65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Addo Elephant National Park by crafty1tutu (Ann Cameron)
We only had about three hours there as part of a tour of the Eastern Cape, so not much time to see many animals. We did see two herds of elephants drinking at the dam which was an amazing sight to see.
AT
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Kruger: the big five plus so much more
My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our safari! The arrangements were easy and professional. Our luck (Clive's skill) was amazing. The weather was great, our animal sightings were up-close and frequent, the accommodations were fun and the food was great! It was more than we expected in many ways, but most of all it was fun and relaxing.
Amazing experience
After starting our South Africa trip in Cape Town, Addo Elephant National Park was the first self drive safari we did. It was an awesome experience. We had the possibility to get realy close to giant elephant. But there is a lot more to see. We didn't see any rhino, lion or leopard, but we did see a lot of warthog, zebra's, buffalo, kudu and a lot more. It's a giant park, but it is not busy at all. This gave us the real safari feeling.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best vacation ever (with a few glitches!)
An African safari has always been on my bucket list, as well as my mothers, so we were both excited for this trip. Noah was great in preparing our itinerary, which we changed numerous times to fit our wants. His communication was excellent; he was always prompt in replying to our questions (remembering that he is halfway around the world!) All of the lodges he selected were superb!
Our trip did not get off to the best start, as there was no guide to meet us at the airport (there were about 100 other guides there though!) A gentleman at the airport was able to call Wildebeest Safaris for us, arranged a cab to our hotel (which Wildebeest covered), and confirmed that our guide would meet us at the hotel the following morning. Our guide, Dennis, was there early, and we left by 7:30am. Two of the first three police safety checkpoints stopped our vehicle, questioning the condition of the tires (they were worn out) but let us proceed. The roads in Kenya are terrible, and sure enough, a couple of days later, we had two flat tires within an hour (both rear tires). Luckily most safari vehicles carry two spares, so we were able to make it to our lodge in Maasai Mara only a little late for lunch, and Dennis had the tires repaired by the next morning. Our only other issue was the trip between Kenya and Tanzania. We were required to change vehicles and guides upon entering Tanzania, and there was a mix up as to who would provide our lunch, so no lunch for us that day. Hamsa did offer to stop and get us something to eat, but we had some snacks with us, and figured we could eat a big dinner. (The lodge food was excellent everywhere we stayed!)
Other than that, the trip was fantastic. Both Dennis and Hamsa (our Tanzanian guide) were very friendly and knowledgeable. They knew when and where to find the animals we wanted to see, and showed us many additional things we did not expect to see. They both worked with the rangers and other guides via cell phone and radio to find out where the animals were that we wanted to see, and they were great at making sure each days' game drive offered something different. Hamsa was especially knowledgeable, expanding on our questions and giving very thorough answers. He explained the education process he went through to become a guide, and he seemed to know all of the other guides we saw.
The last day of our trip was back in Kenya (Amboseli NP), and it was Dennis again who met us at the border (on time, and with 4 brand new tires!) He again was very good, planned ahead, and made sure to get us to the airport early (no easy task with Nairobi traffic on a Friday afternoon!)
The safari vehicles had some minor issues (i.e. the aforementioned tires, a broken door handle, etc.) but being 70 series Landcruisers , had certainly lived a rough life. Most safari vehicles we saw appeared similar. Just remember this is Africa - don't expect to be chauffeured around in a brand new Cadillac! The issues we had prevent me from giving a full 5 stars, but I would certainly use Wildebeest Safaris again.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Very proactive and tries hard to give you a good time.
I had a safari to Masai Mara arranged by Spot.
Maurice was there at the airport to greet me.
Maurice and booked the hotel, and communicated all my requirements.
My complaints are
1) The price was a bit on the higher side
2) The driver was not all that enthusiastic to go on game drives.
I have communicated both the issues to Maurice, and he has promised me better service for the Safari am planning in July again to Masai Mara.
Will I recommend them to friends? Yes I would as Maurice seems to be a person who wants to try and give a good service.
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Tarangire National Park by JD~PHOTOGRAPHY
A beautiful park with large herds of elephants.
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Lake Manyara National Park by JD~PHOTOGRAPHY
A beautiful park but a bit difficult to find wildlife such as lions and elephants.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
My first visit to South Africa, my first Safari.
Just to put things in perspective my holiday was actually called "Butterflies of South Africa" it was a four centre holiday starting at Wakkerstroom then uMkhuze, Saint Lucia and finally eShowe, only 2 nights were actually spent in the game reserve.
The main entrance to the reserve was flooded due to recent heavy rain, so we made a detour to another gate. Even at this one there was plenty of water about. For the remainder of my visit we never had any problems with floods, and the tracks and roads around the reserve were dry and in good repair.
I was provided with a tent. It had all modern conveniences, shower, flush toilet, electricity. Beds had mosquito nets. Unfortunately I was never at ease in the tent and didn't have a minutes sleep on my first night. I missed having a solid door! There are chalets on the site so if I went back I would definitely stay in one of them.
Butterflies and birds were our main objective, but we still had plenty of time to drive around the reserve to see much larger wildlife. It is hard to explain just how thrilling it is to see antelope, rhino, giraffe, zebra in their natural surroundings. We were actually in two minibuses, window seats were at a premium. Generally, my fellow travellers were considerate to others needs, and there was much moving around within the vehicle so everyone had a chance to get a good view and take some photos.
I have to mention our guides: John Davies and Bert Palthe of Lawson's Birding Safaris. They were very friendly, resourceful, and had a totally awesome knowledge of the fauna and flora of the region. In short they were totally amazing, and this added greatly to an already amazing experience (please remember this was my first safari)!
Some highlights of my visit were:
An early morning walk in the reserve searching for butterflies. The chief warden with his rifle made this particularly memorable, it also proved very rewarding in terms of butterflies seen.
An early morning drive to a viewing tower in the reserve. John and Burt supplied tea and "rusks" while we gazed over a panorama of the reserve. Mainly zebra sighted, but still rewarding.
An evening barbeque, where John and Bert cooked the food. A bright light shone on a white sheet attracted many insects. Another member of the group was wearing a white shirt and a gigantic dragonfly landed on it and stayed their for quite a while.
Finally I would just like to mention the drive into the reserve. It was particularly striking due to the enormous number of vast spider's webs on view. Large Golden Orb spiders were clearly visible on many of the webs.
CZ
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Generally it was a really nice safari experience.
Tarangire - Ngorongoro - Lake Manyara
We saw "The big 5". Driver George was very helpful, able to answer each of our questions. Dinner was delicious, the lunch boxes were a bit poor. We spent two nights in a lodge in Fanaka Campsite & Lodge. Staff was very pleasant and also the accomodation was not bad. Everything was clean and tidy.
Tarangire and especially Ngorongoro was a great experiance, many animals and very varied nature but Lake Manyara was very different. There was almost nothing to see.
amazing experience!!
when i booked kenya walking safaris i was a little apprehensive,but it was a very nice experience.we had a great trip. stay &food was simple but very fine.had no problems whatsoever.i would definitely recommend it very strongly to others..real value for money overall a fantastic,memorable trip..