65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wow! Brilliant! Perfect!
We had a lot of choices in choosing a travel coordinator who is well versed & experienced in South Africa and safari adventures. After a lot of research, interviews and a personal referral we chose Southern Destinations. It was the right decision. Let me also say, we are well expirienced travelers who, over the years have been through the gamete from top to bottom and this was probably one of the very best experiences we have ever had. Not only working with Southern but the entire trip itself, it was the journey of a lifetime. We worked with Ilze Fox, who I have to say is absolutely marvelous and after we described how we would like to travel, a bit about our tastes, our budget criteria, a few Skype meetings, clued right into us and suggested the best solutions. And WOW did she get it right - SPOT ON.
From the hotel in Cape Town, The Table Bay and our personal guide Charlie (was he the best) to Victoria Falls, The Royal Livingstone to the 2 Safari Camps by &Beyond it could not have been more PERFECT. Even to the point of Ilze helping us make dinner reservations in Cape Town months in advance, what more could you ask for. She even went out of her way to introduce herself in person one day at a vineyard in Stellenbosch. What a delightful young woman. Every detail of this trip was so well coordinated and planned the only thing we had to do was take our bags off the carousel at baggage claim.
A word about our Safari Camps: the 2 camps we stayed at are run by a group called &Beyond, recommended by Southern and let me say, the name lives up to what you experience, Ngala tented camp is something out of a story book that will remain in our memory bank forever. The same holds for Kirkman's Kamp although not tented is gives the feel of a traditional English lodge. The service and the bush adventures with their teams in both camps is a once in a lifetime experience. Beside up front and personal with the animals and the details that these rangers have about them, there's the morning stops for coffee and biscuits and evening cocktails watching the sun set. It doesn't get much better.
Southern Destinations, Ilze Fox and their entire team far exceeded our expectations in every way. And if you're reading this review and choose Southern Destinations, I have no doubt that you will feel the same way.
BR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I am sure I made my best choice hiring Go Safari because everything went better than I expected.
Glen and Susan were great! They were very friendly, positive and full of energy. They picked me up on time (4am for hot air balloon safari!!) and everything was smooth as scheduled. Pilanesberg is an amazing place, the Bakubung Bush Lodge that I stayed at was very comfortable. I really enjoyed my trip.
I highly recommend them!!
Lifelong wildlife experience in Tanzania..A must for any bucket list.
This was our second visit in Africa,my wife and i visited Kenya in 2009 during which visit we had a short 2 day safari at Masai Mara..and then on to the beaches around Mombasa.
This past january we booked a 5 day safari in Tanzania so that we could experience a proper full blown safari experience.We managed to see plenty of wildlife including the big 5 though some animals were harder to spot and not as abundant as others.
The weather was pleasant and comfortable ,accommodation was very good ..we stayed in a tented lodge,a proper small hotel and a tented camp.Once we got to know our guide/driver and him us we got on very well with him and took his time answering all our questions.
All in all it was a wonderful experience and we are already planning another visit, this time to see the mountain gorillas.
IN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
It was absolutely amazing.
This safari surpassed all expectations. It was my second safari with MMT and my granddaughter's first. This safari was in Uganda and the first one was in Tanzania. We both still talk about Uganda. Leslie was very prompt in answering all our queries, the service was excellent, and the experience was superb. I wouldn't hesitate to make another booking with MMT.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Personalised service and relaxed approach
This was my maiden African Safari and I didn't have a clue what I was signing up for. The pre-booking communications with Mr.Loth gave me the assurance I was in the hands of an experienced & a flexible tour operator. Not being a big tour company, they were able to customise and work on my individual requirements, primarily around Photography. I was briefed on the tour plan in advance and the same was printed off when we started at Arusha. Bryson my Driver-Guide was the actual hero throughout the safari. His keenness to explore places and friendly approach towards other tour drivers enabled me to experience African Wildlife at its best. He along with the cook Gryson, ensured I had a comfortable stay. Though the vehicle looks a bit tired, I was surprised with its performance on the dirt tracks and while ascending the Crater. Whatever your budget, Ilmaasai have the willingness to arrive at a workable solution that's guaranteed satisfaction. Try them to experience Africa.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Ticked off the bucket list
A Safari holiday was always on our bucket list. It was a great experience and we saw a lot of wildlife throughout the trip as well as the migration in the Serengeti which is unusual for this time of the year especially near Seronera and up to Nabi gate. Our driver Eric was a jolly fellow always in high spirits with the knowledge of an encyclopaedia. We have now returned home with some very nice memories and 3 hard drives of pics.
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Walking in the wild!
This is my second visit to Africa on Foot and once again it could not have been a more wonderful experience. From the moment I contacted Natasha at Sun Safaris to the hugs all round from our game ranger, Enoch, as we said our farewells at Hoedspruit airport, the whole trip was a sheer delight. The main reason for going to Africa on Foot is to be able to walk in the bush and learn about the flora and fauna. Enoch is a superb guide and he brought us close to lion, elephant, rhino and buffalo. It was a thrilling! His knowledge of all aspects of the bush and the folklore of the peoples of the area is consummate and we came away with a wealth of knowledge and terrific memories.
a well organised Tanzanian organisation, gives you a safe feeling
We travelled 3 times with Antilope Safari.Every time It was a nice experience, no mistakes in the (flexable) organisation. Communication on the planning of our tours was correct and quick. A very nice and well informed guide.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing family holiday in Southern Africa with Encompass!
Our family of 5 (2 adults and 3 girls aged 15, 13 and 8) enjoyed an incredible 2.5 weeks in Southern Africa (Botswana, Victoria Falls and Cape Town) thanks to Encompass Africa. From the moment we made contact with Jono and his team it was apparent that they were experts in their field and that they paid careful and thorough attention as to what type of holiday would suit us (given our short briefing as to the types of things we'd like to see and do) and how they would make that happen for us. Jono was always available to talk when required and was prompt to return calls and emails. His confident manner and first -hand knowledge meant that I was extremely comfortable relying on his advice as to what would suit our family best.
Our trip was fantastic and just right for us-it's hard to think of anything I would have done differently. Starting off with safaris in 3 camps in Botswana-Camp Kalahari, Kwando's Little Kwara and Kwando's Lebala, we followed on with a couple of days in Victoria Falls and several days in Cape Town. From the choice of camps and hotels to the number of days in each, to the order in which it was structured, everything was spot on. We received a glowing recommendation from a friend to use Encompass and we would not hesitate to give the same.