Richard Hilton, Founding CEO. on Lake Jozini, SA
Greatest Africa
- Office In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2008)
- Tour Types:
- Custom luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $450 to $1,500 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
for a custom tour
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
DK
Email Julius Hansen | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A fantastic trip to South Africa and Mauritius
Vanessa from Greatest Africa was a great partner, and helped a lot in the planning and the execution of our vacation. We felt safe all the way, and enjoyed here knowledge of hotels and areas.
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Email Chris West | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible Experience
After being required to reschedule our South African Safari trip to Kruger National Park twice due to COVID, we were able to finally go in February, 2021. Vanessa at Greatest Africa made the rescheduling process as seamless as possible, working with the three different resorts (Motswari, Hamilton's Tented Camp, Kapama Southern Camp) on three different occasions to confirm new dates.
My wife and I could not be more pleased with the trip. The game drives at each resort were memorable, as we saw more than anticipated, including the 'Big Five' several times over. The staff, service, food, and hospitality rank at the top of all vacations we've taken. Even the transfer company (Seasons of Africa...if I recall the name correctly) went above and beyond to ensure we were able to get to each location. Heavy rains threatened to delay our departure from Hamilton's Tented Camp for Kapama; however, whereas others who had driven their own personal vehicles were unable to leave Hamilton's that day due to the high water at a river crossing, the staff at Hamilton's (along with Greatest Africa and Seasons of Africa) determined we could still make it out via the private 'game drive' roads. We arrived at Kapama Southern Camp in time for the afternoon game drive.
Thanks to Vanessa and Richard at Greatest Africa for making this a great vacation! My wife and I are already planning on going back to South Africa and adding Cape Town to the next adventure.
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Email Rachel | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
If you've ever wanted to go on safari this is the time!
If you've ever considered going on a safari this is the perfect time. Although South Africa is listed as a "Red Country" it is simply impossible to catch COVID-19 from a wild rhino, leopard, herd of elephants or any of a thousand birds that you will see. We had an amazing time on our trip to Motswari and Kapama lodges which are both located adjacent to Kruger park. Flying from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit is a short flight and was very easy. The lodges are lovely, the food amazing, the game drives life changing. Because tourism is down the game trucks have fewer people in them making for a more tailored experience. Bomas are outside and the only time we were inside was when we were alone by ourselves. South Africa has just opened up vaccinations for everyone over age 35, and staff at the lodges have started receiving vaccines. Remember that everyone over a minimum age has to have a PCR test to travel on international flights, making those flights the safest in the world. We were taken by our game guide into Hoedspruit for our PCR tests for our outbound flights, for roughly 52 USD each with results in a day. Specifically regarding Greatest Africa, I spoke with several safari companies and only Greatest Africa was able to accommodate 1 adult with 3 children. Vanessa from Greatest Africa found accommodations that included two connecting rooms at Motswari and a family suite at Kapama. My children made friends with other children, hung out alone in the main lodge and moved freely around in a way I would never have allowed stateside. This was a life changing experience for all of us and if we should ever be able to return it won't have the same privilege as during this time of COVID. This really is the time to go, you'll remember it forever.
Reply from Greatest Africa
Posted on Apr 2, 2022Dear Rachel,
Thank you so much for your kind review - it is hugely appreciated - hope you are able to return to our beautiful country some day..
kind regards
Richard Hilton
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Email Micah | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great operator who helped us choose the best Safari for our tastes
We did a 6 day tour through the greater Krugar National park and stayed at two different camps Kapama River Lodge and Motswari Lodge.
Motswari Lodge was by far our favorite as you are deep in the bush and truly feel like you are in the complete wilderness. Overall it was an amazing trip and we can not wait to get back to South Africa!
Reply from Greatest Africa
Posted on Apr 2, 2022Thank you so much for your review - it is hugely appreciated. I hope you have many happy memories of your trip to SA.
kind regards
Richard Hilton
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Email Dirk and Bernice | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible safari experience - highly recommended.
We recently (April, 2022) enjoyed a 6-day wild life safari in the African bush. We’re happy to share our impressions of this wonderful experience, especially with anyone planning or considering something similar.
All arrangements, bookings, etc. were made through Greatest Africa. Vanessa Walker was our personal travel consultant, and she provided exceptional service and assistance every step of the way!
We spent 3 nights each at Motswari Lodge and Kapama Buffalo Camp. These are private game parks, separate and independent, located in the greater Kruger National Park area.
Both provided first class service overall, and are absolutely 5 star destinations in every respect. Following comments apply to both/either of these Camps.
Food. Tasty, nutritious, ethnic/local and international cuisines. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.
Drinks. Wide selection of local juices, wines, beers, and local/international spirits.
Meals were served in beautiful boma type environment.
Game drives. Each safari vehicle (customized Land Rovers) allowed a maximum of 6 guests per vehicle, and was staffed with 2 knowledgeable and experienced rangers/trackers. Each drive (2 per day) was approx 3 hours’ duration, including early morning drives (with coffee and rusks) and sunset drives (with tasty snacks and sundowner drinks, each day an impromptu stop somewhere romantic or idyllic, to watch the sun set over the African horizon.) There are never guarantees when it comes to game spotting, but we were very fortunate to see the Big 5, as well as many other animal species, on numerous occasions. Thank you to the very professional “bush” staff.
Accommodation. Private, secluded, stand-alone, suites (some tented type, and others rigid structures, but all glamping at its best) all with AC, king sized beds, luxury indoor/outdoor bathrooms, mostly thatched roofs and often built in African, rondavel style architecture.
We could ramble on and on describing all the features. But, in summary, this was a memory making experience. Without any doubt our recommendation is to go ahead, indulge yourself, it’s worth every penny spent.
Thank you to Greatest Africa, for your wonderful service and excellent advice.
Email Jacky C | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An Exceptional Service From Greatest Africa
We have just arrived home (UK) from a fantastic holiday, organised by Greatest Africa. It had been cancelled twice because of Covid Regulations and each time it was rebooked they kept us up to date and informed and organised everything for us, including transfers. As a result, everything ran really smoothly and efficiently. Our rep, Vanessa, could not have been more helpful, friendly and professional. The hotels and lodges were first rate. We will definitely use them again when we return to Africa and have no hesitation recommending them to others. You will not be disappointed.
Email Thomas Ward | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent organisation and service
From the outset communication was very good. Because of flooding in Kruger our accomodation had to be changed. Our alternative accommodation was excellent and the change done seamlessly. In addition we received a refund as the alternative accommodation was cheaper. The majority of our accommodation was comfortable and adequate for our needs. Information on restaurants and places to visit were comprehensive. All in all a very professional outfit and one which my wife and I would have no hesitation in using again
Quality service and very detailed.
Vanessa was very helpful in planning our trip and providing us good guidance- before-during-after the trip. Every facility/safari is of great quality. Excellent tour operator!
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Email Nancy Nelson | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best trip we have ever taken, it ran like clockwork!
I had always been interested in going to, and maybe even living in South Africa. A beautiful country with bountiful wildlife. I came upon an inheritance and decided this would be my time to make my dream come true. I booked pretty quickly as I was nervous about the ridiculous, world health organization and the CDC and the WEF, possibly trying to pull another scam on the people of the world. After all the WHO is trying to put forth an illegal treaty to make sure they have power over every nation and all the people of the earth at their evil discretion. I needed a company that could help me with all the details as I didn't believe I had the option of time. I looked over the reviews for Greatest Africa and contacted them with my interests. They were quick to help me, reserving my stay at the Kapama Buffalo Camp and reserving domestic flights with Federal Air and Airlink! We flew business class and first class with Emirates and also had to have wheelchairs. Flying into Johannesburg and obtaining our domestic flight to Hoedspruit was a breeze. Instead of being delayed, as we had been before when flying to the Maldives, we actually left an hour and a half early. Federal air was so much fun. A small plane that held 12 people, we really experienced the excitement of flying! We LOVED IT! The reps from Federal air were right at the airport, quickly drove us to our plane, had snacks and drinks in their lounge and quickly loaded us on their plane. They had recently purchased these planes from America. The pilots explained our itinerary and then off we went. We flew at 11,000 feet, which was wonderful as you could see the mountains and the little towns along the way. Our first landing was right in the bush. About 5 people got off at the first camp. Then we headed to Hoedspruit. We flew at 3000 feet! I saw impala, hippos, and buffalo right from the airplane. After landing in Hoedspruit our driver Sipro was waiting to drive us in the open air jeep to the Buffalo Camp. Right outside the airport we saw two young warthogs....a little bit further and we saw a herd of impalas....a little further we saw an african buffalo and then a young male elephant, right by the road. Finally we arrived at the camp. The manager had us sign some forms, got us on the internet, showed us around the property and took us to our tent. When you think of tent, you do NOT think of the Buffalo camp tents. These are luxury suites with a beautiful soaking tub, king size bed, fully stocked minibar, rainshower faucet in the stone shower. The water was so hot it was scalding....wow, it was wonderful, we do not even get that in our home in Florida. After freshening up, we got ready for our first game drive. First there were snacks and lemonade and tea for "high tea" at 4:00 p.m. At 4:30 we boarded out jeep and headed out to look for game. Our driver Sipro and tracker Henri gave us instructions on how to stay seated. The animals see big blobs and not individual shapes, so if you stand you change the shape of the vehicle and the animals may react unfavorably. On each game drive we saw so many animals, thousands of impala, kudu's, black backed jackles with puppies, elephants and baby elephants, rhinos, buffalos, giraffes, lions and even one leopard. Sipro told us about special plants to brush your teeth or to weave to make whips to drive cattle, the game of spittng impala poop! I didn't try that one out though! In the middle of every drive, morning and evening we would stop, a sundowner at night and midmorning in the morning, there was always coffee, hot choolate, wine, spririts, beer, cookies, jerky, etc. Sometimes we would stop in the complete dark...kind of scary, but exciting. After the evening game drive we came back and had dinner. Beautiful fire in the lanterns and in the boma. We ate things like springbuk shank, carpaccio crockodile, Stuffed warthog, along with regular line fish and beef. Everything was delicious especially the desserts and I wish I could have eaten more. While we were out on the game drive the staff would do turn down service, shutting the curtains and putting candy on the pillow. The first morning and every morning we got a wake up call at 5 a.m. pre breakfast was 5:30 to 6:00 when the morning game drive would take place. The snacks in the morning were delicous, especially the "egg cakes". I asked for the receipe, they said they would email it to me...they haven't yet. Our driver and tracker went above and beyond to make sure we saw many animals...they constantly kept in touch with other drivers in case one saw something unusual. Someone saw a leopard and our driver and tracker actually drove off road, chopping through the bush to try to find it. We caught a glimpse but the vegetation was too thick. During my investigation into the Buffalo Camp I watched videos. Especially a video by a girl called Travel for Phoebe. Small world, during one of our drives I saw a girl in another jeep. As we passed I said...."Thats Phoebe". We saw the jeep again and I shouted out..."are you Phoebe"? She said, "Yes, how do you know?" I told her that I was one of her subscribers. She said it made her day. We saw her again as we were flying home through Hoedspruit. I thought that was quite a coincidence. On one night game drive our tracker in the complete dark, with a flashlight, going about 20 mph saw a chameleon on the side of the road. We stopped and we got to hold this amazing creature. We met so many great people on this trip, Kate and Sam from England, Anette and Tina from Denmark, Dave and Maxine from Wales, and Mike and Cleo from Johannesburg. When it was time to leave, I actually cried. The closeness of all the game drives and the small capacity of the Buffalo camp made for a very family feeling. I can actually say it was the best vacation I have ever been on. Oh, yes....another fantastic thing. One morning, I see a monkey on the porch of our tent. I went out to take pictures. Suddenly he moved quickly toward me and three others came out of nowhere. I went inside because I do not know how safe monkey are with biting, etc. They were so cute. They wanted to get in the tent so badly. I guess they know how to slide the doors open if they are not locked. At every meal the monkey would show up, wait for the wait staff to leave and run in to grab sugar or fruit. They were adorable! Nothing could have been better about this trip, except maybe if it had been longer. It will be next time. Everything ran like clockwork...our departure was clearly stated and we met all our connections with little to no delay. Airlink was a good airline, but I liked the experience of Federal air. I would definitely use Greatest Africa again. And you should too!
CO
Email Felipe Guhl-Nannetti | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Vanessa Washington an excepcional tour operator
I traveled with my wife to celebrate our 50th wedding aniversary starting in Johanesburg.
We flew to Matsawi lodge and spent unforgetable time includind New year 2024.
Gamedrives were fantastic twice a Day.We saw EVERYTHING the big fives and many many others.
3 more great days in Kapama .
Visite Cape Town for 5 days including a private tour to Cape of Good Hope and pinguins.
Excellent Hotels and food and very good wines.
To more das in the wine region with an excelente guide.
Viste Hermanus 4 days...unforgetable place.
Backstreet to Johanesburg after 3 marvelous week.
Friendly People allover!