Christine Sales Office
Wildlife Safaris
- Office In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 1971)
- Member Of:
- Southern Africa Tourism Services Association
- Tour Types:
- Small & medium group tours (Mid-range)
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $211 to $236 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
SG
Email Conrad | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Memorable First African Safari with Wildlife Safaris
Brought my family on our first African Safari @ Kruger National Park in December 2023.
We were most fortunate to have “Hoppy” as our guide - passionate about African wildlife, knowledgeable about the ecology of Kruger National Park, Hoppy was most happy to share his knowledge.
With Skukuza as our base camp, we explored Kruger from Hoppy’s eyes - saw more animals than we thought possible, and heard many more interesting stories. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and wished that we could have stayed an extra day.
We stayed at Skukuza Rest Camp Chalets. There were other newer, more expensive lodges but having travelled a long way from Asia, we preferred these chalets as they offered us an authentic African safari experience. Skukuza, we felt, was also more central location wise and being in the nature reserve, facilitated easy access to game drives and animals.
Mealtimes were enjoyable and rich in conversation, as were the morning coffees with Hoppy. For us, mealtimes were interesting too for other reasons - there were breakfast at Skukuza Golf Club aka “Wildest Golf Club in the World” amongst Hyenas and Hippos, Mugg & Bean Lower Sabie amongst African Buffaloes, lunch at Alzu amongst a large collection of reared African wildlife, and dinner at Cattle Baron back in Skukuza after a long day out.
It was a memorable safari.
Best Wishes Hoppy, loved our trip.
Conrad
NO
Email Ida and Marte | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exceptional and highly recommended
We recently had the pleasure of experiencing a safari with Wild Life Safari in Kruger National Park, led by the exceptional guide, Hoppy. From the moment we set out, Hoppy's expertise and passion for wildlife were evident. His keen eye and deep knowledge enriched every sighting, making each moment memorable. Hoppy's commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism added another layer of depth to our journey. We also gained a deeper appreciation for the animals habitats and ecosystems. During the trip we had problems with the car. Nevertheless, Hoppy did what he could to ensure that we, his "princesses", had the best possible experience.
The accommodations were luxurious yet thoughtfully integrated into the surrounding environment, allowing us to feel fully immersed in the wilderness without sacrificing comfort. Each meal was a culinary delight, showcasing local flavors and ingredients that added another layer of richness to our journey. The diversity of wildlife we encountered was simply astounding and the overall experience was nothing short of exceptional.
We wholeheartedly recommend Wild Life Safari, especially with guides like Hoppy, for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Africa's wilderness. Thank you, Hoppy!
Email Peter N | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent from start to finish
Communication pre safari was great - Wildlife answered all our questions and were clear about methods of payment, what was included Nothing came as a suprise. Wildlife was a bit more expensive than other similar tours but we chose it because it had the highest number of game drives, accomodation within the park (for one night), included the panromic route and did not include any private game reserves. The panoramic route did get shifted to the first day, but it meant we saw it with good weather and could spend extra time in the park on the fourth day.
The guide (Simon) was fantastic, not only did he have encyclopedic knowledge about the different animals but he was also able to talk at length on the history, geography and politics of South Africa which made for some interesting conversations on the road. He was very flexible in start times, when to break and have meals - ultimately we decided to spend as much time in the park as possible. We were taking photos with our cameras, and he always made sure we had a good angle for the shot. The route and time management was also spot on, I did wonder if we could cover more ground - but in hindsight we had enough time to stop at spots for extended periods of time. For example, witnessing a herd of elephants playing in a watering hole before eventually crossing and being met by 300+ buffalo coming to the water - we watched that play out over 20-30 minutes and it was worth it.
We were not aiming to see any specific animals, we really just wanted to see animals in their natural habitat. Over six game drives, a sunset drive and a bush walk we were not disappointed.
The sunset drive was a definite highlight, seeing the park as the sun falls is completely different to the game drives. We were lucky enough to see a pack of hyenas and three sleeping lions. The bush walk was the morning after (maybe this could be scheduled better but given we only had the one night in Satara, I don't think there are any other options). The guides (from Satara camp) for both the bush walk and sunset drive were professional and put you at ease. On the bush walk we were stalked and approached by a hyena, it was nerve wracking but we never felt unsafe. We were also able to witness two leopards on foot about 20m away - a truly special experience that got the blood pumping!
We had an amazing experience doing the 5 day tour, being able to travel up north to Satara and see the different landscape was worth it in my opinion. At no point were we suprised with additional costs, everything ran very smoothly (from pick up at our hotel to drop off five days later). Even little details like making sure we were at the right place/right time for the sunset drives/bush walks was appreciated. If we were to travel to Kruger again, we would not hesitate to use Wildlife Safaris.
Email Suzanne Martin | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fab from start to finish
From receiving a speedy reply to my initial enquiry, to answering my endless questions, nothing was too much trouble for staff!
We were collected on time by our brilliant guide Hoppy, and had a smooth transfer from Johannesburg to Kruger Park in a comfortable air conditioned bus....the icing on the cake was finding out we were the only ones booked on the 5 day Safari & Panoramic Route, allowing endless flexibility for husband to keep shouting, 'can we just stop here', 'what's that bird', 'can we just go back a bit to get a picture'!!
We stayed at Sabie River Bush Lodge, Skukuza & Satara rest camps in Kruger Park, before our final night in Hazyview. Each move was well planned, plenty of time for rest stops and never felt rushed. The monkeys at Satara were absolutely fascinating and very inquisitive! All the accommodation was clean with most things you would need for your stay. The travel back to Johannesburg allowed time to take in scenic stops for more fabulous photos, taking in the green contrast of the mountains after time spent in the park.
We were lucky enough to see lots of animals and birds (not the elusive rhino), but did not go with any 'must sees' being mindful these are wild animals and anything is a bonus! The experience of watching them moving freely in their natural environment has provided us with memories that will last a lifetime.
Our guide Hoppy clearly loves what he does, and nothing was too much trouble. It was a nice touch having an early morning coffee together before we set off, and great to chat over our adventures when we all met up for an evening meal. The only downside was coming home and having to go back to work to save up and do it all again ;)
I would thoroughly recommended Wildlife Safaris - and indeed already have to colleagues, who I hope will book with you for their bucket list holiday!! Thank you once again, it was everything we had hoped and more.
US
Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Family trip of a lifetime!
My husband and I traveled with Wildlife Safaris in 2006 and had a wonderful experience. When we decided to plan a safari with our family, we immediately contacted Wildlife Safaris and were pleased that Christine was again the person to help us with our booking. Through her expert help, we arranged the perfect vacation including staying at Waybury House the first and last night. Hoppy was our guide for our 4 night safari and I can't say enough about how well he took care of his. He was friendly, accommodating and very knowledgeable. We saw the Big Five within the first two days! An added bonus was running into Clive, our guide in 2006, in Kruger! I highly recommend Wildlife Safaris and hope to return for another safari in the not too distant future.
US
Email Cliff | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful 5 day safari to Kruger National Park and Game Preserve
We had a fantastic time and the excellent service was complete and portal to portal from our B&B's in Johannesburg. Anthony our humorous guide was an indefatigable driver, a sharp game spotter, and a knowledgeable naturalist with a great love of the African outdoors which he conveyed to us. Since he had served in the Johannesburg fire department as both a fireman and paramedic, we felt we were in great hands in this our first time in Africa. And we photographically bagged the Big Five. Highly recommended.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The trip of a lifetime!
Thank you for a perfect trip and a wonderful adventure. The plans worked perfectly, and accommodations were fine. We preferred the Park to the private game reserve, though folks there were also very accommodating and friendly. “Hippo Hollow” was also fun, and a great way to end the trip.
Most importantly, Anthony Hawell (Hoppie) was a fantastic guide, on every dimension. He is extremely knowledgeable, and knew the answers to all of our questions. It is clear that he loves the Park, and this made touring with him a very special experience. He led us to remarkable sightings, including a beautiful leopard and so many lovely birds. He would pull into some amazing sight, like a watering hole with a variety of animals to see, and quietly point out key features, giving us plenty of time to absorb what was there, and ask lots of questions. We never felt rushed or pressured. He took excellent care of us. In addition he was delightful company, so funny and kind, and quickly came to be a real friend, not merely a guide. I especially enjoyed the after-tour, stimulating conversations, over dinner or drinks, where I learned a great deal. It was a trip of a lifetime, and I will never forget it.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
There experience of a lifetime
The entire experience was first rate from communication to accommodation to guiding to Kruger Park. The only downside was the food which was so - so. However, we didn't go for the food. We would highly recommend the experience and Wildlife Safaris.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic!
My husband had been on safari before with Wildlife Safaris and was so impressed that he would only travel with them again. The trip to Kruger Park far exceeded my expectations, it was just amazing. All the travel arrangements were made for our Private safari with Christine who arranged our itinerary. Nothing was two much for Christine she answered all our questions and put together the perfect holiday. Everything was well planned and arranged. We even had to work our holiday around Hoppy the guide my husband had had previously! No Hoppy, no holiday!
Hoppy is wonderful,so knowledgable about all wildlife and could spot an animal anywhere. He's also funny two lots of stories to tell. We saw the Big 5 before breakfast on the first morning we arrived.
A big, big thank you Hoppy for an amazing time. A holiday I'll never forget....
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fulfilled a 50 year old dream
This was a truly memorable experience. Having been fascinated by the natural world from an early age it was wonderful to see the big five (and so many more) in their natural habitat. Our guide was extremely good at identifying any animals or plants. My only criticism would be that I would have liked to learn more about specific creatures, it seemed a little like a "box-ticking" exercise. I would certainly go again like a shot, but would try and make it a more "academic" trip.