South Africa Travel Guide

Where the Wild Things Still Are

My wife and I had an excellent safari experience, with knowledgable guides, nice accomodations, and good food. We will never forget the experience of being in the bush and seeing all the creatures we have dreamed of. Sadly, we fear that wildlife is in danger of disappearing and hope that all steps will be taken to preserve it.

Once in a lifetime experience that reminds you why life is worth living.

We visited South Africa as a family trip and are now scheming how to make it an annual event that all in the family can attend. A trip intended to expose my mom and my oldest two nephews to international travel and it was an absolute success. PaperJet Travel and Justin Perumal made our trip everything that we could have ever imagined...and more!! They organized our safari at Kruger which was an amazing time of bonding as we learned new animals and birds, tracked the Big 5 (all of which we saw at least twice), and were surrounded by here’s of buffalos and elephants. Seeing the animals in their natural habitat was breathtaking. Marka, our guide at MalaMala Game Reserve, was extremely knowledgeable and took the time to find every animal we desired to see and to ensure that we fully enjoyed our time. We also spent time in Cape Town and Johannesburg where the people are ridiculously loving and absolutely amazing. The hotels we stayed in were more than accommodating and the staff ensures that we enjoyed our stay by going above and beyond their duties. South Africa is a beautiful place, full of culture and beauty that everyone should experience at least once.

South Africa and a Safari at Madikwe National Reserve is a must on your bucket list

Madikwe was fabulous. The 260 square mile preserve is large enough to be home to all of the animals and birds you want to see on a safari (and many you have never heard about) but is not crowded with tourists and allowed a really intimate viewing of the wildlife. We stayed 2 nights each at two wonderful small lodges at different sides of the park and really feel we got to see different aspects of the area. For others who had been to safaris elsewhere we heard that off road viewing permitted here is not allowed elsewhere and therefore we were able to see more wildlife up close.

South Africa offers everything to those who love wildlife, amazing countryside, beautiful people . .

Our South African safari outshone our expectations in every way : wildlife experiences, the ever-changing landscape, comfortable and affordable accommodation, delicious food and wine, and the wonderful, kind, and helpful South African people.

We had a first class tour guide in Derek Keeling "Experiencing a Lifetime in a Day" - he gave us a holiday of a lifetime. We left South Africa feeling sad to leave such an amazing and beautiful country and its people behind. If you're thinking about it - I'd recommend you book it.

Safari to Kruger National Park

The safari to the Kruger National Park was well organised by Viva Safaris. The Tremisima Lodge for the first night was not very great in terms of room space but that we could see warthogs, guinea fowl, ground hornbill and pied crows from across our window was a treat. The staff were extremely helpful and friendly. The Katekani Chalet was wonderful. The staff who took us around the private game parks and Kruger National Park were fairly knowledgeable. The Mohololo Rehab Centre was the highlight. We did not see much wildlife at Kruger Park which was disappointing. The food at Katekani was excellent. The stay at the Airport Safari Club on our return to Johannesburg was also comfortable. However, we missed the complimentary drinking water bottles at all the places even though we had to pay handsomely for our stay throughout. The Safari club was specially very expensive. The weather had changed suddenly; it was cold on most days except the last two days when the sun was very hot during the daytime.

Imposing landscapes filled with wondrous things

We enjoyed our 3 weeks in South Africa and in particular our time near Kruger Park seeing all the wildlife. Our Lodge (Phelwana) was exceptional. You really saw so much without leaving their reserve - from giraffes to the hippo family and all the other animals. But then the excursions to Kruger etc were filled with non-stop sightings - the highlight being the family of six cheetahs. We were very happy with the food and wines on offer and the service throughout our stay. Our guide Jurgen was attentive and full of stories to engage us and we enjoyed his company. I guess the only thing I would change perhaps would be to fly to Kruger instead of the land transfer from Jo'burg - probably spent too long in cars overall.

Amazing South Africa

The Staff at the various hotels were extremely courteous and very professional - always smiling and there was never a request that was turned away. The food was great and the weather at that time of the year was kind to us. The natural beauty of the land complemented by the abundant wildlife, both on land and on the Chobe River, was amazing. Our guides always had a very good sense of humour and there was never ever a dull moment from the early morning safaris to the late night sundowners amongst the natural beauty of the glorious sunsets.

Safari in Rhino Ridge

Accommodations at Rhino Ridge were excellent. Room was beautiful, food was delicious, and staff very friendly and helpful. Weather in October was very pleasant. Expected to see a few more animals; however, I enjoyed seeing what we did. Had a walking excursion which was really fun.

Wonderful wild life

It was so wonderful experience for us to enjoy wild life in South africa.
Everything was great for Safari.com such as suggestions, transportation, accomodation and food, etc.
We will surely recommend travellers planning to go to safari in South Africa.

I've given almost the same rating as for the Kruger park as we didn't see anything of the rest of South Africa other than the Sabie Sands and the Klasserie reserves.