35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
South Africa and Zimbabwe
We had the holiday of a lifetime and cannot thank Native Escapes enough for putting together such an extraordinary itinerary.
Our 3 children (20, 17,17) are all on the cusp of adulthood and we wanted one last amazing family holiday to leave indelible memories – it certainly fulfilled that brief.
Cape Town lived up to expectations and the Radisson Blu was terrific. The rooms were stunning and the views out of this world. A porthole onto table mountain on one side, and a panorama of the sea on the other. We struggled to get tickets for Robin Island, but took advice and hung out down at the terminal from which the boat leaves, and we got some cancellations. In future, we would book this well in advance as we didn’t know it would be so busy. We took a private day trip to Cape Point, Klein Constantia and Boulder Beach – what a day! And a trip up table mountain – early in the morning, with great views and no queues – unforgettable – not least because my legs were like jelly and the kids were dangling over the edge. We took our santa hats and took next year’s Christmas photo (in which I look petrified!).
Franchhoek was stunning and the hotel was utterly divine. The kids could not believe their luck when each room was delivered a bottle of champagne and canapés on Christmas eve, and Christmas day lunch was superb. We had a quiet day by the pool on boxing Day (the only ‘chill out day’ of the holiday) and everyone underestimated the strength of the African sun! 27th – our wine tour was outstanding. Duncan was a brilliant guide and we visited some fabulous places – we will be ordering in bulk!
The verde airport hotel was great and out trip to Vic Falls v smooth.
I am so pleased you talked us into Zimbabwe- it was utterly fabulous. The adventure started on the drive to Camp Hwange when we were met at the Boom Gate by the fabulous Stephen in the open top vehicle. A 3 hour drive to the camp (after the 1 ½ hrs from the airport) sounded ominous, but it was fabulous. We were well wrapped up in big fleecy waterproof capes and we stopped for tea and views and animals. By the time we arrived at camp we had seen elephant, giraffe, impala, and so many birds. We arrived at dusk with the big camp fire roaring and the sun setting on the waterhole. We were greeted by Ruth who gave us a delicious welcome drink. Without a doubt it was the most breath-taking arrival we have ever had.
Julian was our guide and he and the team made the experience extraordinary. It was just what we wanted, beautiful, but remote, low tech and high-intensity. The sights, sounds and smells made us feel completely alert and although I didn’t sleep much the first night I didn’t mind. The rains had whipped the bubble frogs up into a state of high excitement and I have never heard a noise like it!
We tracked lion and elephant on foot and the thick bush made this a high adrenalin activity to say the least! We were out from 6 – 12 and from 4-7.30 or 8 every night – incredible! Our photos are remarkable. Despite it being the wet season we found plenty and I am now a bird enthusiast, much to our children’s amusement. The staff, the food and the accommodation were absolutely perfect and we will be life-long Hwange fans. We feel we have come to know the family dynamics of several lion families and will follow their progress on the web.
On the way back to Victoria Falls we saw one last lion – it couldn’t have been more perfect.
Victoria Falls was breath-taking and despite the horrors of our children zip-wiring and bungee-jumping, we had a great time. We ate mopane worms and warthog at The Boma and learned to drum. Perhaps a bit ‘Disney does Africa’ for us, but the Victoria Falls Hotel was a taste of a bygone era.
We cannot thank you enough for the meticulous attention to detail you put into organising the trip. We will recommend you whole-heartedly to anyone who will listen. I sense that we are already becoming safari bores!
David and I will certainly be heading back to Africa – and look forward to your help planning the next trip.
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Friendly people, beautiful nature, tourism still in its beginning, rather expensive though
We did a 6 day safari in Nyerere National Park and Mikumi NP. Very recommendable, as these are not ovrcrowded. One jeep close to many animals, not the other way around. Mafia island is a perfect place to relax and go diving, after a safari.
Kruger in winter
Kruger National Park in South Africa is one of he best places in the world to escape the winter cold.
Many internationals and locals tourist flocks to this beautiful protected wildlife wilderness.
Birding in winter is not the best as many species left to the warmer parts of Africa and even Europe area's but their is still some stunning species flying around mostly residents like the Bateleur and Martial eagles.
This is also a very good time to observe crocodiles and hippos doing sunbathing as the water temperature is cool and reptiles are cold blooded so they seek the son.
The shrubs and trees loses their leaves and the bush becomes more open to see animals from a distance especially Leopards are very active next to rivers and waterholes as animals concentrates during the heat of the day. Lions also uses this opportunity to wait for unexpected pray animals like Zebra and Giraffe to drink so that they can launch a surprise attack.
The landscape turn a light brown colour and sunrises and sunsets are unmatched with the dust and smoke from veld fires covering the horizons. The stars are also amazing at night although you will need a jacket and blanket on game drives early morning and late afternoons it worth the effort.
The Kruger is a special place during the year but the winter sun changes this landscape into a amazing place defiantly worth a visit for a couple of days.
All major restaurants in the park has been upgraded and the Skukuza Airport just re-open so fly in safaris is possible.
IT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Good Service and very professional staff
I organized my holiday 4 days before leaving. I was in a hurry. Prices on web were super high. I called Safaris in Kenya. They were able to satisfy my needs in a professional, cheap and fast way.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing country, from city, to coast, to safari...
We had an amazing time in Nairobi, but the highlight was the coast, at Watamu, and safari (with Tazama African Holidays). We would recommend a stay at the Kobe Suite Resort in Watamu. Amazing place right on the beach. Brilliant rooms, service and location. We went on safari to the Maasai Mara and stayed at the Entim Mara camp. We paid a bit more, but well worth it - such an awesome location. Antony, our driver, was incredible and we saw just about everything possible over two days. Loved it all in Kenya.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An Amazing and Unforgettable Experience
This has been our first trip to Africa and the first time I used Tropical Vacations Inc. This is an amazing experience for people of all ages, solo travelers, couples and groups alike. Mathew Adams truly makes your vacation memorable by showing all the places of Africa that you otherwise would not know to visit. We visited Kenya and Tanzania and spent two incredible weeks with my organized group. As a travel advisor I expect the very best for my clients and work with tour operators who give exceptional service. On this particular trip I was traveling with a group and Mathew has exceeded our expectations and went above and beyond in service. Mathew is an amazing tour guide and very welcoming host. He is experienced, knowledgeable, and professional. Mathew wants you to come as a tourist, but leave as a friend and my traveling group truly did feel special and cared for. Be sure to bring a lot of memory cards to capture all the beauty, culture and history that Africa has to offer.
PS. In addition to Africa, Tropical Vacations Inc. also offers other exotic destinations, so be sure to contact Mathew Adams regarding tours info and specials.
Best Trip ever with our Guide Hoppy!
We did the 4 Day Safari at the Ende of our SA trip and it was one of the Most memorable and amazing tours we did so far. The tour is very welk organized with nice accomodations in the Park, good food and most importantly we had an awesome guide who made the trip perfect! Hoppy is very experienced and such a Kind and fun Person to spend time with that it almost felt like driving through the park with a friend. We saw so much because of his experience and we learned even more from what je knew about the park and all the animals. We can 100% recommend the tour and would definitely do it again the next time we come to SA. Ask for Hoppy as your guide because no Hoppy, no holiday :) thank you for this great trip!
Sandy & David
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Moremi Game Reserve by Jennifer Baird
Moremi had the most unique wildlife experiences for me - might have just been luck - but we saw honey badgers, wild dogs and wattled cranes - 3 species I have not seen elsewhere in Africa.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Best country for Safari
Serengeti is by far the best place for safari. The abundance of wildlife is amazing. People are kind & friendly. Flights from Dar Es Salaam to Kilimanjaro or Arusha or Zanzibar were frequent even during low season. The national parks were very well maintained & at the same time haven't lost their authenticity.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
one of the best Trips we ever Took!
We took a 4 Day Safari in November - it was one of the Most memorable and amazing trips we did! Hoppy was our Guide which was the best that could have happened to us. He is a very experienced and Most importantly kind and friendly Person. We can recommend the safari 100% - ask for Hoppy as your guide! We enjoyed the entire Trip so much since Hoppy knows where to go and See really amazing things, he can track the animals and is also a fun and interesting Person to Chat with. The Tour is really well planned with nice accomodations in the park, good food and so much to See! Try to do at least 4 days, it's worth it.
The next Time we come to SA we would definitely so this Tour again, but only with Hoppy because no Hoppy no Holiday :)
Thanks a lot for this experience
Sandy & david