Review about Mkhuze Game Reserve by MrTicklingstick
Only drove around for a short period on the way to Hluhluwe-Umfolozi - so cannot possibly give a fair overview, the scenery was amazing though.
A magical, almost primordial, place apart.
My wife and I have visited Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve (the oldest in Africa, established in 1895) on four occasions – usually either before, or after, staying in St Lucia (on the coast to the east) so that I can experience the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park (renamed iSimangaliso Wetland Park, November 2007) and Cape Vidal.
Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve is about 280 km (174 miles) north of Durban or if you are travelling from Swaziland (e.g., Lavumisa/Golela Border Post) it’s a 3½ hour (approx.) drive due south. The park occupies around 960 km² or 96,000 hectares (371 sq. miles or 237,221 acres) in the middle of Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal – and affords the lucky visitor some breathtaking vistas. If you are possessed of a vivid imagination, you might almost think that you are in “Jurassic Park”, half expecting to stumble across an apatosaurus or a herd of hadrosaurs. Rather than dinosaurs, however, you will, almost certainly, experience many close encounters with ‘white’ rhinos, giraffes, zebras, nyalas, chacma baboons, vervet monkeys, elephants, woolly-necked storks, wart hogs and cape buffalos. You might also be exceptionally lucky to see, hovering in the skies, a huge African Crowned Eagle which has an appetite for vervet monkeys and even small antelope.
If you are overnighting for a few days at Hilltop Camp and take the Forest Trail you may encounter the small, secretive Red Duiker antelope (another meal time favourite of the African Crowned Eagle) in the company of iridescently-feathered Crested Guinea Fowl and, usually nearby, the ubiquitous vervet monkeys.
Joining a morning game drive in the company of expert rangers is a ‘must’ and, as well as having a fair chance of seeing other members of the ‘big five’, you may have the joy of meeting an extraordinary bird – the ground hornbill strolling down a track.
The accommodation around Hilltop Camp is well-equipped and more than adequate for any traveler. Remember to book in advance. If you are travelling independently, allow adequate time to reach your accommodation before the rapid nightfall. (Pack a torch/flashlight for ambling around camp at night.)
The food (buffet style) is quite good and can include (very tasty) game (e.g., Kudu); reasonable selection of wines. (As a general rule, the food in South Africa is of very high quality and naturally produced - not 'adulterated' or factory farmed as in the U.S. or much of the U.K.) Well-stocked ‘Curio Shop’. Generally friendly, helpful staff. The rangers are truly excellent and a mine of information and expert knowledge.
Essential to hire a car when visiting South Africa (if you want to experience as much as possible) – preferably a ‘high-sided’ vehicle with a bit of ‘poke’.
Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve is one of the planet’s enchanted places – which draws my wife and I irresistibly to it on every occasion when visiting the hugely varied and stunningly beautiful South Africa. Go visit!
US
20-35 years of age
if you go to Namibiaq, see the dunes - they are magnificent and breathtaking.
My first night in Namibia I spent at The Cardboard Box Backpackers in Windhoek. It was cheap, clean, nice, had a kitchen, and a friendly staff – I highly recommend it. I can’t talk much about Windhoek because I didn’t spend much time there. It doesn’t seem like there is too much to do. Also, it is a very modern city – reminded me of home (USA). My first destination was Etosha National Park. We got there by rental car – I don’t think there are buses that go up there, just tours which are really expensive. The drive was beautiful and what is nice about Etosha is that you can use your own vehicle to do a game drive instead of paying for an expensive safari. The problem with Etosha is how expensive it was. The park entrance fee and camping prices are OUTRAGEOUS. More than staying at a hostel – it was really ridiculous, but we had no alternative. The only food options are overpriced snacks like chips or breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets all very expensive. There are not any grocery stores or other restaurants nearby so either bring your own food and cooking equipment or prepare to be spending a lot of money on food.
Etosha is very big. We spent one night at a campsite on the eastern end of it and the next night at the western end of it. We did our own game drives and saw loads of animals. Apparently, Etosha is a great place to see the Big 5, but unfortunately, we didn’t see any of them in the 2 days we were there. The problem with Ethosha is that although you may not spend a lot of money on paying for a safari (although you certainly can – we didn’t) you spend a lot on gas because the park is so massive. By the time we left Etosha I was very tierd of sitting in the car.
Overall, Etosha was great. Just know that it has pricey food and accommodation and the majority of the trip will be spent sitting in a vehicle – a safari vehicle or your own. Also, it should be noted that the campsites all had very nice, clean facilities and pools.
Review about South Africa by MrTicklingstick
The country is possessed of enormously varied scenery - from large scale, stupendous grandeur to the exquisitely 'bijou'. The parks are located variously - on the coast and inland. Seemingly virtually unmatched diversity of flora and fauna which is very accessible. Good roads, generally helpful and friendly people, excellent food, excellent wine. No praise is high enough. It is most certainly not an idle boast when South Africans (truthfully) state that 'it's all the world in one country'.
CA
50-65 years of age
Review about Lake Nakuru National Park by Yukon Travellor
Been here three times. Depending on the time of year will necessitate the quantity of feathered friends you will see. The animal viewing is also superb as is the surrounding area.
CA
50-65 years of age
Review about Samburu National Reserve by Yukon Travellor
Though not on a migration path, one will not be disappointed with the game views at all.
CA
50-65 years of age
Review about Hell's Gate National Park by Yukon Travellor
Stopped along the way from Naivasha to the Mara. Smaller in scale than most of the other parks though no less interesting and there are a quantity of wildlife to view.
CA
50-65 years of age
Review about Ol Pejeta Conservancy by Yukon Travellor
A visit here is a must. We've enjoyed the 'tented'camp atmosphere on two occasions and the game viewing was fabulous.
CA
50-65 years of age
Review about Buffalo Springs National Reserve by Yukon Travellor
Much the same as Shaba for animals, vegetation and climate. Though not the quantity of animals in comparision to the Mara, one is not disappointed.
CA
50-65 years of age
Review about Nairobi National Park by Yukon Travellor
Surrounded by the city. Some decent animal and bird viewing.