Fantastic Okavango-style wilderness with fewer tourists
I visited Mudumu NP several times between August-September in 2002 as part of a larger self-drive safari through Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. We found Mudumu to be relatively small but with many rewards in terms of scenery, large numbers of Elephant, good viewings of small groups of other game (Kudu, Buffalo, Baboons etc) and excellent bird watching. A huge plus for our group was that there were relatively few tourists – meaning the park could be explored in a leisurely fashion. The landscape is certainly very Okavango-like with numerous small waterways and the beautiful Kwando River, as well as many vegetated anthills. At the time we visited the road network into the northern section of the park was poorly-developed. This wasn’t a major problem as most of the action was along the river. The weather was perfect for safaris in July-August. One discomfort was the presence of tsetse fly in parts of the park. Overall, a very rewarding place to visit if you are prepared to go a little off the track.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
An unhindered drive into old school bush alive with vibrant tranquility and long sunset horizons.
I drove in unguided with a 4x4 with the complete feeling of discovery and calmness as a privileged part of nature in Nxai Pan. Once inside, there is really nothing beyond the ablution block in the camp to signify man's comforts and trespass upon the wild. Respect for the environment means a novel observational experience like you might have seen 50 years ago, in that there are no tarred roads or fences around hutted camps.
As a photographer, you have unique accessibility to clear fields of view, especially by the water holes, where a sensible proximity to elephants is possible. This increases the feeling of being part of nature and builds a great sense of regard. The open areas allowed me to track a Lion walking for more than a mile and get an awesome sequence of shots.
The camp ground is literally a space for tents and vehicles, with the provision of a water supply and toilet/shower facilities. Walking amongst the trees there reveals many other often overlooked species, particularly birds and insects, heightened with the exciting reality that you are in wild country without a perimeter to keep animals out.
This part of Botswana really does offer some fantastic sunset scenes with long shadows and deep colours as the dust dances in the air.
A thoroughly recommendable trip with a difference, impossible to match in South Africa.
The Africa of my dreams.
In my mind, I always pictured Africa as expansive grassy plains, watering holes where animals gathered to drink, and the sun setting in a final sigh of purple and orange hues as it disappeared behind stands of acacia trees. Hwange National Park delivered all of this and more. From a pride of lions stalking unconcerned through tall grasses, to elephants wandering the park stripping leaves and branches as they passed, to the loping grace of giraffes nibbling as they moved from tree to tree, their heads rising up to survey the landscape, to the magnificent and varied species of birds, there was never a day without the breathtaking magnificence of animals in their natural environment. The abundant wildlife and diversity made daily photo safaris a much anticipated adventure. With so much to see, I’d have to remind myself to listen as well and breathe in all that Hwange National Park has to offer. The call of the birds, the rustling of the grasses, the myriad scents carried on the breezes, the thrum of insects, all made for a memorable African experience. I hated to leave. Now, whenever I think of Africa, I cry to think of what I left behind, and the images that come to mind are the treasured images from my visit to Hwange National Park.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The heart of the Serengeti
My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our visit into the Serengeti with Makasa for several reasons:
1. We wanted to understand as much as we could about the ecosystems, more than just animals but all the flora and fauna
2. We wanted comfort and coziness but not obsequious luxury and we had great accommodation-just right for us.
3. We wanted to see and understand what we saw; the staff (Ngomi and David) did a superb job.
4. The office through whom everything was set up was clear and efficient in the process.
Overall, a great experience and we intend to go again soon with a son and grand daughter added to the experience.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I am excited for you George, because you proved to me that you can guide people professionally.
Congratulations George, on your new company. I saw great things in you when we were on your safari in 2013. You are a topnotch thinker and I am not surprised that you moved up in the world. You treated us with the respect of fellow human beings, very nice; actually, all of Africa treated us well while we were in your care, George. You guided us very professionally, George, except maybe the one afternoon when you said, "tomorrow I'll show you a million wildebeasts." The next day we drove many, many kilometers in a herd of wildebeasts, but George, you were four short of a million. You owe me four animals. I might have to come back to Tanzania and collect.
Thank you George, for a wonderful time on the Serengeti.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Honeymoon in Timbavati
My wife and I stayed at Tanda Tula Safari camp in Timbavati nature reserve for our honeymoon last April.
To give you some background as to what I benchmark Timbavati against i worked in a Safari lodge in Kenya in the past and have been on Safari in Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
The abundance of wildlife in Timbavati is exceptional and we saw the 'Big Five' twice over during our four day stay and plenty of plains game and birdlife. The food at Tanda Tula was excellent, particularly the bush breakfast. Our guide spoke perfect English and was extremely knowledgeable about the area and its wildlife.
For safari first timers that want to see the 'big five' this is without a doubt the best area I have ever been to. However, for people who have seen a bit of Africa you may feel that you are slightly part of a 'machine' and that the guides feel an obligation who need to 'tick off' the big five for each and every guest. The guides radio to each other constantly when they find game which means that you absolutely will get to see the animals. They have a 'queuing system' to see them as they maintain a policy of only two jeeps viewing at any one time to minimise stress on the animals (an excellent policy). This is not true true African wilderness and so i suppose the bush vibe cannot be expected to be 100% authentic but it was the only slight negative for me. My wife had been on safari once before and i think felt it slightly less than me.
IL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Excellent service, personal attention, flexibility, and knowledge in leading a photo safari.
I am a nature photographer and experienced traveler from Israel. I visited Tanzania with my wife in February 2013 and used Earthlife Expeditions to organize the entire trip. They were recommended to me by a friend of mine. They did a great job,that our experience was beyond our expectations. As an experienced traveler, I found their services outstanding and very unique and we saw lots of wildlife including some killings
BE
20-35 years of age
The perfect first wildlife experience
South Africa made a deep impression, thanks to Mokala National Park.
Late at night, driving into Mokala National Park, in complete darkness, car lights dimmed, engine in low gear, I encountered for the very first time the majestic kudu.
He looked at us. His gaze focused, his ears cautious. I stopped the engine, convinced that this was a very fragile moment. But he didn’t move. He had a torso like a warrior, and mighty DNA-shaped antlers like very elegant weapons.
The presence of this kudu at this moment with the unique setting of the Mokala National Park was arguably one of the most impressive events in my life. I came eye to eye with a charismatic majesty having an overwhelming dignity, motionless openness, deep silence and ultimate self-control. It was at the Mokala National Park that I discovered the impressive beauty of all animals on this planet.
Furthermore, Mokala NP was an unforgettable experience thanks to the wonderfully friendly and welcoming staff, who made us feel at home rightaway. The rooms were beautiful in their simplicity. I would love to go back there one day.
The best holiday ever!
big time safari had a very quick response and offered us great services. also the price was really reasonable. i would love to join the tour again:)
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great team and efficient service
After countless efforts to find accommodation in Victoria Falls, Falcon Safari came to our rescue and helped book us suitable accommodation in no time. The elephant ride safari and their cruise is not to be missed for anything. I would not hesitate to recommend them to any traveler.