65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about South Africa by Bryan
South Africa has a large number of geographically separated National Parks and Private Wildlife destinations. These have a wide range of landscape types and climates resulting a diversity of vegetation, animal and bird life. Each area has its own special character and atmosphere providing a unique variety of experiences.
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic
Our safari in Kruger with Wild Planet Safari was everything we hoped for - and more. We got to see the 'Big 5' - our initial objective - and the 'Ugly 5', but we also got to see so much more. A pride of 21 lions, two lions eating their kill, a group of several hundred buffalo walking single file towards water and a fight where two wildebeest were locked together for almost half an hour plus lots and lots of other animals and birds.
Our guides, Chris and Luin (?) were excellent and amazing at spotting things we couldn't see - even after we started to know what to look for! They also did the cooking and the food was excellent - and there was always too much!
Accommodation wise, I loved the 'African feel' of the huts in which we stayed. The huts were spacious, comfortable - and well airconditioned which was needed!
We were there in September, but I was still slightly surprised both as to how dry and how hot (temps up to 41 deg) it was. However, whereas the dryness (and also being the end of winter) made the scenery somewhat uninspiring, it was fascinating to see how tough the animals were and how they were surviving.
My image of an African safari prior to going was doing it in an open Jeep. However, after the initial disappointment of realising we'd be in an enclosed vehicle, both my wife and I very soon realised its benefits! Being able to have the airconditioning on in that heat was great, and also the visibility was still excellent. Furthermore, if I needed a photo )and I took a LOT!), Chris would stop, position the vehicle as I needed and I could open my window and never missed a photo opportunity!
To summarise: A tremendous time giving us wonderful memories.
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
it surpassed every and all expectations
the scenery is diverse and breathtaking, wildlife everpresent , awe inspiring and so natural.... guide was knowledgeable and professional. accomodations and food excellent but the kenyans and masssai made the trip, generous welcoming and inspiring hosts. It was the trip if a lifetime, i would love to go back to Kenya
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Phinda must offer one of the finest guided game viewing experiences available in South Africa.
Our stay at Phinda in one of the beautiful game lodges in the Sand Forest section was an amazing experience. Phinda has a fascinating variety of attractive bushveld landscapes including mountains, forest, vlei and open grassland. There is an abundance of wildlife, including the Big Five and many rarer and less easily spotted species, such as cheetah and rhino. The bird life is also a big draw card.
The accommodation is of five star quality and unique. Each couple had their own secluded lodge in the forest a short walk from other lodges, the swimming pool and restaurant but hidden from them. The on-suite bathroom had windows looking out on the forest allowing you to leave the blinds open while taking a bath or shower watching Impala browsing in the forest outside.
Our stay included all meals, two professionally guided game drives each day with a separate vehicle, ranger and tracker allocated for our group of 6 guests. Apart from the first day, the same ranger and tracker handled all our game viewing trips. On several occasions our ranger and tracker joined our group for the evening meal, which provided the opportunity to discuss the days viewing experiences with very knowledgeable experts. It also allowed them to get to know us and helped in planning and personalising the next days outings to suit our particular interests.
The quality of the food was excellent. Apart from the three main meals, snacks and drinks were provided in the bush during game drives and during the afternoon break between lunch and the late afternoon and evening game drive. On two nights the evening meal after the game drive was in the form of a barbecue in an open-to-the sky boma. A highlight was the champagne breakfast in the bush organised for us on our last day.
Weather during our stay was superb. During the early morning game drive it was crisply cool and sometimes misty making the mid-drive coffee break very welcome. You must try Amarula Cream in your coffee instead of milk. The misty landscapes were a photographers delight. The days were warm and very comfortable. We had a few short showers, which added to rather than dampened the experience.
All the staff are very professional, knowledgeable and friendly. They interact with you throughout your stay giving a new meaning to the word hospitality. If it fits within your budget, Phinda is an experience no one should miss.
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Greater Kruger by Roger Birch
Wildlife was abundant, but when we did our safari at the end of winter, the bush was very dry.
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Amboseli National Park by Adele Blanchette
Scenic beauty... Killy what more csn i say... elephants in huge groups ‘ hippos. lions ostrich flamingo. just winderful
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Masai Mara National Reserve by Adele Blanchette
just loved the mara. thousands of wildabeast and zebra. Saw the legendary scarface ond orher lion groups. Cheetah hippos elephants secretary birds puma witnessed lions chassing wild boar, ballon tide
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Hell's Gate National Park by Tim
biking through this park is an adventure on itself, with herbivore animals just walking there minding their own business. The gorge is also gorgeous, well worth the bikeride through the park if the bikeride itself isnt enough.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Don't hesitate to employ Flash Safaris and Photography!
I don't typically write reviews, but Flash deserves a fabulous one! I was incredibly hesitant to take the leap on choosing a safari company with so many options. A friend recommended Flash and I am so glad she did. After finally choosing Flash, we didn't regret a moment. Flash was patient, responsive, and accommodating. After giving us an initial itinerary based on my requests we massaged it until we were completely satisfied with the accommodations, schedule, and activities. This is the company to hire! Magda, Edward, and Henry will take good care of you.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Life changing!
Our experience was a personalized, once in a lifetime trip. We enjoyed all of it and had a very experienced, knowledgeable, and friendly guide!