50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing 16 Night private family mobile camping safari
Having used Ulinda Safari Trails in 1995 we had no hesitation booking our safari with Ulinda again this time (with 3 kids in tow this time, aged 16, 18 and 20). Jane runs a very professional business and her 33 years guiding experience is second to none. Her communications were always prompt and she answered all of our questions before the trip. We left the itinerary up to her and were not disappointed. Jane is very patient with early morning sluggishness, she drives with skill and care, she is respectful of the environment and will even stop to pick up other peoples discarded rubbish, she always positions the truck for the best photo opportunity and her staff are amazing. They kept us comfortable and so well fed it was unbelievable what Gase, Victor and Manga could cook up on an open fire place! We saw so much wildlife including 40+ lion, 5 leopard, 4 cheetah, 4 honeybadgers, 1 African wildcat, 7 African Wild dogs as well as 100's of elephant, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, impala, lechwe, steenbok and many kudu, giraffe, waterbuck, tsessebe, baboons, jackal and an amazing array of birds. It was hot in the CKGR to start but as we moved north toward the parks with water it cooled off and the landscapes became greener and more lush. It was still a very comfortable time of year to go, not much rain this year compared to last years floods which just shows no weather patterns (or animal movements) are predictable anymore.
SE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The safari was exciting and very interesting with very good guides.
It was my 2nd time in SA and the 1st time for my wife, so when talking about safaris I can compare the Kruger park with Pilanesberg which I think it's more preferable with a shorter ride from Jo'burg and also less driving around in the park to spot the animals.
The weather was perfect and the two places in Capetown and Jo'burg(Sandton) were we stayed at, were very good both of them.
Food was awesome and everything else during our time in SA worked out very well.....SA it is a highliht itself:-)
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
OUTSTANDING PATIENCE AND EXPERIENCE!!!
I had an unusual itinerary with my husband, daughter and grandaughter. My husband is African so we wanted to spend Christmas with his family. We started out with a "mud map" of the things we needed to do in Zimbabwe and Cuan filled in the gaps. Everything went like clockwork. We were picked up and moved about by professional guides, on time every time, with very comfortable transport on every occasion. I have been to Africa many times before and I know first hand how horribly things can turn if there is a vehicle break down or unreliabele operator, etc. We witnessed some extraordinary animal sightings which are now life long memories for my and my family.
I cannot praise Cuan enough for his patience and undertstanding. My itinerary changed a few times before we even left Australia and nothing was ever too much trouble for him to make everything just perfect.
I will definitely be calling on his services when we next venture back to Africa.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great day trip to Botswana from Victoria Falls
We were staying in Victoria Falls when a member of our group found this tour company for a day trip to Botswana. We all had our univisa so decided to try it after reading other good reviews online. On the day of the trip we were picked up at our lodge and driven to Chobe National Park where we transferred into a safari vehicle and toured a big portion of the park and waters edge. We had lunch at a nearby resort where there was also a pool we could use and a couple small shops. Then we were picked up at the dock of the resort for a great sunset boat tour. After the boat tour we were driven back to Victoria Falls and dropped at our choice of restaurant for dinner. We saw so many animals on our trip, both in the park and from the boat. Herds of elephants, hippos, baboons, so many birds and more! This was a great way to spend a day in Africa and my husband and I would recommend.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great planning, mediocre execution
We booked a 4 day Serengeti honeymoon through Walter with a 5-day Zanzibar add-on. We chose to book with him because he was easy to communicate with and seemed extremely knowledgeable. The detailed trip descriptions customized for the season gave me confidence that he would arrange a great trip for us.
Altogether, Walter's recommendations for lodging were all spot on. All the accommodation he recommended were truly outstanding.
Reasons for the 3-star review:
1) My most serious complaint was our guide named Anderson. While he was a safe driver, always punctual, and seemed very competent at finding game we had an unbelievably hard time communicating with him and that really put a damper on the trip for us. To give you some background, I have lived in the Middle East and Africa for extended periods of time so I would consider myself adept at speaking with non-native English speakers. However, both me and my wife found ourselves constantly frustrated. Anderson could not teach us much about the nature that we came to see nor could he answer our questions. To be honest, we would ask a question and usually get a completely off-the-wall answer as he didn't understand what we had asked. Eventually driving around gets boring if you don't know what you're really looking at with any depth! Other travelers and their guides we met along the way did not seem to have this issue.
2) There were some permit issues entering two of the parks, each one causing a 1-2 hour delay when we would have preferred to have been relaxing in the lodge. The driver tried to tell me it was the network, the park employees clarified it was poor preparations although didn't further elaborate. I ended up having to pay entrance fees to one park which I did get reimbursed for.
3) Our guide decided to go off the road in Serengeti to get closer to some lions. It was our first day and we had no idea that this wasn't allowed. Sure enough, the rangers came and we had to follow them back towards the airport (nearly an hour away in the wrong direction) for our driver to get a 'ticket.' About 5 minutes into this drive they stopped and motioned our driver out of the car. Next thing we knew our driver was asking us for money to bribe the rangers. I said I would not give him money. A few minutes later we were on our way without paying a fine. I have no idea what exactly was going on... I have no idea if this is a setup or common occurrence but it certainly left a bad taste in our mouth.
4) The airport transfer that Walter arranged for us in Zanzibar consisted of an hour of entrapped salesmanship. The transfer company he contracted was also a 'tour company' and spent the hour pushing countless tour options which we were not at all interested in. We both arrived with headaches.
Bottom line: I would trust Walter's planning again but I'd be weary of your guide. I honestly would go so far as to talk with your guide on the phone ahead to be sure you can communicate. Don't trust other's TripAdvisor notes mentioning guides because ours actually had a few decent comments!
AM
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience
This was one of the best trip I had in my life. Our time was short, so we chose to do Safari for 3 days. Right after I applied to listing, we've been contacted by Thompson and he arranged customized journey for us. Although, we did not visit Serengeti, but I think Thompson made ideal schedule which was possible for 3 days.
We've been staying in tented lodges, which were beautiful and part of the excitement of this trip. On the evening, we had few zebras staying around our lodge.
This safari could not been so much fun and amazing without our friend, Witson, who was our guide. He is very knowledgeable, caring and positively minded person. Although, 3 days are not enough for good safari, but Witson did everything to make sure we see as much as we can. And he did... We've seen some rare animals. Also, I admit, he drives better than me :) Words not enough, but he certainly exceeded our expectations. I hope to meet someday again.
We've had a good talk with Danny and Thompson who visited us in hotel on our last day. They were interested what was good/bad. I think this why they are amazing... They really do care that travelers feel comfortable.
This was excellent. Thanks Witson, Danny and Thompson! We'll meet someday. :)
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Cheetah safaris has the best customer care, they always make sure the client is happy and satisfied.
Booked with them a Masai Mara trip for their daily weekend departures and what they gave my friends and I was superb and would want more from them. John Thanks for your special service you give your clients.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
We loved our safari - would definitely recommend Alliance
James was great at organising our trip and helping with our last minute change of plan. Our guide Gerald was brilliant in the Masai Mara - we couldn’t have asked for a better trip!
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Honeymoon Adventure - Can't wait to go back!
Alym was amazing to work with from the very start. He took everything we wanted to see & do into consideration, while also staying within our budget. On our way to Tanzania, we missed our connection flying through Amsterdam. Alym was able to push back every part of our itinerary within a 12 hour time period so that we wouldn't miss out on a single aspect of our trip - It was amazing! After landing in Kilimanjaro, every aspect of our trip was seamless. Our guide, Selemani, was wonderful! He was very easy going, easy to get along with, and incredible at spotting different animals. We saw more than we could've ever imagined thanks to Selemani. All of the lodges and tented camps we stayed at were amazing. Great food, friendly staff, amazing locations. After our safari, we flew to Zanzibar for some rest and relaxation. We decided we wanted to go into Stonetown for a day and Alym helped us arrange this as well. Every aspect of the trip exceeded our expectations. We highly recommend East Africa Wild Aventures and we will definitely be booking with them again!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I couldn't have imagined a better trip!
This was an amazing safari :) I have never seen such a beautiful, wild landscape. Our tour guide, Joseph took very good care of us and was so accommodating. I asked him so many questions and he patiently answered all of them! I couldn't have asked for a better trip.