Kruger, Timbavati and the Panorama Route

All bookings were at luxurious and convenient places. The camp tents are beautifully decorated with a rustic look and feel. Food service were amazing for most part. The bush drives are as best as it could be given the rainy season etc. Punctuality has been an added attribute.

It was a total coincidence that led me to Discover Africa Safaris. First I would like to thank Devryn for planning and suggesting the safari reserve. The price was reasonable given the location and services we received. They booked the aeroplane tickets, the pickup cars and the lodge.

This was my second visit to Kruger National Park, and once again, Discover Africa organized an exceptional experience. I stayed at three different private game reserves, each offering a unique charm. The seamless transfers between parks were stress-free, allowing me to fully enjoy the journey. From the warm greetings by staff upon arrival to the luxurious accommodations, delectable food, and top-notch amenities, everything exceeded my expectations. However, the highlight was undoubtedly the game drives, where I witnessed breathtaking wildlife in their natural habitat. I truly felt pampered and cared for throughout my stay. I didn’t want for anything during this remarkable adventure.

Gary's Safari Experience

I had an idea about what I wanted to do and see. Discover Africa met my ideas with different suggestions and refined my trip until it was exactly what I was looking for.

After being unable to visit South Africa since my last visit in 2019, I decided to use Discover Africa to organise my return to safaris. When I visit South Africa I usually arrange two safaris, one per week and use the weekends before, during and after the safaris to be with my friends who live in Centurion. I chose two areas, Madikwe in the northwest and Klaserie (Greater Kruger) in the north-east. My Travel Consultant at Discover Africa, Adelle Bell, then set about finding the best lodges in each area based on my interests and preferences. I had been to Madikwe on two previous occasions so I knew it was a good reserve and, while I had not been to Klaserie before, I had been to neighbouring Game Reserves in previous years.

Being a solo traveller can be difficult as lodges price their rooms on a ‘two sharing’ basis and this can mean either a reluctance to take a single occupant or a high single supplement. Adelle was amazing in getting me bookings at lodges in both areas not only without the dreaded ‘single supplement’ but also at very keen rates. In Madikwe I stayed 4 nights at Thakadu River Lodge where accommodation was in Luxury permanent tents set alongside the river. There are 12 tents running south of the lodge with the tents from number four onwards at increasingly long distances from the lodge. It would take me between 5 to 7 minutes to walk from my tent to the lodge and this may be a problem for those with reduced mobility. Facilities and staff at the lodge were first class and the food was of a high standard.

It should be noted that drinks were not included but the prices of local brands were reasonble (ZAR80 for a large, 250 ml, glass of red wine). The game drives were well organised and my guide, Vincent, was very knowledgeable and adept and finding the animals in the very large reserve. As I said, I have been to Madikwe before so I knew that the game viewing there is first class and I can wholeheartedly recommend it. Thakadu is a lodge that is run by a local collective so as well as having a memorable safari, you are also supporting a local enterprise.

At Klaserie I stayed at Camp George, part of the Simbavati Group of lodges, for 6 nights. The camp is in an excellent site adjacent to a dry river bed and has its own waterhole. The rooms and lodge facilities are of a very high standard and are relatively new (about 10 years since construction). The lodge managers and staff are very welcoming and attentive and have an obvious enthusiasm and love of the bush. Even though the lodge is very luxurious you do not feel isolated from the bush as you can do in some other high-end lodges. At only 8 rooms set around the central lodge buildings, it was like being part of a small group of friends which made for a very relaxing stay.

The game drives were ably handled by our guide, Julius, who worked hard to ensure that we had the best opportunities to see the animals in the area. Game viewing in high summer can be difficult as the bush is dense and in full leaf. Spotting the animals, even large ones can be tricky as there is plenty of cover which can conceal them even though they are very close. When you do find the animals you have a greater sense of achievement just because you know how difficult it is. However, we were able to get some great sightings including 6 separate sightings of leopards involving 4 individuals. If you like your lodge to have all the amenities and be of a high standard, then I can thoroughly recommend Camp George.

I can also recommend putting your trust in the consultants at Discover Africa to organise your trip. Adelle coped with my constant requests for updates and reassurances (I suffer from being one of life’s victims of Murphy’s Law!) in a considerate and supportive way. She said that she would look after me with my trip itinerary and she did precisely that. These were my 12th and 13th safaris so I have had plenty of experience with booking safaris through various travel companies, Discover Africa is up there with the best.

I’m not quite sure where to begin when describing my trip to South Africa. It started with impeccable service with our guide/operator Antoinette. She made the process easy and understood that our trip was truly in her hands (we’ve never had a safari holiday).

To begin, everywhere we stayed was impeccably clean, safe, but also just truly enjoyable and fun. The animals we saw we’re incredible. Our guides were not only knowledgeable, but extremely kind. I can’t emphasize the service and generosity we felt at every spot. It was exactly what we dreamed of. Animals at every turn. Delicious food and drink.

An experience of a lifetime that I can’t wait to repeat. This was worth every penny and more.