CA
Etosha
Before there is any miscommunication caused by my title, I will simply say that my trip with Wild Cherry Safaris was outstanding. It was more than a dream come true; it was like a dream that was occurring in front of me.
Chad seemed to have the magic touch, because we managed to see all the animals we could have expected and some we didn't. He was patient, helpful and was a really good listener. He truly loves this country and this geography; as he said, Namibia makes sense to him, and that realization really enhanced the tour. He loved seeing these wonders unfold as much as we did.
Desmond was awesome. He remained in the camp, prepared the meals and the sleeping arrangements, and had wonderful localized advice. If there was a mysterious noise in the middle of the night, he would tell you exactly what it was in the morning. I really liked him, and was invaluable to our experience.
The park was both expansive and compact. I will explain. The permanent campground (Wild Cherry is the only tour company that offers this) is surrounded with everything one would need. A charging station for your camera batteries and electronics. A food vendor, bathroom facilities, a restaurant, and for the hotter afternoons a swimming pool. But for me what made the location incredible, were the vantage points at perimeter of the camp. Firstly, at the southwest corner of the camp is a hidden and unmarked observational gem. Basically you are standing in shaded bush, but you can watch very closely as all the animals pass only metres in front of you on their way to the water hole. If you are patient and quiet, they won't even notice you. Of course, the Water Hole is a sight too. At any given moment, 24 hours a day, you will see a parade of coexisting animals quenching their thirst. The elephants were the big showboats, and the rhinos seemed to be nocturnal.
So that is the element of the 'Etosha Dream' that is in your control. Once you get in the back of the truck, Chad had a pretty instinctual sense of where to go. A viewing platform above the truck sits nine people, and comes with comfortable seating and blankets for the cold mornings (we went in August). The roads wind endlessly through the massive park, and from your vantage point you can observe from higher up. This allows you to see giraffes poke their heads up curiously, and Gnus, Zebras, Impala, and Springboks weaving through the landscape.
With Wild Cherry's 3D/2N tour you get to have two morning and two evening game rides. We seemed to see more animals in the evening, but our rarer sightings (lions, hyenas, and leopards) were all in the morning. And in between, the water hole is always at your disposal in camp. Basically, if you really wanted to, you could be observing animals 24 hours a day. Just don't miss Desmond's meals. He has mastered hearty food on the barbeque.
Final Thoughts
My experience with Wild Cherry was wonderful. Things were done at a very comfortable pace and the itinerary was ideal. Etosha is a quiet and epic place, and the employees at this company embrace that spirit on the game rides. A little information is given, but there is a joy in the quiet wonder shared by everyone. Chad, Sydney, and Desmond really want you to enjoy your experience. And with Chad at the wheel you are going to find unbelievable moments.
TIPS
-Bring a tripod on the game rides. If you are using a phone or digital camera, bring a bean bag or a resting pad (a beanie works well too) to test your camera on for smoother shots
- To capture intimate moments of animals who are closer to the car, remember that you often have a better vantage point than Chad does at the wheel. Just knock on the roof and he will happily stop. Remember, it's your safari and it may be your only one.
- Don't try and take selfies with the animals behind you. You will be shaded and they will be in bright light and the image will be awkward and disjointed. Take the best photo possible of the animals in their habitat. That's what your friends and family will want to see.
- Start some conversations with strangers at the water hole. Too often, these camps become really independent; many of the people around you have rather amazing stories and backgrounds. Yet, you happen to be in the same spot at the same time. That is neat.
- I recommend bringing about 800-1000 Namibian currency.
- You have to pay for WiFi. But really, just put it away. It was so enjoyable to be away from it all, watching and hearing animals; also the sunrise, sunset, and night time sky is far more impressive than anything on your phone.
I had an unforgettable experience. I will be sure to recommend Wild Cherry if any friends or family end up in Namibia.
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Speed Touring
We took a week off to travel around Kenya and needed a knowledgeable tour guide who could accommodate us with an all inclusive package. We started in Nairobi, went to Kilamanjaro, then mumbasa and back to Nairobi. Spending about 2 days in each location. We got to see virtually everything we wanted and it was a great experience. The tour guide (Simon Mwangi) came down and was with us everywhere we went so we felt safe and informed at all times.
Once in a lifetime experience viewing African wildlife visiting Masai people
Safari is a wonderful experience especially with driver Benson from KWWS.
All the Kenyan & Masai people we met were friendly and Hospitable especially the Masai crew from Simba Lodge
Just outside Amboseli Game Park.
We saw the big 5 & had great wildlife experiences Not to be missed,,
AE
Awesome wildlife against amazing backdrops
Our journey started from Nairobi and we were grateful enough to spend some time in the wilderness at various locations in Kenya. The great rift valley, Mt. Kenya, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Hells' Gate, the famed Masai Mara, Amboseli, all provided mind blowing backdrops for the various wildlife. Transportation and guide was arranged by Lian Travels and the support provided during planning stage and throughout the trip is commendable. Few of the hotels worth mentioning in terms of their ambience, hospitality, are Sopa Lodge at Nakuru, Fig Tree at Masai Mara, Kibo at Amboseli. The weather was pleasant during our stay.
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Dream holiday South Africa
Because Geert-Nick is a friend of ours, we immediately knew to book our trip to South Africa, with Tailor Made Safaris.
They have already exceeded our expectations. No long travel days and a perfect combination between safaris, relaxation and culture. The customized travel guide was our perfect guide. This guide made sure we were in the right places in time, he also told us where to do some shopping and where to enjoy a lovely meal. We have enjoyed every day to the fullest, Tailor Made Safaris has ensured that we made great memories for life! We look back on a super trip, a real dream trip that we will never forget. Thanks for all the great memories and hope to see you next year in Africa.
Best regards Stanneke van Cleef & Renee Stakenburg
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing trip
All was pretty perfect. The nature and the wildlife in Tanzania is wonderful. There are no too more tourist in camp and reserve, we advice this destination to anyone who is in love with this kind of trip !
IN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Speechless
Everything deserves 100 on 100. The people were great. And the Safari in Masai Maara is must do for anyone
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The best Safari trip to date and I've been on countless Safari adventures
Everything was organised splendidly. We had a FULL itinerary on each day and in 5days we went from Arusha to Serengeti (north to south) to Ngorongoro and back to Arusha. We were lucky to see more than one crossing by the Mara river; the big 5 as well as other animals such as Cheetahs, Servals and Jackal cubs; and the vast beautiful landscapes that each area had to offer. It was great to stay in different camps/lodges as it enhanced the experience and staff were truly welcoming, friendly and shared some great stories. This trip exceeded my expectations. Fantastic and memorable.
KG
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing!
We went to Selous Game reserve in september! It was an amazing, we lived in Lake Manyara camp! We saf almost all animals what we could see, exept leopard. Unfortunately they are very shy animals.
DK
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent family trip - we will never forget it!
We had a perfect family safari - with everything we dreamed of. Our guide Peter showed us everything from millions of wilderbeats migrating passing hungry crocodilles to newborn lions and cheetahs. Thank you for providing us the holiday of a lifetime.
Everything went perfect from the wellassisted and helpfull planing and paying and an enormous amount of flexibility adjusting to a family of five and even bringing a ladder to ensure the view for our youngest daughter. We can only recommend Benson Safari!