50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The Safari We Are Most Likely to Repeat
We went on a canoe safari with Natureways and it was by far the most unique safari experience we have ever had.
While planning a three-week trip to Africa, we knew we wanted to do two safaris but didn't want the second one to feel repetitive after spending time in Sabi Sands. As frequent campers in the U.S., frequent kayakers and canoeists, and an adventurous family overall, a canoe safari seemed like the perfect choice.
We spent three days and nights canoeing down the Lower Zambezi River through Mana Pools National Park with our professional guide Mark and learner guide Admire. Mark's decades of experience were immediately apparent. Despite close encounters with elephants, a massive crocodile estimated at nearly 18 feet long, water monitors, and what felt like hundreds of hippos, we never once felt unsafe. His knowledge of wildlife, river conditions, and animal behavior gave us complete confidence throughout the trip.
The wildlife viewing was outstanding both on and off the water. In addition to the larger animals, we enjoyed incredible birdlife, including African Fish Eagles, giant herons, egrets, kingfishers, and many others. We also participated in walking safaris and traditional game drives, which complemented the canoe experience perfectly.
At night we camped along the riverbank in what can best be described as "glamping in the bush." The camp operation, led by Jenni and supported by Sebastian and the rest of the team, was exceptional. Every morning began with hot water delivered to our tents, and every evening ended with a hot shower after a full day on the river. The food was remarkable. Considering everything was prepared over an open fire and in Dutch ovens, the quality and variety of the meals were simply incredible. This was bush cooking at its finest. One aspect of the experience that exceeded our expectations was the time spent around camp with Jenni and Mark. Because this is such an intimate style of safari, meals and evenings around the fire naturally led to conversation. As a husband-and-wife team, they created a welcoming atmosphere that felt more like traveling with interesting friends than participating in a guided tour. Conversations ranged from wildlife and conservation to travel, history, and everyday life. Mark had an incredible breadth of knowledge and could contribute thoughtfully to almost any topic, while remaining genuinely curious about subjects that were new to him. Those conversations became an unexpected highlight of the trip and added another dimension to an already memorable experience.
Two of our most memorable moments came while in camp when elephants walked directly through the middle of camp on separate occasions. Watching these enormous animals move silently among the tents was both humbling and unforgettable.
This is not the right safari for everyone. You need to be comfortable around water, tent camping with pit toilets (in-tent chemical toilets at night), enjoy being active (~55 km/35 mi of river to traverse), and either be willing to fly on a small bush plane or endure a very long road transfer from Victoria Falls. But for travelers seeking a more immersive and adventurous safari experience, it is hard to imagine a better option.
We would not hesitate to do it again. In fact, of all the safari experiences we have had, this is the one we are most likely to repeat.
SG
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Gilbert’s Expertise Made Our Tanzanian Safari Extraordinary
We had an incredible 6-day Northern Circuit safari with Gilibert, covering Tarangire National Park, 3 nights in the Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Crater. The experience exceeded all expectations and was truly the trip of a lifetime.
Gilibert is an exceptional guide and a genuine wildlife expert, with over 10 years of experience as a guide. His knowledge of animal behavior, birdlife, ecosystems, and the parks was extensive, and he was always happy to answer our questions with detailed explanations. Throughout the trip, we learned so much about Tanzania’s wildlife and conservation efforts.
One of Gilibert’s greatest strengths is his familiarity with the parks, especially the vast plains of the Serengeti. His deep knowledge of the road networks and wildlife movements allowed us to consistently be in the right place at the right time. He worked tirelessly from early morning until evening and was always willing to go the extra mile to maximize our sightings. Rather than staying on the usual tourist routes, he often ventured off the beaten path to track down wildlife, leading to some truly unforgettable encounters.
We were fortunate enough to see an amazing variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, buffalo, leopards, rhinos, baboons, giraffes, crocodiles, gazelles, impalas, antelopes, cheetahs, warthogs, hyenas, and many bird species such as hornbills, flamingoes, pelicans, lilac-breasted rollers, vultures, marabou storks, and oxpeckers. We also enjoyed seeing the iconic baobab trees in Tarangire National Park.
The highlights were extraordinary. We saw all of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), as well as all of the Ugly Five (wildebeest, hyena, warthog, marabou stork, and vulture). We also witnessed the Great Migration, with hundreds of wildebeest and zebras moving across the Serengeti plains. Some particularly rare and memorable sightings included a lion resting in a tree before climbing down, a pride of 12 lions, a rhino with its cub, a cheetah with five cubs, and a leopard lounging in a tree. We also encountered massive herds, including around 100 buffalo, 50 hippos, 50 pelicans, 30 elephants with its calves, more than 100 zebras, and approximately 1,000 wildebeest during the migration.
Gilibert’s dedication, work ethic, expertise, and passion for wildlife made this safari truly special. His ability to spot animals that others missed, combined with his determination to find the best sightings, gave us an experience far beyond what we expected. If you are planning a safari in Tanzania, I would highly recommend Gilibert. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide and would happily safari with him again.
MX
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Masai Mara National Reserve by Ken Rees
A large variety of animals however i would feel that our time was th eperfect time to go without to many people.
AE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Kruger National Park by David Seymour
We saw four of the Big 5 during our day trip (we didn't see a leopard here, but we did at the private nature reserve where we were staying). We saw lots of other animals too at Kruger, including wild dogs, hyenas, giraffes, wart hogs, jackals and cheetahs.
SA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Masai Mara National Reserve by Riyadh Abutaleb
It was Amazing trip Really fantastic
BR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Wonderful
Impeccable service. I recommend the tour. Driver knew the itinerary and was very functional.
AE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Combines unforgettable Big 5 safaris with some of the world's most spectacular panoramic landscapes.
This was my first trip to South Africa. It was extremely successful and delivered exactly what I was hoping for from a safari. I saw all of the Big 5 and a wide variety of other wildlife. The guides impressed me with their knowledge of both animals and plants and their remarkable ability to locate wildlife. The ability to leave the roads and track animals in a private reserve was a major advantage over a national park-only experience. I enjoyed additional excursions to the Kruger National Park and the spectacular Panoramic Route, giving me both wildlife and scenery. The lodge itself was peaceful, intimate and uncrowded. I particularly appreciated watching wildlife from the lodge veranda while relaxing between activities. The food, staff and overall hospitality exceeded expectations.
SA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent
I was apart of 5 21 year old girls who booked the 2 day and 1 night safari in Tsavo East national park. When I say it was the best two days of my time in Kenya I am not exaggerating. From the minute Herbert picked us up to the second he dropped us off, he made sure we were provided with everything we needed and made us feel so comfortable. As we are a group of young girls we were worried we wouldn’t feel safe, but we really shouldn’t have been worried as Herbert is one of the nicest people I have ever met. He was so knowledgeable and answered all of our questions! For our night stay we stayed at Voi Wildlife Lodge and when we got there we were amazed by how nice it was. The whole weekend was such great value for money, and we honestly had the best time. I would recommend Black Santa Safaris to anyone who wants the most amazing experience
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Adventure of a Lifetime
We took our niece on her graduation trip to Uganda, so we could trek with the gorillas and chimpanzees. We specifically chose Eco Adventure Safaris for their ratings and itinerary. Were there hiccups? Of course, it is Africa. But their staff, especially our guide, Silas, quickly pivoted and immediately came up with alternative solutions. The amount of wildlife we saw was amazing (thanks to Silas' expert spotting). Silas took fantastic care of us; we met as strangers and left family. We were so blessed to have him as our guide. We've been to Africa 4 times previously, and Uganda is very special. Not only are Uganda's scenery and national parks beautiful, but the people are so gracious, welcoming, and friendly. We will definitely be back!
