SafarimadeiraReviews 

Had a half day trip from Funchal with Miguel/Michael as our driver and guide.

Michael seemed to know so many locals along the route and a local cherry grower gave us a whole branch of cherry's to eat.

Drove to 3 panoramic viewing points and visited the Glass Bridge overhanging the Ocean.

The drive included some off-road sections which were great fun and we also visited a traditional village bar where we enjoyed an authentic Poncha.

Had an absolutely amazing experience with Safari Madeira today with my family. Driver was John who was exceptional - fantastic knowledge of the area, unbelievably enthusiastic about the island of Madeira and went out of his way to make the tour special for us. We were picked up at 9 and given a comprehensive tour of the island including fantastic fishing villages, working our way up into the mountains. His knowledge of wildlife was second to none and he provided tremendous insight throughout the tour making regular stops to beautiful areas including a 2 hour stop where we had lunch and a swim in the rock pools. On the way back we visited Cabao Girao standing on glass steps with the most amazing view. We got back to the hotel at 5 finishing off an amazing day! Best safari I’ve ever done!

We booked this day long excursion while staying at the Pestana Grand in Madeira, which gave us a 10Euro discount - a good start!
Picked up at the hotel by a great guy called Jose, in a well worn Nissan Patrol, roof back and camouflaged paint job. With 4 in the back and able to stand up and 2 in the front we took off on safari. Made our way up to a very high Pico do Areeiro, a radar installation at 1810m, with fantastic views. Then made our way down to Ribeiro Frio where we were able to do a short walk to Levada dos Balcões for more breathtaking views and hand feeding birds. Back in the jeep and then Jose announced "Now we begin the safari!" We turn onto a very tight and steep trail up the side of the mountain, the disappears and we just seem to turn and turn again until we go into a wood which was very "off road". There's no way a mini bus would make it here and confirmed we had made the right choice to do the safari. The guys in the back were able to stand up all this time make the experience one to remember. Back down onto the road and onto Santana to see the very old traditional houses from 200+ years ago then we stopped for lunch. This was laid on in a restaurant and cost 18E per head and included 3 courses and wine. Glad we ate after doing the off roading. Left there and then visited the Engenhos do Norte distillery where you can sample and buy the locally made rum. Onward to Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto and then a trip back to Funchal.
Picked up at 09:00 and dropped back at 17:30. A full day with a very pleasant and talkative guide, a German couple who at least tried to communicate, wonderful views and well worth the time. I would recommend doing this East Safari and if I had time I would have done the West Safari too.