Email G & Y | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Superb safari and much more
We visited South Africa for the third time this year having booked with Karina from Safari Online. After much personal research and some valuable advice from Karina we agreed our itinerary - 6 days safari in Klaserie (Baobab Ridge) and Sabi Sands (Arathusa Lodge) followed by 3 days whale watching in Hermanus. This proved to be a winning combination for us.
Our safari lodges were superb and we saw everything we wanted (the big five) and so much more. Spreading our safari across two difference reserves meant we had diverse but still thrilling experiences in each with such skilled guides. We were constantly impressed by their knowledge.
The rest of the staff in the lodges were equally welcoming and nothing was too much trouble.
On thing that took us by surprise was the very changeable weather. Forecast to be very hot, it was infact unseasonably cold at one point then changing to being exceptionally hot - very unpredictable. My advice would be pack for every season!
We finished off our holiday with some time in Hermanus as it was whale season and despite our whale-watching boat trip being cancelled we still saw dozens of whales from the cliff path looking across Walker Bay. This was also a lovely base as it was a small town full of lovely restaurants and with easy access to wineries and vineyards in the Hemel-en-Aarde valley. We used the wine-hoppers hop-on hop-off tour. We finished our visit to SA with a couple of nights in Cape Town and went to Boulders Beach to see the penguins.
All in all we had a fabulous time and our holiday met all our expectations and the variety and quality of the food and wine we had was impressive. We've visited SA before and wouldn't hesitate to return.
SE
Email Maria Elander | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
We loved Mjejane Game Reserv.
I think the headline says it all. Go there and experience the wildlife yourself. You will not be disappointed.
BR
Email Leandro Germano | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing country with beautiful wildlife and lovely people
We had an amazing experience in Safari at Kruger with the agency Viva Safaris.
Very well organized, experienced guides and drivers. We didn’t need to worry with anything. Just relaxing and having fun watching the beautiful wildlife. Fantastic memories for life!
Congratulations to the Viva Safaris team!
Email Jan | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fabulous experience
We staid in the Ku Sungula lodge for 5 nights and the experience was truly magic. The lodge is quite small and is operated by a small team of fantastic people. The safari trips were magic. Definitely recommend this as a destination! Thanks Yolanda and team.
AE
Vast stretches of natural beauty created for humanity and animals alike
We visited Sabi Sands and stayed in Elephant Plains. Safaribookibgs.com organised the entire trip and we got what they promised. Very good transport arrangement for 400 km drive to Sabi Sands from J'Burg. Our escort Tabo is too good, courteous and very safe driving. Friendly and lively.
Elephant Plains is a fabulous property. Property with about 10 cottages and organised with great elegance blending with nature surrounding that place. U get to see from your room deer, Elephant and may be even Lion pride. Excellent food arrangement. The Chef took special care of us as we are Vegetarians and served us with Vegetarian dishes. Our host Junaita (Hopefully I am spelling her name correct; apologies otherwise) is simply superb ever smiling and helpful.
Elephant Plains organised two safari rides in 10 seater Forest open vehicle with an escort and ranger. Both the escort and ranger ensured that we saw the Big Five several times. Simply the wildlife is awesome. I recommend Safaribookings and Elephant Trail.
Email Julie Hamlin | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
South Africa is the most wonderful and diverse location
We started our trip in Cape Town wehich so amazing. I felt completely safe,. Everyone we met were so helpful and friendly. We spent 9 nights, which was just enough to cover what we wanted to see. We went cage diving with sharks, visited the penguins at boulders beaqch. Travelled up Table mountain. We did 2 amazing free walks, one to Bo Kaap fabulous, another The Historic walk ok. Our hotel was fabulous, Cape Heritage, one of the oldest hotels in Cape Town.
After Cape Town we flew to Johannesburg to start our Kruger Safari. We were collected from our hotel and driven first to Trmisana Lodge, a good 4/5 hours drive ouch. Tip fly to Kruger. The room at Trmisana was so small dodgey aircon, couldnt sleep. The bar was not manned and lady a bit rude. The guides however were fabulous. So friendly and informative.
We moved next day to Marks Tree Houses. Staff so friendly and helpful. Treehouses were great , bathrooms very been cleaned.
The guide who drove us through Kruger was awful. Not friendly or welcoming. He drove too fast we m issed so much
FR
Email Jean Paul Cornut | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Natural Beauty
The lodge was very pleasant and elegant. We do twice safari a day ( early morning and late afternoon) the Early morning was perfect ( 6.am to 12) .
Just the food was a bit poor and not really quality :(
Email Chris Witbeen | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Beautiful & Cheap
We visited Cape Town and Aquilla Game Reserve, we loved it. The people were super friendly, the food was great, the weather was perfect and the wildlife was amazing. We found going out to be cheap and the cuisine was just fabulous. We are already planning a return trip for next year, and we certainly would recommend it to anyone considering going.
Email Tobie Stander | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Breathtaking
The scenery was breathtaking. Relaxing and been treated like a guest.
DE
Email Dorota Townsend | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience
We had the most amazing time at the Safari - and the crew has been nothing but accommodating and flexible. Travelling with 3 kids we had to change the duration shortly before the arrival, all was done without any extra cost or problems.
The crew was fun, interested and engaging, the sights unforgettable and the other travellers we have met friendly!
The home cooked food was delicious - and the lodges brilliant!
