CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
it surpassed every and all expectations
the scenery is diverse and breathtaking, wildlife everpresent , awe inspiring and so natural.... guide was knowledgeable and professional. accomodations and food excellent but the kenyans and masssai made the trip, generous welcoming and inspiring hosts. It was the trip if a lifetime, i would love to go back to Kenya
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our tour guide Nico Modamba made our experiences wonderful and unforgettable.
The cummunications with booking, service was above our expectation. Iris Duba responded very promptly to emails and answered all of our questions, she was very professional throughout the whole booking process. Our guide Nico was always on time, very knowledgable and was very accommodating to our needs. It was our first time in Africa and we were very pleased with Easy Travel and would highly recommend to our friends and family. Thank you!
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic
Our safari in Kruger with Wild Planet Safari was everything we hoped for - and more. We got to see the 'Big 5' - our initial objective - and the 'Ugly 5', but we also got to see so much more. A pride of 21 lions, two lions eating their kill, a group of several hundred buffalo walking single file towards water and a fight where two wildebeest were locked together for almost half an hour plus lots and lots of other animals and birds.
Our guides, Chris and Luin (?) were excellent and amazing at spotting things we couldn't see - even after we started to know what to look for! They also did the cooking and the food was excellent - and there was always too much!
Accommodation wise, I loved the 'African feel' of the huts in which we stayed. The huts were spacious, comfortable - and well airconditioned which was needed!
We were there in September, but I was still slightly surprised both as to how dry and how hot (temps up to 41 deg) it was. However, whereas the dryness (and also being the end of winter) made the scenery somewhat uninspiring, it was fascinating to see how tough the animals were and how they were surviving.
My image of an African safari prior to going was doing it in an open Jeep. However, after the initial disappointment of realising we'd be in an enclosed vehicle, both my wife and I very soon realised its benefits! Being able to have the airconditioning on in that heat was great, and also the visibility was still excellent. Furthermore, if I needed a photo )and I took a LOT!), Chris would stop, position the vehicle as I needed and I could open my window and never missed a photo opportunity!
To summarise: A tremendous time giving us wonderful memories.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Wonderful experience on our second trip with Go2Africa
Great Kwando safari with excellent guides and trackers, great camps with fantastic animal sightings.
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about South Africa by Bryan
South Africa has a large number of geographically separated National Parks and Private Wildlife destinations. These have a wide range of landscape types and climates resulting a diversity of vegetation, animal and bird life. Each area has its own special character and atmosphere providing a unique variety of experiences.
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