Christine Sales Office
Wildlife Safaris
- Office In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 1971)
- Member Of:
- Southern Africa Tourism Services Association
- Tour Types:
- Small & medium group tours (Mid-range)
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $200 to $223 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
CH
Email Tariq & Karina | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable Safari Experience: Gratitude to Wildsafari and Guide Simon Taylor
We can only express sincere gratitude for the unforgettable 5-day safari experience and the Panorama Route under the guidance of Ranger Simon Taylor. From the pickup at the Johannesburg airport to the smooth return at the end of our safari, the organization by the Wildsafari team was outstanding. We felt well taken care of by the team. Particularly noteworthy was our Ranger Simon Taylor, who exceeded our expectations with his attention and dedication. He sensitively addressed our individual wishes and designed the safari with love and passion. His extensive knowledge of Kruger National Park, wildlife, and other topics enriched our experience. The evening conversations were not only interesting but also created a warm atmosphere in which we felt completely comfortable. We are more than satisfied with our safari experience as well as the beautiful places along the Panorama Route that we visited on the last day. Wildsafari and Simon Taylor definitely met our expectations.
CH
Email Steve and Stephanie | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Absolutely Perfect
We just returned from a South Africa trip that included a six-day (five night) safari hosted by Wildlife Safaris (WS). WS normally offers a five-day safari, but I asked whether our safari could be modified to add an extra day. This turned out to be a fantastic decision, and a modification that we would encourage anyone looking into a safari with WS to investigate. WS should ideally offer this as a standard offering since it elevated the experience well beyond what the shorter timeframe could offer.
We arrived at Nelspruit airport and were met by Hoppy, who became our guide, driver, companion, and friend over the six days we were with him. Hoppy was the consummate host, and we could not ask for a better travel companion. His knowledge and insights into everything relating to Kruger National Park and the wildlife we encountered was as valuable as anything we saw. He spotted things (Dung Beetle with its ball-o-dung, beautiful porcupine quills lying on the road, etc.) along our drives that we would never have noticed, all the while keeping his eyes on the road and driving expertly. He knew/sensed that two lions we encountered were about to mate and waited around until they did so, right under our noses! Amazing. Hoppy also seemed to have bionic hearing from the front seat of the van, always noticing when we had questions or wanted to make a stop. He made sure our curiosity was satisfied, asked if we'd like to stay at a particular spot longer, and made sure we had gotten all the photos and videos we wanted. Hoppy's early morning coffee-making skills were also much appreciated since we normally don't do breakfast. His quiet sense of humor was also very welcome. We already miss him.
We saw so many animals from the very moment we entered Kruger that it felt almost staged. We saw a distant leopard as well as two close-by rhinos the very first afternoon. I cannot promise that everyone's safari will be as fruitful (animalful?) as ours was, but a large part of our success was due to Hoppy's sense for what and where to look. Dinners at the Kruger lodges were a great chance to revisit what we had seen, and what the next day's drive might bring. Hoppy seemed bemused by our questions and interest, especially my predilection for various antelope steaks for dinner. If you get the chance to try the Impala and Warthog pie at the Skukuza Station Restaurant, I highly recommend it!
The last two nights were spent at Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge. This included two daily drives in the open safari vehicle with a tracker and a guide from the lodge. Words cannot do justice to what all we encountered on these drives. From more rhinos (3!) and buffalo just meters away from the vehicle to lions feasting on a (stolen) Impala, every drive was an adventure. Our guide, Lucky, and tracker, Enock, were fabulous at finding the animals, but also made sure we felt safe around them. This is not easy when lions are devouring an Impala just meters from the vehicle or when a group of elephants, with young in tow, wander past.
The staff at Mohlabetsi was fabulous, from Kiddy greeting us with iced tea when we arrived, to Sam (another lodge guide) sharing his harrowing experiences living so close to dangerous and unpredictable animals. Prescilla was justifiably proud when announcing her daily creations from the kitchen - we certainly did not suffer from a lack of excellent food. I hate to leave out the rest of the staff, but there were simply so many people making sure that we were indulged throughout.
Staying that second night at Mohlabetsi and developing a familiarity with our lodge guide and tracker really made the difference in our trip. Only one night there would have felt too rushed and overwhelming without that extra time.
Thank you again to everyone, especially Hoppy, who greased the wheels every step of the way and made this a truly stress-free, perfect vacation for us. He is a true professional and the best possible travel companion and guide you could ever ask for.
Email Christopher Mumford | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An unforgettable Experience
The whole trip was fantastice from start to finish. The accomodation was very comfortable and the food very tasty and satisfying. The best part of the trip was of course the safari itself. I don't know if we were just lucky but we saw so much wildlife, including 'the big five'. Our guide was Hoppy who greatly enhanced our experience. He was extremely knowledgeable and experienced and knew exactly where to find the animals. We really couldn't ask for more!
IT
Email Nunzia Gizzi | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
extraordinary experience
Fantastic trip with an extremely competent, professional and kind guide, with a very high level of customerorientation and care.
Email Brian Barkby | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very professional can recommend this company
Our guide Hoppy was amazing. His knowledge of the flora and fauna in Kruger NP and ability to spot the animals both great and small was incredible …
NO
Email Ida and Marte | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exceptional and highly recommended
We recently had the pleasure of experiencing a safari with Wild Life Safari in Kruger National Park, led by the exceptional guide, Hoppy. From the moment we set out, Hoppy's expertise and passion for wildlife were evident. His keen eye and deep knowledge enriched every sighting, making each moment memorable. Hoppy's commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism added another layer of depth to our journey. We also gained a deeper appreciation for the animals habitats and ecosystems. During the trip we had problems with the car. Nevertheless, Hoppy did what he could to ensure that we, his "princesses", had the best possible experience.
The accommodations were luxurious yet thoughtfully integrated into the surrounding environment, allowing us to feel fully immersed in the wilderness without sacrificing comfort. Each meal was a culinary delight, showcasing local flavors and ingredients that added another layer of richness to our journey. The diversity of wildlife we encountered was simply astounding and the overall experience was nothing short of exceptional.
We wholeheartedly recommend Wild Life Safari, especially with guides like Hoppy, for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Africa's wilderness. Thank you, Hoppy!
CA
Email Brennan and Shay | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
INCREDIBLE trip of a lifetime!
We had Henry as our guide and as I am writing this in the airport, we miss him already. I would recommend Wildlife Safaris to anyone, and (I’m sure the other guides are also great), but I would tell my friends to specifically ask for Henry!
Henry’s extensive knowledge was but one thing.. but it was his genuine friendliness and the way he took care of our small group that was next level! A great man to say the very least.
We were very fortunate and saw the Big Five within the first 1.5 days. We also saw lions up close and personal (including one of the few white lions!) and by a stroke of luck caught an actual chase from wild dogs on the last day.
The tour was very well thought out as it was progressive - it started at Sabie Lodge (2 nights), then to Satara (1 night) and finishing at Hippo Hollow (1 night). We felt completely safe and the learning about the animals (and frankly the history of Kruger Park and South Africa as a whole) was endless.
Thanks to Henry, his expertise and his friendship ❤️. We hope you come to Canada soon and we can show you the grizzlies, the moose and the beavers!
10/10
IT
Email Elisa Bongiascia | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing!
The guys at the office are great and we spent 3 amazing days with Henry!
SG
Email Conrad | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Memorable First African Safari with Wildlife Safaris
Brought my family on our first African Safari @ Kruger National Park in December 2023.
We were most fortunate to have “Hoppy” as our guide - passionate about African wildlife, knowledgeable about the ecology of Kruger National Park, Hoppy was most happy to share his knowledge.
With Skukuza as our base camp, we explored Kruger from Hoppy’s eyes - saw more animals than we thought possible, and heard many more interesting stories. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and wished that we could have stayed an extra day.
We stayed at Skukuza Rest Camp Chalets. There were other newer, more expensive lodges but having travelled a long way from Asia, we preferred these chalets as they offered us an authentic African safari experience. Skukuza, we felt, was also more central location wise and being in the nature reserve, facilitated easy access to game drives and animals.
Mealtimes were enjoyable and rich in conversation, as were the morning coffees with Hoppy. For us, mealtimes were interesting too for other reasons - there were breakfast at Skukuza Golf Club aka “Wildest Golf Club in the World” amongst Hyenas and Hippos, Mugg & Bean Lower Sabie amongst African Buffaloes, lunch at Alzu amongst a large collection of reared African wildlife, and dinner at Cattle Baron back in Skukuza after a long day out.
It was a memorable safari.
Best Wishes Hoppy, loved our trip.
Conrad
US
Email Sabrina | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I could not say enough great things about this tour or our guide
I have wanted to go on an African safari since I was a small child. Wildlife Safaris made it affordable and fun. We saw all the Big 5 almost immediately upon entering Kruger National Park. We were astonished by guide Simon Taylor's depth of knowledge about the park and all its animals. He had a great knack for spotting wildlife, IDing birds, etc., and was able to provide details about everything from how they dehorn rhinos to why a secretary bird is called a secretary bird. The meals included as part of the trip were excellent, too.
