CH
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
We had a perfect time
We had a great tour company (Serengeti Clarity) and they did a perfect job. There is not a single point to complain. We had a great and unforgetable trip.
I have travelled through more than 150 countries. But Tanzania is in the top 10!
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Lake Nakuru National Park by Christy Turner, Calgary AB
The only thing that shocked me about the area is how filthy with garbage (plastic especially) just outside the park entrance. I cannot believe the people just throw this on the ground- and near a National Park. Absolutely astounding to see that locals abuse their own gorgeous country. That stuck in my mind forever- in a park in Canada it would be difficult to find even one scrap of garbage anywhere- I will never take this for granted again.
NL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable and well organized Safari!
The wildlife was unbelievable, we saw more then twenty elephants more then twenty lions, and lots of giraffe's, buffalo's gazelle's, hippo's, rhino's, pumba's, monkees and so on. We had a nice guide, talked a lot in english. He knew a lot about wildlife and the parks. We had a very good cook, good meals three times a day! Four days riding in the beautiful parks in a good jeep, good tent with comfortable matresses. We enjoyed the Safari a lot! An unforgatteble experience thanks to Wildroot Safari!!
CL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Dissapointing
The experience in Kruger Park was ok but not how we expected, we didnt saw too many animals. We think that our guide wasnt good, he drive for the same part of the park most of the time, we spend our without seeing animals.
We didnt saw any cheetas, leopards and Rhinos. The thing is that most of the time you can see them there, so we think that our guide wasnt good. We’ve been in Tanzania but there is another thing, we really enjoy there, the parks, the tour guide and we saw a lot of animals.
We noticed that many people that pay a lot in the private reserve they has more chances to see animals and different species, I dont know if that a point to consider because they own a lot of animals , and the know exactlu where they are, but is very expensive too. Or maybe the option to drive by yourself could bebetter because you can go everywhere..
Also the communication during the tour with the agency wasnt good (Shinzelle Safaris).
We regret to add Kruger Park in our trip to Africa, that money could worth it, in another place, because we visited Tanzania and Uganda and everything there was amazing.
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amboseli, Kenya. Mind.Blown.
Absolutely outstanding park, and our Masai guide Tiampati Manei was so incredibly knowledgeable and conscientious- our safari company Wild-Eye.co.za with Gerry Van Der Walt were simply amazing in their professionalism, knowledge of park logistics, animal behaviours, etc. The wildlife was abundant, and the animals were safe in their own natural habitat. I will, without question, return.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Leopards Galore and Sabi Sand Magic
Being a first time visitor to South Africa, I allowed my travel agent to make the decision on the Reserve and Accommodations for me. I told him I wanted to see lots of Big Cats (my favorite) in an exclusive environment, and I wanted a rustic luxury in my lodging while still feeling immersed in the bush. He recommended Sabi Sand Game Reserve and Simbambili Game Lodge, and they fit the bill in every aspect.
Simbambili was beyond welcoming and accommodating from the start. As an example, we arrived slightly late to the lodge and feared we might miss our first evening game drive. Our host immediately insisted that check-in procedures could wait, handing us refreshing towels and a gourmet packed lunch to take with us in the safari vehicle. Our ranger and tracker kindly introduced themselves and helped us aboard... within 20 minutes of our arrival to the lodge, we were in the bush and had already spotted our first leopard - amazing!
In fact, we saw a total of 6 different leopards during our 3-day/6 game drive safari. I asked for Big Cats and the Sabi Sand absolutely delivered. It didn't take long to realize that this area of South Africa is renowned for their leopard sightings. We didn't see any kills but we tracked alongside a stalking leopard twice on our trip, once at night and once in the morning. It was absolutely incredible to see these hunters in their natural element, and being winter, they were so much more visible without the lush vegetation.
Other wildlife included the rest of the Big 5, although the lions made it very difficult for us. Isn't that half the fun, though? We spotted 3 or 4 very shy rhinos, lazy hippos, tons of impala, wildebeest, bush buck, kudu, zebra, giraffe, elephant, buffalo, and many species of birds if you're a birder.
Wildlife highlights included seeing two giraffe wildly swinging their necks at each other - our ranger informed us that the taller elder giraffe was teaching the younger how to defend themselves, although it sure seemed to get heated! Also, their is an old resident cape buffalo on the premises that was literally standing on the doorstep to our villa one night after dinner! The porter had to shoo him into the bush with some loud noises. We chased wild dogs each day we were there, but they were elusive and we were never able to track them down. Again, the thrill of the hunt was fantastic! The guided bush walk was also a nervous thrill. Aside from the leopards, the elephant species around Sabi Sand were my absolute favorite. We got up close with baby bulls, as well as the house-size older bulls - at one point I felt I could almost reach out and touch one's trunk as he picked away at an acacia tree.
As far as the ranger and tracker go, they were also top notch. You could tell our tracker had such an intense connection with the bush, he would often wander off on his own with nothing but his radio and a slingshot. He was incredibly kind and patient, and a wonderful companion during morning coffee break and with sundowners. Our ranger was also very knowledgable, engaging us often with stories from the bush and history about the area and the inhabitants. He really made the game drives such a thrill, but also a learning experience. He was also an amazing photographer, divulging tips and tricks to get great safari photographs!
The lodge itself was perfect for me. Simbambili has a beautiful view of a watering hole from the main dining area and deck that was frequented by warthogs and kudu. I was told you could also see leopards visit, and in fact after we left, one leopard gave birth to her cubs directly underneath Simbambili's deck! To feel so close to the wildlife while still being surrounded by luxury was a great experience. It's rustic and modern and very much apart of the bush. While we were there in winter, the riverbed was dry, but I can imagine it being very relaxing to hear the river rush by below the sitting area.
The villas themselves were very similar to the main lodge area I described - rustic, modern, luxurious but still apart of the bush environment. Comfortable beds, nice amenities and touches, and huge patios completely with loungers, a daybed, and a private plunge pool with a view of the riverbed below. The doors open fully to the bathroom, really brining the the outside in.
As for the food... If you're a fan of breakfast, that was my favorite meal at Simbambili, but all the food is amazing - fresh, regional, healthy, and sustainable. The french press coffee was fantastic, the alcohol selection very well curated. They will surprise you with the locations of certain meals, ranging from the boma to the bush to the riverbed. Dining was an experience all on its own.
We traveled in late July, so it was technically winter but that came with many advantages. The brush was low and sparse and really helped our visibility with the wildlife. Although the early morning drives could be cold, Simbambili provided blankets and hot water bottles to keep us warm until the sun rose higher in the sky. Once the sun was up for a half hour or so, it warmed up very quickly and remained perfect throughout the day and into the evening. I thought the weather was wonderful. Incredible clear skies for star-gazing as well!
All in all, Simbambili checked all of my boxes - wonderful wildlife sightings with incredible leopard encounters, modern luxury that remained connected with the surroundings, and excellent food and dining. I recommend you do at least 6 drives - I only wish we would have stayed longer!
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Beautiful landscape and friendly people
Kenya is worth a trip. A 4-day safari Maasai-Mara and Lake Nakuru provides insights into the flora and fauna. It offers the opportunity to explore a fantastic landscape. I booked this safari with Sunnycreek and had a good experience.
The Nairobi National Park also offers the opportunity to see and observe animals without the safari feeling. You can also visit “Sheldrick wildlife trust” there.
The trip to the coast and the Indian Ocean is also worthwhile. It offers a completely different climate than in the north of the country. Here you can relax and enjoy a swim in the sea.
The season was well chosen. The temperatures were pleasant, so that activities (also for northern lights) were easy to manage.
(automatic translation from German)
AR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fabulous experience
It is a great place to experience the wildlife. We visited Amboselli, Nakuru and Massai Mara parks. Each one different, all of them amazing. A lot of choices in comfortable accomodations near the parks and a lot of choices in tour operators, we choose KameratzofAfrica and it was great.
Although we went in the rain season, the weather was not a problem, mostly intermittent showers, nice temperatures and less people in the parks. We also visited Nairobi, very nice people and interesting local culture, all the places have a lot of security wich maybe a little overwhelming. Definitly a highly recomended travel destination
Beautiful Park with plenty of wildlife
Really enjoyed our visit to Majete - were able to drive around the park ourselves safely. The riverside setting is beautiful. We saw a lot of wildlife, none of the Big 5 unfortunately, but the highlight for us was seeing a nest of baby Warthogs! An amazing sight. The park attendants were very welcoming. We did a bush walk and safari drive and they were very knowledgeable and friendly. Would really recommend a visit if you're in the area.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Another great stay with the Tembe Tribe.
Tembe is a favorite destination on our Birding and Wildlife safaris to KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It's a community partnership park, where the local people derive great benefits from the lodge and park, and it's great to support these types of operations. Tembe is a great birding destination, the only place in South Africa where one can see Plain-backed Sunbird. The Sand Forest habitat holds many other special birds, including a host of species endemic to South-eastern Africa. Thus, considering that Tembe is a full-board lodge with guided activities, it provides an 'easier' alternative for birders than does Ndumo or Mkuze Game Reserves, two of the top birding destinations in the province. Plus there's the thrill of big game encounters, and Elephants in particular of course. In terms of game viewing, I think it pays to look at reserves with a 'comparative advantage' mentality, in other words seeing what a particular reserve is good for and vising it for that reason. On a 'big five' comparison Tembe doesn't compare with reserves in the Greater Kruger region such as the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Yes, they do have Lion and Leopard (the guides seemed to suggest to us on this visit that the Wild Dog pack had broken out of the reserve recently), but if your aim is to see and photograph big cats, then the Sabi Sand / Timbavati is the way to go. If you want to have great Elephant encounters and experience the Maputaland (as the northern tip of the province is called) ecosystems and associated fauna and flora, enjoy the hospitality of the Tembe people and experience something a bit different, then Tembe Elephant Park is a great place to stay. I've always enjoyed my time there...
