BE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our first visit to South Africa - A truly unique experience
After a very difficult year in which my wife experienced a serious illness, my father passed away and I suffered an awkward accident, we decided to celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary with a somewhat different trip: instead of doing one of our beloved cultural marathons, we decided to indulge in the amazing fauna and flora and the breathtaking landscapes of South Africa. Our goal was to recover, enjoy and relax.
After screening the numerous travel agencies offering taylor-made tours, I decided to contact Ute Sonnenberg from Roho Ya Chui whose website gave me that gut feeling of confidence and professionalism which was confirmed immediately after my first contact with Ute.
We had some 12 days to spend and wanted to make the best out of it. Also, we wanted to be pampered and did not shy away from topping-up our budget if we felt it was worth it.
Ute gave us a couple of suggestions and in the end we managed to pick out the ones we thought suited us best and fitted into a feasible i.e. not too tiring travel schedule, taking into account the limited time.
1. Johannesburg
Disembarking from our plane in Johannesburg we were welcomed by a special handling agent who swiftly took us through immigration and customs bypassing all the other passengers of a fully booked Boing 747-8, ushering us to the white Mercedes Limousine waiting outside. Our stay at the Four Seasons Hotel in Johannesburg was just perfect. What a nice start-off! The Four Seasons is a calm retreat in the outskirts of the town with luxurious rooms, a great pool and spa and an excellent restaurant. We simply loved it.
2. Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve
After a relaxing day in Johannesburg we were taken once again by a white Mercedes Benz (water, refreshments, hand cream etc. on board) to the airport where we embarked on our flight to Skukuza, the amazingly beautiful (yes I am not joking) little airport at the southern point of the Krueger National Park where we were picked up by a driver from Kirkman's Kamp, the lodge where we were going to stay for the next 4 days. Well, no words to describe, or if so, it will be too much reading for you: just to say that we were stunned by the luxury of our room, the beauty of the whole compound, its location, extraordinary staff and amazing food. The game drives (2x per day) were quite an experience: we saw the big five, we were pampered with a lush breakfast in the bush, an open air bar at sunset on the margins of Sabi river, everything prepared by the rangers at the end of our game drives, just amazing.
3. Victoria Falls
From Sabi Sands we were taken to Nelspruit airport from where we flew to Livingston. Following Ute's advice, we stayed at the Royal Livingston Hotel which is the only 5* Hotel right close to the Victoria Falls, located in the natural reserve. You can hear the thunder of the Victoria Falls sitting on the terrace of your room and watch the "spray" at sunset while sipping a drink on one of the hotel's wooden decks along the Zambesi River. And you can simply walk to the falls and visit without paying as hotel guests have free access to the falls. The rooms are extremely tasteful and well appointed. The hotel is an island of beauty and calm. Zebras are strolling on the lawn. Al fresco dining on the terrace over the river is yet another must... Unforgettable.
4. Cape Town
From Livingston we flew via Johannesburg to Capetown where we hired a car and stayed at the Vineyard Hotel which is located on the backside of the Table Mountain, not far away from the Botanic Garden and has some amazing gardens itself and an excellent outdoor pool. We had a junior suite facing the little river running through the gardens. An island of peace and calm. Visiting the centre of Cape Town and the Harbour area is easily doable by car. There are good parking facilities all over. During our 3 days in Cape Town we visited the Table Mountain on a most beautiful sunny day, the Botanic Gardens, the Cape itself and the region around Cape Town. We loved the delicious seafood and oysters at Houtbay and had an excellent dinner at a wine estate in the Cape region. We definitely feel we need to come back.
5. Franschoek
We drove to Franschoek taking the coastal road (R44) through the Hottentots Mountain Holland Catchment Area, Pringle Bay and Betty's Bay, indulging into the stunning landscape and seaside views, wow! Ute recommended us to stay at the Grand Provence in Franschoek. Well, yet another highlight. We stayed in the owner's cottage, had our own butler who would light 2 dozens of candles around the pool for an evening swim and, of course always keep the fire burning in the living room. The property not only grows excellent wine but also offers a Michelin starred restaurant which simply cannot be missed. We stayed for 2 nights to discover the wine region but would have loved to stay longer...
6. Johannesburg
From Capetown we flew back to Johannesburg for another day before taking the plane back to Europe. The white Mercedes limousine was once again waiting for us at the airport upon arrival taking us to the Saxon Hotel, yet another top recommendation of Ute. This former private residence of one of the richest men of South Africa is an all-suite hotel with beautiful African art works all over the place, a mega outdoor pool and - of course - a private butler for each suite. It is totally secluded and calm. We had a bottle of champagne in our suite upon arrival. The food was excellent, so was the service. We visited the Apartheid Museum (a must, very impressive), Nelson Mandela's house in Soweto and his Presidential residence.
This first trip to South Africa exceeded our expectations and we want to thank Ute for her excellent and professional advice and perfect organisation. We couldn't have asked for more.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Always great!
I have used the services of CKC Tours many times - individually and as part of a couple. They are always reliable, friendly and helpful. The driver/guides are wonderfully knowledgeable. CKC will customize your tour and accommodate your suggestions as well as make great suggestions for you to consider. We have become friends!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great safari experience - highly recommended
This was my first safari experience, and it was amazing! We did the five day safari through Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, and Serengeti. I'm really glad I went with these guys - Maturaf and Alex were incredibly responsive and easy to work with before and during the trip, and our driver, Amani, was great in spotting animals and giving us a perspective on the parks, Tanzanian culture/history, and sharing his knowledge of the animals with us! We had our own vehicle (that seats 6), even though it was only two of us, which gave us a ton of space in the vehicle and flexibility to stop and go within the parks as we pleased.
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Avarage quality honeymoon
The communication before departure was slow and sometimes not efficient, during the trip I had no response from them at all. Overall the trip was good, but not excellent as anyone expect for honeymoon. The company did not respect the itinerary we agreed upfront, the fridge in our jeep was out of service and the guide tried to took advantage of us more than once. I am sure there is better on the market.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very Good Service
Savannah Explorers fulfilled all of our safari wishes. Prior to the trip I was nervous about paying the full amount upfront and they were understanding and helpful, suggesting various methods by which we could all be comfortable and get what we want. Our pickup was smooth and extremely prompt, and they allowed us to store extra luggage that we would not need on safari at their office. Nickson, our guide, was excellent, we could not have been happier with his service! We saw absolutely everything we could have hoped for and more, not in small part due to Nickson's skill and vigilance. In addition he was a good companion, pleasant company with a lot of knowledge about the environment and animals we were experiencing. We would have liked more time in Ngorongoro, but not at the expense of anything else we were able to see, perhaps just a more efficient route. All in all I would recommend Savannah Explorers to anyone looking for a quality safari on a mid-range budget (they may well be good at all budgets, I can only speak to ours).
TR
Fantastic experience
It was a great safari.We saw all of the animals that we expected to see including rhinos and leopards.All of the crew were so helpful and keen to inform us.
CL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent! Fantastic! Completely exceeded our expectatives!
100% recommended. We had a 10 day Safari in Tanzania. Everything worked out fasntatic and it was even better than what we have expected. Al timings were perfect, their recommendations on what to do, how to do it and when to do it were flawless. You could see a real know-how of everything on this guys. Also, one of the good points of this agency is that its Tanzanian owned and controlled which means that al the profit stays in the country. Our guide (Max) had a lot of experience and could detect things happening miles away, also had a great relationaship with other guides, so he was always infromed of the highlights that were happening in other parts and we could get there fast. Very nice guy. Finally, all the lodges that we stayed in were "out of this world"! Also, Tanzanian owned with the highest standards Ive seen in a LONG time. Congratulations and keep working like this!
TR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Safari
Our safari tour with Amazon Tour had been nothing but a spectacular experience.The staff were very kind.Steeve Weru,our guide in Kenya has becane our friend.His experience in his job,his joy,enthusiasm in his job had impressed us all .Tahnk you Amazon Safari
Well thought out and arranged safari, yet personalized. Had good fun, exertion & rest all in one
Excellent service and follow up & a fantastic time.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Day trip to Mikumi was great!
After paying the initial deposit online e, we were asked to meet with them the day before to talk about logistics and pay the rest of the money that we owed. This was useful because then they knew where to pick us up in the morning. We were met at the scheduled time and had no mishaps all day during the trip. We saw wildebeests, water buffalo, elephants, zebra, impala, giraffe, crocodiles, hippos and baboons. Lunch was good and included in the trip fee. We were also given a case of water and plenty of snacks. It was a very long day and worth it if you're only in Tanzania for a short time. Otherwise we would recommend doing a multiple day trip through Hello Tanzania. This tour guide service was great!