Review about Addo Elephant National Park by Walter Lichtenberger (MosSixtieOne)
Large elephant herds, predators, giraffes, zebras, warthogs and others. Self driving through the game reserve. Follow the safety rules.
Amazing landscape with a lot of not dangerous animals
Exciting landscape with strongly changing weather conditions showing a beautiful light with all shapes.
It is in some places possible to get out from the car to enjoy zebras, giraffes, ungulates, baboons and many others. Very family friendly.
DE
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Augrabies Falls NP always worth a visit
Our six days stay in Augrabies Falls National Park was the fourth visit to that fantastic wilderness area. It was in winter 1990 when we explored the park the first time with our kids. We were overwhelmed by the beauty of this arid, moon like desert region. Only two years in 1992 later we returned once more with our kids. Our two sons travelling alone at this time paid the park a visit again in 1996. My wife's and my third visit was in October 2011. The many attractions of the park had not lost their appeal to us. So we decided to come back again in April 2015. When we had to leave we were as satisfied with our experiences as ever. The autumn weather was perfect, warm, but not too hot, at night cool, but not yet extremely chilly like in winter. Our chalet with a view (a little bit more expensive) and the outside fireplace for the braai were cleaned every day by the friendly staff. We were a bit disappointed at first that there was no shadow roof over our stoep, so we had to retreat into our air-conditioned chalet during the day at full sunlight. But in the end this did not annoy us very much because on most days we left the chalet after breakfast early in the morning and returned only in the late afternoon just in time to light the braai-fire. Apart from the torching sun there is another good reason to enjoy the meals inside the chalet. There are a lot of baboons wandering around the restcamp always in search of food and the opportunity to steal. They are not at all afraid of humans, are extremely fast to grab what they can find on a table and run away leaving the cursing victims helplessly behind. Especially people on the campsite are at risk as we have witnessed. The restaurant is good although we prefer self-catering, the store next to the restaurant is well equipped, prices of course a bit higher than in an ordinary supermarket. Access boardwalks to the various viewpoints along the Orange River Gorge and the waterfall are well kept and safe, even for smaller children. People who like hiking are recommended to explore the park on foot (with sturdy hiking boots !) on the 6 km long Dassie Trail, normally an easy path, but on quite a few sections one has to climb over rocks which can be tricky. At the age of 70 we did well but had to be very cautious not to do a false step. The trail on which we had hiked every stay since 1990 rewards you with awesome views into the gorge, the landscape and Moon Rock. Totally different but also fascinating is Ebony Trail, a 3 km circle trail along small creeks through dense forest where Vervet Monkeys will watch all your movements. To walk on top of Moon Rock is also a must.
The Park has an extensive net of gravel roads, suited for sedans especially when travelling to Moon Rock, the exceptional viewpoints Ararat and Oranjekom, Swartrante and Echo Corner above the shore of the Orange River. People who want to see more of the park are recommended to take the circle road westward from Swartrante to the most remote picnic site of the park Af en Toe. The whole additional trip is about 70 km. It can be done by Sedan but I would prefer a 4x4 or at least a vehicle with high clearance. You will see Giraffes, Gemsbok, Klipspringer, Eland, Zebra, Dassies, Baboons, Ostrich, Martial Eagles, Fish Eagles, weaver birds, the rare Nile Monitor (if you are very lucky), nice flowers not only in spring, but also in autumn. Wildlife of course cannot be compared with Parks like Kruger, but the lack of the really dangerous animals allows you to leave the vehicle without taking the risk of getting mauled to death by a hungry lion. I would like to add a remark on Giraffes and Quiver Trees:
Trees in the arid Kalahari are rather small. Giraffes obviously prefer larger ones. They have become a problem in Augrabies Falls NP because they used to browse a lot on the Quiver Trees which do not tolerate this and die. That's why the Park management has fenced in a large area in the remote western part of the Park to protect this beautiful succulent species. So the giraffes had to move to other places in the park where they can find only smaller trees. Some bigger trees grow near permanent water streams like the ones on the Ebony Hiking Trail in an area which is not suited for giraffes.
Conclusion:
Augrabies Falls NP offers far more than a quick look at the Waterfall. Take your time and stay a couple of days. You will not be disappointed.
Review about South Africa by Walter Lichtenberger (MosSixtieOne)
There are many different stunning game reserves. Some are very dangerous and you have absolutely to keep you on the safety rules. If you follow this rules, you will have an unforgettable experience.
BE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible honeymoon in the pearl of afric
We have plannend our fantastic honeymoon together with Innocent Manda! Communication by email was easy, Innocent responded quickly and completely to al my questions. In kampala we met Innocent and Bosco, our driver. Bosco was great: a nice guy, trustful, polite and he probably knows everything about uganda and the wildlife!our 4x4 was spacious and we had a sunroof to see the annimals the best.bosco took very good care about the car, he even washed the car often.
Thanks again Innocent for our memorable honeymoon!you take really took care of everything!i certainly would recomment Pearls Afric Tours and Travel to everybody.
Ps:we could also do paymenttransactions by a dutch banc, what is very easy and trustful and doesn't need additional costs for the moneytransfer for the europeans.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect safari and deep sea fishing
Odyssey safaris provided a life time experience for my wife and I. It began with 2 1/2 perfect days at the Hemmingway resort in Watamu, Kenya. We each caught several species of fish on our day of deep sea fishing, including several sailfish over 100lbs. Wife had the largest of course.
Accommodations in Nairobi were first class at the Safari Park Hotel. Our safari guide provided a good understanding to our group of four of what to expect for the next several days. We were amazed at his knowledge of all aspects of what we saw, not only the animals, but the trees and flowers. His knowledge animal habits allowed him to position our vehicle for the perfect picture.
Kenya is a very safe and friendly country for tourists. The local police, military at the Tanzania border and safari camp guards all provide a comfortable and safe environment.
Communication was very professional and accurate from Odyssey safaris. There were no surprises other than our trip exceeded our expectations. All accommodations were great. Food was prepared by highly trained chefs and we each gained several pounds.
We highly recommend them and we will to all our friends. We will return? Yes
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A wonderful guide for a worry free, once in a lifetime adventure.
It's hard to put such an amazing trip into one review. I took a nine day trip with Blessing from Africa Zim. We started in Victoria Falls, went to Kasane, Elephant Sands near Nata, and ended in Maun. To get to each location Blessing drove us safely there, stopping to look at anything I wanted to see. Upon arrival at each destination there it was a relief that he had done all the booking and I didn't have to worry. There was always a comfy bed to sleep in and a preplanned activity like a game drive, river cruise, canoe trip, etc. All I had to do was show up when it was time to start. As a young woman traveling alone, having Blessing was essential. He knew the areas and many people we met. He stayed close and was helpful, but I felt complete freedom to do what I wanted, when I wanted. I never felt suffocated but always safe. When I wanted to do something off schedule, like go to tribal beauty pageant or look for the perfect souvenir in town, he was always accommodating, positive, and facilitated it. I could have done without the talk of religion and youtube prophets, but I guess it isn't too surprising in a country that still has blasphemy laws. I especially loved that Blessing was aware of my budget and suggested amazing activities that I would love. When someone would recommend an excursion completely out of my price range he was quick to kindly let me know before I got my heart set. I could see how a millionaire or budget traveler could get the most out of their trip with Africa Zim behind it.
BR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very professional and friendly service; fulfill all expectations.
We had a wonderful experience with Go Safari. We took a second tour to different location based on our previous experience. That second trip to Kruger Park was as good as the first one.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Exhilarating Experience in Serengeti
Bush & Game provided us with the most amazingly priced and an even more phenomenal experience in Tanzania's Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater!! I have been on several safaris with various handlers, but this 5-night safari camp experience was simply unparalleled!
Will definitely always try to use Bush & Game for all future adventures :)
Amazing and unforgettable
This was a great safari With Mawere tours. I visited the parks which is close to a major city, I saw lions, black and white rhino, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest migrations, crocodile, hippo, buffalo, warthog, impala and other creatures all within a couple of hours. The guide was great and fun to hang out with. He was super helpful in getting some nice shots. I highly recommend this tour if you are in Tanzania or in east Africa.