ES
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Close encounters with animals in the wild
All services were all right, everyone tried to make us feel comfortable and the encounters with animals lived up to our expectations.
We missed more local food in the lodges and maybe a half-day cycling activity.
NZ
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
So Surprised!!
We decided to take our Kiwi friends on a holiday of a lifetime. We wanted them to experience South Africa. Being South African ourself, we though that there wouldn't be anything new for us, we just wanted our Kiwi friends to be amazed. After extensive research, we decided to make a booking with African Express Safaris.
Well, my husband and I were so surprised with the experience we received! It surpassed our wildest dreams!!
Communication and replying to us, was almost instant, no waiting and wondering. On our arrival we were met by Andrew and he made it clear that he will look after us- and he did. His knowledge and expertise was so much more than expected. It was clear that he knew exactly what we needed. Our accommodation and meals were amazing!! Not to mention all the wildlife we saw (and even interacted with!)
The only regret we have is that we should've booked an extra week...
Well done guys! You thoroughly exceeded our expectations!!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Fantastic Safari
Experienced a fantastic safari with Ken as driver! Animal sightings were unmatched and provided the opportunity to experience the animals intimately.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Joshua was very fast at responding to our queries and fulfilled what he promised
We were happy with our driver guides, we saw really good game and were happy with the services that were provided to us.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Just a beautiful, once in a life time Experience!
AAS are just fantastic!. From the first email inquiry right to the airport drop off on the final day, they whole team just delivered more than they promised. Anna was fantastic in her communication and helping pick the lodges and designing the itinerary. Our driver/guide (Rogers) was superb! Good English language (i am sure they all speak more than 1 language). Our Gorilla Trek experience was just amazing. By the way if you are worried about your deposit or anything else, forget your worries. AAS is a very professional run company. To keep it short and simple, Just Book Your Holiday with AAS. NO Regrets or Worries Just Beautiful Memories! Thank you so much. You must be proud of your work!
BM
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing Guide, Amazing Time
We had an amazing tour. The safari would not have been the same without our guide Hoppy. From the moment he picked us up in Johannesburg we felt like we were family members. Nothing was too much for him, and he has eyes like an eagle. He would spot animals at a distance and we would take several minutes with the help of binoculars to see the same animals that he spotted just with his eyes. He had a vast knowledge of the animals, fauna and birds and it was easy to ask him questions. We had been on other safaris where the guides treated you as just another tourist, Hoppy made the safari fun and enjoyable and helped all the clients interact together. We saw tones of animals and Hoppy made sure we all had our pictures before we moved on. While not on the safari, Hoppy also made sure we had everything we needed and that we were well fed and comfortable. Can not say enough about Hoppy, we saw some of the other guides, and you could tell they were doing a job, and I just kept thinking, wow, we have the best guide by far, one who is not just doing a job but is also passionate about the environment, the animals and us. Can't wait to go back again.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable experience. Only regret is waiting until my 74th birthday for first Africa Safari.
Our lodging accommodations were at Makakatana Bay Lodge in iSimangaliso Wetland Park near St. Lucia. It is very comfortable lodge with only 6 guest rooms allowing for a very intimate experience with wonderful service.
On our second day at Makakatana, our guide Michael drove us to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve. It was about an hour drive and we were at the entrance to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve when it opened at 6:00 AM. We weren't very far into the reserve when Michael pointed out a tree full of vultures. Instinctively Michael went straight to tree expecting to find some predator feeding on a recent kill. Just as we arrived to within about 50 meters of the tree six lions came scampering out of the bush. We soon became aware that the lions were being dispersed by an adult male elephant. The lions won’t try to take a fully grown elephant but they can prey upon the young ones. The action taken by the adult male elephant was to allow the female to pass safely with her young ones. Nothing can compare to seeing these amazing animals in their natural habitat with the ability see how they interact with members of their own species and how the activities of different species are interrelated. Here we saw the vultures waiting for the lions to finish feeding while elephants chases off the lions so the female with young could pass safely, then observing three young male lions huddled together for mutual grooming, cleaning and bonding.
During the remainder of the day we continued driving through the reserve on scenic winding roads observing different animal species (mammals and birds) at every turn. The abundance of wildlife at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve and the ability to observe it close-up was an awe inspiring experience.
This was our first South African safari and at the conclusion of our second day there we decided that it would not be our last.
Images can be seen at <https://www.flickr.com/photos/fshufelt/albums/72157677022861421>
RU
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Vacation in the wild
We traveled to Kruger national park in September. Although September is the end of dry season, the year of 2016 was very dry and lots of waterholes were dried out. We spent a week in the park; we entered through Punda Maria gate and headed down to Bergendal. The entrance took about 20min, a we started to explore the park shortly. Right away we say impalas, kudus, mongooses; later the same day elephants and giraffes. On our first day we saw almost all major groups of animals, except the predators. Seeing all the game and megafauna was fantastic and jaw dropping, as I only have seen them at a zoo before.
The next day we say a pride of lions sunbathing on the road - also a great scene. I won't be despising each of our days, just will say that we saw the big five game and many more animals, except the wild dog.
The landscape along the road was mostly yellow or red grass, however there were a few stunning canyons. The bird hides were always available.
We rented an SUV with a tent and it was enough. All the rest camps have showers, water for cooking and dishwashing, basic stoves and boiling water, and barbecues. Among the rest camps we liked Tzendze the most. A couple of days we stayed in hotel roms (the tents in Lower Sabie facing the river definitely worth every cent).
We didn't do to the restraunts, but there are some with beautiful views over the rivers.
This time we didn't take a guide, however the next time we are going to try a night tour and/or a walking tour. I think if you take a guide it's better chance to see predators.
Among other things I'd like to mention:
we encountered very few mosquitos and insects in general due to the fact it was dry season;
If you travel for a couple of days I'd suggest to take a guided tour
If you're traveling for more then 3 days and are going to visit more sanparks, buy a wild card
Early morning and sunset are the best time for predators and visiting waterholes
Look where the traffic jams are: probably there's something interesting going on
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was acceptable.
The park is not as it was expected in past. We have seen most of wild life in the park.
SA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great Safari with plenty wildlife
Not crowded, none commercial very private Safari experience. Plenty animals to see. Although this park lacks number of predators. Not many lions, no hyenas, no cheetahs. There were leopards, but did not see them.
However, many giraffes, elephants, buffaloes and other grazing game. Variety of birds were amazing. The scenery and change of vegetation was remarkable.