alex walker’s Serian

Posts Tagged ‘ alex walker’s Serian ’

C + D Summers 2012

Dear Julian,

We have had an amazing holiday in Tanzania – thanks so much for all the planning that you put into it.

We were so disappointed to have such a short time at Onsea House, especially when you had gone to all the trouble of fixing the honeymoon suite and we were particularly miffed to miss the meal as we didn’t arrive until after midnight.

Alex Walker’s camp was exactly what we wanted. You were right, we felt really involved with the actual bush – especially when we were out walking with the Massai and Hadza guides who were with us; they did tracking and dug up roots for us to eat and taught us about the plants. The honey guide also came with us and opened up his ‘hanging log’ hive to find us some honey. We loved it all, so interesting. It was also great to have our own truck, driver and guide when we went out; we saw masses of animals and absolutely masses of birds. All in all a great mix, especially as there was only one other couple there, so camp life was tremendous fun.

As for Faru Faru, I’m really glad that we did fly in the end – thanks so much for re-fixing it at short notice. We had seen huge herds of wildebeest and the rain enroute ensured that the driving that we did do to the airstrip was mainly sideways – so a longer journey could have been difficult. Anyway, we didn’t want to miss a moment of Faru Faru, it totally lived up to your description 5*******! The lodge was amazing, the food was absolutely superb, even better than the top vineyard meals that we had had in South Africa. Also Aloyce was totally on our wave length, even more enthusiastic than me! We had a fantastic time discussing every bird and animal; my bird list was pages long, he really made a huge effort. Lunch at Sasakwa was quite an experience; they showed us round the whole lodge after lunch including the cottages. It was all quite amazing but, you judged it correctly, totally over the top for us to stay there.

So well done Julian – you have done it again, we had a really wonderful time – thanks so much!

With love, Diz

Ellingsen Family, 2012, Norway

Hi Ted,

We are all well back into the snow from a fantastic holiday in Africa. Thank you very much for a well-organized arrangement! The logistics went very well and the transfers were on time and almost without any problems. Upon arrival in Kilimanjaro we were met by a nice woman who took us through the pass port control and the customs and out to the cars. Coastal Air went on-time and seemed to be a very good company. Only at the transfer from the domestic airport to the international airport in Dar-es Salam we had some problems: there was no transfer. But we had the pilot from Coastal Air to call and after 30 min a car came and took us to the airport.

The safari with Alex Walker was a fantastic experience! Everyone felt “at home” in the camp and established a good and close contact with Alex, Billy and the guides. We saw all animals, but the leopard, and had some memorable days driving in the open cars and twice on walking safaris. On Christmas eve we had a walking safari up to a big rock and while being served drinks and some food we enjoyed the sun set before leaving for the camp and dinner!

Everyone agreed on that the feeling of being away from the crowd was one very important part of the wilderness feeling in the camp – very different from what we experienced when we had a day in the Ngorongoro crater. The tent made us feel that we were on a real safari; the service was good, the food delicious and the guiding excellent! Everyone was really sad when we had to leave after 4 unforgettable nights with loads of impressions. The week at Ras Nungwi was very different, relaxing at a nice resort with a low pace, fabulous kitchen and nice staff giving us some good days in the sun to digest all the impressions from the safari.

You will definitely see us back in Africa!

Ellingsen Family, 2012, Norway

A and K Isacson, 2011

Dear Ed

We had a fantastic adventure through Tanzania Odyssey.

Our favorite experience was at Alex Walker’s Serian. The private game viewing had us in a vehicle virtually from sun up to sun down, with breakfast and lunch served during the game drive, overlooking the Serengeti. Thanks to both our terrific driver, Tumba, and guide, Jololo, we witnessed a crossing, which was amazing, and saw ostrich, zebra, warthogs and monkeys. We viewed a dozen lions (some mating), elephants, giraffe, plus a beautiful leopard. One highlight was a black rhino and her calf alone on a grassy plain. We were able to get quite close and, as with most all our sightings, we were the only vehicle around. It allowed for some amazing photographs. Although a mobile camp, without the benefit of running water, the accommodations were luxurious. The sound of elephants right outside our tent and the roar of lions at night was thrilling.

We also enjoyed the Selous and the completely different experience of viewing animals from the water.

In both camps the food was delicious and the service friendly and efficient.

We must commend you on assembling a trip that exceeded our expectations. You listened to our requests and gave us exactly what we wanted. The entire trip was seamless, with all transfers, flights and accommodations handled efficiently.

We will be contacting you for future African trips.

Best regards,

A and K Isacson, USA, 2011

G Reynolds 2011

Greetings Julian The trip was excellent in every respect. As to Onsea. No real major complaints except the first night the dining and drinking area was just outside our windows which was noisy for some time, the return 2 nights we had no electric and had to be moved to another room which shared a common living room and kitchen with others. Despite that , we adapted and had a pleasant stay. What we liked about Rivertrees was the spaciousness of the grounds which gave a greater sense of privacy. Plantation Lodge was fantastic, with lots of attention to detail. You might tell clients beforehand that it is a long dirt road off the main road to ease any concerns since both Cindy and I and other clients were a bit concerned where we were going and if to the lodge. Sopa is very unique with great views. Food at both places was good .The view at Sopa of the Crater was spectacular. Norgorongro Crater was very dry and dusty with OK , but not great game viewing , likely due to conditions. Whereas, the Mara River area was fantastic. Alex Walker’s camp was everything you said it would be. Grass was green and lush , saw three crossings and lots of game. All in all , we were very satisfied and pleased. Glad to refer anyone. You planned a great trip. Thanks and hope to plan another one soon. Be Well, Do Good Work, and Stay in touch. Gene

D Neuerman 2011

Hi Julian
Everything went very well. We were timely met in Nairobi and hotel accommodations were very good. The transfer from the Mara to Serengeti went smoothly and without issues. Serian in the Mara was great. The entire staff was as helpful as possible. Guides were knowledgeable. I liked that Serian Mara is secluded and away from most of the crowds. The staff was great, as everyone went out of their way to make our adventure special. The guides were very knowledgeable. The camp is located just above the river and I liked that we could hear the sounds of hippos all night long. The wildlife in the Mara is exceptional. Lions are everywhere. Plus we saw leopards, cheetahs, elephants, hyenas, zebras, crocs, and thousands of wildebeest. The river crossing is truly a special event. The living areas at Serian are spacious with a deck that connects to the bath area. They are not mobile tents but permanent structures. Beds were very comfortable and there was plenty of hot water. I highly recommend Serian to any one who is traveling to the Mara. I think the only misunderstanding was that we could have spent some of our 5 nights at the mobile camp by the river. We didn’t know that this was an option. We probably would have stayed 3 nights at Serian and 2 nights at the mobile site. That being said, it was not a real big issue. The 5 nights in the Serengeti were equally as good. If one is planning to go to either the Mara or northern Serengeti, I would strongly recommend either camp. I am glad I went and experienced the Mara River crossing. It is a once in a lifetime experience. Thanks for all your planning, advise, and overall help! I’ll contact you for future African adventures.
D Neuerman 2011