TESTIMONIALS
"We absolutely recommend Penwell African Safaris. Kathy has a depth of knowledge unusual in travel agencies from her many years of African travels."
"Our trip was tailored to us. We opted for several safari locations chosen together with Penwell. Kathy and Tracey listened to our interests and exceeded our expectations in each regard. The significance of their personal knowledge of each camp, its staff, and expert level safari guides cannot be overstated. Camp staff was welcoming and professional. Their gracious hospitality invites one to love Africa.
Wondering about our safari? Of course we saw the Big Five, but so much more. Our photos of lions, leopards, and cheetahs so close to our vehicle that friends at home gasp in fear. An elephant brushed the rear of our open safari vehicle as he sauntered by. We were a car length from a lioness nursing three cubs. We quietly followed a momma cheetah and two cubs as they walked the Sarengeti plain. We stood so close to giraffes at the historic Leakey camp in Olduvai that I almost forgot they were wild animals. There were beautiful birds, flamingos, storks, hippos, crocs. and wildebeests crossing the Mara, and more... so much more. We will never forget this trip!"
- Michael and Linda
"We traveled to Africa in August and visited Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania.
The tours were very well organized and could not have asked for a better experience or accommodations. Every guide and driver we had were knowledgeable, personable, and funny. They really wanted you to have the best Safari experience possible. In Uganda, it was such a great experience to see the gorillas in the rain forest. It was a hard trek but totally worth the experience. We got to see so much wildlife in Tanzania (lions, zebra, cape buffalo, hyena, jackals, cheetah, elephant and so much more), but most importantly we were lucky to see 5 Wildebeest migrations across the river!
We were really impressed with the food offerings and the chef at each camp was sensitive to the dietary needs of our party (vegetarian for one traveler and lactose sensitivity to another). From the early morning game drives and morning tea in the bush, to afternoon lunches at the camps, to beautiful sundowners in the evening, and delicious dinners we felt catered to at every stop. The staff at each camp was amazing! We look forward to our next trip over to Africa!"
-Marc
"The trip itinerary that Penwell Safaris put together for me was the perfect balance of cultural and environmental explorations.
Each camp I stayed in, from the Ngorongoro Crater to Central and Southern Serengeti, to the island of Rubondo, had a team of knowledgeable and friendly staff who celebrated the natural beauty of their surroundings. Their love and respect for their country inspired me to take in every moment with complete awe and appreciation for the diverse, intelligent ecosystems and majestic wildlife that thrived in the Bowl of Plenty and endless plains of the bush. Driving through thousands of wildebeests and zebras while they fed on grass and instinctively migrated through the great Serengeti was an overwhelming sight to behold with muffled sounds of hoofs and grunts, yet deeply peaceful at the same time. It sometimes took my breath away. Even the industrious dung beetles rolling their dung balls were as exciting to observe as the the big five and scavenging hyenas. But the strikingly beautiful faces and welcoming attitude of the Tanzanian people were the icing on the cake. Pure joy and a sense of belonging came through every “Mambo” greeting they shared with each other and with us as we wandered through their vast, abundant land. My trip was a life-affirming adventure that I would recommend to anyone. And I plan to go back for more!"
-Sue
"I could not describe how magnificent my experience was on a 10 day safari through the Serengeti with Kathy.
Of all of my world travels, this was the most memorable trip. From sundowners on top of beautiful rock structures, to an extraordinary lakeside breakfast watching the sunrise to the thrill of watching a cheetah hunt and kill. Every moment of the trip was memorable. Kathy brings a breadth of experience and opportunity that few other African safari companies can provide. I cannot plan my next trip soon enough! Happy Travels! Asante."
-Michael
"I met Kathy back in the late 1980s. One day 5 friends began talking about taking a trip together and Kathy mentioned Africa. How could anyone say “no” to tagging along with Kathy, since she was/is a world traveler and traveled to Africa tons of times. Kathy said she loved planning the trip and managed it all, from phone calls and tons of emails. She asked us if we wanted to rough it, go glamping or a bit of both. She arranged the entire trip and Oh Em Gee, WOW!! That was THE trip of a lifetime! We traveled to Arusha, where we met up with THE BEST safari guide (father, brother & uncle) there is, Jadim George Luangila. This was an amazing trip filled with wonderful people, 100% white glove customer care, the most beautiful animal kingdom you will ever witness, along with the most gorgeous night skies. When you get that desire to travel to Africa, it’s a MUST you call Kathy Harvey!"
-Lisa
My trip through Penwell Safaris was the most amazing adventure I’ve ever been on.
I can’t even compare it to any other trip. Not just the safaris, the restaurants, the on time drivers, but everything from soup to nuts was perfection.
We never had to look for something to do because the trip was planned so well. Yes, we did have down time which meant you grabbed a refreshment from your refrigerator and escaped to the deck on your room, and watched the elephants parade in front of you, along with monkeys, wild boars, rhinos and many more. The safaris were unbelievable. And the guides were so knowledgeable and accommodating. Cedric at Sabi Sands was amazing. We had coffee in the bush, along with cocktails, and even barbecues and Pizza. Soooo fun! Can’t wait to go back and I will definitely go through Penwell.
-Mary Claire
I had the most wonderful, memorable safari experience thanks to Penwell Safari.
Kathy listened all my dreams and wishes and put together the perfect fit for my son and I. Having been on safari previously I knew I wanted to fly and spend time in each camp not travel to too many places. Kathy picked Saruni Mara and intrepids Samburu which are very different landscapes.
Saruni Marathon is Masai owned and operated. Which I loved knowing I was supporting the local people. Beautiful camp, food was fabulous our guide Tika was terrific. Our room was perfect, veranda overlooking open space where different animals came through every day and night. Zebra, giraffes, monkeys. The minute we stepped off the plane the safari began we saw elephants, giraffes, wildebeest, hyenas so many different kinds of animals All in the first hour of arrival really overwhelming. It was market day and people were walking with goats and cattle, our guide knew most of them. So they waved and chatted about market. A couple we met at dinner had gone to the market that day and said how interesting it was and showed us what they’d bought. One evening we had a bush dinner it was a terrific time singing and dancing around the fire. we saw every animal we could ever want to see up close, beautiful lunches and sundowners in the bush, never rushed, set our own schedule.
-Diane & Bill
My wife and I traveled to Tanzania in September, 2023. It was our first major trip, post retirement, and one that we had been talking about and planning for several years. It turned out to be the most memorable trip we have ever had, and we’ve been to some wonderful places.
We stumbled upon Penwell African Adventures by accident; an unlikely referral by a friend and trusted advisor. Once we made contact with Kathy and Tracey the planning and itinerary process was so straightforward and simple we began to wonder what we must have overlooked. Rarely does any major travel planning go smoothly, but our experience with Penwell was seamless.
We choose to fly Ethiopian Airways and upgrade to Business Class. This turned out to be a very satisfying decision and we arrived in Kilimanjaro 13 hours later rested and well fed.
From the moment of our arrival in Tanzania until our departure 14 days later we were guided by a string of drivers and property hosts at four different camps across much of the public lands of the Serengeti. Each was an extraordinary ambassador of goodwill and a source of encyclopedic knowledge and insight into the habitat and the creatures, great and small, that call the Serengeti home.
We came to the Serengeti to see the sights, but it turned out to be so much more; we experienced an adventure. I won’t attempt to describe the breathtaking anticipation of the great migration and the wilder-beast river crossing, the lion stalking its prey, or the leopard dragging an antelope to a tree top to eat at its leisure. These are things that need to be seen with ones own eyes to fully appreciate. The scene is timeless, predating human experience and leaves you with a new awareness and appreciation for the beauty, fragility and intricacies of nature.
Our accommodations were unique and memorable. We stayed at four different camps. All were clean, comfortable and exceeded our expectations. The staff was attentive and welcoming, always happy to answer any questions, engage in friendly conversation and respond to any request. The people of Tanzania that we had an opportunity to meet with were friendly, fun and sincere. They really made the trip a success. We think of them, especially our drivers/guides, often and always fondly.
We may never have an opportunity to return to Tanzania, but our memories of the country and its people will remain cherished always. A special thanks to Kathy and Tracey for all your support. We appreciate you.
-Bill and Nancy