Email Karl Scholl | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic safari's and a great organization leading us around South Afrtica
Having spent months planning a "bucket list adventure" wildlife trip to Africa we were getting confused over rates, dates of safari's, and how we could add in all the events we wanted and what was available. Thus, ended up looking for trip providers who could assist in our planning. We ended up with Siya Phambile Expeditions (Benjamin Wilson, Director and tour leader), mainly on his tour suggestions and providing a more focused and personal tour. However, saying this all the other providers did give some good ideas but never seemed to understand what we wanted for our "bucket list adventure" which did not include wine tasting, penguins, and events we can see and do in Australia. Our original pricing for the trip was a bit different compared to the trip Siya Phambile Expeditions provided. Overall it turned out a bit more expensive compared to my original plan as I was trying to keep cost down, But, Benjamin did add in a few fantastic 4 and 5 star accommodations, being our driver/ guide in some safari's and giving us pointers on what to see and do, which actually turned out better in the long run.
We ended up taking many safari's in a large area around north and north eastern South Africa (including Eswatini <Swaziland>) and found that while wildlife/land/events differed, it worked perfectly for us to see and do so much in 4 weeks.
With my birthday on the last few days of our trip Benjamin organised a superb accommodation with the staff included singing happy birthday and baking a cake. Not to mention the Champagne breakfast in the morning before the early safari...
The only down side I had was trying to get booked onto the trains to and from Johannesburg and CapeTown, but in the end the trains we desired were cancelled and not a fault of the tour guide. For that matter, I would complement Benjamin for his speed and planning to make this work for us and actually enjoyed the safari's more.
Locations visited:
Pilansberg Game Reserve
Mapungubwe National Park
Kruger National Park (traveled north, central and south)
Hlane Royal National Park. Eswatini
iMfolozi Game Reserve to start the wilderness trail
Hluhluwe Game Reserve
Ithala Game Reserve
Royal Madikwe Lodge
US
Email Odra L | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent experience.
Safari bookings did a great job of connecting us to a child friendly safari lodge. Very nice drivers and transport to and from hotels/airport and quality service at the lodge.
FR
Email Matteo Dell'acqua | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exceptional and wonderful
Exceptional from the beginning to the end. Our 12 days in South Africa were magical. Everything was perfectly organised by Jumbari, hotel, transfer, private tour, …
We spent 4 days at Ulusaba Lock Lodge for our safari. This was amazing. The hotel is on top of a hill and offers an extraordinary view of the bush. Service is excellent, rooms are large and splendid, delicious food all over the day, wonderful diner and exceptional safari with top ranger and tracker.
We hope to be able to come again
PT
Email Paulo | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Astonishing and rich experience
This was a perfect experience. Accommodations accordly to expectations. Very diverse and good food, both in quantity and quality. The hosts, drivers and guides have always been outstanding in their competence, availability, organization and friendliness.
NL
Email Mrs. Ria van der Wagt | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
South-Africa, a short visit
I had a great time in South-Africa. Impressed about the accuracy of both SafariBookings and Viva Safaris. The accomodation was fine, food was good, people very nice and helpful. The only thing about my accomodation was that, because I was single and had probably the ensuite of a family-room, there was no tea/coffee arrangements and no bottles of water in the room. And I dearly missed a chair, hooks to hang some cloth. The chair I asked for and was supplied immediately.
The fact that it was very cold in the morning and not always blankets in the cars made the travelling on and forth sometimes unpleasant, but allover I had a pleasant stay!
RO
Email Tudor Popa | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wildlife spotting at its best
We had a great time in South Africa, me and my wife. It was her first time in Africa and we both enjoyed the wildlife there. Such an amazing trip in Kruger Park, saw the Big 5, did the Bush walk which is an amazing experience. The people are so amazing, welcoming and outgoing. And the landscape beautiful despite the fact that it was still winter, dry season. Highly recommended
US
Email Marilyn Monarch | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
One of the most magnificent adventures of my life.
Naledi Bush Lodge and the entire staff were helpful, gracious and knowledgeable.
IT
Email Virginia Cella | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
great experience at Entabeni
We drove to Entabeni reserve, about three hours from Johannesburg and we slept for two nights at Wildside Camp. The Camp is not that easy to find but the personnel is very kind, so if you contact them, they are available to guide you by phone. The scenario is incredibly nice, with a characteristic landscape dominated by Hanglip Mountain. There is one game drive in the morning and one in the afternoon, lating three hours each. The guides are nice and experienced. We spotted a pack of lions from very close, cheetahs hunting, elephants crossing the road and rhinos from the distance. The reserve is not so much populated (often the guide drove even for one hour without seeing any animal) but there's a good chance to see the animals from a very short distance. The food at Wilside is very good and the rooms are clean and spacious.
SG
Email Agnes | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A great tour and an excellant guide
We joined the 4-Day Safari to Kruger National Park via Panorama Route. Our guide, Hoppy, is friendly, courteous and very knowledgeable. We were lucky to see the BIG 5 on this trip. The air-conditioned van was clean and exceptionally comfortable especially in the cold mornings. The whole tour including the drives, accommodations and meals was well-arranged and good. We highly recommend Wildlife Safaris (Pty) Ltd and Hoppy.
Email Helen Nicholls | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing and well beyond our expectations!
Everything about our trip to South Africa was amazing starting with Indigo Safaris who organised our safaris / accommodation / hire of car / tours etc. They were fantastic to work with and completely destressed me with booking everything all of which was spot on. I actually cannot fault anything from the wildlife we saw on safaris, guides were 10/10, accommodation everywhere fantastic. Would love to return and explore other areas and if I get the opportunity will definitely be using Indigo Safaris (Ines) again who I would highly recommend.
