US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Fair to Average
I booked 8 months in advance (group join option) with stated goal to spend as much time as possible with the migration. The itinerary indicated 1 day in the Crater and 3 days in the Serengeti including one entire day with the migration (large wildebeest herd) and at the river looking for crossings.
Unfortunately this did not occur primarily due to the driver. Room/board was good and the first two days went according to schedule. I was put in a Avocet Tanzania Safaris group (the 6 passengers had each booked with several different agencies and mixed together --this is apparently common in Tanzania). We had a very good visit to Tangamire NP. One passenger left and a young boy who did not speak english joined us presumably as a cook. He and the driver were always speaking Swahili so we got minimal information. Loud ranger station static over the 2-way seemed always on and prevented music from being played.
On the 3rd day we found the large herd early in the morning , an incredible sight. But after 20 minutes, almost as if the job was completed, the driver took us across the Grumeti where we spent another hour then told us they are not crossing today so we crossed back and despite request to return, we never saw the herd again. The rest of the day was spent driving at high speed chasing ranger reports of cats which we had already seen quite a few of (but no chases/kills). At dinner I found out other vehicles had seen groups of wildebeast crossing the river. The fourth day was spent chasing more cats.
My second complaint is that each time I stood up to take a photo, the vehicle would take off fast knocking me down. It would be nice to get a warning like "leaving in 10 seconds". The fifth day was at the crater. We spent only 3 hours and I was told that the 4 other passengers were on a 5-day safari so he was taking them to the airport. I was left at campsite near Lake Manyara for 18 hours without a guide. On the sixth day I had my own guide for Lake Manyara NP and then to the airport.
Of course, I will return to see another migration but unsure if at Serengeti or Masai Mara.
GR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable memories
Our company chose Safari Bookings with Lark Journeys to organize our 16-day self-drive safari. I highly recommend Namibia as a travel destination. The overall experience, natural beauty, wildlife, local culture, and accommodations were all exceptional.
I captured remarkable photographs and encountered extraordinary desert-adapted animals.
Claire and Gregory from Lark Journeys provided invaluable assistance and expertise throughout the planning and execution of our safari.
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Namibia is a country of natural beauty and beautiful, friendly people
I loved my trip to Namibia, from the ease of my arrival at the airport to getting my 4x4 car rental and then driving on the other side of the road, everything went well for me. I felt very safe. I planned a 4-day self-drive trip to Sossusvlei. It was magical with wonderful sunny days and cool nights with big starry skies. I stayed the first night at Little Sossus Lodge and the next two at Sossus Dune Lodge because it was located inside the park gates; this way I could access the park before sunrise and an hour after sunset providing me with enough time for some great photo opportunities at Deadvlei or climbing dunes. The staff at the lodges, the park staff, and the locals I met along the way were all very nice and made me feel welcome. I liked the independence of driving on my own. There were plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities along the road as well. Next, I booked a 4-day safari to Etosha leaving from Windhoek with a pickup and drop off at my hotel. What a great trip. I had a personal driver to take me to Etosha and look after everything while I was there. Etosha was a mix of sitting by a water hole and game driving. The amount and diversity of wildlife around the waterhole were incredible, I particularly liked it when a herd of elephants or rhinos would visit. That was it, short but sweet.
I look forward to my next trip to explore more of Namibia with my friends.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
This was a trip of a lifetime.
AS ADVERTISED! A SAFARI OF A LIFETIME!
What a wonderful experience from start to finish including the pick-up at the Tambo airport bus terminal and the drop off at our hotel door four days later! Quite a ride to Kruger through the mountains and orange groves. We had no real idea about how far or how long (over 7 hours) it would take having booked everything on line. Suggest others might consider flying from Johannesburg. But the scenery was beautiful, the van comfortable, and the driver excellent.
We arrived at the HoyoHoyo lodging and were off on a game drive 30 minutes later! Our guide for the entire experience, Marc Jenkins, was outstanding. Knowledgeable, considerate and personable! We saw the big five and so many more.
We loved the daily schedule: Three hour game drive at dawn with breakfast after, and another drive as the sun set followed by dinner. It got a bit chilly as it was winter, but blankets, ponchos and even hot water bottles were provided. There was a break during each drive with cocoa or coffee with snacks in the morning and wine or soft drinks, again with snacks in the evening to watch the sun set often with animals cruising by. Just amazing.
HoyoHoyo was incredible. The accommodations in six individual hut-like structures, each a with king-size bed, stone tub, towel service whenever you departed, loads of hot water, even a bedtime story bookmark were fantastic. And then there was the food! Menus were provided for lunch and dinner with plenty of delicious (and often exotic) choices. The wine was excellent. My favorite meal was breakfast. Across from the outdoor dining area was a watering hole. The first night a leopard dropped by. But breakfast visitors were the best—elephant families, herds of impala, baboons galore, and on and on! But probably, the most significant factor of all was the friendliness of the HoyoHoyo staff—everyone had a smile and a word to say. They even knew everyone’s name.
I cannot say enough about this entire adventure. We booked it with crossed fingers from halfway around the world, Honolulu. I would recommend Wayne and The Kruger Safari Company without any hesitation. Wayne was quick to respond to my questions, kept us informed, and certainly planned the trip of a life time for us. Mahalo nui loa and aloha!
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Absolutely awe inspiring!
Kenya - Our driver (Charles with BuyMore Adventures) asked us “do you know why it is called a game drive? It’s because sometimes you see the animals and sometimes you dont!” From day 1 we were winners. We got lucky enough to see the “Big 5” in our first 3 days. Every day was better than the one before. We almost got charged by an elephant (he wasn’t all that serious), told off by a black rhino (he was serious), saw a “Tusker” in Amboseli (tusks almost touching the ground). We were too early for the migration but the animals were starting to gather and the difference between day 1 and day 8 was truly amazing. The scenery varies from wide open spaces to almost woodsy, some was lush/green and other areas more desert like. Everyone was so very nice and we loved going to Samburu village and meeting everyone. We also got some really beautiful bead work. Take some candies for the local children who wave to you as you drive by. Before you close your suitcase - take half of the stuff out and leave it. It was our 1st visit to Kenya - but it wont be our last!
CN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
amazing , stunning,
Our stay in Letaba camp was a disgrace, Ive booked 2 Charlet number B7 and B8 from 18 till morning of 25 July 2024, Tried my best to transfer to any other camp in the park , but unfortunately all booked. The 2 reception ladies got a huge attitude problem, no help at all.Lets start at B7 ( so called wheelchair friendly) Shower -the hand shower loosen from the wall, shower chair way to small, only one handrail, toilet keeps flashing water, NON STOP.the floor inside the Charlet NOT LEVEL.only one bedlamp, poor lighting in the charlet. Ramp is way to steep.LINEN OF A TERRIBLE POOR QUALITY, Towels is good to wipe of the windscreen for vechiles. Charlet number B8...... sliding door ....... its a PICK UP door , not working, Towels so hard and old .... no where a place to buy new Towels. Restaurant in camp, don't know how to serve the cocktails on the menu, waiting more than 1 hour to be served lunch , waiting 1 and half hour to be served breakfast. Waiter refuse to clean the table because like she said : If you clean the table now the birds will poop on it anyway. Its a shame that Letaba camp is part of the Beaty of our Kruger National Park. Cleaning staff : AMAZING , helpfull and friendly, Like Respect- one of the workers at the petrol station.
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Etosha National Park by John Cosco
I liked seeing the variety of animals. I was amazed at how close we were to the animals. The water holes provide an excellent opportunity to see many animals up close - they come to you rather than you to them.
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Namib-Naukluft National Park by John Cosco
I loved the big open sky with blue sunny days and dark, stary nights. I was surprised at the variety of animals I saw during my drive to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. The dunes are just as I had imagined based on photos I had seen, particularly at sunrise and sunset.
US
under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The tour operator plans your trip with thoughtfulness and consideration.
One thing I love about Zohar is that they are thinking for you. Every event in the trip is organized and thoughtfully planned; not a single minute is wasted. Lillian was very patient with me when I reached out for questions in the planning stage. She answered my questions promptly and resolved all of my concerns as it was my first traveling to Tanzania. Our guides, Daniel and Tom, have 15+ years of experience. They have eyes of hawks that quickly pointed to us where the animals were hidden. They made our trips full of laughters and joy. Choosing Zohar is one of my best decisions in all of my traveling experiences. In Zohar, you are traveling with an experienced team, not individuals. My family and I plan to visit Tanzania in near future, and Zohar is our friend.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent safari!
We had an absolutely amazing safari experience with Wild Wings! Our tour guide, Nicky, was very knowledgeable and friendly. We got to see all of the big 5 (we realize this is not guaranteed) and many more animals as well. The trip was comfortable, the food was great, there was absolutely nothing to complain about. I highly recommend Wild Wings for anyone looking for a Kruger safari!
