My Pilanseberg Safari
This was my first safari and memorable experience for me. Everything was well organised, and the trip went smooth. Camping made this trip even more fun for me. Our guide Thabo was great at setting up camp, preparing meals and entertaining us.
We were all really excited when we set off in a 15-seater open side vehicle, bumping and bouncing into the wild. Guides were in radio communication, so good sightings could be quickly relayed. One can see many animals on TV wild life channels but that does not compare with the real thing – These close encounters are the real thing. For example when suddenly stopped and came face to face with an inquisitive giraffe looming over the trees.
Then moving on an elephant, lumbering lazily out of the bush, in front of the truck and its wrinkly backside disappearing again. Coming out of winter and after ravaging fire, the park was dry and dusty. The landscape was dotted with shrubs and scarred trees. Guides telling Interesting facts and tales of animals to awe-struck visitors.
Stocky Warthogs, zebra flicking their tales gracefully impala, kudus and wildebeest were showing themselves. Suddenly the guide stepped on the petrol and drove to a nearby thicket of trees, in the shade a male lion licking and loving its mate! Cell phones and cameras clicked, and binoculars went to the eyes! The park boasts of several dams and here we saw plenty: Elephants, buck, zebra. In the distance 6 hippo looking rocks. Later we saw rhino and learnt about the difference between white and black rhino - surprisingly nothing to do with color. Sadly the rhino is under threat due to evil poaching.
When we arrived back at camp, we enjoyed sharing stories around the camp fire. To me this was camping at its best. In conclusion I can say for those who like the outdoor and a Pilanesberg Camping is a great option. And I am glad I booked with Safari With Us. Everything was well organized, and we had fantastic time made even better by personable guides.
US
Ngorongoro Crater is the best pace for viewing wildlife.
We had a great time in Ngorongoro Crater. Animals are naturally confined in the crater, 10 miles in circumference. They can get in and out, but most choose to stay. Tourists are in trucks circulating on dirt roads. So many different animals: lions, zebras, wildebeast, cape buffalo, hyenas, jackels, hippos, rhinos. ostrich. All doing their thing mostly ignoring the watchers in the trucks. We felt like we were in a cage watching the animals roam free. We saw hippos in a pool; pride of lions eating a cape buffalo encircled by a ring of jackels and a ring of hyenas; lions chasing buffalo and then being chased by the buffalo. Weather was OK. It rained briefly and the washes filled up. Then it stopped raining and the sun was out again. We stayed in Sanctuary Camp in the crater. Great experience to be in a tent with amenities and close enough to the crater to hear the animals at night. Not necessary for enjoyment of the crater though. Even a day trip from Arusha to the crater would be worth it to see this beautiful place. Our guide was excellent. He knew all the animals and most of the birds we saw. Good at spotting animals at a distance. Knew exactly where to go and when to be there for best animal viewing.
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Masai Mara National Reserve by Chris
It exceeded expectations in every way. Animal viewing was everything we hoped for and more. We would have loved to stay 2 more days. If you're going to the Mara, plan on at least 2 FULL days, perhaps 3.
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Lake Nakuru National Park by Chris
A very diverse park from Masai Mara. We thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere, and it was much quieter (less vans/trucks around "big" animals)
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Serengeti National Park by Jane
Saw loads and camping was a real adventure!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
LT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Masai Mara National Reserve by Dalia Miklaseviciute
the largest variety of animals
LT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Lake Nakuru National Park by Dalia Miklaseviciute
a lot of baboons and rhinos
LT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Hell's Gate National Park by Dalia Miklaseviciute
the only place where you can get out of the car while doing safari