Kenya & Tanzania Adventure

A great trip, many fantastic experiences, great wildlife, wonderful landscapes and a great rest at the end in Zanzibar. There is alot of travelling but if you want the variety....

Very good trip overall. Have seen many animals and have visited many interesting places. Knowledgeable guide. Just before leaving for Zanzibar, we have wasted a day for driving and arriving to a camp site where we were like animals in the zoo for locals to look at and there was nothing to do, except attempt to rescue a beautiful wild bird that was locked up in the cage by the owner of the camp site. It would have been definitely better if we just flew and skipped that night on the continent, but rather spent it on the beautiful Zanzibar. Otherwise, a really nice trip.

A great introduction to the wildlife of East Africa, there is nothing quite like the excitement of animal/bird spotting that is an integral part of this tour. Camping allowed one to feel close to nature and was even better as few had other campers close by. Kip and his team were superb hosts keeping us informed of local life, both human and animal, while ensuring we were well fed. On the cultural side we visited a Masai village in the Serengeti and had guided tour of a typical local market in Musoma.

Well where to begin in reviewing this trip? I guess at the start and it certainly is as advertised an adventure, and an adventure you will never forget. From the very beginning arriving into Nairobi airport everything was superbly organised and it wasn't long before we met up with our group of fellow travelers and we're introduced to our exodus team, consisting of our leader Patrick, our driver David, cook Wilson and helper Jessie, what a great team they were too so friendly and welcoming to us all. I don't believe that within the budget of this trip it would be possible to see so much of East Africa as we managed to see on our holiday. Through Kenya, onto Tanzania and then ending in Zanzibar, everyday spent marvelling at what each location has to offer, just as you think things can't get any better in the Massai mara you're into the Serengeti and even greater sights, and then to top it all off my personal favourite was a morning in the ngorrowgorrw crater. Along the way we were lucky enough to see the big five, a cheetah kill a hare, countless giraffes, elephants, wilderbeast, hippos, and so many other animals I can't write them all down. We slept in camps where you could literally hear the lions and hyenas and they sounded so close. We woke mornings to find zebras munching grass within touching distance of our tents, on this trip all this just seems natural, but when you get home you really think about it and realize how lucky you were to see it all. You will sleep in 2 man tents which are a little on the small side but you're so knackered at night you really don't care so long as you can put your head down and go to sleep. There is an awful lot of traveling, there has to be to cram so much into the trip, the truck is pretty comfortable and there is generally lots to see, but take a book or 2 as there are a couple of really long days of transiting destinations. I would thoroughly recommend this trip, indeed if you're reading this review you're obviously considering this holiday, I can offer one piece of advice stop considering right now and book it! I guarantee you won't regret anything unless you don't do this holiday it was for us the trip of a lifetime. Oh and last but not least I have to mention the food which we were a little concerned about before we got there, it was delicious, plenty of variety, and Wilson's soups were really tasty, don't know how he managed it but great cooking really enjoyed every meal.

We have returned from a tailormade trip to Kicheche Mara Camp in Kenya and Fumba Beach Lodge in Zanzibar. I must congratulate Charlie Potter for his organisation and what a great trip it was. Kicheche Mara Camp, what a fabulous place. Tents were absolute luxury, better than some hotels. The staff were ALL excellent, smiley and friendly, they couldn't do enough for you. This camp is in the Mara North Conservancy and I strongly believe this is the way forward for Safaris and camps. The camp was small, just 8 tents all well spaced out with fabulous views right amongst nature itself. Wildlife frequently came into camp and you could hear their calls at night time. In the hours of darkness you were always escorted to your tents. Each night someone goes and puts a hot water bottle in your bed whilst you are dining. Every morning at 5.30 you are woken with a hot drink and freshly baked biscuits - each in the shape of an animal, different each day. Then when you go to the Safari vehicle there is a hot water bottle on your seat - yes this was needed some mornings. Each evening before the meal there was a camp fire where you shared details of your day with others as well as having a drink under the stars. Also Michael gave us a thought of the day, which was always appreciated. The food, what can I say it was 5 star, as good as any top hotel, all cooked on the premises. All the bread, biscuits and cakes were freshly done. Presentation was always excellent as was the service. Always smiles on the staff faces and the camp managers - Ray and Tony - always ate with you. It was great when there was a celebration as all the staff took part and a cake brought out or even champagne. Breakfasts were taken on the early morning game drive and again the food was excellent and it was a good chance to stretch your legs. Back at lunch time for another excellent meal, then afternoon tea before going out again. Then sundowners and snacks on the drive. What more could we ask. We certainly never went hungry. The game drives were superb, we had Saruni and he was always pointing things out, spotting animals and birds and finding the necessary game to view. He was a great friendly guy always smiling and chatting with us. In fact your game drive starts from the moment you land at the airstrip. We followed Cheetahs after an Impala, chased across the valley to watch Hyenas take a Topi down. Gazed at Lionesses with their cubs and prides playing or sleeping in the sun. Elephants tramping through the river Mara. You name it we saw it except for the Leopard, but we did try. We did see a Serval one evening, how Saruni spotted it I don't know as they blend in so well. Lions in large numbers, giraffe, zebra, plenty of Topi, Jackal to name a few plus the great variety of birdlife which is fantastic.

Lots of safari and opportunities to see a great variety of animal, bird and plant life. Travels thro Kenya and Tanzania so good opportunity to see a lot of each country from the bus (the upside of all the long journeys!). Loved camping. Well chosen, great campsites

This trip exceeded all expectations in terms of the iconic wildlife we saw and the spectacular scenery, with a wonderful guide and crew. Also we had a good group of only 7, and being outside peak season camp sites were quiet, and there was less competition between safari vehicles for prime viewing spots.

Very well organised and enjoyable trip. The cook was amazing, everything was kept so clean and hygienic. The driver always made you feel safe and the leader was one of the best I have travelled with.

Our family thoroughly enjoyed it

The trip was as good as expected from the description except for some long, rough days travelling, arriving at some destinations too late to explore. The scenery and people of East Africa were fantastic.  The final few days of R&R on Zanzibar were welcome.