SOUTH AFRICA
Recently went to South Africa for a week.
Apart from the bad roads, worn down farms/buildings next to the road, rubbish everywhere, just like in Namibia, in some towns, and the fact that we were almost hijacked in Kimberly, I was pleasantly surprised!
We got great and friendly service from everyone right from the start, good food and drinks, exept from one place, best/affordable accommodation, clean malls, clean bathrooms, the weather was perfect and from the animals that we could see was a nice experience!
We visited a total of plus minus 6 towns. Every town is different. Every landscape is different.
Splendid trip to Sabi Sands
Our family group of six stayed at Jaci Sabi house in Sabi Sands and had a wonderful experience. Ralph, our ranger, and Nkosi, our tracker did a splendid job of finding animals for us. We spent more hours pursuing animals with Ralph and Nkosi than we did on our prior visit to Sabi Sands five years ago. We did more searching for animals in the dark on this trip than on our previous trip. Highlights of this trip included nearly an hour spent with a leopard including seeing the female leopard kill and eat a crested francolin; an hour spent with a pride of ten lions that included five females and five cubs, all in a lazy post prandial state. We saw bush babies, civet cat, genet using spotlight after dark. The birding was terrific with sightings of fish eagle, tawny eagle, Bataleur eagle, Verreaux's eagle owl, pearl spotted owlet, ground hornbill, goshawk, crested barbet, lilac breasted roller, ostrich male and female, oriole, go away bird, others that I would need to check my notes for. I saw many, many owls on this trip, which was not the case on my previous trip. We visited Sabi Sands five years ago and had a wonderful experience then as well, staying at Chitwa Chitwa. Jaci Sabi house is smaller, with a group size of six the usual maximum. The Jaci Sabi House household staff were wonderful and went out of the way to accommodate a wedding anniversary of our daughter and son in law that occurred during the trip. I am an amateur astronomer and visiting during new moon afforded terrific views of the southern Milky Way, southern cross, omega centauri, coal sack, eta carina, and before dawn the large and small Magellanic clouds were visible. I had no telescope but enjoyed binocular views of objects. Quite honestly, there were exquisite things to be seen around the clock, making it difficult to know when to sleep.
IT
Email Rita Giammarile | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great experience
For some time constrait and because I amo not exactly an animal enthusiast, we chose a 4 day option that brought us also to visit the Blyde river canyon. I was not exactly impressed by the canyon ( save for the alpine vibes of some bits), notable exception Burke's Luck Potholes; that place is just beautiful. Getting to see the canyon from below during a boat trip on the dam was great and added another dimension to the experience and you get to see hippos wich is a great plus. We spent 2 nights in Kruger, did an evening bush walk, 2 mornign drives and an evening one and were extremely lucky, managed to see all of the big 5 plus dozens of other animals including some bidrs of the most astonishing colours. The landscape is varied although during winter it can appear a little boring because of the lack of green grass and leaves on the trees, everything looks pretty much dead even if it is not. Obviously under this conditons animal sightings are easier because grass and trees do not offer cover. Weather was perfect, sunshine, pretty hot but totally bearable, nights are very cold, like wishing you had your ski gear with you.Morning drives are especially chilly and on one occasion no blankets were found in the vehicle used, it could be a smart move to take one of the extra blankets found in your accommodation. We stayed in Skukuza camp in the self-catering rondavels, basic accommodation but with everything you needed, beds comfortable, you get towels and soap. Kitchen and fridge is actually on the little porch, must be carefull with the monkeys always on teh look out for unattended food. each rondavel also has its own barbecue. No 'street light' in the camp so remmebr to have with you a torch or head lamp. Did not have time to explore the whole camp, heard there was a pool but did not see it. Second camp was berg en dal, beatiful place, we stayed in a self catering 'cottage' a lovely red brick building with a very large patio. Bathroom on the very small side when compared to the rest of the accommodation ( bathroom was small in skukuza as well but it was proportionate to the room). The camp sits along a river but it was totally dry, In the wet season it must be spectacular, there is a trail that runs around the camp and borders the river, I guess that the right time one can see a lot of animals there. It is to be noted that some of the big cats sightings all happened very close to this camp, even leopard.
Rangers varied a lot from the very knowledgable and engaging to the one who was merely a driver but on average we were happy because after a while everyone tells you the same stories, so you do not miss being given the same information over and over again.
The guide we had was incredible, he knew million of things about animals and nature in general, we definitely learned more from him than anyone else. He also had a sort of super sight, ho could spot animals and birds we hardly saw ^_^ The whole safari was very well planned and we were extremely happy the service of red Africa Safari.
US
Email Catherine Fields | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Absolutely Amazing
This trip was the first stop on our African Honeymoon and I would not have changed a thing. We had a fantastic time and loved all of the amazing and thoughtful details of our trip. We had THE MOST amazing guide, Abrie, who was incredibly knowledgeable and accommodating. He made our trip exceptional. I cannot express how much we loved our trip and how the planning was all taken care of. Thank you so much for such an amazing trip and honeymoon!
US
Email D. K. | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Absolutely fabulous!
Our safari to Madikwe Game Reserve was spectacular. We saw more wildlife than we could have hoped for; the accommodations and food were outstanding. Our guide went out of his way to show us all that he could. I hope to come back and spend more time in the future.
Email Kuziva | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
It is one of the best experiences i ever had
Wow, i had the best of times. The service that these guys gave me was top notch. I enjoyed my holiday and will use and recommend you guys again.
DE
Email Lidiya Prymachenko | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible nature
The safari was great. Everything is according to the program as described. The staff in the lodge and the ranger were friendly. During the 2,5 days of the safari, we saw the big five and many other animals. The prices on the website were at least 30% more expensive in comparison to the prices for tours that could be booked in the lodge directly. So, the tours at the travel agency may be reduced.
Listen to advice on safety and you will the best holiday ever
Listen to advice on safety and you will the best holiday ever
MX
Email Maria Esther Campos | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An extraordinary trip
It was a 180° different trip from what we had done, the Compass Odyssey operator, and Darren the agency contact, are 10 professionals, the entire 14-day trip without any setbacks, everything ran like a precision clock.
From our trip to South Africa we were in Cape Town, the Kruger National Park and Johannesburg.
In Cape Town we had the opportunity to see the penguins and whales, the weather was a little cool and rainy, but our guide Sarah knew how to take advantage of it and made us have wonderful days, we were able to climb Table Mountain with a view spectacular.
In the Kruger National Park, since we entered the park we started to see animals, giraffes, zebras, impalas, all of these before arriving at Lounge Senalala, our very pleasant surprise was seeing a group of super friendly and expert young people, On the first morning safari we were able to see a pride of lions, something spectacular!! Of the big five we were able to see 4 in Kruger Park.
The weather in the mornings and in the afternoon when the sun set was cool, which was solved with a jacket.
(automatic translation from Spanish)
JP
Email Hiroshi I. | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Beautiful scenery and animals. And the dignified Big 5.
Sukukuza is a convenient camp with shops and lots of people.
Malelane is a camp where we can feel the quiet nature with no shops and few people. Also, the accommodations at Malelane Satellite Camp were clean and very comfortable. We also saw shooting stars at night.
We stayed 2 nights in Sukukuza and 1 night in Malelane and were able to complete the Big 5. Thank you to game drivers Mornay and Opa.
We would like to thank Wade from Endless Summer Tours for all of the arrangements for Johannesburg, including preparing the meals and providing airport transfers.
Safaris are generally safe, and we should have some coins to use the restrooms at gas stations along the way to Johannesburg.
Game drives in open vehicles early in the morning or during rain can be quite cold, so warm clothing is recommended.
In Cape Town, we had Danny from Beyond Africa Safaris & Tours guide us for a day. Thanks to his very thoughtful suggestions and planning, we were able to visit the main spots efficiently, even on New Year's Eve, the busiest day.
The views from Chapman's Peak Drive are most recommended and the most beautiful.
We also had a lot of fun getting a sense of the local atmosphere by purchasing souvenirs at the Green Market.
Thank you so much Danny. We want to see you again.
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