Great Experience
I stayed at Amakhala for 4 days in March, 2010. It was pretty hot, but the game drives were quite comfortable (the "Landis" have canopies on them). The guides were very knowledgeable and loved teaching the guests about each of the animals (plants, too). Each drive included a nice little 'snack break' where we'd get out of the vehicle, stretch our legs, have a drink and some snacks...and there was always a nice view.
The amenities were great; the staff were helpful, and there was plenty of privacy.
There are certainly larger parks and reserves, but we never felt restricted here. There was always a rush of excitement while looking for the animals, especially the lions.
It was a great experience that I'll never forget. I'm proud to say that a few of my photos were used on this site, too!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The perfect blend of roughing it and refinement
The trip was outstanding. Most important: the guiding. The owners of Letaka are funny, intelligent, encyclopedic in their knowledge (especially of birds), and skilled at creating a coherent social group in a short period of time. The wildlife was spectacular. And the G&T's on the mud-spattered hood of the jeep at dusk, made me feel like a lady explorer of the 1930's. The rudimentary tents and cots provided just enough comfort by night, the meals were amazing, cooked over the campfire but rivaling restaurant fare. We wanted raw experience deep in nature under canvas, but not separated from it by platforms, fences and guards. But we didn't want to spend half out time pitching/striking camp, washing and cleaning. So having lovely camp hands to do those tasks was the right balance for us. Could not recommend this outfit more highly.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Excellent quality for a reasonable price + family friendly!
My family (2 adults + 2 kids age 7 and 9) went on a two-week desert-safari in Namibia with CrissCross Namibia in Jan 2013, with a stop-over in Livingstone to see Vic Falls. We have been planning to go on a trip like this for a while and since we live in Ethiopia and had already done safaris in Tanzania and South Africa we wanted to focus exclusively on deserts in Namibia. We searched the web for tour operators that would provide us with the best fit and the best deal. By far, out of close to 10 companies we contacted, the most responsive and accommodating was Thinus, the owners of CrissCross. Not only was he listening to what we wanted (!), but he also gave us very good ideas where to go and stay (so that it was good quality but not overpriced), was flexible (and there were many changes in flight schedules), accommodating (we changed the order of activities many times on the road depending on the weather and kids’ wellbeing) and never “pushy”. Therefore we went with him, which turned out to be an excellent choice. The trip was what we have expected and much more. We would not change a single thing about it if we were to do it again (well maybe just add a few more days if we could :) It was perfect - the places to visit, lodges, hiking trails, the pace, activities, etc. Staring with Sosussvlei gave us all, urban creatures, an unforgettable feel of the desert starting early in the morning (at 5:30am!!!), in the middle of the day when the sand must be about 50C to sundown at the dunes. Few days in Swakopmund filled with activities in the morning (e.g., quad biking, sandboarding, catamaran, 4x4 desert tour, living desert tour) and lazying around the beach in the afternoons were great. Cross Cape Lodge is a beautiful place and I wish we could stay there longer. Finally Damaraland with so many places to hike, explore, learn was a real treat for avid hikers like us. Having said all this, I do want to emphasize that without Thinus the trip would not have been the same – his knowledge of the country, sense of humor, kindness - were essential ingredients to make our trip unforgettable. I would recommend CrissCross to anybody who wants excellent quality for a reasonable price. Thank you very much Thinus!
ATI Holidays is simply superb!
ATI Holidays think of everything. Every little detail is taken care of. From booking the accommodation, car and activities to restaurants and taking care of special details like birthdays and anniversaries. And when something does go wrong along the way, they have a 24-hot line. They do their absolute best to keep their clients happy.
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing Private Safari, Beautiful Country & a Very Nice Driver
I've been to Uganda before & fell in love with the country, it's people & nature. I wanted to experience this with my girlfriend so Matoke Tours adviced us to go to Kidepo Valley ( North Uganda ). A hell of a ride, however, what you see & experience along the road is amazing. The north of Uganda is not yet touristic so you get the best Africa experience value for your money. The scenery is beautifull and you won't find a lot of other tourists in the Parc. The accommodation is this parc is basic but perfect.
After Kidepo, we went to Murchison Falls ( 6 hrs drive ) and stayed at Nile Safari Lodge. If you are a romantic person, check it out! Small, personal, nice staff & a beautifull view over Murchison.
Matoke tours did it for me again!
Thanks again.
Ps. Our driver was Sam and i recommend him
A dream come true; the place I left my heart.
My fiance and I stayed at one of the luxury lodges in Sabi Sands Game Reserve and it was way more than we could've ever expected. I've been a life long animal lover, watching National Geographic and all sorts of wildlife shows and documentries since I've been at least 4 or 5 years old. South Africa has always been a dream of mine; specifically to see elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, african wild dogs and hyenia. We were lucky enough to see all of those, along with hundreds of other mammals, birds, reptiles and insects. Coming from New Jersey (northeast United States), the weather was perfect - during the time we stayed the temperature ranged from 60-80 degrees; even though it did rain one day, I still enjoyed every minute in the busch. Our accomidations were absolutely amazing - in fact, our lodge over looked a waterhole where hippos and crocs hung out all day and night - in fact, you could hear the hippos grunting all night. Our ranger Stefen, and tracker, Rodney quickly became like family to us - in fact, it was a teary goodbye for me at the end of our trip. It was as if we had known them for our entire lives. The highlight of our trip was the siting of about 50 elephants who surrounded our safari vehicle, including babies, young elephants, young adults and older females. Two of the females even approached our vehicle to check us out - the one was about a 3 feet away and looking straight into my eyes. Also, one of the local prices of lions (Tsalala Breakaways) were 4 lionesses about 3-4 years old who recently broke away from their mother's price (Tsalala's); we saw these beautiful girls almost everyday. The day we left was bitterswweet - I could finally say that my dream came true but it was heartbreaking to leave such a paradise. I may live in NJ, but I left my heart in Sabi Sands. Until we meet again :)
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The African bush and wildlife like nature intended.
We spent three nights within the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Our first taste of the real African bush. It was, without doubt, the highlight of our 2 week South African holiday. We opted for the drive from Nelspruit Airport to the lodge we were staying at. This was a great opportunity to see a bit more of the real South Africa. Our main purpose of the trip was to experience Africa's wildlife in their natural habitat. Well Sabi Sand Game Reserve didn't disappoint. During our stay we saw the Big 5 numerous times as well many other animals, including the elusive wild dog. My personal favourite - the elephant: from individuals to babies to breeding herds these were in abundance. The early morning wake up calls were never a problem as we were already up and ready to see what the day had in store for us - never knowing what you might encounter on a game drive. Our guide and tracker at the lodge were fantastic - extremely knowledgeable and you can tell they love what they do. Our lodge's facilities were beautiful and comfortable, and the food plentiful. Not a day goes by when I don't think about our time in the African bush.. always dreaming of the day we return.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Once in a lifetime wildlife experience
In June, 2012, my Dad and I visited Notten's Bush Camp in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. We had an incredible time on our bush drives. Notten's provided two drivers per day, one in the early morning and one in the early evening, so as to allow for prime sunrise and sunset viewing. During our time there we saw everything we could have ever hoped for, and so much that we never even expected. Wild dogs taking down an impala, lions with a cape buffalo kill, a leopard with her cubs supping on an impala (one of the cubs came right up to our jeep too!), elephants, warthogs, giraffes, zebra, rhinos, wildebeests, and some beautiful birds, including a very tiny owl, among many other animals. We also went on several bush walks and two jogs out in the bush (with a guide of course). The guides and trackers at our lodge were knowledgeable and extremely skilled, and Notten's was extremely luxurious (but not overly so—the little lodges/cabins have no electric lights, so it's a bit rustic, in the best possible way). Incredible food too. My Dad was able to sample a wide variety of traditional South African food, which he loved, and they also had delicious, fresh vegetarian and vegan options for me. Everything about the trip was perfect. I would love to get to go back someday. I felt utterly transformed by the experience of being in the presence of so many incredible wild animals.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about South Africa by Lauren
South Africa is a wonderful location for going on safari. The wildlife is incredible, and there are a huge number of endemic plants and animals in the country. The climate is also quite nice.
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Book your safari at Matoke
Matoke Tours does deliver what they promise. Their personal attention towards customers is very good.
The respond quick on your questions and during the safari everything was arranged according to the schedule. Also good in price! Ask for Nicole at Matoke, she did a great job.