US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An eye opening experience that will change your view forever.
The service was great and the people were even better! This trip was more than I could ever image and I can't wait to go again!
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
They maximized the experience for the limited time we had.
They carefully took our information and formulated a tour which suited our limitations. Robert, our driver and guide, was very personable and knowledgeable. He went out of his way to show us many animals and still meet our time line. The lodging and food arrangements were excellent.
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Kruger National Park by piazzi1969
Good views of Leopard, lion, elephants, many white rhino, honey badgers, wild dogs and the highlight was a cheetah and a fair number of birds although less than in Sabi Sands.
We stayed at Lukimbi in South Krüger. To sum things up: Friendly, good guide, good food, nice lodge with a nice room (number 9, without a nice view though), many mammals seen and some nice bird species such as Ground Hornbill and Secretary Bird.
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve by piazzi1969
This was the final park visited. Overall very similar to the other destinations mentioned above and below, but staff in the park seemed less friendly.
Less animals and birds seen here and during one of the drives our car was packed with 10 people although other cars were almost empty. The weather was dry.
We stayed at the Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge. Very nice rooms, good food, less friendly staff although our guide was very friendly and knowledgable, and overall less wildlife sums up the two nights w stayed here.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wow! is a word that I would use a lot to describe Tanzania
We had a great tour through Lappet Faced Safaris in June 2024, we went to Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Olduvai Gorge, Lake Manyara NP, Tarangire NP and Kilimanjaro. Although the Great Migration was late this year we still saw herds of thousands of wildebeest in Serengeti. We experienced the local culture of a Masai tribe where we joined in tribal activities. In Olduvai Gorge (locally called Oldupai) which lies in the Great Rift Valley it was amazing to see the cradle of humankind and to browse through the exhibits in the museum. It was truly spectacular doing a day long game drive in Ngorongoro Crater with flamingoes, lions, zebra, plenty of other game and hyenas taking down a wildebeest. Lake Manyara and Tarangire were very different but both have plenty to view. Tarangire however is like Grand Central Station on a weekend due to the day tripper access from Arusha. We were truly fortunate to view Mt Kilimanjaro without cloud covering, it was a huge wow moment for us when the clouds dispersed and we saw it for the first time.
DE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Arid bush landscape with good mammal sightings
The wildlife in Sabi Sands was great with good views of several leopards and lions, many elephants, spotted hyena and white rhino and even a couple of black rhino during our two night stay. Highlight was a pack of wild dogs that had just killed an impala and watching a group of spotted hyena at their den. A nice black mamba showed well besides the car on one of our game drives and the bird life around the lodge (Nkorho Bush Lodge) was very good. Just in the bush there were fewer birds than expected.
The lodge itself was very nicely situated with very comfortable rooms and very friendly guides and staff. The game drives were well organized and the guides knew their wildlife well. The guides also always put the wildlife first which was very positive, but still did all they could to allow for good close sightings and for taking photographs without causing the animals any disturbance.
The weather was a mix of sun, cloud and some rain but the temperatures remained mild.
The cars during the drive could seat 10 people, but we were never more than 7 which was very comfortable. It did rain a couple of times, and it was a little disappointing that the cars did not have a roof. We were nevertheless supplied with rain protection, but with heavy rain it was necessary to return to the lodge.
During both morning and evening drives it was relatively cold, mainly due to the strong wind. Both a Jumper and jacket were usually necessary, at least for me.
Food was OK although that would not be a reason to return. Everything else would be a reason to return though.
US
More wildlife than I have ever seen or expected to see.
All of the National Parks I visited were amazing and full of wildlife.
CA
under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Arusha National Park has beautiful landscapes and unique animals
My father and I spent one day in Arusha National Park prior to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Upon arrival, we weren't expecting to see much as the park is close to the city of Arusha, but there are many different species of wildlife visible in the park. Our tour guide knew all of the park areas and took us to his favourite spots. We saw giraffes, zebras, monkeys, baboons, hippos, flamingos, plenty of birds, and even a few elephants!
The location of the park is great because we were able to see many animals within close proximity to the city. As a photographer, there were many opportunities for closeup photographs with elephants, giraffes, and zebras. I would recommend the park to anyone because of its size and ability to see a large variety of animals.
While staying in Tanzania, I stayed in Moshi. The national park was less than a 45 minute drive. The transportation was great and our guide was very knowledgeable. Visiting in July was great. The weather was good. We were only able to see Kilimanjaro during dusk because of the quick weather changes in the mountain areas, but it never rained and was fairly sunny throughout the day.
I would recommend a visit to Tanzania and Arusha National Park. It was an incredible experience and I wish to go back!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
South Africa is an absolutely beautiful country with very diverse areas and experiences!
We spent 16 days in country and we started with a Kruger National Park Safari with Endless Summer Tours. This was outstanding. Wade, our guide offered knowledgeable insight for the Safari as well as South African life in general. We would highly recommend Endless Summer Tours.
We then spent 5 days in Cape Town. This offered its own unique experiences. Hiking Table Mountain, visiting Kalk and Falls Bay (scuba diving at Falls Bay) doing a food tour thru Cape Town, and enjoying the Cape Town waterfront. Then off to Stellenbosch and enjoying the wineries for 3 days. Great wine, beautiful views, and quaint wineries/farms.
Each area; Safari, Cape Town, and Stellenbosch offered its own unique experience. We loved our trip!
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Another fantastic safari in Kruger
This was our second visit to Kruger, and once again it did not disappoint. On our first day, we were treated to the sight of 4 male lions and one female at kill. One of the male lions walked right by our vehicle - amazing. Another highlight was a huge herd of 50-60 elephants crossing the road in front and behind our vehicle - essentially surrounding us. It was magical! During our four days at Kruger, we saw plenty of other animals, including hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, hyenas, wildebeest, buffalo, impala, kudus, warthogs, baboons, and vervet monkeys. On the last day, down near Pretoriaskop, we saw several rhinos - a good area to see these magnificent creatures.
We stayed in the rest camps inside Kruger. The first two nights were at Skukuza and the third night was at Pretoriaskop. In both camps, we stayed in rondavels (round huts), which were very comfortable, including air conditioning, private bathrooms, and outdoor kitchens. There are lots of facilities in both camps, Skukuza being the biggest of the two. There were nice views overlooking the Sabie River from Skukuza - we could see lots of elephants and hippos. The pool at Pretoriaskop - built into the rocks - is especially nice. My only minor complaint is that I found the food in the camps not quite as good as when I was last at Kruger in 2006, but it was still fine overall.
