Kafue National Park, Birderwatchers Paradise, Big-game galore
Recently we spent 3 nights out of a 12 night safari at a camp along the Kafue River on the northern edge of the Kafue National Park. During the days we both boated along the Kafue River and drove into the park in Land Cruisers. The bird life along the river was amazing. I was able to identify with the help of the local guide over 70 bird species - Bee-eaters, Hornbills, Barbets, Africa Finfoot, Eagles, Geese, Herons, etc. Too numerous to list them all. The big game species were also very special. Along with Elephants, Wildebeest, Bushbucks, Red Lechwe, Warthog and other big game species, we also saw unique species not seen elsewhere on our travels. Such as Puku, Yellow Baboon, Velvet Monkey and Grey Defassa Waterbuck. While traveling in boats we had close encounters with Hippos and Crocs. On after dark drives we saw genet and serval's. As we were there in early June there were no bugs, and no rain. A perfect time and place to experience all that Africa has to offer.
CH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Wildlife and safari at its best!
Plenty of animals, beautiful sceneries, and the few people we met were very nice and friendly. A campsite on a hilltop was our choice: plenty of stars at night, romantic campfire, wonderful sunset and sunrise, but also very basic facilities, and lions might be around. If you want the more relaxed option, try the mid-range bandas or the upmarket lodge, both at Apoka. Self-drive from Kampala is doable (in dry season, at least), but it's a long, long drive. There are some tour operators from Kampala. Staff at the park is very helpful, you can find a driver, guard or cook if you like.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We want to go again!!
Our 10 day trip, comprised of 3 couples (ages 30 something to 60 something), was arranged by a member who had previous travel experience with Odyssey Safaris—a positive experience, needless to say. Our trip was designed to experience the highlights of South Africa and Zimbabwe, along with some personal picks. Mark Cahill had the itinerary and details customized to everyone’s satisfaction prior to departure and the travel arrangements- –pick-ups, transfers, tours, accommodations--went very well from there. The tour included Cape Town, Peninsula and wine country, Victoria Falls, day and night safaris, and a short elephant safari. Our drivers and tour guides were always on time, ready to share information about their country, and ensure that our experiences were meaningful, enjoyable, and safe. We were enthralled by the accommodations at Mjejane River Lodge overlooking the Crocodile River. Our young safari tour guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge of the abundant wildlife and their relationship with their habitat in Kruger National Park definitely added to our amazing time there. We found free time to seek out street markets in Cape Town and Zimbabwe. Weather conditions scuttled a balloon ride, but our disappointment was quickly forgotten because a spectacular helicopter ride over Victoria Falls was substituted, which is very worthwhile to do. Flying with South African and British Airways, one still has food and beverages included in the coach ticket price--something that you don't find with U.S. domestic flights anymore. Plus, we found the South African food and wine to be great and quite reasonable! So many special memories, but seeing a herd of elephants, along with their calves, drinking at the edge of the Zambesi river at dusk and seeing Victoria Falls from the ground and air are at the forefront. You will be well pleased choosing Odyssey Safaris as your tour designer and operator.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Alfred is AWESOME!
I booked two safaris and a Kilimanjaro climb package, with Alfred . He organized everything and things went much better than I had expected. I am a person with very high expectations and Alfred far exceeded my them. I highly recommend Bencia Africa Adventure And Safaris. Book with them and you will not be disappointed.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Fun family holiday in Vic Falls
We had excellent service from start to finish. Everything was meticulously planned, clearly explained and ran smoothly. Our tour operator was even in cell phone contact for the duration of our trip in case we had any problems.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Mt Kilimanjaro
In March this year I took on the challenge of climbing Mt Kilimanjaro . I did the climb using Kurt Safari and as a novice climber I'm glad that I did . A few months before the climb Kurt made sure that I was fully prepared by giving me invaluable information which included training advice , a comprehensive list of equipment , clothing and medication / first aid needed in order for me to summit successfully . During the climb the guides and porters were fantastic. They made sure that we were as comfortable as possible at the camp sites and the cook prepared food that was both nutritious and tasty . The porters ability to rush ahead of us carrying our heavy supplies in order to set up camp before we got there was astonishing . Even though the guides have done this climb many times before they still have a love for the climb and the mountain that is infectious and this certainly rubbed off on the rest of us . All in all this was a great adventure made even more memorable by the experience and guidance of Kurt Safari . Highly recommended .
True experts in Botswana
I highly recommend Safari Specialists for all your planning needs in southern Africa! They are knowledgeable, friendly, responsive, and reasonably priced. I was able to provide them with a rough idea of the things we wanted to see and do and they developed a very detailed and incredible trip itinerary. It is hard to find the right company so give Safari Specialists a shot!
SK
50-65 years of age
Excellent services
I took a Kilimanjaro climb this January with Shadows of Africa. While other providers did not even bother with answer to my requests for quotation, SoA staff was always welcoming and ready to provide all information I requested with no delay. My supporting team during the climb lead by Amir as my mountain guide was extremly helpful, ready to meet my requirements anytime. Thanks to them was my successful climb a lot easier.
I highly recommend! Thank you SoA!
Shadows of Africa organized a perfect, custom tour through the Serengeti and Ngorogoro Crater.
We did not know anyone who could make a referral for a tour operator, and even with research felt some trepidation about choosing an operator online. But we did, and the experience was beyond our expectations. The company, Shadows of Africa, organized everything from our airport pickup to our hotel in Nairobi, arranged for transportation to Arusha where we began our 6 day tour with our guide, Moody. All of the lodging, food, and the experience itself was perfect. We saw wildlife from morning till the end of the day. We stayed in tents two nights - "glamping" - and were treated to a surprise 'happy hour' in the setting sun and tall grasses near our camp, with singing and spear throwing lessons by our Masaii hosts. It was the most unforgettable experience and I would recommend that anyone considering a safari - contact Shadows of Africa. They made sure we were fully prepared for the trip down to the smallest detail.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Travel Agency You Can Count On!
I'm a published travel and food writer and have traveled extensively all over the world. A few years ago I gave up using American travel agencies because they knew little to none on the tours they were booking. That's when I turned to booking with local agents in the various countries I travel to. First you'll save a whole lot of money and secondly if you encounter any difficulties in your travel plans it's nice to have "feet on the ground". In my case Michelle and Brett were there to handle a travel plan change quickly and efficiently.
On our recent trip to South Africa our travel plans when seamlessly without a hitch. Every recommendations that Sun Sarfaris made were spot on! Do yourself a favor and don't hesitate to use this company. They're can be trusted to deliver. Also don't get caught up on some of the bad reviews on Trip Advisor…everybody has their own personal expectations and when it comes to travel half of them are ridiculous!
Alan
Florida USA