NZ
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exceptional, unspoilt surroundings, superb staff - unforgettable
Everything was well done; the tented accommodation inviting and comfortable - hot water bottles a wonderful touch - bucket shower and African sounds to fall asleep to. All the staff were amazing - always smiling and happy to help in every way. Kennedy, Partner, Junior, Might KB and BB -all of them extraordinary. The guide, Singa was outstanding and did everything he could to ensure we loved our time there. The food was outstanding, simple but absolutely delicious and beautifully presented. Every minute was to be treasured from sitting around the fire in the evening - the tales of Africa and of course the songs ....beautiful Botswana and beautiful Khwai Camp still ring happily in my head.
Personally I wouldn't change a thing and much preferred the existing tented accommodation rather than the so called 'up market one' with sliding doors.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a Lifetime (Cape Town, Kruger Area, Victoria Falls)
Megan and Discover Africa did an amazing job helping us plan our trip. During the trip we kept thinking man are we glad that we didn't have to think about planning that. We booked over 16 months prior to our trip and were planning 3 months prior to that. Any and all questions were answered in a timely manner, any accommodations that we asked for were planned, shuttles were on time. Basically everything that one would ask for from a safari operator we received. Also we had a snafu with luggage and flight delay getting out of the US that we called on the day of and they took care of everything on the backend to a new hotel we needed, to letting our hotel know we wouldn't be there, to telling our rental car company that we wouldn't be there. We are already talking about returning to South Africa in the future, and we will be calling Discover Africa again to help us book!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime!!
We booked our honeymoon with Rose, and had the most amazing trip EVER! She did a great job incorporating everything we wanted, and everything went off without a hitch.
We did some research into safari travel companies, and spoke to the major tour companies and few smaller ones, and ultimately went with the Luxury Safari Company because of Rose's personal reviews and how quickly she responded to emails and answered our questions. I'm so glad we went with her, and felt like we really got the personal attention we needed.
We basically ended up doing three trips - the beach, safari and wine country. We ended up going to an island off of Mozambique for 5 days that we got to by helicopter, spent 5 days at Londolozi in Sabi Sands, and then 2 nights in Franschhoek. Everything was customized to our preferences and requests and each part of the honeymoon was perfect! Almost all of it was paid for upfront which made it easier, and we knew what we were getting. She arranged transportation for each part of the trip and booked our local flights which was also very helpful.
We would absolutely recommend using Rose, she was incredibly knowledgeable, was always reachable, and answered the million questions we had. I wish we could do it again!!
US
Review about Tarangire National Park by DaveGibsonImages.com
Famous for its tree-climbing lions, I only saw them on the ground. This is where I saw my first-ever leopard which was quite a thrill! Accommodations and food at Tarangire Sopa Lodge was great. Lodge was
US
Review about Selous Game Reserve by DaveGibsonImages.com
My visit occurred at the end of January when the temperatures reached 98 degrees. The shaded pool at Rufiji River Camp was a welcome respite from the heat as was the cooling breeze created by our safari vehicle. Vervet monkeys rule the camp. Pay respect to the alpha male with the blue scrotum! The best predator viewing is in the Lake Manze area where I spotted a hyena with a fresh wildebeest leg in its jaws. Birding is excellent and crocs are everywhere. One person in camp saw a crocodile take down a buffalo!
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Review about Ruaha National Park by DaveGibsonImages.com
Few destinations are better during the dry season for lions and bat-eared foxes. My visit coincided with the green season and I still saw several lion and foxes. The scenery is spectacular. Ruaha is known for its numerous elephant herds. Colorful agama lizards frequent Ruaha River Lodge. The sounds of hippos fighting over territory in the river during the night just outside my banda door will always be with me.
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Review about Ngorongoro Crater by DaveGibsonImages.com
My only regret is that I didn't spend more time there. A huge bull elephant, a hyena chasing a jackal with a bone in its mouth, a black rhino and calf, and Cape buffalo just outside my door at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge come to mind. The sunsets from the crater rim are exceptional. A complimentary Ngorongoro Crater sunset cocktail of gin, cognac, and passion fruit juice enjoyed by the pool at the end of the day was a great way to unwind.
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Review about Lake Manyara National Park by DaveGibsonImages.com
I only spent a day there but recall a jackal, baboons on a termite mound, an elephant and hippos. The weaver colony at Lake Manyara Serena Lodge made for good photos.
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Review about Arusha National Park by DaveGibsonImages.com
Arusha N.P. is a convenient stop if you are staying in Arusha. Monkeys and antelope are common and flamingos frequent the lake.
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The migration on the Serengeti's vast plains is sight to behold.
The Serengeti was one of the highlights on the northern circuit of Tanzania during my first safari in 2004. I have been on five other safaris in Africa since! The weather in December was perfect. The Serengeti afforded me my first ever close encounter with a lion on a kill. The open hatch on the Land Rover allowed for good photography without feeling exposed. The food at Serengeti Sopa Lodge was superb as it was at of the lodges along the northern circuit. A visit to a Masaai village on the way to the park was special. If you visit the Serengeti, you won't be disappointed and will more than likely catch the safari bug as I have. For African safari pictures and articles go to www.DaveGibsonImages.com.