ES
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Chobe River National Park in Botswana is a Wonderful Location
Except for Airfare to and return from Johannesburg, tips for guides and staff, alcoholic beverages, and miscellaneous the cost of the Safari is all-inclusive. It includes overnight stay in Johannesburg the first night and air transfers during the Safari. The boat that the CNP safaris use on the Chobe River is custom-made with 360° rotating seats with an adjustable camera mount which has a Wimberley gimbal head. This gives you the option of photographing in different directions, high or low and the ability to follow moving creatures. It also means that you do not have to carry as much camera equipment that you would normally have to. I brought with me was a camera body, and three lenses, 17-35 mm, 35-70 mm, and 70-200 mm.
CNP also supplies professional Nikon equipment for the use of the participants. To give everybody a chance photographing from the front of the boat, for the first two trips, you used the seat that you were assigned, and for each succeeding trip everybody moved one seat up, and of course, the front person transferred to the last position.
you are able to photograph multiple species of mammals including wild dogs, elephants, hippopotamuses, Cape Buffalo, and baboons. There are multiple species of birds ranging from raptors to Passerine's along with wonderful scenery
The average day started at around 6 AM with coffee; then we will head out to the Chobe varying locations. We would photograph, and had an instructor available to help with any of problems. We would return to the dock in time to have a late breakfast. After breakfast, the group would gather in the boardroom four a lecture and/or instruction plus time to download our images from the morning’s event. There was time, for a rest before the afternoon’s trip. We would leave by 3 PM at the latest or earlier depending on the distance that we need travel on the Chobe to get to a location. Returned to the dock around 6 PM, where we went to our room freshened up before meeting for supper.
We follow the same itinerary daily, except for the last day, where we left for the morning shoot, returned, finished packing up, checking out, and being driven to the airport we would board the plane for the flight back to Johannesburg. The nicest part was at the airport actor Kasane; we could check our bags right through to our final destination plus get all of our boarding passes.
Included in the cost of the trip was everything from when you arrived in Johannesburg and until you left, excluding tips for the guides and helpers. The cost of the flight from JFK to Johannesburg range from $1000 to $1400, depending on when you booked.
The rooms Chobe Safari Large were large with two double beds side by side, mosquito netting, available, a work desk, stall shower and a large bathtub. In each room were a fan and air conditioning. Breakfast and supper were buffet style with multiple items available for your gastronomical pleasure. There were omelets and eggs cooked to order, cheeses and bread, different juices, coffee or tea. At suppertime, you could have a different soup every day, salads, stir-fry, at least 4 to 5 varieties of meat, fish, and vegetarian.
Two nights, we ate in the other dining room which was more formal with tablecloths and prepared appetizers and entrées.
Alcoholic beverages and wines were available, which you were charged separately for, and their prices were very reasonable.
We had to great captains on the boat, Kawana, and Mokamba, who knew the river, how to position the boat to obtain the best pictures and could identify flora and fauna for us.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Surpassed All Expectations!
This trip surpassed all of my expectations. We booked everything through Ker & Downey Africa (Emma and Razaan were incredible!) I traveled with a group of five to Cape Town and then to Sabi Sands Reserve Park. We stayed at the Elephant Plains Lodge which included a beautiful pool overlooking a plain frequented by elephants (so it lived up to its name!). Our first two game drives and we had already check all boxes for the trip! All the Big 5 to include being in the middle of a herd of about 70 elephants. Lions feeding their cubs. Leopards in a tree and out of a tree. African Buffalo and Rhinos. We also tracked wild dogs as they hunted and caught a warthog. We were all in shock! I truly expected to drive around a while and see some animals...not to be as close as we were! We went on 4 game drives after that which were just a cherry on top! The game drives were out of this world, bush walks were exciting and informative, the food was incredible, accommodations were extremely clean and comfortable. It was a dream. Really I can't recommend Emma and Razaan enough. They made the entire trip personalized and special for me and my group (and arranged several birthday treats for me along the way!). I can't wait to come back!
LT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing! A lot of animals. This was realy unforgettable.
Our guide and driver Patric was excellent. Very friendly and professional. Thanks a lot for him. Obviously Tanzania is calm and safe country. I definitely recommend to take at least 5 days safari and after relax in Zanzibar.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Absolutely perfect!
We used Godson for safari and hiking Kilimanjaro. Godson was absolutely incredible. Him and his team looked after us so well. For me in particular as I have dietary requirements (coeliac) I was a little nervous but the food was not only safe but really delicious. The whole experience with Godson was very professional and extremely friendly. I would highly recommend Godson for Safari's and hiking, he certainly went above and beyond my expectations.
nice one
Tanzania was simply an amazing country to visit , price was a bit pricey but , was totally worth it
CH
nice one
A memorable experience which we will never forget. Our guide Hubert looked after us and new where to be for the best photos and answered all our questions, we will never forget his kindness. The accommodation was excellent.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent planning and customer service.
Planning and booking a safari is a daunting experience. We looked into and contacted a number of companies for a safari in Masai Mara preserve in Kenya. Although we had many proposals, Denis from African Vacation Safaris clearly was the most thorough and thoughtful. His proposal included multiple options in terms of budgets with each detailed in what to expect. His communication was timely and precise and he made us feel like we were in trusted hands. True to his word, the experience was excellent. Joseph, out guide, was outstanding and his expertise was evident right away. Each day fulfilled our expectations and he was a true professional in his knowledge and understanding of the area. We were extremely happy with the trip and would recommend them to anyone.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent safari adventure with a fantastic tour guide
Overall I was very impressed by the service from African Skimmer Safaris. Nick is very educated about all of the wildlife and areas that you will be visiting, he is very friendly, and one of the best drivers on the planet. Taking a safari in Kenya is an experience not to be missed, with unforgettable sights of diverse wildlife and culture.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent trip!
Last week we came back from a 15-day Kenya-Tanzania safari and Zanzibar resort trip arranged by Otieno of KWSS. It was an amazing experience. It started with emails between me and Otieno and he never failed to respond on time with detailed answers to all of my questions. It was a real pleasure corresponding with him. If you are hesitant to send 100% deposit, don’t be. It’s a very responsible and reliable establishment. While on safari, I had called Otieno few times and he answered calls immediately, assuring concerns and answering questions.
On our first part of the trip in Kenya (lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara, Amboseli) we spent with assigned guide Anthony. If you decide to book your trip with KWSS, I highly recommend you request Anthony to be your guide. He is not only knowledgeable and friendly; he is also a person with a huge heart. I highly encourage everyone to bring something for the children of Maasai Mara tribes, when visiting. Box of cookies, few packs of candies will not break your bank but will be divided amongst these unfortunate children and will go a long way. In any case, let Anthony be your guide and let him share his knowledge of Kenya and safari with you. Not only that he tries hard for you to see the wildlife, he will explain to you the behavior of the animal and will predict what will happen next. If you witness a lioness finish devouring her kill, do not leave the spot right away. Savanna drama continues. You will likely see hyenas, vultures and others to compete for food.
Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater in Tanzania are the highlights of the trip, especially Ngorongoro. The amount of animals you’ll see there, even in low season, is unbelievable. Flamingoes and a black rhino are the only two species that we couldn’t find. But hey, it’s like going fishing. One day you catch some and on other days you don’t.
Last but not least. Be prepared for the unexpected. A shower in the lodge may not be like back home, a generator might go out in the tented camp or a baboon might steal your lunch box. It’s all good; don’t let it ruin your trip. Be prepared for long, dusty roads. Bring few surgical masks to cover your mouth, plastic bags for your photo equipment, lots of patience and generosity.
Zanzibar was good, but we were so tired from the trip that we just vegetated for few days, doing absolutely nothing but relax.
Overall experience with KWSS is five stars and if we ever decide to come back, rest assure we will book with Kenya Walking Survivors Safaris.
Thank you Otieno. Thank you Anthony.
