South Africa Safari Tour: Cape Town & Untamed Safari

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.

My trip itinerary was a challenge from the start. The plan was to meet my son who is serving in the United States Peace Corps in Zambia.We needed to satisfy my husband and myself in our early fifties, my elderly parents, and my two sons in their mid twenties. Everyone in our group had an outstanding time while traveling through Zambia and South Africa. The attention to detail that we received from our travel planner was beyond our highest expectations. Every place we stayed at was exactly what we wanted. Most importantly was the fact that despite the 6 hour time difference between my home and our travel planner's, she was always easily accessible while planning this vacation.  There were so many details to iron out between hiring drivers and setting up my parents in a good location while we spent some time in my son's village. Everything went smoothly.

I did quite a lot of research before the trip and wanted to stay at the Royal Livingstone Hotel. While we did stay there for part of the trip, (incredible accommodations),  Our travel planner recommended that we spend two nights at  a lodge on the Zambezi River. I cannot say enough about the outstanding accommodations in their cottage, the wonderful hospitality of the owners, and the gourmet quality of every meal. It was truly a surprise and I never would have sought this resort out without the assistance of our travel planner. After being wowed there, we spent 4 amazing nights at the Thornybush Game Lodge near Kruger. The safaris were awe inspiring. The guides were knowledgeable and so much fun to spend time with. Truly the highlight of our trip. The final leg of our vacation landed us in the breath taking city of Capetown. We had four private tours arranged for us and we could not have been happier with our guide. After spending time with him in Capetown, Tabletop, a full tour of Cape Point, Hermanus, and then wine country, we truly felt as if he is a part of our family. Every suggested restaurant was incredible. 

What more can I say? I have planned many vacations for my family prior to this trip, but organizing a vacation in Africa for a multi generational group was a daunting task. Finding this travel planner was a godsend. I knew from our first phone conversation we made the right choice! Her knowledge and travel experience in Africa gives her the edge over any travel agent from the States. 

I would rate This company 4.5 Stars: they were almost, but not quite, perfect.

From the moment we received our agent's original proposal for a trip to southern Africa for two seniors couples, we felt that she, more than the other agents who contacted us, truly understood what we wanted. Our major intention was to see African wildlife, but we also wanted to explore parts of South Africa. As we learned more about our destination, we requested changes, and our agent was patient and helpful in making suggestions and revisions.

Ultimately, she devised an itinerary that had us begin with a brief visit to Victoria Falls, continue with safaris in Botswana and Namibia, and conclude several weeks later with safaris in Kruger National Park and Thornybush Private Game Reserve in South Africa. This brilliant arrangement allowed us to maintain excitement about the safaris, each of which was substantially different,  and to have absolutely the best weather for each area because we were moving south as summer approached. Between these safaris, our agent arranged for a visit to Cape Town and environs, a self-driving tour of the Garden Route, and private guided trips to God’s Window, the Pot Holes, and the canyons near Hazy View. 

Our agent also did a superb job in arranging accommodations. We did not want to stay in major chain hotels, so she arranged a series of absolutely charming boutique hotels and cottages. She also strongly urged us to stay in a Kruger Park rest camp, something we would never considered otherwise, but it turned out to be a splendid idea. The great variety in lodgings added interest and even excitement to the trip. At Hermanus, for example, we sat on our balcony drinking wine while watching whales breeching just off shore. To help us during our time of self-driving exploration, our agent provided a booklet outlining some interesting sites and activities.

On top of all this, our agent did an excellent job of arranging transfers, which were uniformly punctual, and in contracting private engaging guided tours in Cape Town, Hazy View area, and Johannesburg. She also arranged to have a superb private guide for our stay in Kruger National Park.

In all, our agent did an excellent job, with only the brief trip into Namibia falling short of our expectations and the high standards she established with the rest of the itinerary. It would be difficult to find an agent who showed more concern for making this kind of once-in-a-lifetime trip more pleasant, entertaining, and truly memorable. She receives our enthusiastic recommendation.

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.  

     Shortly after using the Zicasso site to send my safari inquiry out, I received a call from numerous agents all willing to help organize the safari of my dreams.      After careful consideration I chose our trip planner with this travel team.  She listened to my ideas, wish lists, hopes and expectations.  Not only did our trip planner fulfill all of my requests, she went over and above to ensure all my needs were met.  The entire trip was seamless.  I had to travel to Africa by myself one the first leg of the trip to complete a Medical Missions trip to Zimbabwe, and subsequently met my husband in Johannesburg, SA following my medical duties.  This trip planner ensured that my spouse was adequately care for in every detail.  She arranged transports to and from hotels and airports, helped get us through customs, porters, literally every small detail was looked after.      Our trip planner planned a most extraordinary adventure for us in Cape Town which was more than our expectations could ever have been.  We got to experience first-hand the rich Jewish Heritage of the Cape Town area, visit the Holocaust museum, the synagogue, and experience the rich culinary world Cape Town has become to be known.  Every restaurant was incredible!  We toured around the entire peninsula area with an amazing guide who was a Cape Town native.  Therefore we felt as if we got a genuine cultural experience and learned amazing things about South Africa which we had never known prior.      Then we were off to the Sabi Sands Game Reserve in the greater Kruger National Park for the safari of a lifetime.  Not only was the lodge astounding, but the icing on the cake was the chef was very familiar with Kosher dietary laws and was most accommodating to my needs.  We saw all the big five gaming animals on the first day.  Each and every experience we had was life-changing.  We made so many wonderful memories.  We look forward to our next adventure and would rank our experience with this travel company the best experience anyone could possible have.