US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Bush camps in Hwange National Park were everything I'd hoped for
I spent four days at two bush camps--Camp Hwange and Hwange Bush Camp, two nights at each. They were both extremely well-run
and had excellent guides. These are small-group experiences. Each accommodates only about a dozen guests at a time. Some of my
days I was the only guest. The most other people that joined me on any vehicle or walking safari was a family of four. Our guides were
exceptional. Twice, once at each camp, we were led on foot to close encounters with elephants from a safe vantage point. One brought
us to within 10 feet of one. We saw lion cubs, a male lion, and three females at Hwange Bush Camp. I saw a serval cat on a night safari at
Camp Hwange. I wrote down all the other species we saw, and there were more than 20. The food at each camp was virtually the same, and very high-end. The weather throughout was mostly sunny and dry.
Each camp is about 4-1/2 hours by good van and safari "jeep" from Victoria Falls, so you feel well away from everything. I couldn't have been more pleased.
Now, as to Victoria Falls and Zimbabwe generally: Bring all of the cash that you will need in small-denomination U.S. dollars. Don't use your cards in any ATM machines. Most hotels and restaurants accept U.S. credit cards. The ticket office at the Falls will give you change in U.S. dollars; but any other place you spend U.S. dollars you will probably get change in local bond coins, which are useless to us--which is the reason you want small denominations--1s and 5s are best.
I also visited Zimbabwe's capital, Harare, and found it a very comfortable city. Once you solve the money problem, it's a great place to visit. People are very friendly.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Specialour
Our driver Sula was exceptionally good, very fun, very knowledgeable, went out of his way to make sure we had a great experience. We felt like he was part of our family.
Jesse Tom, the owner of lifetime experience was very organized and responsive. He took care of many special requests and even had to change
The dates of our trip without any problems. When
Our flight was delayed he came himself to the airport to pick us up
Great trip at a very good price. If we come again we will definitely use lifetime safari again and ask for Sula as our driver
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Update o n my previous review
I wrote earlier about the very unpleasant safari experience we had with Solaris that finished at the end of June, and the fact that they owed us over US$2,000 at the end of the safari. This week (a month later)I received a refund of the actual money I had paid to get into the Tanzanian parks, all of which were supposedly included in the itinerary. I was surprised and glad to receive this refund. I believe the fact that I received the refund had everything to do with our negative reviews here on SafariBookings and on TripAdviser, and my complaint to the Kenyan Tourism Regulatory Authority. Solaris then requested I take down my negative reviews.
However, receiving this refund back does not alter the fact that our safari with Solaris was a horrible and extremely stressful experience, and one which I hope others can learn from. It does not change the fact that our accommodation was downgraded from that shown on the itinerary at least half the time, and it does not change the fact that the vehicle allocated to us in Kenya was not the 4wd promised by the itinerary, causing us to spend at least one day extra on roads instead of in parks, and the driver in Kenya shouldn't have had a licence, let alone be allowed to drive with passengers. I told Solaris all this when I responded to their email and refund.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
I wish I could have given it a 10 Star!!
My grandson,Peter,and I went on a 16 day trip with Kanyezi Safari! I am slightly handicapped and I was helped every step of the way by “Doc” and “Sheldon” our spotter and guide and Chris and Michael, our hosts. I get tired sometimes in hearing someone say “it was the trip of a lifetime”. This was the trip of about 3 lifetimes. Our every need and request was pleasantly granted. Naturally the 8 safaries which we were most looking forward to fulfilled our greatest expectations! We saw all the Big Five many times and many other animals and birds. The animals on safari walked so close to our open Jeep we could have reached out and touched them. (Of course we did not.). We followed our spotter and guides directions and thus there was never a time we were fearful. Sabi Sabi Lodge is fantastic! The food, the people and the outdoor atmosphere. Cape Town and Table Top Mountain —-Magnificent.
There were so many surprise treats added to the trip that we knew nothing about beforehand. I could write a book! I’ve gone on long enough. Kanyezi Safaries is welcome to give my email or phone number to anybody that wants a referral! You might be interested to know that this 78 year old lady is redecorating her wall with pictures Peter took on our trip. Thanks to all who made this a 10 star trip of 3 lifetimes!
NO
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing adventure and honeymoon with Tanzania Explorer!
When we first got in contact with Tanzania Explorer we told them to book our trip as a honeymoon, Safari and then the white beaches of Zanzibar. When we later emailed our contact Christine ,and told her that it actually would be a honeymoon they really surprised us. The crew organised transport to the Norwegian embassy and an amazing (!) dinner at the villa before we left for our safari. The head of the villa Sawadi escorted us to the embassy and helped us take our picture during our wedding. We could not have a better day, or wedding!
We went on safari for 8 days with the best guide, Davis! When we left for Zanzibar we actually debated if it was normal to miss the company of our guide this much. He is extremely knowledgable when it comes to both animals, the regions, politics and culture. As well, as having a good sense of humour! If we ever are so lucky to return, we would book him in a heartbeat! We asked if it was possible to watch the semi-finals (World cup 2018), and he arranged so that we were able to watch it at one of the villages close to the lodge.
At the recommendation of Tanzania Explorer we went for the southern circuit; Mikumi, Udzungwa and Ruaha. Not only was the lodges, animal life and landscape amazing, but you really felt that you were alone at the safari, it was a truly afantastic experience (especially as newly-weds). The accommodation was excellent, as well as the food. We had a good variety when it comes to the safari, "mini serengeti", the rainforest with lots of monkeys and beautiful landscape, and game drive in Ruaha national park (which has to be the most beautiful sight in Tanzania?).
When we arrived in Zanzibar we were two days in Emerson Spice at the recommandation of Tanzania Explorer and after 8 days in the "bush" this luxury hotel was just what we needed. The food, service and room was over-the-top. A wonderful way and start to a Zanzibarian-adventure. During our stay we were checked up by their guide Banja in Zanzibar to check if we needed something (book a trip etc), and if everything was okay. If you needed something you always felt it was okay to contact the TE crew!
If you are in doubt on what agency to use for your safari I would look no further. I think we contacted three different ones, but we had an instant feeling when communicating with Christine that this was the right pick for us. Everything went according to plan and beyond expectation. We received frequent emails from the TE crew updating us on our journey beforehand , and before we left the country they called to discuss everything, and answer any questions we might have had. I have never felt so safe on a trip! We have all ready recommend this agency to all our friends and colleagues, and we would absolutely use TE again!
ES
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fraud
The man called Iga has stolen about 5000€. We are 4 friends, and we booked a safari with his company (it has good comments in internet). We suppose that now it works with different people because in a few weeks we've read more situations like this. When we asked to hotels to confirm the bookings (he send us fake receipts), they told us that there wasn't any booking for us. The man has dissappeared. DON'T TRUST TOUCH AFRICA ADVENTURES.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The best experience ever!
I visited Uganda with Kim and Viola in june 2018 . We were there for 13 days. I am profoundly honored by Mukisa Safaris team with the way prepared for us. The trip wss so organised and exciting. There was full enjoyment in all the places as planned, the lodges were very comfortable, with high class quality. We visited lake Mburo national park, Kazinga channel and Murchison falls. We also went for Gorillas viewing at Bwindi. This was more than a dream come true. I advise anyone intenting to visit Uganda to seek the services of Mukusa Safaris. My friend Kim has already asked Sali and James to do so, so they booked for Mukisa Safari too for their december trip. They are too reliable and honest on top of being professional.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Paul expertly managed a crew of 12 ppl across two amazing reserves over 10 days - not one problem!
Paul is an outgoing, professional, and laid back tour organizer and guide. I've never been on a group tour (and this one was all family) with less stress, fewer issues, or better organization and follow-through on all tasks. Paul knows Africa and knows how to convey it to his charges during the time he has with you. 6 stars if I could give it. (Thanks for the great memories and once in a lifetime vacation Paul!!!)
NO
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Highly professional and dedicated operator that made our Tanzania trip magic!
Tanzania Explorer put together an amazing 4 weeks journey for us based on our wishes and priorities. The combination of Northern and Southern parks, including the wonderful drive from Manyara to Iringha, is highly recommended! Serengeti and Ruaha are complementary, unforgettable parks showing the diversity in wildlife, landscape and people of Tanzania.
We will definitely return to Tanzania since we still have Katavi, Mahala mountains and the Lake Victoria area left to explore!
NO
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Very nice experience from our booking till the end of our safari. Excellent guide/driver!
Overall a very satisfying safari. Good service and nice lodges. We will most likely use Trevaron for our next safari as well. The only thing that could have been better was the standard of the Landcruiser (seats).