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This national park (satellite map and distance/time calculator) covers an area
the size of Wales (380km/236miles long and 60km/37miles wide) and contains a
variety of wildlife that is unrivalled anywhere else in Africa. There are over 147 species of mammal to be discovered here and 517 different bird varieties. The road and accommodation infrastructure is particularly good here too as this is arguably the best managed African national park. It's widely ranked as one of the top safari destinations on the continent.
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Accommodation:
Lukimbi Safari Lodge
13-16 April 2008
Dorothy Dennis, South AfricaReview Source: Review submission
Rating: 9.5/10 |
Recently Added!!
"I have a personal contact at Lukimbi private lodge, which is close to Malelane Gate, so chose them for my solo Kruger safari. They were very quietly efficient; the staff's friendly, relaxed and not in your face efficiency was a highlight.
Their game rangers were very good although I felt they could have been more communicative when tracking.
The food was awesome and I ate traditional food as well.
Highlights among the wildlife were a side-striped jackal, a leopard and a breeding herd of elephant.
A typical day was an early morning drive (2.5 hrs), breakfast, game walk if requested or leisure, swimming/reading etc, lunch, leisure, night drive (± 2.5 hrs), dinner.
My advice to others would be to take warm clothing for those early drives!"
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Independent self-drive
15 days
Sandra Lundgren, SwedenReview Source: Review submission |
Sandra stayed at 6 different Kruger camps which she booked directly with SANParks. They ate some of their meals at the park restaurants and self-catered the rest of the time.
She saw a great variety of animals including the "big five", cheetah and wild dog. She shares a few great tips with future self-drivers (especially regarding basic photography of wildlife) in the review of her Kruger Park self drive »
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Independent self-drive
Four days
Sophie, UKReview Source: Review submission |
Sophie went to the Kruger wanting to see all the big game which she did along with the small things. She left with a different view of what a safari is all about.
After reading her review you'll have a better idea of what a self-drive safari in Kruger is like. Her only regret is not booking for longer. Read Sophie's self drive Kruger safari travel opinion »
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Independent self-drive
Two days
Bruce & Wilma Whittaker, South AfricaReview Source: Our own experience |
We spent another magnificent weekend in the Kruger. Our first day was amazing and packed with really great wildlife sightings. The second day was much quieter and it rained most of the time.
We also paid a visit to the newest branch of The Elephant Sanctuary in Hazyview town, conveniently close to the Phabeni Gate. After meeting the two gentle giants of the sanctuary, it was hard to imagine elephants can be dangerous, but they will always get my greatest respect (and sufficient breathing space) in the wild. » Kruger Park and Elephant Sanctuary trip report To reliably calculate the cost of our South Africa self drive safaris we make use of a budget spreadsheet and distance calculator.
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Self drive arranged by
African Safari Journals
Two weeks
Ralph Scaf & Lenny Vermeeren, The NetherlandsReview Source: E-mail submission |
Ralph & Lenny wanted the freedom and independence of a self-drive safari but didn't have the time to plan it, so we arranged it for them.
They were amazed at the amount and variety of wildlife they saw in the Kruger as well as the peace and tranquility they found there. They supplemented their self-driving South Africa safari with a few guided activities like night drives and a morning walk.
After 10 days of driving around the park, they spent 4 days at two wildlife sanctuaries just outside Johannesburg, where they got the opportunity to play with lion cubs... » Ralph & Lenny's self drive South Africa trip
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Independent self drive
One day
Wilma & Bruce Whittaker, SAReview Source: Our experience |
I thought our day was made when we spotted the elusive leopard taking a rest on an exposed rock... little did I know what was still in store for us.
Our pictures and video shows that the Kruger can deliver a super South Africa safari even if your time is limited... » South Africa wildlife bonanza
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Independent self drive
One day
Bruce & Wilma Whittaker, SAReview Source: Our experience |
The end of the dry season is an excellent time to visit the Kruger, like our day visit at the end of September '06 proved. This ranks as one of the best short South Africa safari trips to the Kruger Park in terms of wildlife sightings that we have ever been on and we visit the park twice monthly on average...» The "Big 5" Twice In One Day
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Sweni Wilderness Trail &
self drive safari15 days
Wilma & Bruce Whittaker, SA Review Source: Our experience |
Detailed account of a 3-night walking South Africa safari followed by a self-guided family tour, and a testament to the variety of wildlife in the Kruger. If you've ever wondered what would happen if you met lions while on foot, I shot some video footage of our lion encounter on this wilderness trail...» Hiking in the Bush
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Independent self drive
Five days
Bruce WhittakerReview Source: My experience |
My own South Africa safari experience. The
highlight was watching a lion chase hyenas away
from a giraffe kill (pictures). I felt like I was watching a program on Animal Planet. An amazing fact is that the lions have learnt to chase the giraffes towards the roads in the park when it rains because there is a good chance that they will slip on the wet tar and then the lions can go in for the kill...» Bruce
Whittaker's safari experience
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Independent self drive
Four days
George Moulder, SAReview Source: Telephone interview |
George arranged a week-long self catering holiday for his family to the Kruger and the nearby Panorama Route. There had been a bush fire in the park just before they arrived which was actually a bonus because it meant that they could see further into the bush to spot the wildlife...» South Africa family safari
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Independent self drive
Four days
Wilma WhittakerReview Source: Her experience |
"At the Orpen dam we saw 2
giant plated lizards – really prehistoric. This is the
advantage of going to the Kruger at a relatively quiet time." Includes a detailed description of the accommodation you can expect at some of the camps in the Kruger park...» Kruger diary
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Independent self drive
Three days
Lorraine Thompson, UKReview Source: Telephone review |
Lorraine visited the Kruger with some South Africa safari friends for 3 days, which she says were much too short. Even so, she was extremely lucky to see a leopard up a tree, with a kill, only 400m from the Lower Sabie camp. Another highlight was finding a pride of lions early one morning, sunning themselves on a huge rock.
She also went on a night drive during which she saw a white rhino with calf and also nocturnal life: a bush baby.
Her recommendation to people who go on a self-drive Kruger safari to make the most of the game drives by staying out all day - from when the gates open until they close - to get the maximum viewing opportunity in this wildlife paradise… and don't forget your camera!
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Safari Company:
Livingstone Trails/
African Safari Journals
Four days
Norman Hulme, USAReview Source: E-mail feedback |
Norman had an amazing South Africa safari, camping in the Kruger. He says no two days were alike.
Even though getting up at 05:30 every morning can wear you out a bit, the varied wildlife sightings make up for it and leaves you wanting more. Norman vows to be back... Kruger National Park camping safari »
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Safari Company:
Bundu Bus
Four days
Kim Hendrickx, BelgiumReview Source: Telephone interview |
Kim had a fun trip touring the park, meeting people from all over the world and seeing all the wildlife.Even though she now lives in South Africa and can do a self drive through the park with her own vehicle, she would rather use Bundu Bus again because she enjoyed it so much...» "Bus it" - Kruger Park trip report
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Safari Company:
Albatross Tours
Four days
Jeanne Wightman, UKReview Source: Telephone interview |
What's it like staying at the biggest South African safari camp in the Kruger Park? This
report gives you a pretty good idea...» Skukuza
Camp Insight
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Safari Company:
Connect South Africa
One week
Rommie (& Toni) CorsoReview Source: Telephone interview |
These two Aussie ladies had a fantastic time seeing South African safari wildlife for the first time in the Kruger as well as an adjacent private game reserve. Their highlight was seeing African elephants for the first time in the wild. They were amazed by the sheer size of the animal...
» South Africa Safari Adventure
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Safari Company:
Outlook Safaris
Four days
Cate & Cam, Chicago, USAReview Source: TravelBlog |
Find out why Cam says..."It's
truly one of the most remarkable nature reserves anywhere in the world
and would recommend it to anyone." But make sure that you give the electric fences a wide berth during your South Africa safari because otherwise you might have a shocking experience...
» Kruger Game Park adventure
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Four days
Jan & May Teland, Oslo, NorwayReview Source: Blog |
There were
some unwelcome visitors to this South Africa safari camp while dinner was being cooked and they were also very fortunate to see a huge python winding its way across the road on one of the game drives that they want on...» Kruger National Park tour
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Safari Company:
Jacels Tours
Four days
Jes Rennie, AustraliaReview Source: Ball of Dirt |
How lucky is this? A male leopard crossing the road and shortly afterwards a pair of mating lions. Fine South Africa safari trip. Jes was a regular visitor to the park before moving from South Africa to Australia but she had never experienced anything like this before...» Kruger Game Reserve review
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Safari Company:
Xstream Safaris
One week
Anton Marais, UKReview Source: Website submission |
Lion, leopard, getting close to a cheetah, charged by a rhino and whale watching in this action packed
South African safari trip journal. The walking safari was a highlight of this trip even though they had to beat a hasty retreat when the rhino ran towards them at top speed...» South Africa safari journal
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The privately owned Sabi Sands Game Reserve shares an unfenced boundary with the Kruger Park which means
the animals can move across the border at will and it contains about 30 up-market South Africa safari luxury lodges.
Off-road driving is permitted here which enhances the wildlife viewing
experience because it's possible to follow the animal once the tracker has found it instead of being limited to only going where the road takes you. This enables these lodges to specialise in finding the normally very elusive leopard so your chances of seeing this beautiful cat on a safari here is much higher than normal. |
Independent self drive
Accommodation:
Nkorho Bush Lodge
6-30 August 2008 in total
Annabelle Bugeja, MaltaReview Source: Review submission |
Recently Added!!
Annabelle feels that everyone should stay at private game lodges when going on a South Africa safari - if they want top treatment.
She shares the kind of day you can expect at a lodge like Nkorho and what wildlife she saw in her Addo and Sabi Sands safari report »
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Safari Agent:
Ebright Travel
19 June - 7 July 2008
4 weeks
Chris and Debbie Llewellyn, USA & MexicoReview Source: Review submission |
Chris and Debbie visited both South Africa and Botswana on their month-long African safari and highly recommend their agent who ensured that their dream became a reality.
The wildlife was good at all four camps but in Sabi Sands, well known for the excellent chance of seeing the shy spotted cat, they were treated with a leopard in camp!
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Safari Lodge:
Elephant Plains
End June 2008
2 days
Hans Christian Kruse,
Oslo, NorwayReview Source: Review submitted |
"My son and I had 2 days of safari in Elephant Plains. The lodge was very nice, as expected, and we met nice people all over. The competence of the Ranger and the Tracker was impressive. They were able to take us around in the park finding the Big 5.
During the winter season in Sabi Sands the visibility in the bush was good. We could see many animals on long distance, and we were able to get close to them by driving in the dry bush. Impressive.
I will recommend safari in Elephant Plains to everyone that will give priority to this kind of vacation experience. Our stay was excellent."
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Safari Company:
Wild Wings Safaris
Stig Nordskov Nielsen, NorwayReview Source: Review submitted |
Stig had a score to settle with a leopard because it was the only one of the big five animals that he hadn't seen yet. His trip report explains exactly how he tackled this dilemma...» Wild Wings Safaris review
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Safari Company:
Ulusaba
Five Days
Jane Harden, WalesReview Source: Review submitted |
Jane got the classic pose of a leopard in a tree on camera during her stay at Sir Richard Branson's lodge. In fact, she and her family saw the "big 5" (lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino & elephant) every day.
In » Jane's Ulusaba Sabi Sands review she talks about the food, a typical day at the lodge and provides a tip or two for future safari travellers...
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Safari Company:
Seasons in Africa
April 2007
One Night
Bruce & Wilma Whittaker, SAReview Source: Our Experience |
We had the privilege to go and spend some time in Sabi Sands at the Leopard Hills Game Reserve Lodge and what an amazing experience it was. If you are searching for a luxury South Africa safari, look no further than this lodge. Read my review to find out why...
» Our Leopard Hills Safari |
Travel Agent:
Green Route
January 2007
3 days
Monique Leendertz,
South AfricaReview Source: Telephone interview |
Monique visited three luxury lodges on her South Africa safari: Singita Boulders Lodge, Sabi Sabi and Londolozi. She explains that one should always save the best for last, or the perfect experience may spoil your judgement of other wonderful lodges.
The lodges were beautiful and the food delicious and plentiful, not to mention fantastic game viewing. However, the service at one of the lodges left a lot to be desired, in her opinion...
» Five star lodge safari |
Safari Company:
Go to Africa
Eight Nights
Hilde Verfaillie, BelgiumReview Source: Telephone interview |
Listen to or read this trip report to find out where your chances are
the best in Africa for finding leopard. Amazingly, Hilde saw six of the
elusive cats in Simbambile and she really enjoyed her stay in Kings & Honeyguide
camps in the Timbavati and Manyeleti game reserves too...
» South Africa Vacation Safari |
Safari Company:
Ebright Travel
Ten Days
Connie Ebright, USAReview Source: Trip report submission |
Find out what
the absolute pinnacle in luxury safari travel is like by reading Connie's trip report as she visits the most luxurious and up-market lodges that its possible to find in the South Africa safari game. Places like Lion Sands, Sabi Bush Lodge and the Earth Lodge all fall under the spotlight as she explains what a safari experience there is like...» Connie
Ebright's tour
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Safari Company:
Mala Mala
Two Days
Michael Poliza, GermanyReview Source: Personal blog |
It's possible to fly in and land at this lodge because they have their own airfield and Michael's safari got of to an early start because he spotted rhino and elephant from the air. Another one of his experiences on this South Africa safari..."other female
lions in the area and decided to call them. It was great, the males
joined in the call and soon we had all four of them giving us the most
incredible lion concert." » Mala Mala game reserve trip
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Timbavati Private Nature Reserve is an area adjacent to the Kruger National Park, consisting of a number of private land blocks that is set aside for conservation and wildlife tourism.
Off-road game viewing ensures you can view animals up close and they also have a rule that no more than two vehicles are allowed at a sighting at any one time.
Safari Specialist:
Ebright Travel
One week
Paul Ciolino, USAReview Source: Review submitted |
Recently Added!!
Paul stayed at three exclusive private game lodges and it was Dulini in Timbavati that stole the show and where he saw the "big 5" in a single morning.
He discovered early on in his attempts to try and organise the trip that it is a daunting task and ended up using an African specialist travel agent based in the US, of whom he says "The best thing that happened to us was finding Connie Ebright". He goes into more detail about the service they received and also gives short reviews on each of his accommodations... » Ebright Travel trip review
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Safari Company:
Seasons in Africa
One night
Bruce & Wilma Whittaker, South AfricaReview Source: Our own experience |
During a very short stay we saw a pack of wild dogs hunting and a pride of lions lazing around with bursting tummies.
Kings Camp lodge offers 5-star service, food and accommodation in their corner of the unspoilt Timbavati natural area... I can highly recommend spending a few nights of your South Africa safari there...
» Kings Camp review |
Safari Company:
Umlani
Four days
Pam Harding, UKReview Source: Telephone interview |
Excellent insight into what a South African safari is like including
accommodation, food, clothing and rare wildlife seen. She also gives some valuable tips about what to take with on safari and what the most useful item in her luggage was...» Kruger
Park and Timbavati Reserve |
Klaserie Nature Reserve is a privately-owned wildlife sanctuary, with only another private reserve, Timbavati, between itself and the Kruger National Park in prime South Africa safari country. There are no fences between these parks and the wildlife can move freely between them. The nearest town is Hoedspruit.
The reserve carries a wide variety of game and birds within its 60 000 ha borders with special emphasis on the unspoilt nature and tracking of big game including the "big 5". Game drives are offered in open sided Land Rovers and the lodges offer all inclusive packages of high standard.
Safari Company:
Africa On Foot
Two nights
Nic, UKReview Source: Review submitted |
Recently Added!!
Nic went on a walking safari where the focus is on the smaller things of the bush, not usually noticed when you're in a safari vehicle. During his three walks he learned about tracks and saw a tortoise, birds, antelope, and even some big game.
One can see from his trip report that this type of safari gives you a good all-round bush experience. He is full of praise for his walking safari guide and other hosts who made him feel very welcome and arranged a special final overnight venue...
» Africa On Foot safari
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Ecotourism is high on the agenda at Ngala, with WWF and South African National Parks in conservation partnership with the private owners. The reserve is bordered in the east by the famous Kruger National Park, and on all other sides (almost surrounded) by Timbavati Private Game Reserve.
"Ngala" means lion in Shangaan, the local culture and language, so be sure to look out for some of the resident prides when going on a South Africa safari here.
Safari Agent:
Ebright Travel
Ten days
Kim Seguin, USAReview Source: Review submitted |
Kim's time on safari was split between three lodges in different reserves, one of which was Ngala. She and her husband stayed in the tented camp and thought the traditional food was incredible, the guide excellent and the staff very nice.
She also went to Sabi Sands and Kapama where she went on an elephant safari. She is full of praise for Connie Ebright who organised this seamless private reserves safari »
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Situated in the north east of South Africa, between the town of Tzaneen and the Kruger National Park. Accommodation offered are 3, 4 and 5 star lodges.
Enjoy game drives on open safari vehicles or explore the reserve on foot (with a guide, of course!) to look for the variety of big and small game found here among the diverse vegetation.
Safari Company:
Booked directly with Edeni
Four days
Maria Dodd, AustraliaReview Source: Telephone interview |
Lion cubs, a baby elephant and lazy cheetahs were only some of the game Maria saw during her safari at Edeni's Hoyo Lodge.
There was also enough time to relax, making it a restful South Africa safari which she will not hesitate to recommend to others...» Full length Edeni Game Reserve trip report
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In the northwest corner of the country is this national park with arid landscapes and red sand dunes, resulting in remarkable sunsets.
Game includes gemsbok, springbok, huge black-maned lions, cheetah, leopard and a good concentration of a raptors. This detailed Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park map and distance calculator will help you orientate yourself in the park.
Safari Company:
Scorched Africa Safaris
Seven days
Laurine White, UKReview Source: Review submitted online |
Recently Added!!
"I went on a 7 day safari in the Kalahari desert with Scorched Africa Safaris in January 2009 and had an awsome experience with them. As far as I know, they are a fairly new company but provided extra care to me and my family and gave us an unforgettable holiday in South Africa.
I loved the fact that we have done it in a Land Rover and the group was only limited to 8 guests. I love South Africa and will be doing a safari soon again!"
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Safari Company:
Umkulu Adventures
Four days
Kaj Baht, DenmarkReview Source: Telephone review |
Kaj enjoyed his Botswana safari in 2006 so much that he returned for a Namibia & South Africa safari less than a year later and used the same safari operator. During this trip he spent 4 days in the Kgalagadi National Park where he stayed in all three camps (Twee Rivieren, Mata Mata and Nossob), which he found to be very good.
For the first part of the safari, Kaj was the only guest but was later joined by old friends to spend some time in the south of Namibia and South Africa's tranquil Lambert's Bay.
Among other things, he saw many of the raptors that the park is known for, giraffe, ostrich, cheetah and 25 lions while he was there.
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Self Drive
4 days
Barry Downs, SAReview Source: Downsa Blogspot |
Barry decided to take his whole family on a self drive South Africa safari to the Kgalagadi and stay in one of the chalets at the Twee Rivieren camp. He could make use of his normal sedan vehicle (no need for a 4x4) because the gravel roads are in good condition.
Relaxation was the main objective of this South Africa safari and game viewing came in second but they still managed to see a decent amount of wildlife...
 
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Self Drive
Three Days
Laura & James, UKReview Source: Senegrigmees Blogspot |
The highlight of the South Africa safari Kgalagadi trip for James and Karen was being less than two metres away from a pride of lion which included two males, two lioness and three two month old cubs. They spent over three hours watching them at the waterhole and took hundreds of photographs.
Other wildlife spotted included the gemsbok, wildebeest, springbok, ostrich, eland, black backed jackals and many birds of prey...
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Safari Company:
Aardvark Safaris
One week
Dries Cronje, SAReview Source: Telephone interview |
This is one of the best places in Africa to capture magnificent wildlife pictures and Dries explains exactly why this is.
He is a professional photographer that leads photographic tours to South Africa safari parks and the Kgalagadi is one of his favored destinations...» Kgalagadi photographic safari
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Among the hills, rivers and pans of one of the oldest reserves in Africa you'll find a wide variety of game and birds as well as a strong Zulu history, elements for the perfect South Africa safari. The location of the park offers an additional advantage: it is around the corner from the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Detailed Hluhluwe Imfolozi game reserve satellite map and distance calculator...
Safari Operator:
Euro Zulu
Accommodation:
Maputaland Guest House
12 Nov 2008
One day
Han Scheele, Netherlands Review Source: Review submitted |
Recently Added!!
Han enjoyed travelling all over South Africa in a rented car and particularly liked the people.
He appreciated the fact that their Hluhluwe-Imfolozi guide, Rick, didn't just focus on the big game but rather took the time and effort to show them the big picture and explain animal behaviour as well as the ecological system in which they live.
Among his advice is to just undergo the atmosphere of a South Africa safari and enjoy it...
» Day safari in HluhluweImfolozi
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Safari Operator:
Sawadee; Euro Zulu
17 Oct - 9 Nov 2008
24 days
Thea Wijnands, The Netherlands Review Source: Review submitted |
Recently Added!!
Thea and Karel went on a bus tour of South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho, passing through game reserves like the Kruger and Hluhluwe-Imfolozi.
See why she preferred Hluhluwe-Imfolozi as the nicer South Africa safari park in her » South Africa tour opinion
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Safari Operator:
Euro Zulu
Accommodation:
Avalon Guest House, St Lucia
3 November 2008
Ten days
Frances and Rodger Lee, England Review Source: Review submitted |
Recently Added!!
Photographers Frances and Rodger found Euro Zulu to be wonderful - from arranging their activities, to the food to the quality of wildlife and cultural guiding.
Their South Africa safari report narrates just what it was that set this operator apart and how they enjoyed learning about more than just the "big 5".
Should you ever find yourself in this part of the world, they suggest you try the local delicacies like mopanie worms... » Euro Zulu safari
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Safari Operator:
Euro Zulu
Accommodation:
Sungulwane Lodge
October 2008
Terri Elizabeth Hill, England Review Source: Review submitted |
Recently Added!!
Terri's advice after touring parts of South Africa to see wildlife is to savour every minute and take lots of pictures... so don't forget your camera. Fortunately her South Africa safari operator provided binoculars to those who didn't bring any along.
Regarding wildlife, she saw everything she hoped to and more... » Hluhluwe safari
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Safari Operator:
Euro Zulu
Accommodation:
African Ambiance, St Lucia
September 2008
One day
Amanda Smith, South Africa Review Source: Review submitted |
Recently Added!!
"Jeff of Euro Zulu has superb knowledge, an extremely good host - we were well looked after and have re-visited park with Jeff 3 more times.
We saw lions, rhino, giraffe, elephant, dogs, impala, warthogs, buffalo, zebra - all but the leopard!!!
We had an early rise, exciting journey, spotted lions within 5 minutes of entering park…sat down to breakfast and the whole day just continued with as much excitement and ended up with just as much - truly wonderful day had by all and very tired at the end!!"
Rating: 10/10
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Safari Operator:
Euro Zulu
Accommodation:
Mpila Camp, Lidiko Lodge
September 2008
9 days
Terry Woodall, USA Review Source: Review submitted |
Recently Added!!
» Hyena raids cheetah kill - this was merely one of the awesome sightings Terry and his family experienced in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi. Another example is that of a python crossing the road (some safari guides wait years for this).
They stayed at one of the camps within Imfolozi which enabled them to see and hear animals around the clock.
He only wishes they'd stayed longer…
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Safari Operator:
Euro Zulu
Accommodation:
Umlilo Lodge
31 July - 5 August 2008
6 days
Anne De Jong, Canada Review Source: Review submitted |
Recently Added!!
Anne and Dan had an enriching day safari with Jeff of Euro Zulu who succeeded in making their day memorable by providing good company, game sightings and tasty food.
They also explored the nearby world heritage site, the iSimangalinso Wetland Park, and ended up at a traditional Zulu wedding…
» Anne's KwaZulu-Natal safari
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Safari Operator:
Euro Zulu
22 March & 14 June 2008
2 x one day
Stéphanie Large, FranceReview Source: Review submitted |
June is winter in South Africa so attention to detail from the safari company Stéphanie used like supplying blankets and warm jackets for the drive to the park, is noticed and appreciated.
She had a great time on both occasions: apart from eating good quality food, saw a wide variety of game, all of which were explained by their enthusiastic guide.
Her day safari perfection was further confirmed when an elephant charged them, something she'll always remember...
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Safari Operator:
Euro Zulu
29 April 2008
7 days
Karl-Heinz Wollert,
South AfricaTrip Rating: 9/10 Review Source: Review submitted |
"While visiting St Lucia Wetland park, I went on safari to Hluhluwe-Umfolozi with EuroZulu (I heard about them from friends). They performed very well, the guide was excellent, the food (breakfast and lunch) very good. We were a group of 6 people and used a 4x4 Toyota.
During the trip I saw elephants, leopard, lions, rhinos, cheetah, hippos, crocodiles and, the highlight: whales.
I stayed at Maputaland Guesthouse in St Lucia - very nice atmosphere. They serve a European breakfast.
I have no regrets about the trip and rate it 9 out of 10. The most useful item in my luggage was a bottle opener and a highlight was the tropical vegetation."
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Safari Operator:
Euro Zulu (Jeff)
One day
Chris Hoggart, EnglandTrip Rating: 9/10 Review Source: Review submitted |
Euro Zulu was recommended and booked via Chris' accommodation, Santa Lucia Guest House. The group of 3 did their day trip game viewing in an open Toyota safari vehicle. "[Jeff was] fantastic - very knowledgeable and informative. Great breakfast and braai lunch.
[We saw] wild dog, hyena, rhino, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, warthog, impala, kudu, nyala, baboon, vulture, lammergeyer etc." He didn't see any big cats and ascribes it not to the guide but to the weather. His highlight was the wild dogs and with good reason - these endangered mammals are not often seen in any African park. They saw a pack of nine on an impala kill.
Another highlight was the "fantastic, awe-inspiring scenery"; he recommends everyone should go on a South Africa safari as soon as they can and remember to pack their camera and binoculars. Photos |
Safari Operator:
Euro Zulu
One day
Paul Stratford, UKReview Source: Review submitted |
Paul and his partner joined guide Jeff Asherwood on a day trip to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi during their South Africa safari. Their experience proves that you can see a wide variety of animals in a single day, including big cats and the rare and endangered black rhino... if you (or your guide) know where to look!
He also writes about the food, his accommodation and rates his trip. Paul had a very special day indeed... » EuroZulu safari marriage proposal
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Self drive
Six days
Beth le Roux, South AfricaReview Source: Review submitted |
The park is situated in such a diverse area, which according to Beth is one of its strong points. That, and the fact that they saw lions twice and got to experience the excitement of staying in a safari tent at Mpila where there are no fences keeping the wild animals out. At nearby Cape Vidal they saw the endangered samango monkey.
They self-catered their meals for most of the time but she highly recommends trying the restaurant at Hilltop Camp...» Hluhluwe Imfolozi safari
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Self drive
Five days
Bruce & Wilma Whittaker, South AfricaReview Source: Own experience |
10 minutes after entering Hluhluwe Imfolozi on our first day, we found a lion kill with several spotted hyenas hanging around in the hope of scavenging some scraps. We were also blessed with a cheetah sighting - these cats are not often seen in the park due to their low numbers there.
The park is ideal for a self-drive South Africa safari, with well maintained roads and sufficient picnic- and toilet stops. Unfortunately you can't camp inside the park but we found two great spots to pitch our tent during our 5-night stay...» Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park camping trip
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Self drive
Three days
Frankwah, UKReview Source: TravelBlog |
One of the main reasons that Frankwah came to South Africa was to see rhino and her dream came true within 5 minutes of entering the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi park. Before breakfast she had already seen 4 of the big five with only the leopard remaining elusive. She also had the rather terrifying experience of turning a corner in the road and finding a whole herd of elephant running towards the vehicle...
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Self drive
Two days
Jonny Stensby, UKReview Source: Stenbys Blogspot |
Jonny booked his accommodation as close to the park as he could so that he could be at the gate when it opened at 6am. He only spent two days in the park but advises that you could easily take four full days to cover all the areas properly due to the size of this South Africa safari reserve (960 sq kilometres)...
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Umfolozi Walking Trail
Three days
Tezz & Neetz, SAReview Source: Travelblog |
Walking safaris are an amazing experience and within two minutes of the walk starting they had spotted a buffalo which turned around and stormed back into the bush. The highlight of the South Africa safari trail were the encounters with the white rhinos. One was eating grass right next to their tent (no fences) and another one charged them while they were walking...
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Self drive
Two days
Lizette Pieters, South AfricaReview Source: Telephone interview |
Lizette shares one of her most exciting self-drive trips to the park yet. She warns you should never go on a South Africa safari without your camera. If you are travelling on a budget it might be a better idea to find accommodation in the nearby town of St Lucia rather than staying in the park itself which can be more expensive...» Spotted Cats Weekend |
A small reserve in KZN, just south of Swaziland. It is situated in a mountainous area and therefore the scenic beauty is one of its drawing cards. You'll find plenty of plains game (giraffe, zebra, tsessebe, ostriches...) and rhinos not to mention peace and tranquility. And, where else is swimming in a wilderness river permitted?
Unfenced accommodation options include a rustic camp site, bush camps, the main camp with thatched chalets and an exclusive lodge.
More about Ithala Game Reserve as well as a distance and time calculator and a detailed satellite map with clickable icons...
Self drive
14-28 July 2008
Two weeks total holiday
(2 nights in Ithala)
Yvonne Fox, UKReview Source: Review submitted |
Recently Added!!
Yvonne and her husband spent 2 weeks on their South Africa safari driving themselves around in a rental car. They started and finished in Joburg, spending their holiday in KZN: the majestic Drakensberg, beach time at Umhlanga Rocks, mixing beach and bush at Cape Vidal and St Lucia, full on wildlife at Hluhluwe-Imfolozi and Ithala, and lastly visiting friends in Dundee.
She reviews their various accommodations, remembers wildlife sighted and shares lessons learned on their trip to this diverse corner of a very diverse country.
She liked Ithala for its spectacular scenery, lovely accommodation and good restaurant… not to mention the dassies and necking giraffes. Read and enjoy a virtual visit to rhinos and battlefields in KZN »
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Self drive
Two nights
Bruce & Wilma Whittaker, South AfricaReview Source: Own experience (Who are we?) |
Although we didn't see many predators (in fact only one black backed jackal) our short South Africa safari visit to the scenic Ithala was great. We saw plenty plains game, the elusive elephants and best of all, a black rhino with a little baby.
The camps are not fenced so you really experience wild nature. We had a herd of impala settle for the night mere metres from our tent at the remote and primitive camp site. At the main camp, Ntshondwe - which offers more civilised accommodation - we walked two of the three self-guided trails. » Ithala camping safari
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A convenient 2-hour drive from Jo'burg, set in a tranquil non-malaria area, Pilanesberg makes for the ideal short break safari. It's a "big 5" reserve but also has a big variety of other game and some great bird hides. Accommodation varies from camping/caravanning to luxury lodges.
Handy satellite map and distance calculator for Pilanesberg Game Reserve »
Safari Company:
Arranged by Aston Hotel
One day
Amy McLeod, USAReview Source: Telephone interview |
Amy McLeod went on a one-day safari to Pilanesberg in July 2007 as part of a tour around South Africa. She stayed at the Aston hotel in Johannesburg which arranged the day trip with a driver to the game reserve.
They drove around the reserve in a closed vehicle (July is mid-winter in South Africa) but at night Amy was very cold, so she recommends people take enough warm clothing and check their accommodation has sufficient heating during winter.
She saw all the animals she was hoping to see, like giraffes, elephants, lions and hippos which she thinks was the highlight.
She was disappointed however that there wasn't a nice place to stop and get some decent lunch - only a small fast food shop. Toilet facilities were also insufficient. It was a 13-hour trip, tiring for some in the 8-person group. Although Amy found it okay, she thinks it would be better for people to overnight close to or inside Pilanesberg... or else, prepare for a long day! It seems their hotel didn't prepare them properly on what to expect.
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Safari Company:
Bakubung Bush Lodge
Weekend
Jodi Kroll, South AfricaReview Source: Telephone interview |
Jodi loves the Pilanesberg so much that she goes back there every year. It's a small reserve in comparison to some of the other South Africa safari areas but it does pack a larger punch in terms of the wildlife that you can see. It does have a real wilderness feel to it none the less and if you want a change of pace the bright lights of Sun City are only a few kilometers away...
» A Weekend Getaway at Bakubung |
The Addo boasts the densest elephant population on the planet and it's one of the few places in Africa where it's possible to see the big five (elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo, leopard), the southern right whale and the great white shark (the so called big seven).
Independent self drive
Accommodation:
Kuzuko Lodge
6-30 August 2008 in total
Annabelle Bugeja, MaltaReview Source: Review submission |
Recently Added!!
Annabelle travelled all along the coastal region of South Africa and stayed over in the Zuurberg section of Addo, at Kuzuko Lodge which she thought was great.
A special treat in this area was seeing the mountain zebra... » Full Addo and Sabi Sands safari
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Independent self drive
Five days
Karen Dreyer, South AfricaReview Source: E-mail submission |
For a short family South Africa safari Addo Park is a great choice, as Karen found out. They booked for 4 nights but she thinks 3 are enough.
The African elephant (and the fact that you can get so close to them) is the undisputed star of the show but they also saw a herd of buffalo during a night drive.
Find out what else you can expect... » Addo Park safari review
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Independent self drive
Three days
Denny & Sally, USAReview Source: Realtravel |
Then on the other side of the coin, Denney & Sally say they were in seventh heaven their entire stay in Addo. They found the accommodation to be very clean and spacious. The highlight for them on this South Africa safari was the night they were sitting on the stoep of their chalet enjoying cheese and wine, when they noticed a herd of kudu running on the side of the hill followed closely by some bushbuck. The reason soon became clear. Two large male lions were stalking them...
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Independent self drive
One Week
Sonia Cino, SAReview Source: Telephone interview |
Sonia pulls no punches about her trip to the famous South African safari elephant park in the Eastern Cape. She was disappointed by the state of some of the accommodation and the fact that the park can become a little crowded during peak season.
The variety of the wildlife that she experienced here was also less than she is used to...
» Is Addo up to scratch?
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Day trip arranged by accommodation in Port Elizabeth
One day
Julia Walton, UKReview Source: E-mail review |
Julia made a brief stop at Addo on her South Africa safari, as well as a nearby lion park. She loved every minute of the action-packed day.
Was she to do it again, she'd pack warmer clothes. She also advises anyone who's planning a similar day trip to be well rested and not to forget to take in the moment and not get lost behind the camera lens...
» Addo South Africa day trip
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Situated in the Eastern Cape (near Addo) this small reserve offers a malaria-free "big 5" South Africa safari and great views of the Great Fish River landscape. Some endangered species you may encounter here are black rhino, cheetah and South Africa's national bird, the blue crane.
Kwandwe is a private game reserve which is run to the highest levels of commitment to conservation and customer service. Accommodation options are two luxury lodges and a sole-use homestead.
Safari Company:
CC Africa
4 Days
David Odell, USAReview Source: Review submitted |
After seeing CC Africa in a magazine, David booked with them and had an excellent overall experience. His highlight was the great tracker and rangers and the most useful item his binoculars.
They were only 3 people in an open safari vehicle at Kwandwe which he says was first class: "The food was great. Good variety and as good as any five star hotel. We ate Western food. We saw rhino, elephant, cheetah, lion and varieties of antelope during two game drives lasting 3-4 hours each and relaxed during the afternoon."
Advice from David is to plan at least 5-6 nights on safari, as it was the best part of his entire trip. He scores his South Africa safari 10 out of 10 and is planning to return in 2010. |
Situated near the east coast, Phinda adds variety and indulgence to any South Africa safari. Ideal for walking safaris and visits to the nearby the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, a world heritage site.
Safari Company:
African Flying Safaris &
CC Africa
One Week
Candy Johnnie, USAReview Source: Website submission |
Along with some other pilots, Candy visited this top reserve and a local Zulu village. She says hearing a lion roar with your own ears moves your blood like nothing else. The leopard returning to a kill that it had made the previous day also captivated them and she became pretty aggressive towards the jeep because it was too close to her meal...
» South Africa Flying Safari (part 1)
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Adjacent to the Kruger National Park's southwest corner. It is relatively small but pristine and populated with a wide variety of wild animals and birds. Guided nature walks and visits to the San rock art site are some of the activities you can expect on your South Africa safari in this mountainous reserve.
Safari Company:
African Flying Safaris &
CC Africa
One Week
Candy Johnnie, USAReview Source: Website submission |
Detailed Bongani Mountain Lodge game drive descriptions including a lion family feeding on their kill. Other highlights were seeing ancient rock art and visiting the Vredefort Dome (a World Heritage Site) elsewhere in South Africa. Candy returned home from her South Africa safari with a reawakened soul...
» South Africa Flying Safari (part 2)
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Situated in the far north of South Africa, this reserve is remarkable not only for the fact that it's one of the few malaria free safari areas in Africa but also that it was the scene of one of the largest wildlife translocation operations in the world. Over 8000 animals were reintroduced to this area which was proclaimed a game reserve by the government in 1991 in an effort to uplift the poor in the area and repatriate poorly performing farmland. Now it has become a very sought after if lesser known South Africa safari destination.
Safari Company:
Tau Game Lodge
Two Days
Thom & Debra, UKReview Source: Hotswana Blogspot |
The Tau Game Lodge has rooms which front onto a waterhole which meant that Thom and Debra could watch a herd of about 25 elephant enjoying the water from the comfort of their patio. An amazing drama erupted on the morning game drive when the age old battle between lion and hyena played out right before their eyes...
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Safari Company:
Mateya Safari Lodge
Three Days
Stephanie SchorowReview Source: Bigcatrescue Blogspot |
Stephanie was presented with an enviable choice by the ranger on one of her South Africa safari game drives: lion and leopard had both been spotted but in different locations so the decision had to be made on which one to go and look at. Stephanie chose the leopard and was rewarded with the sight of the graceful feline stretched out on the branch of a tree...
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Safari Company:
Mosethla Bush Camp
Five Days
Carrie Kennedy, USAReview Source: RealTravel |
Mosethla is a bush camp in all sense of the word which means no electricity or running water and also no fences. Showers are heated with a donkey boiler and paraffin lamps and the camp fire light the way at night. Carrie thought it was wonderful. The game drives on this South Africa safari were amazing and the guide, Jan, showed them the big five and virtually everything else except wild dog...
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