Migration River Crossings Safari with Governors’ Camps

Our trip to Kenya and Tanzania met and exceeded expectations! The Africa Safari Expert took our group’s information and my requests and created a trip that hit all the highlights of an African Safari. The itinerary took us through two countries and six regions – all with different views, animals and people. Accommodations were nicer than expected (even the temporary camp) and all were clean with extremely attentive and helpful personnel. All our guides were very knowledgeable, got us closer than expected to a wide range of animals and were responsive to our requests. For six days of the 12-day trip, we had two Discover Africa guides who were tremendous – they were nice, enthusiastic, friendly and extremely knowledgeable. It was obvious they were quite experienced, with books and maps to enhance their information.

Normally I love planning our trips but quickly realized it needed a professional since African travel is complicated by many factors. I picked Discover Africa because of a friend’s recommendation and their reviews. During the planning process, the Discover Africa representative provided an itinerary with detailed information (including pictures of the lodgings). Once the trip was booked, our representative made changes when our flights to/from were rebooked. As the trip got closer, they sent us comprehensive travel information (including pre-trip checklists). And there was an online link to our itinerary we used while on the trip!

I was especially impressed by all the vendors they used. All the guides, cars and planes were ready for us – no searching or waiting. All the lodgings were beautiful. And when there was an issue with a hotel (a water leak in one of the wings), another hotel had already been arranged (equally nice and down the street, and we got a free dinner too!).

Susan came up with a great itinerary for our two week long safari in Tanzania and Kenya. The luxury accommodations suggested and selected by her were top-notch. We had a wonderful, immersive experience on our safari. Would highly recommend Susan for any safari planning and intend to use her in the future.

Ravi's Tanzania Safari Experience

We and a friend ( Three adults) spent 11 days in Kenya and Tanzania for the Great Migration trip. We create our own itinerary and tailored details by Matthys who works for Discover Africa.com

We had an amazing experience – the best itinerary (Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Serengeti N, and Tarangire NP) and accommodation on this trip. We had many incredible animal sightings.

We saw the Big 5, Migration watching, and loads more! Tim and Comfort were excellent, experienced guides in Kenya and Tanzania both country, and Comfort was very helpful, knowledgeable, and efficient

Our service from Carel at Discover Africa was outstanding. His recommendations on the timing of our trip, the lodges we should book, communication and overall assistance ensured that our trip went off very smoothly and that we were in the right place at the right time.

Discover Africa would certainly earn 5 stars from us, if their back office support in Cape Town was as good as Carel’s service when we needed their assistance in Kenya. I would happily recommend Carel Verhoef and his excellent service anytime.

Thank you for a fantastic trip.

Our trip was arranged by Carel Verhoef at discoverafrica.com and was perfectly organised.

We flew into the Masai Mara from Nairobi and all flight connections and transfers were arranged for us and went like clockwork. Carel was also very generous with his advice having lived in East Africa for some years – he is a mine of useful information.

My wife and I have had this trip to see the wildebeest migration on our bucket list for some time and we decided to go this year to coincide with our wedding anniversary. For that reason we were looking for something special yet reasonably priced and Carel helped us find Mara Ngenche. What a spectacularly good choice that was.

We stayed for 5 nights the camp and were extremely well looked after. The staff are fantastic. Our waiter, Steve, learnt what food we liked and didn’t like and was always on hand with a glass of wine and also taught us some Swahili! The Masai guards who escorted us to & from our tent especially Musanga, Karbolo & Lindeni were always on hand, very polite and interesting. Almost everyone speaks excellent English.

The game drive vehicle that we used was completely open at the top and sides and was very comfortable. We had some fabulous sightings with Joseph, our very experienced driver/guide. He was excellent at anticipating the animal’s movements to ensure good photos. In one afternoon we saw the Big 5 and on another occasion 4½, as we could only see the leopard’s tail that time.

The position of the camp on the confluence of two rivers was so relaxing and we often sat on the deck watching the 30 or so hippos all day, even though they didn’t move very much. Breakfasts and lunches were served under the trees beside the river. Dinner, served in the restaurant, was four courses and was beautifully prepared and presented.

Overall, it was a fantastic trip and the staff at Mara Ngenche made it more than special. When it came time to leave, my wife cried because she didn’t want to go. Of all the holidays we’ve had over the years, this has been our most memorable.

Communications: Excellent combination of calling to chat about plans and details, followed up with emailing of detailed information. Made all arrangements easy for us from the actual booking to payment procedures, exchange rate recommendations, visa advice, packing advice and suggestions for malaria prophylaxis amongst other details. Service: Went above and beyond to help adapt the itinerary to suit everyone’s needs and timings. Made excellent suggestions based on group travelling and ensured that all of us were happy.

Expectations: Exceeded ! Was impressed with the knowledge of the consultant (Carel Verhoef) of not only the country (Uganda) but the best transport routes, practical solutions to travel plans, excellent ideas and well chosen accommodation establishments. He helped and arranged all the details with diligence and really listened to what our needs were and then made it happen. Will definitely use them again.

Tour: Everything and more than we expected. From a luxurious & relaxing (much-needed) start of the trip, to smooth transfers, an incredible hike and mountain experience, a unique wildlife experience that should be on everyone’s bucket list and then a calm and gentle wrap up with great wildlife and lodge choices.

The assistance during the trip was also superb as we had a typical “travel-in-Africa” experience where we were delayed and there was a risk of missing our Gorilla Trek and losing our permits. During the ‘race’ to make it in time, the support from Discover Africa to help with arrangements was outstanding. (PS: You can’t ‘race’ in Africa) Thank you to Discover Africa for a trip of a lifetime. It will never be forgotten.