SA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
It was marveloous tour keep on telling my friends
I think u will keep same spirit so that u will acquire more guests,
Expecting to hear more positive feedbacks from my friends and relatives
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We experienced tailored service from start to finish
We had no idea about what to look for in a safari holiday, so we got quotes from a number of operators we found on the web. All we told them was our planned dates. We went with Bensons because their response was full of positive suggestions and a detailed itinerary from the off. Pendo was a very responsive correspondent as we thrashed out the final itinerary and she got us hotels in all the price brackets we requested, mostly mid-range but one luxury two-night stay.
The only question mark in our minds at this stage was over payment of the deposit (and subsequently the balance of the account); if a potential client does not have a first-hand recommendation, it does feel a little risky to transfer large sums of money overseas to people we have never met! Surely there is a way to facilitate credit card payments? PS FYI sending scans of cards isn't a lot more reassuring than money transfers.
All that said, we couldn't fault the care taken of us when we got to Tanzania (a late arrival due to a missed connection was accommodated seamlessly). Throughout, we were in the care of our guide Amini, and travelling in a very comfortable Land Cruiser. We started with a long day's drive (10 hours) to the Western Serengeti. Even though this must have been a challenge for Amini, he still accommodated our desires to stop regularly to see wildlife, just because it was the first time for us, although he knew better views were available later in the trip. The Lahia Tented Lodge was a very special experience, all-inclusive with great service and excellent facilities, perched on a commanding bluff.
Amini took us for two days seeing every animal the Serengeti had to offer, we visited a Masai village then Ngorongoro, a staggering "lost world" where we enjoyed picnicking next to the hippo pool. Then we went to Lake Manyara, experiencing our only disappointment of the safari in not seeing tree-climbing lions (no fault of Benson's!). After a night at the Farm of Dreams, we rounded off our tour with a tour round the village of Mto wa Mbu. We got a great insight into a number of traditional lifestyles and crafts, followed by a nice lunch. We did rather regret having bought wooden souvenirs at the African Galleria when we visited the very craftsmen who were making and selling those products!
In summary, we had a wonderful trip with a friendly and knowledgeable guide, and from initial enquiry until our departure we were well looked after throughout by Benson's.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
From the beginning, Maryke was prompt with her communications with me. The transport staff was ++
Timely, prompt, thorough and professional. It was a pleasure working with the team.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime
My parents and I took a 5 day safari through Tarangire, Ngorogoro Crater, Serengeti and Lake Manyara. Had a wonderful time that surpassed all expectations. We were very satisfied with all parts of our trip including the itinerary, lodgings, communications, etc.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An all-around excellent experience
From our initial communications with Tukio Safaris till our guide, Josh, dropped us off at our hotel following our 6-day safari for my wife and I’s honeymoon, we had a truly incredible experience. On the planning side, Tukio was quick and thorough in answering all of our questions about our itinerary, and even made a few changes per our unique requests. In terms of the actual safari, we could not have had a better time. Our driver was personable, flexible, polite, and incredibly knowledgeable. He navigated the three parks we visited masterfully, and was just as masterful in thinking through every detail of our other travel, lodging, etc. We could not recommend Tukio Safaris more highly!
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic Game drive in Moremi
For a safari through the Moremi Game Reserve we can highly recommend Shipungo Safari & Tours with its guide and driver Thata. It was wonderful and nature sensitive, we learned a lot about the local animals and plants. We had a very nice experience and saw a lot without disturbing the wild animals too much. We can only recommend this company.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent tour!
Myself, my wife, and our driver/guide, Victor just came back from the "Best of Kenya Classic Safari". Everything went according to the itinerary that Seven by Far made out for us when we booked last October. Victor was an excellent guide and driver. The six to eight hours of driving between the lodges went fast because we could relax and watch the scenery and people through the window without worry. On game drives because of Victor's good eyesight and help from his fellow guides on the CB radio we saw just about every animal we could have hoped to see (lions, leopards, cheetahs, rhinoceroses, hippos, zebras, giraffes, elephants, antelopes of every size etc, etc). Because we booked early, they also included a hot air balloon ride, so we could see the herds of migrating wildebeests from above. The hotel and all the lodges they picked for us were very comfortable, and clean. The buffet meals had a huge variety so we never had to eat anything we didn't like and could have just enough so we had room for dessert after. I think the best part was that we didn't have to share Victor or the van with anyone else. When asked, Sylvester the owner said that they never put strangers together. It's always spouses, families, or friends so you know you'll be travelling with compatible people. I know people don't always trust reviews they see on sites like this, so check out my review on Tripadvisor (402jmcc) so you can see my previous reviews and know I'm a real customer.
AE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Outstanding Safari.
After thinking over a year and making a lot of correspondence with Spirit of Kenya we chose to take a plunge. This 6 days safari in the heart of Kenya was made in the first fortnight of August 2019 included Lake Naivasha Lake Bogoria Lake Nakuru and finally Masai Mara. The response from customer service (Mr.Tiago), Logistics, Quality of cottage, vegetarian food and most important Guide (Mr. Eric) who was with us through the entire tour were par excellence. First Eric, from being a guide he evolved to become a friend. His knowledge of the terrain is immense. If at all we could see all the possible animals you could, the credit goes to him. Gentleman to the core he has shown humbleness, commitment, and service attitude that could envy any corporate employee. Full marks to him. Next, our expectations were surpassed on the choice of stay. We were brought so close to Africa's nature and unpolluted environment. Best experience of seeing Big 5 so close as well as other great creatures such as Zebra Giraffe Hippo countless flamingoes and a world of fauna unparalleled anywhere. Day 1-Hells gate trekking down volcanic remains was literally breathtaking. It called for pulling reserves of stamina but to see such natural beauty you need to exert a bit. Lake Naivasha Camp Carnellys -loved that stay close to the beautiful lake, the food was delicious. Drive on lake truly marvelous. Africa's lakes are too huge and glorious. We marveled at Hippos playing with family. Day 2- Bogoria Flamingoes -they say a Million of them- not possible to prove them wrong. You see them adorning the vast stretch of lake shorelines. Breathtaking and very beautiful. Hot springs breed them and indeed the springs were too hot to touch. Due to rising water levels, they are seen in the form of subsurface bubbles instead of raising stream (the sign of global warming). Stay at Camp Roberts was unique and calm and close to breathtaking lake Baringo where we had an evening ride by boat. Birds and sky made the ride more than colorful. Day 3 at Lake Nakuru, the safari was too good especially the Rhinos, Zebra, Warthog, Giraffe and countless Impala and Baboon monkeys. The stay at Punda Milias was class. Food was service were remarkable. Day 4 To Masai Mara- from Nakuru a 5-hour drive over the picturesque bumpy mountain route with fields of wheat maize and muti colored greens - children lining up on the roads waving hands-sharing their joy of seeing guests to their country. Kenya - nature, and humanity thrive in their smiles. Camp Oldaparai (2 nights stay) - a lovely one nests below a lovely hill -the young smiling team of hosts welcomes you to a couple of days of memorable stay of life. Conservation at best. A brief trailer of what we could expect next day was shown during a brief 2-hour drive inside the park in the evening. We almost were to sight the king on the hunt for its prey in its natural preserve. For some reason, it retreated. Day 5-Game drive at Masai Mara - looking at Big 5 - (Lions Elephants Rhinos Buffalo and Leopard)filled our entire day. We could see countless Wild beasts grazing the grasslands close to banks. We aspired to see the crossing of the river by hordes of these beasts but this is something possible if luck favors you. For us, it didn't. Crocodiles waiting for prey and Hippos noticed on the river. The vast terrain (any untrained driver would be lost in wilderness). The close coordination through Walkie Talkie symbolizes sharing and teamwork at best. Each and every guide helps one another to bring a great safari experience to their customers. We also could look from distance the side of Tanzania (Serengeti) from our side. Never we imagine going so close to big cats like that. They pass a brief look at you as if a sign of welcome and move on to their routines. With countless cars around they have got used to us seeing them it appears. Day 6 visit to Masai village- their humbleness and zest for a life closely in sync with nature brings you a new perspective to life. Return to Nairobi and en route, we stepped into Giraffe camp that breeds Rothschild type Giraffes (never miss). Our 6 days came to an end before we could even realize it. Our camera and cell phones had to work overtime to catch the glimpse of mother nature and its creations. Big thanks to Tiago who made it possible with his superb coordination till the tour started for us and Guide Eric for making it most memorable tour for us. All rolled into one-its Spirit of Kenya's safari tours kudos for the excellent job.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A safari beyond a safari - the most special experience which far exceeded our expectations
I researched many safari companies but none had the personal touch and knowledge that Rose and the LSC have.
I spent quite some time with Rose chatting through our brief, our expectations and our dreams - to say that Rose delivered is an understatement. Nothing was too much trouble. Her advice, knowledge and understanding of what we were looking for was exceptional. In fact it was faultless.
We have never done a trip like this before and as we were going with our 2 children, aged 23 and 25, we really wanted this to be a special, memory creating experience, one which we could enjoy as a family with very little wifi interruption!
We were relatively open minded as to where we went, we just wanted a great safari experience. Rose advised us to go to Zambia, which we hadn't even considered. It was truly spectacular and the lodges she chose were exactly what we were looking for. We stayed in 3 different lodges: Thorntree River Lodge on the Zambezi near Livingstone, Kaingo Lodge in the South Luangwa National Park and finally Sausage Tree Camp in the Lower Zambezi National Park. Wow, wow and wow again - all different, all exactly what we wanted at that time of the trip. The knowledge and passion of the guides was wonderful, the staff at each camp just wanted us to have the best experience. We were looked after extremely well. Rose also booked private charters for us which landed on dirt runways with thatched huts for terminal buildings - all this just added to the whole experience. Everything also ran seamlessly without any hitches, which was pretty impressive.
As for the important part, the wildlife, Zambia definitely did not disappoint. We saw leopards, lions, wild dogs, bush pigs, buffalo, hyenas etc etc etc - we saw lions stalking prey, we saw a leopard up a tree guarding it's impala kill, we saw elephants with their calves, giraffe, zebra, hippos galore. We sat in hides and watched vultures feed off a dead hippo whilst hyenas skulked around the edge of the lagoon. We enjoyed a couple of walking safaris which made us observe and appreciate the smaller creatures and insects and their importance in this vast landscape. Our minds literally boggled as each day brought new experiences and situations. To do this as a family was truly wonderful.
I cannot recommend Rose and LSC enough - this was the safari I have long dreamt of and I can safely say that it exceeded our wildest dreams. Thank you Rose - you have some new fans!
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Perfect safari arranged by Ker & Downey Africa
We have just returned from a spectacular three week safari in Tanzania and Kenya arranged by Emma Perrin at Ker & Downey Africa. I have been to East Africa a dozen times, and this sarari was the best ever. Emma crafted the perfect trip tailored to our specific desires. I am a nature photographer, and Emma maximized our wildlife viewing and made sure that my camera equipment was accomodated on all our light aircraft transfers. Her attention to detail was simply amazing, and all arrangements were executed perfectly during the entire three week safari. She answered all questions we had and kept in constant communication with us, from the time we first began arrangements until after we returned home. The accomodations and tented camps Emma recommended were steller. I lost a small sunglasses case somewhere along the way, and Emma miraculously had it delivered to me by our transfer driver at the end of the safari. The safari was so wonderful that we are booking the same itinerary for next year with 12 friends. After this experience, I am a Ker & Downey customer for all future travel to Africa and I highly recommend them to all my friends. Friends of mine have already booked a trip to South Africa in November with Emma and have thanked me for recommending Ker & Downey because they are so happy with the trip Emma has arranged for them and for her outstanding service. If you are planning Africa travel, you can't be in better hands than arranging your trip through Ker & Downey Africa.
