US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Exceptional wildlife and expansive landscapes.
It's hard to beat the wildlife, biodiversity, and expansive landscapes of Tanzania. From the highest peak on the continent to Ngorongoro wildlife rich crater, from the expansive Serengeti to vibrant alleyways of Stonetown on Zanzibar, Tanzania has it all and then some. If you're short on time and want to see big game, head straight to Ngorongoro. You'll see everything but giraffes here - they can't climb down/up the steep crater walls. There's so much wildlife it almost feels like a zoo. If you're more into the search and discovery style safari, and have the time, the Serengeti is for you. Better yet, do both. Climb Mt Killy to brag that you bagged the continent's summit, but for my time and money, I'd climb Mt Kenya - more beautiful and fewer traffic jams on the trail. Finally, the rich swahili culture, white sand beaches, and the alluring alleyways of Stone Town on Zanzibar are not to be missed.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Zimbabwe by Alison
I loved Zimbabwe, everything was amazing, the few touristy places we visited like Victoria Falls and Antelope Park, where I thought there would be lots of people, there weren't, you had space to do your own thing.
And the wild places were really wild and untouched, it felt like we were the only people there. If you are going to Zimbabwe it would go to all the places I went and I would go again, Victoria Falls, Antelope Park, Hwange National Park and the Great Zimbabwe Ruins
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve by WanderingEarl33
This is a smaller reserve and while it does include a beautiful stretch of beach, it just wasn't as beautiful as Phinda. But there was plenty of wildlife to be seen.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
As perfect a safari as I could imagine
This was an absolute highlight of my visit to South Africa. The variety of wildlife was simply unreal as we saw every animal that I could possibly think of. It's a beautiful location with a combination of open expanses, hills and forests, plenty of dirt roads to get you into the middle of the reserve and rarely was another safari vehicle seen during the 3 days we were there.
The accommodation is five star and involves private villas in the middle of the reserve, each village as luxurious as can be. Transportation involved excellent condition, super comfortable safari vehicles and our guide and animal tracker were knowledgeable, friendly and just brilliant people to spend time with.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve by originalribenababy
Sadly I think Semliki is still recovering, or at least that was the case when we were there. True we didn't see another soul - even in the hotel we tried to visit! - but some of the game loops were closed. The buffalo and handful of Kob we saw looked truly surprised to see us!
The hot springs here are interesting and we had a good local guide take us there. There are also wonderful views from the roads across into the DRC.
Perhaps the new road they were building will change its fare?
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Kibale National Park by originalribenababy
We were in Kibale with the view of tracking the chimpanzees, but our best experience was at Bigodi wetlands. We saw many primates there and they were given their own space. It felt a little like we were persuing the chimpanzees which felt a little exploitative.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Murchison Falls National Park by originalribenababy
Loved Murchison! And it's really close to Ziwa Rhino sanctuary so, if you have been lucky on your safari so far, you can tick off the last of your 'Big 5' with a visit there after.
We found charismatic and knowledgable UWA guides, beautiful vast plains and tons of mammals and birds. Even the dreaded tsetse flies could not put us off. We had an amazing leopard sighting here and our boat trip up the Nile and walk at the top of the falls added in variety. Magical place I would recommend to anyone.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Bwindi Impenetrable National Park by originalribenababy
Seeing mountain gorillas in the wild is such a special experience - I'm not sure much will top it! Especially when the gorillas decided to be our guests while we had dinner at Volcanoes Bwindi Safari Lodge as well!
Bwindi is more on the well trodden tourist path - as much as Uganda can be! You will see other tourists here, and the trekking is generally full - but Bwindi itself still maintains a small, quiet village charm.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Lake Mburo National Park by originalribenababy
Really enjoyed Lake Mburo! Didn't have high expectations, as I really just thought of it as a stop off on the way down to Beindi but I live this park! There was a different sighting around every corner, beautiful scenery and so many ways to see it depending on which lodge you chose to stay in. Would recommend two nights there easily.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Chimps, boating and the savannah all in one
I visited Uganda with Lake Kitandara Tours for just over two weeks. We had a private vehicle and our driver/guide, Matia, was fantastic!
We stayed at Hippo Hill Camp and Ishasha Wilderness Camp during our time in Queen Elizabeth NP. We also got chance to visit Mweya Safari Lodge and Katara Lodge. Personally I prefer the likes of Ishasha Wilderness Camp, for it's laid back bush camp atmosphere (with luxury little touches) but seeing other camps I understand Uganda offers a range to suit many safari goers from honeymooners to families.
Food was always good and plentiful, all western fare. Cheaper accommodations produced simpler food but still tasty.
The highlight of our time in Queen Elizabeth was seeing tree climbing lions in Ishasha (after a long time searching!); meeting chimpanzees in the Kyambura Gorge - and having a face off with one of the males!; listening to hippos around our tent as we slept and having an amazing birding experience on the Kazinga Channel.