Highly recommended-it doesn't get better than this!
An African Safari Trip had always been high on my bucket list & finally, this Feb. 2015, it became a reality! The trip really started in Cape Town South Africa where a group of us travelled many miles by jeep,saw amazing scenery and wildlife but, it was nothing in comparison to the wildlife we encountered in Namibia's Etosha Park.
When we entered the Park through the Anderson's Gate and immediately saw our first elephant leisurely enjoying a mud bath along with an audience of zebras and giraffes, I knew I was in for a real treat. It was a great welcome to my first Game Park! From then on animal sightings were numerous. From impalas to springboks, to steenboks, warthogs, a variety of foxes, to my favourite gemsboks (oryx) there was never a dull moment.The lonely,solitary wildebeest trekking through the dry scrub towards our jeep,the hyena glaring at us, the black rhino in the distance, really got the adrenaline going. The kudus peeking out of the bush, the juvenile steenbok jumping in front of the vehicle, the vervet monkeys racing across the road were all pleasant surprises. The fact that the animals were in smaller group settings during that time of year was to my advantage when it came to photography.The giraffes in their calm & nonchalant ways were most photogenic and I never tired of photographing the stunning zebras.
The landscape had a surreal feeling to it, interspersed with sparse vegetation, low shrubs and vast salt pans.The low concentration of human activity brought peacefulness to the area and was much appreciated. The few waterholes along the countless roads attracted numerous species of animals and provided us with an excellent vantage point from which to view and photograph game.
The bird life was also prolific.The European Bee-Eater, the Lilac Breasted and European Roller, and the various Weavers were common throughout the park. We also spotted Ostriches, Kori Bustards, Storks, Secretary Birds, various Hornbills, numerous prey birds, and flamingoes amongst many other water fowl.
Our first night was spent at the Halali Camp. We were treated to beautiful spacious accommodations & excellent meals. The Namutoni Camp was our second night's destination. It was equally as lovely a spot, with attractive, clean rooms and once again exceptional food. Staff was always pleasant and friendly.
No complaints really, other than next time around, I would probably omit the night drive as it was not conducive to any decent photography even though it was interesting enough and we got to see a herd of rhinos speeding along the side of us in the bush and others drinking at a water hole.I would definitely extend my stay in the park for a few more days.
Much kudos to two wonderful, professional and most knowledgeable guides who went out of their way to look after our needs and made this adventure so successful! To be in their presence was truly a blessing!
Our last day ended magically ( and of course too quickly as one never wants a beautiful dream to end!) with a glowing sunset and dark thunder clouds looming overhead, announcing a storm on it's way. Last but not least we witness a farewell sighting of two silhouetted giraffes in the far distance momentarily necking and then galloping off like lovers into the coming storm! Luckily, the lack of rain had definitely played in our favour while in the park,but now it would be welcomed!
I must say that never in my wildest dreams did I expect such a rewarding safari expedition. Etosha Park will be embedded into my memory forever!
Review about Zambezi Region by Nicole
The Zambezi Region was also very interesting. Lots of native villages and people and children walking along the roads. It was a busier area, more populated than others.We spent a bit of time on the Kavango and the Kwando River where we saw numerous bird species and some animal life. The game drive through Mahangu National Park was exciting as we saw our first lioness and a kill.
Review about Damaraland by Nicole
Drier and more desolate area but offered interesting historical sites to visit such as the World Heritage site at Twyfelfontein and the Petrified Forrest.
Review about Namib-Naukluft National Park by Nicole
I found the scenery in the Namib Naukluft National Park to be spectacular-like in another world!! It was the neatest experience to climb and descend the sand dunes. It was one of the many highlights of my trip! Amazingly we saw a fair amount of animals-the mountain zebras, springboks, and the beautiful oryx! I was ecstatic when I first spotted an Oryx and thought I had seen some kind of unicorn!!!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best. Trip. Ever.
The two Wild Dog employees we had the opportunity to travel with were amazing. By the end of our three week journey, they felt just like one of the group and we were sad to leave them. Both very knowledgeable and helpful.
Experience level: first safari
It was a delightful trip and I hope to go again.
The safari was very nice and met my expectations. I was very happy I made my choice with you! My family also enjoyed it and the trip was one of a kind,and I was lucky enough to have the best driver. It was a beautiful trip and thank you for making my experience excellent.
I hope too come again,
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great and unbelievable experience.
I traveled with It stated in Africa tour company . I believe that it was a travel of a life time. The guides are beyond my expectations. They speak fluent English, they knows each and every thing about what you would like to know about animal and the nature as whole. I recommend this company 100 percent. Do not miss to enjoy the nature of Tanzania.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Highly Recommended !!
My friends and I volunteered in Arusha with Evolved Safari yoga volunteer program at Neo Minds Community Center. We stayed with Saitot and Baraka and taught yoga and natural foods for healing to elementary children. We spent a lot of time gardening and visiting and trading ideas with neighboring farmers. The village of Sikei is a beautiful neighborhood and I can’t wait to return once I graduate.
NL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Two wonderful weeks in Zambia
I found RYC on a website. They proposed an interesting tour in Zambia. I had a number of times e-mail contact with Ute Sonnenberg of RYC. She organised our tour very well. She was very patient and always seemed to be in a good mood. The trip she organised for us was very good.
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Thank you for the best holiday ever
We’ve just arrived home and thought we’d send a quick review to thank Altezza and to tell you that we had the time of our lives. We have travelled extensively all over the world in the last 10 years, so we knew for sure which level of organization we expect.
First we've been surprised with quick and complete replies on my emails. Telling truth this is not easy to work with us, as I changed my mind many times regarding our choices of lodges and locations while planning. Eventually, this holiday became the best ever! We were incredibly lucky and saw the Big Five and so many other things (e.g. lions, hyena & cubs, wild dogs, leopards, giraffes, zebras, jackals, impalas, hippos, elephants, buffaloes, heaps of beautiful birds etc). Also it was a perfect 40th birthday. Tanzania is awesome – those sunsets are quite unbelievable, thank you so much. Thanks to all your team, we’ll be returning soon.