DK
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The wildlife was better than we hoped for and we had close encounters with almost all the animals we had set up to see. The diversity of the landscape was beautiful. We went to the Drakens Mountains were we drove around in rain forest, different fruit plantations and big water falls one day and the next we looked at wild animals in a national park. The only thing missing on our trip was animals on a large savannah with few bushed and threes.
The wildlife was abundant and we experienced a very high level of customer service and hospitality at every place we visited in South Africa.
Rich with natural beauty
The time I spent in South Africa was great, though most of it was driving. I was with some veterinarians who were visiting various game ranches and conservation operations. While I didn't get to spend much time in the "wild bush", the scenic views I experienced while driving down the eastern coast, and inland areas was breathtaking. There is such a variety of natural beauty in South Africa, with many different ecosystems, and varieties of people. I experience such a rich diversity of cultures, languages, and traditions. My time spent in the parks was limited to a few short day visits, but all of the accommodations were top notch, and quite luxurious. Being one of the more developed nations in Africa, many of the facilities and services in South Africa are superior to other countries. A great place to visit, whether you want to go on Safari, tour by car, or just view natural beauty.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great experience
South Africa has got to be one of the best places i have been to thus far, Cape Town is high on my "must see destinations" with the Kruger National Park coming in at #1!
Email Russell R | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
South Africa is a wonderful country as it is not too dissimilar to many western countries eg: fantastic hotels, restaurants, good roads, great food, however, it has its own unique favour in its culture, scenery and wildlife.
It is a safe destination (as safe as anywhere in the world) providing the rare opportunity to combine fantastic game viewing with get scenery (Table Mountain, Drakensberg Mountains, Beaches etc) and great accommodation. You can easily self drive here (I have done it with my family).
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
There are so many animals to see in a beautiful location. There were a lot of different birds, too. Our guide did name the birds and point them out. We all had a booklet listing the species of animals, including birds and reptiles, as well as plants that live in Mala Mala.
Firstly, the game parks in South Africa are extremely well organised compared to the rest of the world. You actually know that the animals are being well protected and the people that work on safari have so much knowledge of the animals and the area, it's mind blowing!
But probably the best thing about South Africa as a safari destantion is watching the beautiful African sun set over a waterhole filled with hippos. Not many places can compare!
US
Email Lauren | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
South Africa is a wonderful location for going on safari. The wildlife is incredible, and there are a huge number of endemic plants and animals in the country. The climate is also quite nice.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A beautiful country which offers visitors a wide variety of bush experiences.
Most people who travel to South Africa have two key destinations on their itinerary: Cape Town, and Kruger National Park. While both are fantastic holiday options, there is so much more to the country than that, and if you’re contemplating a visit to South Africa, you really should consider travelling to other areas too. South Africa offers such varied bush experiences and while many of the parks pale in comparison to the size of Kruger, when it comes to gorgeous landscapes and game-viewing opportunities, they certainly give Kruger a run for its money.
The province of KwaZulu-Natal, for example, has outstanding parks in its northern regions. Up here, in the land that once was ruled over by Shaka Zulu, it is classic rhino country and there are a number of parks, such as Hluhluwe-Imfolozi and Phinda, where you’re likely to see the Big Five. Many parks up here also offer the chance to go on walking safaris – guaranteed to give you a totally different perspective of life in the bush.
The landscape varies vastly across the country, and if you’re a keen photographer, parks like Golden Gate, Camdeboo, Pilanesburg, Karoo and the Kgalagadi will be an absolute delight. In these parks, the sheer scale of vast open spaces will almost dwarf the wildlife, and shooting during the golden hours will be an absolute treat.
It is very easy to self-drive in South Africa – in fact, it’s recommended. The quality of the roads is good, especially between the major cities, and taking a road trip through this country will reveal some of its quirks and hidden corners. If you are going to do the classic Kruger/Cape Town holiday, consider taking a week or so to drive between the two, and stop off at parks like Golden Gate, Addo Elephant Park, Mountain Zebra National Park. You’ll be so glad you did.
Perfect for a first safari. All of the wildlife I was hoping to see, and more, with accessible and luxurious accommodations.
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