FR
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Two safaris in South Africa with specialists Discover Africa
After being unable to visit South Africa since my last visit in 2019, I decided to use Discover Africa to organise my return to safaris. When I visit South Africa I usually arrange two safaris, one per week and use the the weekends before, during and after the safaris to be with my friends who live in Centurion. I chose two areas, Madikwe in the nort-west and Klaserie (Greater Kruger) in the north-east. My Travel Consultant at Discover Africa, Adelle Bell, then set about finding the best lodges in each area based on my interests and preferences. I had been to Madikwe on two previous occasions so I knew it was a good reserve and, while I had not been to Klaserie before, I had been to neighbouring Game Reserves in previous years. Being a solo traveller can be difficult as lodges price their rooms on a 'two sharing' basis and this can mean either a reluctance to take a single occupant or a high single supplement. Adelle was amazing in getting me bookings at lodges in both areas not only without the dreaded 'single supplement' but also at very keen rates. In Madikwe I stayed 4 nights at Thakadu River Lodge where accommodation was in Luxury permanent tents set alongside the river. There are 12 tents running south of the lodge with the tents from number four onwards at increasingly long distances from the lodge. It would take me between 5 to 7 minutes to walk from my tent to the lodge and this may be a problem for those with reduced mobility. Facilities and staff at the lodge were first class and the food was of a high standard. It should be noted that drinks were not included but the prices of local brands were reasonble (ZAR80 for a large, 250 ml, glass of red wine). The game drives were well organised and my guide, Vincent, was very knowledgeable and adept and finding the animals in the very large reserve. As I said, I have been to Madikwe before so I knew that the game viewing there is first class and I can wholeheartedly reccomend it. Thakadu is a lodge that is run by a local collective so as well as having a memorable safari, you are also supporting a local enterprise.
At Klaserie I stayed at Camp George, part of the Simbavati Group of lodges, for 6 nights. The camp is in an excellent site adjacent to a dry river bed and has its own waterhole. The rooms and lodge facilities are of a very high standard and are relatively new (about 10 years since construction). The lodge managers and staff are very welcoming and attentive and have an obvious enthusiasm and love of the bush. Even though the lodge is very luxurious you do not feel isolated from the bush as you can do in some other high-end lodges. At only 8 rooms set around the central lodge buildings it was like being part of a small group of friends which made for a very relaxing stay. The game drives were ably handled by our guide, Julius, who worked hard to ensure that we had the best opportunites to see the animals in the area. Game viewing in high summer can be difficult as the bush is dense and in full leaf. Spotting the animals, even large ones, can be tricky as there is plenty of cover which can conceal them even though they are very close. When you do find the animals you have a greater sense of achievement just because you know how difficult it is. However, we were able to get some great sightings including 6 separate sightings of leopards involving 4 individuals. If you like your lodge to have all the amenities, and be of a high standard, then I can thoroughly recommend Camp George.
I can also recommend putting your trust in the consultants at Discover Africa to organise your trip. Adelle coped with my constant requests for updates and reassurances (I suffer from being one of life's victims of Murphy's Law!) in a considerate and supportive way. She said that she would look after me with my trip intinerary and she did precisely that. These were my 12th and 13th safaris so I have had plenty of experience with booking safaris through various travel companies, Discover Africa is up there with the best.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Will book again
We booked the 3-days safari. It was awesome. Good communication, best driver, a lot of animal spottings, nice accommodation and good food. Will do my next safari during the high season and big migration definitely with them.
FR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
BIWAKWANGO is the best travel agent for a journey in the south of Africa.
Hello Thierry, we were really delighted with this trip to Zimbabwe:
Mana Pools for 10 days (3 camps) and Hwange for 5 days (Somaliza). We left in November at the end of the dry season.
Mana pools is an extraordinary nature reserve. The landscapes are different and the animals are everywhere even in November.
Hwange was relatively empty of animals. This is not a good date to visit Hwange. That said, the big cats were present in Somaliza since they are attached to their territories. We saw leopards in numbers, animals that we had never had the chance to see.
Regarding the camps:
- Kenga camp (African Bush Camp) is a good camp in the standards of comfort, functioning and preservation of nature that we appreciate. Too many tsetse flies. I was devoured but I am responsible because I did not put repellent.
Very good table.
- Camp Mana managed by Steve is a more rustic camp. Atmosphere much more respectful of nature. Steve knows all the animals and all the ecosystems. Very impressive.
Very Anglo-Saxon table. We saw the wild dogs with them and followed them on foot with Steve. It was great. For me it is an excellent camp, even the best, but a bit rustic. Suitable for backpackers. I suggested Steve call you. I will send him emails.
- Nyamatusi is the most comfortable camp we tested. Tents that are almost no longer tents (almost villas). The tents are very far from each other. You have to walk a lot, which is not a problem, but at night they come to pick you up by car (compulsory). It lacks charm.
Meals are for couples or families. No more mixing of guests, it's unfortunate.
Excellent table but too Anglo-Saxon.
Nyamatusi is the worst experience of this trip apart from the small private pool which was great.
Somaliza awesome as usual. The best compromise for us. The Somaliza teams are truly exceptional. I recommend Somaliza to all French people who want to go to Zimbabwe. Do not go beyond in terms of comfort.
Sincerely
Guillaume says "the leopard" given the number of bites I had. sent from my Iphone
(automatic translation from French)
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
All was well organized from beginning to the end.
I advisable to organize travels with Rustic Africa Safaris.
EG
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Mind blowing experience with Dav Safaris in Uganda.
I am so glad I booked Dav Safaris while in Uganda. My safari to the mountain gorillas was perfect! Reagan was very responsive and accommodating. He was always quick to respond to my emails and he helped me book my private tour. He was also very flexible with my dates and my budget. My driver, Arthur was very knowledgeable and he went above and beyond to make sure that my trip was wonderful. I really enjoyed my trekking experience and my time in Uganda. I highly recommend booking with Dav Safaris when planing a safari.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The Nicest, informative and fun guy
He was such a fun loving guy who was willing to do the above and beyond for us. I highly recommend him as a tour operator. Most of all a great driver and respectful as we went over bumps and stops when we want pictures. 10/10
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Best in organizing safaris and beach
We really recommend anyone who wants to go on safari or beach holiday to Tanzania to book with Superb Tanzania Safaris
We have booked a 3 week safari / beach holiday with our family and have had a lot of contact in advance about what we wanted. Freddie did a really good job. He has mapped out a safari/beach holiday for us and it was beyond our expectations. It is a fantastic, affordable and very reliable company and everything is arranged down to the last detail, from the Guide that was waiting for us when we got off the plane, the domestic flights to all excursions. It's an advantage that Superb Tanzania Safaris arranged all the hotels, lodges tents camps, modern safari cars, they have their own guides and a great staff. All lodges, tents and hotel rooms were spacious, very clean and fully equipped. The staff is extremely friendly and the food is delicious. All the staff really made us feel "at home". During our safari we had a fantastic guide, Alex, who was like a walking wikipedia. He was by far the best guide we could imagine. He really knew everything about the wildlife and he wasn’t just a guide but became a friend. We had such an incredibly beautiful holiday that we will never forget. Many thanks to Superb Tanzania safaris, and especially Freddie, for this unforgettable experience.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Absolutely fantastic
This is the second safari I've booked with them and the services were as amazing as the first time.
The staff are very responsive and made sure we had everything we needed from the booking date up until after the trip.
The safari itself was wonderful, we had a
very lovely time, the guide was informative and the accomodation was amazing as well.
Highly recommend them.
IN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing Experience and Tour!
The safari was altogether a different experience to us and we enjoyed the most. The Lenchada Safaris’ did all the arrangements on a budget level and we were really happy. We could spot all the ‘big five’ along with many other animals during the safari Masai mara. Mr. Dikson, our driver cum guide was good and was able to find out most of the animals. Two night stay in Lechada camp was also nice and the food was OK. We could not enjoy the masai village trip as it was more like artificial and fake. Hotel in Nakaru was also nice with very friendly staff and good food. The safary in Nakuru park was interesting, we could see rhinos, flamingos and columbus monkeys along with other animals. The boat ride in Naivasha lake was wonderful too, we saw many different species of birds, hippos etc. The stay in Dove nest lodge was not much comfortable. The lodge was looking beautiful but we had issues with mosquitos and uncleanliness. Another issue we all faced and discussed during the trip was the telephone calls of our guide Dikson. He should correct that habit as it was annoying and not safe. He was good and caring at everything else. We recommend The Lenchada Safaris if you are looking for a good budget friendly stay in Kenya.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Top notch
Loved how you outdid yourself with the surprise we had for my friend