It is difficult to put into words just what my trip to Africa means to me. Never before have I had the honor of meeting such joyful, welcoming and beautiful people as I did in Kenya and Uganda. Our safari far exceeded my wildest expectations (how many people can say they saw lionesses snuggling or were kissed by a giraffe?) and my volunteering experience in Uganda was a beautiful gift I will cherish always. I have Cynthia to thank for guiding me on this incredible journey with grace, humour and integrity. Cynth, same time next year?
Christie Dart
Calgary, Canada
It has always been a dream of mine to do a safari in Africa and now I have officially struck this item off my "to-do in the lifetime" list as I made that dream a reality through the assistance of Benefactours.
The itinerary was thoughtfully prepared in my estimation as we experienced both dry and unforgiving terrain as well as lush and abundant green space.
I would without hesitation recommend Benefactours for their travel expertise and coordination efforts. All questions were answered promptly and their flexibility in offering changes or additions to the original itinerary were explored and acted on swiftly.
I am almost afraid to book another safari for fear that it can't live up to this fantastic trip. In the case that I do decide to proceed, I will be using Benefactours to ensure the best possible outcome.
Vesna Coleman
Vancouver, Canada
This was an experience of a lifetime. I have never worked with a more responsive person who understood what I was asking and answered that question succinctly. Your information package was superlative. We used it extensively. The safari guide was over the top. He could identify everything, was also very good at spotting the birds and animals (we were the only group that saw leopard). All delivered far more than we paid for. This was the most organized trip I have ever been on. We got the bargain of a lifetime.
Patrick McGill
Wilmington, Delaware, USA
I would like to commend you and BenefacTours Inc. for tailoring this well organized safari trip for us. We are highly pleased with your delivery of services. Everything went smoothly according to the daily scheduled activities and the travel itinerary. The staff were highly professional. I will definitely recommend you to our friends here in Saudi Arabia. Our Safari in East Africa was an amazing experience! We saw the big five.
Amel Gashgari
Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
We had a fabulous trip. Our guide really made it for us - super human eyes and a really nice man. We struck lucky. Thanks for putting the whole thing together for us - it all went like a dream! Thank-you also for the extras you threw in for us. Really appreciated all your efforts and thoughtful ideas for our trip.
Susina Wheatley
Woodbridge, Suffolk, UK
It was a fantastic experience. I would recommend you because I felt very safe the whole time and knew that someone was always looking after us. This was the best trip I have ever had thanks to you.
Arja Sokkanen
Burnaby, BC, Canada
Volunteering at the orphanage was an amazing, rewarding experience and I would do it again in a heartbeat. The sisters also helped to make the experience a special one; they were so kind to me and they went out of their way to make me feel at home. I will never forget my experience. I really can't thank you enough for all your patience, support and help regarding my visit to Uganda. It was such a comfort knowing that if I had an issue I could email or call you and receive a speedy response. You really go above and beyond!
Yvette Andrizzi
Northridge, CA, USA
Our trip was amazing! Thank you so much for all you did to make everything perfect. The accommodations were great, our time at the orphanage was so fun and... the safari was an awesome experience. We were very well taken care of. I will definitely recommend Benefactours to anyone I know who is considering going to Africa.
Mylinda Peoples
Lawson, MO. , USA
The operator in Kenya was really exceptional in their professionalism, experience and projecting a sincere and personal interest in our enjoyment. The itinerary in Uganda did an excellent job of giving us a sense of the country and its diversity. Really enjoyed the mix of activities. Even though we did not see a lot of Kenya, what we did see was so different that it felt like we had seen / done a lot more- from the Mara to the Indian Ocean to Shimba Hills. Such different scenery, geography, climates etc. Great combination in a short visit. We had an amazing time. We absolutely loved the two countries, the people, the scenery, the animal and bird life, everything. It surpassed all expectations that we had and we will continue to recommend your services and travel to East Africa.
Sandra Marin
Edmonton, Canada
You cannot believe how happy I am for doing this, though was too short. Everything was as you had described it, even better. I am so sad of leaving and all I can think of is how to apply for a job in Uganda. The staff was very friendly and I think the charity is doing an amazing job there. I can't wait for going back! I made tons of friends, there were plenty of volunteers there. I wish I had stayed more, but planning to come back soon.
Mirela Iancu
Bucharest, Romania
Volunteering was an incredible experience. Every day when I went over, at least a few children would run over to me, happy to see me. My duties included helping out with the small babies after bath time in the morning and evening, and playtime after lunch. After the babies were bathed, the two other volunteers and I would dry and dress them. Then I would help keep them occupied and chase after the ones who tried to make a getaway down the hall outside the play room. The sisters were so kind and welcoming and the meals were great.
Teri Lawrence
Calgary, Canada
We booked our East Africa trip through Benefactours and had an excellent experience. Cynthia at Benefactours took care of our accommodation in Kigali, advised us on our customized safari, arranged our accommodation and volunteering in the Jinja area, and booked our homestay in Nairobi. Knowing it was our first visit to Africa, the Benefactours people went above and beyond to ensure that we were comfortable at each stage of our adventure. If only the airlines could be this reliable. Cynthia and her team really know East Africa!
Nancy Zegarchuk
Vancouver, Canada
A special thanks to Cynthia and her staff for a great job of organizing our volunteer project in Mbale, Uganda. Working with the staff and children at the home was a most gratifying experience. We will never forget the kindness and hospitality extended to us. The babies and the pre-schoolers will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Barbara McBratnie
Altamonte Springs, Florida, USA
I want to thank you for the opportunity you gave me to really know a little bit of Uganda. Francis and Milly were a great support to me. They are really special and make me feel so well. Having dinner with Henry and family was superb as it got me in touch with tradition. The experience volunteering was great. The kids are so sweet, the staff very kind and helpful, and they are doing such great work.
Sofia Montenegro
Porto, Portugal
I will never forget how friendly and hospitable the locals at Jinja were; they really made me feel at home. There was always someone to show you the way or answer any questions. The accommodation was delightful and set in a very tranquil setting, right across from the beautiful Nile River where I would go and watch the fish eagles pointing out where all the fish were in the evenings to the fishermen! I would love to go back to Uganda. It has a special place in my heart! Thank-you for organising a wonderful, safe and memorable journey.
Winnie Beckerling
Capetown, South Africa
I had a wonderful time in Uganda. I never thought that the people there would be so benevolent to me and my family since we were different, but they looked at us like we were their long time friends and treated us with the utmost respect. I think that when I was there, a smile was never absent from my face. Not only were the people, for lack of a better word, divine, but the scenery and area we were in was astounding and left me in awe because as soon as I got there I felt at home. All in all, my trip to Uganda was the best experience I have had in my life and probably will ever have, until I return.
Matt Eyre, age 16
North Vancouver, Canada
Our trip with Cynthia to Kenya and Uganda was unforgettable. We saw the most breathtaking sights-cheetahs, hippos, Maasai warriors, a lilac breasted roller (the most beautiful bird that you ever did see!) to name only a few. It was amazing to see her connect with the orphaned children who called her, in their darling little accents, "Sin-see-ya". I'll never forget her teaching them and singing so lovingly and gently the Beatles song "All You Need is Love". She was always prepared for anything (as evidenced by her elaborate first aid kit). It was comforting to be in the care of such an experienced and global traveller; before I plan my next trip I know exactly who I’ll consult...
Natalie Ball
Vancouver, Canada
My trip to Africa will last me a lifetime. To be able to travel with someone as knowledgeable as Cynthia, made my trip even more wonderful. We experienced a three day safari, which was out of this world, in the Maasai Mara. With Cynthia's friendliness and her experience from her world travels, we were able to get, for a great price, a driver and mini van (in great condition) to drive from Nairobi, Kenya to Jinga, Uganda. That was a great experience for the teens and myself. We saw sooo much, baboons by the roadside, and children greeting us so warmly. The tiny towns we drove through made me think about Vancouver and how amazing Canada is to live in. There is so much to tell in such a small amount of time. The village in Uganda was so friendly, the people were amazing. They asked nothing from us but gave us so much, dinner, lunch, always a friendly greeting; it truly was amazing. I didn't know what to expect, I knew I would see hardships, children with no shoes, hardly any clothes, but these children all seemed so happy, their smiles were enormous.
Cynthia made my trip! If it wasn't for her personal approach, her tenderness towards the village, her knowledge of the country, my trip would not have been so fulfilling. I am truly grateful that I was able to experience Africa with Cynthia. I would go again in a second; if the opportunity was there I would not hesitate.
Hollee Krassey
North Vancouver, Canada
