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.
BE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Top trip for mother and daughter
By chance I discovered Koen and Katja from Jadore Safaris online when looking for the options for a Tanzania trip with my 8-year-old young lady. I quickly had confidence in this organization: the travel proposal for us was immediately spot-on, I could contact them with all my preparatory questions and always received a very quick and clear answer. The actual trip firmly exceeded my expectations. The warm welcome from Jadore Safaris after our landing immediately put a smile on our faces. The entire trip was PERFECT, in every possible way. We had a lot of fun on Safari with Anwar and Rama - Anwar guided us through the national parks as a top spotter and also gave us a nice explanation of the culture and nature of beautiful Tanzania, Rama was a gift to make the trip as a single parent light up. He quickly became close friends with my daughter and also gave me the necessary 'me-time'. In addition to safari, we also did a bicycle tour, visited a school, the natural and beautiful hot pools, the local market and Masai. We are going back next year, again with Cadore Safaris... we are both globetrotters, my daughter and I. But this was by far our most beautiful trip ever!
CO
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Reliable and efficient
Had a great safari experience with Axis. They were always very clear and transparent about the costs, the options to enhance the safari and even were flexible with me allowing me to be picked up on the way to Maasai Mara. And the experience itself was great, we spotted most of the animals we aimed to see. The accomodation provided was also fine.
The only thing to improve would be to be more receptive about all customers needs. I was a solo traveller who joined a larger group, which clearly had paid more, so in some occasions they were the only ones being listened to about plans to do and places to go.
Other than that, wonderful experience and I would definitely recommend this operator.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The best everrrr
Unforgettable Safari and Experience to Remember.We did an incredibly amazing 5-day safari (Tarangire, Serengeti (Ndutu), Ngorongoro andManyara National Parks). Looking for a local agency, we finally chose Full Package Adventures.From the planning to the end of the safari everything worked so well. The office staff repliedvery fast to all our questions in preparation of the safari and our guide James did anextraordinary job on the spot and made our safari more comfortable, unforgettable and highlymemorable.James not only showed us many hidden animals, but he told us a lot of interesting facts aboutnature, people and culture of Tanzania. We saw the Big 5 animals and many more. We'd like toespecially highlight his careful driving (on and offroad) always felt safe on roads of Tanzania. Atthe same time, he was always friendly, funny and caring and that in perfect English. Thank you so much
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Nice
Breathtaking Experience & Great Adventure to remember
It was truly an amazing, wonderful and great experience. I can only recommend it!
Our guide was kind, honest, charming, friendly and respectful, also very experienced and knowledgeable about all the animals and places we visited. The lodges we stayed in were also really great with comfortable place to relax including suitable garden, swimming pools and even beds and rooms. I definitely recommend this company.
We visited Tarangire national park, Ngorongoro crater, and Serengeti National Park. The national parks are full of the most spectacular animals and our tour guides did everything to make us see the animals so close and natural as possible such as lions, leopards, Buffalos, Elephants, Rhino, Hippos, primates, Bird species and others. During picnic lunch also, our guide shared with us a lot of things about bush which made our adventure memorable and Great.
SE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good
Our driver Kevin was the nicest guy. <3
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US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable Kenya Safari
We had an unforgettable 6-day private tour to Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, and Masai Mara. Ann gave us great advice on different tour itineraries and she was very helpful all through. Our amazing guide/driver John was very friendly and knowledgeable, he had an incredible ability to spot animals. We had never seen such many animals up close. Our meals and accommodation were also excellent. We will definitely be coming back next year for the migration. I would highly recommend Mzingo Wild adventures.
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A great stay in Uganda
It was a great tour in Uganda. We are very enthused from all and this is a result of the complete trip. From the first contact with our guide and driver to last say goodby. They had make the tour for us to very beautiful holidays. The guide was all times friendly, had a very good expertise of all history, living, people, natures flora and fauna of the country Uganda. The driver was all times in time and we had enjoyed our tour. The staying in all lodges was so nice and your team had bring the African style near to us and we was so happy all the time and will say thanks a lot for all.
IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing trip with Safari Avventura
We passed a wonderfull holiday thank to Safari Avventura and our kindly guide Mainer. Very nice lodges, fantastic Landscape in a Lovely Country. Gianluca is a fantastic Manager, very helpful. Mainer was always present and did the impossible to satisfy our request and to find the animals we wanted to see.
Thanks to Safari Avventura, thank to Mainer
IN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent Safari with Professional Operators
Kenyan Safari
We planned 2 night in MasaiMara with stay at Lenchada camp, third day in Nakuru to see flamingos with stay at Buraha Zenoni and Finally Naivasha boat ride and Hells gate visit with stay at Dove Nest Resort. Assigned guide cum driver was Mr. Dickson
Positive experience: All staffs including our guide cum driver were professionals and helpful. We could spot all the top 5 animal right near without any issues, animal knowledge and MasaiMara place knowledge of Mr. Dickson was outstanding. Our team were well connected and nice. Mr. Dickson explained the plan every time we stopped and it was healthy.
Stay at Lenchada camp was good, clean and no mosquitoes or flies.
Nakuru visit was worth too with flamingoes, Rhinos etc. stay and good at Buraha was excellent too.
Naivasha was excellent with its boat ride with wide variety of birds, Hippos etc. Boat driver John was very friendly. Whereas Hells gate was not upto what they say, except if we could see steam coming out of ground in a nearby point and waterfall.
Areas of improvement : Mr. Dickson had lot of connections all across these places and getting incessant calls which was slightly annoying though he was asking us are you ok?
Some small changes in the plan was bit annoying too.
Dove Nest stay in Naivasha was terrible due to lack of cleanliness and I got food poison too.
Cost of souvenirs were extremely overpriced in the tourist locations whereas we found the same at 10% of its price in a best shop in Galleria Mall at Nairobi further low at Masai Market near diamond Plaza in Nairobi. Mr. Dickson informed the price would be around 50% of what they say but in reality less than 10%.
