35-50 years of age
Review about Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve by Fad
Plenty of big animals around and nicely varied scenery.
35-50 years of age
On a downward curve
Having visited uMkhuze on several occasions previously I was somewhat concerned this year to see it looking somewhat shabbier than on previous visits. Signage was poor and some of the hides in a lamentable state of repair. Game viewing was also not what I had experienced on earlier visits.
That said, the accomodation was as good as I remember; comfortable, isolated chalets, a swimming pool all to me and my wife and father in law and babboon and impala right at the door. There is also cheap, decent food just a stone's throw away at the camp restaurant and nightly tours that are both reasonably priced and far from overcrowded. What game I did see was worth the trip; a pack of wild dogs (the rarest predator on the continent as I understand it), fantastic up-close views of a very impressive Kudu and plenty of bird life. On earlier trips I have seen rhino, both black and white, there, bush babies, hyena, civet, hippo, giraffe, zebra, untold impala and nyala and some of the rarer birds.
uMkhuze is a quiet reserve, perhaps due to it's current lack of maintenance, so there is no danger of encountering crowds and it has some lovely picnic spots by the pans where there was no one but myself, my family, and the monkeys to spoil the peace. With a bit more care uMkhuze could be a lovely, peaceful place to visit again and the staff are helpful and pleasant. It is also conveniently located for day trips to neighbouring Hluhluwe-Umfolozi and the St Lucia wetland park (now renamed iSimangaliso). A good destination for bird lovers but not as varied scenery wise as I might prfer, with a lot of thick, flat brush for the animals to lose themselves in.
Weather in early April was almost perfect, warm but not too hot, mosquito free (from what we saw) and suitable for Braais (BBQs) every night at the fixed Braai grills that are located outside each chalet, and cleaned at dawn each day. Just don't forget to take your own charcoal, lighters and food as the shop is a little sparse.
A little much needed work and uMkhuze could be, once again, a top destination, located as it is within easy travelling distance from Durban.
US
20-35 years of age
Review about Okavango Delta by skogstad
It's not really a "safari" destination, but a great destination for river enthusiasts. Elephants, hippos, monitor lizzards and spider nests gallore!
US
20-35 years of age
Review about Chobe National Park by skogstad
In July holy cow were there lots of baby animals! Every animal we saw had a baby representative present. Amazingly beautiful with the water and up-close views with so many animals.
US
20-35 years of age
Moremi had it all
We were a group with Naga Safaris and went for a few days to Moremi before hitting up some other places in Northern Botswana. With exception to baby animals, Moremi had it all (all the moms with babies were at Chobe where there was lots of water). We saw all animals we were to continue to see, while at Moremi. Before we even got to our campsite (which was just a clearing) we saw elephants right on the side of the road, springbok and a pride of lions within an arms reach. Our site had passing animals in the night and lots of great insects (entomology student).
Our group (chemist, physicist..) was pretty specific in our interests and we weren't let down at all. None of us were interested in birds upon arrival, but due to our guide's knowledge pointing out birds to us, we left with a new interest in them. Tons of up close encounters with birds on all drives.
US
20-35 years of age
Review about Botswana by ===dre blog===
Abundant wildlife, kind people, unforgettable landscapes.
35-50 years of age
Review about South Africa by Fad
Having only ever visited South Africa I could not make comment on the rest of the continent.
US
20-35 years of age
Review about Botswana by skogstad
Other places in Southern Africa are also great, but Botswana was where we saw the most, had the friendliest people and felt the safest.
US
20-35 years of age
Review about Naga Safaris by skogstad
In making the plans, we were given wrong banking information from them via email, so we had to investigate lost $ with our banks and send again. They didn't seem apologetic at all at the hoops we had to then jump through. Once we arrived there were changes to our emailed plans and we had to really stay on top of them to get what we were told we'd get (guides, etc.). As we left, the owner told us that they were graciously adding staff to our large group and we could tip them all. When we booked it, they said they'd have staff appropriate for our group size, so this addition seemed odd, as it should have been appropriate staff to begin with. What was amazing, was the guide they ended up giving us, as he is what made the safari trip what it was. What they did best was get us Dennis Pheto. Other than that, I didn't see much special about the company- nor anything too objectionable. I'd use them again, but would definitely shop around first.
US
50-65 years of age
Big Five in one day
This was an amazing experience. Large enough to feel like you are really out exploring. Something to see around every corner. From small birds to elephants, the closer the look the more you learn. A real opportunity to get very, very close to nature. Our guide was able to find "the big five" all in one outing. But there is so much more to this reserve than the big five. I will remember the sights and sounds for a long time. While it is clear that you are in a reserve, you still get a sense for the "wilds of Africa".