US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Experience with iTravel
Our group had a really fantastic experience with iTravel. We went on a 3-day safari to Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, and a 1-day hike at Kilimanjaro. Both trips went completely smoothly. Freddie (our safari guide) is a fantastic guy in general, was extremely inviting and accommodating, and is deeply knowledgeable about the parks and wildlife. He did a really awesome job of getting our vehicle to the right places at the right times to get great views of, and great experiences with, the various wildlife that we came across. Every day was well-planned such that we got lots of time on game drives, with just enough break time to stretch, eat, etc. to avoid fatiguing from time in the car. Shout out to Moshi (our chef for the safari) as well, for adding even more great personality to our trip, and for preparing some great food for us.
Overall, it was an exciting, informative, well-organized, and worry-free trip. The experience of a lifetime. I could not have been happier with our time there, and if you're considering a safari or other tour in the area, I highly recommend booking with iTravel.
KR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Once in a lifetime adventure
Since not many people from South Korea travel to Africa, we were worried at first so did a lot of research on Safaribooking.com. Lion King Adventures caught my attention as communication with Pendo and Anna was very prompt and efficient. Also the price quote was reasonable compared with other agencies.
We had already high expectations as we switched agent to Lion King when we entered Tanzania from Kenya via Isebania border. I must say that Safari tour with our guide, David, exceeded our expectations and we really had a lot of fun! We saw big five and other animals up very close and David ensured that he share all his knowledge with us about the animals, habitat, conservation and the culture.
Also, the mid-range lodge selections were great as we really enjoyed our stay in all places with different vibes and styles. Before we headed off to Kilimanjaro Airport, we met with Pendo and James in person and they were very attentive and willing to know if there is any room for improvement. I must say all the staff and David were very professional throughout the tour and we thank you for making our trip unforgettable. We will surely choose Lion King when we come back!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Knowledgeable guide for unforgettable trip to Namib Naukluft Park, Sossusvlei, Sesriem
Good communication leading up to travel and the trip was certainly something that exceeded my expectations! The whole area is stunningly beautiful, and Scobie was a very knowledgeable guide and willing to answer all my questions throughout the journey (I had a lot). Lots of stops on the way to view wildlife and enjoy the landscapes. Climbing Big Daddy early in the morning was certainly a highlight and well worth it! Reuben is an excellent cook, and I was very happy with the camping experience.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Zanzibar amazing memorable trip!
From my initial tentative enquiry to the day of departure Harriet at Matoke was always there quickly answering my many questions. She promptly dealt with adjustments to our itinerary and gave advice and reassurance when needed.
Her exprience and knowledge helped us to put together an amazing trip taking in Gorillas in Uganda, countryside and history in Rwanda, multiple safari drives in Tanzania (Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater - where we saw the Big 5 and much much more) and a final few relaxing days on the beaches of beautiful Zanzibar.
Our drivers/guides along the way were outstanding - so knowledgeable, friendly and welcoming. Nothing was too much trouble and we felt like they became part of our family group, we were sorry to say goodbye. We have learnt so much, thanks, Ronald and Stefan we miss you!
All of our chosen accommodation was exactly as described in advance and in several cases far exceeded our expectations. Warm welcomes (including dancing and singing) comfortable beds/rooms and so much delicious food!
We have memories that will stay with us forever together with thousands of photos.
Thanks Matoke - hope to come back to use you again soon.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Perfect tour including Victoria Falls and a safari in South Lusngwa
Very personal service. Martin was very easy to reach and understood very well our needs
NO
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
WHAT AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE WITH ARLANDA T &T
It was a.nice experience because the tour guide from arlanda rill knew the nice spots in the game parks where we had a good experience while viewing the animals.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent, professional and friendly operator who provided us with the journey of a life time
Thanks to Albert at Africa Home Adventure, who organised for us a tailored-made safari based on our interests, itinerary and time constraints.
From Nairobi to the shores of Lake Victoria and back, we have visited 8 different parks (in Kenya and in Tanzania) both offering exceptional and memorable viewing experiences, thanks to our wonderful driver, guide and living encyclopedia, Thomas.
We have seen and experience so much throughout this safari that our memory will forever cherish this exceptional journey.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Satisfying!!
We can highly recommend this company and will definitely book our next Safari again with Wildebeest Safaris.
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A beautiful experience
We chose to go on a safari with Manyara Travel Club & Climbing after doing Kilimanjaro with them. Also in this case the service was perfect. We visited the Ngorongoro and Tarangire. Philip is a very skilled guide and a knowledgeable connoisseur of parks and the most beautiful spots. It was a wonderful experience, excellent organization, impeccable service, attention to customer needs, excellent value for money. Last note, Philip is a nice and correct person, you can rely on him for any need.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Pearl of Africa Indeed - 4 Day Murchison Falls NP and a +1 to Mabamba Swamp
I had the absolute joy of reaching out to AA Safaris and Tours for a four day Murchison Falls NP and a Mabamba Swamp outing. Sydah was responsive to my request and questions, with about a delay of a day as I was writing from the USA. They were able to help me choose which park would be best for what I wanted to see and also accommodated me with my additional request to see Mabamba Swamp. Since I am a birdwatcher they suggested a combined guide/bird expert to which I agreed and was well worth it.
The guide Barnabas, was knowledgeable on birds and wildlife, culture, history, and just about every question I had. He was easygoing and enjoyable to talk to while on the long drives, his knowledge of birds and habitats was excellent although I spotted some birds that gave his brain some good exercise. His contacts and networks are extensive so he always gets the good information on where to get the best views/shots/spots, but also he listens to the needs/wishes of the traveler and accommodates. I am not a big "shopper" or touristy kind of person and he recognized this and skipped over so we can get to the things I love.
He is clearly a man who loves his country, and all the wildlife it holds, and looks positively to the future.
Now on to the good stuff:
Mabamba Swamp:
Leaving my hotel early in the morning we high tailed it through Kampala and the country side to the boat launch. Picked up our local guide and boat driver and were off cruising the canals off this expansive freshwater swamp. Right away we were spotting birds left and right, the guide standing prominently on the bow scanning and pointing out birds while calling out their names. I was getting a complete work out bring my binoculars to my eyes and then switching to my camera. Throughout the local guide was in contact with the other guides who were all searching for the swamp's specialty, the Shoebill Stork. Only about nine of these live around in the swamp and the local guides keep tabs on them for the government. After two attempts down paths that these birds frequent, a guide spotted one off a far branch and we made our way to it. Along a stretch of floating vegetation stood a tall blue-gray bird with scraggly feathers and a beak that looks like a danish clog, slowly watching the waters for its favorite food the lungfish. After this pinnacle we motored back to the launch and headed back into town, it had already been a half of a day.
Murchison Falls National Park:
Departing early in the morning we crossed through the notorious Kampala traffic, had a 30 minute delay due to car trouble but was finally on our way north. The first stop was at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where we picked up a guide and traveled into the large reserve which is completely fenced in. This is for the protection of the Rhinos to prevent poaching but also prevents predators from getting in making it relatively safe to get out of the car and hike around. A simple walk into the bush had us meet up with the two guards who are constantly following Rhinos escorting them and preventing hunting. The led us to a series of bushes about ten yards in front of us, the ranger pointed, I looked I didn't see anything in the shadow of the bushes. I looked again peering into the darkness under the trees. The darkness moved and became less dark almost like an earthy dark grey, the large hulk of a full sized Rhino filled the space below the vegetation, hiding from the midday sun. Below its snout a tiny lump stirred. A baby Rhino, cute as a button, stood up and ventured out to munch on some grasses. Even though it was cloudy we stood in the shade of some trees and watched the pair venture out to graze on the grasses. After a while the guide asked if I wanted to see more...um...yea. We walked back to the car and drove to a more open grassland and parked we got out and walked across the plain for quite some time. The sun was high and large puffy clouds drifted across the sky, large birds of prey soared in the thermals above us, and small birds called from tree tops across that vast expanse. We were heading to an earthen mound with boulders sticking out and around it. At its base were two female Rhinos with baby calves following them around as they grazed. Calm and familiar to humans they passed close by allowing for some great photo shots and memorable moments. We headed back to the car IDing birds along the way and then headed back north to Masindi and eventually the Red Chili Rest Camp were we stayed for the night. We ate a simple delicious dinner while sipping on cold beer and watched the sun set over a expansive view of the Nile River.
The next morning we departed heading to the top of the falls where the Nile River scrambles down the African Escarpment through a 7 meter gap in the rocks with roaring thunderous power. The site was hypnotizing, and the only reference to reality was a small sign stating "Dangerous, do not go beyond this point" beyond the sign the rocks gently sloped to the edge where the rushing torrent of water washed and surged by. We continued to the Bugungu Chimpanzee refuge where the forest is so thick it is best described as a jungle. The guide led me down paths that quickly ran into small "game" trails that wound themselves through the undergrowth. Every now and then he would call on the radio to other groups to see where the chimps were. We eventually caught up with a group on the side of a gently sloping hill with some downed trees that provided broad windows into the upper canopy. There nestled into the branching forks of the tree's trunk were large furry patches of black. The guide would check to see if you can see it well and then you would wait. At some point the top of the furry mass would rotate and a leathery face would turn and look out into another direction, the definition of the chimp then would become clear, head, torso, legs, arms. you would then notice its behavior lounging in the trees pulling at leaves and slowly munching away. An unseen signal from one in the group started a raucous call, and the chimps began to get restless, scratching themselves and coming down from the trees to travel across the ground. The guide informed us that was their signal that they wanted to move to a new area. I watched as they formed up into a group did some social grooming and headed off. In total we saw the following primates: Baboons, Chimpanzees, Velvet Monkey, Black and White Colibus Monkey, Patas Monkey. Meeting up with my driver we headed out and took the long way around as the ferry was out and we had over a 100km to go to get to our lodgings Ft. Murchison Lodges for the evening. This accommodation is set back from the banks of the river and provides a peaceful panorama view of Africa.
This was the morning where the roof top of the vehicle was extended allowing for a shady 360 degree view around the car and the surrounding landscape. We entered the park and all you see for miles in every direction was wildlife, the park was teaming with it. The scene set before you is long expanse of rolling plains dotted occasionally by acacia trees, towards the bottom of the slopes are creek beds that support a thicker density of trees. We traveled for miles along the dirt tracks that criss-cross the park, bouncing back and forth whenever I spotted something new I would jump up to get a better view and Barnabas would slow the car and call out the name of the animal or bird and explain its behavior, favorite food and any other fact about it. Animals that we saw were: Waterbok, Kob, Oribi, Jackson Heartbeast, Giraffe, Buffalo, Elephant, Warthog, Dwarf Mongoose, Monitor Lizard, Hippopotamus, Side Stripped Jackel, Nile Crocodile, Lions.
Around noon we pulled up to the ferry landing to climb aboard a skiff to take the three hour boat tour along the Nile River up to the bottom of the falls. Along the way the guide explains the river, the ecosystem and all the wildlife along it. Motoring along the edge of the river gave us great views of the Nile Crocodile, Hippos, Jackson Heart-Beast, Elephants, so many elephants, storks, egrets, herons and African Fish Eagles. The river turns to foam as you approach closer to the falls, and the sound of rushing water is coupled with a distant thunderous cacophony. The guide pilots the boat to a rock sitting in the middle of the river bumps up to a tire placed there and you can climb out for a better view, but don't fall in the river runs swiftly by this point and as the guide says you would be food for the crocs. Only sport fishing boats venture past this point in search of massive Nile Perch. We motored back down the river watching the shadows grow long and set foot back on solid ground. My guide had talked with the others waiting around the parking areas and they were sharing information, Lions had been spotted! We raced against the setting sun along the dirt tracks, we had been told earlier in the day they were spotted in an area that we had staked out to no avail. Now we had been given new information beyond the mornings area they were spotted resting in some thickets. We pulled up to a long grassy field that slopped downwards to our left, the grass made it difficult to spot anything. I scanned the tall grass, spotting antelope and warthogs, but no lions, the wind blew the grass stalks shivered and rolled. We heard the telltale crunch of tires on the dirt road and we were joined by three other vehicles one having a park ranger leading it, we were in the right place, she pointed to thickets off in the distance almost at the crest of a hill, all eyes swiveled, strained and watched. In the passing heat the bugs buzzed and the sun must have reached a certain height, because out there among the thickets, the matriarch lion stood up and stretched, walked a few paces relieved herself and signaled to the rest of the lions. One by one they stood up stretched and formed around each other, it was time to go out into the gathering darkness for a hunt. Barnabas drove back through the winding tracks as I stood and leaned against the viewing port, I snapped photos of the setting sun and watched as groups entered the park for a nocturnal wildlife viewing. To top it off we watched as Crowned Cranes the national bird of Uganda soared above us on their way to their evening roost.
The next day we wound our way back down to Kampala stopping when we spotted a bird given history lessons of the areas we drove through. At the end I was dropped off at the hotel for the evening and I departed early the following morning. All and all it was one of the most exhilarating experiences I was lucky to have.
- Two Caveats:
1) In speaking with the coordinator I had given specific dates about when I wanted to go but was surprised when I looked over the itinerary in more detail to find the dates shifted by a day. This was based on guide availability, which was fine but a flag or heads up by the office drawing attention to it would have been nice.
2) While driving through the city traffic of Kampala our vehicle started to smoke. A quick inspection saw that the Timing or Serpentine Belt had snapped and the vehicle was overheating. A new car was brought within a half hour and we were off on our way, however I felt a small bit of maintenance or pre-trip checks would have discovered the need to replace the belt preventing this small mishap.
Summary:
Good service provided by AA Safaris and Tour setting up a tour that was slightly customized to my preferences. Great Guide in Barnabas who knew birds, wildlife, and local networking connections.
Mabamba Swamp, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Bugungu Forest Chimpanzees, Top of the Falls, Bottom of the falls via Nile River boat tour, Murchison Falls NP Safari that saw lions, Jackles, Giraffes, Hippopotamus, Elephants, Jackson Heartbeast, a range of antelopes, Shoebill Stork, Vultures, eagles, and numerous other birds, and amazing natural wonders and vistas.
Cons: ferry at Nile River Crossing was out of commission forcing a long round about way to the northern section of the area. Car troubles in Kampala, slight miscommunication about start dates.