50-65 years of age
Enormous variety of animals in one relatively small park
Our first trip to Africa and we chose Archers Direct as our tour company. We have found them to be a good choice for other tours in the past. Samburu was the first park we visited on our tourand unknown to us, an amazing variety of animal and birdlife was waiting to be seen.
When we arrived at the Samburu Game Lodge we were delighted with the well appointed accomodation under a canvas roof'. The lodges are located within a few yards of the river bank with a decking verandah to view the animals by the riverside. These include monkeys, baboons, black buck and a large family of elephants (on the other side!) not to mention several species of birds including kingfisher. Our lodge was about 100 yards from the main buildings, restaraunt etc., but after the evening meal we were always accompanied to our lodge by one of the security staff with torch, just in case a baboon might be roaming around. Security staff constantly patrolled the perimeter, which made us feel very safe
The food was buffet style with a variety of cooked meals including good vegetarian choices and was of very good quality. All the staff were extremely friendly and helpful (as we found throughout our tour of Kenya).
When we were there most of the park was very dry and brown (unlike much of Kenya which was surprisingly verdant) but there was plenty of trees and bushes for animal cover. We were very excited at the start of the first ever game drive and were soon rewarded by the sight of several lionesses relaxing in the shade of an acacia tree. On this and subsequent drives we were regularly stopping to take photos of Zebra, Giraffe, Gazelles, various species of antelope, Elephant, Lions patrolling (super photo opportunity), birds (including bee-eater, eagles, goshawk, and various ground birds). It was wonderful to be so close to the animals, which for the most part ignored the presence of the vehicle (a six seat minibus). We saw more and more variety on each game drive and were lucky enough to spot a Leopard on the way back from our very last drive - Wow!
I recommend a long lens for your camera to get those close up and intimate shots and I found a camera bean bag for supporting the lens to be essential to avoid camera shake. All in all Samburu was a fantastic introduction to the Kenyan safari and I highly recommend a visit to this lovely place. We are looking forward to another safari trip in a few years time.
50-65 years of age
Review about Aberdare National Park by Clive Cheeseman
Beautiful verdant countryside, more heavily populated area with rich soil for agriculture. A close vision of the poverty in Africa even in this richer area.
50-65 years of age
Review about Masai Mara National Reserve by Clive Cheeseman
The best of all for wide open breathtaking scenery and variety of species. I felt very emotional when leaving with feelings for both the animals and the beautiful local people. The first thing we did on returning home was to seek out a charity for the Masai people.
50-65 years of age
Review about Lake Nakuru National Park by Clive Cheeseman
Again a very beautiful scenic location. We saw mainly Flamingo, Pelican, and Rhino. Unfortunately we had problems with the vehicle in this park, so did not get to see as much of it as we should have. I believe others saw many more species here.
NL
20-35 years of age
Review about Tanzania by Timothy Mulder
Tanzania has some wonderful places to see wildlife. Highlights for us where the Lake Manyara Tree lodge, visiting the Ngorongoro crater and Lodge, and especially Klein's Camp. Sure some of the locations can be very busy with tourist (Ngorongoro crater for example), but in almost every case the beauty of the wildlife and nature will overcome this drawback with ease.
US
50-65 years of age
Review about South Africa by Carl (AKA TwinMountain)
If you are not from sub-saharan Africa, there's nothing like a South African safari for you and South Africa certainly has plenty of opportunity for you to experience these. There is no feeling that you need to keep an eye on your wallet at these game preserves. You'll enjoy the company of everyone you'll meet once at the preserve, and you'll have that once in a lifetime, dream experience. You'll be IN the African Bush.
Review about South Africa by amcnear
Very friendly and diverse cultural vibe. Climate and plant-life also eerily similar to San Francisco-area so as soon as I arrived I felt like I was home.
NL
20-35 years of age
Review about Serengeti National Park by Timothy Mulder
While Serengeti National Park is spectacular and beautiful in its own way, the fact that Klein's Camp is located outside of the National Park where they have even more possibilities (and less regulations) to view wildlife you almost can't compare them. We have seen a lot of beautiful scenery and a lof of different animals, but at the Serengeti National Park you really have to be lucky to see some animals, because you're not allowed to go of the path. Still I think you should also visit this vast & wonderful park where you can have great drives.
US
50-65 years of age
Imagine Jurassic Park only with modern African fauna and flora and you're at Kapama.
First let me tell you that the staff at Kapama couldn't be friendlier or more attentive to a guests needs. I tell you this first because wherever you are, an unfriendly staff can ruin your visit. In addition to the regular staff, the guides were extremely knowledgeable wildlife experts who were clearly deeply interested in enjoying the bush and in enjoying parlaying their knowledge of the bush to their guests.
Now, as regards the wildlife, the experience at Kapama was something we can all only hope that future generations will be able to enjoy as much as I did. This is no zoo. You will find yourself very often so "up close and personal" with lions, elephants, etc. as to cause you to wonder how safe you really are, but don't worry, you are. These people know their business and the way the wildlife will react to your proximity. You will feel fear at times regardless, and that will definitely be part of the story you will tell when you get home.
The only problem with the accommodations was that I got so comfortable that when my four day stay ended, I didn't want to leave. My room was quite luxurious and one morning I got to share my back porch with a Kudu buck. Scared THE HELL out of me AND it when I walked out on to the porch with my coffee. It's another story I tell often.
For the skittish eaters among you, don't worry. Meals at Kapama are much like eating in a better New York City restaurant, only with friendlier service and often served outdoors.
The scenery is spectacular. You are in the African Bush. In the words of Simon and Garfunkel, you are "under African skies". We lucked out with the weather too. We never saw a drop of rain and the mildly hot days turned into downright chilly evenings.
I could easily spend a week or more at Kapama, not necessarily doing day and night game drives every day but just relaxing by the pool, sipping wine and chilling out.
By the way, be SURE to do the elephant back "safari" offered as a side excursion. This was yet another experience at Kapama that I tell people about regularly.
US
50-65 years of age
Review about Sabi Sabi Game Reserve by Carl (AKA TwinMountain)
Sabi Sabi has PLENTY of space and like Mala Mala it is unfenced, but because the preserve has less space than Mala Mala, there's only so far the guides can take their guests without encroaching upon someone else's property. Don't worry though. There is NO QUESTION that you will come into very close proximity of all manner of African wildlife, from weaver birds to elephants and from dwarf mongooses to hippopotami . I LOVED my three night stay at Sabi Sabi and I'd recommend the place highly to anyone.