Client Comments

Reviews of World Primate Safaris - What You Say About Us...

Here you will find some comments from our clients. You can read more independent reviews of World Primate Safaris at Travelblog.org and African Safari Journals.

Pete and Liz - Tanzania and Rwanda Safari - March 2010

"Will, I wanted to say thanks again for your efforts in assembling the itinerary, lodging and guides for our trip to both Tanzania and Rwanda. This was truly a special experience and one that Liz and I will remember (and brag about) for years to come. The multitude of remarkable images, both photographic and personal, that we have taken from this journey are ones that we will cherish forever.

Your expertise and professionalism in ensuring that our trip goals were fulfilled are to be commended. Additionally your personal commitment to your client’s satisfaction as well as the protection of the natural resource are not often seen on the level we were fortunate to experience.

I would hope that some of our friends may take our advice and avail themselves of the services of your firm. I have spoken to Betty at length about our experience and I am sure she will be confident in booking clients with you in the future."

Sarah - Madagascar Holidays - July 2009

"The whole trip was an amazing experience and the organisation was really excellent."

Judith and David - Rwanda and Tanzania Highlights Safari - July 2009

"It was the most amazing trip ever, and every detail was perfect. We can't thank you enough for creating the perfect experience. I'm serious....there is absolutely nothing I would change.

The guides were perfect, the food was unbelievable (I have never eaten so well in my life), the accommodations perfect. Everything. A fantastic job. We miss it already, and are beginning to plan our trip back. Probably this time to Murchison Falls, Masai Mara and some other things. We will be looking to you for expertise."

KC - Borneo Safari Tour - June 2009

"Hi James. The Borneo Safari has been excellent. Everything has been perfect. had a pregnant orangutan sitting right beside us on the boardwalk, 36 pygmy elephants swim across the river RIGHT in front of our boat (that's the day after we watched a herd of elephants graze on the shoreline), an elephant was outside my back door one night (I could have touched him), and a green sea turtle decided she couldn't wait to lay her eggs and came ashore DURING THE DAY. We got to witness the entire thing in broad daylight. Amazing.

Okay, James! Sumatra rocks too! Sabar my guide was fantastic and I had a glorious time. I'm in the Medan airport waiting for my flight to Jakarta. I had an amazing week in Sumatra. I even got to meet the legendary bitchy orangutan Mena and her baby. Well, Mena took a shine to me and she let me feed her baby! AWESOME! We saw 7 orangutans during our jungle trek. Heaven.

I had an exceptional time on this trip…my first time anywhere in Asia. I booked this trip because I am a HUGE animal lover and I got everything I wanted from the trip. The assistance and advice I received from James Williams (and Shaun when James was on vacation) was superior. The guides were amazing, the sights were gorgeous and the animals viewings were spectacular."

Heather and Scott - Borneo Honeymoon Holiday - June 2009

"We said we wanted to see orangutans in the wild and elephants and we did! We loved everything!"

Peter and Co - Borneo Tailored Wildlife Tour - April 2009

"Hi James. Got back safely on Sunday. I have just seen a feedback form which I will answer, but I also wanted to send you a note, and a copy to your MD, just to amplify a few things and to ensure that you get the recognition that you deserve. I am almost at a loss as to how to best describe the trip you put together for us: superb, amazing, fantastic, awesome, brilliant? None of these even come close to how we feel right now. I truly believed that the company we have been dealing with for our South American adventures would be impossible to beat for the quality of the service provided but you did it!! Your suggested itinerary fitted the bill perfectly. Having a single guide from arrival at Kota Kinabalu until we went to Mataking was perfect. We cannot praise Maik highly enough for everything he did for us from getting us up the mountain, finding me a doctor for my toes, being so utterly interested in the wildlife and everything else we came across, taking us on more, longer trips and treks than was allowed for in the schedule because he knew the people at the lodges and was allowed to take us out and do our own thing, showing us some of his ‘secret finds’, being attentive at all times and even being great company to share meals and a beer with each day. What a wonderful man he is. Having experienced tailor made trips just for the two of us before we had an expectation but this surpassed all of them and the benefits of being on our own with just the guide paid off on some many occasions e.g. jungle tours started at 0630 so Mike took us out at 0600 to get to see the wildlife before it was disturbed by the larger groups. Many other travellers expressed their envy of our situation and on one morning it was a defining moment – we passed two large groups, with local guides, on the canopy walk in Danum Valley who reported seeing nothing special then 100 yards later, a mere 20 yards from the walkway, was a large male Orang Utan sleeping in his large nest which Mike spotted in an instant (quickly followed by us) and everyone else in both other groups, including the guides, had missed completely (which was almost impossible). My wife went back to tell the other groups, who were so grateful, and Mike wouldn’t tell me what he said to their guides in Malay but is sounded sarcastic! Mataking itself was a real surprise. Such superb coral and the huge variety of fish and other marine life a mere 10 yards from our chalet was astonishing. We even got to see a turtle lay 99 eggs on the beach one night. The organisation in every single aspect from the time we arrived until we left was completely flawless which made everything so easy and enjoyable- we never worried about anything for the whole time. Due mainly to Mike’s attention to detail and rapport with the locals we got so see Orang Utans in the wild on more than one occasion, elephants in the wild, crocodiles, snakes, wild boar etc...So, James, thanks again for making this superb trip such a success and a delight and I hope you can do the same for us again."

Barbara and Steve - Gorilla Safari to Uganda - Feb 2009

“Our trip will provide memories for a lifetime!!! I have been downloading a sorting our over 2000 pictures we took. Uganda is an amazing place. We certainly went for the primates, but also found we fell in love with the people and the country. What an experience. So glad we were able to spend time at Ngamba Island. The chimps there were certainly a very special addition to our experience. We did both the Forest Walk and the newer Infant Integration Program. Incredible!!!”

Judy and Sterling - Uganda Gorilla Safari - Feb 2009

"I just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed our trip to Uganda. It was fabulous. Our guide, Fred, was especially good. He helped make the trip a great success. He is just a wonderful guide. He found animals that other guides in the savannah couldn't find. We saw at least a dozen lions, including two different groups in trees. We also saw a very large leopard come out from behind some vegetation, walk over to a tree and climb it. I don't know how he spotted them; they were all but invisible to us until he pointed them out. Our gorilla tracking event was also terrific. Our guides managed to find our gorilla family within 30 minutes--a good thing for me, since the climb was pretty strenuous! Seeing them was, of course, a really wonderful and touching experience.

The other thing I want to mention is that Fred figured out that my birthday occurred during the trip--at the Ishasha camp. He arranged for the staff to surprise me with a birthday cake, complete with singing 'Happy Birthday." Also, the staff gave us a bottle of wine for my birthday for dinner that night. So, my birthday included seeing a leopard, two lions in a tree, a birthday cake, and a lovely bottle of wine. A memorable day. That Fred did all this just upon seeing my birthdate in my passport copy is quite remarkable. He is truly an expert guide and a lovely man. Thanks for all your help with making this trip possible."

Penny and Ian - A Madagasar Wildlife Holiday - August 2008

"We had a fabulous time in Madagascar, mixing a range of different experiences which gave us the opportunity to see and experience the real Madagascar. It is such a large island it would have been impossible to see all the country but within a 3 week period we were able to sample a number of the unique areas which make the island so interesting and diverse: from the "buzzy" ex-colonial capital of Tana to the rain forests of the north east of the island, finally ending on the idyllic island of Tsarabanjina. Seeing many different varieties of lemur, often quite close at hand in the wild was an experience one will never forget. The wildness of the primary rainforest on the Masaola peninsular was a particular favourite with walks through magnificent forest which ran right down to the sea. The peace and quiet of Bush House on Lake Amphitabe, a stones throw from the Indian Ocean, was restful and an absolute delight, followed by a memorable boat ride up the intriguing Pangalanes canal which was full of wildlife and numerous photo opportunities. And, finally five days of luxury sea, sand and sun on the tiny Tsarabanjina with hump back whales swimming by on their annual migration. Throughout the trip, which involved many a transfer, not always in the most obvious of places, we were met on time by various smiling,malagasy guides or drivers who were always full of information. It all went without a hitch and we just want to get back there again as there is so much more to see."

Alexandra and Family - A Family Borneo Wildlife Safari - September 2008

"Every part of the holiday was truly amazing but the climb up Mount Kinabalu probably stands out as the best bit. An increadibly tough assent followed by a somewhat painful descent but what a sense of achievement and sat at the summit watching the sunrise having made the climb took away what little breath we had left! Superb, amazing, fantastic, unforgettable, life changing and emotional just to start with. There really aren't enough words to describe just how wonderful every part of the holiday was, from the food, to the people to the accommodation to the food, to the experiences! Can't wait for the next one!"

Johnathan and Caroline - A Madagascar Honeymooon Vacation - July 2008

"We just wanted to get in touch to thank you for organising such a fantastic honeymoon for us (22 July - 6 August). Madagascar was everything we had hoped for and we had an fabulous time - particularly the sifakas at Berenty, which were are full of character as I'd always imagined, and the whale watching on Sainte Marie, which was absolutely amazing. The drivers and guides you provided were first class and really went out of their way to show us a good time and we felt thoroughly looked after."

Kevin and Girlfriend - Borneo Wildlife and Adventure Holiday - August 2008

"Dear Mr.Bolsover,

I just wanted to drop a quick note to you regarding the tremendous holiday my girlfriend and I have just finished. It was magnificent and I must congratulate your UK based staff as well as the company you use in Borneo. I missed my initial flight from Heathrow and James on the emergency telephone no. was very helpful to me throughout my unscheduled flights also arranging pick-up for me when I arrived a day late in Borneo. The itinerary was great, very varied and interesting although I think you should stress exactly how hard the climb of Mt. Kinabalu is, I understand from Maik that you did not make past 4Km due to time restraints- that was the easiest bit, it got incredibly difficult from there on, increasingly so all the way to the top. We both made it but my girlfriend could barely walk for three days afterwards due to sore muscles!! Maik and Miki were brilliant and so knowledgeable about everything, we learnt a huge amount about the flora , fauna and country. Should you need any references or blogs about your Borneo adventure for anything I would be more than happy to oblige. I hope to do another of your holidays some time in the future as it was one of the best holidays I’ve done. Congratulations to you and your staff!!"

Taffeta and Husband - A Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Safari Honeymoon - August 2008

"I just wanted to email and thank you for all your hard work and help. We had the most magical honeymoon. We loved every lodge and had the most amazing time seeing primates! We ended up seeing the gorillas three times. We also saw incredible game in Queen Elizabeth National Park - including three male lions climbing trees in Ishasha, a leopard and hundreds of elephants. We couldn't fault any of the lodges, the service was exceptional and we have never eaten so much!"

Gordon and Sheryl - A Uganda Gorilla Safari - July 2008

"We had an excellent trip! The itinerary offered lots of variety so that we didn't feel like we were game driving all the time! We went walking around the park in Lake Mburo; the gorilla trekking was challenging (and, of course, awesome when you find the gorillas - which we did both days... as well as getting charged by a lone male while en route to a group); then a few game drives to recover; and a beautiful boat ride. All of the Uganda accommodation was wonderfully situated with amazing views and was very comfortable. Thank you for setting up an excellent trip. Uganda is truly a great country to visit."

Kate and Marcel - A Borneo Wildlife Tour - May 2008

"We were very well looked after from start to finish. The Borneo accommodation was above and beyond what we expected in all locations. The Borneo holiday totally met our expectations and more. We were really impressed by wildlife. We saw pretty much everything Borneo had to offer other than gibbons and elephants. We saw some really rare creatures including the western Tarsia, but most important of all we saw Orangutans in the wild, which was why we went."

Dave and Emma - US - Madagascar Honeymoon Safari - March 2008

"Emma and I have returned from our safari and I wanted to express our gratitude for this magnificent and unique experience. I deeply appreciate your patience with all of the problems we had in scheduling this trip and arranging payment. Your flexability with us paid off and our experience in Madagascar was truly fantastic. We especially appreciate your suggestions of the Bush House and Le Hotel Paradiser. Both places were just great, the Bush House in particular. We were the only guests there duing our stay. The staff there was remarkably friendly and made us feel right at home. The wildlife there is amazing. We had a bamboo lemur chase a mouse lemur across the roof of our bungalo and I had a huge stick bug climb up my arm while I sat in the small hotel lounge. Our guides were all professional and friendly. Hary is Antanarivo was very helpful and offered a lot of useful advice on the city during our stay."

Carol and Co - UK - Borneo Wildlife Tour - February 2008

"We had an extremely enjoyable trip. Everyone we met was very friendly, helpful and ensured we enjoyed every moment of our trip, and the itinerary met all our expectations"

Tony - UK - Madagascar Wildlife Safari - November 2007

"Exceeded Expectations! Brilliant! We would specifically mention our driver Mirantu. His attention, personality and enthusiasm was a very major factor in the success of the trip."

Jacqui - UK - Rwanda Gorilla Tracking Safari - October 2007

"I just wanted to email you all and say thank you so much for all your help with organising my trip to Rwanda in October to go gorilla tracking, I know that I hassled you loads for details etc before I went, as was quite nervous about going but I had the absolute trip of a life time and loved every minute of it, in fact my only regret is that I didn't stay longer in Rwanda, so will definitely be recommending it and your company to friends."

Fiona - UK - Congo and Central African Republic Pioneering Trip - Oct 2007

"Will definitely made the whole experience very smooth. He was especially good at keeping calm on the surface when things went wrong so that we did not feel worried or uncomfortable."

Tony and Wife - UK - A Madagascar Wildlife Safari - September 2007

"Thank you and your colleagues for organising our trip. I have to say that it was absolutely outstanding - what a place!! Some brilliant photos as well. Excellent in every respect and thanks for putting together such a well thought through and ideally suited package. We will be back on your website again for more of what you have to offer!!"

Jenny and Jeffrey - UK - A Madagascar wildlife trip - September 2007

"Thank you Will for organising such an excellent holiday. Soandro our guide was superb and all the wildlife guides were excellent as were the drivers. We saw so much and had a wonderful holiday. Recommending World Primate Safaris and Madagascar to all our friends. Look forward to travelling with you again"

Ann and Family - UK - A Madagascar Wildlife Holiday and Luxury Beaches - August 2007

"We had a wonderful holiday!"

Viv and Family - UK - A Family Wildlife Holiday to Borneo - August 2007

"We really enjoyed ourselves and it was excellent for the children too. I would highly recommend it as a family holiday if you want something a bit different...they loved it and have so many ideas based on real experience now. I cannot recommend the staff highly enough in Borneo at all our venues. A really safe, friendly, helpful feel."

Phil and Claire - UK - Borneo Wildlife Holiday - July 2007

"The holiday I’m pleased to say ranks as one of the best we have ever had. The choice of locations that you picked out for us was just the right balance between comfort and still allowing us to experience remote areas of the country."

Kirsteen and Paul - UK - Tracking Orangutans in Borneo and Sumatra on their Honeymoon! - May 2007

"Absolutely brilliant. What can we say! The people, the scenery, the animals, the food - all absolutely fantastic. It most definitely was the trip of a lifetime and we will never forget it."

"Excellent. One of the main positives for us of our trip was that we were staying with local people and in local places for the majority of our holiday, and that the money we were spending was going directly to the local communities."

Julia and Raul - UK - Gorilla and Chimpanzee tracking in Uganda and Rwanda - April 2007

"This was an expensive holiday, however it was a once in a lifetime very memorable experience. Everywhere we went the service, food and comfort was excellent. Our driver Lawrence was exceptional. Thank you."

"Wonderful countries & a very memorable holiday. Lawrence is an excellent driver and a credit to your company."

Barry and Lisa - CANADA - Madagascar Wildlife Holiday and Luxury Beach Relaxation - Oct 2006

"I can honestly say the follow-up received from Will far exceed that of the other tour operators we contacted. The program he provided was attentive to our demands and specific to our travel objectives and the quality of the accommodations that we were interested in. Subsequent to the initial contact our itinerary was fine-tuned and finalized based on our responses to Will’s questions and the availability dates for hotel rooms and aircraft. Once in Madagascar all components of the itinerary were followed in a flawless fashion, all reservations pertaining to hotels, vehicles, guides and aircraft were perfect with no hitches or even delays being encountered."