35-50 years of age
Review about Kruger National Park by Fad
Huge park with much variation. Lots to see if you are in the right part at the right time and a lot of camps to choose from or tour between.
35-50 years of age
On a downward curve
Having visited uMkhuze on several occasions previously I was somewhat concerned this year to see it looking somewhat shabbier than on previous visits. Signage was poor and some of the hides in a lamentable state of repair. Game viewing was also not what I had experienced on earlier visits.
That said, the accomodation was as good as I remember; comfortable, isolated chalets, a swimming pool all to me and my wife and father in law and babboon and impala right at the door. There is also cheap, decent food just a stone's throw away at the camp restaurant and nightly tours that are both reasonably priced and far from overcrowded. What game I did see was worth the trip; a pack of wild dogs (the rarest predator on the continent as I understand it), fantastic up-close views of a very impressive Kudu and plenty of bird life. On earlier trips I have seen rhino, both black and white, there, bush babies, hyena, civet, hippo, giraffe, zebra, untold impala and nyala and some of the rarer birds.
uMkhuze is a quiet reserve, perhaps due to it's current lack of maintenance, so there is no danger of encountering crowds and it has some lovely picnic spots by the pans where there was no one but myself, my family, and the monkeys to spoil the peace. With a bit more care uMkhuze could be a lovely, peaceful place to visit again and the staff are helpful and pleasant. It is also conveniently located for day trips to neighbouring Hluhluwe-Umfolozi and the St Lucia wetland park (now renamed iSimangaliso). A good destination for bird lovers but not as varied scenery wise as I might prfer, with a lot of thick, flat brush for the animals to lose themselves in.
Weather in early April was almost perfect, warm but not too hot, mosquito free (from what we saw) and suitable for Braais (BBQs) every night at the fixed Braai grills that are located outside each chalet, and cleaned at dawn each day. Just don't forget to take your own charcoal, lighters and food as the shop is a little sparse.
A little much needed work and uMkhuze could be, once again, a top destination, located as it is within easy travelling distance from Durban.
35-50 years of age
Review about South Africa by Fad
Having only ever visited South Africa I could not make comment on the rest of the continent.
US
20-35 years of age
Review about Naga Safaris by skogstad
In making the plans, we were given wrong banking information from them via email, so we had to investigate lost $ with our banks and send again. They didn't seem apologetic at all at the hoops we had to then jump through. Once we arrived there were changes to our emailed plans and we had to really stay on top of them to get what we were told we'd get (guides, etc.). As we left, the owner told us that they were graciously adding staff to our large group and we could tip them all. When we booked it, they said they'd have staff appropriate for our group size, so this addition seemed odd, as it should have been appropriate staff to begin with. What was amazing, was the guide they ended up giving us, as he is what made the safari trip what it was. What they did best was get us Dennis Pheto. Other than that, I didn't see much special about the company- nor anything too objectionable. I'd use them again, but would definitely shop around first.
NL
35-50 years of age
Review about Golden Gate Highlands National Park by Yamada Clan
No important wild life present and scenic not that interesting after you've done Royal Natal national park. But when passing thru worth a short 1 day stay and do some short hikes.
NL
35-50 years of age
Satisfying
Nice park, but can be very crowded in the south part. If you want more tranquility go half way or up north. Because of the asfalt roads you might have some trouble getting the real bush feeling, even if you do the gravel roads. Even these are easy traveling with any car. But overall still a must visit when you are in Africa. Don't bother doing the safari tours, you can do it all by your self in your own car. Spend your money on safaris in private game reserves.
NL
35-50 years of age
Review about South Africa by Yamada Clan
Safari in South Africa is overall nice but not as impressive and authentic as in Namibia, Botswana and Mozambique. But a very nice start for traveling to Africa. The sceniry is overwhelming and every half hour drive you will get the feeling of being in a different world as the hour before.
50-65 years of age
Review about Spioenkop Game Reserve by Pierre Lombard
Small park next to spioenkop dam.Pony rides offered to do game viewing allowing one to get really close up to rhino and other game.Near by there are historic boer/english battlefields one can visit.
50-65 years of age
Review about Golden Gate Highlands National Park by Pierre Lombard
This is a small but beautiful park.
50-65 years of age
Review about Zambezi Region by gsskimsing
From what our guide told us, a lot of the wildlife had been hunted down during the Namibian War of Independence in the 70's and 80's. We saw far fewer wildlife than the other parks I visited. However, speaking to another tourist who had done a flyover above the Caprivi, she described it as a paradise with big herds of animals scattered over the bush.