Testimonials
Kenya – Tanzania – Zanzibar
Hello Thierry,
I wanted to give you some feed back about our trip.
First off the Driver/ guides, Steven and Exaude. They were both amazing. Both men were experienced, knowledgeable, patient and very safe drivers.
Steven had quite a drive from Nairobi to Amboseli on highway 22 and 26 …….Very tough driving and he definitely showed his experience there. It was his intuition and experience that shone through on our game drives in Amboseli. As an example, we set out one early morning for a drive and the guard at the gate of the Serena told him to go right for a viewing and he intuitively went left and right away we came upon seven Hyenas walking along through the grass, the first with a leg of an animal in his teeth. Steven just seemed to know where to go and get there before anyone else.
Exaude was also amazing. He had a strong desire to go beyond our expectations every day to find us just one more animal or species of bird. If we had to start earlier or stay out later we did. It always paid off. He is funny, he his so knowledgeable and compassionate. Thank you giving us Exaude.
The Serena Hotel chain was amazing. Beautiful properties. They were all so different yet so well appointed, with great attention to detail. We were very impressed and looked forward to the next stop each time. The staff at these properties were very helpful and pleasant.
Ndutu was wonderful too! In the middle of nowhere, Ngorongoro Conservation area, it was understated elegance. Very helpful staff. The managers, all women, one from Holland, Sweden and New Zealand made sure our needs were accommodated. We actually saw the most game in this area, 6 cheetah, 13 lions and of course the wildebeest and zebra.
The food was unbelievable!!! Everywhere we went the food was excellent. The Serena properties offered a combination of menu and buffet. Ndutu was just sit down with a fantastic menu three courses and excellent vegetarian options for me!
…….we were now in Zanzibar! What a beautiful Island! Omar met us and drove us to Dreams of Zanzibar. He is also an experienced guide and very knowledgeable…... Dreams of Zanzibar as I told you in a previous e-mail was gorgeous, six star. The property exceeded our expectations in every aspect. Rooms, food, staff. I left a very positive comment card at the hotel.
Omar picked us up on our last day and took us briefly up to Nungwi so Barry could see the Dhow building area. Lunch at Beyt al Chai was excellent. A brief walk over to a souvenir shop on Kenyatta and then we were off to the airport. British Airways was excellent both ways.
Thank you very much for the wonderful Safari Thierry. You did an excellent job of coordinating everything. It was seamless. The Heritage Safari Company has far exceeded our expectations.
Sincerely,
The Treasure Family – North Vancouver – January 2012
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Kilimanjaro Trek – Tanzania – Botswana – Zimbabwe – South Africa
"We wanted a "trip of a lifetime" to celebrate our 25th anniversary – and before we knew it we had mapped out a six week adventure starting with the challenge of climbing Kilimanjaro, ending with six wonderful days in Cape town, South Africa and in between, experiencing the amazing beauty and nature of Ngorongoro Crater, the migration in northern Serengeti, a balloon safari in Central Serengeti, a safari in the Okavango Delta and Chobe reserves in Botswana, a visit to the spectacular Victoria Falls, a train excursion on South Africa's luxury Rovos train to Pretoria, a safari in Kruger National Park and our final stay in Cape town.
Heritage Safaris took our dream and made it into reality by ensuring every connection and detail for each leg of our trip was made seamless. Thierry's knowledge, expertise and passion for Africa were evident as he helped plan each part of the trip. His advice was invaluable and his recommendations for accommodations and safaris were first class. Thierry made himself available whenever we had questions and he kept in close touch with us as we went each step along our planning journey, providing many value added services. Throughout our six week adventure we did not have one "glitch" or problem in any of the well laid out itinerary.
We can honestly say the excitement and high hopes we had for our trip were not only met but exceeded expectation – it was an amazing journey – and Thierry, and Heritage Safaris were a very large part of this.
Tom and Cathy Adair - Vancouver - Aug. 2011
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South Tanzania
Hi Thierry,
Just wanted to write to say "THANKS" for recommending Fox's Ruaha River Lodge and Katavi Wildlife Lodge. Both camps provided excellent service, food, accommodations and guiding. I would highly recommend both camps.
Again thanks for handling all my arrangements, and put me on your list of satisfied customer.
Best regards, Dan McPherson, Calgary, Ab. Oct. 2011
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Kenya – Tanzania – Zanzibar
Hi Thierry!
Serengeti was fantastic. The people were great and we got to see the Wildebeests crossing the river and Seth went out an extra day and saw lots of Lions.
We are now in Zanzibar and I got an ocean front villa! I am so happy and this hotel is gorgeous!
Thank you so much and we will definitely be a reference for you for anyone that wants to go to Africa!
Lori Pinkowski – Vancouver BC - Aug 2011
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Tanzania – Zanzibar
Hi Thierry,
Our trip to Tanzania was the perfect balance of adventure and luxury. The Heritage Safari Company was able to create a custom trip that included all the sights we wanted to see while staying within our travel budget. Our guides were extremely knowledgeable and kind and took care of us like family. Along with a few key Swahili phrases, we came back with an appreciation and love for another culture, experienced incredible wildlife up close and relaxed on white sandy beaches. Asante Sana Heritage Safari Company for creating a most memorable African tour.
Alexandria Worobec – Vancouver BC - Sept 2011
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Kenya - Tanzania - Zanzibar
We don't normally write reviews of our travels, but this time my husband and I felt it important to recognize the excellence of Thierry and his Heritage Safari Company. We went on safari to Kenya & Tanzania--1 week each--plus an additional relaxing week on Zanzibar. I had never been on safari before, and somehow luckily stumbled upon Thierry's company while surfing the net. Thierry was almost always immediately available by phone and if not, promptly returned calls &/or e-mails every time. He has an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience. He not only provided a comprehensive list of route and lodge options for our safari, he was open to incorporating our specific requests as well--we customized a perfect trip. Always a perfect balance of suggestions without forgetting to listen to us too. A private safari (no crowding or competing agendas) is the only way to go. And we were happy to be dealing with a local company that is well-accredited. All this--detailed customization, high-end lodges and private vehicles with knowledgeable English-speaking drivers--at a lesser cost than that of many of the larger well-known group tours with lower-grade lodges! In short, Thierry was a mastermind of organization and resourcefulness provided with excellent customer service. We can't say enough good stuff about the experience and we can't wait for the day we'll be able to take another safari. Thanks again, Thierry!
Shelley Dickson and Gerald Van Stolk – New Westminster BC - May 2011
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Tanzania – Zanzibar
I used The Heritage Safari Company on the recommendation of a friend who did a safari in Kenya a few years ago. My trip was to Tanzania. The Heritage Safari Company set us up with a fantastic 6-day safari in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara and Tarangire parks. Our guide was very knowledgeable and accommodating and the experience unbelievable! This was followed by a few days in magical Zanzibar. Our first hotel was disappointing, but Thierry at Heritage Safaris immediately jumped to action and transferred us, at no extra cost, to much better accommodation. I would use The Heritage Safari Company again in a heartbeat!
Fabienne Youssef – Gatineau QC - Sept 2011
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Tanzania
Hi Thierry
The safari was great ,a little busier than we expected with little down time. The accommodations, food and guide were great but although we knew that this was a private safari we didn't expect to be the only 2 in these migration camps. Over all we had a great trip so thank you for organizing everything for us.
Alice MacLean & Bruce Campbell – Calgary AB - Sept 2011
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Uganda – Rwanda
I had the priviledge and pleasure of planning my trip to Uganda/Rwanda with the assistance of Thierry. Not only was he patient, but he was always accessible by email and phone to answer all my different questions. When I had a minor issue while away, I emailed Thierry and the situation was rectified in a quick manner. I would definitely use Thierry again to plan my trip as his professionalism, knowledge, and guidance went above and beyond what was expected.
Naomi Smith – Scarborough ON - July 2011
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Kenya - Tanzania - Zanzibar
Thierry,
We would like to thank you very much for all your help and guidance for our wonderful trip to Kenya,Tanzania and Zanzibar. Everything from start to finish was perfect from your associates Joseph in Kenya and Omar in Zanzibar to all of the accommodations, I do prefer the tent camps or smaller lodge to the larger lodges. All the guides were great especially Daniel from Tanzania and Omar in Zanzibar who came back to the hotel after picking up another group of guests, to make sure I was ok after I had an ear infection problem to see if I needed a ride to a doctor or a pharmacy. I will definitely recommend Heritage Safari to anyone considering going on a safari, I know I will go back and use Thierry’s services once again.
Thank you,
Michel and Cheryl - Whistler, BC - Sept 2011
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Kilimanjaro Trek
Fabulous! The guide, particularly, named Amani, was excellent and the whole crew was very professional and organized. Would definately recommend the guide highly............ The whole process of organizing the trip through you was also very smooth/ easy.
Thanks again!
Hanna Ezzat - Vancouver - Oct 2011
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Tanzania
Hi Thierry, The safari was awesome!!! Noel our driver was a godsend. He is a walking (driving) encyclopaedia of those parks and their birds and animals! All the arrangements were perfect What a fantastic, unforgettable trip! Thanks!
Sirpa Lehtonen - Belgium - Sept 2011
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Kenya
Hi Thierry. We had a wonderful trip!
Samburu was by far our favorite part of Kenya. Intrepids was beautiful, fun for the kids, and warm. We saw all the special 5 of Samburu as well as 4/5 of the big 5. The rhino we saw promptly upon our first safari in Mara. Joseph was a great help in Nairobi, and was informative, punctual, and fun with our children. Thank you for arranging us to be guided by him. We had dinner with joseph and his wife upon our return to Nairobi, and she was equally warm and friendly. Mara intrepids was beautiful and the safaris were very rewarding with lots of animals to see. Sweet waters as well was terrific. Not as luxurious as intrepids, but clean and spacious enough. Thank you again for organizing such a wonderful adventure!!
Karin Petersen Family – Manitouwadge ON - June 2011
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Tanzania – Kilimanjaro Trek - Zanzibar
We planned our 3 week long safari / Kilimanjaro climb / Zanzibar vacation through Thierry at Heritage Safaris. Despite being located out of the province, we had a very easy time keeping in contact with the Vancouver based company. Thierry made himself very accessible through email & telephone (he even answered voice mails / emails on the weekends). Thierry was extremely helpful during the (long) planning process. He was sensitive to our requests & needs, especially those to do with budgeting & scheduling (being a teacher, I had very little flexibility in our departure & return). We were thoroughly impressed with Thierry's attention to detail, his ability to meet our requests & his invaluable advice based on several years of experience. We were pleased with Heritage Safari right from the get-go & about a week before the trip we actually worried that Thierry might've set the bar too high & thought 'what if the trip doesn't live up to the hype & expectation'!! We were very very pleasantly surprised to find that this was definitely not the case! Thierry called us a few days prior to our departure to see if we needed anything / had questions / offer great tips & pointers. When we arrived at our first lodge, we found a letter from Thierry wishing us a great adventure. All of our guides were extremely friendly and had a so much knowledge to share...I did not expect to learn so much on this trip! Above all, we really appreciated that the entire trip was extremely well planned & organized...EVERYTHING went according to schedule (& we all know how often that actually happens)!
Michelle Leung and Patrick Chau – Toronto ON - Dec 2010
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Uganda -Tanzania – Zanzibar
I was so pleasantly surprised with the utmost resourcefulness and helpfulness that Thierry Cellier, the tour operator/owner, offered me when I wanted to book an adventurous trip followed by a relaxing beach/sun two weeks resort. Everything from flights, to hotels, to sight seeing (safari-kili and gorilla trek), to my special food needs etc...were met and exceeded my expectations. Very neatly organized, well planned out, which I am sure must have been difficult to do. Thierry always made sure that all my questions, desires and worries were answered, met and talked about. And sure I had lots of silly questions and concerns... :-) Thank you so very much Thierry, I could not have done this without your help, professional experience and expertise. It was the trip of a life time. I will recommend you to all of my friends.
Sandrina S. – North Vancouver BC - Dec 2010
