US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A fantasy trip!
My wife and I spent almost a week last February at Londolozi and loved every minute of it. From the friendly, helpful staff, to the delicious and abundant food to the immaculate rooms (we stayed in Varty camp), Londolozi spells luxury. The safaris were above and beyond what we had hoped for. Our ranger and guide, whom we spent the entire trip with, did whatever it took to allow us to see, hear, smell, and experience as many animals as they could track down. Over, under and through rough, tangled, wet, (you name it) terrain they made sure we saw as much as possible, even taking special requests. There are thousands of acres of wilderness to explore at Londolozi and we felt like we travelled every inch. As we were there in the middle of summer the grasses were tall so it was hard to find smaller game, such as wild dogs, but seeing a foursome of lion brothers saunter past our jeep just feet away made up for that. You will need to save your money for a stay at Londolozi, but it will be more than worth it.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about South Africa by sgrud1
South Africa is so completely different (the landscape, the people, the food and especially the wildlife) from anything I have on the East Coast of the U.S.
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Comfort and Country all in one package
I arrived at Tembe and was warmly greeted by the staff, many of whom I knew from a previous trip. Luggage was taken to my very comfortable tent and I had plenty of hot water to shower after my long drive. Then it was time for the late afternoon bush trip.
There were so many animals seen - antelope including suni, ellies, giraffes, lions and a rhino. And so many kinds of birds that I couldn't keep track of them all.
Then back to the camp for supper, which was taken in the open. It was atmospheric, convivial and tasty, with the special treat of a bushbaby hanging in a tree near my table begging for fruit. The bushbabies also raid the coffee station near the front desk for packets of sugar, and one little novice ended up stealing a packet with a tea bag in it instead, so I imagine he was very disappointed.
After supper the staff lit a big bonfire in a pit and chairs were placed around it so we could sit with out coffee or after-dinner drinks. There are various entertainments there, singing, dancing groups sometimes, or just quietly chatting as we wound down, getting ready for sleep.
Night in the tents is just magical, with the scent of the earth and growing things all around and the sounds of the animals as they move through the bush or hunt. Elephants sometimes come into the camp at night after everyone is tucked away to snack on the trees around the tents, and at least one nyala makes a habit of browsing through the camp during the day.
The daytime activity I liked best was getting a lunch from the kitchen and going to one of the hides and just sitting there, listening to the breeze, the birds and insects and watching the passing parade of creatures that came to drink. Watching a mom ellie trying to teach a little one how to take a mudbath properly was a hoot, and very special.
There is a small library of nature books and a few novels in case you just want to kick back and do nothing active for a while, computer access for those who must keep in touch, and plunge pool for those hot days. A leisurely, delicious breakfast eaten on the deck in the fresh morning air set me up just right for another day of wonderful discoveries.
An idylic setting for a Malaria-free but authentic Safari Experience
From the moment we were collected from Port Elizabeth Airport, we knew we had made the right decision. Having originally considered staying somewhere where we would fly in a small plane directly into the Game Reserve, we were recommended to Shamwari by so many people that this is where we decided upon.
The accommodation was wonderful, having been designed as large wooden huts covered with tarpauline type rooves which may sound basic but in fact were done in a way to provide luxurious 5 star accommodation whilst at the same time still feeling that you are sleeping in the bush. The bathroom was lovely with huge windows looking onto the bush and the wet-room type shower was a joy to use. Each suite has it's own plunge pool & sunbathing deck and the warthogs do like to join you in the morning & later at night.
The game drives were well organised and our guide JR was extremely knowledgeable & experienced. We we were lucky enough to be in on the capture of a zebra by a pack of lions, from initial set-up through stalking to capture and finally the kill. Not pleasant in itself but to have experienced what would normally only be seen on a wildlife program was a privilege.
Catering was not as good as we had expected but I think as we were unlucky with the rain, so the kitchen was also unlucky in that it couldn't serve meals outside in an informal BBQ environment & more formal indoor service was their forte.
WE would highly recommend Shamwari as a Safari destination
Review about South Africa by OriginalNeilly
Without having previous experience of Safari, South Africa lived up to our expectations
HK
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very special SA safari experience vacation
Ulusaba is hard to fault. Arriving at the reserve's own airstrip via light plane was very special. The location, the activities and the people were outstanding. We visited during the SA summer, but despite this the game spotting was plentiful and, for first time safari-goers, very exciting. Ulusaba offers a compelling mix of beautiful surroundings, luxury accommodation and F&B, and a genuinely engaged and knowledgeable staff and safari team. Highly recommended.
its a great scene especially considering its the longest lake on desert.
Along lake Turkana, there is a unique place called Eliye springs. there is a spring with very clean water that drains its waters into lake Turkana- just 50 meters away. There are two lodges where we usually sleep over. Swimming in the waters on a hot day is a great experience.
Review about Kenya by gathee1000
there are various destinations worth visiting by people from all walks of life; animals, beaches, culture, etc.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Lake Nakuru National Park by seltzca
The wildlife viewing was great! However, the large number of tourists that visit Lake Nakuru has attracted other primates who might want to steal your lunch. Be very careful with your belongings!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Kakamega Forest National Reserve by seltzca
You won't find big game in Kakamega, but you will find diverse birds, reptiles, and plants. It's off the beaten track, and there probably won't be many other tourists around. That said, western Kenya is a densely populated rural area, so you are likely to see people.