Five Star!
Here is a snippet from my journal. In summary this was a remarkable resort. I'd recommend it in a flash!
On our last morning at Victoria Falls the breakfast calm was shattered when a baboon leaped off the roof on to the veranda dining area and terrorized a man at a table. His fortunate wife had just left to make another pass at the buffet. The animal grasped for food off the mans table but he only succeeded in knocking dishes on to the floor before a waiter shooed him away.
The Zambezi Sun, our hotel, is ideally located, literally at the entrance to the National Park, which includes the falls. It's several acres with a series of two story hotel units. On our last day, right around six four zebra sauntered past our living room. Just up, I grabbed my pants and went out with photo equipment in hand. They were oblivious of my presence. This apparently is not unusual on our first evening a group of velvet monkeys went prancing by our unit. Giraffe and elephant are in the area, but I did not see any during our stay. We did see several gazelle as we arrived at the property that first evening.
We toured the falls our first evening. It was hot and the sun still intense at five. We took the main route across the "knife-edge bridge." The water flow was very disappointing, just a trickle; this was the end of the dry season in October. The path leads to a promontory overlooking the main falls area. The vista is spectacular even without the water flow. The drop-off is hundreds of feet, providing an excellent sphincter test! In the distance is the main bridge over the mighty Zambezi river linking Zambia with Zimbabwe.
On the middle of our three day stay we did a river cruise. The Zambezi is the fourth longest river in Africa we were told. The Nile, the Congo, and the ++. We had wanted to do the "African Queen," a larger vessel than seen in the Bogart movie. But, it was only available for the sunset dinner cruise, which was not of interest to us. How lucky for us as it turns out. The small boat, which would probably hold 12 or more, was large enough to seem safe. There was only one other couple, Ian & Esther--another story, so the boat was very fast and very maneuverable.
We started our adventure heading upriver. Within a quarter we came on a herd of bachelor elephants. There were 16-17 in the all male group. The captain pulled right up to them at the river bank as he told us to not worry, because they do not go into the water. Whereupon one and then three elephants entered the river just to our left. We moved on up the river a nod in a short while came on 5-6 hippos; they were grazing on the bank. As we moved closer they hurried off to one side into the river. From then on it was just eyes, ears and noses! There were many other species, most birds, one croc and a variety of fauna. Toward the end of our two hour jaunt we beached the craft and had a Picnic lunch with fried chicken, curried potatoes, some quiche and fruit for desert. Back on board we went bat out of hell down rapids to the hotel where we were dropped off. A magical day!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best Safari Experience with Shadows of Africa
It's difficult to choose a tour operator for a safari if you don't have a referral. There are so many companies out there. We narrowed it down to Shadows of Africa because they were SO informative, so communicative, and helped us with some logistics with 4 of us coming from different countries and needing particular types of accommodations. Everything exceeded our expectations; we loved our driver, Moody and we had the experience of a lifetime. You feel surprised all along the way with lodges that are beautiful and food that is great and the warmth of the people and of course, most of all, we saw more animals and scenarios than we expected - and they can't probably control that, but we felt that Moody was an amazing guide, seeing things we would have totally missed. And being unplugged in nature for 6 days? Pure heaven. I will recommend this group to everyone. Thank you, Shadows of Africa. It was the best.
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The Safari of a Lifetime
I have been on four Safari's so far in East Africa and the one organized by Zazu Tours and Safaris tops my list. It was so well organized and the staff were incredible. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and our cook made sure that there was an abundance of delicious local cuisine. And nothing beats camping in the middle of the Serengeti. Truly the experience of a lifetime. I highly recommend Zazu Tours and would love to go back and Safari with them again.
CH
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Outstanding first safari experience
We were a group of 4 people thereof 1 in a wheelchair. As we didn't know if a safari with a handicaped person really works we were a little bit afraid when starting the safari. But thanks to the good preparation of NRSC it was an outstanding experience for us: everything was perfectly organised! The lodges were very comfortable and people extremely attentive. Our driver was very experienced and supportive and adapted the daily program to our specific needs whenever it was necessary. Everything Fransisca and her team promised came more than true - it was our first safari, but hopefully not our last (of course only with NRSC!)!
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
fantastic adventure
Together with Makasa we made plans for climbing the Kilimanjaro and after that 8 days of safari.
We told Makasa about our plans and they made for us a perfect custom vacation plan. We must have asked them a million questions about climbing the Kilimanjaro and every question was answered. Its been an experience we will not forget, and i'm very pleased we booked with Makasa. The safari was also wonderful with a very experienced guide. He knew so much facts about the animals and nature to tell us. We've visited 4 parks each with there own unique experience. Everything was very well arranged. It was the perfect vacation.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An absolutely excellent experience from initial planning to the superb Birding Safari
When Nature's Wonderland creates a Safaris it is not just selling a packaged safari. Joseph Mwangi,President is very sensitive to the clients he will serve. Correspondence prior to any Safaris take in the total desires for the Safari. Although Safaris may look the same,NATURES WONDERLAND Makes sure that the actual tour is unique and tailored to the clients.
We have never had such prompt response to questions and/or suggestions for additions or changes to the itinerary. We were listened to and had a positive relationship prior to meeting.
Our Safari delivered far beyond our expectations. We listed over 400 new species of birds. We were able to visit specific habitats of seldom seen species and to ensure our spotting of these species Joseph engaged local birders who knew the exact location of the species. This expedited our spotting, while keeping us on schedule. Never once did we fail to find the bird.
At our groups request to include not only intense birding but also the animals of Kenya, cultural experiences and an encounter with school children each was provided again beyond our expectations.
Accommodations were more than first class, a variety giving a taste of the different areas.
Joseph and his driver, John, were very professional and also very personable sharing information, friendly and fun. When the Safari concluded we left overwhelmed at such a birding and nature experience. We will continue to be in contact with Nature's Wonderland Safaris.
Any further opportunities we have for Africa Birding will be with Nature's Wonderland Safaris
Thank You, Joseph for giving our group the experience of a lifetime.
MT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The experience of a lifetime
Setting plans with eastern sun tours was as easy as a,b,c. when planning a tour of this sort one starts to build up heaps of concerns ,i was one of them .I started to browse the web to find tour operators that meet our needs and also affordable .Send tons of inquires to various operators ,all showing same itinerary but prices varies a lot .Eastern sun was our choice .Started to communicate via e mails ,i was a real pain in the butt but Mercy was always patient and helpful,no communication barriers or whatsoever .No problems when it comes to bank swifts ,Africa is a non-sepa country and so you cannot make ibans ,for me it was a great concern sending a lump sum to this alien account ,but believe me i would have never had this negative thought if i knew Mercy et al before .....they are wonderful people . The safari journey was mind-blowing ,the driver/guide did a great job, he showed us all of it ,always on time and helpful.Lodges and camps that eastern sun recommended were tops .Great scenery ,.good food and excellent service .During our 7 day safari we had only one issue with one resort for small portions of food ,they served us a double portion after complaining .Having said that Eastern sun tours showed us Tanzania with a very affordable price and made a group of 4 adventurers from Malta very very happy .
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Trip, But Very Unprofessional
First I'll start by saying that we had an amazing trip, saw many animals, our drivers were good, and Big Time was much cheaper than the other safari trips that I read about online.
However, I'm rating them a 2 because if you sign up with Big Time, you should understand what you may be getting into. They are slightly dishonest, and they consistently try to get more money from you.
It started by us agreeing to a 9 day safari online in advance of our trip. When we got to the Big Time office, we paid, but they made us pay an extra 5% to use credit card... And they do not accept checks. So they immediately violated the contract we agreed on, but after arguing, there was nothing we could do, because our whole trip depended on this safari, and we had no backup plan. So we paid extra.
Then, we learned that our 9 day safari was actually 2 smaller safaris with travel days in between. And despite the contract saying "all meals and hotels/campsites are included in the 9 day safari price," they made us pay extra for our hotel and meals in between the 1st and 2nd safari. They also charged us $20 if we wanted to use their sleeping bags at the campsite, when bedding was supposed to be included.
Now here comes the most ridiculous part. We were encouraged to change our safari plan by a Big Time manager instead of the one we originally decided on. We finally agreed to do the change. After we arrive from completing the safari, he says that we need to pay extra for changing the route! When this was never mentioned to us before! He even threatened to take the money that “we owed” out of the driver’s paycheck if we would not pay. It was completely unprofessional.
To sum up the experience, the actual safari was wonderful. Our drivers were very nice, and the vans were full (8 person van for safari #1 and 4 person van for safari #2), but we still had great views. However, the management uses too many sneaky tactics to get you to pay extra.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Hiked Kilimanjaro with Focus In Africa
Focus in Africa provided a great vacation and well planned climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The team of guides, porters, cooks and assistants were friendly and accommodating, and throughout the trip were genuinely interested in getting to know us and making sure we felt at ease and comfortable as we ascended kilimanjaro's slopes. Focus in Africa could have been stronger on the communication and administrative side of things: there was some confusion around how much to tip and what was included in the pre-paid arrangements. The management also stumbled a bit with one of the hotel arrangements. Overall, the on-the-ground staff was nothing short of superb, the management left a little bit to be desired in a few areas but was competent for the most part. Would recommend to a friend.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing bird & wildlife, wonderful camps & people, great horses, expert guides & faultlessy arranged
Safari was superb, good balance of camps (2 dry/wet & 1 riding) & excelled beyond our expectations. The camps were extremely comfortable & well run by caring, helpful people, the food was excellent, the Guides & Trackers were devoted to conservation & always informative, the horses were a delight to ride & the game/bird viewing was amazing. In all 3 camps, the attention to our safety was reassuringly paramount. Native Escapes tailormade everything perfectly & just could not have been more helpful - what better way to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary!