US
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
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
Review about Bwabwata National Park by lifeisgreat77
Kwando River is the best, i ever saw!
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Namib-Naukluft National Park by lifeisgreat77
too many tourists in the Namib/Sossusvlei, great, but hard trails in the Naukluft
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Etosha National Park by lifeisgreat77
if you have been in Khaudum or at the Kwando river, Etosha looks like a big zoo
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Mahango Game Reserve by lifeisgreat77
more like a small zoo
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.
US
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.