US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park by MAK
The accommodation (campsite) in the park was very clean and well taken care of. We heard lions roaring near us all night one night which was very exciting. You really know that you are out in the wilderness. We saw lots of variety of animals and birds.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A self drive safari experience, a lifetime of memories, Kruger is amazing!
Six years ago, I was fortunate enough to spend 9 weeks travelling through Africa seeking out it's wildlife. during this time I spent a single day in Kruger National Park.
So when I was planning a photographic safari holiday on a tight budget, I considered my options carefully. The thing is safari holidays, are for some a once in a lifetime experience, so I wanted to get this right. The memory of that single day in Kruger, just kept popping back into my head, the roads, the rest camps, the weather and the wildlife, were all positives. So I opted for Kruger as my two week Safari destination.
Kruger National Park is exactly that, a national park! Not a safari park or a zoo, the wildlife isn't looked after, it looks after its self. This means it can be unpredictable. So if you are considering a self drive safari in Kruger, it's worth researching the behaviour of the game, especially the Elephants and Rhino's, as you will come into contact with these animals on the roads. So how good is Kruger as a safari destination? Well the main issue here is the wildlife and apparently Kruger has one of the largest bio-diversity's of life, of anywhere in Africa and plenty of large animals to keep your shutters clicking all day long. One particular morning we had seen the Big 5 by 9.30am. The birdlife here requires a mention too, it really is amazing, especially the raptors.
One thing to remember is that although you are not allowed out of your vehicle within the park, there are places where you can get out. there are some excellent hides, usually overlooking watering holes (great places for viewing game and birds). Some of the larger bridges also allow you to alight from your vehicle, theses can be great too. Rest camps are fantastic places, whether you are staying the night or not. Restaurants, toilets, shops, petrol stations and launderettes can be found at most. You can even continue your days wildlife watching here at the rest camps, with surprising success.
Our choice of time of year to visit was May, earlier would have given us a greater number of bird species, but still it was fantastic in May for birds. the weather was sunny nearly all of the time, yet not too hot!
Food and fuel was reasonably priced.
One thing I should mention is that we had a slow puncture in our hire car. After stopping at a rest camp for some food, a garage attendant advised us on our slowly deflating tyre and repaired it for us. 20minutes later we were on our way, with the knowledge that we weren't about to get stuck in the middle of the park.
If you are considering a self drive safari, I can't imagine a better place. the roads a fantastic, even the dirt roads. They are regularly maintained, which may cause some delay, but who's in a hurry whilst on holiday? There are speed traps, so do stick to the speed limits, remember the park is for the animals and we are just guests.
Another question you may ask is, do we stay in the park or outside the park? We stayed outside the park, but if I was to visit again, I would stay inside. The reason for this is, the entry gates can be busy and a little disorganised (Although, some are better than others.). Staying inside the park means you only have to enter once.
Will we see the animals close enough to get decent photographs? This is a question I asked myself before booking the trip, especially as you have to stay inside the vehicle and stick to the roads. Well, I need not have worried as the game was so relaxed and used to the vehicles, that it behaved as if they weren't even there. Hyaenas did come up to my drivers window, which was a bit unnerving and Bull Elephants in musth should be treated with total respect. Elephants with young, should also be given space, you wouldn't want to upset an animal that is bigger than your car.
Follow the rules and you should have a trouble free trip, the main thing is to enjoy it!
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Etosha: a truly special place
Etosha is a truly special safari destination, from the other worldly beauty of the pan to the up close and personal viewing of wildlife at the waterholes; it is an unforgettable experience that calls you back.
Many waterholes offer parking very close to the action - great for both the wildlife viewing and wildlife photography. It's important to do research both before going and whilst on the trip (from the sightings books in the camps within the Park). This will maximise your chances of seeing the wildlife you are looking for. On our two trips to the park we've been rewarded with multiple sightings of lions, leopards, cheetahs, rhinos, elephants, hyena, Martial Eagle, Tawny Eagle, Battaleur Eagle, numerous other raptors and birds and an abundance of grazing animals. The camps in the park are good but not luxury camps, but allow quick access to the inner areas of the park for wildlife viewing (vegetarians like me have to muddle through on food - but this is more than made up for by the wildlife).
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The Garden of Eden is in Africa
I spent four nights at Mana Pools, in a tented camp overlooking the Zambezi River. During the day we had wild elephants roaming amongst the tents and down on the river flats. Sometimes they swam to mid-stream islands for better grazing. Impala, waterbuck and other smaller gazelles wandered in herds through the bush. At night you could hear the lions roar as they called to each other. Huge herds of buffalo emerged from the bush to drink at the water's edge. And of course the hippos wallowed in the river, or dragged themselves out to graze on the soft grass of the floodplain. All is as one, here in this Garden of Eden.
Sunsets over the river were each unique and beautiful, perfect for sundowners. Just outside the Park you could do night safaris: we saw a lion stalking a herd of buffalo, only to be chased off. One night we came across a male lion on the track. From a handful of metres away we watched as he lowered his chest to the ground and let out a series of roars that took our breath away.
During the heat of the day, in camp, you could sit and waste a lazy couple of hours watching the animals wander by the river on a scene that feels older than time. Everyone should go at least once to Mana Pools. And after you've been once you will want to go again.
NZ
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Exciting day trip to Madikwe Game Reserve
In New Zealand we don't have big game so it has always been a dream to visit a wild game park if I ever managed to visit Africa. That dream came true in 2014 when during a business trip I did a day trip to Madikwe Game Reserve and then in May of 2015 another business trip to Botswana allowed me a return visit, taking along two work collegues. The experience on both occasions was one of total excitement and nervous exhilaration. To sit in an open sided vehicle within feet of large game like lions, cheetahs, rhino and giraffe is a chance of a lifetime. On both trips to the reserve, Franco our guide from Buffalo Ridge was just awesome, his wealth of knowledge about all the reserve's game and animal's habits was truly amazing and then to sit and watch the sun go down with a glass of wine, some nibbles and share a chat, just priceless.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about South Africa by MAK
There is a lot of variety in animals and birds and the guides are all very knowledgeable. The parks are beautiful.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about South Africa by Allen Holmes Wildlife
As a country South Africa is surprisingly beautiful. It's landscapes and habitats are varied and stunning. The roads and infrastructure are much better than you would expect for an African nation and the people are so friendly.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Namibia by susan yeomans
Namibia is a stunning country with a rugged beauty. All camps we have stayed at inside and outside Etosha have offered excellent wildlife viewing.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great 5 day Safari tour
The best experience from Africa!
It was good since the beginning, Michael replied emails immediately with lots of advices regarding travel and getting to Arusha. After that, it was only better. We were picked up from the bus station and driven to the Clouds View Hotel, which was clean and tidy.
Our Safari group consisted of 6 people was selected great.
The Guide was very experienced and knowledgeable. He could spot animals from far away and gave us many informations about them and the national parks in general. He knew the answer to all our questions which was impressing. It was easy to notice that he was familiar with animal behavior and habits.
The food was surprisingly great, we've never expected to have so tasty and varied meals. The Chef was very skilled.
Our camps were nice with showers, tents were big and solid. Every part of our tour was organized very well with big involvement.
As a matter of fact, we had wonderful experience. The group and the staff, we had great social time as well, with lots of laugh during our Safari.
I will strongly recomend Northern Circuit Adventure.
Panorama Route to Kruger Park
We had a wonderful trip to Kruger Park. Christine was very efficient in getting back to you and answering any concerns prior to our trip. Our guide, Hoppy, was very knowledgable and easy going. He had a great eye for spotting animals. We stayed in some unique accommodations and had a wonderful stay in Skokuza Rest Camp. I would recommend booking thru Wildlife Safaris.