AT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing wildlife experience
We had a four day safari with camping visiting Serengeti, ngorongoro and tarangire. We had a chance to see most animals including the cats, lions cheetahs and serval cats. The experience of having zebras and hyenas walk into the camping sites was amazing. It was very nice to be so close to nature.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Better than expected adventure of a lifetime
The ride was a bit long and rough. If you can afford it, fly in to the reserve. The wildlife was fantastic we saw every animal except a leopard. Accommodations were quite comfortable, and we never encountered any mosquitoes. Food was excellent. Weather was perfect, cool, not chilly, and clear. We have a baboon climb into the land cruiser and begin to help himself to some food, which was a little frightening, but very cool also.
A stunning experience, from views and wildlife to the welcome and the people
This was a big holiday, so we spent a little extra on everything. The two week holiday was a stunning experience, from views and wildlife to the welcome and the people.
One of the first things we noticed was the poverty. The country is one of the poorest in the world. Children under ten work the fields, carry bricks, and generally do what they can to earn a living. Seeing children searching a rubbish tip to find items to either recycle or sell is not uncommon. To make an income this results in the nation, arguably, leading the way in recycling and reusing items. We visited one shop where miniature replicas of bicycles, Put-puts and trucks were made from tin cans and expired medical tubing. They sold for 10,000 MGA (about US$2.50)
The lodges we stayed in were top end of the range, although they varied in quality. All were clean, and though we didn't have any issues with mosquitoes, a couple of lodges did have nets.
You do not go to Madagascar expecting five star food, although there is a French influence. The fruit and vegetables are closer to organic, as the farmers cannot afford pesticides. But the meat is a little tough, to say the least. Zebu is the principle cattle, and is a working animal. Chickens run freely across the road looking for food. Fish and seafood are fine, although menus usually just say ‘Fish’. Get used to the same food and menu options wherever you go. Rice is a staple diet item.
We had a driver for the two weeks. He has been a guide and driver for over fifteen years. He was experienced to know where to go, but ensured we decided what to do. We asked about tipping, but was told it was up to us. Took about three days to get a handle on the tipping for services. Do expect to tip, everyone expects it, and they are thankful when you hand over a couple of notes. Try not to over tip, although 2000MGA may not be much to most, whereas it is a lot to the Malagasy.
The roads are astonishing. The Route 2 main road is more like a field in places. The road is just about a two lane country road. At one point we were driving amongst three rows of various vehicles; trying to avoid pot holes; trenches; whilst over-taking. All whilst avoiding the oncoming three lanes of traffic doing the same manoeuvres. Think of the cartoon ‘Wacky Races’.
But the food, hotels and driving were not why we went. The wildlife and scenery were. Over 90% of rain forest has been cut done. Loss of forests, the introduction of Eucalyptus and Chinese pine and slash and burn (widely used by farmers), has had a devastating effect on nature and the environment. Thankfully some areas are now protected by national parks. In most cases the local villages have fought to protect their forests and wildlife. This improves the environment, and protects the wildlife. Lemurs are now preserved, not hunted.
Wildlife is not predictable, it is wild, so expect to be walking, climbing, and scrabbling through vegetation to find that elusive photographic shot. Visitors must have a guide to enter the parks and rain forests. This means you, thanks to the spotters, will generally be taken to where the wildlife can be found. The 6 hours walking through Ranomafana Rainforest can be tiring. It is up and down steep hills; uneven paths; as well as through the forest itself. Expect rain (as the name rainforest suggests), although we didn’t get any until we hit the beach. It is well worth the effort, seeing 6 or 7 types of Lemurs, including the Golden Bamboo. Listening to the cry of the Indri in a forest is spooky, but not as bad in the early hours of the morning. In all we saw about 15 types of lemurs on our travels.
This is also somewhere to go if you are a ‘Twitcher’, bird watcher. Although don’t expect to wait around in a nice cosy hide waiting for them to appear. You need to be quick as usually you only get a glimpse. If you are lucky then you may see a flycatcher’s nest right by the path at eye level. Or quietly snap a Hoopoe or a Fody, whilst just missing a Hawk. Listen for the chatter of Myna birds, introduced to kerb the rise in locusts.
Our aim was to see not just the lemurs, but also other endangered species, such as tree frogs and giraffe necked weevils. We were not disappointed, our guides knew what they were looking for. The guide in Andasibe National Park spotted a Mouse Lemur in pitch black high in a tree. The guide in Ranomafana found the Giraffe Necked Weevil just as we were leaving. I would never have seen these without their experience and vision.
To summarize: you go to Madagascar to see the wildlife, lemurs, frogs, insects etc. This is a poverty stricken country. The people are friendly and welcoming, on the whole. Lodges are clean, and the food is basic. We never felt unsafe, but then our driver ensured we didn’t stray. Crime against tourists does occur, but not often. As with anywhere in the world, be aware of your surroundings and your belongings. This was an experience of a lifetime, a very enjoyable experience I would highly recommend.
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Rich in beauty, wildlife and people.
While there are a lot of gaming farms and national parks to see the rich Namibian wildlife, going into the more arid areas of the country will show you as well many animals (Oryx, Baboons, etc.). November the right period to see seals off the coast of Walvish bay, it's some kind of show!
Namibians are generous, positive and welcoming. There are some prejudice between some tribes, but don't listen to nay-sayers: even if some other Namibians would warn you for their aggressive selling techniques, listen to what the Himbas have to say. Their culture is rich and the price not as expensive as in other "tourist friendly" shops.
I have stayed in Townships in both Swakopmund and Windhoek. They are not so as unsafe as what you might hear concerning South Africa, and the taxi drivers are fine. Just do as the locals and all will be fine.
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A nice amazing trip with unique people in a wonderful country!
What a wonderful and unique experience we had in Tanzania. It definitely exceeded our expectations.
We got back from an amazing Safari trip with Earthlife Expeditions in July. From the first time, we communicated with Deo to our last day, we were very well treated.
He was very attentive with our needs. He customized our trip to our advantage, so we could maximize our stay to our needs. He always answered his messages within two days.
We had a nice driver pick us up at the airport with a smile at 5 a.m.. We were never left alone once on our trip.
Even though the roads were bumpy and dusty, our driver Kessy was always paying attention to the roads. He brought us closer to the animals and he was always trying to position the jeep, so we could make the best photo shot. His knowledgeable of the animals was impressive, he was funny, attentive, patient and always giving us his best service. He made sure that we were pleased with everything we saw.
The accommodations were luxury, spacious, comfortable, clean and secured. The staff service was impeccable, and we always had a worm greeting from them. The bushcamps were well organized with everything: the service, the hot water and the security. We even had Wi-Fi in the middle of no ware.
The food was delicious and abundant. We also had fire and great company.
We made amazing encounters with a multitude of animals. We had a chance to see the big five, walk in a village with a great guide, taste banana beer, visit a school, hunt with a tribe and interact with different cultures.
We ended our trip to Zanzibar for five days at the beach. Everything was arranged for us, the driver, the air travel, the tours and the luxury room.
We would definitely recommend Earthlife Expedition to everyone. Thank you, Deo, Kessy and your staff for making our trip to Tanzania a cherished memory that will last a lifetime. We will never forget you guys.
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing Experience
The tour was uniquely enjoyable, customer service was very friendly and helpful. The guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. I would definitely return and recommend to family and friends.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Our third trip with Safari Club. All fantastic, individually tailored just for us. Magical Africa.
Our experience with Safari Club has been exceptional. All our trips have exceeded our expectations, They listened to our requests, kept us up to date with plans. The tour went very smoothly, always someone there to meet you with a smile. I would not hesitate to use Safari Club again for any African holiday. The whole family next time?!!! They will not be the cheapest but they will certainly be the best, so value for money.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
For a first safari ever - we are glad to have chosen these people!
We went on a safari to Kenya in Oct 2018. I'd like to get a few things out of the way first - This was the first time we went on a safari, it was a last minute whim and we love wildlife (who doesn't!).
Tour Operator: Having zeroed in on a destination for a week-long break(literally a week before we left) we decided to look for a well-rated tour operator. We narrowed down a few and decided to give these guys a go. Peter and his team, from the get-go, have been extremely helpful. It was a private tour and we knew what places we wanted to visit and how many days we'd like at each place so when we asked Peter about tweaking the itinerary a bit to our liking he promptly sent us one. He was always available and also gave us a number to contact on out-of-hours (which is very much appreciated when you work shifts AND have to check what the local time is, each time you have a question). Peter was very patient and answered all queries. He delivered everything as promised.
The Guide: Anthony was our tour guide. He was just amazing. He was friendly without being intrusive and directed our schedule without being authoritative. His enthusiasm for actually showing us every animal as promised on the safari card was impressive. He accommodated every request without hesitation and never tired of all those arduous journeys. (To all the LADIES out there : He knew exactly where to stop for a loo break - 'clean toilets only'.)
The Safari itself : Africa is just breathtakingly beautiful. Every national park is a different setting (grassland, marsh, plains, hills) and you will see every thing you've ever wanted to, and then some more. All that Nat Geo footage will unfold in front of you and you might have to pinch yourself now and then.
For anyone considering going on a safari, few tips :
- Yes it is expensive - I am not exaggerating when I say its well worth the money! Maybe plan early to save on air tickets?
- A 6 day tour of Masai Mara, Nakuru, Naivasha, Amboseli is EXHAUSTING. You wake up at 6 each morning and are on the road until sunset. EVERYDAY. If you want a more relaxed vacation, either look for air transfers between the national parks(some of those roads are horrendous!) or spread the tour out over a few more days.
- Africa is SAFE (food, security, health, mosquitoes) if you are careful. Its just common sense (cliche, but true to the word.)
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Absolutely brilliant --- Laurette was wonderful --- would give more stars if I could!!!
Laurette took great care of us every step of the way, from initial contact, through planning, itinerary changes, special needs, and on through our amazing trip. We can't say enough good things about Pembury and Laurette (and we are experienced world travelers, having been to remote regions of Africa before). We would enthusiatically recommend them to anyone planning a southern Africa adventure!!!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We are from NYC area. This trip was absolutely amazing for our family and life changing for me.
I can't say enough- take this trip if you are thinking about it. The Benson team and our fantastic guide Goodluck made this a trip that my family and I will always remember. The kindness of all the people we met, the safari itself, and doing an amazing 10 day trip that not only got us in touch with all the amazing wild life, but also the people, and culture. Benson Safaris absolutely exceeded expectations and this trip will be with you for a long time. Thank you!