We saw all but the big game--Lions--up close and it was amazing.
We had won this safari trip at a fundraiser for Room to Read and when we got there we learned that all of the other guests had also come through winning a charity auction from a soccer league to a Providencetown gay support group. while this game reserve was on a much smaller scale than the ones you hear about at Kreuger, Tanzania or Kenya, it was spectacular nonetheless.
Our guides were great in taking us out and finding all sorts of wildlife up close including the buffalos, elephants, wildebeest, zebra herds, giraffes, rhinos, nyalas and other type of antelopes. The waterholes were teeming with all types of animals and birds. We were glad to be in the big safari trucks as a herd of elephants with their babies brushed against the vehicle.
We did a bit of a walkabout behind our guide with a loaded gun as we rousted out several rhinos who were hiding in the bush. Good thing they ran away from us rather than charging.
The lodge was in a beautiful setting with vistas over the entire jungle area. One of the help at the lodge removed a green snake from one of our deck chairs. He didn't say whether it was poisonous or not.
On one evening we had a group of Zulu performers provide dance and singing while we had dinner. The same group plus other were in a made up village like you would find in Disneyworld who showed us some of the activities of daily living including a visit to the shaman, crafts, and cooking, and a bone throwing fortune teller. they also had samples of typical huts you would find in the bush.
Review about Kenya by Chris M.
Hard to beat Kenya as a safari destination. It has it all.
Review about South Africa by Goodstuff
SA is a wonderful safari destination. Great people, a unbelievable variety in scenery, fascinating wildlife. First world infra structure.
Review about Kenya by loemaggi
I loved to see all that wildlife, and Kenyans are extremely kind people
Review about Namibia by Marleen Horsten
There is much to see and to do in Namibia. Abundant wildlife, in national parks and gamefarms, but also roaming free in Damaraland and Kaokoland in combination with beautiful sceneries. There is a great choice of accommodations. Campsites, self catering, guestfarms and lodges (basic to very luxurious).
In the coastal area (Walvisbaai, Swakopmund) you can enjoy f.e. Scenic flights, quadbike tours, sandsurfing, "gogga" tours (looking for the little 5) or dolphincruises.
Hot springs, geysers, flamingos, and few tourists.
Lake Bogoria is off the usual safari circuit. It doesn't have the wildlife or resorts of Lake Nakuru and it isn't boat friendly like Lake Baringo. But it does have boiling hot springs, erupting geysers, colorful landscapes, and loads of flamingos. It's seriously hot here - an outdoor spa where you'll see locals taking in the steam to cleanse their skin, sinuses, and some say, their spirit. Worth a detour if you're in the area but not a destination in and of itself.
Review about Masai Mara National Reserve by Chris M.
The best of the best. The classic safari experience not to be missed. If you have only one place to go on safari go to Masai Mara.
Review about Hell's Gate National Park by Chris M.
Great place to get out of the truck and join the wildlife. Ride a mountain bike alongside zebras and gazelles. Explore sandstone caverns.
Review about Kakamega Forest National Reserve by Chris M.
Not your usual safari - it's a rain forest not a savannah. Exceptional for birding and hiking. Lots of monkeys and chimpanzees too.
Review about Lake Nakuru National Park by Chris M.
An easy to reach park to see big game. Doesn't have the bush vibe of Masai Mara but a great place to check your Big Five boxes.