SI
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable
We did a 4 day Tarangire-Serengeti-Ngorongoro tour, saw the big 5 and much much more. We slept at campsites (everything was provided for us) inside the parks which made this experience so much more pristine. Silas was our guide and we loved every second of it. He is super knowledgeable, on point, and always knows where to find the animals. He made this experience unforgettable! A huge shoutout goes to the chef Pius whose food deserves a Michelin star. I never expected that one can eat this good in the middle of African wilderness. Thank you to Suricata safari for a wonderful experience!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
These guys know how to do it right!!! 5 star experience every step of the way!
We knew we wanted to do a 5 day and from the start of planning several months before our trip and I could tell that Wildlife Safaris was going to be my choice from the first email response. Christine and Jonathan answered all of my questions in a timely manner and provided some comfort with detailed descriptions of how our travel would be with a kid and how the overall trip would unfold. I contacted four other operators and between delayed responses, poor descriptions of what it would be like for a 9 year old girl, and short quick unthoughtful responses, I decided to go with Wildlife Safaris. Best decision ever!
On day one we were picked up by our guide Hoppy right on time at our hotel in Sandton (I highly recommend the Hilton in Sandton). We immediately fell in love with Hoppy during the long drive to Kruger. He had an answer for every question along the way and was able to provide excellent conversation throughout. Anytime we needed to stop or were hungry he made it happen. The van was comfortable for the long drives and roomy. Throughout the five days we were able to spot the Big 5, the Ugly 5, but we missed out on the Small 5. Being just a few feet away from most of the animals was incredible!!!
We stayed at the Sabie River Bush Lodge, Skukuza, Mohlabetsi, and the Sabie River Sun Resort. No planning was required on our part. It was push button with all lodges ready to take us in upon arrival. All lodges were fantastic and the food was amazing. All of them had a full bar so we were never thirsty. Our favorite was the Sabie River Bush lodge . As soon as we got there we were greeted by a large bull elephant across the river and then swam in the pool on the side of the river sipping drinks while watching about a dozen hippos play and fight. Unreal experience!
I think the only issue we had was being tired from constantly being on the move. 4 lodges in 4 nights with a 9 year old were rough, then add in early mornings and late nights... It was exhausting but totally doable, you do get some time to nap in the afternoon but we always opted to hit up the pool for a swim after the morning rides. You can sleep when you get on the plane heading back home!!
One thing I was told when I was shopping around was to only book with an operator that does game drives that are in the Kruger or a private reserve that connects directly to the Kruger. There are many privates that border the Kruger but are separated from the main park with fences. This restricts the animals from truly roaming freely and have lots of dependency on humans to survive. When you go to the Kruger or a reserve that is attached with no fence you get a better chance of seeing truly wild animals that are living their life freely with extremely limited human interaction . Take this into consideration before you book as many other listings here go to these private “farms”. Also, you may experience very long drive times to get into these private reserves as opposed to being right up close with the animals from sunup to past sundown. In Mohlabetsi you are right in the middle of it with animals everywhere around you and only minutes before the game drives get very exciting.
If I could change one thing about the entire trip it would be to not do the Panorama Route. It was great to see the highlands with the viewpoints and waterfalls but for us we would have rather spent two nights in one spot with a slower paced day and additional game drives over a day in the car sightseeing. Just our personal preference and it would have helped with the kid catching up on some rest.
Lastly, we had one additional day in SA after the tour and Christine linked us up with Simon who gave us a full day tour of the Cradle and Sterkfontein Caves. He was an excellent guide and we learned so much about the surrounding area.
It was the greatest holiday we have ever been on and cannot recommend booking with Wildlife Safaris enough!!!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent 5***
From the start to the end Daudi was there for us. Communicating, making sure all the discussed points were met. He was there to meet and greet as well as making sure he met us after hike and after safari for a feedback.
I’m guessing like many going for safari and hike to Africa for the first time we were not sure who to choose and how trustworthy the people would be. We didn’t need to worry. The price was very reasonable in comparison to others , the guides were excellent, the food that was cooked for us was just amazing.
Before hike our equipment was thorough inspected making sure we have everything we might need and that we are warm at nights.
All in all we were happy from the point we contacted Daudi until the end. The communication was good, he was flexible to ensure we get the best out of the trip and we felt we were cared for throughout
If I were to go back I would not be looking elsewhere for a guide. It would be Daudi again!
Thank you
IQ
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience
We enjoyed the safari very much! Hilary was so helpful, he provided me with an invitation letter because I needed it for my referred visa. He was always responsive in a timely manner. When we arrived to Arusha everything was great and arranged according to the schedule. Silas is a great guide, he is very experienced and has been doing this for a long time. He knows where to search for animals and find them. The food during the safari was so amazing. Pius is a very good cook, he accommodated to our needs and the food he makes was delicious. I think what I liked the most was how everything was exactly on time and precise. I would definitely recommend them for safaris.
PL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
unforgettable experience
The tour was perfectly organized. Our guide was awesome -- takes his time to explain, answers questions and helped us take a number of memorable pictures. The meals also was great. I really recommend anyone to take this tour, really an unforgettable experience.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Unforgettable experience
We booked the "6 days safari under the sun" with Axis. Since the time of the booking their communication was on point. They answer quickly all our questions and they gave prompt recommendations, however the highlight of our safari was Jeff, our driver. He is a superstar. He was always happy to accommodate all our requests, he was at all time a great company and very patient. During the game drive he was very determined to show us all the animals! We managed to see all the big 5 (except the rhino). I think the 6 days tour is a great balance and if you decide to go for it, make sure to ask for Jeff.
Amazing 6 days safari with best guide ever
My girlfriend and I booked the 6 days safari with Axis. Before leaving for Kenya, they were always available by email and WhatsApp to send more details about the itinerary so we felt sicure to book with them. Maasai Mara park is the best, you will be able to see all the big 5 and many more animals including elephants, giraffe and hippos. Hell's gate is also highly recommended because you will have the chance to cycle and hike and still see giraffe,zebras and more. Our driver was Jeff, he is simply amazing. Not only he is very knowledgeable and professional, he is also a great company for the six days and he will make sure that your trip goes without troubles. This safari experience wouldn't have been the same without Jeff!
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
OUTSTANDING, Trip of a lifetime, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
We are very experienced travellers having travelled all over the world with various tour companies like Trafalgar, Colette, Globus, Scenic cruises etc. Our experience in Africa was second to none and it created special and fantastic memories that will last a life time. In travel the phrase "trip of a lifetime" is often overused but this truly was a trip of a lifetime! The experiences and memories are unforgettable!
Marie Brivik was wonderful and always went the extra mile to ensure our trip was unforgettable and all the many details for us were looked after. She even gave us her What's App contact info in case a problem was to occur. She was professional, thorough and always willing to listen.
We started in Cape Town and had wonderful experiences with the highlights being Buffelsfontein, Langa township tour and lunch with a local lady, Boulders penguins, Robben Island,Table mountain, the wineries, the Gold African dinner and show. These wonderful experiences can simply not be matched and would be impossible to do on our own. Absolutely awesome! Shark Bay and Belle Maroc were amazing properties!
Our second week was the 7 night safari tour at Humala and Tshukudu game lodges. The differences between the two properties gave us the opportunity to see and experience two completely different types of safaris. The swazi dancers at Humala were outstanding! The day spent in Kruger was an amazing experience and can't be missed. The sunset river cruise on the African Princess was superb, relaxing, with wonderful appetizers and drinks!
The staff was most helpful and did whatever they could to ensure our every need was met, simply speaking they spoiled us! More specifically Trevor at Buffelsfontein was awesome, Joseph who drove us to Humala and then on to Tshukudu always greeted us with a smile and went above and beyond to make our trip the best, Lyle at Humala was always eager to help and give us the best experience possible and finally Michael our guide at Tshukudu whose professionalism, knowledge and sense of humour was the best, always ensuring our safari was unforgettable by answering our many questions. Thanks to all.
The food we had was delicious, well prepared and added to our African experience!!!! Special mention must go to Pancake Harry's for their bobotie, San interpretative center restaurant for their Eland burger, Kruger lunch stop for their snails and finally Mariner's wharf. I have had lobster at many places over the world and theirs was simply the best!!
Thank you Go Touch down for a truly amazing experience that cannot be matched.
ES
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We booked our Safari with Sunnycreek, very good service.
Me and my family had the nicest holiday ever, thanks to Maureen and James our guide he did everything to find the animals and we saw animals haunting, we never thought we will see.
He maked us feeling like home.
Thank you so much.
ES
A perfect safari thanks to them
We decided on Óscar safari for our combined Safari + Zanzibar trip and it was a complete success. Before the trip a lot of information and quick attention and help to decide the route.
Upon arrival, Beatrice received us at the airport, took us to the accommodation where they took care of us like at home, her entire family was very attentive to everything being perfect. We did the Safari with a phenomenon like Hassan, a very good guide who helped us see all the animals, as close as possible and thus be able to enjoy, a true professional with whom we had a great time.
The food is very good at all times, they adapt to possible allergies or tastes so you don't have any problems.
The cars for the safari are perfect, we did not have any problems, they have a comfortable seat, with the possibility of charging the mobile or the camera, also with a fridge to keep the water cool. We have seen other cars have problems with the wheels or breakdowns, we were not surprised because the car is very new.
To finish we decided to relax on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar, they gave us the option of spending a few days in a resort, enjoying the sunset and the white sand beach and crystal clear water that is a paradise where to recharge our batteries.
They were attentive at all times for transfers and excursions such as Stonetown.
Without a doubt, I would repeat, and I would not hesitate to go with them.
Asante heals Hassan, Beatrice and Oscar.
(automatic translation from Spanish)
