Fish Eagle Safaris — Local services in Houston

I would like to summarize by saying this trip the best two weeks of my life. I have wanted this trip since I was a very small girl, and despite 50 years of anticipation this trip exceeded every expectation. Each facility we visited was fabulous. I can’t even pick a favorite. We visited Tsavo East, Tsavo West, Eagle View at the Naboisho Conservancy, and in very sturdy mobile tents in the Serengeti. In Tsavo East we had the three huts next to the watering hole! Eagle View in the Naboisho Conservancy had perhaps the most beautiful view I’ve ever seen. I would not likely opt for the mobile tent option again. We were fairly warned that it was more rustic, and truly those gentlemen did everything in the world they could for our comfort. This is purely a matter of preference and nothing bad about the mobile tents. In fact, my children have both said that that was their favorite location so please take this comment as coming from a spoiled old lady. The guides were all truly phenomenal. I cannot emphasize to you how impressed we were with their knowledge and love of wildlife. We timed this trip to see the wildebeest migration and were graced with a particularly large and impressive one. We were able to see so much from our hot air balloon ride. Apparently this year there were 3 million wildebeests! The day we took our balloon ride was apparently the busiest day as of yet for wildebeests in that area. We had front row seats. I highly highly recommend the balloon trip. The food was phenomenal. I bought a cookbook at Eagle View. Each meal was better than the next. At Tsavo East I commented something about local, traditional Kenyan food. The very next day the chef had prepared two special dishes just for our table so I could try it. Everyone and each location was incredibly accommodating and gracious. We were happy with Fish Eagle Safaris’s supporting ethical ecotourism. I appreciate that the gift shops at each site sold items created by people in the local community, helping the local humans. Leveraging tourists to make these animals more valuable to the local community as well as their government and the world at large is the only way to save them. I think the people of Kenya have this figured out in a way that is respectful to the animals and local humans as well. I will travel to Africa again and will only do so with Fish...

Over the past 20 years, we have travelled to Africa several times with Bert. We’ve seen Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya and South Africa. In all the seasons. On our most recent trip to Mashatu (Botswana) and MalaMala (South Africa) during their spring we found a remarkable diversity and density of animals. Cats, hyena, elephants, rhino, antelope, bat-eared fox, African wild dogs, many birds – quite remarkable.

What distinguishes Bert is that he knows Africa well. He travels there regularly. He knows the camps first-hand. He knows the managers. He knows the guides. He knows the seasons. And he is passionate about the wildlife. Clearly, he enjoys helping others discover a land that he loves.

Bert knows how to travel in Africa. Wherever you travel, local knowledge is helpful. Our trips have been more efficient than I could have planned on my own. He knows the process and has guided us well. And when plans have gone awry (travel is full of surprises) Bert has been there – sometimes in the middle of his night – to find a solution. I suspect his fixing problems quickly reflects the fact that he knows people on the ground, and they know him.

Tours which Bert develops are highly personalized. Our experiences in the camps we have visited have been intimate. The attention and care and comfort we have been shown has been wonderful, and often intense. African travel is not inexpensive, but if you have the opportunity to go, you should not miss it. Bert’s service is not the least expensive, but it is the best value we have found.

Prior to our trips we have discussed with Bert what we wanted to do, and what we could afford; Bert and his team are creative in coming up with workable solutions. We have appreciated and benefited from his advice. The first time we travelled to Africa someone told us, “Once you get Africa’s smoke in your lungs you will never get it out.” It’s true. Be forewarned that going on a safari is addictive. But if you are fortunate enough to go, know that Bert will take good...

If we could give more stars we would!! I looked into many companies offering safaris and most were similar and could offer wonderful excursions or didn't really know the various countries well, but a friend recommended Fish Eagle Safaris which she used and we were thrilled we met them. It was a gift!!! They listened to what we wanted to see and experience and designed a trip accordingly. Because this is a family owned travel company and they know Africa well and spend a great deal of time there, they really knew the different countries and what each had to offer us to fit our wants. Every lodge they set up for us was above and beyond comfort, service, cuisine and hospitality . The guides at each lodge we visited were experts in every part of the safari from the animals, plants, animal behavior, culture of the people and the villages. Since you spend almost 10 hrs. with the guides and the staff, you become close and good friends. Bert and his sons from Fish Eagle zoomed us with details and constantly kept in touch with us regarding flights in country, connections and transfers from one lodge to another. The entire experience was effortless on our part. Someone was always there waiting for us and getting us to the next point whether a flight or a new lodge guide. We didn't have to think about a thing as Fish Eagle thought of every detail each day for us. If you are thinking of a safari in your future, go with a company that knows Africa intimately and actually has visited the places they recommend. Of all our experiences with hundreds and hundreds of animals, the one that will always be with us is dining with the elephants at Nehimba Lodge each night, or having your evening cocktail out in the bush at sunset with animals around you. Don't put it off, life is...