Overwhelming game.Safari heaven for first timers
I was overwhelmed by the vast numbers of game and superb birdlife in Chobe, the last of the 4 National Parks we had visited during our 10 day wild camping safari trip.Well, it's the perennial river isn't it? The lifeline of water which sustains truly enormous herds of elephant, buffalo, zebra and provides the ideal environment for Malachite Kingfishers and Fish Eagles. And which of course brings day trippers in their thousands into this easily accessible Park. We came into Chobe via the Ngoma Gate and had previously been in Moremi and Savute, classic Parks with iconic landscapes. It was a shock to gradually find a one way road system as we approached the most popular part of the Park and to be jostling past so many other vehicles, packed with first timers , eager to tick off the star sightings. Not that anyone could be disappointed in that.If you only have a day to fit in a safari (though why why why?)then Chobe Riverfront is THE place to come.
It's not got the iconic African landscapes of the Delta or Moremi and it hasn't got that wild bush feel, but it packs such a punch in terms of animals that you can't fail to be impressed. For a first timer, it must be safari heaven. I love lion and on our first morning drive, a male and female sauntered lazily past our vehicle, almost within touching distance;a young male began calling further off then followed the pair up into the shrubbery to find shade.
And this is where, like all National Parks, it can be frustrating because the rules mean no off roading, so unlike Sabi Sand or other private concessions, you can't follow them; you can only sit and watch as they disappear out of sight, thrilled at the encounter as ever but wanting more.
We chose Mosu Safari Tours for our 10 day safari trip, an excellent operator who assigned us Custard as our guide/driver and Kilos as our cook, with LT as camp assistant.They made our trip, really first class guys. A testament to their expertise, both Custard and Kilos had been employed by the BBC while they filmed their documentary about the lion pride that had learned to take down elephant.Custard knew everything there was to know about the animals and got us some incredible sightings and Kilos' cooking is well known as the stuff of legend.
One of the most thrilling moments of the whole trip came as we left Chobe by the Kasane Gate; just 100 yards away, resting beside the main road ,we spotted a pack of wild dogs with several puppies, a superb sight.
We took the Sunset Cruise with Thebe River Camp, where we stayed for two nights and fortunately found ourselves with just two other fellow birdwatchers.
I didn't think there was much else to see to be honest after 9 days and 15 or so Game Drives but the view from the river was wonderful.And the birdlife was mesmerising, with malachite kingfishers the highlight.The river bets very busy and there are some big, crowded boats around so it may be worth checking how many fellow passengers there are,depending on what you want out of it.
Being in the boat also gets you closer to the elephants,as they seemed to me much calmer round these than the vehicles.We followed a mother and calf as they swam back to shore, the baby using his trunk like a periscope.A beautiful sight.
Thebe River Camp was first class, with a nice bar area, spotless showers and toilets and well maintained.We enjoyed our stay here very much,especially after the wild sites we'd been in the rest of the trip.No hyenas at night! The camp is well protected by electric fencing so it's very safe.
We did our trip in mid till late September and this time , for me, was just too hot.40C or 104F in the shade.Like being in an oven.Next time - Green Season!
Review about Botswana by scotlandmac
I was a bit frustrated by the National Park rules on off roading and night drives.Using private concessions would get over this but they seem phenomenally expensive.
EG
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very good
The drivers were nice and helpful. The accommodation was decent. The trip was well-organized. The tour is worth it, and of course Massai Mara is amazing.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Enthralling, fun, helpful and professional guide. Destination (Lenana, Mt Kenya)
Mt Kenya was high on the to do list for friends and I. After a research on the Web, I came across Africkenia Safaris, went to their offices in Nairobi and soon-after a refreshing conversation I had with James (kiongozi) where he gave a breakdown on what to expect. The Mt Kenya Hike was fun and educative as the team of guides had lots of knowledge about the area and other stories (ask why Mt Kenya is referred to as Mt Zion by some). We made it to the summit, safe and sound. Thanks guys. My plan is to head back, now using the Chogoria route. I would recommend Africkenia anyone trying to get their safari or hike.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
an amazing experience
A flycatcher brought us to him. First we were a little bit sceptical but he was nice a looked serious. And also the tourist information told us that he has a licence. So we booked the one day trip to Tarangire National Park. We paid the fee by the time he picked us up. Our driver/guide was a pleasant man. So we had a great day. The only bad thing was that the vegetarian lunch pack wasn't vegetarian. But on the pack was vegetarian written. So we think it was the fault of the cook and not of ilmaasai company.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Mara Magic
Asilia was recommended and as with all recommendations I find one's preconceived expectation is set at a higher level or standard. Asilia did not disappoint. Efficient and effective communication and advice allowed the trip's coordination and logistics component to be dealt with with minimal fuss. The recommendations given were good and achieved their goals. Attention to our comfort and tailoring the experience to suit our requirements was willingly and pleasantly accommodated. Staff were informed, knowledgeable, pleasant without being overbearing. A most enjoyable week. Thank you Asilia for sharing the Mara and weaving the magic that has made our the week spent in your care memorable.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Very good experience
We were three people on safari for 4/5 days between the Ngorongoro and Serengeti las t August. I must say we had an enjoyable experience. Because we were late with payment, we lost our reservation and Easytravel secured other and better accommodation while keeping the same price. After I received several quotes from other companies and being an experienced safari goer, I can say that it is one of the company with the best ratio price/quality.
Our driver guide went out of his depth to spend as less time as possible on the roads between parks at our demand since were only there for limited time. We saw all major safari animals including the big five and a leopard hunting in the Serengeti in only 2 days and a half.
I would definitely recommend Easytravel to other people.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A day trip Holiday to Mikumi National Park
Hi,
I would like to show my appreciation to this company to arrange our group trip to Mikumi national during “nane nane” festival it was fantastic trip thanks to Moses the guide he is really know the park and a wide knowledge of wildlife was surprisingly to all of us. Hope to plan another trip with Tanzania Safaris Service to famous Ngorongoro crater soon. Thank you very much guys.
#Tammy
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Oldupai Gorge Educational Trip
We had a great trip, collected from school and driven out to the crater rim to enjoy the panoramic views. The transport and food provided was excellent and other facilities were provided by ourselves. We were a little inconvenienced by the time taken to get through the park gate but this seems fairly unavoidable in Tanzania.
The drivers were competent and pleasant and the vehicles were reliable and well maintained so we felt safe whole time.
The children enjoyed the trip and learned a lot about our ancestors from their visit to the cradle of humanity in Oldupai Gorge.
IE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent safari holiday
My experience of dealing with Shadows Of Africa from start to finish was easy and stress free. From the initial consultation with Elijah over email to the drop off at Nairobi airport by our most excellent safari guide Ken, it was nothing but a pleasure.
The holiday we were delivered fit our budget nicely and delivered serious bang for our buck, from the 4 day safari to the coastal resort stay afterwards.
The safari itself which was the focal point of the holiday was amazing. We saw everything we could have hoped for and would go back in a heartbeat. I'd have no trouble recommending Shadows of Africa to anyone