Kruger, Timbavati and the Panorama Route

Antoinette was amazing. She pulled together our Sabi Sands safari at the last minute (one month before travel) – securing our first-choice lodge and flights. She communicated so well at every stage of the process and provided comprehensive, objective advice and information. Every part of the trip was seamless and stress-free. Booking a safari isn’t something you take lightly, but I couldn’t have hoped for a smoother experience. Thank you!

In mid-2022, my 73-year-old mother decided that she wanted to take a trip after being cooped up in the house for several years. She had gone on a safari in Kenya back in the 1980s and wanted another adventure along those lines. I suggested South Africa and the rest was history. Discover Africa was actually one of the first tour companies I came in contact with while looking for the perfect trip to accommodate our group: me (31), my mother (73), my cousin (38), and her father (71).

We were a group of varying energy levels & ability, so I was somewhat worried about finding the right fit. It was not long after contacting Discover Africa that I realized my fears were unfounded. They took care of everything — even making suggestions and moving things around for us that I had not even considered. I’ve done a considerable amount of solo travel & backpacking where I’ve had to personally organize every single aspect of the trip, and it felt wonderful to just let it go and let the professionals take charge.

Our agent Alice was excellent — she always responded to our questions quickly & thoughtfully (despite the pesky time difference) and organized an unforgettable trip across two lodges (Arathusa in Sabi Sands & Jock Safari Lodge in Southern Kruger, respectively) where we met wonderful people, ate incredible food, made lifelong contacts, and experienced wildlife and nature in a way that I can only describe as spiritual and life-affirming.

As I mentioned before, this is not necessarily the style of travel that I’m used to so I don’t have the best reference point for overall cost, but I believe that the value and quality of tour we received was well worth the money spent, especially with such a wide range of ages in our group. Not once was I ever worried about our group’s safety, health, or the overall quality of service we received on this trip. It was the perfect way to sit back, relax, and experience the beauty that this world has to offer. If you’re itching for an adventure appropriate for all ages and skill levels, look no further than Discover Africa!

Megan from Discover Africa was unbelievably professional, helpful, and responsive. She provided the best experience, and everything went according to plan. We are so so happy with our experience using Discover Africa to stay at the Simbavati Lounge in Kruger park. When we go back to Africa, we will absolutely be using their services again!

Megan Warrington and Discover Africa made our 5 country African vacation a trip of a lifetime. She planned the perfect vacation for us. The pace was perfect, the sequence of countries was perfect, and the accommodations were truly amazing. She knew exactly what we wanted and needed along the way.

I would have never been able to put together such an amazing adventure. Discover Africa was there for us every step of the way. They made our connecting flights seamless, getting us through airports and border crossings quickly and easily.

They saved us so much time and energy, making the difficult things seem easy.

With Covid changing everyone’s travel plans, our trip was 2 years in the planning yet Megan was very understanding and patient with us. We changed dates and itineraries 2 or 3 times trying to make the trip possible and Megan just adjusted everything along the way so that our dream trip became a reality.

I just want to say thank you to Megan and Discover Africa for letting us experience your beautiful continent.

Visited 2 &Beyond camps – Ngala Safari Camp in the Kruger National Park and Kirkman’s Kamp in Sabi Sands. Both were excellent. At Ngala amazing siting of wild dog and hyena interaction, white lion of Timbavati, elephants (in the wild and drinking from the lodge pool), rhino, buffalo, hippos (only in water), leopard as well as impala, wildebeest, zebra, etc,

Game was far more extensive at Sabi Sands where in addition to the above we also saw a cheetah and her cub and witnessed a kill. The food at Kirkman’s Kamp was amazing. The staff at both lodges were excellent.

The entire tour was very well arranged by Susan at Discover Africa.

General: Great service by Antoinette who was helpful and very dedicated to help us booking our South Africa experience. She showed us lots of different options and recommended her favourite stays.

Overall an absolute 5 star service!

Accomodations:

Klaserie River Safari Lodge: Perfect place for the first stay in the region, staff was very limited due to low numbers in travellers (covid) but did an excellent job! A true feel good place right at the Klaserie River. Our guides Lauren and Herman were very dedicated to make it the best stay ever. Great value for the money. Would definitely recommend this place!

Hamiltons Tented Camp: Outstanding private luxury lodge where you won’t miss a thing. From location, food, game drives to service this is what I call high end. Prices are high but standard for this kind of place.

Muluwa Lodge: Nice stay on the way from Kruger back to Joburg. We only had one night but I would recommend staying at least two nights. Beautiful sceneryand lovely tents with great views. Food was tasty and the staff very friendly.

Spier Wine Farm: Large vineyard with nice accomodation. The place is created with lots of love, the garden is beautiful and invites to hang around and have a picnic. Wine was not our favourite but tastes are different so you might like it for sure!

Mont Rochelle: Luxury Hotel on a vineyard owned by Richard Branson. Probably our favourite location in the area if you want to relax for a day or two. Overall excellent service, great food and lovely stuff. Price is high but worth the money.

Mosaic Lagoon Lodge: Hidden gem right at the Klein River Lagoon. Staff was again superb, food great and lots of activities to do. If you don’t like to stay right in Hermanus this is the place to go to!

Lagoon Beach Hotel: A bit off the city trouble but still just a 15 mins drive to the waterfront. It’s a standard hotel like any other. Room was clean, breakfast okay and they offered a free shuttle to the centre.

Cape Milner Hotel: Nice place close to Bo Kaap, walking distance to the city centre. Can recommend the place if you would like to stay in the city.