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20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
This being my only trip to South Africa, I can't speak to other lodges or reserves, but my experience here was an absolute once-in-a-lifetime experience. Since that time, I have spoken with others and have become friends with others who have taken trips to various lodges and reserves and all had brilliant things to say. It is definitely a must-do, bucket-list destination if you're a wildlife lover!
Email Lawson's Safaris | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
One word - diversity. It is a 'world in one country', with myriad different habitats and landscapes in a relatively small area (compared to say Australia or the USA). Ease of travel is another big plus.
Email Jaco Beukman | www.go-nipper.com | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
South Africa is an all in one destination offering various wildlife, bird life and natural beauty in a colourful package
In my opinion South Africa is perfect for safaris especially if it's your first or second time in Africa. You have the wildlife mostly intact and often pretty close (compared to some Eastern African Countries), usually it's not to crowded and you get the same standards in food and accomodation you're used to, often even better.
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
South Africa has so much to offer and is very diverse in its safari destinations. Visited different parks on different holidays over the past years and still hope to cross them all of my list someday. South Africa hasn't seen the last of me yet!
South Africa more than exceeded our expectations, we were treated wonderfully wherever we went , And the wildlife totally took our breath away
South Africa as a whole is a very big country with many different biomes creating a large variety of wonderful places to visit accommodating every interest out there!
Going to South Africa culminated a dream that began in fourth grade geography class. Through the years I've nurtured a fascination with all things African, but especially I became enchanted by South Africa's history as the ancestral homeland of human kind, as a place of historic adventure, and courage, and strife, and an amazing rebirth at the hands of Nelson Mandela.
I began planning my trip to Africa months ahead of time and picked dates in September, which put me in South Africa after the European tourists had gone home but before the South Africans began their summer Christmas holiday season. September means taking a chance on rain now and then, but it also means low prices for food and lodging, and usually no crowds. I travelled alone. I'm a photographer by profession and enjoy travelling solo that I may practice my craft. I love travelling through wild, unknown places and having the countryside almost completely to yourself.
I flew to Johannesburg via Amsterdam, then spent several days in Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands private game reserve. I returned to Joburg for a few days more and visited Soweto, Nelson Mandela's familly home with the stone memorials, went to see Sterkfontein Cave and Maropeng, then flew to Cape Town for a few days of walkabouts, music, day bus tours, and wonderful food. I stayed in Bo Kaap. Finally I rented a car and drove the Garden Route to Hermanus, then on to Knyssna, Addo and Port Elizabeth, then back to Amsterdam and on to home.
If I start listing highlights I will have to detail the entire trip, but I will always remember: Sterkfontein Cave; Soweto and the Apartheid Museum, Kliptown/Walter Sisulu Square, and the Freedom Charter; Nelson Mandela's final home in Joburg; Cape Town, Table Mountain, the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Aghuilas, the Tsitsikamma coast, whales, the upside-down Moon, driving on the wrong side of the car on the wrong side of the road, and so much more...
Water safety: I took my cue from the locals. Most places the tap water is fine.
Food safety: I ate everything everywhere, including at street markets in Soweto, with no ill repercussions, although I avoided bush meat.
Personal safety: Be smart, keep your eyes open, do NOT leave anything in your car!!!
Remember to tip: Eighty five percent of South Africans make their living on tips for services rendered. Tips may range from a few Rands ($1US or less) for a personal service, like getting driving directions from a traffic assistant, or for fueling your car, to R200 to R300 per day for professional services (a safari guide or driver, or city day-tour guide).
I also visited Tsitstikamma National Park and Table Mountain National Park.
Email wattallan594 | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
South Africa has it all.
Email South Africa Nature and Stuff | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Amazing country with amazing diversity
