Oltyiani Trail – Camping with the Maasai

Using Discover Africa was a great decision. Their website had plenty of details and pictures to explain and show what they were offering. The various safaris listed had prices listed though they were from the previous year but it did give me a ballpark figure that allowed me to make a more informed decision. Also, when I finally did contact them about the trip, I got a timely reply and was set up to speak with Megan who would arrange the trip. She was very informative and listened to my requests regarding the trip (travel style, animals I wished to see). Fortunately, I was flexible with my dates and Megan was very good at coordinating my final date choice. Megan was very good at keeping me updated on my trip status and answered any questions I had before the trip (most communication was through email).

Considering what the final price was, in the end, I felt it was an excellent deal. All staff (driver-guide, lodge staff) were extremely friendly and helpful. Our guide was knowledgeable and experienced but fun as well. Being a single traveler was not a problem, and in the end, it worked out perfectly with the other 5 members of my group. And turns out the other 5 members were friendly, intelligent and fun as well, we got along very well.

FYI: I chose the 10-day safari going through Tanzania and Kenya

The safari tour was exceptional. The properties, guides and service were top-notch. Our expectations were very high and this trip far exceeded them. Communication was very good. Everything expected happened, plus more. Matthys worked very hard to help with everything that we needed.

I am an avid traveler, I love to discover new places and see new things. It didn’t take long for me to put Africa on my bucket list of places to visit with an African safari as a top priority bucket list activity.

I’ve visited other websites and have even communicated with their employees, unfortunately, I didn’t have good experiences with some of them. So upon planning my first safari, I came across Discover Africa & true to their name, they did help me discover a part of Africa.

My correspondent was Karl, and I have to say that he was very efficient, I laid out the specifications for him and he quickly managed to create an itinerary for me. Things were smooth from the planning stage, to the tour itself, to the return. I had a wonderful time and I can confidently recommend Discover Africa for your first (or next) trip to Africa. Africa is certainly a unique continent full of wonder.

My first trip was a combination of two East African countries, Rwanda & Kenya. It was a great combination as there was a stark contrast between the two countries.

Rwanda was a lush, green, mountainous region where farms galore. Kenya had a somewhat harsh, arid landscape. The gorillas and golden monkeys were Rwanda’s flagship attraction so I didn’t dare to miss the opportunity to see both. Some people opted for 2 gorilla treks as opposed to one gorilla & golden monkey trek, and I simply don’t recommend that. There is beauty in both encounters & a contrast in behavior as well. The gorillas were generally more reserved and shy while the monkeys were playful and mischievous. The rules of both encounters differ as well & you had a bit more freedom with the golden monkeys. Rwandans are a very welcoming, friendly people & I lost count of how many times we got smiles, hellos and waves as we drove past them. On one occasion, a couple of cute children did a little cultural dance and song for us.

Kenya was beautiful in it’s own way as well. I stayed at the Governer’s Camp at the Maasai Mara & the experience was nothing short of unique. A 45 minute flight will take you away from society and into the wilderness where the camps are located. You will be greeted by gazelles, giraffes, baboons & zebras upon arrival & transferal to the camp. You will enjoy the escape from civilization, you will enjoy waking up to the grunts and roars of animals as opposed to the grunts and roars of vehicles, you will enjoy viewing the wildlife you may have seen in zoos, only this time in their natural habitat. Having breakfast while marveling at the gazelles & zebras on the horizon is an alluring experience and beats all the dinner nights I’ve had watching my favorite TV shows. If you get the chance, opt for some Kenyan coffee, it’s a pleasure to the senses and the best I’ve ever tasted (and I’m not much of a coffee person).

One thing to keep in mind is that this is nature, experiences will vary from one person to the next, there are no guarantees in the wild. But I can guarantee that you will have a great overall experience. My favourite moment was witnessing the very end of a river crossing by a zeal of zebras as it rained over the Mara river. A zebra met it’s end at the jaws of a crocodile. Our driver brought us closer to witness the spectacle of a bask of crocodiles engaging in a feeding frenzy like nothing I’ve ever seen. All of this while a rainbow arched over us.

Truly awe inspiring.

In planning for a trip one year out, I ‘interviewed’ US, European, and African travel companies.

Matthys of Discover Africa listened to what I wanted to accomplish for the group of 10, was willing to make changes and make better suggestions than the ones I had, and did so at a price point that could not be beat. That was all pre-departure.

Once the trip started, Matthys’ knowledge of his country and his understanding of our group and my desires as a group leader, showed up in the stunning lodgings he selected (locations, services, and amenities), the activities he had planned and suggested, and his partnership with Ilios as a guide and transport service in many of the places we visited.

I was the only one of the 10 who had been to Africa and because of the professionalism, creativity, and individual attention that Matthys gave to us, the others are all ready to return with friends and families – and to use the excellent services of Discover Africa. Many thanks, Matthys and team!

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.

Discover Africa and Carel has put in such an effort for us to experience the annual wildebeest migration, meticulous planning and accurate predictions with logical and the best accommodation options both sides of the Mara River guaranteed us crossings, we did manage to see the herds cross on the Serengeti side and again on the Masai Mara side, it felt good that they had this covered!

Thanks Carel, we see you next year – Jates and Hil