35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Lake Nakuru - flamingo-less but still worth it
Lake Nakuru suffered flooding in 2012 which has had 2 negative effects; the flamingos have moved on to other rift valley lakes and many of the lakeside roads are now underwater. However new roads have been put in and there is now a large area of interesting flooded acacia forest teeming with birdlife. The park also has hard to see rhinos, scenic woodland, waterfalls, and cliff top vantage points over the lake. Good lodges on the hills overlooking the lake. worth visiting if combined with other national parks.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing. Life-altering. The most beautiful place in the world.
Booking the safari was easy, Mark was knowledgeable about Kenya and all of the places I'd be going. He even gave advice about extra events I was considering attending --very well thought out. Communication was swift and simple. All of my questions were answered from the moment I booked the trip to the day when I hopped on the plane.
James was my guide. He was excellent in every way. Courteous, knowledgeable, kind, helpful... anything we wanted, he made it happen. His estimates on travel time were eerily precise. He was jovial and always made us laugh. I could not have asked for a better guide.
The accommodations were outstanding as were all of the hosts. It was truly a fantastic experience all the way around...
And the animals. The animals. We saw the big 5... the big six if you count the Maasai. Kenya is the most beautiful place on earth. I say this having spent almost 2 years in Antarctica (my former #1 most beautiful place), and having traveled extensively in: New Zealand, China, Thailand, Cambodia, Mexico, Canada, Western Europe and Ireland. Of all of these amazing places, Kenya now holds the key to my heart.
The people, the land, the animals... it's all so very powerful. For me, it completely altered my life. I not only came back to the states feeling very hakuna matata, but also have reevaluated my life, my values and how I want to continue being on this great planet. After 5 weeks, I am still completely hakuna matata. It's a beautiful thing.
Relaxing day unwinding after climbing Kilimanjaro
We visited Arusha NP the day after climbing Kili. The journey over from Moshi, where we were based, showed us more of the region, and Arusha NP offered an un-hurried day out. Our guides took us to their favourite spots; we saw many giraffe and zebra, baboons and colobus monkeys. Best treat was seeing Flamingos in a ring 1-3 deep all around big Momela lake. The park is very scenic, especially Ngurdoto Crater, and it would be good to return to see more of it, perhaps by climbing Mt Meru. Arusha NP offers quite a contrast to the almost complete absence of wildlife on Kili!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Lifetime Highlight!
On my recent trip to South Africa, the Outlook Lodge in Johannesburg, and the Sausage Tree Safari Camp on Greater Kruger Park I had an incredible experience. I would say it was one of the highlights of my life. On safari we ran into female lions eating a fresh zebra kill, male lions roaming, a herd of buffalo, elephants, a couple of leopards, giraffe, zebra, impala, kudu, warthogs, hippo, crocodile, etc., etc. Wow, fantastic. The Sausage Tree Safari Camp was especially memorable. I was spoiled from the moment I arrived. Incredible food, views of wildlife, service and game drives. The staff went above and beyond in every way... It was hard leaving. This is definitely a place that if given a second chance to visit... I'll be there. Thanks Glen and Susan for setting up this memorable experience. I definitely scored when I found you on the internet! Keep up the great work. Sincerely, David
TR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
amazing safari
We had only one day for safari in Joburg. Glen picked us from airport and we had a wonderful day.
He told us information about country, history and people.
Also safari was great we saw lots wild life and took photos.
When we were returning we saw elephants eating grass a few meters from us. This was the bonus of our wonderful day.
I totally recommend go safari , they are local, well organized and people you can always trust.
Tell Glen& Susan what you want and you just enjoy your time there.
Thanks again
Sami& Eda
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Abundance of wildlife and good location
With a good motorway from Durban, we found the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve to be a good safari destination with hills and valleys making for some variety in the scenery. We saw an abundance of wildlife. Our highlight was seeing and photographing lions in close proximity on both days we were there. We also saw elephant, white rhino, zebra, blue wildebeest, buffalo, warthog, nyala, kudu, impala and a variety of birds. The facilities were good and the staff friendly. Generally, it was an all-round pleasant experience. We also found the location handy, as it’s a relatively short drive to Lake St Lucia for coastal wildlife.
US
under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Kruger National Park by tapaculo99
Kruger lived up to the hype for wildlife and birding... In three days we saw an exceptional amount of game and birds. Highlights were Hyenas right outside the fence at Balule Camp (high score for bush vibe), Southern Ground-Hornbills, and a leopard right by the roadside near Satara.
US
under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve by tapaculo99
Wildlife - we had neat views of Rhino as well as lots of Nyala and buffalo.
This park has gorgeous scenery, especially close to the hilltop camp (we were only in Hluhluwe). Amazing long views over the park gave the illusion of being in an alpine zone.
Bush vibe was not really evident - a major road cuts through this park. The main park road is paved and the hilltop camp is fairly fancy.
Birding - quite good here. Highlights included Woolly-necked Storks and an African Harrier-Hawk.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
3 Day Dune Experience (Camping)
What an unbelievable trip.
We had some difficulties at the beginning booking the campsite we were staying in at Sossusvlei, due in part to my lateness confirming the trip, but managed to work it out. I advise booking early to avoid this possible issue, but Andre and his team did a great job of clearing that up. He also managed to rearrange the final destination of the trip, moving it from Windhoek to Swakopmund quite cheaply for our group, which was greatly appreciated.
Andre and Barrel were the most amazing people to have shared this experience with. My five friends and I took this quick vacation, and had no idea what to expect. We were given a luxurious camping experience, with mattress pads, fabulous homecooked meals, with china plates...the works. We woke up in the morning for lovely sunrises, dune hikes, pool relaxation time, and sundowners. Throughout our excursions, either driving around, walking the dunes, or visiting the smallest canyon in the world, Andre was a wealth of information (ASK ABOUT THE FAIRY CIRCLES!!! CRAZY) and a great conversationalist to boot. The trip was short but sweet, and I cannot recommend it more. I hope to join Impala Tours again soon!
US
under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Golden Gate Highlands National Park by tapaculo99
The scenery here was stunning - amazing geology and hiking.
Wildlife was not terribly plentiful, but we did see a few wildebeest, jackal, and zebra.
Bush vibe - not such a nice park in this regard, since a major road passes through the park.
Birding was nice but not particularly exceptional.