Email Orlando | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing South Africa
The Staff at the various hotels were extremely courteous and very professional - always smiling and there was never a request that was turned away. The food was great and the weather at that time of the year was kind to us. The natural beauty of the land complemented by the abundant wildlife, both on land and on the Chobe River, was amazing. Our guides always had a very good sense of humour and there was never ever a dull moment from the early morning safaris to the late night sundowners amongst the natural beauty of the glorious sunsets.
Email Thomas Smith | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Imposing landscapes filled with wondrous things
We enjoyed our 3 weeks in South Africa and in particular our time near Kruger Park seeing all the wildlife. Our Lodge (Phelwana) was exceptional. You really saw so much without leaving their reserve - from giraffes to the hippo family and all the other animals. But then the excursions to Kruger etc were filled with non-stop sightings - the highlight being the family of six cheetahs. We were very happy with the food and wines on offer and the service throughout our stay. Our guide Jurgen was attentive and full of stories to engage us and we enjoyed his company. I guess the only thing I would change perhaps would be to fly to Kruger instead of the land transfer from Jo'burg - probably spent too long in cars overall.
Safari to Kruger National Park
The safari to the Kruger National Park was well organised by Viva Safaris. The Tremisima Lodge for the first night was not very great in terms of room space but that we could see warthogs, guinea fowl, ground hornbill and pied crows from across our window was a treat. The staff were extremely helpful and friendly. The Katekani Chalet was wonderful. The staff who took us around the private game parks and Kruger National Park were fairly knowledgeable. The Mohololo Rehab Centre was the highlight. We did not see much wildlife at Kruger Park which was disappointing. The food at Katekani was excellent. The stay at the Airport Safari Club on our return to Johannesburg was also comfortable. However, we missed the complimentary drinking water bottles at all the places even though we had to pay handsomely for our stay throughout. The Safari club was specially very expensive. The weather had changed suddenly; it was cold on most days except the last two days when the sun was very hot during the daytime.
Email Sheila Jefferys | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
South Africa offers everything to those who love wildlife, amazing countryside, beautiful people . .
Our South African safari outshone our expectations in every way : wildlife experiences, the ever-changing landscape, comfortable and affordable accommodation, delicious food and wine, and the wonderful, kind, and helpful South African people.
We had a first class tour guide in Derek Keeling "Experiencing a Lifetime in a Day" - he gave us a holiday of a lifetime. We left South Africa feeling sad to leave such an amazing and beautiful country and its people behind. If you're thinking about it - I'd recommend you book it.
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Email Vermont Traveler | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
South Africa and a Safari at Madikwe National Reserve is a must on your bucket list
Madikwe was fabulous. The 260 square mile preserve is large enough to be home to all of the animals and birds you want to see on a safari (and many you have never heard about) but is not crowded with tourists and allowed a really intimate viewing of the wildlife. We stayed 2 nights each at two wonderful small lodges at different sides of the park and really feel we got to see different aspects of the area. For others who had been to safaris elsewhere we heard that off road viewing permitted here is not allowed elsewhere and therefore we were able to see more wildlife up close.
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Email Jennifer | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Once in a lifetime experience that reminds you why life is worth living.
We visited South Africa as a family trip and are now scheming how to make it an annual event that all in the family can attend. A trip intended to expose my mom and my oldest two nephews to international travel and it was an absolute success. PaperJet Travel and Justin Perumal made our trip everything that we could have ever imagined...and more!! They organized our safari at Kruger which was an amazing time of bonding as we learned new animals and birds, tracked the Big 5 (all of which we saw at least twice), and were surrounded by here’s of buffalos and elephants. Seeing the animals in their natural habitat was breathtaking. Marka, our guide at MalaMala Game Reserve, was extremely knowledgeable and took the time to find every animal we desired to see and to ensure that we fully enjoyed our time. We also spent time in Cape Town and Johannesburg where the people are ridiculously loving and absolutely amazing. The hotels we stayed in were more than accommodating and the staff ensures that we enjoyed our stay by going above and beyond their duties. South Africa is a beautiful place, full of culture and beauty that everyone should experience at least once.
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Email James Autry | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Where the Wild Things Still Are
My wife and I had an excellent safari experience, with knowledgable guides, nice accomodations, and good food. We will never forget the experience of being in the bush and seeing all the creatures we have dreamed of. Sadly, we fear that wildlife is in danger of disappearing and hope that all steps will be taken to preserve it.
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Email Hazel M | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The big five, all before breakfast.
Out South Africa holiday and safari were incredible. We had the sunset safari, the early morning and afternoon game drives and hoped to see a few of the big five. We had great tour guides who knew the terrain and where to find the creatures, great communication between the guides sharing information about sightings as well. We saw impressive animals on every outing including all of the big five before breakfast one morning. Job well done.
We were treated very well by our tour operators and lodging staff. The food supplied as part of our tour plentiful and tasty. Everyone was very kind and made us feel like we want to come back. Job well done!
Excellent, seeing aminals in their own enviorement looking so healthy is a beautiful thing
Loved all of it... I was a little worried when leaving Australia not knowing what to expect, but once we met our guides I knew we were in good hands...I feel the guides do make the trip they were full of information and knew so much about their country and wildlife...We stayed in tents most of the time that were easy to put up and pull down and the beds were comfortable...what more can you expect on a safari other than good food and we sure did have that.
Thanks for a trip I'll never forget..
Blend of urban, country and wild.
We enjoyed the panorama of the life, culture and natural beauty of South Africa. We enjoyed Cape Town's urban charm, Johannesburg's history and diversity and Kruger's wild life.
We needed more time in Kruger Park to see the full array of wild life. We were there for only 3 days and only in one private reserve, so we were not able to see the big five. The lions have moved out of Sabi Sabi and Buffaloes were not native to this reserve.
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