Client Feedback

Hi Bruce,

We arrived back in the UK on Saturday from our magical holiday. The Safari and all arrangements were fantastic, we loved the Porini Mara camp it was perfect for us just what we wanted.

The Breezes hotel was absolutely divine, both my husband & I think that it is probably the best hotel we have ever stayed in. The food was amazing, the people lovely and the accommodation very comfortable and welcoming.

Everything else arranged by yourselves went like clockwork and the choices you made for us were just perfect.

Kind regards.

Shelley & Ian Floody


Need more info?


Please contact our Safari Experts now.





Call: 0044 (0)1227 753181

Client Feedback - Rufiji - Mbweni - Neptune Pwani

HI Ed,

Sorry it's taken so long - but here, in writing at last, is the feedback I gave you over hte phone...

Overall - excellent holiday.

Safari - Rufiji River Camp was great. Tents very comfortable - and family tent essential given that tents are not very close and you can't walk around after dark. The game drives were great. We did a mix of full day and half day, mixed in with boat drives. We were never more than 7 on a safari. We didn't come across many other people, our guide / ranger was very knowledgeable and we saw lots of game. Boat safaris were also very good for seeing elephants, hippos crocs and birds. Only (marginal) complaint about the camp was the quantity of food. It was brought to the table by staff and you felt somewhat obliged to eat it even if you didn't want it.

We then flew to Zanzibar and spent 4 days at the Mbweni Ruins. Mbweni was a good base for exploring Stonetown and the shuttle bus was useful during the day and taxis were easy. As it was Ramadan, some of the restaurants in Stonetown were closed for August. Took a day trip to Chumbe Island from the hotel - which was great. Best meal of the holiday and the snorkeling was fab. It would have been fun to stay on Chumbe and have another go at snorkeling as you only get to do it for about an hour / hour and a half each day.

Neptune Pwani - great rooms (seaside). Great pool and generally hotel was good and staff were very friendly. Internet access was extortionate. Made good use of some of the animations and also the water sports centre - the windsurfing etc and the instructors were good. Also used the kite surfing at the adjacent hotel - somewhat disorganised but good fun. Had an excellent spice tour and also visited the north of the island for a jet ski safari. The evening entertainments in the hotel were quite fun. Main complaint was the quality of the food - which (with the exception of the pizza restaurant) wasn't great for the level of hotel.

Hope this is helpful.
Christine


Need more info?


Please contact our Safari Experts now.





Call: 0044 (0)1227 753181

Zambian elections a truimph!

From an Atta reporter in Zambia:

There was some anxious waiting, some inevitable controversy, some reports of protests in the towns – but we now have the results of our tri-partite elections. After 20 years in power – MMD have listened to the people, bowed out and handed over the reins to new President Michael Chilufya Sata of the Patriotic Front ,the 5th President of Zambia .

Outgoing President Rupiah Banda said in his farewell speech :
"MY GENERATION, THE GENERATION OF THE INDEPENDENCE STRUGGLE - MUST NOW GIVE WAY TO NEW IDEAS, IDEAS FOR THE 21ST CENTURY”

He was gracious in defeat and the elections were free and fair. We have just watched the inauguration on TV. The sight of outgoing President Rupiah Banda together with the First Republican President, Dr Kenneth Kaunda, accompanying the President Elect to the stand to be sworn in, surrounded by tens of thousands of cheering onlookers, was something to behold mbians are today extremely proud that this country is beacon of democracy and peace in an otherwise troubled world.All Zambians are today extremely proud that this country is a beacon of democracy and peace in an otherwise troubled world. We thank the outgoing President and wish President Sata all the best in his new role.

All Zambians are today extremely proud that this country is a beacon of democracy and peace in an otherwise troubled world. We thank the outgoing President and wish President Sata all the best in his new role.

CONGRATULATIONS ZAMBIA!


Need more info?


Please contact our Safari Experts now.





Call: 0044 (0)1227 753181

Client Feedback

Ed,

Thank you for this info.

I was happy to call and let you know that we had a very successful holiday. Everything you told me panned out and the accommodation booked (Kichanga, Saadani, Neptune Pwani, Chumbe and Mbweni Ruins) were all exactly as you had described. Each place easily matched or surpassed my expectations. Saddani in particular was a real treat -the place was beautiful, well run and idyllic and the bush babies at Mbweni were an unexpected treat! You were very patient with me at the outset, working out numerous options which worked within budget - offering options and thoughts on what would be good for my family. The planning was worth it as the trip offered great variety and something for everyone. The whole family had a fantastic time.

I must confess I was very anxious before we left at the prospect of the unknown and taking my three sons to Africa. Each time I spoke to you, or any of your team, I was always reassured as it was obvious that the staff really do have an excellent knowledge of the country and all matters associated with travelling to Tanzania and Zanzibar in particular. It was very comforting to speak to people who had an active knowledge of the place. An example of this was the precise advice on levels of tipping expected/usual. Details which are very helpful when you are feeling clueless! The team were always ready to answer all questions and could not have been more helpful.

The service from your guys on the ground in Zanzibar was also excellent. They were quietly efficient, all transfers/pick ups, seamless and well organised.

My only regret is that we didn't get to see more!

Next time!

Thank you again. I only hope we manage to sort another trip out in the future -possibly a more substantial safari.....

I will be recommending your service to anyone who remotely suggests a holiday!

All the best,

Caroline



Need more info?


Please contact our Safari Experts now.





Call: 0044 (0)1227 753181

Serengeti Highway update.

We would like to update you by this email about the developments concerning the project a building a road across the Serengeti.

We have been informed by the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) that the East African Court of Justice has agreed to hear and determine a Reference filed by Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW) demanding Tanzanian Government to stop the construction of 800km road across Serengeti National Park. Justice John Mkwawa delivered the much awaited EAC Court judgment that dismissed Tanzanian's government objections to the application filed by Africa Network for Animal Welfare (Anaw).
However, Tanzanian Attorney General who objected EAC Court jurisdiction arguing the country has sovereign right to develop infrastructure within its boundaries has indicated that Tanzania Government will appeal against this rulling.

Dismissing the objection, the judge agreed with Anaw lawyer Saitabao ole Kanchory that whereas Tanzanian government has a right to develop infrastructure, the court has the power to determine whether such developments were within the law. He observed that case was rightfully before the court and will proceed to full hearing.

Anaw moved to the regional court on December 10, 2010 to stop the project on grounds that the road would harm the park's ecology. It argues that construction of the road across Serengeti- Tanzanians largest National Park, also bordering Kenya's Maasai-Mara Game Reserve, infringes Articles 5, 89,111, 112,114 and 116 of EAC Treaty.

TATO and other parties objecting the construction of the said road anxiously await the decision of this matter.

We shall keep you posted on any new developments.

Need more info?


Please contact our Safari Experts now.





Call: 0044 (0)1227 753181

Client Feedback

Hi Bruce

Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you but I have had my hands full since my return.

I am glad I requested the Norfolk and it was not one you had recommended as it was very disappointing. The hotel it’s self is very nice as were the staff. However the food was very expensive and very poor quality. The organisation or lack of was a problem as we were told to be ready at 6.30 for our game drive in Nairobi National Park. We were told that they would provide packed breakfast and lunch. However we didn’t actually get picked up until 8.30 and would therefore have had time to eat breakfast in the restaurant. When we were finally ready to go the hotel had forgotten our lunch. Nobody was able to tell us when we were being picked up for transfer to the mara and they didn’t find the itinerary that had been left at the desk for us until we paid the bill to depart. I would not go back there and would not recommend this hotel to anyone. Not the best start to our holiday.

Fortunately your choices were much better and I loved the Mara Porini camps. Although I had requested 5 days in one camp as I didn’t want to move around we were actually in the Ol Kinyei Camp for 3 days and Lion Camp for 2. I was a bit miffed at first but soon realised it was not a bad thing at all.

Ol Kinyei was the best place I have ever stayed in. The camp was really well appointed but the staff, the food and the service were just amazing. The small touches they add to look after you and ensure you enjoy your stay are extremely thoughtful and really do make a big difference I have never been so well looked after anywhere in the world. If you ever get the opportunity to visit Kenya this is a must go to place. The wild life was wonderful and local area outstanding.

Lion camp was less well appointed and the staff were wonderful but not to the same level as the Ol Kinyei Camp. However the guides were totally awesome and the game was much more prolific. They managed to find not just one Leopard but two and they then managed to go back at right time to find the young male Leopard hunting as they had predicted. I am overall glad that our stay was split but I don’t think I would be as keen to stay at the Lion Camp again. I will however be going back to the Ol Kinyei Camp.

Samatian Island Lodge was the most amazingly tranquil place I have ever been. Why people rush to the coast when this totally wonderful chilled out place is available I will never know. The food, staff and management were all wonderful and certainly gave Ol Kinyei a run for its money. Our every want was accommodated. The one and only down side was the bugs and insects which got a bit much once or twice. Everywhere was spotlessly clean so I’m not talking anything nasty or unexpected but the time of year was certainly a factor. I would highly recommend the lodge to anyone. This is definitely Africa at its best and most relaxed.

The Giraffe Manor more than lived up to my expectations. I have been waiting 20 years to visit here and it did not disappoint. The most wonderful way to end our holiday.

As you know I had to really persuade Dave to visit Kenya and was very nervous about going there in case he didn’t like it. However Dave fell in love with Kenya and said he thought this was the best holiday we have ever had. It clearly was head and shoulders above anything else we have ever done. All the transfers went like clockwork without any delays or problems. Well done to everyone involved in organising our trip it was fabulous.

Many thanks for all your efforts Bruce you are a star! You didn’t let me down :-) Well done!

With Kind regards and best wishes

Mandy


Need more info?


Please contact our Safari Experts now.





Call: 0044 (0)1227 753181