Review about Ngorongoro Crater by Nile_Geordies
Spectacular scenery and animals. A Must.
DE
35-50 years of age
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.
Isolated non-commercial wildlife haven with heavenly bush camps.
We loved the bush camps in Zambia and stayed with Norman Carr in the South Luangwa. The time of year was a little disappointing for wildlife at a couple of the camps but the ones nearer to the river were fantastic. The guides were very knowledgeable and friendly and happy to please. Weather was spot on and there was no issue with flies. We also stayed at the Camp on the Zambezi and this was absolutely the highlight - an abundance of wildlife, no rush of safari vehicles at every sighting and the most friendly helpful people.
Great Migration
Everything was wonderful! The camp, the people, the sightings, everything was amazing!
US
20-35 years of age
A lifetime experience everyone has to have!
I went to 2 different resorts, Elephant Plains and Nkorho Bush Lodge. I spent a total of 5 days in the Sabi Sands Game reserve. Our group saw the big 5 (leopard, lion, rhino, cape buffalo, and the elephant) in the first 2 days. If you want to see wildlife you will see plenty of it, the list is very long. Our guides (rangers and trackers) were 100% great at both places. The rangers were extremely educated. They could answer any question we had on the animals and plant life. The trackers too were extremely gifted and trained. These guys are professionals. The weather in March was perfect, mid to high 80's everyday. Accommodations and food at both of these resorts were perfect, zero complaints. The scenery was very nice, the African bush is just beautiful. I'll also add that these safaris are extremely safe. We would pull right up to lions and they'd care less. Never once for a second felt unsafe.
As for highlights, my god its impossible to just select one. One of my favorite moments was when our group came around a bend, and "Bam" there were 7 huge giraffes standing there eating. These animals are just amazing, huge, and beautiful. Another moment I will never forget is when we stopped right next to a herd of elephants. They were basically 10 feet away, walked right next to us towards a watering hole, and they all drank water and put on a show for us. I have 19 gigs of video from my safaris and will never forget one moment of them. I will be going back to Africa again. The Sabi Sands Game Reserve is just loaded with wildlife and I have nothing negative whatsoever to say about it. Its a beautiful part of this world full of the most beautiful animals and plant life you will ever see. Its a must go.
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
35-50 years of age
Fantastic park, great to see the animals up so close
Stayed at Flat Dogs Camp for about 4 days, and found it a great location to explore the park as it was very close to one of the entrances. The camp is open, therefore elephants, monkeys and hippos wander through quite a lot, so you can sometimes get a great view from the swimming pool. Our guide took us in using an open land rover, and knew all the sites where the animals would be located. This meant we got to see the lions quickly, which would have been impossible if we had tried to do it ourselves. Later, he and another guide took us walking in a section of the park (precautions were taken of course!!!) and described the various animals, tracks, and vegetation that could be seen. We used out own vehicle the following days, dividing the park into sections we wanted to visit as it was too big to do in one day. Was great just to be able to go where you wanted though don't advise getting stuck in the sand! Flat Dogs camp had great accomodation, good choice of food, bar, pool, and offered guided tours - definately recommended.
IT
20-35 years of age
A quiet, wild, marvellous country in the middle of nowhere
During our trip we had the opportunity to do many game safari which was our first activity, and we enjoied all of them. In particular we beloved the walking safari, the canooe safari and the boat safari in the okawango river, which is for sure our preferred place in botswana for kind of anumals and birds, scenery, sunsets on the river. Kalahari desert also is fantastic due to the fact that you feel really in an ancient world. On the other side, Chobe park had the biggest amount of animals but also of... tourists ! Accomodations where perfect in any place, even too much confortable. Highlights ? Leopard chasing during night in Moremi reserve,