Fantastic Okavango-style wilderness with fewer tourists
I visited Mudumu NP several times between August-September in 2002 as part of a larger self-drive safari through Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. We found Mudumu to be relatively small but with many rewards in terms of scenery, large numbers of Elephant, good viewings of small groups of other game (Kudu, Buffalo, Baboons etc) and excellent bird watching. A huge plus for our group was that there were relatively few tourists – meaning the park could be explored in a leisurely fashion. The landscape is certainly very Okavango-like with numerous small waterways and the beautiful Kwando River, as well as many vegetated anthills. At the time we visited the road network into the northern section of the park was poorly-developed. This wasn’t a major problem as most of the action was along the river. The weather was perfect for safaris in July-August. One discomfort was the presence of tsetse fly in parts of the park. Overall, a very rewarding place to visit if you are prepared to go a little off the track.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Botswana by Chris
Botswana remains quite untouched like other more accessible parts of Africa. The Okovango really is special and unique and the true old school safari takes you into another sense of time. Large elephant herds are common and the concentration of game generally surpasses those seen in other parts of Southern Africa.
East Africa is special in its own way, but is spoilt by higher costs and mandatory chaperoning.
Review about Namibia by ninoximages
Wildlife: Seeing huge herds of Elephant (over 300 strong) on the move through open grassland was a real highlight. At the time we visited there were only small groups of other game, but these were very rewarding viewings.
Scenic beauty: Beautiful grassland, ant mounds, the clear Kwando River and sunsets are all to be highly recommended.
Bush vibe: Highly recommended on this basis. The camping along the river really puts you amongst the game. A lot of the best viewing is right from the camping areas. The relative lack of tourists also creates a real bush vibe.
Birding: Great bird watching in general – numerous species (possibly due to such a diversity of habitats in a small area). Highlights from our trip include different species of bee-eaters, Malachite Kingfishers, Fish Eagles, Bateleur Eagles and many types of waterbirds.
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65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Tarangire National Park by Bob Gunderson
Great diversity of animal and bird life.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Serengeti National Park by Bob Gunderson
The Serengeti should rate high in everyone's safari agenda. Its vastness and and animal population make it one of my favorite safari destinations.
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65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Katavi is a place to consider for experienced safari goers who want a wilderness experience.
Katavi National Park presents a bit of a mixed bag. It is remote and therefore expensive to get to. Its remoteness does provide a better safari/bush experience but its very remoteness means fewer roads which force the few vehicles and visitors on them. But, it is a world away from the traffic in the Ngorongoro Crater and therefore will provide a truer safari experience for those seeking it.
I have some difficulty recommending Katavi for a first time safari. It is better suited to a repeat visitor who might know more of what to expect from the safari experience. We were there in August and experienced lots of tsetse flies and reports of blazing heat later in the fall. However, I do not wish to imply that all was negative. In what was our third trip to Africa that included visits to nine parks we saw the largest herds of Cape Buffalo, more Hippos and more Crocodiles in Katavi than in any park we visited. We also we fortunate to see herds Roan Antelope, wonderful Lion prides and some fantastic birding.
Much of the safari experience is dependent on the quality of the accommodations and the expertise of the guides. Chada Katavi was a first-rate camp with excellent food, hospitality and accommodations. Even if the camp Elephants were not always cooperative it was a blast to see one about 75 yards away when in the shower.
The Nomad guides were first rate. They have enormous knowledge, are pleasant and go out of there way to make the safari experience as rich as possible. The ability to go on a short walking safari was a big plus. Nomad Tanzania and Chada Katavi get the highest possible recommendations.
Selinda Game Reserve 5-Stars
The staff at Selinda Game Reserve is accommodating, charming, and truly proud to be there. We enjoyed our time with them almost as much as seeing the wildlife. Our guides were the best that we experienced in Botswana, and we were incredibly lucky with the diversity of animals that we were able to encounter.
Additionally, the facilities at the camp with fantastic.
We highly recommend Selinda Game Reserve.
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65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Tanzania by Bob Gunderson
Home to some of the best safari parks in the worlds.
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65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Nomad Tanzania by Bob Gunderson
I cannot imagine that there are more knowledgeable guides and that camp are first-rate.
Review about Ngorongoro Crater by Alistair Tough
This is one of the outstanding tourist destinations in East Africa