Africa Wildlife safaris and game drives Trips

This was the adventure of a lifetime, I absolutely loved it. If you're at all inclined toward a safari trip or even on the fence about it, I'd say book it now and you'll have a new favorite vacation after it's over. Between seeing all the different animals up close, seeing Kilimanjaro, visiting a tribe, the hot air balloon ride, the slum visit, the different landscapes and national parks, and just being in such an exotic location, it made for an amazing trip. After just a day or two it felt like we'd already experienced an entire trip's worth, but we were only 20% done at that point. I'd also say absolutely do both the Kenya and Tanzania portions. You're going all the way to Africa so you ought to take advantage of doing as much as you can while you're there.

This trip exceeded our expectations! our guide was the most professional, friendly, organised , caring ,informative lovely man . the Driver was fantastic also . The accommodation was comfortable, clean and luxurious and each new place was a wonderful surprise for us . The daily activities were all amazing and we loved every one of them . The food was very good also . Doing this tour with Trafalgar was the best way to see such a diverse South Africa and we felt safe at all times

It was an excellent trip. As ever with Explore trips a key part of the quality of the trip is the quality of the tour guide. Aston was excellent. His driving was steady and safe. He was kind and courteous. He did his utmost to enable us the see as much as possible. He looked after us very well. The Tortilis camp sites were amazing. They were comfortable and the facilities were excellent. The staff could not do enough for you...hardly letting you lift a finger. So far so good BUT Firstly the vehicle we were in was clearly very old and dilapidated. The seat upholstery was falling a part to the extent that it was so angled that I had to struggle not to slip off the seat...on one occasion I did fall off...fortunately I was not hurt. The vehicle leaked ..fortunately we only had a little rain. There was no air-conditioning so especially on the longer rides it got very hot and the windows had to be closed because of the dust. The seat belts were there but not really usable. On the plus side it didn't breakdown and Aston ensured that it was as clean as possible each day and that water was readily available. However I expected more from an Explore trip and feel I had paid for something better. Secondly we got bumped from the Tortillis camp in Ngorngorn. It was late when we got there and then we had to turn round and go to another site that was greatly inferior. That meant we were extremely late getting there. Our guide had not been told about the change. There was no running water in the tent bathroom. Water for washing was in a jug and flask. There were no electric points for charging things. This had to be done in the communal lounge. And the power was not adequate to charge the groups gadgets. There was no WiFi, although to the credit of the staff there they did provide a hot spot for a short time both mornings. The food there was fine and the staff realised our dismay and did their best to meet our needs and give us a pleasant stay with encouragement from our guide Aston. This wasn't the standard I had paid for and I was very disappointed. I have travelled a lot with Explore over the last 30 years or so and have never complained about anything. I have always had good trips. To show my confidence I am at the beginning of a 6 tour hop round Africa. I always enjoy trips because that is my mind set. But I feel very strongly that I was let down by these 2 crucial aspects of the trip and did not get what I paid for.

The Explore Botswana Wildlife trip was totally amazing. So well planned with a gradual 'break in' to wild camping and a lovely lodge experience afterwards before the houseboat trip and ending back at the luxurious Batonka Lodge for two nights. Our Tour Guide, Joe was simply fantastic. Due to his extensive knowledge of the tracks/terrain and his understanding of animal behaviours we were able to see so many wild animals close up. Furthermore, Joe always had a flask of hot water and biscuits for a break during our game drives. In addition, at each location where we stayed the local 'crews' were brilliant. So helpful and happy. The food was delicious. For me, 'wild camping' was tough - I missed running water and a flashing toilet. This said, the wild camping ensured we saw a variety of animals in their natural surroundings at close range. I also found the 5.30am starts a challenge but again, the early mornings ensured we saw as many animals as possible. Plus we witnessed some fantastic sunrises and sunsets. We also had 'free time' most afternoons. The three young men who looked after the camp and made all our meals were great, as was the food, all made on an open fire. I highly recommend this trip. What a wonderful holiday where many happy memories were made and new friendships formed.

This holiday is full on, fast paced but there are long distances to travel, hence early starts. But we saw so much and the variety of things to see and do was really fantastic. Night safaris, early morning safaris, the township visit was very interesting , visit to seals , boat trip ( saw whales and dolphins), so many animals to see along the road too and fantastic knowledgeable guide with us and at the lodges. The lodges were very high quality although the pools were very cold! Altogether such a memorable lifetime experience!

This was a fantastic trip - well-organised and run by our brilliant guide Samantha. It gave us a chance to see parts of South Africa that would be difficult to reach by public transport and plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting on game drives and walks. Highlights were Kruger National Park, where we were lucky enough to have four leopard sightings, and even see a lion kill; and St Lucia with game drives in the day and night, and the full day at Cape Vidal with a BBQ on the beach. The accommodation was all of a good standard, and staying in the beehive huts in Mlilwane was a real experience. The bus was also clean and comfortable, which was good as there’s a lot of driving on this trip. With the game drives on top be prepared for plenty of sitting, but the itinerary has opportunities for hikes and walks as well. The star of the show was our guide Samantha, who had boundless energy and enthusiasm. She even went out of her way to make sure that we were catered for being vegan. We brought some food with us as Explore recommended but always found options (in some places just one option!) thanks to Sam. This is a brilliant trip and being able to see the Big 5 and experience South Africa’s beauty was incredible.