IE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Had lots of great experiences and got a great vision of South Africa and its people
Very good communication with our tour guide Rhys Bradshaw and got to visit all places on our list. Excellent package put together by Kathi Simon. Great accomodation. Enjoyed the safari. Will recommend
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Ethnic Namibia-Cultural Experience 17 Days A WOW of a Trip:-)
Where to begin? Years ago the Himba people were pictured in a travel magazine and right then their lives peaked my interest. In 2014 three of us traveled to South Africa and of course, had a wonderful time. Upon returning I started to look for a way to get to Namibia since it was right next door to South Africa.
I came across Philip and Wild Wind Safaris on this Safari Bookings website then, of course, had to see what was written on Trip Advisor about his Safari Company. Upon emailing Philip and his rapid response our trip to Namibia was set in motion.
We returned just yesterday and are still unpacking, but have to share this marvelous experience with those who count on Trip Advisor like I do to find out the tour operators who are the best of the best.
We three did SO much that it would take many, many pages just to tell all so I will be a bit more brief and try to hit the highlights of the journey. First, Philip, he is witty, fun, informative, laid back, patient, knowledgeable, easy, a dear friend and so much more. He met us in Windhoek February 6, 2016 and then dropped us off February 22, 2016.
Highlights include: Sossuslei and Dead Vlei, and yes, we needed to climb Big Daddy sand dune on a day that the temperature was over 100 degrees F. We then traveled on to the next highlight of the Damara tribe's Living Museum.
Of course the visits to the Himbas was well worth it and we actually made two separate visits to two separate villages. Fascinating for sure. We also visited a school near the Epupa Falls which I loved since I am a retired teacher. So impressed with the students and the teachers.
We stayed two nights right next to the Epupa Falls and fell asleep each night to the sound of the water coursing over the falls.
Next up was Etosha National Park and the nature at its best. Philip took us for day drives and we took one night drive offered by the Park. During the night drive we saw at least 6 black rhinos and 3 male lions plus the usual assortment of the park animals.
The last of the major highlights was the visit to the Bushman tribe. It was so hot (around 100 again) but the Bushman put on quite a show for us. They were very comical and fun to watch.
The places we stayed, the food, the comradery, the green of the landscape (the rains had come and everything was vivid green), the desert in bloom, Philip and his stories, made for the perfect trip. It was SO wonderful that we three are planning another trip with Philip in 2017 to Zimbabwe and Botswana.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing Week in Uganda with Wild Discoveries
I was extremely impressed by Wild Discoveries professional yet personal experience. I spent a full week traveling the country with Wild Discoveries and one of the things that made the experience so wonderful is that they are fully owned and operated by Ugandans who have been working in the international safari and tourism business for several years. Our driver had local contacts at all of the major destinations which resulted in first-hand and sometimes exclusive knowledge of on-the-ground information. For example, during one of our early morning game drives, he was able to call a local lion researcher and find out where the lions were in the park. As a result, we were the first ones there and got to spend time with the lions before any other cars/tourists arrived. Our driver had also worked with chimpanzees for many years and is a true wildlife expert. We saw elephants, giraffes, buffalos, chimps, lions, hyenas, leopards, you name it. As far as booking and organizing the trip, it was simple and straight-forward. I was traveling with someone who had been to Uganda before so she knew which parks and places she wanted to take me, but then Wild Discoveries made all the arrangements and figured out the best order/schedule based on our priorities. I felt safe, relaxed and totally taken care of the entire time. I genuinely did not have a single problem and recommend them very highly.
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Dream Come True
It has always been a dream of mine to go on safari in Africa. This was my first trip, it was literally a dream come true ! My guide was Gabriel, he has so much knowledge about the animals and takes extra care not to disrupt them, which I really liked. He goes above and beyond to make sure his guests are comfortable and enjoying themselves. The accommodations, staff and food were A++++. I would not hesitate to recommend Maasai Magic Safaris to anyone interested in going !! :) :)
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awesome experience
I had a time of my life at Queen Elizabeth park. The tour guide was so knowledgable they gave us all the information needed. The hospitality of their staff is super. Great experience. And the prices were right.
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A review of the Lodges and Company
My husband and I went on a 21d overland Safari with Crisscross. We were accompanied by Thinus himself. Rather than going into details about where to go, I would like to review CrissCross as well as some of the lodges we stayed at rather than Namibia itself which is a must do location for Safari.
Communication with this company and their response time is superb, especially when you consider that when Thinus is on the road, wifi is sketchy and that he may be limited in how often he could see to business. I found this company to be highly responsive and excellent in providing several options and listing suggestions. I am an avid researcher and all their suggestions were what we were looking for after. Kudos to the support staff as well as the organization that they maintain. Please understand that in Namibia, as well developed in infrastructure for an African nation it is, there are still small barriers that would make it difficult towards organization but this company overcomes this well.
A criticism I would have of the company is that during the organization part there isn't a clear idea of the amount of driving and time required in a vehicle. Distances that are covered at highway speed in developed nations take much, much longer. As such, much of my distress during our safari was the amount of time spent cooped up in a vehicle. I would have appreciated knowing in advance the approximate time it would take to journey from one destination to another. I find being stationary in a car exhausting (more so than a very active day) so would have really appreciated either a few extra days to recoup. The car is a comfortable 4x4 and was very reliable for our long journey. However, now knowing the distances that need to be covered and the very straight, unfortunately repetitious scenery (not many villages or natural sights) I think I would have changed my safari and included some flights instead.
The Lodges presented as choice were amazing. Paying more to stay at certain locations are definitely recommended. In my opinion places to "splash out" include (in order of importance): 1. Mowani camp in Dmamaraland (this is a must! I would never think of staying anywhere else and when I sleep I wish to dream of the scenery here), 2. the Premier Waterhole room in Okaukejo (too bad there wasn't room service! food here was terrible but the Waterhole is superb!), 3. Hoodia Lodge in Sossusliev (unless staying in the park which is also a nice option).
Other highly recommended lodges or trips for interest and for uniqueness: 1. Senyati (very hot rooms but a real introduction to Elephant herd behavior...did you know they line up for water? so polite); 2. Ndhovu (Hippos outside your tent...need I say more? Yes because they have a resident Hippo named Chomp who is adorable); 3. Tenting in the Okavango.
CrissCross managed to find us an outfitter (maun_backpackers.com) that did camping in the Okavango Delta (Botswana side). This was by far my favourite part of this entire safari. We're talking about real camping here, not a lodge and I loved it. I would highly recommend this over any other tour if you love to camp. Elephants, hyenas, the possibility of wild dogs, tracking a black rhino, swimming in the Okavango... all experiences that I wouldn't have thought possible unless you camp.
Finally, I would like to recommend Thinus as a guide. He is an excellent source of information for history as well as provides a unique view and opinion on the Apartheid movement that I had not considered before. I did initially have an issue with Thinus smoking while we were on game drives, but after letting him know of this, he desisted. It would have been nice if he opted first not to smoke around us nonsmokers rather than needing me to bring this to his attention. In addition, please be aware that your guide is with you the entire time, even for meals. If you're looking for a romantic holiday or special time with your significant other to reconnect, you may want to tell your guide. We asked to have several dinners by ourselves just to give us time to spend together as a couple. A suggestion I have for the company is to clarify expectations with your guests regarding smoking and meals at the start of the tour. It would have made some uncomfortable situations less of an issue.
The strengths of this company lies in its organization as well as ability to provide guests with a variety of tour options at various price points. I would recommend CrissCross Namibia.
IN
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very prompt replies to all my queries and very good arrangements for our safari from the word GO
Communication by email with Helder was excellent from day one - more than 60 emails wee exchanged. We were received well by Patricia at Nairobi airport even disregarding the delayed and late arrival of our flight. Wajee mara camp was ideal - tented rooms in a jungle. Alex, our guide-cum-driver was excellent in his knowledge of the animals and the birds. He seemed to know where the animals were and within a few hours we had spotted the Big Five. A pride of lions taking positions for a kill, cheetahs at close quarters, rhino, hippos, giraffes and beautiful birds were the highlights. Within a day and half of safari we had completed our list of animals we wanted to see and saw many more too. A great safari - our childhood dreams were made to come true. All our needs were fulfilled in the package even including drinking water during the safari. I would recommend this operator to all my friends
Hassle free service
The Zim Aquatic Union hired 4 buses for a tournament. I had a transport manager on standby in case of problems and his services were never required due to the fact that the drivers were always where they should be when they should be. Would highly recommend Nyati.
MY
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable Safari Experience - excellent service , knowledgeable guide and attention to details
I corresponded extensively with Liza Yamazaki of Hazina Afika over internet when planning for our first safari for 12 of us . We decided on 7 day private safari tour in Central Serengati and Ngorongoro Conservation area . Liza was very professional and excellent in all aspect - prompt with answer to all our queries , very informative on safari matters, honest and upfront on fees. The tour more than lived up to our expectations .
We are all "Wow!" by this safari . We enjoyed our "game hunting" everyday in our 4- wheel drive. We were lucky to see thousands of wildebeest and zebras moving in unison in many areas - some stretching right up to the horizon in flat plains . Another unforgettable sight was a pride of lioness and cubs (more than 10) feeding on a carcass of a zebra . Then we saw the majestic lion king walking slowly down the slope to feast on the zebra while the lioness and cubs were playing or sleeping nearby . They are oblivious to the vehicles nearby just a few feet away. We saw vultures hanging around the area waiting for their turn . The next morning we passed by the area and observed the vultures fighting over the remnants of the carcass. It is nature at its best .
There were so many animals including elephants , leopard , cheetahs, herds of gazelle, impalas, monkeys, hordes of hippopotamus in the water .dik dik , foxes , buffaloes , rhinoceros in the distance etc
There are also so many types of birds.
In addition to animals and birds , the scenery of endless plains ,beautiful flat top acacia trees, bushes, streams and water was really very beautiful and refreshing . It was a 360 panorama of the horizon as you turn yourself round .
All in all , it is hard to put in words for the 7 day wonderful safari . You have to experience it yourself .
IT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Best holiday ever!
We arranged a 20 day self drive holiday in Namibia and Botswana with Cardboard Box Travel Shop. Everything was super and we recommend highly. When we return we will use them again.