35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience - will use again sometime in the future!
Got the quote from Big Mamas through safaribookings.com. We did have a slightly cheaper quotation but the company did not have as many reviews as Big Mamas so this swung it for us. A family of 4, 2 adults 2 children (1 severely autistic) and the way we were treat from the beginning from booking, paying the deposit and final balance on the day was second to none. I highly recommend booking with Big Mama Adventures to anyone. We had an amazing day in Mikumi, one we will treasure for the rest of our lives.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The trip of a lifetime with red Africa safaris!
From the moment we sent our first enquiry, Red Africa Safaris impressed us with their professionalism and organisation. Amelia responded almost instantly, answering all of our questions thoroughly and providing all the essential information you want when booking a safari abroad—including company registration details and everything we needed to feel confident and secure. That level of transparency and efficiency was a great first impression—and it only got better from there.
We were picked up from our hotel in a private van and set off on a two-day journey along the Panorama Route. The views were absolutely breathtaking, and our guide, Patrick, was not only incredibly knowledgeable but also genuinely friendly. We got on so well—it felt like traveling with an old friend who happened to know everything about the land around us. One of the things we truly appreciated was how the guides didn’t just drop us off at attractions—they were with us every step of the way. That made for a much more personal, engaging, and informative experience throughout.
One small part of the tour that gave us pause was the visit to the Elephant Whispers centre. While it was fascinating to see the elephants up close, the opportunity to pet and stroke them felt misaligned with the rest of the trip, which placed a strong emphasis on animal welfare and protection. It’s something future travelers might want to consider, and perhaps something the company could review in terms of ethical consistency.
The rest of the trip, however, was nothing short of phenomenal. Blyde River Canyon left us speechless—the views are etched in our memories forever.
Then came Kruger… and wow—where to even begin? Jaco picked us up from the hotel and instantly set the tone for what would be the highlight of the trip. His professionalism, vast knowledge, and passion for wildlife (including a background in anti-poaching and conservation research) made every conversation fascinating. He’s the kind of guide you could chat with nonstop for days.
What really stood out was the personal touch. While other travelers returned from game drives to quiet lodgings, we came back to Jaco welcoming us with a freshly grilled braai and warm hospitality. He prepared both our breakfasts and dinners with care and a smile—starting and ending each day on such a high note.
We were incredibly lucky to see all of the Big Five—twice! A true testament to the skill and dedication of our guides and trackers. The bush walk was another standout—an unforgettable way to connect with the park on foot and gain a whole new perspective.
Knowing that a significant portion of the trip cost goes directly into conservation work made us feel even better about choosing Red Africa Safaris.
Top Tip
One thing we didn’t realise until chatting with Jaco is that Red Africa Safaris can tailor each trip to suit your interests, time, and budget. It’s worth knowing that there’s a lot of flexibility—whether you’re looking for something more luxurious, off-the-beaten-path, or simply want to focus on specific regions or experiences.
We will be recommending to friends or family planning their own trip, to consider combining Kruger with a few other places if they have time. Jaco explained that any package can be personalised to include e.g
• Botswana or Namibia (These are great options if you have around two weeks and want to explore more remote, scenic areas with a focus on high-end lodges and unique landscapes.
• Mozambique & the East Coast – It gives you a broader picture of Southern Africa and a more tropical experience.
• Victoria Falls – Can easily be added on by flight.
• Cape Town
• Swaziland (Eswatini) – Offers something a little different: traditional cultural dances, closer wildlife encounters in parks like Mlilwane, and beautiful scenery. A really interesting addition that we will consider for future trips.
Also, if you’d prefer to avoid the long drive from Johannesburg to Kruger, it’s good to know you can fly directly into Kruger Mpumalanga (KMIA) or Hoedspruit Airport—definitely something to think about for convenience.
North Kruger also has more luxury lodges like KwaMbili. Just something to keep in mind when chatting with Amelia—there’s a lot they can help you customise.
To Amelia, Patrick, Jaco, and Remember—thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You didn’t just plan a holiday, you delivered the trip of a lifetime.
AR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
An Unforgettable Journey Rooted in Purpose
Having previously explored the African wilderness with Heart of Africa Safari Tours and Lodge alongside my children, I was already well-acquainted with the exceptional service and transformative experiences they offer. On this occasion, I had the pleasure of introducing my fiancé to the magic of a Heart of Africa safari—and it proved to be the most memorable trip yet.
From the moment we arrived, the professionalism and warmth of the team were unmistakable. Every detail was meticulously arranged, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience. The staff’s deep knowledge of the landscape and wildlife, coupled with their genuine hospitality, created an atmosphere that was both informative and deeply welcoming.
Beyond the thrilling game drives and the comfort of the thoughtfully designed accommodations, what truly sets Heart of Africa apart is its unwavering commitment to community empowerment and sustainability. Their initiatives to support local villages, promote conservation, and foster education reflect a profound sense of responsibility and respect for the region and its people.
Traveling with Heart of Africa is more than a safari—it is an immersion into the soul of the continent, led by those who know and love it best. For travelers seeking an experience that is not only breathtaking but also meaningful and ethical, Heart of Africa remains my unequivocal recommendation.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Knowledgeable, experienced, patient and attentive to guests.
Hearts of Africa was an incredible guide company for safari and I highly recommend them. This was my first safari and I was absolutely blown away by the knowledge and experience of our Hearts of Safari guide, Ephata. He provided so much insight about the topography, the culture, history, the animals, the flora and fauna and so much more during our safari. We would often be the first car at a significant animal sighting or be the first car to move to a better location because of Ephrata’s patience and knowledge of the animals and the different parks. He is always watching and observing.
Throughout each of the various parks we travelled other guides talked with Ephata, asked questions and it was clear they respected him. Significantly, he quickly surmised what part of the safari experience was most important to each member of our group and he would look out for us and make sure we all maximized our travel experience, even though we did not uniformly agree what was our goal. In addition to being extremely knowledgeable, he is also a warm and a kind person. Hearts of Africa was an exceptional experience and I unqualifiedly recommend them. I will be back soon.
NL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
I do not recommend Silver Spark Africa
Our highly anticipated 5-day private safari, costing over $4000++, with Silver Sparks was a complete disaster. After full payment, we were subjected to:
• Substandard vehicle.
• A seemingly new and potentially unpaid driver.
• Unpaid entry fees at tour sites (despite our full payment).
• The driver's concern about not being paid, jeopardizing our return.
• Last-minute cancellation of our return airport transfer via text leaving us stranded.
• Unacknowledged overpayments for dinners.
• Zero communication or proactive updates from Silver Sparks during our trip.
• Unauthorized itinerary changes.
Silver Sparks takes your money and fails to deliver on their promises. This unprofessional and unacceptable experience ruined our first visit to Kenya. We strongly advise you to seek other reliable tour operators.
Silver Sparks never acknowledged returning the monies we paid twice due to their negligence. Seems to be their standard way of operating.
A formal complaint has been filed with the Nairobi tourist board.
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Value and Experience
My wife and I has the absolute best experience with Samora Explorers! Our amazing guide Reggie was nothing short of the perfect person to accompany you on a safari. From his friendliness, knowledge of animals, and incredible ability to spot animals, he made our trip a truly unique experience.
Because of Reggie we were able to witness a rare lion hunt. He also found a male and female lion mating just outside the Serengeti hidden in the grass. Time after time, Reggie continued to spot animals all over the place. We saw so many lions in unique positions and exhibiting different behaviors. He was able to show us a Rhino in the Ngorongoro crater, and even Vultures tearing into a Zebra carcass. Reggie really went above and beyond to make our safari an unforgettable experience and I would recommend him to anybody in a heart beat! Truly a great guide.
You'll find a lot of other overpriced tour companies offering the same package at triple the price. Samora Explorers offered us luxury to mid-level accommodation where we were served 3 course meals for much cheaper than all these other European based companies. They are a local company that actually cares about their employees. So much so that while everyone around us has these sad looking box lunches, we had fresh hot meals and had a bush picnic everyday.
Overall, I highly recommend Samora Explorers. They are a great tour company with great guides and I can guarantee that you will not regret booking with them.
Thank you to Iddy and Reggie for making our safari trip unforgettable.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Absolutely Incredible Experience – Highly Recommend!
Our trip with Tapestry of Africa was nothing short of amazing. From start to finish, every detail was flawlessly planned. From the moment we were picked up at the airport in Victoria Falls, we knew we were in great hands. The itinerary covered everything—from thrilling game drives to unforgettable activities—seamlessly organized and stress-free.
A special shoutout to our incredible guide, Jacob. His knowledge, kindness, and passion made the trip even more special. We truly could not have asked for a better guide!
We visited both Zimbabwe and Botswana, and the entire experience exceeded our expectations. Not only is Tapestry of Africa outstanding, but every local partner and contact they work with was also top-notch. It’s clear they’ve cultivated strong, trustworthy relationships that benefit their travelers.
Our time in Africa was more magical and memorable than we ever could have imagined. If you're considering a safari or adventure in this part of the world, Tapestry of Africa should be your first call. Highly, highly recommend!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing
Peter provided us with a once in a lifetime unique experience! We saw many different animals and witnessed many wonderful things every single day of our tour. Peter customized the perfect safari for us with different lodges and parks every day and varied activities to see and do everything we possibly could. Peter gave us many wonderful memories to treasure forever. Kibera Holiday Safaris are definitely 5 star plus and highly recommended. Peter ensured we had a magical experience. We will be booking other tours with Kibera in the future for different locations. This is our number 1 tour company ❤️
MY
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Top rated tour operator with expert guide, John!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Unforgettable Safari Experience with Guide John!
Our Jungle Roam Safari was nothing short of amazing! From start to finish, everything was perfectly organized, and the real highlight of the trip was our tour guide, John. His deep knowledge of the local wildlife, keen eye for spotting animals, and friendly, professional demeanor made the entire experience both educational and exciting.
John went out of his way to ensure we had the best views and photo opportunities, while also keeping everyone safe and comfortable throughout the journey. His passion for nature is infectious, and he shared fascinating facts about the animals and ecosystem that really enriched the tour.
We saw elephants, lions, giraffes, and so much more—all in their natural habitat. The memories we made on this safari will stay with us forever. If you're planning a safari adventure, I highly recommend Jungle Roam Safari—and definitely ask for John as your guide!
