Email Jane | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Bucket list dreams realised
We had the most amazing visit to Kruger. Our safari with Outlook far exceeded all of our expectations and we will now have special memories to treasure forever. We got to see wildlife immediately on entering the park and got to see the Big 5 and so, so much more. It is an incredible place that you are able to see these animals in the wild. Our safari guide Brian was truly wonderful and we learnt so much from him. And we were totally spoiled by his wife Debbie at the Outlook Sabi River Lodge. Truly beautiful and warm couple who took an already exceptional experience to the next level. Their love for the wildlife and their clients is so apparent and genuine. I can honestly say that choosing to a safari with Outlook and staying at their Sabi River Lodge was one of the best travel decisions I have ever made.
CH
Email Julia | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic experience
From first contact by email to all pick-ups, game drives & lodges- perfectly organised trip by SafariWithUs with professional, friendly staff! We were lucky and have seen the big 5 within the first 24 hours of arrival around Adventure Lodge & Kruger National Park. Personally my highlight was the Kurula lodge - unfenced with maximum 10 guests directly at a waterhole: take a swim in the pool or a bite while watching the wildlife coming to the waterhole! Staff was going above and beyond. Also our game drive guide actually read the traces and was very knowledgeable. Our tour guide / driver for the way back to Johannesburg along the Panoramic Route also was super friendly & we had a great conversation with him. Really recommendable experience!
IT
Email Rita Giammarile | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great experience
For some time constrait and because I amo not exactly an animal enthusiast, we chose a 4 day option that brought us also to visit the Blyde river canyon. I was not exactly impressed by the canyon ( save for the alpine vibes of some bits), notable exception Burke's Luck Potholes; that place is just beautiful. Getting to see the canyon from below during a boat trip on the dam was great and added another dimension to the experience and you get to see hippos wich is a great plus. We spent 2 nights in Kruger, did an evening bush walk, 2 mornign drives and an evening one and were extremely lucky, managed to see all of the big 5 plus dozens of other animals including some bidrs of the most astonishing colours. The landscape is varied although during winter it can appear a little boring because of the lack of green grass and leaves on the trees, everything looks pretty much dead even if it is not. Obviously under this conditons animal sightings are easier because grass and trees do not offer cover. Weather was perfect, sunshine, pretty hot but totally bearable, nights are very cold, like wishing you had your ski gear with you.Morning drives are especially chilly and on one occasion no blankets were found in the vehicle used, it could be a smart move to take one of the extra blankets found in your accommodation. We stayed in Skukuza camp in the self-catering rondavels, basic accommodation but with everything you needed, beds comfortable, you get towels and soap. Kitchen and fridge is actually on the little porch, must be carefull with the monkeys always on teh look out for unattended food. each rondavel also has its own barbecue. No 'street light' in the camp so remmebr to have with you a torch or head lamp. Did not have time to explore the whole camp, heard there was a pool but did not see it. Second camp was berg en dal, beatiful place, we stayed in a self catering 'cottage' a lovely red brick building with a very large patio. Bathroom on the very small side when compared to the rest of the accommodation ( bathroom was small in skukuza as well but it was proportionate to the room). The camp sits along a river but it was totally dry, In the wet season it must be spectacular, there is a trail that runs around the camp and borders the river, I guess that the right time one can see a lot of animals there. It is to be noted that some of the big cats sightings all happened very close to this camp, even leopard.
Rangers varied a lot from the very knowledgable and engaging to the one who was merely a driver but on average we were happy because after a while everyone tells you the same stories, so you do not miss being given the same information over and over again.
The guide we had was incredible, he knew million of things about animals and nature in general, we definitely learned more from him than anyone else. He also had a sort of super sight, ho could spot animals and birds we hardly saw ^_^ The whole safari was very well planned and we were extremely happy the service of red Africa Safari.
DE
Email Nina | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Deep connection to Nature and its Beauty
We were picked up at 3:30am at our Hotel by Mmilo Tours. Our guide was an incredibly refined and knowledgeable gentleman, which made the drive to Pilanesberg very interesting and pleasant. We learned so much about the country, its history, its people, the wildlife. Extremely knowledgeable and clearly passionate about the wildlife and the birds, our guide helped us spot everything we wished for (Giraffes, Elephants and Zebras) and even more (2 Lepards!). After lunch, he drove us to Ukutula, an experience so beautiful, it is hard to describe. Fantastically organized, with a high level of exclusivity and authenticity, and again passion mixed with knowledge, made the afternoon at Ukutula clearly unforgettable. Our guide kindly took us back to the Hotel in the evening. Even after having driven all day, he was still as friendly, open and gentleman-like. I would definitely recommend Mmilo Tours - I don't think that there is any better service anywhere else out there.
KH
Email Lynda Deschenes | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very well organized.
We saw lots of animals, the guides were very helpful and kind. We even forgot our camera once in the Jeep and the guide brought it back to our room. Food was good too.
Email Wayne Mott | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best Experience Ever!
We did the 3-Day Kruger National Park Safari including Breakfast and Dinner Experience. Danielle did an amazing job putting together our safari and accomodation at short notice. Our guide, Jayden was incredible, he made us feel so welcomed and we formed a great mate-ship at the get go. Jayden entertained us throughout the trip and was very knowledgeable about the safari and behaviours of the animals and his passion for his work and the environment is second to none. He is an amazing asset to your company. We caught the big five and many other animals up close. On our last morning safari before departure, we were treated to a big surprise; a pack of African Hunting dogs - approx. 30 with 16 pups. To say this trip has changed us is an understatement. We had an amazing time both physically and spiritually. What you did for us we can never thank you enough. We will treasure these memories for the rest of our lives.
PS remember to take a touch with you - it's amazing what you can see at night around the camp
US
Email Ramachandra & Assha | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fabulous!
Everything was well organized and taken care of, from the accommodation to the tours with wonderful meals onsite. Our tour guides were exceptional in accommodating various requests. Special mention to Rex and Petunia, who was very friendly and enthusiastic with the people and made our stay a memorable one. We are glad we chose Viva Safari and would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone who is looking for a stress free and adventurous time in South Africa.
US
Email Richard | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
We had a wonderful safari in Kruger!
Our visit to Kruger National Park with Wild Planet Safaris was wonderful. We were fortunate to see the "big five" (including a confrontation between lions and buffaloes), many other animals, and many birds as well, a special interest for us. Our guide Darren was very experienced and did an excellent job, and his assistant Lungisani was also very good, including fine cooking. We stayed in tents (with cots), which were comfortable. Our trip included stays at Skukuza camp and Satara camp, and the facilities at both were very good. We chose to use a high, open safari vehicle, which gave us good views. The morning and evening outings could be cool, and we were glad to have an extra layer of clothes, and a blanket was provided as needed. Both the pick up at our hotel in Jo'burg and the shuttle to the airport at the end of our visit went smoothly. Both the safari and the other aspects of our trip to South Africa were a wonderful experience. We found people warm and helpful, the food and facilities were fine, and we had excellent weather.
US
Email Haven H. | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect Thornybush Safari
Our safari to Thornybush Game Reserve preceded a three week trip to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana. We saw the most wildlife during our time in South Africa. The people were generally welcoming and enthusiastic.
We did arrange a 4 hour trip to Soweto from our hotel at OR Tambo Airport. This was most instructive. Our visit to the Hector Pieterson Museum was as inspiring as the one to the Nelson Mandela Museum.
US
Email Fabiola Diaz | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
INCREDIBLE
The accommodations were spectacular at the private reserve Kwa Madwala we stayed at. The food prepared by the staff daily was delicious and fresh.
The weather was great - not too hot and not to cold. Our safari guides did their best so we could see all the animals. They would communicate with other safari guides consistently throughout the day to see what animals were spotted and in what areas. We got lucky to see the Big 5 twice plus cheetah, and other animals.
Our entire trip was planned out perfectly and we had no issues with transportation, etc. The staff in general was very welcoming and great to talk with. You can tell that everyone at the private reserve we stayed at valued their job and wanted to provide great customer service.
The scenery was incredible and it was a trip of a lifetime. Looking forward to going back again someday.
