South Africa Travel Guide

Big 5 in a day

The Kruger safari was more than expected. Our guide was knowledgeable and found all the wildlife we could ask for. No problems all of our outings and transfers went as planned. I would use safari bookings again.

South Africa has a large number of geographically separated National Parks and Private Wildlife destinations. These have a wide range of landscape types and climates resulting a diversity of vegetation, animal and bird life. Each area has its own special character and atmosphere providing a unique variety of experiences.

Fantastic

Our safari in Kruger with Wild Planet Safari was everything we hoped for - and more. We got to see the 'Big 5' - our initial objective - and the 'Ugly 5', but we also got to see so much more. A pride of 21 lions, two lions eating their kill, a group of several hundred buffalo walking single file towards water and a fight where two wildebeest were locked together for almost half an hour plus lots and lots of other animals and birds.
Our guides, Chris and Luin (?) were excellent and amazing at spotting things we couldn't see - even after we started to know what to look for! They also did the cooking and the food was excellent - and there was always too much!
Accommodation wise, I loved the 'African feel' of the huts in which we stayed. The huts were spacious, comfortable - and well airconditioned which was needed!
We were there in September, but I was still slightly surprised both as to how dry and how hot (temps up to 41 deg) it was. However, whereas the dryness (and also being the end of winter) made the scenery somewhat uninspiring, it was fascinating to see how tough the animals were and how they were surviving.
My image of an African safari prior to going was doing it in an open Jeep. However, after the initial disappointment of realising we'd be in an enclosed vehicle, both my wife and I very soon realised its benefits! Being able to have the airconditioning on in that heat was great, and also the visibility was still excellent. Furthermore, if I needed a photo )and I took a LOT!), Chris would stop, position the vehicle as I needed and I could open my window and never missed a photo opportunity!
To summarise: A tremendous time giving us wonderful memories.

Wild Planet Safari was an excellent experience!!

We had a beautiful experience with Wild Planet Safaris. Booking the tour was easy-Ryan was very open and easy to communicate with. For our guides we had Anton and Lungi. Anton was very knowledgeable about the animals and knew where to go in the park. Lungi was an excellent cook and animal spotter-he spotted a leopard across the way (I would have never caught it on my own) which made my day-probably the most beautiful animal I have ever seen in the wild! My dad made it a game to try and spot an animal before Lungi did-needless to say, Lungi always won haha. We are also very very lucky to have seen the wild African dogs! We got to see them interact with a huge family of baboons, it was absolutely wild, a once in a life time opportunity! Both of the guides made our trip very enjoyable-would definitely recommend!

It was the most amazing experience I have ever had .

I loved it all weather was great the animals were amazing in there natural habitat our guide his name was Simon absolutely fantastic he cooked for us took us on game drives all day love every moment I’m saving to go back again.

South Africa is much more beautiful than I ever imagined. Every turn was a picture.

Wildlife was amazing. Weather was cooler than expected. Scenery was much more beautiful than expected. Accommodations we booked were beautiful and the people I contacted were so friendly and hospitable. Car rental went great, roads were very nice and easily traveled. Our Safari guides were wonderful and did all they could to make our Safari successful. The only negative thing I had happen was at Tydan African Safari someone stole my money from my tent while I was on Safari, so please keep your money with you at all times.

It was amazing to see how animals are happy to be free!

Wildlife is all expected from my childhood. Accommodation was very good at night, as I was in a tent, during the day it was a bit hot, but nothing different from what I expected. Food was surely much better than I could imagine. The guides were very friendly and know a lot about wildlife.
I am very keen to go for another safari, I would just go to different spots next time, instead of staying 4 days in the same camp site.

Hugely memorable.

Second time to SA. Visited Jo'burg (lots to see) and Durban (beach fabulous) as well as Timbavati and Sabi Sand which both were wonderful for hospitality, quality and wildlife (where do I start!). People always welcoming and polite. Never felt unsafe. Very good value for money. Weather was warm and pleasant except for a couple of days in two weeks where is was showery. Thoroughly enjoyable.

Comfortable and fun safari trip close to Cape Town

This was a great introduction to South African wildlife. Our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly and was great at spotting animals as went through the grounds. We had a lovely room, complete with a card welcoming us to the lodge and a bottle of sparkling wine. Very nice staff who did their best to help us with various questions.

Worth every cent ....

The trip was amazing from start to finish. Our guide Nick was knowledgeable and kind and considerate of my teen. They formed a great bond and despite varying weather she had the time of her life. We saw the big 5 and Nick went out of his way to ensure that all members of our tour had all their needs met. The accommodation as great, very comfortable beds, food was amazing, and despite our animal loving approach we tried the meat and it was exceptional.


Nicks knowledge of not only Kruger but Africa in general made our trip (even the car ride) so interesting and informative. He is an amazing man who knows just about all there is to know about his country and its wildlife. The trip was suppose to be a once in a lifetime event but have already booked a return!