US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
"Awesome Safari Experience!"
I took a safari with my husband and my 6 year old daughter. John and Anthony were extremely helpful and knowledgable. They made us feel as if we were part of the family. The people we met did not treat us as foreigners, they treated us like friends visiting. Other travelers I spoke with talked of villagers charging them for a simple photo. We were invited into their homes. I had such a wonderful experience, I cannot wait until we go again and this time volunteer at an orphanage through Open Africa Safaris. I highly recommend Open Africa Safaris to any traveler who wish to get not only the real Adventure experience, but also the best service in general.
Wildlife extravaganza at Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Having started our South African Holiday with a Great White Shark cage diving trip, followed by Whale watching from our hotel balcony in Hermanus, our four days at Sabi Sands Game reserve had a lot to live up to.
We need not have worried, from the moment that we were picked up at Hoedspruit airport by a very friendly courier, everything exceeded our expectations.
A quite long, dusty journey was frequently interspersed with sightings of various animals expertly spotted by the driver who slowed down when he could to give us the best possible sighting
Our Journey also took us through many villages, which given that we were heading for a four day stay in beautiful accommodation was a humbling experience.
Despite the poverty there were smiling faces everywhere, and washing lines full of beautifully clean coloured clothing which formed an almost rainbow like illumination against the sandy earth and concrete block dwellings.
On arrival at Sabi Sands we were given a warm welcome with refreshments and hot wet flannels to freshen our faces, this became the norm for all returns from the bush.
Our lodge was situated in a beautiful position overlooking the large Water hole/lake and already Hippopotamus were in full view from our verandah,
However we had little time to settle at that time as we were given the opportunity to head straight out on our first safari within the hour!
The guests were divided into three groups and and each group had its own Ranger and Tracker, Our guide was Ryan and his tracker was De'beer. Over the next four days their knowledge, humour, and patience made for one of the most stunning experiences of our lives.
We had incredibly close views of Rhino, Elephant, Water Buffalo, Giraffe, and various other animals, but the highlight for me was the opportunity to view close up at least four different Leopard which seemed totally at ease in the presence of the land rover, however Ryan made it very clear that the animal must be given total respect with no sudden movement or noise, and keeping firmly in our seats. despite this i managed some stunning photographs which i will treasure forever.
The only animal of the " Big Five" we didn't see was the Lions. this was unusual but apparently the pride had moved across the boundary into another reserve and Etiquette deemed that it was not correct to encroach onto another reserve.
This was no problem to me, but there were murmuring of discontent from others, but hey, you're on safari, Wild animals don't turn up to order,
All meals were eaten communally on the decking overlooking the lake, apart from a barbecue which was cooked for us out in the bush one evening and was a wonderful surprise , We ate beside a roaring fire with traditional African singing competing with the calls of the Hyenas and owls (absolutely magical) The standard of food was excellent throughout the whole stay.
All in all i would recommend Sabi sands game reserve to anyone looking for a first experience of African safari. I'm sure there are more rugged and wild Safari experiences, but if you want excellent accommodation and food, coupled with a truly memorable Wildlife experience provided by funny but very knowledgable guides, who have the animals welfare at heart first and foremost, then this could be the safari destination for you.
Review about North Luangwa National Park by michael heyns
Very poor destination for a self travler. Needed a guide in the park. Felt like a military excursion with a armed guard in my vehicle. Not pleasant at all. If you visit Zambia, give North LUangwa a definite skip.
Probably the most beutifull place I have been to.
There were many excellent sightings, beautifull landscapes, freedom of movement. It was no easy to get there by car, as we did, but I am sure there is other modes of travel
We went as a family with teenagers and they really enjoyed it as well. We camped and did not use the accomodation on offer, but it seemed good. We did a self drive excursion. No guides.
One night we did a night drive with guides, lots of animals, great knowlegeable guide.
Camping on the lUangwa river bend was definitely a highlight.
Review about South Africa by Graham W
South Africa more than exceeded our expectations, we were treated wonderfully wherever we went , And the wildlife totally took our breath away
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
CAT reveals and gifts you with the deep local knowledge and beauty of Klaserie Nature Preserve
This is my first trip and long time dream of going to South Africa. I feel so fortunate to be in the presence and experience of Dick Berry and Shaun Taylor. Mr. Berry, outstanding wildlife photographer and Mr. Taylor an experienced Africana tour guide, both provide personalized service and genuine care. Frosting on the cake, the luxurious chalets situated on the riverbank are a wonderful retreat after a day full of incredible experiences.
Capture Africa Tours far exceed my expectations...I will be back ;-)
SE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good commuication and they cared for our trip
They really wanted us to have à memory for life. They wanted us to have a comfort and safe trip to the safari and the trip home to dar e salam.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Affable Tours was great!
Guide Agoi is so experienced and so knowledgeable that he made the trip an absolute joy! My wife and I were worried about comfort and safety and we totally reassured on all counts. We had a great time and if we go back to Kenya and Tanzania we will be booking through Agoi and Affable.
SE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Safaritrip and Mt. Meru
Hi.
We had a really great experience with Stainbok Adventures. At first Mr. Gideon talked to us and guided us through which places that could be interesting to visit. We decided to go for a 3-day safari and also do a 3-day hike up to Mt. Meru. During the 3-day safari we visited Lake Manyara, Ngorogoro and Tarangire. Our great guide Godson found a lot of beautiful places for us to visit and we got to see The Big Five! We were very lucky on our last day, until then we had seen 4 of the big five, and last one to catch was the Leopard which we got in sight during our last hour in the park. A great experience with a great and honest company. We also took the "fast" hiking up to Mt.Meru. A lot of the people we met that had hiked both Kilimanjaro och Mt.Meru, told us to go Mt.Meru because of less crowded and more of a challenge because of the incline, though not as high as Kili. We did the hiking in 3 days even though it´s recommended to go in 4 days because of a slower descent. We went up in 2 days and down in one day. The ranger we walked with was awesome and me and my girlfriend was the only ones along with two other pairs to walk up to Mt.Meru during these days. It was a beautiful landscape and we had a unforgetable trip.
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A fantastic trip to South Africa
I've been 2 weeks in SA with Biwakwango.
Amazing experiences with Safari by feet (with Garry in Klasserie and in Umfolozi)
Fabulous landscapte and good trip in the Wild Coast
Thierry is an amazing guide, you will not get bored with him.