VN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Poor facility and poor resoponsibilities
We had an unforgettable trip in many ways:
- staff with us are friendly
- but the first day to pick us up from hotel the car had issue so the driver was late 30 minutes
- the company did not consult not give us any advices about the tour they are selling with the weather condition before we decided. When our last day trip was cancelled because the rain washed out the bridge then they played “innocent” and blamed the weather. As a tour agency but they don’t know about the weather of the season and what may cause then they are not professional and don’t know well about their work. We did not received any warning from them
- the chef is nice, cooking well but that is when he cooks. 50% of our lunch box and 50% of our breakfast were sandwiches which I could not eat, I chose to eat other things and sandwiches were the leftover. I know this is not about the chef but that is what the company is able to provide. And normally we don’t eat this kind of food at home bit we know that is what they could offer so we did not complain anything. But I still want to raise my voice on review about this so others could consider.
- office response slowly to give advices to give help when we had troubles on the road. When my driver found down the road was off by rain and he said our trip plan was changed and trying to contact office for advices from morning but until 2 pm we received their phone call to give solution. Same with car broke-down accident, office gave slow response.
- The campsite so call “main office” of Shemeji, the road is really muddy and our car was stuck 2 hours there. The tour agency can’t predict or can’t affect the road in safari but at least they can fix the road at their own place. They should not let the car stuck in mug 2 hours and wasted clients’ time at least at their own campsite. For this, I see they don’t really give their best for the service
- Even though in the “Term and Condition” they wrote: car breakdown is not acceptable but it happened to us and they just blamed for weather and road. It made our trip shorter, more tired, mentally effected by the scare about this risk of life but they tried not to mention about this accident. After all the payment was done we don’t see much any support from management. All they do is trying to protect their own benefit to not refund us the payment we spent for the service we did not receive.
The Safari itself is worth visiting, but Shemeji is not worth chosen for your trip. I don not recommend.
NO
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Kruger National Park by Christine
The SanParks guides made our safari trips a memory for life! They were both knowledgable and helpful.
NO
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Reliable Company, Excellent Safari
Mmilo Tours ensured that everything was in order, and we felt like we were in good hands. It was easy to contact both our driver and the tour company while we were on our trip.
We went on two sunrise and two sunset safaris and got to see four out of the Big Five. I am still not not sure getting up at 3am two days in a row is something I would recommend or not, so that is something other travellers might want to consider when booking. Hamilton's Lodge was a great place to stay in terms of location and had a great receptionist, but the restaurant staff was a confusing mixture of unhelpful, slow, and decent. The Graskop Hotel eventually proved far more service-oriented, and the majority of the staff were kind and helpful, and I would not hesitate to strongly recommend this hotel.
The Panorama Tour bit was unfortunately cut short for us due to an accident. But even apart from this, the Panorama Route was the part of our trip we were least happy with. Our tour guide/driver was very helpful in many ways, even taking us to the airport when we had to cut our trip short. However, in spite of asking more than once, he did not reveal the full itinerary of what we were going to see, which resulted in us spending a lot of time in one (to us, less interesting) place rather than other places that we would rather have prioritized had we known where we were going and that we did not have much time.
In short, we are very pleased with the company, which ensured everything was in order and that we got what we needed. The safari was truly amazing, and the SanParks rangers were both very impressive and knowledgable. We would not hestiate to recommend Mmilo Tours!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The thrill of a lifetime
Some people have the notion that if you pay more you get more, that you get what you pay for. I'm here to assure you that with Jocky Tours at the helm, you get more than you paid for, much more.
Let me give you the backstory so you can understand the true value of Jocky Tours.
When I first contacted them, Minneh did her best to give me tailored options. Most clients seeking a Masai Mara safari experience want to go on a 3 day platform: 1st day drive to Masai and have afternoon game drive, 2nd day full day in Mara and 3rd day a short game drive or visit to village and then back to Nairobi by late afternoon on the third day.
For most this fits perfectly because they will see a good deal of the Mara and have memories of a lifetime.
Yet I wasn't going to be a "usual" customer. I was there to try and specifically get images of cheetah: images of "the gang of five" ( 5 male cheetah who hunt together) and a mom who had cubs ( 2 of the original 7 were still alive and doing well).
I was staying for several days, not just 3.
So, Minneh explained that to do it on my prefered budget, I would be with a different group and different drivers after day 2.
Not to worry. That is precisely why and how I can write a review which has greater insights into how YOUR trip may go. I saw different drivers and got a feel for the entirety of Jocky's services.
That being said, I can assure you that no matter who ends up being your guide for the trip to Masai Mara, you will have the best possible experience one can have.
The trip itself is one which takes expertise. Driving the roads going to the Masai Mara, and inside the park is very tedious. It is extremely difficult at times and requires attentiveness. The drivers all did exemplary jobs in that regard.
That may not sound like such a big deal, but trust me, it is. You won't want to spend time stuck in the mud, or turned over. One day, a driver (from another company) of a land cruiser ( and thus a much more costly safari) flipped the car on its side while negotiating the muddy roads.
The drivers I had, Isaac, John, and Albert all did OUTSTANDING jobs of navigating and keeping us from being stuck in the mud.
That is only half the equation. The other half that contributes greatly to your safari is their abilities as guides. All the drivers have radios and are vigilant to listen to, and act upon, intel as it happens.
This aspect is very important.
While no one can guarantee that you will see any animal specifically, like all the Big 5, having drivers like Isaac and John will make a world of difference in your enjoyment of the days drive.
One day, for example, John managed to put us in position to see 4 out the 5 big five. He also got us up close and personal with the gang of five cheetah males. WOW! Believe me when I tell you he does his absolute best to ensure EVERYONE in the group has the best day possible. I was fortunate enough to have two seperate days with him.
Isaac was my initial driver and he too does an OUTSTANDING job. His goal is to try and make everyone in the group HAPPY. And there is no doubt that he does just that.
One day, Isaac managed to get our group right up to the mom cheetah with her two very energetic and playful cubs. He did this TWICE in one day, in the early morning and again in the evening. I was in heaven! And judging from the rest in the group, so was everybody. We had Isaac to thank dirrectly.
On another day, Rhaheem got intel on the illusive black rhino. He managed to get us in a position to spot it, before it "wandered off" out of sight. That was the only day "we" spotted the exremely hard to spot, black rhino. So kudos to Rhaheem.
The other driver I had was Albert. His skills navigating the muddy and treacherous roads are unmatched. He like all the drivers for Jockey did his level best to have you "take it all in"....and with a glimpse of a leopard, he got us 4 out of the big 5 too.
Now, as to the accomodations. I stayed in a tented campground Lenchada Tented Campground.
This is a budget accomodation. Yet it suited my needs purfectly. It was spartan in terms of amenities, however I am there for the safari drives, not a mint on my pillow or 600 thread count satin sheets.
There was always hot water available for showering and the electric is on from 530 to 930 and again from 1830 to 2200. There are AMPLE outlets in the dining hall for you to charge camera batteries and your phone.
The food there was basic homey fare. Not fancy but DELICIOUS and plentiful.
And I mean absolutely delicious!!!
Helen and her staff does an excellent job and is "Johnny on the spot" if you need any help with your room or have dietary concerns ( like you are vegetarian, etc). They also pack the picnic lunches for your day in the Masai.
However, if you need a more "high end" accomodation, not to worry, Jocky can provide you with those type accomodations too. And you will seemlessly intigrate with a tour group.
The bottom line, though, is no matter where you stay or how much you pay, it always comes down to the knowledge and skill(s) of your driver/guide. You will be assured that with the guides/drivers from Jocky you WILL have the best possible experience one can have in the Mara. Bet on it.
I can't thank Minneh enough for all the efforts she had to put into making a tailor made experience for me, at a cost so reasonable it would make your jaw drop. Nor can I amply thank the drivers, especially Isaac and John. ( although tips do help show appreciation....so dont forget to tip your guide)
Do yourself a favour and look no further. Truly, when it comes to touring in Kenya, nobody does it better than Jocky Tours, nobody!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
wonderful
We had 6 wonderful days together with a Group of 8 family members. We had a very friendly tour guide and cook. All the communication with Irene before, during and after the Safari was always perfect. We had a perfect safari trip, and the safari was recommend Mytrip Connector to travels.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great service all round
Everything was well organised and on time. Easy to communicate and information was at hand. Fair price considering the experience.
Gerne wieder
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Respect to the name itself! Proud to have chosen Pride of Africa Adventures!!!
This was my first Safari experience and I chose to go fro 10 days option. At first I had a little bit of doubt like most people going into the unknown on my own. However, Stephen and Elis was very responsive to my enquiry and helpful answering me every requirements I needed for this safari!.
They were excellent giving me comfort and excitement, which I did not regret one bit! It has been an absolute lifetime experience! My guide, Jsckson, in Kenya, was brilliant; he was always willing to go for extra mile and recommending us to wake up early for the game drive in order to see all the animals at first, but was very flexible if some preferred to rest more. With excellent support from Jackson, we were able to see all Big5, including white Rhino and black Rhino!!!!! This would never have happened without Jackson's vast experience and knowledge of wild animals.
Absolute joy and pleasure to have chosen Pride of Aftica Adventures!!
I would always happily recommend Pride of Africa Adventures to anyone and of course I gladly choose the same company when I go for safari again!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Absolute once in a lifetime Safari experience!
I decided to go for a 10 day safari on my own and hell I do not regret choosing this tour operator! As it was my 1st time safari, I had a little doubt and pressure going into the unknown. however, Stephen, Abraham and Elrie were fabulous in managing this safari inside out. Guide, China was very reliable and organised, always informed us with extra knowledge or stories of each animal through his vast experience, which he finds with excellent eyesight from afar; this made long hours of driving fun and interesting, if a case occurs that some customer may get bored of the magnificent endless grass view of Serengeti bedded with countless of wild animals.
For Tanzania, I was offically conracted for 5-day Safari (lake marnyara, Serengeti and ngorongoro crater), but due to a misunderstandings they were unable to find my group ( budget safari), therefore I stayed in Arusha one extra night, which was not in the itinerary. However, Abraham was quick to review the confusion and gave me a free upgrade to a luxury lodge for Serengeti and still gave me an extra one day of safari experience! Abraham was true to his words and very helpful in sorting out mistakes if arises.
I would highly recommend Shengena travel anytime for any occasion of safari experience!
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A really memorable Uganda safari arranged flawlessly by Home to Africa
I was planning a Uganda safari for myself, my wife and 4 close friends. We decided on Uganda as we have been to the more mainstream safari destinations and wanted to try another up and coming African destination. I contacted several Uganda based safari companies almost 12 months ago and Home to Africa was the best at almost instant communications. After a few email discussions, we settled on a 12 day safari plus 2 days before in Entebbe and then 3 days on Sesse Islands at the end of the safari. I wanted to use a local Uganda company as by doing that one ensures one's money goes to companies based in Uganda rather than using an international company. I did make some enquiries before sending off quite a large deposit to secure the holiday and accommodation and was assured Home to Africa was a very trustworthy company. All the logistics and bookings were flawlessly done by Hedmond at Home to Africa and when we arrived in Entebbe we met our guide, Karim, who was to be our travelling guide for the entire safari time. Karim was fabulous throughout. Unfailingly polite and such a knowledgeable guide for all animal and bird species found. He also discussed how people live in Uganda. The lodge accommodations were all perfect and we saw so much wildlife as well as stunning scenery. We all had a memorable holiday and would have no hesitation in recommending Home to Africa to anyone thinking of booking a Uganda holiday.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Safari to Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater
We very much enjoyed our two-day Safari with LongWay. Abu did a great job explaining everything, answering questions, and giving us great views of the animals. We based out of Farm of Dreams in Karatu which I also recommend if you are going to visit Lake Manyara or the Crater.
Thank you Ann and Abu!