Review about Buffalo Springs National Reserve by Claus Hjoernet
Soo beautiful - even though it is a bit crowded
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exactly What You'd Hope!
We went as a group of educators and zoo staff from Minnesota, with a mixed background in what to expect. Simon was our main guide and could not have been a more perfect host. We felt like we got the absolute best animal sightings and anecdotal information possible. The homemade food, camaraderie and lodging were also great. We went in winter, so it was easy to see the animals that were out, and Simon was great about letting us view and take pictures to our heart's content. We saw everything except a cheetah and wild dogs. I would absolutely book with Wild Wings again, and hope to bring my family.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Unbeatable value for money
I went with Christopher on a safari in Botswana last September. I'd wanted to see the Okavango Delta for, oh at least 15 years, but could never afford the 'better known' travel agency prices... especially with a single supplement on top. Christopher, however, managed to design a fabulous itinerary taking in several national parks and included 3 nights in the much anticipated Delta. The camping on Chief Island in Moremi was very basic to be fair but it still felt awesome to BE there at looong last... there was no one else at all on that island and it made everything more intense.
The game drives were good fun too - like treasure hunts really. I'm an avid photographer, have travelled extensively all over Eastern & Southern Africa but it was refreshing this time to travel with someone who understood that lighting is everything in photography and knew where to position the jeep to avoid shadows or back-lit subjects (if at all possible of course as wildlife is unpredictable).
The Backpackers place he'd booked us in Maun was an absolute gem, with a en-suite permanent tent. The owner knew him well and it could be why we secured one of the very best tents, right by the river. When you think of what the top luxury lodges charge in this part of the world... the whole trip was amazing value for money.
I enjoyed it so much in fact that I'll be doing another TWO safaris with Christopher in 2014. The first one in Zambia over Easter. I'd mentioned when we were in Botswana that I'd always wanted to go to South Luangwa and within weeks he came back to me saying he would organise something there ! Can't beat that kind of service ;) He really listens and is a Maker of Dreams Come True as far as I'm concerned... after that I'll join his South Tanzania tour in Selous & Ruaha early Nov 2014... and I'm also hoping to go to Papua New Guinea with Indigo Safari, probably in 2015...
Too many places, too little time, too little money... but at least with Christopher one can easily get "4 trips for the price of 1.5" elsewhere ! For those of us who have more sense than money Indigo Safari is a real godsend...
Thanks again for everything Christopher and for all the thorough & well illustrated notes before we go away too. Keep on living your life to the full.... 'Travel like there's no tomorrow'....
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic 5 Day Best of Kruger Park Safari - surpassed all expectations
Traveling with Wild Wings Safari was a fantastic experience! one I plan to repeat this year. The admin and communication during planning was excellent and from our collection at the airport by our guide Simon - it couldn't have been better. Simon was our guide , cook and driver - and while being very professional and a great cook, his experience and knowledge made this trip unforgettable. Simon made this a memorable trip I can't wait to repeat. This is an excellent option for anyone who wants a fantastic Kruger Park trip with someone else managing all the food, travel, accommodation and takes cares of all the arrangements.
A really wild place for the experienced connesseur
My wife and I arranged our safari ourselves and didn't follow the beaten track. Instead of just enjoying the game viewing from "The Ark" safari lodge as the bulk of the tourists do, we stayed there for two nights. During the day we went on an all day game drive in the Aberdare Mountains equipped with a delicious packed lunch.
This was truly a memorable experience. The scenery is absolutely stunning, and there is some wildlife there that you don't see in other places - e.g. giant forest hog and mountain reed buck, and we had the incredible luck of getting closer to a leopard than ever before.
A big plus was the almost complete lack of (other) tourists – and a small minus was the toilet facilities during the all day game drive – but all in all it was an unforgettable top class safari experience I wouldn’t hesitate recommending to others.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing safari, fantastic tour operator
My partner and I went on a 10 day safari in Tanzania with Safari Infinity in November 2013 incorporating several activities like a hike of empakaai crater, mountain bike ride, ngorogoro crater rim walk, the beautiful serengeti etc.
I can't praise this company enough for a once in a lifetime, amazing holiday. If you are thinking of using them, I wouldn't hesitate. We've already recommended them to a few friends who want to do a similar trip this year.
They were highly professional, their local knowledge and advice on what works / doesn't on your itinerary makes them a standout. They are a growing safari specialist and really do put their customers first. There are many reasons why I would choose them again and recommend to others, here's the top reasons:
Firstly, they were super responsive and patient with any questions I had and my numerous itinerary changes. I dealt with Augustine in the canadian office but whether you get Augustine or Lucia, both are just as responsive and knowledgeable. We also met Simon when we arrived who was there if we had any questions. I think this is a very nice personal touch, shows the operators really care about their customers!
Second, our guide Eric was amazing! He really knew his stuff and was fantastic as being to spot all the wildlife. Having a guide who knows where to go for the best views, having a great eye for spotting the animals and of course friendly is a must. Having met 3 of Safari Ininity's guides over the course of our trip (bumped into one guide several times who was with another group, and another guide picked us up from Arusha on our last day), I would say the key advantage they have over larger companies perhaps and what comes through, is that the guides are all very PASSIONATE about their jobs, Tanzania and the protecting the wildlife.
Third, they were simply excellent value. They offered me a competitive quote compared to the 4 other operators I asked, and after delving into the details it was obvious they were including much more in the price than the others. You also pay into a canadian bank account, which made me feel safer about the company (even though it shouldn't make a difference!). I would say, book with them before they need to put up their prices due to high demand!
Lastly, they treat their staff well. It was important to us that the guides etc all enjoyed working for the company. They said Simon and Lucia were on call should they need anything, they don't just leave the guides to deal with any issues alone. I think that sort of support is very important as Tanzania can be quite unpredictable at times, even though our tour was perfectly smooth.
Don't hesitate to book with Safari Infinity!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Outstanding safari - great value!
We had only 3 full days and 2 part days in Johannesburg, and Themba Tours organized our time perfectly. We were picked up at the airport at 10:45am (they patiently waited with our name on a card) Saturday morning and driven close to Kruger Park to meet our guide who then took us (and only us) the rest of the way stopping to see some great scenic spots. The trip totaled about 6 hours. We arrived at the Sabie River Bush Lodge (lovely) in time to unpack and have dinner. The next two days began at 5am so we'd get priority entrance into the park. Both days lasted 10-12 hours - with breaks. Saw tons of wildlife - and the Big 5 several times. Great weather - warm, but clear. The open jeep allowed for great sightseeing and a constant breeze on the warm days. Our last day there we left early for the elephant sanctuary which was interesting (bought the $20 DVD of us videoed with the elephants) and then the long drive back to town. Two days in the park was enough for us - saw so much! We stayed in the Waybury Guesthouse - nice! Relaxed at the pool and enjoyed a wonderful home cooked meal for just us at a reasonable price. The next day, our last, we took a tour of Soweto with lunch included. It was a good overview of how many of the folks live there and the impact Nelson Mandela had on the country. We felt spoiled and attended to by all hosts. It was a wonderful trip - at a great price!
Review about Okavango Delta by Alan J Castle
Anyone at all interested in the natural world should visit the Okavango at least once. It is a unique habitat with some unique animals and great bird life.
Review about Moremi Game Reserve by Alan J Castle
Criss-crossed with rivers, Moremi offers tremendous bird life and some huge herds of elephant.
NL
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great safari in several gameparks in Kenya
Communication was clear and instantly, service was excellent, above expectations, the safari tour itself was a great experience