20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was amazing, everything as I imagined an African safari would be.
We stayed at Ivory Lodge, which is on the border to Hwange National Park, I was a part of a tour group so we camped, but some of my fellow travelers upgraded into the tree houses and they said it was some of the best accommodation of the trip. At Ivory Lodge they have a water hole with a hide, so we spent most of the night watching for what would come to the water hole. We saw a herd of greater kudu and two bull elephants, the elephants were so close you could hear them breathing it was one of the best moments of my trip.
We spent two days at Ivory Lodge, on the first day they took us to the Painted Dog Conservation Centre. At the centre they has 3 rehabilitating dogs and its a place were they take local schools to educate the children and visitors about the plight of the Painted Dogs. Its very rare to see Painted Dogs in the wild so being able to just see some who one day will again be wild was wow. That afternoon we went on a sunset game drive in Hwange and we actually saw real Painted Dogs, so that was my unexpected highlight of the trip, we also saw a breeding herd of Elephants, Buffalo, lots of birds and a cheetah.
On the second day we spent on a whole day game drive, and saw much of the same animals, as well as three lions, and we ran into another herd of elephants they were so close you could have touched them and they weren't afraid they just checked us out and kept eating.
We went during the rainy season, but thankfully it didn't rain, but the park was all green and in full bloom, it was some of the best scenery in Zimbabwe. Our guide were all locals and new everything and always had an answer to our questions.
I would definetely go back it was an amazing couple of days
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Exceptional wildlife and expansive landscapes.
It's hard to beat the wildlife, biodiversity, and expansive landscapes of Tanzania. From the highest peak on the continent to Ngorongoro wildlife rich crater, from the expansive Serengeti to vibrant alleyways of Stonetown on Zanzibar, Tanzania has it all and then some. If you're short on time and want to see big game, head straight to Ngorongoro. You'll see everything but giraffes here - they can't climb down/up the steep crater walls. There's so much wildlife it almost feels like a zoo. If you're more into the search and discovery style safari, and have the time, the Serengeti is for you. Better yet, do both. Climb Mt Killy to brag that you bagged the continent's summit, but for my time and money, I'd climb Mt Kenya - more beautiful and fewer traffic jams on the trail. Finally, the rich swahili culture, white sand beaches, and the alluring alleyways of Stone Town on Zanzibar are not to be missed.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Zimbabwe by Alison
I loved Zimbabwe, everything was amazing, the few touristy places we visited like Victoria Falls and Antelope Park, where I thought there would be lots of people, there weren't, you had space to do your own thing.
And the wild places were really wild and untouched, it felt like we were the only people there. If you are going to Zimbabwe it would go to all the places I went and I would go again, Victoria Falls, Antelope Park, Hwange National Park and the Great Zimbabwe Ruins
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve by WanderingEarl33
This is a smaller reserve and while it does include a beautiful stretch of beach, it just wasn't as beautiful as Phinda. But there was plenty of wildlife to be seen.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
As perfect a safari as I could imagine
This was an absolute highlight of my visit to South Africa. The variety of wildlife was simply unreal as we saw every animal that I could possibly think of. It's a beautiful location with a combination of open expanses, hills and forests, plenty of dirt roads to get you into the middle of the reserve and rarely was another safari vehicle seen during the 3 days we were there.
The accommodation is five star and involves private villas in the middle of the reserve, each village as luxurious as can be. Transportation involved excellent condition, super comfortable safari vehicles and our guide and animal tracker were knowledgeable, friendly and just brilliant people to spend time with.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve by originalribenababy
Sadly I think Semliki is still recovering, or at least that was the case when we were there. True we didn't see another soul - even in the hotel we tried to visit! - but some of the game loops were closed. The buffalo and handful of Kob we saw looked truly surprised to see us!
The hot springs here are interesting and we had a good local guide take us there. There are also wonderful views from the roads across into the DRC.
Perhaps the new road they were building will change its fare?
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Kibale National Park by originalribenababy
We were in Kibale with the view of tracking the chimpanzees, but our best experience was at Bigodi wetlands. We saw many primates there and they were given their own space. It felt a little like we were persuing the chimpanzees which felt a little exploitative.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Murchison Falls National Park by originalribenababy
Loved Murchison! And it's really close to Ziwa Rhino sanctuary so, if you have been lucky on your safari so far, you can tick off the last of your 'Big 5' with a visit there after.
We found charismatic and knowledgable UWA guides, beautiful vast plains and tons of mammals and birds. Even the dreaded tsetse flies could not put us off. We had an amazing leopard sighting here and our boat trip up the Nile and walk at the top of the falls added in variety. Magical place I would recommend to anyone.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Bwindi Impenetrable National Park by originalribenababy
Seeing mountain gorillas in the wild is such a special experience - I'm not sure much will top it! Especially when the gorillas decided to be our guests while we had dinner at Volcanoes Bwindi Safari Lodge as well!
Bwindi is more on the well trodden tourist path - as much as Uganda can be! You will see other tourists here, and the trekking is generally full - but Bwindi itself still maintains a small, quiet village charm.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Lake Mburo National Park by originalribenababy
Really enjoyed Lake Mburo! Didn't have high expectations, as I really just thought of it as a stop off on the way down to Beindi but I live this park! There was a different sighting around every corner, beautiful scenery and so many ways to see it depending on which lodge you chose to stay in. Would recommend two nights there easily.