AT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We had an incredible safari with FOAA, one we will not forget for years to come!
We were a group of 4 on the camping safari. Hamadi was very responsive and flexible with our planning and scheduling for the safari. Once we arrived, our transport to lodging was arranged, and everything went smoothly. Our safari guide, Johnson, and cook, Haji, were excellent; knowledgeable, personable, and pleasant to spend our time with. Even when faced with challenges during our game drive in the Serengeti, our guide handled the situation professionally and we had no concerns. We still were able to see the big five, as well as so many other animals. The campsites are comfortable with showers and delicious meals prepared by our cook.
Overall, we would definitely recommend FOAA for a camping safari!
QA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Caring, carefully planned and excellent tour
An excellent and well planned tour - it was easy for us because everything was planned and organised. A very relaxing time! The food was amazing, the guides were well trained and so knowledgable - we learnt a lot.
Overall a brilliant trip and it helped to not to have to organise anything, guides were always on time and very reliable.
Excellent tour and brilliant staff.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Soooooo much fun with Gorillas!!!!!!
We really enjoyed this tour. I had never expected that gorillas are so friendly and cute.
It was one of my best memory in Uganda.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Sokwe Safaris gave us fantastic experience at Jinja source of the Nile and Sipi Waterfalls, Uganda
Excellent communicators and service providers who will ensure you get value for your money.
Sokwe helped me uncover new experiences I had never thought of.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Highly professional, friendly, extremely reliable, an absolute pleasure to manage my package
My experience with Cultural Vibes, Mr Tongesai Mutematsaka, was outstanding, with efficient and speedy communications, extremely reliable and dependable service in terms of collections, timing etc. The resort recommended, Ivory Lodge, was first class and highly recommended for a quality and comfortable stay. Overall, value for money, friendliness and reliability, I cannot recommend Cultural Vibes and Tours highly enough and it was my pleasure to support him for a true Zimbabwean experience.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Life changing experience
Hi Ruth, Life changing…. We are still dreaming about it. We had such an incredible time, and already trying to figure out when we can go back. Thanks Christian S.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
It was an amazing experience - David was always a phone call away, willing to go the extra mile.
The trip lived up to our expectations. I am happy to recommend Vacay Holidays to my family and friends.
SE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Mikumi National Park by Thomas
Amazing experience seeing the animals up close in their natural habitats. The park clearly respected and protected the animals.
A tale of two halves - serious birding on long dusty roads followed by stunning scenery and Geladas
Ethiopia is very much open for business. I felt safe throughout, despite the apparent chaos and sometimes (always non threatening) gun wielding men. At every check point we were waved through with a smile, whilst the locals were grilled. Yes, there are a few areas tourists are advised by their governments not to venture but then the same holds true for most countries.
Four weeks without illness or issue, not even a flat tyre, and just one mosquito bite. Oh, and it rained for 30 minutes one night. For accommodation lower your expectations - hotels are safe and clean but basic; electricity not always reliable. Clean linen, flush toilets and warm showers, even in the remotest towns. But it was a tough and tiring trip in the south where few venture except serious birders. Here the roads were in poor condition and crowded with wandering domestic animals. My first surprise was how the lack of persecution of birds has resulted in birds being unconcerned by people; resulting in superb views everywhere - a real pleasure that is so rare in much of the world today. My second surprise was the availability of free wifi in even the remotest hotels.
Bale Mountains were stunning until I ventured north and the real highlight of the trip - the 'Simeon' Mountains (as throughout Ethiopia various spellings exist!). Here you can sleep at 3300M asl after hiking during the day at 4300M asl. I even had a beer at apparently Africa's highest bar. Whilst the purpose of my trip was an organised bird watching tour (successfully!) focusing on seeing all of the 17 endemic species and most of the 42 Horn of Africa specialties, the final surprise was the huge mammal list we ended up with. I just had not appreciated how good Ethiopia is for mammals. Incredible and multiple views of hunting Ethiopian Wolves on the Bale Mountain plateau, Black-and-White Colobus monkeys, two species of Zebra, handsome Hartebeest, gorgeous Gerunuk, timid Oribi, stately Oryx, Gazelles galore, skulking Menelik and the magnificent Mountain Nyala all easy to see and un-perturbed by people. The latter being the last large African mammal discovered by modern man.
Saving the best to last, they talk about seeing Gorillas in Africa but right up there in terms of a one-on-one almost life changing experience is surely the Gelada Baboons of the Simeon Mountains. These extraordinary, peaceful, grass eating beauties allow you to sit within 1M of them and become one of their tribe. There are no time limits and no exorbitant fees. And there were hundreds of them going about their daily routines. Time flies invisibly when you are staring out at some of the world's most stunning escarpment scenery whilst pretending you are not a Gelada.
Finally do try the injera just to say you did so, but for me that "once" was enough.
SE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awesome
Awesome experience with a great guide who knew a lot about the animals and all the best spots to see them and take amazing pictures with the beautiful scenery.