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.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
a forgettable, wonderful experience
From the time of booking there was very good communication with the staff. All the bookings were done properly and i did not experience any problems when checking in the hotel. However, the only problem was that there was no explanation as to where one of the lodges booked was. The taxi man had a nightmare trying to locate the lodge. I think in future Falcon Safaris need to provide a total package which includes someone waiting for you at the airport. There was also no feedback from anyone from Falcon Safari during my stay at the booked hotel. All in all it was a good experience.
NL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Well organized and friendly people.
The trip was well organized and we received what we expected and what was told. We had a nice guide who knew a lot from what we saw. Especially in lake Maniara park we saw a lot of very nice birds. He knew most of them and the ones he did not know he/we looked for and found in a nice book with all the birds of Tanzania. Together with the next day when we visited ngorongoro park we saw the big five! But many other animals also. We had a great time on my first safari experience!
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A Night on the Moon
It’s like being on the moon. The horizon is perfectly flat and you can’t see where it ends. I was there at the end of dry season so there was a delicate crust where the mud had dehydrated, lifted up all pitted and mottled, curling in spots like a decaying leaf. When you walk on this crust it poofs around your feet in little clouds as it turns into incredibly fine dust that gets into every crevice. At first – the only sounds are those you make – so quiet you can hear yourself breathing. Every step crunches so loudly I found myself wanting to tip toe. Despite the fact that there are no plants or animals to be seen, after about 20 minutes you hear a loud drone – you think maybe an ultralight is heading your way – and then you realize the mosquitos have found you! How? Where did they come from? No idea but since you are the only thing out there to feast on – you had better hope you have good bug spray! Because there is nothing on the horizon, sunset and sunrise seem to last much longer and turn the whole world pink. It feels like you’ve been dropped into a sci-fi movie. I found myself whispering – not wanting to disturb the surreal quality of the experience.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Endless Scenic Skeleton Coas.
The Skeleton Coast National Park is probably one of the most scenic places in the world. (That is if you like deserts).
But, this one is exceptional.
Depending on the weather... this can be one of the most awesome photographic experiences you have ever had. Where else can you see a desert with massive sand dunes slipping into the endless deep blue ocean while the sun is setting over the ocean. The shadows cast by the dunes, eery early morning fog and late afternoon colours are such that you just don't know when to stop photographing the scenery in any direction.
This is a National Park and you cannot enter the area on your own without a permit.
Being a desert, here is not much wildlife. But you will see Gemsbok (Oryx) and probably some elephant on your way there.
There are some excellent tour operators in Namibia that can take you anywhere and also give you some interesting stories about the history of the area while you are driving.
The best way to see the area is by one of 3 ways.
1) Join a self drive tag along 4x4 safari tour operator. For this you would have to a rent a 4x4 vehicle. There are a few companies renting out very well equipped 4x4 vehicles in Namibia. For us this is the most exciting option. Or, if you have your own vehicle, it's even better. Just join the group.
2) Book with a safari operator that has larger 4x4 vehicles that can accommodate larger groups of people. Here you would be a passenger and don't have to do any driving yourself. Just enjoy the ride and scenery, use your camera and relax.
3) If time is a limiting factor, then you can fly over the desert. There are a few companies that would take you on either day trips or fly you between different lodges in the area.
With the first 2 options you have the choice of doing the camping thing or staying overnight in luxury lodges.
We ourselves like to go camping and then spend the last night in a luxury lodge, to spoil ourselves and get rid of all the dust and dirt.
Whichever option you choose, the Skeleton Coast is an experience you cannot afford not to do. It is stunning.
The Namibian people are very friendly. Most of the safari operators speak English, German and Afrikaans. (Afrikaans is very similar to Flemish).
Go an enjoy it!
RU
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing adventure for 3 days at Selous Game Reserve
Communication was perfect, everything went very well and very fast (reservation within one week!)
Hippo Tented Camp is very basic right in the nature, but amazing at the Rufiji River and with a helpful and nice host
Staff from Kanuth Adventures was helpful at all time, and very nice; our cook was great and he offered as perfectly cooked meals!
Safari tours were just awesome, the driver made so much possible for us (driving near to the elephants), nevertheless the car got stuck in wet sand at our drive home to the camp, it was impossible for the driver to get the car out there; what really surprised us was that there had been no appropriate equipment for accidents like that (Kanuth Adventure should really add this equipment and teach their drivers how to use it)
But all in all: ABSOLUTELY AMAZING EXPERIENCE! Thank you so much!!!
I loved Phinda for its beauty and variety of experiences
My dad and I visited Phinda Game Reserve on a safari to South Africa a few years ago. It had been recommended to us as a nice alternative to the private game reserves outside of Kruger. We had spent a week in Timbavati and Sabi Sands and wanted to safari in a different part of South Africa. Phinda is an excellent place to do that. We stayed at two properties in Phinda: Vlei Lodge and Rock Lodge in order to get a feel for different parts of the reserve. The lodges and rooms are first rate. Great views of the surrounding wilderness, plunge pools and big bathrooms, outdoor showers and mini bars---I can't think of anything they missed.
But I'm more about the wildlife than the accomodations and we had been told that Phinda is the best place in South Africa to see cheetah and had some great sightings in the few days we were there. A mother and cubs, and then two brothers hunting (we didn't see a chase). Other guests were intent upon photographing cheetahs hunting and I'm not certain if they were successful, but it's definitely a good place to observe cheetah.
Rhinos both white and black are also a feature of Phinda and we saw both while we were there. We watched a black rhino mother and calf casually feeding for a half hour or so. We also saw several white rhino including mother and calf as well.
Other highlights included elephant and lions and giraffe. Night drives are possible as well. There's really a great variety of activities and we took advantage of them. We went fishing in the Indian Ocean out of Sodwanna Bay and caught tuna and saw humpback whales. We took the Flight of the Fish Eagle to get a lay of the land and it was absolutely stunning! We left out of the airstrip in Phinda and flew over the sand forest, the estuarine areas and lakes and then over the dunes and out over the ocean. This was a spectacular flight. We spotted numerous whales (humpbacks) and even a whale shark. We loved the perspective from the air!
We also visited a zulu village for a little local culture. I thought it was a beautiful place with a lot of unique things to see and do. The only negative comment and it really shouldn't be taken negatively is that, to me, it had a little of that "managed" feel. I've been to Africa multiple times and there is a slight difference between one of the national parks and a privately managed game reserve. I would highly recommend it as a supplement to your South African safari and there are definitely some unique things to see and do here!
If you'd like to see some of the videos I took while at Phinda---search Phinda and Gunter32804 on Youtube and it will give you a flavor of the place. Hope this is helpful!
PL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Nice but poor country with VERY FRIENDLY PEOPLE
I visited Kenya with my friends in November 2022. I must admit that the country itself, although very poor, is of course very worth seeing. I had the pleasure of going on a 2-day Safari in Tsavo East Park, which I heartily recommend. We stayed at the Diani Sea Lodge Hotel which also met our expectations. In addition, we had the opportunity to go to Wasini Island, but here I already have small reservations, especially about the local restaurant ;-) I highly recommend a trip to Kenya. It's gonna be a great adventure.
Tour Operation recommendation : Karibu Safaris In Kenya - Thank You ( Jeremaya from Ukunda )
vast and remote
4.000 km² and just a few guests... this is Khaudum NP. More or less impossible to travel in rainy season because of water and mud, deep sand in dry season and a mixture of both in between (March to May and October to November).
You will find 2 camps - Sikereti in the south, about 40 or 50 KM north of the southern entrance. Some shady places, 2 showers with cold water, 2 toilets - thats it. No electrical power, no comfort. It's for people who enjoy bush camping. Khaudum camp in the north, what means 100 KM south of the tar road will offer more - there is some building-work at the moment and in December 2014 travellers should find a new lodge and 6 or 8 campsites - offering some amenities.
Between these camps you drive some nasty tracks, deep sand, sometimes mud. Some of the tracks are overgrown with plants and bushes - so take care about the cooler of your car and clean it - the seeds will clog your Radiator!
Bring everything with you - if you have a problem with your car or if you get stucked there is nobody - think about water, food, recovery gear, GPS, maybe a Sat-phone to call help if you are in deep trouble. Fill up Diesel - you should be able to drive 500 KM on tar-roads to get through the deep sand of the park. Consumtion of the car at least doubles!
Best time to visit the park is the European summer - you might see Elephants Giraffe, Lions. Game leaves the park and trek to Botswana in the rainy season. To be able to travel the park you should have 4x4-experience and a reliable car - if you have the chance travel together to be able to help each other!
Until building-work is done the pad north of the Khaudum camp ist nasty to drive - the building trucks (huge and 6x6) make the sand deaper as it is normally. 3 days for the park are ok - first day to Sikereti camp and some game drive, second day from Sikereti to Khaudum camp, third day from Khaudum to Caprivi-camps. Ask the wardens at Sikereti - they might have some Information what tracks you can use and tracks that are not existing anymore. Try to find the water-holes and use the stands for game-viewing!
Khaudum is nothing for faint-hearted people but an adventure in a vast land!
Review about Tsavo West National Park by florette kingston
Tsavo West lies between the main Nairobi to Mombasa road and Mount Kilimanjaro.
The area is best known for its broad red plains, whose endless acacia scrub and occasional waterholes provide sustenance to a population of elephants