DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about South Africa by maudcorinna
It's the diversity that you find in this big country that makes it so interesting !
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Tanzania by seltzca
Tanzania is a diverse and beautiful country. It has a range of safari options (budget to luxury) and is a safe and peaceful country. Even as a largely independent traveler making my own transportation and accommodation arrangements, I did not feel unsafe.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
reliable and friendly
We have used Impala Tours since 2005 and found them to be highly reliable and knowledgeable about Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and South African tours. They've arranged all of the lodges, connections, flights, etc. Never had a problem. They seek value and avoid lodges that are over priced relative to their offering. Sometimes we schedule things at the last minute and they always manage to find great solutions for us. Highly recommend them.
35-50 years of age
Mana Pools - Heaven on Earth
I have stayed in Mana Pools many times and each time I don't want to leave. This trip was a 3 night, 4 day backed up canoe trip, which took us along the national park shoreline on the Zambezi river.
Each morning we would set off just before sunrise, when the river was as calm as glass and all the birds were starting to wake. We would paddle until around 8am and then stop for a cooked breakfast on either an island or on the shoreline while watching old duggar buffalo bulls come down to the water to drink, or a herd of elephants swimming across the channels to get to the islands where the sweet nutritious vegetation awaited them.
After breakfast we were back on the water and as the heat of the day increased, we paddled past large numbers of antelope, elephant, buffalo and hippo all at the waters edge. We were even lucky enough to see wild dog and lion. The bird life was teaming and we pasted large colonies of Carmine Bee-eaters nesting in the banks of the river. After our lunch stop, we spent the heat of the day resting under Acacia trees watching baby elephants playing in the shallow waters while their mothers waded into the deeper water to reach the water lillies to feed on.
Mid afternoon we were back on the water and just before sunset, we arrived at our new camp site which was already set up. Drinks would be waiting for us, a hot water shower ready and a lovely 3 course meal.
General Information:
Transportation
Tour operators will arrange road transfers from Kariba or Harare if required.
They can also arrange air charters from anywhere within Zimbabwe.
You can self drive in, the road is corrugated but a 2x4 will suffice, although the car hire companies will not allow you to take their vehicles off road, if they find out.
Weather
Mana pools is normally closed from the beginning of November until the end of March due to the rains and the road conditions.
May, June, July and abit of August is winter and it gets cold in the evening, but the days are beautifully clear with temperatures normally reach the mid to late 20 Celsius.
August, September and October are very hot and dry months with temperatures reaching anywhere from 40 to 50 Celsius. The concentration of game is at it’s best as everything comes to the water.
Accommodation
There are two upmarket fixed safari lodges within the park.
There are also various tour operators that operate semi permanent camps and trips throughout the season. They will provide everything you need from food through to towels.
There is also one or two tour operators that offer the canoeing safaris and again they provide everything.
National parks offer self catering lodges, a communal camp site with operating ablutions or a couple of exclusive camp sites for anyone that prefers to independently travel. You will need to bring everything with you from tents through to food.
Scenery and Wildlife
Mana Pools is a speculator UNESCO site. It has wide open flood plains that go down to the Zambezi river and overlook the mountains of Zambia in the distance. Mana Pools is the only national park in Zimbabwe that allows people to walk unaccompanied. There are large numbers of animals there and years gone by, you were able to see the big five. Unfortunately there are no more rhino’s there now, but they have a large population of wild dog (African Painted Dog) and you will see lion and leopard. The elephants of Mana Pools are renowned for standing on their hind legs to reach leaves high up in the trees.
Final Word
Mana Pools is a place like no other, it nourishes your soul.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Botswana by David Sullivan
Botswana felt exotic, with lots of wildlife easily seen, even just driving through town! The people are pleasant, and I never felt unsafe at any time.
35-50 years of age
Review about Londolozi Game Reserve by Airboat Afrika
Being in the Sabi Sands, Londolozi enjoys all the advantages of this well preserved game area.
CA
50-65 years of age
Beyond our wildest expectations
Every aspect of our trip was exceptional. The lodges, food, driver/guide, animal sightings, (both quantity & rare), game drives, & visits to The Home of Good Hope, villages, schools & craft markets & co-ops were all memorable.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about South Africa by Markle1
The perfect tourist country. Beautiful countryside, friendly people, excellent food, plenty to do and see.
35-50 years of age
Review about Lion Sands Game Reserve by Airboat Afrika
Lion Sands remains an all time favorite. Best location (in SA), best architecture, best service, best food. They are so alarmingly friendly. Oh, awesome game, too.