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Email Tracey Skagias | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A COUNTRY OF HUGE CONTRASTS
We were only in Jo'burg, so I can't comment on all of S.Africa. We were staying in Sandton - total luxury everywhere you looked - the cars, the buildings, the malls. We did a trip on the Green bus route around the area where Mandela lived latterly. Wow.. However the houses are all locked in behind high walls, electrical fences, security. We were strongly advised against going out on our own - our hotel had a shuttle bus to the mall and convention centre. There is security everywhere however. We did a day trip to Pilansberg reserve. Very enjoyable with a very knowledgeable guide - plenty of elephants with babies and a rhino with her baby too. We saw a lot of plains game and also the birdlife was lovely. On our final day after the Expo that we were attending, we went to Soweto and the Apartheid museum. Well worth the visit.
CH
Email Janine Grandjean | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
South Africa was absolutely breathtaking!
The experience was breathtaking from the moment we landed at the lodge, seeing all the big 5 animals and more within less than 24 hours. The service was exceptional, weather was great as it was chilly in the morning and evening but hot during the day. We felt safe and were with guides with 20+ years of experience. Safari Bookings did a great job of providing a detailed itinerary and was quick to respond.
Amazing!
We started in Cape Town -- vibrant and lively city and amazing trip to the wine country. Then we went for a safari experience from Cape Town -- as it was our first experience with wild animals - we choose to play it safe and selected a private park - Aquila Private Game Reserve - with all comfort and safe experience. It was a wonderful experience - we saw all the animals that we were promised, the accommodation was wonderful (beautiful bungalow), great staff and wonderful spa.
Then we travelled to Durban - interesting and beautiful.
One of the things that surprised me the most was the nature - such colors and vegetation.
Excellent quality food and drink -- very friendly people.
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Email Crystal Brown | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Good company!
My fiancé and I felt very safe with this company. They handled any issues with Cate and professionalism. We opted to stay at a nice hotel, which was part of the package. They have a variety of options for sleeping. The Safari tour guide was knowledgeable and answered all of our questions.
SG
Email Perpetua | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best experience ever that was life-changing and awe-inspiring.
Judy from Wildlife Encounters was amazing from start to end. She provided us with tips, advice and planned our itinerary well to suit the needs of our family. She also ensured that we were well-taken care of by all the different operators throughout our 5 days.
Our experience from when we landed at Johannesburg was indescribably amazing. Our airport transfer driver was friendly and knowledgeable and ensured that our needs were met throughout our 6-hour long drive to Hoedspruit.
Thereafter, the experience at Milima Big 5 Safari was absolutely wonderful. The game drives were stellar and unmatched, and our guide, Thomas, had a wealth of knowledge to share about all the different animals and birds that we encountered. He also went out of his way to ensure that he was there with us throughout our game drives over the 5 days. We saw all the possible animals that we could have encountered, even though we had absolutely no expectations, knowing that the wildlife are roaming the lands on their own. Despite this, the birds, elephants, kudu, baboons and impalas that visited the watering hole at Milima each day were already enough for us to feel contented. Yet, Thomas ensured that each game drive was a memorable one as he demonstrated his skill and expertise in studying the tracks and knowing where the animals would mostly be. The close proximity of the wildlife, their calmness, coupled with the beauty of the surroundings, and especially the sunsets, were absolutely indescribable. Together with the service and care we received from the warm and friendly staff at Milima, the experience is truly one that would live on in our hearts for a long long time.
The 1-day drive out at Kruger was also excellent as it gave us a good view of the large herds of animals that we had previously encountered in smaller groups whilst at Milima. Our guide, Jessie, took effort to read the sightings board to help us decide our routes for the day, and we were rewarded through his knowledge and expertise as well.
On our last day, Judy also helped to arrange for us to visit the Blyde River Boat Tour, which helped my children to appreciate the beauty of the Three Rondavels and Blyde Canyon itself. The guide there also helped to share more information about the landscape, vegetation and biomes of the area which led to a rich learning experience.
These beautiful experiences culminated with a life-changing experience at Maholoholo Wildlife Sanctuary which strives to educate about the need to protect and conserve our wildlife. We fully appreciate and applaud the hard work they go through to ensure the safety of the wildlife, to rehabilitate them and to do what is necessary to release the rescued wildlife back into nature where possible. The stories of each of the animals are amazing and tear-jerking. Knowing that they have an ongoing volunteer programme also made us want to come back to help when the children are of the right age. The tour helped us to further appreciate the balance of the ecosystem that can only be achieved when the value of each individual species is recognised and respected.
We left Hoedspruit for Cape Town with a newfound appreciation and love for wildlife and nature. Even though we had a great time exploring the vibe and culture of South Africa through Cape Town, our hearts remain in the bush and we will definitely be back.
Thank you South Africa, for the life-changing and excellent experience.
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Email Sean Forbes | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Travel destination that exceeded expectations.
We took a three week trip for our honeymoon and we had a blast. There's just so much to do. For example we took a multi day Safari trip in Kruger. We did a day long wine tasting trip in Franschhoek. We took several shark cage diving excursions. Highly recommended. Quite a bit of sightseeing, including shopping and the most southern point in Africa. We went to the worlds largest open air aviary, if you love birds, it's definitely worth checking out.
Email Rita | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent
Everything went smoothly,pick up and drop offs. Kruger accommodation was excellent hosts
food, company all went well. Thoroughly enjoyed South Africa,2nd trip in a year! So can't be bad!
Email Isabelle Kbidy | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great place to see wildlife!
We enjoyed our safari very much. The drive from the airport was a bit long but we forgot it quickly on arrival at Marloth Park. Our lodge was great and our hostess very nice. It was amazing to see animals so close to the lodge. We loved the three safaris we went on, sunrise, sunset and all day. And we also enjoyed our time off at the lodge, where we could see from really close zebras, kudus or antilopes. I highly recommend going to South Africa and booking a safari with Safari Bookings.
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Email Danielle Giardini | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
My best trip to date
This has been a bucket list item for so long. The Accomidations and price were great. Well organized. We were extremely lucky to see all of the big 5 the guides were great. This is a MUST DO trip.
MX
Email Graciela Gama | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Kruger Park & Johannesburg
I’m Mexican so my review will be written with a latin point of view I hope is helpful . Johannesburg for me was a interesting city because of the shocking economical segregation, coming from a 3rd world country I thought it wouldn’t be as shocking from me but it was… you just can’t use your mobile on the streets because you could get robbed even on the best areas… I was lucky I had a host who told me all these details and gave me a tour around the real Johannesburg and saw all the actual culture which is beautiful.
Kruger park was my first safari ever and I had a great accommodation in Kriger Gate Hotel, right next to the entrance which is very convenient since you’ll start very early in the morning , food is amazing I just had the impression that the staff is a bit tired of tourists for example I did ask to the lobby manager if there was no danger of animals coming into the hotel (I saw a impala right next to my door) and she was quite dry on her explanation about how safe the place was, I just thought it was a normal care since I don’t live in Africa , examples like this were repetitive with the safari staff and the hotel staff without been really rude but just kinda tired of tourists.
Animals are all over the park you can see all of them , take 3 days to see the whole area. My experience in Mozambique was completely different, all the people was so good to me and you could feel absolutely safe everywhere but didn’t see as much animals , just by the sea.
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