he made the safaris fun and interactive. One thing about these guides that impressed me the most, that being a guide isn't just a 9-5 job, but a way of life and conservation is of the utmost importance to all of the guides that we encountered - very impressive. The one thing I also noted was that safari wasn't as expensive as I originally imagined, there are all sorts of packages available. This is a must do bucket list kind of trip. Prior to this trip, we could only see wildlife like this on television on nature specials, so thankful I was able to see these beautiful animals in person, its almost like a trip back in time. Lastly, I was very impressed with the efforts at the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehab centre, the job at hand that these people are undertaking is difficult and trying, but I so appreciate their efforts at conservation.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The experience was amazing, i loved everything about the tour
The wildlife experience was amazing i saw all kinds of animals also the weather was very favorable. Tanzania has amazing food variety and very delicious.
I would recommend everyone who wishes to travel to try Estlion safaris it's very affordable and has great customer service
TW
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Experience!
Throughout the stay in Tanzania,the weather was extremely nice!
Only in Zanzibar there's a bit of rain al most every day at noon.
The temperature was around 20-30 degrees Celsius every day, very nice!
My favourite part of the trip was the Serengeti National Park,it was amazing!
We saw lots of animals there.(Lions,elephants,leopards,cheetahs,vultures...etc.)
It was also the first time I've lived in a tented camp.
Only you need to be very careful about your personal belongings.(I lost my passport case and ID card,not sure where I lost it...)
The driver was a very nice person, we loved our trip very much!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime!
Our safari with Odyssey was beyond anything I could have imagined. We received exceptional service from the time we booked until the moment we arrived home. Our guides, Simon, Charles and Erastus were great!! They drove us safely, while answering our questions and looking for wildlife. They were very personable and experienced, which made the trip so much fun. We saw elephants, lions, leopards, baboons, zebras, monkeys, gazelle, rino, hippos and more. We also experienced beautiful sunsets, rainbows and lightning. Our guides explained the culture of the Kenya people and tribes. They also knew every bird, species of animals and what they were doing. I was amazed!
All the bookings and flights were taken care of promptly and professionally by Mark and Elliott.
I would and have been recommending this trip and company to my friends and family.
Thank-you Odyssey for the experience of a lifetime!
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful Trip to Tanzania
We spent a great a trip arranged by Joseph and guided by Tony to Arusha National Park, Tarangirie National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park and the Ngorogoro Crater. An experience of a lifetime made more enjoyable by Tony who is a was a very gracious, knowlegable, funny and good natured guide. I would encourage anyone considering a trip to contact Joseph at Happy World Safaris to discuss your trip. Joseph also arrange a beautiful 4 night stay on Zanzibar for us which was a great way to end our trip.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible Experience and Value
We had a wonderful time with Christopher and I Dream of Africa (his company)! He provided a top notch safari that exceeded expectation. His goals and day plans are guided by years of experience. We are especially thankful he made efforts to avoid the large crowds that can occur at the big parks in the busy season.
We did a "budget camping safari", but it was the highest class camping we've ever done. Military grade tents, cots, and bedding, with a skilled full-time cook proving three fresh made multi-course meals a day. Camping allows you to be on-site at the national parks so you can get off early see the wildlife all by yourself, before the crowds of other safari groups get there. Also you can stick around to see the sunset over the wild savanna, hours after the lodge-staying crowds have left.
It is also clear the Christopher cares for the wildlife and conservation, and doesn't just look at it as a business opportunity. He knows the flora and fauna extremely well, and dives into the books if there's any uncertainty.
Finally, many of the popular safari companies are foreign owned (lots of Indian and Chinese). It's a great way to support a local entrepreneur in a country that needs all the help it can get. You'll be doing this with the opposite of a sacrifice: getting a top of the line safari as well.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The operator has passion and enthusiastic about what he does and want the best for his clients
The communication is great and they provide the best service to their clients and always respond our needs. The safari tour has the best guide and knowledgeable. The vehicle they are the best for safari
BE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent service: fast & relevant
I booked this safari (5 nights Manyeleti & Timbavati) only two weeks upfront, with quite specific requests. In spite of the period being high season, Alex provided me with an itinerary very quickly and was able to change one of the lodges according to my wishes, again very fast. The kind of customer service interaction that makes you happy :-) The safari itself was excellent and surpassed my expectations. The lodges were exactly what I wanted, and the rangers were a credit to their profession. Really, really nice!
Thanks Alex for putting together an unforgettable experience for me.
Cheers!
Dimitri
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent tour operator
This was truly a great and unforgettable experience, the guys of Pride of Africa are very professional and accurate in the description of the packages on their web site. I was contacted via by them via safaribookings.com, and since the first contact by Stephen everything was perfect and what I expected of an experienced tour operator. I booked a 3-day Masai Mara visit, and as i was travelling solo i joined a group of 6, with our driver and guide Jeff. Due to skills of Jeff we were able to view Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Elephants, Wider beast, Gazelles, Baboons and many other animals in their natural environment. I had chosen the camping option, and that too was out another experience all together, the camp was very comfortable, with hot showers and more importantly the experience of it all was amazing, although they can arrange for other accommodation options as well.
I would definitely use Pride of Africa again if i get the chance if adventure and exploration in this part of the world.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
a great experience, life chsanging
excellenrt service and good clean envuronment. also the safari was exceptional.