All Tours Operated By Absolute Africa

Reviews of Absolute Africa Tours

• Anthony6 Nov, 2023

  5

  What an absolute adventure 77 days from Kenya to South Africa! Safaris, lakes, lions, beaches, historical sites, village visits, camping, long drives with windows down, gorillas, family style cooking, washing dishes, early mornings, hippos, boat safaris, peeing on the side of the road, cold showers, card games, photos, are some of the words that instantly come to mind from thinking about the last 3 months. Memories for a lifetime. Originally I was booked from just Nairobi to Zanzibar and I’m so glad I ended up extending all the way to South Africa! Our group was on the larger side as it was during the busy season July-Oct and we had about 20-25 people on the bus during the 3 months. The amount of people can vary as there are smaller sections of the absolute overland trips where people will be with you for different legs of the trip. (Ex: some people started and finished Zanzibar or started Vic Falls to Cape town, etc.) The best thing I can write for a review would be a recommendation for those wanting to go on the trip. To have an enjoyable trip is all about having the right expectations & mindset as these overland trips are definitely not for everyone. After the 3 months I believe I met around 40 different people on the safari who had stayed for a section or the whole safari and I could tell that most absolutely loved the overland trip, however, there were a few people that struggled as they did not have the right expectations. As I already mentioned, flexibility is key for this trip. I believe they make this very clear on their website but somehow some people still show up with a very rigid mindset. Some days go as planned, some days go better, and some go worse. But that is all part of the African experience. People on these trips are from all different backgrounds, with different personalities, work ethics, and ways of doing things. Just roll with it and it will be an amazing time. FOOD. Family style & simple. Please be flexible. You must remember that if there is a group of 20-25 everyone has to be catered to for their dietary needs. Most lunches you are on your own. There will be a supermarket stop and you can get as you wish. But for dinner there will be a cooking team for that specific night so depending on the dietary restrictions there might have to be 3 different meals if you have vegetarians, vegans, and meat eaters. So I would definitely recommend being flexible when it comes to preferences. I wouldn’t recommend this trip for strict dietary restrictions (vegetarian ok but vegan, etc. not so much). Remember you are in Africa and there are weeks where the food options and supermarkets are limited. Staff. We had an amazing guide Peter for the 77 days and 1 driver for the first 3/4 of the trip and then last 1/4 a different driver. Our guide and both drivers were from different parts of Africa and all had 15+ years experience doing these tours. They are all very knowledgable & such helpful resources. They all speak multiple languages and handled the borders crossings and logistics very professionally. At times things were a bit up in the air but like I said it is the nature of Africa as things change very frequently. They are the first people you see up in the morning and last people to bed making sure everything is in order. Our guide did a really good job at balancing all the different preferences of food, itinerary, etc. We had some unique characters in our group which made it pretty difficult for him to handle but he did a great job at balancing it for everyone. A great sense of humor, always had a positive outlook, and always enjoyed telling us the history of local areas. Truck. There are several trucks with some being newer and some being older. Our first truck Kifaru was a bit older, could use some cosmetic repair on the interior but worked like a charm. The seats were comfy and there were plenty of outlets to charge electronics. The fridge wasn’t ideal as it was smaller especially after the group food was in put in but did all was needed. Good variety of 8 seats facing backwards with tables & 20 seats facing forwards. Money. This is by far the most budget friendly overland tour I saw when doing research. Plan to spend more than you think though. You can do this trip with just doing the minimums but when everyone is going on an extra safari or an extra activity, you are going to want to do it as well. Easy to say you won’t do something at home but different story when you are there. Maintain a positive attitude & energy. Although you don’t need to be “physically fit” this trip is demanding especially if you are doing the 77 days. There aren’t any necessary physically fit needs, but there are many early wake up calls, tearing down & setting up your tent everyday, and some nights you will be on cooking / cleaning duty, etc. It all adds up and you’re constantly on the move for months. That is all part of the adventure. You are going to meet tons of different people so you can imagine positive attitude is key. Some may look at how busy it is and see it as a negative but you can also see how some of those things also are a highlight of the trip for others. All about the outlook. If you want a vacation to sit and chill on the beach this isn’t the trip for you. If you are ready to have an adventure of a lifetime and one of the most unique experiences traveling on an overland truck through Africa with people from all around the world, you won’t be disappointed. Best advice have a flexible and positive outlook and you will have a great time! So glad I did it! Hindsight I would 100% recommend Absolute Africa especially knowing what I know now. Rushing down to South Africa or rushing the itinerary like some of the other tour companies isn’t something I wanted to do & I am glad I chose AA. Unforgettable memories! Hope that helps!

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  The Absolute Safari
• Kerry4 Dec, 2019

  5

  Incredible experience with wonderful guide and driver :)

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  The Gorilla Stop
• Antoinette12 Jan, 2020

  4

  The safari and visit to Zanzibar were excellent. Everything we could have wished for. I do have a complaint, though, and it concerns the Heron hotel in Nairobi. When we landed in Nairobi on the night of 27 December, our transfer ro the hotel was nowhere to be seen. I specifically asked for transfer before we left home, because I didn't want to be stranded in a strange city at nighttime with my daughter. That is exactly what happened. We, two women stranded in a strange city in the dark, and in the pouring rain. It was not a pleasant experience. Eventually we ordered a taxi and we reached the hotel at 1:30 in the morning. The same thing happened again when we flew from Zanzibar. Once again, no transfer was waiting for us, even though I had asked for it. I couldn't believe it was happening again. I would do this tour again, but the Heron hotel won't see me evee again. Antoinette Nel.

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  Maasai and Migration