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Email Derek Zenk | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Out of this world experience
My wife and I booked our Safari adventure through Jewel of Africa via Safari Bookings. Right from the beginning Neil was extremely helpful going out of his way to make sure our honeymoon was exactly what we envisioned. He helped with securing the right sleeping quarters for what we wanted during a very busy time ( we went for Christmas) along with the booking of a flight into Hoedspruit from Cape Town. The transportation was arranged from the airport to the lodge as well. We were greeted by Lucky at the airport and he was very professional, friendly and a joy to meet. The safari itself was unbelievable. The scenery is absolutely stunning as I feel South Africa is a gorgeous country. The wildlife was plentiful as we visited Manyeleti Game reserve one day and the second day Kruger National Park. The opportunity to be in close quarters to such majestic creatures really left us with a sense of admiration for them and humbled. My heart breaks to hear such frequent stories of poaching in the region as we discussed this with our guide Simon as I can't fathom how someone could hurt an animal. Simon was fantastic and a wonderful teacher whilst he was our guide. The weather during our visit was incredible. Very warm with a few cool mornings and mostly dry. We did no birding this time around so I haven't much to say there but I would recommend safari to everyone. Dylan, Jeffery, Nat and the rest of the team at Phlewana where we stayed were brilliant, you couldn't find better host. Lastly, the food was extremely good during our stay so my hat is tipped to the kitchen as well! I hope to return some day as I truly loved my safari experience and although I have left Africa, it hasn't left me.
Exceeded our expectations
In one word. SUPER!!!!! From hotels..tours, guides and staff to the people of South Africa...
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Email Terry | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
What an amazing animal adventure, one of my favorite trips!
We went primarily to see the wildlife in their natural habitat and the trip surpassed our expectations. The animals came so close to our vehicle and were not bothered by our presence at all. We got to see them behaving as they do, protecting their babies, protecting their kill, playing, eating, and sleeping. January is a good time to see the babies. The big cats are as awesome as you expect, the elephants are a delight to watch play in the mud, the giraffes are elegant, and who knew warthogs could be so cute! We did see the big five but those and the vervet monkeys and baboons were our favorites. I did not know what to expect with accommodations or food, but both were fabulous! Viewing animals outside your bedroom window is really cool and they fed us more delicious fresh, food than we could ever eat. The service was outstanding everywhere we went. People are friendly and helpful and our guides, Sebastion and Armand, and tracker, Rifos, were extremely knowledgeable. We hated to leave! Six days was really not enough to see and do all that South Africa has to offer. I recommend staying 10 days to 2 weeks if you want to get enough of animals, scenery and culture. We could have spent more time viewing animals and we missed out on museums and culture. Lastly, save room for the South African wine!
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Email Nils Axel | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
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Email Michael | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
great time with beautiful scenery and sunset
it still is a beautiful country however immigration is very unfriendly!
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Email Lars Berg | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The safari was exciting and very interesting with very good guides.
It was my 2nd time in SA and the 1st time for my wife, so when talking about safaris I can compare the Kruger park with Pilanesberg which I think it's more preferable with a shorter ride from Jo'burg and also less driving around in the park to spot the animals.
The weather was perfect and the two places in Capetown and Jo'burg(Sandton) were we stayed at, were very good both of them.
Food was awesome and everything else during our time in SA worked out very well.....SA it is a highliht itself:-)
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Email Debora de Almeida Nogueira | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very cool
Good people, good food, good safari. It was great days.
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Email Imbert Frédéric | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
very nice and fun. Good team.
every things was OK. the team was on time, very kindly.
Safari was extraordinary, the site is wonderful and near Joburg.
A great moment
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Email Danny Horan | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Entertaining, eye opening.
Viva Safari did a fairly good job, I should qualify that my budget did not allow me to be to demanding , the guides were recent graduates, very friendly, but they never left the paved roads in the park, pretty much anyone could have rented a car and did what we did and saw what we saw.
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Email Travis | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Really surprised with how much there was to do in SA
What an amazing two weeks! Animals/Safari, Wine country, Beaches, Mountains, Waterfalls, Human History...so much to do and see.
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