Wedding & Family trip
We had to attend the wedding in Capetown so combine Safari with it. We did safari of Hwange National Park, , Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Chobe in Botsawana & Krugal National Park in SA. We got to see all big five and had a great time.
Email Brian King | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Stunning country
We had a wonderful safari with Wildlife Safaris. We had Hoppy as our guide. He was simply quite brilliant; helpful, caring, friendly and so knowledgeable. We looked at various companies for our safari; Do not hesitate to book this company. Everything was wonderful from start to finish. We saw so many animals (apart from the elusive leopard) and enjoyed wonderful breakfasts overlooking the Sabie river hippos, after our early morning game drives.
The rest of South Africa is so beautiful. If you can cope with the emotions of seeing terrible poverty while you enjoy luxury, then you must go!
Email Heather Wells | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
South Africa is full of scenic beauty, good food, great people and adventure all around.
I love south Africa. there is soo much going on. from great Beaches to scenic landscapes with great weather and let us not forget the wildlife. (never trust the Monkeys though). My recent trip was the Second time I've been to south Africa and I loved discovering new places I Have not seen before. There's Truly something for everyone. and I'm constantly surprised why south African "Braii" and wine is not more internationally Known. I have such an appreciation for South Africa that I often forget I'm in a foreign country. If I ever Learn to speak Swahili or Afrikaans I'm going to set up shop somewhere in the bush with a pack of wild dogs and maybe a leopard or two and sell Biltong and Pinotage to Tourists.
Email Kristi | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing bucket list experience
I had a unique opportunity to travel solo for the first time in many years, and decided to use it on a bucket list trip. I had always wanted to do a safari. I found Viva Safaris online and was impressed from the get go by their responsiveness and flexibility. The on the ground experience also impressed. I was advised that Jo'burg was a 'fly over' city. I spent a single night at an airport hotel upon arrival, and was picked up the safari operator the next morning. The overland trip to the Kruger area took several hours but was a chance to see the countryside and meet my fellow travelers. By the time I arrived at the lodge, I had new friends and felt a real sense of community. I did the 6-day safari - which was (honestly) a tiny bit too long. I saw every kind of wildlife, the guides were fantastic, and the staff at the lodge went above and beyond to accommodate my restricted diet (vegetarian, celiac). I would highly recommend Viva Safaris and would also suggest beginning your South African adventure on safari as it's a really great way to meet people. Indeed, when I went on to Cape Town and wine country I was able to reconnect with people I had met on safari. My highlights were the safari, hiking in Cape Town (and the food!!!), and an epic mountain biking experience in wine country.
Email Norman Goodwin | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very interesting and informative
Tour guide for safari was very informative and helpful. I learned a lot more about apartheid from the museums and it was good that past austracties were not covered up. Melrose Arch was very nice
Overall food was good and reasonably priced. People quite friendly and professional.
Email Jason Sinnarajah | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible trip
What an amazing trip. From the schedule, to the quality of the guides, to the wonderful hospitality, it was an amazing trip. I can't thank Ilana Mahoney enough, she did an amazing job of putting a great trip together for us!
Email Molly Warren | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
One of the most beautiful countries I have ever visited.
South Africa is such a diverse and interesting country. Full of ever changing landscapes and interesting animals and birds. We found the people to be warm and welcoming.
Email Arturo Mora | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An spectacular country full of nature and great people
We were very well impressed with the country and its nature: we experienced the beauty of Kruger National Park as well as Cape Town and it’s surrounding areas full of great landscapes, awesome tours and tour guides and friendly people! The country is a must if you are considering visiting Africa.
Email Marco Quaranta | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Email Wojciech Koziołek | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Beautiful landscapes, amazing bush vibe, good safari
South Africa is a stunning and extremely beautiful country- from the vast and wild Kruger National Park to Drakensberg Mountain. Simply amazing! Wildlife viewing was excellent even though we had no luck in Kruger- 2 days in the Park without seeing any predators at all (no rhinos too, only 2 out of the Big Five- elephants and buffalos). Kruger NP is beautiful, wild and I loved it, but sometimes (especially during a hot day) wildlife sightings were poor- the park is huge and sometimes you can drive for an hour or more without seeing anything. Private reserves such as Balule were great- lots of animals very close to the jeep (hunting lions, rhinos, etc.). I would suggest mix your safari when going to South Africa (private game reserve+Kruger NP). We went for a safari with Viva Safaris- overall very good operator, good value for money even though we didn't see as much wildlife as I would want. Weather in May was fabulous but it was way hotter than I have imagined! We had no safety problems but we were with our guides for most of the time, so I would suggest to stay alert during your visit. Joahnnesburg is a very interesting and beautiful city, full of streetart and big contrasts- definitely worth visiting (I recommend guided tour with Mhlanganisi Travel & Tours with Mr. Pastor as a guide).