4 independent reviews for The Grand Southern Africa safari
Reviews for The Grand Southern Africa safari
Andrew Short review 17 Mar 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Fantastic trip, some of the highlights for us include: * Seeing table top mountain. * Sossusvlei sand dunes and petrified forest. * Bushman lodge and owner. * Scenic flight over Okavango Delta (optional extra but so glad we did it!) * Victoria falls. * Various animals along the way. * Travel crew, guides, drivers.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
* Some long days sat on a truck and a lot of gravel roads. * Remember to bring a (>=500ml/1L) water bottle and a hat + sunscreen, the sun was v hot at times (we travelled in February) * a permanent marker pen would have been useful to mark our names on the 5L water bottles we stocked up on at various points. * Scenic flight over Okavango Delta was certainly worth the extra money. * You will get soaking wet (head to toe) at Victoria falls around the rainy season - waterproof jackets can be rented there but you might want to wear waterproof shoes if you have them. * Food was usually cooked by our guides and eaten by the side of the truck (that's not to say it wasn't great - just very informal) *During the first week of the tour the weather was extremely dry so we were able to handwash clothes in our accommodation and dry things overnight. We also had 2-3 opportunities to pay to have laundry done later in the tour, so we could have managed with fewer clothes than we packed! *Maybe we missed something in the documentation we were sent before the trip, but when we turned up on the first morning, the name of the travel company was different to what we expected - no big deal, just 10 minutes of slight confusion!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Our crew and all of the guides were local, which was great. The way the meals were planned and prepared was very well-managed, so there was very little wasted. We visited some local villages and markets along the way which we were told helps to support the people there.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fantastic trip! Pleased we went with the accommodated option. We followed almost the same route as a parallel tour of campers along the trip but we were glad to have a bit more comfort. Stayed in some beautiful accommodation, our lead guide was super friendly and knowledgeable about our destinations.Angeline C Rubin review 28 Jun 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The varied scenery from desert to ocean, to savannas to the delta.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be in good physical shape. Be prepared for long hours of travel. Jump in and help with cooking and camping duties.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Having a locker to store our big bottles of water significantly decreased our footprint.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Twanda and Mark as our leaders made this trip fantastic.Craig Shafer review 31 Dec 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Flying over the Okavango Delta and fishing for Tigerfish on the Zambezi River. Both of these were options. The one scheduled excursion that stands out to me was visiting the Namibian ranch of Mr. Bushman. He was so knowledgeable about science and natural history.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
You will have to carry your bags for short distances so travel light. Be prepared for many long distance drives to get from place to place. I think the trip is best suited for retirees and older folks given the top accommodations (often with a pool), a cook, and some unavoidable regimentation. The truck is hard to get in and out of with 17 people so you have to have a lot of patience. I encountered only one testy individual on the whole trip, the proprietor at the Swakopmund bed and breakfast. Most Africans were very friendly and helpful. But yes, you will be pestered by people selling their wares on the street. The temperatures in December in the Namibia desert are extreme (right after the sun comes up), so do not plan on long hikes. Stay indoors. Drink water constantly on the trip or you will get dehydrated. I took too many clothes. Rain jacket, rain pants and warm pullover were not needed. I also took heavy hiking boots which were not needed. A sleeping bag is unnecessary.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. We provided employment for many people. We visited rural villages and purchased some of their handicrafts. We also brought one village some staples for cooking: corn meal, cooking oil, sugar. Passengers were instructed about park rules and conservation issues. We were counseled about the conservation plight of some species. We were rigid about not littering and cleaning up our breakfast, lunch and dinner sites. Unfortunately, not everybody has that mindset. We tipped a lot of people who went out of their way for us.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The Nomad trip was very good. A little too regimented for me given 17 older passengers who did not wish to "rough it" and were often very happy to lie around the pool. Although there were ample opportunities for photographs, for those who are really into taking pictures, a trip geared specifically for photographers might be a better choice. The staff were outstanding: friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and fun. All of the scheduled excursions were worthwhile, with the optional Orange River canoe trip the one exception. You will spend a lot time in grocery stores buying food and water but that is the unavoidable nature of trips where meals are provided.Jeffrey Lee review 11 Jun 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Namib desert including Dune 45 hike and Deadvlei, Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls and Chobe River cruise2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for the rough road travel in Namibia3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was an excellent travel that I will remember for life, with great value.Holiday Reviews
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