35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A beautiful wildlife haven
Madikwe is an enormous fenced reserve on the South Africa / Botswana border, about 5 hours drive from Johannesburg. It is also possible to use a FedAir shuttle service, as we did, to fly in to one of the two airstrips serving the park. The flight from Johannesburg is about an hour by light aircraft, and representatives from your chosen lodge will pick you up when the plane lands.
There seem to be a number of different habitats within the reserve: areas of low scrub, interspersed with more open grassland; rocky outcrops and lush valleys with taller trees. These support a good diversity of species - with healthy populations of zebras, wildebeest, impala, cape buffalo, giraffe and elephant. We were lucky enough to see both black and white rhinoceros during our seven night stay, and had wonderful sightings of lions with their young cubs. In addition, we observed two different cheetah coalitions, and were privileged to watch a successful hunt on one occasion. Our main reason for choosing Madikwe was to try to get a glimpse of wild dogs, and I'm happy to say that we did. I was envious to hear that our companions in the truck had got to follow a wild dog hunt the day before, but to see them in repose gave us some good photographic opportunities. The leopards eluded us on this trip - but not for want of our guide trying to track one. He apparently succeeded the afternoon we left! Bird life was fairly good, with raptors including a Marshall eagle, snake eagle, greater kestrel and gymnogene.
Reserve policy is to only allow three vehicles at a sighting, which means the animals are less stressed and as a consumer you get a better view. The guides ably manage a 'queueing' system for more popular sightings, so everybody has a chance to see. When compared with parks I have visited in the Greater Kruger area, I felt that the wildlife here is less habituated to vehicles, but with the professionalism of the guides, that it didn't adversely affect the viewing.
We stayed at the Motswiri Private Safari Lodge, over on the western side of the reserve. It is an intimate place to stay, having only five rooms. There is also a self catering cottage which is suitable for larger parties. We had a fantastic time there. The staff are warm and friendly, the food was amazing and the accommodation comfortable. Each room is, in fact, a separate cottage, with its own deck. The bedroom has very comfortable beds, complete with mosquito net. The bathroom has an indoor bath and an outdoor shower, with twin basins. A gas fire keeps the cottage cosy on winter nights, with an air conditioning unit for the hot summer days.
One note for anyone going on safari in the South African winter (we were there in July): Take lots of layers! In the middle of the day, the temperature was lovely for a Brit abroad (mid 20s) but before sunrise or after sunset the temperature sank very swiftly. Don't underestimate the wind chill of going along in an open safari vehicle. Even with five layers and the large blanket provided I was freezing. Gloves would have been a good idea.
In conclusion, Madikwe is a wonderful place to experience a safari, and I would recommend it heartily.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about South Africa by Debbie JT
South Africa is a beautiful destination, with a wide diversity of landscape. As a country they have wholeheartedly embraced wildlife tourism, with a good balance of public and private reserves that cater for a range of budgets. For a Brit abroad it's great: they drive on the correct side of the road, and the majority of people speak English. Exchange rates are favourable, and the comparable cost of living is reasonable.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
2 outstanding bases, one in the Masai Mara reserve, the second at Eagle View, Naboisho Conservancy
Starting with service, we were greeted so warmly in both of our bases and we found all of the staff to be very proactive in ensuring that we got the best from our visit. Our expectations were exceeded, by far, without doubt. My wife's birthday was marked by just about the whole of the Eagle View staff, with singing and dancing, vocal rhythms and harmonies with a stirring shuffling march and Adumu dancing. Electrifying stuff.
The safaris were of varied length and the guides had excellent knowledge. We saw some breath-taking sights, as you might expect, but what really made the visit special was the whispered and fascinating background information from our guides as we watched the animals in their habitats.
Food at Eagle View was particularly excellent. Wherever we are, we eat out regularly and we eat well, so our idea of "excellent" represents a very high standard and the superb, imaginative and delightfully presented meals were an unexpected treat.
We all agreed - this was an unconditionally successful and memorable visit to Kenya.
US
A Wonderful trip
This was a wonderful holiday from beginning to end and Safarihub lived up to its great reputation.
All the accommodation, internal flights and everyone we dealt with was, without fail, excellent and we would not hesitate to use Safarihub to arrange out trips in the future.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great Trip
Africa Zim handled our trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana very professionally. They were very prompt in responding to our queries about the safari. The payment process and transportation were well managed. They also made arrangements for vegetarian meals for us. Overall, a great experience.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime
It is difficult to describe how amazing the safari was with Kenya Walking! Each day was filled with safaris and sites to see. Every time I look though the pictures - all 4500 of them - I feel as though I am reliving the trip. The communications with the company were timely and clear. I couldn't ask for better drivers - Benson and Abassi. We were fortunate to meet Sammy as well and Jacob, our cook the first couple of nights. He cooked some of the best meals we had all week! The sleeping accommodations were good - the Sarengeti was my absolute favorite. Make sure to bring enough cash, as access to it can be difficult.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A very nice experience
I used Naga Safari last year for a 9 day mobile safari to Nxai Pans, Moremi and Khwai reserve and had such a nice experience that decided to use them again this year to go to Tsodilo Hills and a day Mokoro trip. The experience was good again and the staff provided during the trip (guide, assistants and cook) very hardworking, even if things went less smooth than last year. The guide didn't seem to have fully correct information on our itinenary, in particular the arrangements for the Mokoro trip, but we managed to sort this out with some explanation. For some reason this year we were not provided the ensuite toilets and nobody bothered to offer an explanation so it is worth getting the confirmation in writing that you will get them before so finalise your booking.
CA
Great safari at Kruger including food and accommodation
We were quite pleased with the pick-up at the airport and the accommodation in Johannesburg prior to the trip to Kruger. Once there, the tour guides and the safari trips were excellent. Living accommodations were very good given the remoteness and the food at breakfast and dinner was excellent.
PL
"My trip to Kenya"
During commissioning holiday I went on holiday to Kenya benefited from the Office Listings African Mosaic Tours and Safaris.He greeted us very warmly office director Mr Max Abeid. During my stay I visited the parks that are very rich and interesting scenery. As a result, I could see and learn about the life of various wild animals from a distance and admire the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. Great tour manager talked about the local and locations that we have seen. Time spent with the Office of African Mosaic Tours and Safaris and support I remember very well and nicely. Meals very smartly presented and tasty. All my friends recommend Office African Mosaic Tours and Safaris.
NO
A memory for life.
An unforgettable journey for the whole family. We enjoyed seeing the animals. Smell them, hear them and searching for them. And even touch them at the Elephant Interaction. Good variation between luxury and self-catering accommodations.