The best game reserve experience I've ever had!
Within 24 hours we had seen the big 5 and within 48 hours we had seen the big 7 including a wild dog kill. What more could you ask for?
The accomodation was absolutely stunning with an outdoor shower and a huge dining area that looked out over the water hole.
Each game drive consisted of coffee & rusks in the morning and G&T's in the evening as we watched the beautiful African sunset go down.
The wildlife was absolutely incredible with new things to see around every bend. Being able to see these wild animals up close, in their natural habitat was a once in a life experience that cannot compare to anything else. The beauty of Sabi Sands is that it's a huge area that enables the animals to cross over from other parks, but it isn't crowded at all. In our total time there (one week) we probably only saw two or three other tourists.
I cannot recommend Sabi Sands highly enough!
Review about South Africa by Holliesherlock
Firstly, the game parks in South Africa are extremely well organised compared to the rest of the world. You actually know that the animals are being well protected and the people that work on safari have so much knowledge of the animals and the area, it's mind blowing!
But probably the best thing about South Africa as a safari destantion is watching the beautiful African sun set over a waterhole filled with hippos. Not many places can compare!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Valentine is the best tour guide ever!! Knowledgable, friendly, and fun!!
Valentine is the best tour guide ever! He is knowledgable, friendly and fun. The tour took us through Zimbabwe including Victoria Falls-- a true wonder of the world-- a must see for everyone. On safari we saw very close up every type of wildlife that we wanted to see. It truly was the trip of a lifetime.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The Best Trip
I cannot say enough about what a wonderful trip this was. Valentine took such good care of us so we just had to sit back and enjoy the amazing scenery. Every detail was taken care of and Valentine was patient with all our questions. I couldn't imagine going to Africa without Valentine! Looking back it is one of the greatest travel experiences I've had.
DK
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Thinus is a 5 star operator!
We have travelled with Thinus and CrissCross the last three times we have been in Africa, and we're returning again this December. Once again we and our friends have a tailor-made trip ahead of us, that we have designed from scratch with Thinus: This time we're starting in Namibia, then we cross into Botswana and then end up in Zambia. 3 weeks of wilderness and wildlife. Cannot wait to return!
Apart from being the best tour operator we've ever travelled with in Africa, CrissCross is 100% locally owned - meaning that all your money spend on any trip (apart from the flight tickets, of course) will end up in the hands of people actually living in Africa, which we find is very important. Mind you, most tour operators offering trips to Africal these days are in fact based out-side of the continent, hence only part of the investment you make, when you book a trip to this fantastic continent, will in fact benefit people living on it. Worth a consideration - and one other reason why Thinus and CrissCross come very highly recommended from us and all friends we have travelled with to date.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exciting, relaxing, fascinating, up-close and personal.
Having never been to Africa, my mental image of the terrain was that of the National Geographic picture of open savannah, driving great distances to find game. In fact, in Lion Sands there were far more trees and brush than I had pictured. Our guide, perched on the hood of the Land Rover observed tracks, scat and other evidence of various animals to get an idea of where they might be heading. Both guide and driver would always answer any questions and were always willing to patiently educate. The weather in November was chilly most mornings, but if you dress in layers and take advantage of the wool blankets in the vehicle, you're just fine. While we brought mosquito repellant, it wasn't necessary most days. By noon, it was usually sunny and you've peeled most layers off. They always held a 'sundowner' which was an elegantly appointed table spread with a wide variety of goodies on which to snack. It ranged from gourmet hor's dervs to the ubiquitous Pringles chips - and South African favorite. Back at the resort, meals was served on the deck overlooking the riverbed. One day we were treated to an elephant parade on the other side. They entertained us for 45 minutes as they browsed, dirt bathed, then crossed the river. The Lion Sands resort consisted of individual "houses" each with open architecture. A lovely raised wooden pathway let the way to well-marked abodes. Inside, your eyes are immediately drawn upwards by the high ceilings - really the underside of the grass roofs. The King size bed (complete with ample mosquito net) faces sliding glass doors which open toward the river. There was a wonderfully stocked bar area and attractive bathroom complete with outdoor shower (said to use it only during the day because of the danger of leopards at night). After dark we were escorted to and from our room as a precaution against a wild animal encounter. We had no incidents for us, but another couple had to wait in their room while the staff chased a buffalo away. Lush vegetation meant no lack of wildlife, including seemingly-tame bush bucks grazing around the raised walkways leading to our rooms. Velvet monkeys, some with young clinging to their fronts, adorned nearly every tree. Thankfully, they were appropriately kept at bay from the eating area.
Theater seating in the Land Rovers offered the perfect safari vantage point from any seat. While the rear-most (and highest) seats amplified the dips and curves a bit, we thought it just added to the adventure. The kitchen staff was extremely accommodating, willing to customize any food preference you might have. Fast, friendly butlers soon anticipated our preferences. Meals were available at any time - completely at our convenience. Wireless internet access is available for the technology-dependent. Two onsite swimming pools were less than inviting - evidently no filters or chlorine, so one could not even see the bottom. Massage services were private but open-air overlooking the river - nice!
The overall resort completely exceeded all of my expectations! I would definitely go back.
After our stay, we also stayed at the exclusive Camp Jabulani. I also highly recommend it. Elephant safaris, volunteering at the Hoedspurit Endangered Species Center (arranged only for Jabulani guests), gourmet meals, etc... Tops!
NZ
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect
One word we need for Ajabu Adventures and that is: PERFECT.
All was perfect organised, the accommodations, the food, the Range Rover, but most of all our guide, such a fine person with very sharp eyes and he learned us a lot. So if you want to go on safari , choose Tanzania, because it's such a beautiful country with very,very, nice people and let your journey be organised bij Ajabu Adventures from Arusha.
Sabi Sands - An Amazing Experience
I stayed at Mala Mala for four days before volunteering on a Primate and Leopard project through Earth Watch. It was a fantastic experience. I was hoping to see Leopards in Sabi Sands, and I was please to have sighting every day we visited. We also had some great sightings of lion, elephant, endangered rhino, zebra, girafe, and more. I wanted to see a snake and our guide was nice enough to point out a cobra slithering into its den.
Our guide was knowledgable and passionate about wildlife and consideration. He was interested in making sure we all were seeing the kinds of things we were interested in and generally having a great time. Everyone in the truck with us were the lovely people; everyone got along and were respectful of each other.
I have been to Africa three other times. The one things I will say about South Africa and Sabi Sands in general is that it is more focused on driving out, seeing animals, returning to camp, eating. Repeat. I have taken longer walking safari trips where we had an opportunity to meet more people who live in the area and see the countryside as well as see the animals. In those instances I got to learn about the history of the country, the geography of the land, the different cultures that lived in the area, and the different wildlife. It was a much more holistic experience.
I would recommend stopping in Sabi Sands or similar for an opportunity to get a good look at all the different animals on a short stay, but would also urge anyone with an interest in Africa to take more than 5 days and really experience the country and all it has to offer. As mentioned, I paired four days in Sabi Sands with an Earth Watch volunteer program.
Also note: Sabi Sands is really expensive. It is great because you really get to see the animals in without feeling completely packed into a truck. The lodges are small and everyone is already really nice and helpful. That kind of thing will cost you, so I think it is a personal choice. Many people I know have self driven through Kruger and enjoyed it.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awesome
Our trip was absolutely flawless. We saw almost all the animals we wanted to see (no honey badger!) and got incredible photos. Everywhere we went we felt completely taken care of, picked up at the airport, taken on game drives, made fantastic dinners. It was my first time to Africa so I'm not sure if trips there are always so incredible but Bushtracks made it seem easy. We'll be going again!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great Customer Service and superb tour!
We were recommended to use Basecamp by fellow travellers and it was the best piece of advice we had on out trip. We were looked after superbly by Achmed Philips (the Half German/Half Brummie co-owner), who must be one of the characters of Africa. They were happy to create a safari that catered to our lowish budget, but even so the company policy was not to mix groups so we got our own driver/cook and guide and 4x4 to ourselves. Awesome!! We heartily recommend using Basecamp if you want a great safari in Tanzania.