DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
camping safari with 4X4 cars, nights in the desert or local camps
Khaudum is pure Africa, great wildlife, especially elephants, but giraffes, roans, kudus, duckers and other antelopes too; lions are rare and shy, we only saw their footprints. There are only 2 very simple camps, we were in Sikeretti, only cold water, no fence. No food available, you need a 4x4, or better 2 4x4 in convoy. Very sandy roads, i dont know how it may be when it rains, maybe even more difficult. You need an experienced guide, because the signs are rare and often destroyed. No gas station available, even Tsumkwe, outside, often is without gas.
US
A transformative life experience of connecting with wildlife, wilderness, and local communities.
I made a big commitment in this trip in terms of time and money. However, once the trip got underway, I never second guessed whether or not I had a made a good decision. By the time 2 weeks had passed, I felt like the entire trip had been planned and carried out exactly for my own benefit. The "heart-opening" activities we participated in, including movement, poems, reflections, and sharing our reactions and purposes with the group, were incredibly effective in opening my heart to the deeply meaningful experiences of the wilderness, wildlife, and local cultures we visited. By the time the trip was over, I felt as if a major transformation in my life had been initiated.
I always felt comfortable in our accommodations, which were usually stunning and oftentimes felt magical. The flow and atmosphere of the trip were great, combining a variety of activities with plenty of time to rest and relax. Tom's passion, knowledge of Africa, and sense of humor lit up the atmosphere. The local guides in the parks were professional, entertaining, and knowledgable. The only "crowds" we saw were groups of animals - we hardly ever came across other people. Tom and Laura's connections allowed us to meet people and learn about the challenges facing both rural and urban communities, including conservation and poverty.
Here are some of my highlights:
- Nature: The serene, quiet beauty of the African bush, the nobility of the beautiful wildlife, the immense starry night sky, and getting to witness the natural order of the different types of animals, each one with its own place in the ecosystem, co-existing and acting out their part. It all helped me feel like I was part of an amazing unified existence.
- The people: It was amazing to me how in Kawaza, a rural village with no electricity, plumbing, and little possessions, everyone appeared to be so full of life and happiness. I saw more joyful people in one morning in Kawaza than I see in a year in Philadelphia.
- The close connections and open hearted sharing amongst the group helped me connect with the wildlife and communities we met in a meaningful way.
- The "zebra" meditation: Sitting down to reflect, and a few moments later discovering a zebra peeking out at me from only a few inches away. I alternated between feeling terrified and calm.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience
Wow! Traveling with the Open Heart group is by far the best way to experience the "real Africa," as Zambia as called. The opportunity to visit with local people in addition to witnessing spectacular views of the wildlife made for a much more well rounded experienced. I found it very meaningful to be able to take in and share our experiences. I was given the opportunity to experience Africa on a deeper, richer level. I frequently pondered on how thankful I was to be with this group, and that I would not want anything to change; it certainly surpassed my expectations.
The guides and leaders, Tom and Laura, are excellent. Tom's extensive knowledge and experience, in addition to his flexibility and great sense of humor, were greatly appreciated. Laura did a wonderful job directing the group in expressive movement and yoga sessions, which really made an impact in helping us feel subsumed in the experienced. I loved the Open Heart activities, including yoga, sharing, reflection, and mediation. Tom was instrumental in initiating a heartfelt connection within our group from day 1, and we really opened up to one another. This "open heart" element made my exchanges with the local community, wildlife, and the environment so much more significant, and helped me in feeling more in tune and connected.
I went on this trip with my father, and we chose Open Heart Safari after looking at various tour companies in Kenya & Tanzania and learning that Zambia would be less touristy & crowded yet still have the same diversity and plethora of wildlife. We had been trying to plan a trip with a safari and then find a way to volunteer, but Open Heart conveniently offered that as part of the package. It was wonderful traveling with similar-minded folks. Meeting with local conservationists and spending the night in a local village were also opportunities we really enjoyed. Visiting Victoria Falls was amazing. On a basic level, the food and accommodations were both excellent.
Overall I greatly recommend traveling with Open heart!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I enjoyed my trip with Roho Ya Chui
The safari was everything I expected and hoped for, and more. The drivers were knowlegeable and gracious. We got to see many animals at different times of the day. It was an excellent experience.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about South Luangwa National Park by SafariGirl
Incredible wildlife in dense areas
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Undescribable
Zambia is a MUST for any safari goer. From the people to the variety of wildlife it is an amazing experience. We travelled to Zambia in 2009 and 2011 (21-24 day safaris each trip) and we are returning again in August/September (2013) for nearly a month. Our favorite spots are the South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi. The diversity and abundance of wildlife is spectacular, only to be outdone by Botswana's Kwando/Okavango regions (and less expensive than Botswana). August and September being the best times for safaris with no chance of rain. Our favorite camps to date are Kaingo (we are going for a 3rd visit) and Chiawa (also our 3rd visit) the incredible amount of wildlife in these 2 areas make them tops in our book as well as staff and guides that are excellent. Food at Chiawa is 5 star as are the accomodations and guides. There are a variety of activities offered from canoe trips, to boating and fishing on the Zambezi, to vehicle safaris. Kaingo also has great accomodations, and now each cabin has its own little overlook of the river where lunch is served so you can enjoy the privacy and views. Kaingo has some of the best "hides" of any camp we have ever visited. we love spending afternoons at the hippo hide and getting up close to these magnificent creatures and the beeeater hide is not be missed especially in September. Chindeni and Chamilandu are also great in their own right, but wildlife is a little sparser in these areas, still the environments make these excellent camps in their own right. They offer walking safaris or vehicle safaris at all their camps. Both have excellent cuisine and all camps adapted their menus for my husbands "unusual food phobias". Transportation is seemless as all the camps work together to get you to your destinations, "no stress". We are visiting some of Robin pope's camps this trip as well I am hoping they too will be just as wonderful.
US
An amazing place to get close to wildlife
Of all the parks we visited in a two week safari in Kenya and Tanzania, we saw the most Lions in Maasai Mara, many that were very close to our vehicle. You can go off the roads to get closer to the animals, which you can't do at other parks, making this a must-see destination.
Great Migration
Everything was wonderful! The camp, the people, the sightings, everything was amazing!
AT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Perfect Photo Safaris
I did a photo safari with RYC back in Dec 2012 / Jan 2013. I had 1 week under the guidance of my good friend Ute Sonnenberg and while I went into this event thinking I know already most about wildlife photography (I am photographing since more that 40 years and have done multiple photo safaris on my own in the past) I learned quickly that I had entered a totally different, educating and same time entertaining adventure.
Ute is a great teacher, friend and photographer and I really enjoyed the time I spent with her in the bush trying different photography techniques while also discussing the results and constantly improving!
Definitely not my last photo safari with Ute and RYC!
Peter
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Lake Nakuru National Park by EnergyRouter
Contrary to the other destinations in Kenya, Lake Nakuru allows you to see flamingos, hippos, and lots of monkeys and baboons. It is a great addition to a safari because of its vast wetlands and lake, which is different than much of the typical bush scene you get in other parts of Kenya. We stayed at the Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge, which was great! View my video of Lake Nakuru at http://youtu.be/BXETOPnwEhQ?t=2m21s