US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable experience. Only regret is waiting until my 74th birthday for first Africa Safari.
Our lodging accommodations were at Makakatana Bay Lodge in iSimangaliso Wetland Park near St. Lucia. It is very comfortable lodge with only 6 guest rooms allowing for a very intimate experience with wonderful service.
On our second day at Makakatana, our guide Michael drove us to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve. It was about an hour drive and we were at the entrance to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve when it opened at 6:00 AM. We weren't very far into the reserve when Michael pointed out a tree full of vultures. Instinctively Michael went straight to tree expecting to find some predator feeding on a recent kill. Just as we arrived to within about 50 meters of the tree six lions came scampering out of the bush. We soon became aware that the lions were being dispersed by an adult male elephant. The lions won’t try to take a fully grown elephant but they can prey upon the young ones. The action taken by the adult male elephant was to allow the female to pass safely with her young ones. Nothing can compare to seeing these amazing animals in their natural habitat with the ability see how they interact with members of their own species and how the activities of different species are interrelated. Here we saw the vultures waiting for the lions to finish feeding while elephants chases off the lions so the female with young could pass safely, then observing three young male lions huddled together for mutual grooming, cleaning and bonding.
During the remainder of the day we continued driving through the reserve on scenic winding roads observing different animal species (mammals and birds) at every turn. The abundance of wildlife at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve and the ability to observe it close-up was an awe inspiring experience.
This was our first South African safari and at the conclusion of our second day there we decided that it would not be our last.
Images can be seen at <https://www.flickr.com/photos/fshufelt/albums/72157677022861421>
RU
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Vacation in the wild
We traveled to Kruger national park in September. Although September is the end of dry season, the year of 2016 was very dry and lots of waterholes were dried out. We spent a week in the park; we entered through Punda Maria gate and headed down to Bergendal. The entrance took about 20min, a we started to explore the park shortly. Right away we say impalas, kudus, mongooses; later the same day elephants and giraffes. On our first day we saw almost all major groups of animals, except the predators. Seeing all the game and megafauna was fantastic and jaw dropping, as I only have seen them at a zoo before.
The next day we say a pride of lions sunbathing on the road - also a great scene. I won't be despising each of our days, just will say that we saw the big five game and many more animals, except the wild dog.
The landscape along the road was mostly yellow or red grass, however there were a few stunning canyons. The bird hides were always available.
We rented an SUV with a tent and it was enough. All the rest camps have showers, water for cooking and dishwashing, basic stoves and boiling water, and barbecues. Among the rest camps we liked Tzendze the most. A couple of days we stayed in hotel roms (the tents in Lower Sabie facing the river definitely worth every cent).
We didn't do to the restraunts, but there are some with beautiful views over the rivers.
This time we didn't take a guide, however the next time we are going to try a night tour and/or a walking tour. I think if you take a guide it's better chance to see predators.
Among other things I'd like to mention:
we encountered very few mosquitos and insects in general due to the fact it was dry season;
If you travel for a couple of days I'd suggest to take a guided tour
If you're traveling for more then 3 days and are going to visit more sanparks, buy a wild card
Early morning and sunset are the best time for predators and visiting waterholes
Look where the traffic jams are: probably there's something interesting going on
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was acceptable.
The park is not as it was expected in past. We have seen most of wild life in the park.
SA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great Safari with plenty wildlife
Not crowded, none commercial very private Safari experience. Plenty animals to see. Although this park lacks number of predators. Not many lions, no hyenas, no cheetahs. There were leopards, but did not see them.
However, many giraffes, elephants, buffaloes and other grazing game. Variety of birds were amazing. The scenery and change of vegetation was remarkable.
RU
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about South Africa by Marina Kudrya
South Africa has a lot is national parks, and probably privat game reserves are more dense in terms of animals. We also visited blyde river canyon (stunning), cango caves, drove Cape Town to Plettenberg bay - every place worth spending more time. The nature is very beautiful and lush.
LV
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trustworthy safari operator
Happy customer of Tropical Vacations Inc. Did a 4-day safari tour in Tanzania (Manyara NP, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro crater).
Mathew did an amazing job prior to tour by being professional, fast and great communicator. A day before the tour we also met company's director Richard in Arusha offie.
During our 4-day tour we changed our vehicle twice, since initially were put together in a car with 2 other travellers who had a longer safari tour (more nights in Serengeti NP than we had).
Shout out and thanks to Stanley, our second driver for being awesome and fun.
All in all everything was good, as promised and described in itinerary.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was awsome i would live ti visit again someday
The commuication and the service was good it lived up to my expectations and I love the safari tour loved animals anyways.
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A very reliable and trustwothy tour company
On behalf of entire group let me say Thanks for helping to make our trip to Kenya a memorable one. From the hotels, to the safari, to the meals, to our driver David, it was all outstanding. I can't say enough great things about dealing with your company. As you can imagine it was a bit scary on our end dealing with a company so far away that we had no past history with, but now I am going to recommend you to anyone who is thinking about planning a trip to Kenya.We are already talking about our return to your beautiful or perhaps a trip to Tanzania, and I know I will be calling you to make the arrangements. Thanks again for all your help and please feel free to use me as a reference.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Brilliant experience with good service and rangers.
My wife and I did a 4 day package and really enjoyed our time. Rangers Eva and Sam were particularly very friendly and extremely knowledgeable. Rex was moody at times which was disappointing.
The lodges are safe and decently furnished. The meals provided were fantastic and great quality. Especially the morning breakfasts and dinners. The kitchen staff always happy with a smile on their faces. The morning drives and sunsets drives were eventful and animals plenty. The bush walk was good fun (aside from Rex who was moody).
We found the owners a little strange as they would appear for dinner and then avoid sitting or saying at least hi to the guests. Quite grumpy to say the least.
I would urge Viva to include a tshirt in their price or charge $10 extra as this is required on bush walks (most people we noticed didn't have camo clothing and got shouted at by Rex - very embarrassing.
Overall we would recommend Viva as good value, good staff, lovely lodges and food and good effort overall!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic
My husband and I have just stepped out of van of viva safari our driver delivered us back to Johannesburg airport at time as promised. We have had an amazing three days with viva safari. With our guide Sam we indentified 32 species of wild animals and discussed 6 birds native to Kruger park. Victor at tree house lodge was very welcoming and informative with sharing his local knowledge. Our evening guide Eva also gave us an exciting and amazing tour of private park spotting kudu elephants giraffes etc in dark. Thank you to all staff at viva safaris for giving us such an amazing adventure....well worth the long distant travel from Australia!