It is difficult to decide where to start when describing an unforgettable experience that was truly remarkable because of the company that made it happen.
From the very beginning, Nandi (the US representative) proved knowledgeable, patient, and incredibly supportive. I was considering various companies, trying to decide who would be best to take my family of four on safari. Nandi was not only prompt with responses to my questions, but made herself available over the phone to discuss itinerary details. She was able to explain why going to Central Serengeti, for example, was important. Her advice proved correct as this is the only location where we saw leopards (yes, leopards, plural). She was also spot-on with her lodging recommendations, including advice for where we stayed overnight between completing our Kilimanjaro climb and starting our safari. The luxurious property we enjoyed was exactly what we needed. She was also incredibly patient as our plans had to fluctuate due to COVID impediments.
When we arrived in Africa, the wonderful customer service of Proud African Safaris continued. We were greeted at the airport by the company owner, Adam, who had been waiting for 3+ hours since the customs and COVID testing procedures took so long. He waited for us past midnight and greeted us with a smile. This is exceptional, because we were not going with him on safari upon arrival. We were climbing Kilimanjaro first, with a different company. Yet, Adam met us (out of the kindness of his heart) so that he could help with luggage we needed to store while we were on Kilimanjaro. He then waited hours for us again, when our Kilimanjaro climb ended, meeting us at the gate where the trek ended so we could begin our safari adventure. Fast forward to post-safari, when Adam took us to lunch, purchased his favorite coffee for us to take home, and gave us an artwork present. Not only this, but he waited outside the airport, looking in the window at us, while we went thru customs. He was committed to making sure everything went as planned for us.
During our safari, we had Ephraim as our guide. I have read a couple other reviews and seen what others have said about him as a guide. Absolutely true! Everything from his knack for finding the right place to position our vehicle, to his ability to spot animals from incredible distances, to the knowledge he was able to share about everything we saw. I cannot imagine having a better guide. He was incredible kind, easy to speak with, funny and ultimately someone I would consider a friend. He went out of his way to ensure we had the experience of a lifetime. We did not just see elephants, but saw baby elephants nursing. We did not only see lions, but watched them enjoying their gazelle and zebra and other kills. We saw baby hippos, giraffes, wildebeest, and more. We saw male gazelles fighting. We watched vultures enjoy a meal. We saw three different leopards. We not only experienced a front-row seat to a river crossing during the great migration, but we got to see two crossings!!
From start to finish, this vacation was done right. I would tell anyone planning a safari to go no further than Proud African Safaris. If I am lucky enough to do one of these adventures again in my lifetime, I will be contacting PAS without hesitation. I cannot thank them enough for making this such a magical experience.
It is difficult to decide where to start when describing an unforgettable experience that was truly remarkable because of the company that made it happen.
From the very beginning, Nandi (the US representative) proved knowledgeable, patient, and incredibly supportive. I was considering various companies, trying to decide who would be best to take my family of four on safari. Nandi was not only prompt with responses to my questions, but made herself available over the phone to discuss itinerary details. She was able to explain why going to Central Serengeti, for example, was important. Her advice proved correct as this is the only location where we saw leopards (yes, leopards, plural). She was also spot-on with her lodging recommendations, including advice for where we stayed overnight between completing our Kilimanjaro climb and starting our safari. The luxurious property we enjoyed was exactly what we needed. She was also incredibly patient as our plans had to fluctuate due to COVID impediments.
When we arrived in Africa, the wonderful customer service of Proud African Safaris continued. We were greeted at the airport by the company owner, Adam, who had been waiting for 3+ hours since the customs and COVID testing procedures took so long. He waited for us past midnight and greeted us with a smile. This is exceptional, because we were not going with him on safari upon arrival. We were climbing Kilimanjaro first, with a different company. Yet, Adam met us (out of the kindness of his heart) so that he could help with luggage we needed to store while we were on Kilimanjaro. He then waited hours for us again, when our Kilimanjaro climb ended, meeting us at the gate where the trek ended so we could begin our safari adventure. Fast forward to post-safari, when Adam took us to lunch, purchased his favorite coffee for us to take home, and gave us an artwork present. Not only this, but he waited outside the airport, looking in the window at us, while we went thru customs. He was committed to making sure everything went as planned for us.
During our safari, we had Ephraim as our guide. I have read a couple other reviews and seen what others have said about him as a guide. Absolutely true! Everything from his knack for finding the right place to position our vehicle, to his ability to spot animals from incredible distances, to the knowledge he was able to share about everything we saw. I cannot imagine having a better guide. He was incredible kind, easy to speak with, funny and ultimately someone I would consider a friend. He went out of his way to ensure we had the experience of a lifetime. We did not just see elephants, but saw baby elephants nursing. We did not only see lions, but watched them enjoying their gazelle and zebra and other kills. We saw baby hippos, giraffes, wildebeest, and more. We saw male gazelles fighting. We watched vultures enjoy a meal. We saw three different leopards. We not only experienced a front-row seat to a river crossing during the great migration, but we got to see two crossings!!
From start to finish, this vacation was done right. I would tell anyone planning a safari to go no further than Proud African Safaris. If I am lucky enough to do one of these adventures again in my lifetime, I will be contacting PAS without hesitation. I cannot thank them enough for making this such a magical experience.
