The Land That Time Forgot
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater (actually a caldera, but let's not quibble) and enteri a cool and quiet world belonging to lions, rhinos, hippos, elephants wildebeest, zebras, hyenas, Thompson gazelles, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, jackals, and any number of birds and smaller creatures--just about everything but giraffes. Twenty kilometers in diameter and seemingly flat, the crater hides springs, lakes, and forests (and a few nice bathrooms) where you'll find the animals that don't usually roam the broad grasslands. Humans intrude in pop-top Land Cruisers, but our early-June visit found only a handful. Our guide, Peter, told us later visitors would find hundreds of vehicles and an occasional traffic jam near an especially interesting animal. Don't let that stop you. You'll be goggle-eyed focusing on the animals.
Photographers should take their longest telephoto lenses ((I used my 150-600mm zoom the most), but there are many occasions, as when a lion pride or elephant walks right in front of your vehicle, that a normal or wide angle lens is essential. The rhino is the rarest animal (we were very lucky to see seven) and keeps its distance. so even with a 600mm I couldn't fill a frame.
If possible find accommodations on the rim. Think hard before spending big bucks for a room view into the Crater, because it's often obscured by mist and clouds. We loved our stay at the Rhino Lodge--excellent food, comfortable, rustic rooms, attentive staff, and exceptional service. When we had three flats in our own Land Cruiser and needed assistance driving up from Serengeti, Rhino Lodge sent us a Land Cruiser and two guides to shepherd us up the last two hours after dark. (Cost? $25) The manager and his wife met us and kept our dinner warm.
Rhino Lodge also arranged a Land Cruiser, excellent box lunch and guide (Peter) for our day trip into the Crater, and it was a day all of us will treasure forever. Nothing like a knowledgable, friendly driver/guide, a pop-top for viewing and ten hours watching thousands of animals in a habitat they chose to live in.
Be prepared for very cool and damp weather on the rim and even in the Crater early and late--down sweater or Polartec and a rain jacket will do--and a light shirt for the warm, sunny days.
IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Serengeti National Park by Davide Manicardi
a very large National Park
possibility to rest in the park near the animals
possibility to see the Great Migration in a large part of the year (not in August, the animals were at Masai Mara National Park)
IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Ngorongoro Crater by Davide Manicardi
so big variety of animals in a limited zone.
so easy to see rare animals because the different guides coperate with each other
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park by awatkinson69
Never have I seen so many lion, leopard or cheetah than on my trip here. The wildlife was dramatically different to other Parks I'd visited - so a welcome change. But the roads are hellish - so take a 4x4.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Kruger National Park - still the jewel in the SanParks crown
I've been visiting the Kruger National Park for over thirty years now. In that time, there have been huge changes within the Park and although, in my opinion, the modern-day Kruger has it's problems, it is still the National Park to be beaten.
There are many reasons the Park keeps luring me back; not least for its wildlife. In terms of variety and volume of game, Kruger wins hands down for me. Even in these dark times of poaching, large herds of buffalo and elephant are pretty much an everyday occurrence in Kruger. And I've never once been to the Park and not seen cats - either lion, leopard or cheetah (and on the odd trip, all three in just a few short days). Although not a keen birder myself, the birdlife is incredible and certainly helps to keep things ticking along on hot days when you've seen nothing but an impala or two for hours on end.
But it's the Park itself that's the biggest draw. The network and variety of roads means no two days need ever be the same. And with some breathtaking new picnic sites and lookout points, it's possible to just sit and watch the wildlife world go by while you enjoy your breakfast. The scenery is also hard to beat. Do yourself a favour and take time to travel from the top of the Park to the bottom. It's an unforgettable experience and one in which you truly get to appreciate the Park's diverse and ever-changing scenery.
However, the Parks popularity is also it's downfall. For me, at times there are too simply many visitors in the Park. Lion sightings in particular resemble rugby scrums - with networks of cars blocking the cats into corners. It's very very sad. It isn't the resident visitors that cause the overcrowding - but the number of day visitors who are also allowed in. At peak times of the year, if you're unfortunate to be in a camp anywhere near a main gate, forget about having a slow peaceful drive to look for game. It's like a freeway in rush hour.
But the worst culprits are the safaris concessions - the guys that drive visitors into the Park for a few short hours and tear around in radio contact from one sighting to the next. They drive too fast and too close to the game - scaring sightings off and disturbing the wildlife in general. They are a law unto themselves, intent on showing their guests the best possible sightings to snare a bigger tip. Look I get it - everyone wants to see the magnificent wildlife - but there has to be some sort of common sense and courtesy.
That said, a trip to South Africa would be unthinkable without a trip to the Kruger. The pros far outweigh the cons and the spirit and ambience of the bush is simply magical. Being able to drive yourself through the majestic Park and mix with it's wild inhabitants is one of the greatest privileges on earth.
If you get the chance to go - do. The memories will stay with you forever.
Ruaha National Park Scenery and Wildlife.
It's awsome visiting Ruaha National Park especially seeing the wildlife, and, ofcourse the attractive scenery and a fun place to relax on holidays!!!
Review about Tanzania by Donal C Wells
In addition to a guided game drive in Ngorongoro Crater, we did self-catered safaris in our own Land Cruiser to Ruaha and Serengeti. (My daughter and son-in-law were living in Iringa.) We did two guided walking safaris and a night game drive. The beauty and ease of finding the mammals, birds, etc. were exceptional. I recommend The Hilltop Lodge at Ruaha and the Ikoma Tented Camp at the west border of the Serengeti NP (but don't expect great food at the latter). We also enjoyed staying in the rustic bandas in Ruaha NP. We were almost the only visitors in the whole park. Next time we'll have to visit Lake Manyara and Tarangire at the least, as well as returning to Ngorongoro Crater.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about South Africa by awatkinson69
The country is just so diverse - from the dramatic coastline of the Cape through the arid interior of the Karoo up to the humid tropical plains of the Kruger. And as the scenery changes, so does its flora and fauna. Without wishing to sound overly romantic - it is magical.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Sun Safaris did an excellent job of coordinating all our plans in Africa.
Sun Safaris booked all the accommodations and transportation for a 3 week visit in Tanzania, Namibia, Botswana, Kenya and South Africa for us. It was a very involved and extensive trip, but everything fell into place perfectly, thanks to their coordination and execution of what we requested. There were no glitches and Brett took a very personal interest in making sure that we were very satisfied with Sun Safaris. Thank you for a very awesome vacation.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
When can I come back?
I had my first Safari experience in June of 2014. Friends had told me how great an experience Safari is but I had no idea what to expect. Needless to say I was blown away. The wildlife is amazing, the lodges and camps fantastic, and the people are shine bright.
After my first trip I was bit by the African bug and had to get back. I worked with Safari Infinity to plan a second custom Safari.
We picked the low season so we did not have to deal with crowds. We got to off road in Ndutu, follow a cheetah for the better part of an hour, and drink scotch while over looking the Serengeti.
The team at Safari Infinity is amazing. They work with your budget, your plans, and what you want. They do not try and force you into a prepackaged deal.
After two Safaris I'm ready to come back. I'm currently training and getting in shape to climb Kilimanjaro! Can't wait to work with everyone at Safari Infinity and be back in Africa!