Hi everyone,
I'll be travelling to South Africa at the end of August, and I would like to do a safari in Kruger Park. I am looking for an authentic, adventurous and eco-friendly wildlife experience. Has anyone done anything similar and would you recommend to book something in advance ( I saw there are quite a few companies organising 3 to 5 days safaris in Kruger and the Panorama Route/Blyde River Canyon) or to book something through a local company once there?
Alsom would you recommend any travel company organising these safaris? I have contacted African Safari Adventure, Wildlife Safaris and Drifters.
Many thanks in advance for your advice.
Cheers,
Elena
elenac_84
2
nathalie2
#1 you seem busy advertising Rhino Africa ;-). Please note that advertisment isnt allowed on the TT.
OP, I would book ahead. There is no advantage on waiting to book once you are there. The tours on offer are all quite similar, so I would go for the one you feel most attracted to. And if you have the time, go for a 5 day tour, so that you have enough time in Krüger and on the Panorama Route.
I did the 5 days tour with Drifters and very much liked it. You spend 2 nights in the Balule (next to Krüger) and the camp is very rustic (but comfortable), so you really feel like staying "in the bush" (and not in a hotel), and thats the way I like it. You will hear, see and smell the bush (also at night). Also, you will go for a bush walk, where you concentrate on small things, tracks, insects, plants etc. , which is a very good experience. You will also spend a full day in Krüger NP. I have also heard good things about Nomads. I dont know the 2 other companies you mention, so I cant comment on them.
3
elenac_84
Thank you both for the advice!
Nathalie, may I ask you what the safari with Drifters was like, besides the accommodation?
I have found mixed reviews on the web, some very good ones but also some bad ones!
How did you find the whole itinerary? And was the accommodation ok except for the bush one? Did you get to see the big 5 and was the guide/ranger good?
Also, may I ask what was the average age of travellers and group composition? I will be travelling solo and I would like to end up in a nice little group that I can fit in.
Many many thanks!
E.
4
nathalie2
On the Tour I was on, we had a very good guide. I was travelling on my own, and the group was made of people of different ages and nationalities, and it was a very nice mix. But of course that can be different with a every tour.
I didnt see the big,five. Remember, this is not a zoo, its wildlife, and there is never any guarantee of what you might see. But I saw plenty of animals, including a rhino that was just a meter away (we where sitting in a open landrover at that time).
Overall, I very much enjoyed the tour. The trucks Drifters uses are very well designed. They have panoramic windows, and as you are sitting up higher than in a normal vehicle, its easier to see wildlife than from a normal car.
5
Thorn Tree
This topic has been automatically locked due to inactivity. Email community@lonelyplanet.com if you would like to add to this topic and we'll unlock it for you.
Pro tip
Lonely Planet
trusted partner
trusted partner