CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Luxury Accommodation and Terrific Wildlife
We stayed at Phinda Vlei for three nights in Oct 2007. The accommodations were very luxurious and very comfortable. We were very happy with the game drives taken and enjoyed abundant wildlife sightings. Although a private reserve, it is still large enough with varied terrain to avoid redundancy when staying multiple nights. We'd certainly recommend it.
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about South Africa by rpgold
South Africa is easily reached from just about anywhere. Internal transportation is very well organized and efficient. It is also convenient to have a world class city like Cape Town to enjoy between safaris to recharge before heading back into the bush.
A special place where the best of African nature is coupled with luxury and personal hospitality
My wife and I were born in Zimbabwe/South Africa and have been fortunate enough to have had exposure to African wildlife and scenery from a very early age. We now live overseas and every year when we return we fit in a short break and Phinda has been our recurring preference. Each time we have stayed in the Forest Lodge camp, as our experiences have been nothing short of spectacular, and whils the temptation is to try something different, I also subscrive to when you find the best in class there is no need to change.
There are a number of things that make up a good wildlife experience and Phinda more than meets all of these criteria:
- the scenery is diverse, the multitudes of ecosystems at Phinda make it somewhat unique with the Sand Forests, the Grass plains, the rocky hills and the dense scrub in the north.
- The guides are superb, knowledgeable and engaging and I am continually staggered by the diversity of their knowledge and understanding of the animals, plants, behavioural patterns and local traditions. EVERY time we go, we learn something different...every time...I love that!
- The accomodations and the touch of personalisation and luxury of the camp. As I said, we live overseas now and have travelled a fair deal, what Phinda offers is a touch of class. The glass bungalows in the forest, the restuarant and bar areas, the infinity pool are all phenomemal
- The "unique" experiences. The evening bush dinners and mid game drive stops for drinks are fantastic. We also did the "Flight of the Fish Eagle" which took us north of the reserve and across to Sodwana Bay and back down the coastline whilst spotting whale sharks, turtles, hammerhead sharts and dolphins....superb
- The animals!!! By far the most impressive part of any trip. A lot of people write off the fact that a small piece of land has the big 5 all on hand, but at Phinda you certainly don't feel like it is a confined space. For visitors with a short amount of time it is fantastic that within a few game drives you can see what you hoped, and in our case we even got lucky with a daytime leopard sighting
One last comment.... I think one of the success factors of Phinda is that the pre-agreed rate and the lack of cash exchanging hands at dinners or on game-drives or at the bar ADD massively to the whole experience. The staff and guides seem to have a unwavering focus on making your stay as memorable and spectacular as possible. I think the absence of paying for things continually support this and guests can tip everyone at the end on departure.
Overall I can not speak highly enough of what Phinda offers. It is a special place, a chance to de-stress and take in the sounds, sights and smell of nature in it's finest. I have referred many people who have without exception had a fantastic time. It's a real gem!
Review about South Africa by Mark Ratcliffe
It offers a diversity of experience unmatched anywhere in the world. In a short vacation you can fit in a wildlife experience, visits to historical locations, play gold on some of the world's finest courses, drink some top grade wines and lie on white sandy beaches.
Ive seen it all but this was the best if you have a good guide.
From soup to nuts this place has something for everyone. If you dont care to see gorillas the birding is fantastic. All of the Bwindi park rangers are fine but if you can arrange to be with "Sunday" you will get 20+ years of Gorilla affection and understanding.
Review about Kapama Game Reserve by wolltd
We saw an amazing variety of wildlife in just a few days, led by an excellent guide who consistently gave clear explanations of what was happening.
This isn't the Bronx Zoo!
When my wife and I visited Thornybush, we felt like we were part of a small family on an adventure. We were in a lodge with 3 other couples, and the staff made us all feel like visitors in their home. The guide was terrific and we had a blast riding in the jeep looking for and finding many different animals in our short stay. The guide and tracker were very patient, resulting in many great sightings in two days, including lionesses and their kill, and some very young cheetah cubs, as well as the rest of the Big 5. The meals and the food were home made and all excellent. We would return to Thornybush in a heartbeat! It was the trip of a lifetime.
Review about South Africa by wolltd
One of the most beautiful countries in the world, South Africa features a wide variety of animals, birds, and flora and fauna, but what makes it special is the people. They are friendly, welcoming, and outgoing, and all committed to building a new South Africa. A great place to safari!
CH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Lake Mburo National Park by majzik viktor
amazig colours, birds, scents, great for gaming, hiking
CH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Queen Elizabeth National Park by majzik viktor
amazing encounter with elephants, lots of antilopes, giraffe, baboons, and a funy boat trip on the nile