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Lesley Thompson
GB
Visited:
December 2022
Reviewed: Dec 22, 2022
Email Lesley Thompson | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very picturesque countryside, easy to get around and people very pleasant and welcoming.
We enjoyed a 5 day tour with Southern Africa tours. Travelling the garden route we visited a winery, ostrich farm, elephant sanctuary, suspension bridge, saw wild penguins and the big 5 animals. It was a lovely tour with many changes of scenery. The lodges and b&b were all very comfortable. The weather was excellent. Cape Town offered a lot to do. Would recommend staying close to the V&A which was lively, good shopping and we felt very safe there.
John
CH
Visited:
December 2022
Reviewed: Dec 21, 2022
Email John | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic wildlife sightseeing
Sabi Sand offers a high density and variety of animals as well as breathtaking scenery and lush nature. On our first game drive we saw all of the Big 5. Being in the reserve in early December, we happened to see many baby animals including young lions, elephants and giraffes.
The possibility of driving in open-air vehicles off-road makes the experience truly exceptional, as the animals are approached up close. Also this way it is possible to see animals (such as leopards and wild dogs) that do not tend to walk along the road. Finally, the company of experienced guides ensures an extremely enjoyable three-hour safari drive. Our stay at the lodge was very relaxing and made the whole experience wonderful. Definitely highly recommended.
Sonia
CA
Visited:
October 2022
Reviewed: Dec 15, 2022
Email Sonia | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime
**We made sure that the lodges we booked weren't in fully enclosed reserves that are fully fenced on all sides entrapping the animals so they aren't exactly "wild" by definition as a result.
**We also made sure that the reserves we stayed at didn't allow hunting as we deeply care for the wellbeing and conservation of the beautiful wildlife.
We flew locally with AirLink from Johannesburg after spending the night at the Intercontinental at the airport to rest from our long international flight in. We found it to be very comfortable, safe and convenient. Road transfers between the two lodges were also very comfortable and safe.
Food was delicious everywhere, we drank the water and had no stomach issues, animal sightings were unreal! Surrounded by a herd of elephants, saw big 5, saw leopards almost everyday, lots neat birds, etc! The hospitality was incredibly warm, kind and caring. We felt at home and with family and friends everywhere we went. We didn't get any mosquito/tick bites but did take malaria as a precaution.
Would recommend to anyone looking to do a safari for a first time or not! We will return.
Tyler W.
US
Visited:
November 2022
Reviewed: Dec 1, 2022
Email Tyler W. | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Beautifully diverse landscapes with very friendly people and awe inspiring wildlife
South Africa exceeded my expectations—the weather when I went on my Safari was perfect (85 F or 28 C). The people were especially friendly and accommodating, and overall seemed like a very happy people. The landscape was often pristine and green, especially as we approached the parks. My safari experience was incredibly easy to navigate with a pickup at my AirBnB and transport directly to our accommodations near the park. We saw lions, elephants, giraffes, warthogs, and zebras in the first day and many many more types of animals along the way—what an incredible time. The food was prepared by the local staff and we had a wonderful variety of delicious meals.
Brooke Baker
US
Visited:
October 2022
Reviewed: Nov 29, 2022
Email Brooke Baker | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing, would recommend and visit again!
Our guides were extremely knowledgeable on all animals, plants, and park/area history which was amazing when we had questions! They were amazing photographers (and shared their images with us after we left), and awesome cooks (all meals were great and made us feel like we were really getting a taste for South Africa). All of the guides were so friendly, passionate, and provided the most amazing experience to kick off our honeymoon we would recommend them for anyone traveling and trying to experience a safari. We saw so many animals (even a Cheetah, although
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we missed the elusive leopard, a reason to return :)) and the Panorama route was absolutely a gorgeous way to end our safari before returning to Johannesburg.After the safari we flew to Mozambique and ended our time in Capetown enjoying some amazing adventures (paragliding, hiking Lion's head, Hermanus whale-watching, Stellenbosch wine tours). Would recommend South Africa to anyone who has enough time to travel from the US!
Bart & Liza
BE
Visited:
October 2022
Reviewed: Nov 29, 2022
Email Bart & Liza | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Hakuna Matata, wildlife heaven, just a magical journey ...
After arriving in Johannesburg and exploring the city for 1 day, we flew to Hoedspruit. We’ve started with the Simbavati Trails Camp with glamping facilities and clear star skies in Greater Kruger (2 nights). We enjoyed encountering animals on short distances from small to big and to learn about their footprints and behaviour. After a scenic walk in the evening, we were surprised with a sunset Gin Tonic and a hot bubble bath under the stars. It was a unique experience in an unfenced Camp, where elephants drink from the swimming pool by night. The food served out of that basic kitchen was 1-star quality and versatile. Thompson is an excellent chef. The facilities were clean, confortable and we had everything we needed or wished for. The staff was outstanding. Donald brightened our days.
After 2 nights, we’ve moved to another area (Klaserie Private Nature Reserve) and the Simbavati Amani Lodge (also 2 nights). We had
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close encounters with the animals while enjoying the afternoon at the swimming pool. The water hole in front of the lodge is a dream come true. We had the feeling the whole Lion King movie just passed by ;-). In the morning and afternoon we’ve enjoyed fantastical game drives with drinks and snacks in-between. Our guide Julius was amazing. The facilities were luxurious, and we felt very welcome and as part of the Amani family. For us the combination of the Trails Camp and the Lodge with game drives was a perfect fit and the ideal combination between luxury and proximity to nature with close encounters. We always felt safe and got very close to those wild animals.We definitely recommend Safaribooking and the team of SW AFRICA Destination Management and Simbavati Trails Camp and Amani Lodge. Everyone helped us to make our dreams come true.
Farah
SA
Visited:
October 2022
Reviewed: Nov 28, 2022
Email Farah | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unique
observing the wildlife of South Africa by game drives is a wonderful experience, and surpassed my expectations my trip was arranged by africanwelcomeSafaris who also arranged some activities in cape town based on our preferences everything from the food, people and wildlife were amazing, beside enjoying the southern hemisphere starry nights in the bush
Allison Huff
US
Visited:
November 2022
Reviewed: Nov 27, 2022
Email Allison Huff | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A once in a lifetime opportunity
South Africa is a must see on anyone's list. They have entertainment for all! You can go from hiking in national parks, to visiting wineries, to sarfari rides and seeing animals, to bungee jumping and cage diving with great white sharks. There is always adventure waiting around the corner!
We had a fantastic time with Shinzelle Safaris! They really took care of us and made sure we got to do and see everything we wanted. Would 100% recommend them!
Nasira
IE
Visited:
October 2022
Reviewed: Nov 24, 2022
Email Nasira | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It's for literally for everyone as it has beach, wildlife, nature, chill, adventure.
South Africa was an amazing experience for me. I love being active on holidays so I went surfing, did a bungee jump, lots of hikes but my sister likes chilling so she enjoyed the beaches and weather. We love the nature and saw amazing wildlife which would never be possible where we live. This country is literally made for every tourist, whether you're a couple, a group of friends or a solo traveller: you can make it as active or chill as you want, as luxurious or basic as you prefer. Everything is possible.
The highlight of this trip definitely was our 5-Day Tremisana Lodge Kruger Park Safari. We slept in a tree house and saw the Big Five. It was the most authentic experience with the most amazing people to guide us there. The food was super good, everyone was so nice and the nature is indescribable.
Schisandra
TR
Visited:
November 2022
Reviewed: Nov 17, 2022
Email Schisandra | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari