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Email Stephen Chin | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Nice mix of rural and cosmopolitan beauty especially in Capetown
Booked with Safari Life and had a wonderful experience. I was a little concerned about the transportation connection as there were no direct transfers from Johannesburg to the Umkumbe Lodge in Sabi Sands but it went very smoothly both ways and the wildlife was amazing--most of which we were able to see from the privacy of our back deck. Everything looked very natural from the rhinos we saw in the bush to the monkeys that came down from the trees to steal sugar off our table. The luxurious lodging gave us the best of both worlds enjoying a nice swim or massage when not out on game drives and we even found a leopard. Leopards are the hardest of the Big 5 animals to find because they are solitary animals that hang out in the trees. Wonderful experience with excellent food that the host was able to tailor to any dietary restrictions for any individual.
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Email Laura S. | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Lifetime experience and profound beauty
South Africa wasn't on our radar of trips. too many concerns personally like a long flight from U.S., safety concerns and really not educated on what it had to offer besides the safaris you hear about. It was life changing with it's beauty and nature and things to do and see. The mountains, the ocean, the people were outstanding. So much too offer and everyone made us feel welcomed. Uber was great and most experiences had pickup included or would do for a nominal fee. The game park was an amazing place. The resort was very nice and food was very good and was buffet which was always full with many options to eat. The game drive was in a beautiful area and we saw quite a bit of the Big 5 except for one. I would do it all again tomorrow if time would allow.
Email Bruno Nassari | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best Destination for wildlife photography
Best Destination for wildlife photography and historical tours about Mandela
CA
Email Luke | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Absolutely beautiful and diverse country.
We went to South Africa for our honeymoon and while we had certain expectations, we weren't entirely sure what to expect. Upon arriving in Cape Town, we found the landscape to be absolutely stunning and beyond anything we expected. The people were warm and welcoming, the food was great. The weather varied a lot, but with proper dress, it was lovely and didn't stop us from doing anything we had planned.
We spent a week in Cape Town before heading to Hoedspruit to visit the Timbavati Reserve for our safari experience. Again, we were blown away by the landscape, and saw most of the big 5 before even arriving at our lodge for our first game drive. The wildlife was rich, and we saw everything we wanted to see in our first few days on safari. The hospitality was second to none, everyone was pleasant and accommodating, and the food was superb.
Overall, our trip to South Africa exceeded our expectations and we'd recommend it to anyone, and will definitely return in the future.
IE
Email Brian Caulfield | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Just amazing!
Just the most amazing experience ever, if you are thinking about going to do it ..... Book it! Wayne was a fantastic tour operator and everything was top notch!
Email Eleanor Collinson | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Everything we hoped for and more
Timbavati was amazing. Really great. Saw big 5. Lovely staff lovely camp. Great guide.
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Email Gail Santarlasci | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
An amazing adventure
An African Safari is a once in a lifetime experience. If traveling from the US, be prepared for very long flights. We booked our own flights & even business class - these are Long flights. Ranger Buck Safaris arranged all the logistics of our trip within Africa. They did an excellent job. We were greeted at each new location, and escorted to our next destination. It would be very difficult to do on your own. The resorts (camps) were beautiful; the camp staff, guides, and trackers all spoke English. September is still the dry season which is perfect for viewing animals; cool mornings & evenings, warm mid day. We have amazing pictures, but you need to be there to get the true feeling of Africa.
Safe travels.
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Email Brian Moody | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
A land of stark inequities and stunning wildlife
We landed in Johannesburg and spent several days there. The highlight of our stay there was a tour of "The Best of Johannesburg". It included Constitution Hill, Mandela's house, an informal community in Soweto, and the Apartheid Museum. Learning about the history of South Africa brought up for me many similarities with the inequities in my own country.
We next traveled to Sabi Sand for a 5 day safari. It was excellent. Our guide and tracker were great. We saw the big five and more, including some amazing birds. We loved the bush walks, and we learned about a lot about the flora of the bush and the smaller animals. While the density of the wildlife cannot rival Botswana or the Serengeti, the variety was there. Also with strict guidelines about a maximum of three vehicles per sighting, there were no crowds. And with the ability to go off-road to track certain animals, we got some amazing sightings and pictures. All six of us thoroughly loved it.
Email Gary | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Better than expected
Definitely a place I will revisit, the whole experience of terrific scenery, wild animals, good value for money, amazing trips.
MY
Email Andy Newland | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Kruger adventure
We are on a one month trip of RSA ABIT of Zim & Zam. We wanted a Kruger safari & happened upon this company through the internet. We are budget travellers so wanted an experience that we could afford.
From the start Andre's communication was excellent, always quick to respond. Based on this we made our booking & we're not disappointed.
The pickup was on-time from our hotel near the airport, the driver was friendly & we reached Kruger in good time.
Accommodation was simple but comfortable. We had a 'glamping' tent which we thoroughly enjoyed. Very clean & comfortable.
We had an afternoon safari to see the animals & enjoy the sunset. Beautiful & everything we wanted.
Back for dinner which was surprising delicious. A small menu where you each have 3 courses. I had the Sirloin for main & it was excellent.
The next day up at 5 for the main safari & it was freezing. After 36 degrees the previous evening, the next day was 16 & felt so much colder with the wind across the bush. Luckily they gave us thick ponchos which became essential. We saw a wealth of animals, & Shadrag our driver kept us informed throughout, as well as telling a few jokes. Everything was extremely professional & we have no complaints.
I'd highly recommend this safari, we had an unforgettable experience at excellent value. Leker 👍👏💪
