Review about Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park by T Sharp
Great location, and we had a great guide. We seemed to get lucky with game viewing, and had some excellent weather. Being so close to Kruger is an advantage, and allows for lots of game to come and go.
Review about Ngorongoro Crater by T Sharp
It is hard to go to Tanzania, and not see the Ngorongoro Crater. Though it can sometimes be crowded during high season, it is such a famous destination, and is a must see at some point or another. It has breathtaking vistas, and the terrain is unmatched. It is also a treat to see the native Maasai in their element, going about their business as you traverse through the area. Wonderful place.
Review about Serengeti National Park by T Sharp
The Serengeti is one of the most famous areas in Africa, and has the crowds to prove it. Though the front areas of the park were a little crowded for my taste, once we got further north and away, we saw unrivaled amounts of game. We were blessed with some late afternoon rainstorms, which brought even more animals out, and made everything seem so much more lush. Being in the Serengeti is like living in a photograph or painting, as we have all seen the famous landscapes at some point or another. There is more game there than most of us could ever see. Definitely worth a visit, but you might want to consider going at a time other than the high season.
Review about North Luangwa National Park by T Sharp
Luangwa was a great area. We saw lots of elephant and buffalo, and a river bed view that hosted lots of game at night. It was much warmer than the Kafue at the time we were there, but was still very pleasant. Great area for photo safaris, bird watching, or wildlife painting.
Ssesee Island Safari
Though I was only briefly in the country of Uganda, I had to privilege to visit the Ssesee Islands while I was there. We had to take a short ferry ride to get over there, but once we arrived, the landscape was lush and fertile. We spent some time with local guides wading through the forest and wetlands in search of Sitatunga, so that we could get some rare footage of them. It was a beautiful island, and had some lovely lodges that we stayed in during our time. It was really fascinating to be able to see the hard to find Sitatunga in their natural habitat, as there are few who get to do that. It was worth a short side trip to see the islands over there, and I would highly recommend looking into that next time you are in Uganda.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Lake Manyara National Park by Peter
Not as good as the other parks.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Review about Zambia by Martijn Boss
Many Parks, each with their own atmosphere and highlights. Zambia is the real Africa with Savanna areas, wetlands, large rivers and very dry areas. Tourism is less developed, which make it more adventurous but also very expensive if you are not ready to sleep in your own tent. It is nearly impossible to go to most parks without your own car. People are generally very friendly and easy going. Politically stable. No real urban highlights, although you could spend a couple of days in Lusaka without getting bored. Especially eating, drinking and markets are good (if you are into that).
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
True african feeling
In June we had a fantastic experience in Mvuu lodge in one of the Game Management Areas (GMA) of Lower Zambezi National Park. As with most lodges this one is located at the bank of the Zambezi river. The proximity to the National Park itself is probably the reason why so many elephants visit the camp. The dry river that forms the eastern boundary of the camp is used by a herd of elephants multiple times per day to wander from their grazing areas to the Zambezi to drink. They actually walked along our fireplace at less than 5 metres frequently. Sometimes they get into the camp. At night the grassy areas of the camp are visited by Hippo's that eat the grass. Velvet monkeys and baboons are also present.
The lodge is well maintained, the camping places (8) are a good budget option, each place having their own open-aired toilet / shower. A caretaker helps you to keep the fire going. The restaurant / bar area is beautifully constructed and blends with the surroundings very well. Natural materials are used, which make it stand out from some of the other lodges we saw from the river. Views over the river from the terrace are splendid. Binoculars, books on animals, birds and regional information are freely available. Food is somewhat expensive (bring your own if on a budget), basic but tasteful and good portions. Since the nearest proper town (Chirundu) is 2.5 hours drive away everything has to be brought in. Various activities can be organised: fishing trips, canoe, guided game viewing from river or from your own car, etc. People are friendly and helpful.
For the two days we were there, there was enough to do in the GMA and on the river, although the west boundary of the National Park (Chongwe river) looked very promising with regards to wildlife (different types of antilopes, crocs, hippo's, warthogs, all kinds of birds, elephants, etc) and was very, very scenic. Next time we would definitely go back there for a longer period. We would take some time inside the park as well. We would probably bring some of our own food.
Be sure to fill your petrol tank before heading there. There is no petrol station between the camp / Chirundu (Zim border) and Kafue village (1 hr from Lusaka). You definitely need a high clearance Vehicle. We did not need the 4x4 on ours but I would not feel safe without. The dry river crossings were sometimes sandy and steep. In the rainy season I doubt whether you can get there by road.
Good person.
I met Richard, the company owner, on my trip in Uganda. He is very committed to help people in need and make a difference for them.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Zambia by Steefo555
The travel from Lusaka into the wildlife areas was very simple and you were not having to travel long distances. Once inside the Kafue National Park there was a great diversity of wildlife and often you wouldn't see too many other tourists so sighting of the wildlife could be quite personal.