50-65 years of age
My visit to QENP was brief but very enjoyable, fairly good game viewing in an exceptional setting.
My visit to the QENP began early, leaving Kasese early in the morning before crossing the equator on the way. We drove into the Park area along a tar road, turning off the For Portal-Katunguru road toward Katwe, passing the Nyamayuka crate lake. Further on, we turned off at the QENP entrance, where I paid US$30 to enter, comparable wth many other countries. Driving along the dirt road, we headed for Mweya Safari Lodge where we had arranged to meet with friends. Along the way we saw waterbuck, buffalo, elephant and warthog. The setting is beautiful, overlooking a lake and channel, where large herds of elephants and buffalo can be seen, along with various antelope. Lunch & drinks were very pleasant but pricey (not too surprising), although the staff were very good and friendly. We took a different route out, along Leopard Trail and Leopard Loop (only suitable for 4 wheel drive) before heading onto the tar road back to Kasese. We saw as much game from the main road (before the equator)... Read more as inside the park itself, includng herds crossing in places. Heading back to Kampala next day we drove along the tar road and up to a couple of viewing areas overlooking the QENP - stunning views, and baboons on the road. Next time I hope to spend more time at QENP, perhaps in a different part of the park.
One of the most unique experience.
The wildlife was magnificant. We've seen all of the big animals, except for the Rhino (obviously:( ). Lodging was also fantastic and a hippo joined us at the breakfast once, until he was spooked away by one of the guards.
The guide was alright, knew the wildlife just fine, but his driving skills were quite bad. We got stuck in the pile of sand, and he literally had no knowledge how to use the winch... The jeep was also very old and got broken down quite a few times.
Fantastic first safari, few people and lots of animals.
This was a fantastic 4 day safari, 2 days at Kapani Lodge and 2 days at a very luxurious bush at Mchenji with Norman Carr Safaris. We saw more than 60 different species of animals and birds during those days. The guides and scout were exceptionally well trained and knowledgeable on most aspects of the wildlife and plants. A very personal service was provided and the night drives were terrific for seeing hippos feeding on land and several leopards, a very special treat. A great destination for all the great African mammals except cheetah and rhino.
During the two 3-4 hour drives each day we only met other a couple of 4x4. There was none of that following along in a queue of traffic! The food and the accommodation were also 1st class. I highly recommend this place.
35-50 years of age
Review about Zambezi National Park by Ronel van Zyl
While staying at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge in excellent selfcatering accommodation, we found ourselves right in the bush close to Victoria Falls. The highlight was seeing herd of buffalo coming to drink at the waterhole of Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. the option was there to do your own game drives but without a 4x4 the thick sand didn't allow us to go far. The Zambezi brings the wildlife to the banks to drink. Excellent afternoon sunsets game drives. Lions, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, sebra, etc.
35-50 years of age
Review about Hwange National Park by Ronel van Zyl
Hwange is absolutely beautiful with good roads and accommodation, but giving you that exclusive bush hideaway. We have been sitting at the hides on our own for hours just watching the wildlife. Lots of elephants to be seen. Discovered best places to see them is at the waterholes from the platforms/hides. The heat makes the animals come to drink all through the day. Nyamandhlovu Platform is a prime game viewing area at a pumped water hole. We took excellent photo's here. We stayed in selfcatering lodge at Main Camp and had excellent dinners at the restaurant. Te park covers vast areas and one has to be prepared to take food along each day and lots of water. Fill up with petrol/ gas when you can. Excellent curios /art pieces to buy on the road to Hwange from Victoria Falls.
US
20-35 years of age
Review about Zambia by hemrin2000
Zambia still has natural beauty. Hopefully it will continue to be conserved. It has flights from major cities to the safari destinations with a short drive to the safaris. It is safe.
50-65 years of age
Review about Uganda by masimba7
Uganda is a very warm and friendly place, with few of the hassles you find elsehwere, even Kampala itself proved welcoming even in some of the poorer areas of the centre. Safari-wise, still not the level of game viewing of other countries, but you can't fault it for beauty in the parks. Friends of mine have also recommended Murchison Falls (where I hope to go this year - 2012). Fort Portal is a good base for visiting the Ruwenzoris, one of the Gorilla viewing areas. My visit to Uganda was to visit friends, and we used their own vehicles (4wd) with no guide with no problems. A very enjoyable experience throughout my 2 week stay.
Review about Zambia by Jaka
Because I enjoyed it very much I give it an excellent grade. It was also much better than other surrounding parks (Malawi ones), but those were all also much smaller.
Review about Zambia by Trapperjem
This is only bit of Zambia I've seen as we drove from and back to Malawi but it was great.
35-50 years of age
A Gem of Southern Africa
Zimbabwe away from the big cities in the unspoilt bush is a true wildlife and nature enthusiast's paradise. We visited the Victoria Falls area. The upsetting thing is that everything is charged for in US dollars which make it expensive. River rafting the 18 rapids on the Zambezi with the experienced guides make the trip a pleasure. Who has done 5 grade 5 rapids in one day? The safari lodges and hotel serve great food and it is recommended to visit a few for different dining experiences. The elephant back experience and the hot air balloon flight over Victoria Falls was magnificent. We stayed for two weeks in this area and it still felt not long enough. Petrol/ gas is a problem and one should fill up as often as possible if self driving. Great lodges, guesthouses and B&B's in the area with lots of friendly locals.