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50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Undescribable
Zambia is a MUST for any safari goer. From the people to the variety of wildlife it is an amazing experience. We travelled to Zambia in 2009 and 2011 (21-24 day safaris each trip) and we are returning again in August/September (2013) for nearly a month. Our favorite spots are the South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi. The diversity and abundance of wildlife is spectacular, only to be outdone by Botswana's Kwando/Okavango regions (and less expensive than Botswana). August and September being the best times for safaris with no chance of rain. Our favorite camps to date are Kaingo (we are going for a 3rd visit) and Chiawa (also our 3rd visit) the incredible amount of wildlife in these 2 areas make them tops in our book as well as staff and guides that are excellent. Food at Chiawa is 5 star as are the accomodations and guides. There are a variety of activities offered from canoe trips, to boating and fishing on the Zambezi, to vehicle safaris. Kaingo also has great accomodations, and now each cabin has its own little overlook of the river where lunch is served so you can enjoy the privacy and views. Kaingo has some of the best "hides" of any camp we have ever visited. we love spending afternoons at the hippo hide and getting up close to these magnificent creatures and the beeeater hide is not be missed especially in September. Chindeni and Chamilandu are also great in their own right, but wildlife is a little sparser in these areas, still the environments make these excellent camps in their own right. They offer walking safaris or vehicle safaris at all their camps. Both have excellent cuisine and all camps adapted their menus for my husbands "unusual food phobias". Transportation is seemless as all the camps work together to get you to your destinations, "no stress". We are visiting some of Robin pope's camps this trip as well I am hoping they too will be just as wonderful.
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50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about South Luangwa National Park by SafariGirl
Incredible wildlife in dense areas
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50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I enjoyed my trip with Roho Ya Chui
The safari was everything I expected and hoped for, and more. The drivers were knowlegeable and gracious. We got to see many animals at different times of the day. It was an excellent experience.
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35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience
Wow! Traveling with the Open Heart group is by far the best way to experience the "real Africa," as Zambia as called. The opportunity to visit with local people in addition to witnessing spectacular views of the wildlife made for a much more well rounded experienced. I found it very meaningful to be able to take in and share our experiences. I was given the opportunity to experience Africa on a deeper, richer level. I frequently pondered on how thankful I was to be with this group, and that I would not want anything to change; it certainly surpassed my expectations.
The guides and leaders, Tom and Laura, are excellent. Tom's extensive knowledge and experience, in addition to his flexibility and great sense of humor, were greatly appreciated. Laura did a wonderful job directing the group in expressive movement and yoga sessions, which really made an impact in helping us feel subsumed in the experienced. I loved the Open Heart activities, including yoga, sharing, reflection, and mediation. Tom was instrumental in initiating a heartfelt connection within our group from day 1, and we really opened up to one another. This "open heart" element made my exchanges with the local community, wildlife, and the environment so much more significant, and helped me in feeling more in tune and connected.
I went on this trip with my father, and we chose Open Heart Safari after looking at various tour companies in Kenya & Tanzania and learning that Zambia would be less touristy & crowded yet still have the same diversity and plethora of wildlife. We had been trying to plan a trip with a safari and then find a way to volunteer, but Open Heart conveniently offered that as part of the package. It was wonderful traveling with similar-minded folks. Meeting with local conservationists and spending the night in a local village were also opportunities we really enjoyed. Visiting Victoria Falls was amazing. On a basic level, the food and accommodations were both excellent.
Overall I greatly recommend traveling with Open heart!
US
A transformative life experience of connecting with wildlife, wilderness, and local communities.
I made a big commitment in this trip in terms of time and money. However, once the trip got underway, I never second guessed whether or not I had a made a good decision. By the time 2 weeks had passed, I felt like the entire trip had been planned and carried out exactly for my own benefit. The "heart-opening" activities we participated in, including movement, poems, reflections, and sharing our reactions and purposes with the group, were incredibly effective in opening my heart to the deeply meaningful experiences of the wilderness, wildlife, and local cultures we visited. By the time the trip was over, I felt as if a major transformation in my life had been initiated.
I always felt comfortable in our accommodations, which were usually stunning and oftentimes felt magical. The flow and atmosphere of the trip were great, combining a variety of activities with plenty of time to rest and relax. Tom's passion, knowledge of Africa, and sense of humor lit up the atmosphere. The local guides in the parks were professional, entertaining, and knowledgable. The only "crowds" we saw were groups of animals - we hardly ever came across other people. Tom and Laura's connections allowed us to meet people and learn about the challenges facing both rural and urban communities, including conservation and poverty.
Here are some of my highlights:
- Nature: The serene, quiet beauty of the African bush, the nobility of the beautiful wildlife, the immense starry night sky, and getting to witness the natural order of the different types of animals, each one with its own place in the ecosystem, co-existing and acting out their part. It all helped me feel like I was part of an amazing unified existence.
- The people: It was amazing to me how in Kawaza, a rural village with no electricity, plumbing, and little possessions, everyone appeared to be so full of life and happiness. I saw more joyful people in one morning in Kawaza than I see in a year in Philadelphia.
- The close connections and open hearted sharing amongst the group helped me connect with the wildlife and communities we met in a meaningful way.
- The "zebra" meditation: Sitting down to reflect, and a few moments later discovering a zebra peeking out at me from only a few inches away. I alternated between feeling terrified and calm.
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
camping safari with 4X4 cars, nights in the desert or local camps
Khaudum is pure Africa, great wildlife, especially elephants, but giraffes, roans, kudus, duckers and other antelopes too; lions are rare and shy, we only saw their footprints. There are only 2 very simple camps, we were in Sikeretti, only cold water, no fence. No food available, you need a 4x4, or better 2 4x4 in convoy. Very sandy roads, i dont know how it may be when it rains, maybe even more difficult. You need an experienced guide, because the signs are rare and often destroyed. No gas station available, even Tsumkwe, outside, often is without gas.
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
My African dream came true
The accommodation in Kenya, Masai Mara in Kichwa Tembo Camp was well selected, the driver of the camp and especially the photo safari with the owner of Roho Ya Chui was an experience. I was able to photograph the Big Five and the absolute highlight was the river crossing of zebras by the Mara River while being attacked by crocodiles. In the evening, the images were discussed, I have received a lot of tips and suggestions. The weather in December was ideal. It will not be my last trip to Africa with Roho Ya Chui.
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20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Brief jaunt into the Zambian wilderness yielded a leopard sighting and a moment of respite.
I visited the Kafue National Park for a short weekend get-away during a business trip. My expectations for the visit were few but important: to complete my 'big five' by gazing upon a Leopard and to enjoy some R&R. I was able to view the other 'big 4' at a reserve in South Africa.
Well the park delivered on both expectations. During my visit, I stayed at the Mukambi Lodge in the Kafue National Park. The accommodations were great. Spacious lodge with operational amenities. The meals included both Zambian and international fares, which were all delicious and filling. I participated in two drives around in the park: one ride at dawn, and one ride at dusk. It was the dawn ride when we happened across a Leopard, which though brief in sighting was unforgettable. During both rides, we viewed Elephants, wild dogs, and various antelopes. Very enjoyable rides altogether.
I highly recommend considering the Mukambi Lodge as a accommodation and safari operator. The professional staff immediately makes you feel at home and the small quantity of lodges allows you to get to know the other guests. The safari drives are well delivered, with ample occasion to absorb the sights and the wildlife, and are tailored to maximize the wildlife sightings depending on the season.
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35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Botswana adventure
My 16 year old daughter and I joined Jane for a great time. It was my third time in Africa, but it was the time I learned the most about the true Africa. The staff was wonderful and we felt spoiled at all times. We felt safe and had lots of fun. The food was amazing, it was way more than I expected. I chose Ulinda's Safari because I got the feeling that it would be real and I would be given a one on one experience and we did. Im very glad that I chose them to expose my daughter to her first African adventure. I would recommended them to anybody who wants the real African experience. Thanks Jane!
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65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing blend of wildlife, scenery, local people, traveling companions, plus Victoria Falls. Wow!
I was looking for a good safari company with my daughter, Katie. We had chosen one in Tanzania and were prepared to book it. Katie then heard about Open Heart Safari from a friend who knew Tom Bennigson. We both surveyed Tom and his ideas over a long phone conversation with him and came away convinced that he knows what he is doing in Africa, that he understands what it means to be "open hearted" himself, and that he had actually crafted a safari experience that lived up to that name. We then had a conversation with Laura, who was just as courteous and responsive to our questions. We were hooked. We not only felt at ease with the leaders, but we figured that other people who would be drawn to this type of safari would be the type of individuals we would want to travel with.
The safari itself surpassed our greatest expectations. South Luangwa National Park is overflowing with amazing animals - so diverse, abundant, majestic, amusing, accessible, natural, free, and exciting - never mind photogenic! Kafue is pictorial, removed, wild, and thrilling. We did not feel like we missed anything passing up Tanzania except for the hoards of people. We also acquired a day at Victoria's Falls, which deserves a spot on everyone's bucket list.
What makes this safari unique, however is the exchanges with other humans - both with the locals and our travel group. An entire day and night in a thatched-hut village in the bush mingling with the people, two days and a night with both youth and adults engaging in a grass roots community conservation and development project. There were opportunities almost every day to think back and share with our group what we were experiencing and witnessing - always with plenty of laughter. Occasional yoga and other movement, artfully led by Laura and matched to our abilities. We had some wonderful conversations and are looking forward to staying in contact with each other across the country. Who knows - we may even arrange a reunion somewhere!