CA
Etosha
Before there is any miscommunication caused by my title, I will simply say that my trip with Wild Cherry Safaris was outstanding. It was more than a dream come true; it was like a dream that was occurring in front of me.
Chad seemed to have the magic touch, because we managed to see all the animals we could have expected and some we didn't. He was patient, helpful and was a really good listener. He truly loves this country and this geography; as he said, Namibia makes sense to him, and that realization really enhanced the tour. He loved seeing these wonders unfold as much as we did.
Desmond was awesome. He remained in the camp, prepared the meals and the sleeping arrangements, and had wonderful localized advice. If there was a mysterious noise in the middle of the night, he would tell you exactly what it was in the morning. I really liked him, and was invaluable to our experience.
The park was both expansive and compact. I will explain. The permanent campground (Wild Cherry is the only tour company that offers this) is surrounded with everything one would need. A charging station for your camera batteries and electronics. A food vendor, bathroom facilities, a restaurant, and for the hotter afternoons a swimming pool. But for me what made the location incredible, were the vantage points at perimeter of the camp. Firstly, at the southwest corner of the camp is a hidden and unmarked observational gem. Basically you are standing in shaded bush, but you can watch very closely as all the animals pass only metres in front of you on their way to the water hole. If you are patient and quiet, they won't even notice you. Of course, the Water Hole is a sight too. At any given moment, 24 hours a day, you will see a parade of coexisting animals quenching their thirst. The elephants were the big showboats, and the rhinos seemed to be nocturnal.
So that is the element of the 'Etosha Dream' that is in your control. Once you get in the back of the truck, Chad had a pretty instinctual sense of where to go. A viewing platform above the truck sits nine people, and comes with comfortable seating and blankets for the cold mornings (we went in August). The roads wind endlessly through the massive park, and from your vantage point you can observe from higher up. This allows you to see giraffes poke their heads up curiously, and Gnus, Zebras, Impala, and Springboks weaving through the landscape.
With Wild Cherry's 3D/2N tour you get to have two morning and two evening game rides. We seemed to see more animals in the evening, but our rarer sightings (lions, hyenas, and leopards) were all in the morning. And in between, the water hole is always at your disposal in camp. Basically, if you really wanted to, you could be observing animals 24 hours a day. Just don't miss Desmond's meals. He has mastered hearty food on the barbeque.
Final Thoughts
My experience with Wild Cherry was wonderful. Things were done at a very comfortable pace and the itinerary was ideal. Etosha is a quiet and epic place, and the employees at this company embrace that spirit on the game rides. A little information is given, but there is a joy in the quiet wonder shared by everyone. Chad, Sydney, and Desmond really want you to enjoy your experience. And with Chad at the wheel you are going to find unbelievable moments.
TIPS
-Bring a tripod on the game rides. If you are using a phone or digital camera, bring a bean bag or a resting pad (a beanie works well too) to test your camera on for smoother shots
- To capture intimate moments of animals who are closer to the car, remember that you often have a better vantage point than Chad does at the wheel. Just knock on the roof and he will happily stop. Remember, it's your safari and it may be your only one.
- Don't try and take selfies with the animals behind you. You will be shaded and they will be in bright light and the image will be awkward and disjointed. Take the best photo possible of the animals in their habitat. That's what your friends and family will want to see.
- Start some conversations with strangers at the water hole. Too often, these camps become really independent; many of the people around you have rather amazing stories and backgrounds. Yet, you happen to be in the same spot at the same time. That is neat.
- I recommend bringing about 800-1000 Namibian currency.
- You have to pay for WiFi. But really, just put it away. It was so enjoyable to be away from it all, watching and hearing animals; also the sunrise, sunset, and night time sky is far more impressive than anything on your phone.
I had an unforgettable experience. I will be sure to recommend Wild Cherry if any friends or family end up in Namibia.
Once in a lifetime experience viewing African wildlife visiting Masai people
Safari is a wonderful experience especially with driver Benson from KWWS.
All the Kenyan & Masai people we met were friendly and Hospitable especially the Masai crew from Simba Lodge
Just outside Amboseli Game Park.
We saw the big 5 & had great wildlife experiences Not to be missed,,
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Pembury Tours provided a well planned trip for our group of four.
Tammy Harding with Pembury Tours provided excellent guidance in how to have a great experience in South Africa. From setting up our safari camps to coordinating our activities at Victoria Falls, we had a smooth, fun filled trip. Tammy's recommendations on accommodations was on par with our budgets and providers used reliable and timely. For those searching for a reliable party to help book a trip in Africa and provide guidance on an authentic experience consider Pembury Tours and see what they can do for you.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Maurice planned a perfect trip for us after we told him exactly which areas we wanted to visit.
We recently returned from an 11-night (13 counting air flights) Kenya safari, visiting 5 lodges. We had contacted Maurice at Africa Safari Classics with a list of the areas we wanted to visit. He quickly organized an acceptable trip that the four us were very happy with. The wildlife was fantastic, the lodges were memorable, the two drivers were knowledgeable and capable, and quickly adjusted to our wish to be able to identify the bird life as well as all the mammals. We saw 42 species of mammals, a tortoise, a large snake, a variety of lizards, and over 200 species of birds. Every day was an adventure! The best part was interacting with the friendly local people.
Thank you so much, Maurice, Muli, and Francis. We highly recommend you to anyone who wishes to visit Africa!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime in Tanzania with Flash Safaris!
For anyone considering a safari, I highly recommend going through Flash Safaris for their own trip of a lifetime! My husband and I traveled to Tanzania in September of 2018. We would never have known how to choose the country, the parks, the time of year, lodgings, etc. on our own. My cousin had traveled to Tanzania with Flash Safaris five years prior. She had such an incredible experience, she invited us along for the second safari. Magda Vrijs was incredibly responsive to e-mails ahead and time, and arranged everything down the last detail (including arranging for vegan meals). Our driver / safari guide was so knowledgeable and easy to get along with, which made our day-long adventures on the plains such a joy! He was incredible at spotting wildlife, and we saw so much more than we ever expected to see. Our visit to the Maasai Lodge was just an added delight at the end of our travels. The service at all of our lodges and camps were top-notch and beyond my expectations. I recommend Flash Safaris and Magda Vrijs without reservation for anyone thinking about traveling to Africa for a safari. We hope to get back again in a couple of years, and will definitely ask Madga to help us plan that trip!
IL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Experience with a rofessional team
we booked everything online, Rade was very communicating and flexible with his plan and our requests.
we did the safari with 4 small children and Jovin (the guide) was very tolerant along with interesting stories and professional knowledge
thanks you very much
SE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great Safari Company, friendly, flexible and real good service!
Real good service and easy to communicate with before and during the safari.
I made a long customized safari in september 2018 (21 days), before the safari I get great feedback and suggestions on my travel plans so the final itinerary become real good.
When the trip started the personnel from Australken where professional and friendly and the safari trip become a real great experience!
Kenya is also a great nation with very many nice and friendly people.
Thanks Zippy, Nelson and John!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible Safari Experience - couldn't recommend enough!
We booked a private 4 day Safari with Endless Summer Tours and the whole experience was absolutely fantastic. We booked the safari only a week before departing for our trip and we arrived into Jo'burg airport to be greeted by Rhys who drive us up to Kruger. As soon as we arrived in the park the windows went down and the animal sightings began. Due to Rhys' incredible experience and eyes we saw so many more animals than we ever expected. Having dreamt of going on safari all my life it really was a trip of a lifetime for us. Another highlight was the delicious and plentiful food cooked by Rhys, it was a great intro into South African food and we really felt spoilt. We had the best time with Rhys and haven't been able to stop talking about it since we've got home. We really couldn't recommend enough.
IE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
boju is the man
great safari for 3 days boju was very professional and nice, i would highly recommend to book with him
BR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Big 5 Voyage is your best choice
I just finished a 3 day budget camping safari in Serengeti and Ngorongoro and I recommend 100%!
Amon replied all my e-mails with doubts and helped me a lot. Steve was a great and very experienced driver, he has skills to find the animals and to drive softly in a bumping road (I even was able to sleep during the car drives) and Matthew prepares lots of excellent food (I ate very well all days).
They are friendly and you can trust them. I am a solo female traveller and they put me in a group with more 3 people (around the same age), so it worked very well. They bring all the stuff in the car and lots of comfort for a Budget camping!
The views are stunning and there are quick stops for pictures and washroom.
I do not have a single complain for this trip.
Lots of success to Big 5!!