under20 years of age
Review about Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park by squidy837
It provided an enchanting experience.
35-50 years of age
Enjoying a great park on a budget
We visited Hwange in December which is a little far into the rainy season to see the most animals. The best time to visit is in September when the water holes are great places to spot the wide range of animals in the park.
We stayed in the rustic National Parks cottages which, even in the middle of shortages that were affecting Zimbabwe, were great places to stay and very cost-effective.
We did not have a 4x4 but found there to be ample routes around the park for a normal 2 wheel drive car. We saw a wide selection of antelope, giraffe, cheetah and zebra. We were sad to miss out on the elephants but they had disappeared off into the bush because of the rains. We also got great views of the Black Rhino at the nearby Hwange Safari Lodge.
When we were not self-driving, we went on some excellent guided drives with extremely knowledgeable local guides.
At that time of year, the birding was excellent and could fill in the periods when the larger game was not visible.
35-50 years of age
Review about Zambezi National Park by Swenglishnick & Zimgirl
This park benefits from the awe-inspiring Vic Falls and you see a good selection of wildlife passing along the river.
35-50 years of age
Review about Matobo National Park by Swenglishnick & Zimgirl
A stunning setting amongst the breath-taking kopjes.
US
20-35 years of age
Friendly people, chill vibe, excellent wildlife viewing.
Absolutely awesome wildlife, from the ubiquitous impala to the stealthy leopard. Hippos, crocs, birds of all sorts, as well as elephants, rhinos, lions, bush pigs, hyenas, springboks, giraffes, birds... You name it, you can probably see it in Zambia.
US
20-35 years of age
Review about South Luangwa National Park by Amanda Gardner
Excellent wildlife viewing, not crowded. Great access to Mozambique and Malawi.
SG
35-50 years of age
Breathtaking Okavango, like a painting!
The aerial view of Okavango Delta was unexpectedly breathtaking. The patterns made by the islands, waterways, vegetations were like a constantly changing large canvas of painting by nature. It was a sheer joy watching giraffes, herds of elephants and buffaloes wading in the water.
I had 2 nights of bush camping, coming and going by the local canoes called mokoros. During the bush walks, we had to keep a safe distance from animals, so we could not get as close to them as in a vehicle. A pangolin visited our camp site at night.
We didn't feel very safe in a camp site in Maun. We were told to keep all our belongings in the truck, just had only the necessities in our tents. We were told that tents were slashed and stuff stolen in the middle of the night previously.
The river safari was a special experience, to watch herds of elephants, crocodiles, hippos and buffaloes by the river bank from the water. The land safari was less impressive though.
US
50-65 years of age
Botswana is a beautiful place just teeming with wildlife and birds.
While in Botswana I saw the big five animals and watched a cheetah stalk and chase its prey. Lions were just lying by the road and took no notice of us as we shot numerous photos. We watched elephants cross the river in the morning and return in the evening. I think we saw all of the animals at one time or another. We were there for 14 days but our accommodations were tents that were moved from location to location. Camping gave us the opportunity to get into areas unfrequented by other tourists. There were 8 in our group and we had 3 vehicles that were wide open so we could get the best shots of the animals.
Our vehicles went off in different directions each day but if an unusual siting occurred our guide used a radio to tell the other guides.
We didn't see other tourists since we were not staying in lodges. We were all by ourselves. Our food was wonderful and I still marvel at how they were able to cook such delicious meals. The weather was perfect. Cold in the morning and evening but very warm during the day so we came back into camp after lunch to shower and such and went back out at 3pm. We had very primative camps but that made it fun. I highly recommend Botswana. It is an amazing place and the people were very friendly.
PL
20-35 years of age
I will definitely come back soon!
I didn't know what to expect when I was crossing the border from Zambia to Zimbabwe. But Zimbabwe turned out to be such a tranquil and peaceful country. I regret I didn't have more time to stay there for longer but I am already planning to come back.
The country is so beautiful and picturesque! Clearly it's a must see.
You will appreciate much less crowded parks, great food at significantly lower price than in the neighboring countries.
And don't forget about their biggest pride! Victoria Falls is one of the 7 natural wonders of the world and it really deserves this title!
The Safari Defined
Texas-sized Botswana forms the wedge-shaped heart of southern Africa, resting like a pocketed jewel amidst South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
It's peaceful, prosperous, and splendidly beautiful. Over thirty percent of Botswana's territory -- more than any other nation on earth -- has been set apart as protected parkland, guarded against poaching by a military that fortunately has little else to do. And it's here where you'll find nothing less than the planet's most superb safari opportunities.
The government encourages high-cost but low-impact tourism, avoiding the commercialization of places like Kenya and Tanzania, where vanloads of package tourists converge on animals and battle for the best view.
This is the closest you'll find to the Africa you imagined as a child -- wild and untouched.