Experience level: first safari
Unique experience with the amazing wildlife, scenery and interacting with the local people
Communications were very prompt and good, price was reasonable. The tour itself was amazing; the scenery, wildlife and the remoteness and uniqueness of some of the campsites contributed to this. However the best thing about the company was the staff in the field- they were very knowledgeable, friendly and prepared to do their utmost to ensure that your experience was the best you could possibly have. Cosmos the driver/guide and Paul the chef were excellent examples of this.
US
65+ years of age
Review about Chobe National Park by mustangflyboy
Chobe was also chock full of wildlife: giraffes, hippos, impalas, sable antelopes, various birds and ample waterways to explore by boat. Great for seeing elephants swimming to island grassland and basking crocodiles along the shores.
AR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We spent 4 amazing days doing the Panorama route and kruger safari
Everything went well. Very nice and comfortable accomodation, always punctual. Our guide Nik was very friendly and knowledgable. We saw all big five and many more animals!
I'm very pleased with the service Wildlife safari provides! Thank you for everything, I definitely recommend it.
US
65+ years of age
I was seized by the reality of the Okavango Delta upon seeing a leopard in a tree with its kill.
We booked our southern Africa tour with Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT), because we had an exceptional experience with them in Egypt and Jordan in the prior year. The African tour also proved to be as seamless, from one connection to the next. July proved to be the best month for the tour: clear skies; no mosquitoes; and temperate weather, albeit cool mornings.
Upon landing on the Okavango Delta dirt strip, on July 14, we were met by our guides and driven in open "jeeps" towards Dumelang Wilderness Tented Camp. En route, we saw red lechwe and white beaked vultures. Then, our driver, a keen tracker, drove up to a tree. Perched high in the yoke was a leopard calmly eating the remains of a fresh impala. I had to remind myself that I was face-to-face with a big untamed, wild cat. In real time. We sat there for several minutes taking spectacular pictures. Then the leopard slowly let herself down to the ground. To our delight, our guide/driver paralleled the leopard as she loped through the savannah, paying no attention to us. She then stopped and sat down. Next to her was a female cub, about two months old, according to the guide. We stopped, approximately 40 yards from the cats. Then, the cub got up and walked towards us - the cub was curious! Mama leopard stayed where she was, but stood, hyper vigilant, tail pointing to the sky. The cub walked up to our jeep, looked around, then went back to her mother. All this occurred before reaching our lodge.
The amenities of the tented cabin were splendid. Big, comfortable king-size bed protected by mosquito netting, ceiling fan, 12 volt electrical system for lighting, hot and cold running water, shower, sink and flush toilet, plus adequate storage for our gear. A hot water bottle was provided for warmth to ease the cool nighttime temperatures in bed (low tech, but worked well - and its refillable, if needed).
Breakfasts were warm and hearty. Lunch was provided on the afternoon game drives in the savannah, with plenty of snacking opportunities. The evening dinners were a feast, often at the gourmet level. The constant supply of goodies reminds one of a cruise ship.
Elephant, cape buffalo, impalas, lions, hippos, crocodiles and several bird species war in abundant supply. Every game drive revealed a changing array of animals.
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The Wisdom of Animals
Christopher Bartlett with 7 passengers in 2 4WD's drove to excellent spots for viewing animals in their natural habitat, the amazing arid zones of the Namib. At night we often camped in wondrous solitude with stars and sort animal sounds for company. His cooking was superb and photography tips forever of value.
Review about Linyanti Concession by Alan J Castle
In particular one of the best areas for herds of very large male elephant.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
We loved our safari!
Our guide was super hospitable with our group. We saw lots of animals, had good food, and stayed in a camp with tents. The owner of the camp was very nice and helpful to us. Made us feel so welcome.
The only thing that marred our trip was that outside the park, a car in front of us hit a giraffe. The driver and tour operator were concerned for the animal, who was wobbling on broken legs by the roadsied. They contacted authorities and kept tabs on the aftermath. It is important to be with people who do their work with heart and care about the animals.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
My Solo trip to South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe
Mark met me at the airport in Johannesburg & got me on my flight to Cape Town. My guides were greatFrom a wonderful time in and around Cape Town, including the wine country, a national park, the Cape. Then I wended my escorted way, staying overnight at a lovely inn, to Port Elizabeth. I went to an ostrich farm, petted young cheetahs; then to Johannesburg and Soweto and then on to 3 fabulous camps in Botswana and an excursion to Zimbabee and the falls. No problem traveling alone as my arrivals, departures and plans were all anticipated and well executed!
BE
20-35 years of age
The smallest NP of Uganda, but great experience!
We stayed 2 days in nearby town Kisoro, before camping 3 days right outside the entrance to Mgahinga NP. Mgahinga is very small, but it stole my heart. We went tracking for Gorilla's, and without much fuss found a family of 3 juvenile males, 1 female with a 3 weeks old baby gorilla. Meeting these gentle giants was a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Though tracking was not cheap, I'd certainly recommend it in a small NP as Mgahinga. It has the advantage of less tourists, and a good chance of finding the gorilla's. The rangers were very nice, correct, informative.
In Mgahinga we also climbed the Sabinyo Vulcano (3647m) which has it's summit in three countries: Uganda, Rwanda and DRCongo. It was a steep climb (aprox. 5h) through eery alieneske vegetation, climbing ladders for the steepest parts and enjoying really breathtaking views. The descent was rather quick and enjoyable (aprox. 3h).
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Ruaha, Rufiji and Mafia Island Tanzania with Indigo Safaris
Having looked into a family safari holiday using large travel agencies we were troubled by the cost, lack of specific knowledge and inflexibility. We turned to Indigo Safaris, I had met Chris Bartlett on a diving holiday in Raja Ampat and was impressed by his first hand knowledge of the diving and safari world. Chris simply tries out the resorts himself and knows what he is talking about from personal experience.
He very quickly came back to us with suggestions for a tailor made 3 centre holiday at a very reasonable price. He supplied excellent and accurate information and pictures of each resort, what we would expect to find and see, and the logistics of travel.
The holiday was a great success in no small part due to Chris' organisational skills. The staff at the resorts and even the owners of the Safari Camps knew Chris personally which is a testament to his larger than life no nonsense personality and the fact that he has actually visited the places he recommends.
We would definitely use Chris again for another safari (or even a diving) holiday/s.