Richard Hilton, Founding CEO. on Lake Jozini, SA
Greatest Africa
- Located In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2008)
- Member Of:
- American Society of Travel Agents
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $300 to $1,500 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
US
Email Nancy Nelson | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best trip we have ever taken, it ran like clockwork!
I had always been interested in going to, and maybe even living in South Africa. A beautiful country with bountiful wildlife. I came upon an inheritance and decided this would be my time to make my dream come true. I booked pretty quickly as I was nervous about the ridiculous, world health organization and the CDC and the WEF, possibly trying to pull another scam on the people of the world. After all the WHO is trying to put forth an illegal treaty to make sure they have power over every nation and all the people of the earth at their evil discretion. I needed a company that could help me with all the details as I didn't believe I had the option of time. I looked over the reviews for Greatest Africa and contacted them with my interests. They were quick to help me, reserving my stay at the Kapama Buffalo Camp and reserving domestic flights with Federal Air and Airlink! We flew business class and first class with Emirates and also had to have wheelchairs. Flying into Johannesburg and obtaining our domestic flight to Hoedspruit was a breeze. Instead of being delayed, as we had been before when flying to the Maldives, we actually left an hour and a half early. Federal air was so much fun. A small plane that held 12 people, we really experienced the excitement of flying! We LOVED IT! The reps from Federal air were right at the airport, quickly drove us to our plane, had snacks and drinks in their lounge and quickly loaded us on their plane. They had recently purchased these planes from America. The pilots explained our itinerary and then off we went. We flew at 11,000 feet, which was wonderful as you could see the mountains and the little towns along the way. Our first landing was right in the bush. About 5 people got off at the first camp. Then we headed to Hoedspruit. We flew at 3000 feet! I saw impala, hippos, and buffalo right from the airplane. After landing in Hoedspruit our driver Sipro was waiting to drive us in the open air jeep to the Buffalo Camp. Right outside the airport we saw two young warthogs....a little bit further and we saw a herd of impalas....a little further we saw an african buffalo and then a young male elephant, right by the road. Finally we arrived at the camp. The manager had us sign some forms, got us on the internet, showed us around the property and took us to our tent. When you think of tent, you do NOT think of the Buffalo camp tents. These are luxury suites with a beautiful soaking tub, king size bed, fully stocked minibar, rainshower faucet in the stone shower. The water was so hot it was scalding....wow, it was wonderful, we do not even get that in our home in Florida. After freshening up, we got ready for our first game drive. First there were snacks and lemonade and tea for "high tea" at 4:00 p.m. At 4:30 we boarded out jeep and headed out to look for game. Our driver Sipro and tracker Henri gave us instructions on how to stay seated. The animals see big blobs and not individual shapes, so if you stand you change the shape of the vehicle and the animals may react unfavorably. On each game drive we saw so many animals, thousands of impala, kudu's, black backed jackles with puppies, elephants and baby elephants, rhinos, buffalos, giraffes, lions and even one leopard. Sipro told us about special plants to brush your teeth or to weave to make whips to drive cattle, the game of spittng impala poop! I didn't try that one out though! In the middle of every drive, morning and evening we would stop, a sundowner at night and midmorning in the morning, there was always coffee, hot choolate, wine, spririts, beer, cookies, jerky, etc. Sometimes we would stop in the complete dark...kind of scary, but exciting. After the evening game drive we came back and had dinner. Beautiful fire in the lanterns and in the boma. We ate things like springbuk shank, carpaccio crockodile, Stuffed warthog, along with regular line fish and beef. Everything was delicious especially the desserts and I wish I could have eaten more. While we were out on the game drive the staff would do turn down service, shutting the curtains and putting candy on the pillow. The first morning and every morning we got a wake up call at 5 a.m. pre breakfast was 5:30 to 6:00 when the morning game drive would take place. The snacks in the morning were delicous, especially the "egg cakes". I asked for the receipe, they said they would email it to me...they haven't yet. Our driver and tracker went above and beyond to make sure we saw many animals...they constantly kept in touch with other drivers in case one saw something unusual. Someone saw a leopard and our driver and tracker actually drove off road, chopping through the bush to try to find it. We caught a glimpse but the vegetation was too thick. During my investigation into the Buffalo Camp I watched videos. Especially a video by a girl called Travel for Phoebe. Small world, during one of our drives I saw a girl in another jeep. As we passed I said...."Thats Phoebe". We saw the jeep again and I shouted out..."are you Phoebe"? She said, "Yes, how do you know?" I told her that I was one of her subscribers. She said it made her day. We saw her again as we were flying home through Hoedspruit. I thought that was quite a coincidence. On one night game drive our tracker in the complete dark, with a flashlight, going about 20 mph saw a chameleon on the side of the road. We stopped and we got to hold this amazing creature. We met so many great people on this trip, Kate and Sam from England, Anette and Tina from Denmark, Dave and Maxine from Wales, and Mike and Cleo from Johannesburg. When it was time to leave, I actually cried. The closeness of all the game drives and the small capacity of the Buffalo camp made for a very family feeling. I can actually say it was the best vacation I have ever been on. Oh, yes....another fantastic thing. One morning, I see a monkey on the porch of our tent. I went out to take pictures. Suddenly he moved quickly toward me and three others came out of nowhere. I went inside because I do not know how safe monkey are with biting, etc. They were so cute. They wanted to get in the tent so badly. I guess they know how to slide the doors open if they are not locked. At every meal the monkey would show up, wait for the wait staff to leave and run in to grab sugar or fruit. They were adorable! Nothing could have been better about this trip, except maybe if it had been longer. It will be next time. Everything ran like clockwork...our departure was clearly stated and we met all our connections with little to no delay. Airlink was a good airline, but I liked the experience of Federal air. I would definitely use Greatest Africa again. And you should too!
CO
Email Felipe Guhl-Nannetti | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Vanessa Washington an excepcional tour operator
I traveled with my wife to celebrate our 50th wedding aniversary starting in Johanesburg.
We flew to Matsawi lodge and spent unforgetable time includind New year 2024.
Gamedrives were fantastic twice a Day.We saw EVERYTHING the big fives and many many others.
3 more great days in Kapama .
Visite Cape Town for 5 days including a private tour to Cape of Good Hope and pinguins.
Excellent Hotels and food and very good wines.
To more das in the wine region with an excelente guide.
Viste Hermanus 4 days...unforgetable place.
Backstreet to Johanesburg after 3 marvelous week.
Friendly People allover!
Email John Gilbert | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Makweti experience was exceptional in every aspect
Working with Greatest Africa remotely from Australia was a seamless, hassle free process and we were a party of 9. In-country travel and connections in RSA were trouble free and the game park recommendations "spot on". The Makweti experience of 4 nights was a perfect friendly and luxurious stay; we were treated to wonderful morning and dusk safaris conducted by our exceptional guide - Joseph who demonstrated phenomenal knowledge of both fauna and flora. Joseph displayed patience and determination to ensure we saw the full array of unique African wildlife during our stay - and were not disappointed in any way.
Thank you Greatest Africa for an experience of a lifetime.
Email Simon and Judie | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Safari, Vic Falls and Cape Town - Trip of a lifetime
From first contact with Vanessa we had excellent service and she was extremely patient as we tweaked the itinerary a number of times and asked numerous questions. The choice of venues was excellent - perfect for our needs. In particular Motswari Game Reserve was outstanding with so many memorable experiences and 'encounters' with the big 5 and so much more. All the transfers were seamless and everything operated like clockwork - completely hassle and stress free. We would unreservedly recommend Greatest Africa and Vanessa who put together such a brilliant itinerary for us.
Email Chris & Christina | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The perfect "bucket list" trip ever.
We had always wanted to experience South Africa and do "The Big 5" game park stay. We looked at booking locally from Australian companies but they all seemed so expencive and didntgive us the experience we wanted in a small personal tour without breaking the bank. During my searches of the internet i discovered Greatest Africa, a local SA company specialising in tailor made trips.
Vanessa was amazing from start to finish, some 3 years ago i had my 3rd throat cancer surgery leaving me unable to eat any food via my mouth and all meals need to be pureed to a fine liquid somi can tube feed via a PEG.
Vanessa was able to understand my needs and after knowing what type of high powered blender was needed she was able to book us into an amazin hotel in Capetown and 2 x 5 star game lodges with the correct blender to make all my meals.
My wife said it was her best holiday ever, the game lodges were perfect, the food amazing and the total experience and game drives ons to remember forever.
Thankyouever so much for our mazing holiday and for your personal and profestional service.
Highly recomended to all, not just us "Tubies"
Email PJ | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing Safari Experience - 9 nights / 10 days in 3 lodges around Kruger (South Africa)
I was very satisfied by the level of service provided by Greatest Africa in helping me finding the right lodges to meet my expectations. The 3 were at the same time very different, providing diversity in the experiences and safaris offered but still very luxurious with amazing and caring staffs.
All internal flights and transfers had been booked in advance.
Throughout my trip, everything went very smoothly and I did not have to worry about a thing. All transfers arrived on time (usually even in advance in case I wanted to leave earlier) and the chauffeurs from the company Greatest Africa had chosen were all very friendly and helpful (going out of their way to make me happy).
Overall the standard of the trip was very good and I am perfectly satisfied with the experience. Definitely worth my money and would recommend it.
Everything was top rate
Planning was done so well by Vanessa. Followup emails were always answered within a day. We can't say enough about how much we enjoyed the trip because of Greatest Africa. Thank you , thank you
CA
Email Darcy | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Do not hesitate to book with Greatest Africa!
This is our 2nd time we booked with Greatest Africa. Once again we presented ambitious wants for our vacation. Excellent communication, Vanessa of Greatest Africa put an itinerary together with all details checked off from flights, transfers, safari camps spanning from Cape Town, Botswana, onto Zambezi Queen & Victoria Falls. Fantastic adventure!!
Email James B. | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Gateway to wonderment
I had identified the lodge that I wanted to stay at and asked Greatest Africa to make the necessary arrangements for our special trip. They were more than happy to do so even though the lodge was not in their portfolio. Everything was seamless.
Quality service and very detailed.
Vanessa was very helpful in planning our trip and providing us good guidance- before-during-after the trip. Every facility/safari is of great quality. Excellent tour operator!