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Email Sean Forbes | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Travel destination that exceeded expectations.
We took a three week trip for our honeymoon and we had a blast. There's just so much to do. For example we took a multi day Safari trip in Kruger. We did a day long wine tasting trip in Franschhoek. We took several shark cage diving excursions. Highly recommended. Quite a bit of sightseeing, including shopping and the most southern point in Africa. We went to the worlds largest open air aviary, if you love birds, it's definitely worth checking out.
SG
Email Perpetua | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best experience ever that was life-changing and awe-inspiring.
Judy from Wildlife Encounters was amazing from start to end. She provided us with tips, advice and planned our itinerary well to suit the needs of our family. She also ensured that we were well-taken care of by all the different operators throughout our 5 days.
Our experience from when we landed at Johannesburg was indescribably amazing. Our airport transfer driver was friendly and knowledgeable and ensured that our needs were met throughout our 6-hour long drive to Hoedspruit.
Thereafter, the experience at Milima Big 5 Safari was absolutely wonderful. The game drives were stellar and unmatched, and our guide, Thomas, had a wealth of knowledge to share about all the different animals and birds that we encountered. He also went out of his way to ensure that he was there with us throughout our game drives over the 5 days. We saw all the possible animals that we could have encountered, even though we had absolutely no expectations, knowing that the wildlife are roaming the lands on their own. Despite this, the birds, elephants, kudu, baboons and impalas that visited the watering hole at Milima each day were already enough for us to feel contented. Yet, Thomas ensured that each game drive was a memorable one as he demonstrated his skill and expertise in studying the tracks and knowing where the animals would mostly be. The close proximity of the wildlife, their calmness, coupled with the beauty of the surroundings, and especially the sunsets, were absolutely indescribable. Together with the service and care we received from the warm and friendly staff at Milima, the experience is truly one that would live on in our hearts for a long long time.
The 1-day drive out at Kruger was also excellent as it gave us a good view of the large herds of animals that we had previously encountered in smaller groups whilst at Milima. Our guide, Jessie, took effort to read the sightings board to help us decide our routes for the day, and we were rewarded through his knowledge and expertise as well.
On our last day, Judy also helped to arrange for us to visit the Blyde River Boat Tour, which helped my children to appreciate the beauty of the Three Rondavels and Blyde Canyon itself. The guide there also helped to share more information about the landscape, vegetation and biomes of the area which led to a rich learning experience.
These beautiful experiences culminated with a life-changing experience at Maholoholo Wildlife Sanctuary which strives to educate about the need to protect and conserve our wildlife. We fully appreciate and applaud the hard work they go through to ensure the safety of the wildlife, to rehabilitate them and to do what is necessary to release the rescued wildlife back into nature where possible. The stories of each of the animals are amazing and tear-jerking. Knowing that they have an ongoing volunteer programme also made us want to come back to help when the children are of the right age. The tour helped us to further appreciate the balance of the ecosystem that can only be achieved when the value of each individual species is recognised and respected.
We left Hoedspruit for Cape Town with a newfound appreciation and love for wildlife and nature. Even though we had a great time exploring the vibe and culture of South Africa through Cape Town, our hearts remain in the bush and we will definitely be back.
Thank you South Africa, for the life-changing and excellent experience.
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Email Crystal Brown | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Good company!
My fiancé and I felt very safe with this company. They handled any issues with Cate and professionalism. We opted to stay at a nice hotel, which was part of the package. They have a variety of options for sleeping. The Safari tour guide was knowledgeable and answered all of our questions.
Amazing!
We started in Cape Town -- vibrant and lively city and amazing trip to the wine country. Then we went for a safari experience from Cape Town -- as it was our first experience with wild animals - we choose to play it safe and selected a private park - Aquila Private Game Reserve - with all comfort and safe experience. It was a wonderful experience - we saw all the animals that we were promised, the accommodation was wonderful (beautiful bungalow), great staff and wonderful spa.
Then we travelled to Durban - interesting and beautiful.
One of the things that surprised me the most was the nature - such colors and vegetation.
Excellent quality food and drink -- very friendly people.
CH
Email Janine Grandjean | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
South Africa was absolutely breathtaking!
The experience was breathtaking from the moment we landed at the lodge, seeing all the big 5 animals and more within less than 24 hours. The service was exceptional, weather was great as it was chilly in the morning and evening but hot during the day. We felt safe and were with guides with 20+ years of experience. Safari Bookings did a great job of providing a detailed itinerary and was quick to respond.
Email Jacquiline Fox | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing
Most beautiful country i've ever been to - absolutely amazing
EG
Email Raouf Marhy | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Different than anything else
A unique expérience. Beautiful country with a lot to see and do. Friendly people even with some security problems. You go once, you want to go back
GR
Email Kostas | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Real wild experience
We were very lucky, thanks to our guides, because in two days we saw all kind of wild animals (big 5) and birds in Krugers National Park. The sxenery was absolutely perfect and the game very interesting and surprising. Our guides explained everything and search to find all kind of animals. The food was delicious and the weather very good so not to suffer from high temperatures.
AE
Email Fedor Portnykh | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Mindblowing fruit salad
Incredible and unforgettable experience of a lifetime!
NZ
Email Chris Payne | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great safari experience
Three weeks in South Africa - had a great time spending 10 days in Capetown and Paarl before driving up to Port Elizabeth. Fantastic trip with everything packing in - from township visit to safari - we saw, learnt and experienced a lot.
First time safari-ers, found the prospect of choosing pretty daunting but found this site excellent in sorting out priorities. We settled on Pembury Tours who were brilliant to work with - they understood the brief and went through some options until we were sorted. Ended up going to 2 camps - Sabi Sands and Timbivati - which was great advice as we got two different but equally enjoyable experiences (Arathusa and Umlani). The hospitality and organisation was unbelievable.
Totally recommend visiting - yes you do need to be careful and the power cuts are annoying - but probably one of the best trips we have had.
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