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.
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.
A kind, beutiful land full of surprices.
We are very satisfied with our trip. The weather was good, the food was okay and we had a good guide.
Email Helena Rubinstein | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great opportunity to reset after a very hard week's work
Pilansberg was beautiful and the Shepherd's Tree Game Lodge is to be recommended - friendly staff, excellent food and our guide, Ruan. was exceptional. All transport was efficient and friendly
Email Alan Bishop | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Compare Kruger Park with Sabi Sand (Private game reserve) I would only go private in future.
The game reserves were excellent and showcase Africa's unique wildlife. Spent 2 days in Kruger and 2 days in Sabi Sand. There was more game in Kruger but a greater variety in Sabi Sand. I would only go to a private game reserve in future. Accommodation and food were far better in the private reserve as well. Weather was mixed - cold at first but much hotter later. We also visited Johannesburg and O.R. Tambo airport has to be the worst international airport in the world. There are no signs anywhere to assist you in checking in and we had to go to the domestic terminal to check in for an international flight to Zimbabwe. Compare this with King Shaka in Durban where for every flight, the check-in desk is shown on a very large information board. We also visited Cape Town. Trying to go up Table Mountain as individuals is almost impossible. There was a queue which took 3 hours to get onto the cable car and another queue that took another 3 hours just to buy a ticket. We gave up eventually. Same issue with trying to go to Robben Island. Unless you are prepared to pay an exorbitant amount for a private tour, you can't get on a boat. Again, we had to give up. The V&A Waterfront is well advertised but in the end is only a shopping centre with some restaurants - quite disappointing. For an Australian, the prices in South Africa seem very cheap and it's a good place to go for a holiday once. Not enough different things to do to keep returning though but I would recommend it to anyone who has never been.
US
Email Marc Verbruggen | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
great experience
Great experience - was impressed with the quality of the lodges, the friendliness of staff and the overall service level of all folks involved. At the moment, South Africa is also quite affordable compared to other safari locations. Overall great value for money.
BR
Email Debora de Almeida Nogueira | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very cool
Good people, good food, good safari. It was great days.
DE
Email Michael | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
great time with beautiful scenery and sunset
it still is a beautiful country however immigration is very unfriendly!
Our 4 days Viva Safaris is quite a good experience to see the wildlife.Viv
Viva Safari provide excellent service to their guests in every aspect. Patti provides quick response and advice to us to join the Safari tour.
They provide the excellent service and tours as to the printed itinenary, nothing skipped. My daughter and I really enjoy our trip there.
PE
Email Chris Conti | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A good guide makes the difference. Some days were absolutely great!
We had two great guides, who were knowledgable, took the time to explain things, stopped when we wanted to, etc. And we had two guides that were quite terrible, pretty much making what could have been an excellent day, quite a frustrated one.
Please take the time to evaluate guides, train them, etc.
Overall our experience was quite good, with all the other apects of the trip.
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