Exclusive Safari in South Africa: Kalahari & Greater Kruger

My son and I visited Tswalu Kalahari, Victoria Falls, the Okavango Delta and Great Plains in September 2016.  We had the four very different experiences and enjoyed every one of them immensely.  Our safari travel company did an excellent job organizing our trip and everything went almost flawlessly.  At the last safari camp Selinda in Great Plains, they had one tent ready for the both of us when our reservations were for two single rooms throughout.  Fortunately, the camp was not full and they were able to provide my son with another tent as specified in our reservations.  It was just a simple misunderstanding and our stay there was totally enjoyable with comfortable accommodation, excellent food, impeccable service, fascinating game drives and, above all, the wonderful guide. 

I am interested in visiting Tanzania during the wildebeest migration season perhaps in 2018 and would definitely contact this agent again for that trip.

Thank you.

I was planning a South African Safari for my family of 4, and the information and options I researched were overwhelming and complex for someone that has no prior knowledge or experience with Safari's.  I came across the Zicasso website and they matched me up with this safari travelcompany.  My agent provided insight into the planning and options that I would have never identified myself.  I had many questions both before and after booking this trip and communicated with this agent by email (from the US) due to the time difference.    She responded immediately and thoroughly ever time. We just returned and the trip was Amazing and could not have gone better. 

  Upon hearing our goals, my agent suggested two private game reserves (3 nights each) in two different locations so we could get two different experiences. We stayed at Kapama Southern Camp in the Kapama Game reserve near Hoedspruit, and Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge in Sabi Sands.  It was a two hour drive between the two lodges.  We originally had reservations at Lion Sands which is next to Sabi Sands, but about three months ago, the Lion Sands burned down.  Fortunately, our agent notified us just hours after the fire letting us know what happened and informing us that she was able to book the Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge - which turned out to be amazing.  I've read that some folks had to receive refunds because they could not get reservations on such short notice in the area.  We were really glad our agent was looking out for us and greatly appreciated all of her efforts and recommendations!  We definitely got two different experiences that you can read below - each amazing in its own way and the recommendation to split the trip with two camps was perfect!

At Kapama, the brush was very dense with trees and bush so off roading was not possible.  We frequently saw animals everywhere as we drove and there were differences in the quantity and frequency of some species at each location.  There were interesting and fun excursions (Hoedspruit Endangered Species Center and Elephant Encounter) here that we could not get elsewhere.  We could only do a hot air balloon flight at Hoedspruit but were disappointed that the winds were too strong while we were there so never did this.   Kapama Southern Camp has a fence around it and ony the entrance is always open. Each morning we would come out and see wart hogs, Nyala, Kudo, Impala,  and other animals near our room.

At Sabi Sands, the bush was not as dense with trees so we could go off road to track down big five which was amazing.  It is a large area so we could drive for 20 minute or more withouot seeing any animals.   Sabi Sands Camp is completely open (no surrounding fence) and there was a leopard sighting at camp for three consecutive days. This added an element of danger and excitement. Once at 0400, we were awoken by the monkeys in the trees indicating that the leopard was probably close by.

We had never been to Africa before and were very green on the process.  I contacted this Africa safari travel agent and she walked me carefully thru the process and helped me choose excellent and different safari camps.  The safari lodge at Thornybush Game Reserve was beautiful, understated and the guides and staff were all first class.  The camp at Sabi Sands was more elegant, grounds bigger and the staff and guides were beyond first class!  We saw a lot of animals at Jackleberry which was great and our guide at Sabi Sand saw to it that we saw EVENTS ...leopards doing a mating dance, a mother leopard dragging an impala up a tree, then going to feed three newly born leopard cubs,  a mother hippo with her new baby.  He was passionate and very well informed about not only the animals but the plants, trees and birds as well. We loved both experiences and were told by other travel agents whom we met on the safaris that we had chosen VERY well our safari camps.  That was because our travel agent was so very helpful and informative.

One issue...because I am not a seasoned traveler I was not right on top of getting our airline seats as soon as we booked.  It would have been helpful if we had been told to do that.

In one word - AWESOME!  We are a party of 8 from NY -  we started at the PUMBA Private Game Reserve, saw every animal under the sun and more, ate wonderful food, loved the accomodations, felt like we were taken care of in every way.  Next stop was Capetown and the Mount Nelson Hotel - old world luxury and charm - beautifully appointed rooms, wonderful buffet breakfast.  We toured the Peninsula, saw the sunset from Table Mountain, hiked Lions Head - ate at the waterfront and had tons of fun at Star Dust and Moyo.  Final stop was Victoria Falls - we toured the falls from both the Zimbabwe and Zambia sides, took a dip in the devils pool and had a fantastic lunch on Livingstone Island.   We spent a morning walking with the lions - got to touch and pet them and walk thru the wilderness with them - what an experience!  We spent the day at CHOBE in Botswana and saw so many hippos and giraffes and cape buffalo.  A trip of a lifetime and all arranged by the caring staff at our tour company.  They asked what we wanted to do, listened to all our requests and made it happen for us.  Such a smooth trip from start to finish.  

This African safari tour operator was the first company to respond to my request for guidance to schedule our holiday to South Africa.  Our travel specialist continued to keep in contact with us and provide helpful suggestions until we were ready to select options and make travel arrangements.  He then referred us to our agent who helped us plan each element of our holiday. 

We began our holiday in Cape Town and from there traveled to Botswana, Victoria Falls in Zambia and then on to Tintswalo Safari Lodge - Manyeleti Game Reserve.  The number of days that we selected for each destination was perfect and we thoroughly enjoyed our travel in Africa. 

A representative met us when we first arrived in Johannesburg to provide all documents for our travel.  Our private guide in Cape Town was well versed in the history of South Africa and was quite engaging.  All of our flights and tour arrangements went smoothly and when there was a significant delay in departing from Cape Town to Botswana the representatives in Botswana arranged to meet and take care of us upon arrival and helped us get to the Safari lodge.

We had a wonderful time touring Cape Town and on Safari.  It was truly a trip of a lifetime and we hope to visit South Africa again in the near future.

We wanted to let you know how much we appreciated all of the local guides. Our guide in Cape Town was wonderfully knowledgeable, kind, and accommodating. Our guides in Victoria Falls were also wonderful.

The private game reserve was the perfect choice, with a warm, welcoming crew, lovely accommodations, and knowledgeable professional guides and trackers. And delicious, abundant food. The hotel at Victoria Falls was also lovely, with very friendly, professional staff.

Everyone across the board was helpful, accommodating, and respectful of our mom’s need for a little extra help (with the exception of Lufthansa in Frankfurt). We didn't book them through you, but wanted to give you the heads up in case you use them in the future for disabled or mobility-impaired guests. Every single person we encountered in Africa was kind and respectful, and we really appreciated that.

Thank you for working with us to create a truly special experience.