Run Wild African Safaris
- Located In:
-
United States
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2006)
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $330 to $1,600 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Unbelievable
Thus was going to be a trip of a lifetime and it absolutely turned out to be better than we could imagine. Arnold and his crew listened to our wishes prior to our arrival and this adventure exceeded our imagination. From our arrival in Johannesburg and Bulawayo in Zimbabwe we were well looked after and prepared. The people in Zimbabwe are absolutely amazing people. Arnold is from Zimbabwe and is the personification of the Zimbabwe people. Communication was easy and quick. Into the safaris themselves. We felt safe and secure throughout even facing an Elephant guarding the road to Victoria Falls. We saw the big five with Lions mating and roaring meters from our vehicle. The animals are so well camouflaged it’s incredible the guides even spot them. We were 20 meters from a black rhino and they were ahead to see in the bush but we saw him, heard him smelled him. Awesome. It’s difficult to describe everything as there were some surprises held out for us. We were at “Fly Camp” in southern Zimbabwe. Don’t look it up save the surprise. With that said the event was so unbelievable that we asked to go back the next evening. The camp chef prepared a meal there the next evening. Five star and we’ve eaten at Michelin starred restaurants. Fantastic food in a fantastic location. Same safari area we were on the lake with hippos and crocodiles. We had a hippo follow our boat and let us know we awere on his lake. Food and drink five star. Great accommodations. Just let Run Wild know what you want and they will exceed your expectations. I can not recommend this Safari company more highly. As an aside Arnold gives back to his community. He loves Zimbabwe gives back in so many special ways. Do yourself a favor, book with Run Wild and you will be back in Africa with them again. Jim Hiatt
Email Michael Thompson | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
There aren’t enough stars in the African sky to rate this entire experience! Better than perfect.
From start to finish this experience was amazing. From the initial introduction, their inquiries into our wants/needs, to the way they made my family (with 2 young girls) feel safe and comfortable jumping into the unknown, to developing the perfect itinerary and then executing flawlessly…. Wow. Wow! WOW!!! First off, and I’ll say it again later, the impact this experience and the staff had on my daughters is immeasurable. Our house and stories aren’t complete without legends of Dumi, Hamari, and Cynthia!
Our journey started with pick up from our guide Dumi and a visit to the CHISWINE camp for the first week of our trip. My girls were a little nervous which makes for an antsy dad, but Dumi had everyone relaxed, comfortable, excited, and most surprisingly (with young kids) engaged! The CHISIWINE camp offered everything we were looking for. Solitude, wildlife, local culture, and more. The workers, the food (thanks Cynthia for really including my daughters when they were curious), the accommodations were all top notch. I never knew “glamping” accommodations could be so nice. We truly felt immersed in nature and in tune with the whole experience. All while being under a watchful, but completely non-intrusive, eye of those charged with our safety and experience. We felt cared for and safe to enjoy so much. Honestly, we felt like family and were treated as such.
This trip strengthened our own family dynamic beyond belief. The wildlife and nature were spectacular, but more impactful on our family were a day in local villages. My daughters were so impacted we are now working with a local charity to help with schooling, plumbing, and sustainable resource projects. I wish every family could share this experience with their children. Although I’ve tried, words can’t explain it.
After begrudgingly leaving this experience, we continued on to a slightly less private, but nicely secluded journey to Matopos National Park. The endangered white rhinos were a beautiful sight for sure. The 12 hut resort was beautiful and attentive. My wife and I enjoyed what might be the most enjoyable sunrise of our lives because of the combination of landscape and animal sounds.
Finally, off to Victoria Falls where we stayed in the most beautiful resort. Elephants were walking by our balcony as we walked in the room. The watering hole behind our resort allowed for non stop action and a chance to see natures chain of command. From the gorge swing and bungee jump, to every animal we wanted a closer look at, our caregiver, our walking and helicopter tour of the gorgeous falls, to a sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi complete with crocs and hippos showing out, it was just a beautiful experience.
From the beginning of the process to the end of our journey, every detail was handled with thoughtfulness and care. I learned to trust the experts, understand the process/reasoning, and give up a little control. After all, what did i think I was going to know over the people who live it daily?!?!
If you’ve read this far, please read this. My daughters are blessed to be well travelled. I have never seen or heard this reaction from them. They took in and learned so much. Even months later, they recall the staff names, the places, the unique animal names, the village. This trip truly impacted them and we will be back soon to visit the school projects and experience another part of this amazing area. Thank you Run Wild for helping my wildlife be a part of yours.
