20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Kenya by Flo Romain Worldtour
We also visited Cresent Island, which was a walking safari, and once again we had an amazing time!!!!
Review about South Africa by John Bragg of Oregon
Going to South Africa culminated a dream that began in fourth grade geography class. Through the years I've nurtured a fascination with all things African, but especially I became enchanted by South Africa's history as the ancestral homeland of human kind, as a place of historic adventure, and courage, and strife, and an amazing rebirth at the hands of Nelson Mandela.
I began planning my trip to Africa months ahead of time and picked dates in September, which put me in South Africa after the European tourists had gone home but before the South Africans began their summer Christmas holiday season. September means taking a chance on rain now and then, but it also means low prices for food and lodging, and usually no crowds. I travelled alone. I'm a photographer by profession and enjoy travelling solo that I may practice my craft. I love travelling through wild, unknown places and having the countryside almost completely to yourself.
I flew to Johannesburg via Amsterdam, then spent several days in Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands private game reserve. I returned to Joburg for a few days more and visited Soweto, Nelson Mandela's familly home with the stone memorials, went to see Sterkfontein Cave and Maropeng, then flew to Cape Town for a few days of walkabouts, music, day bus tours, and wonderful food. I stayed in Bo Kaap. Finally I rented a car and drove the Garden Route to Hermanus, then on to Knyssna, Addo and Port Elizabeth, then back to Amsterdam and on to home.
If I start listing highlights I will have to detail the entire trip, but I will always remember: Sterkfontein Cave; Soweto and the Apartheid Museum, Kliptown/Walter Sisulu Square, and the Freedom Charter; Nelson Mandela's final home in Joburg; Cape Town, Table Mountain, the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Aghuilas, the Tsitsikamma coast, whales, the upside-down Moon, driving on the wrong side of the car on the wrong side of the road, and so much more...
Water safety: I took my cue from the locals. Most places the tap water is fine.
Food safety: I ate everything everywhere, including at street markets in Soweto, with no ill repercussions, although I avoided bush meat.
Personal safety: Be smart, keep your eyes open, do NOT leave anything in your car!!!
Remember to tip: Eighty five percent of South Africans make their living on tips for services rendered. Tips may range from a few Rands ($1US or less) for a personal service, like getting driving directions from a traffic assistant, or for fueling your car, to R200 to R300 per day for professional services (a safari guide or driver, or city day-tour guide).
I also visited Tsitstikamma National Park and Table Mountain National Park.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A perfect safari with wonderful hosts
Do you have an aunt and uncle that will take you on a perfect Safari, cook for you every day and night and dote on your kids while you relax on vacation? No? Well call Chris and Nikki at Armadillo Overland Safari and Adventure tours- they'll do all this and more. My wife and three daughters (4, 6 and 8 yrs old) spent 5 nights and 6 days with Chris and Nikki and their "armadillo" truck and we wanted to stay longer. Another month or maybe a year would be about right.
Communication with Chris was easy and his e-mail responses were quick while we were planning our safari before we left the US. He sent us a planned itinerary of a safari in Kruger National Park and then added a requested side trip to Elephant Whispers which he arranged and included in the price of the Safari to make it even easier for us. And when traffic snarled our original itinerary he made a few calls and re-arranged the visit to ensure we had plenty of time with the Elephants and plenty of time in the park. He also added the requested panaroma route during our return trip to Johannesburg and was flexible with our schedule as our flight got moved up a couple hours the week before we left.
The 'armadillo' vehicle is a elevated box on the back of an Isuzu 4x4 that ensures you can go virtually anywhere in the park and see everything when you're there. The sitting height is even higher than the game viewing vehicles that we saw allowing us to see animals far into the bush. The elevated box has multiple windows perfect for wildlife viewing and picture taking and for keeping cool riding around in the park. The box also has tables set between chairs to allow kiddos to play some card games when the game drives got longer than their attention spans or on the way to and from the airport. It also has an honor drink bar (beer, cider, water and chocolate milk for us) that Chris and Nikki will stock with whatever you'd like prior to departure. Binoculars? Check. An extensive library on all things safari? check. A heater for chilly mornings? check. An electrical strip for charging devices, camera batteries, etc? and with adapters? check and check. I'm not sure what they could add to make it better but give it a couple months and I'm sure they'll come up with something.
Chris cooked up something delicious for us every night - it was so good that even our 8 year old that here to forth we thought survived on photosynthesis asked for second helpings a couple nights. And the brunches were just as good.
We camped in the park for four nights and just outside the park the last night. The tents and sleeping mats were comfortable and kept us dry during a couple unseasonable rain showers. Chris and Nikki provided pillows and extra blankets which reassured my cold-phobic wife.
This was the best family vacation we've had so far. If I could give them 10 stars I would- and it still wouldn't be enough.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very well organized organization with very pleasant, professional staff.
Excellent flow regarding transportation from/to JoBurg & Kruger. Safaris always left at the predetermined time. Safari vehicles were never overcrowded and guides were very knowledgeable, especially Cedrik. He was very passionate about his work and shared several amusing folklore stories about the animals. The accommodation was very comfortable, clean and adequate. The food was exceptionally good and plentiful. Light meals before early morning safaris were particularly appreciated! I would recommend Outlook Safaris.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful
We had a wonderful experience ! We traveled all the way from Orlando , Florida to South Africa, Zambia and Batsowana. Our tour was handled very efficiently , professionally. The owner of the cimpany met us in Krugar. What a present surprise ! Aron, our tour coordinator was just perfect.
I recommend them highly.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
4-day tour to Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth National Parks exceeded expectations!
I'm happy I booked with Africa Aventure Safaris. I was looking for a moderately-priced tour and after talking to US spokesman Bill Williams, I was reassured about the professionalism and expertise of this company. Nelson responded immediately to my emails and answered all my questions. Our transport was a spacious and comfortable van; lodgings and food were very good. And Bernard was superb! He was a not only a skillful driver and wildlife guide, but also a passionate observer of local culture who helped us understand how the people live and deal with the challenges they face. I expected to see amazing animals and birds, but learning about Ugandans with Bernard's help was a very special experience. Thanks!
EE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience in seeing Mountain Gorillas
We really loved the tour of Gorilla tracking, especially enjoyed having it during low rainy season. It gave a truly memorable experience tracking the mountain gorillas on 6 hour route up the mountains with pouring rain - someone might say that it doesn't seem an enjoyable trip but that's what made the tracking really memorable for us. When you finally reach the gorillas, all soaked with rain and tired, you are just blown away of the sight. We managed to see a family of 12 with young babies and teenagers:)
I really recommend on taking the time to visit the gorillas and Encounter Africa Safaris made the trip even more memorable taking care of us on throughout the whole week-end.
FI
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing safari experience
My experience with Absolute holiday safari was excellent! I joined for 6 day safari (Masai Mara/Lake Nakuru/Amboseli) Everything was organised in best possible way and we saw more than I could have ever imagined. Even leopard chilling on a tree with his prey. :) David, John and our lovely driver Patrick are the best!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our trip was excellent - well-managed, excellent guides, great drives and very good accommodation.
The whole safari holiday was very well done. The booking agent (Michelle) gave great advice and guidance. The travel arrangements went like clockwork, and the tented accomodation was really comfortable, with great food and a really friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The safari drives and walks were superb, with very knowledgable guides who were really enthusiastic and keen for us to see and learn as much as possible. Unreservedly recommended.
Could have stayed for another week or two.
Missed the leopard and we knew there was no lion. Had very up close and personal time with Elephants, Cheetah, Buffalo, Wart Hogs, Zebra, Giraffe, Hippo's, various impala, Salt water and fresh water crocks, wildebeest, dodgers, a puff adder, a boa and great birds. Plenty of local color. Reasonable food, entertaining guides. Took side trips to Santa Lucia, and very up scale neighboring park. Learned lots, met good people and had a lot of fun. Food was so-so (typical for S. Africa). Nice weather every day, but got a little cool at night. Two trips a day. Am going back in 2016, just bought my trip. Will stay in the lodge in the park this time.