Safari Ventures — Local services in Citrus Park

Review of trip in February/March 2025 Le t me start from the moment I first decided to go on safari to Tanzania. Dates were set and I gave broad indications of where to visit (this was 11 months prior to the holiday). Very swiftly I was presented with suggested itinerary options outlining parks to visit and lodges for accommodation. Approximately 6 weeks before going final confirmations were made by SV along with helpful notes on what to pack and links to visa page for Tanzania. Our first night was 20 minutes from the airport, it was late, and we were grateful it was near. Arumeru Lodge was quintessentially African, a grand main lodge which kept the restaurant open for us to have a meal on arrival at 11pm which was most welcome. Quiet individual chalets, air conditioned and comfortable. We could hear the monkeys at night which signalled the start of an adventure. After breakfast we met our safari consultant and went through the planned itinerary. Leo took us on our first safari to Lake Manyara, and off to a great start. He had a keen eye and gave great commentary on the animals, their habitat and local history, we were most impressed with the depth of his knowledge. Plenty of game on show and a relaxed meander around the lake to take in the tranquil landscape. We saw elephants, various antelope, baboons, monkeys including the Blue Monkey. Lunch was at Gibbs Farm, ingredients grown on the property were served and a private table with gorgeous views made it difficult to not over-indulge, this was something we would struggle with for the whole trip. We then made our way to Ngorongoro, stopping at a viewpoint before entering to tantalise us. I would say breathtaking but the word doesn’t come near to describe what we saw. The next two nights were at Lions Paw. Generously spaced cabins with unobstructed views of the crater banks and the sea of green Acacia trees. Very large cabin with balcony, excellent bathroom and facilities to make it feel luxurious. Catering was very good an being situated in the park meant that animals could roam free so keep your eyes open during the day, when it’s dark there is an escort to and from the room to the main lodge. Our first day in the crater did not disappoint, no sooner than we were down a small pride of lions walked besides us after what looked like a good meal in the night. The crater is large enough to have different ecosystems, which means that it appeals to different game. Plenty of elephants, zebra, wildebeest, lion, hippo and our favourite, rhino. We managed to see four (no one knows how many there are as they are well protected by the rangers), one particular rhino was at very close range which is rare. Leo’s highlight was a small fox stalking a bird, I captured it on video, an unsuccessful attempt for the fox but fascinating to watch such a primal act. Stopping at the viewpoint once more and reuniting with our luggage, we made our way to Lake Masek/Lake Ndutu, just outside the Serengeti these grasslands are the maternity ward for wildebeest and zebra. The tented camp was one the banks of Lake Masek, huge tent with everything you need for a comfortable stay, including an outside shower room. Food and service was excellent, and we got to see after dinner a mother hippo and calf feeding mere feet from the swimming pool. A lion roaring in the night sounded very close, but it was just passing through. From start to finish we were well informed and extremely well cared for, a heartfelt thank you to Safari Ventures for everything you have done to make this a trip of a lifetime. These memories are not only in our thoughts but emblazoned...

Exceptional Experience! Safari Ventures came highly recommended from a friend who used them last year for their safari, and I was told how great it was to work with Robin Neal as the travel planner. We had interviewed several friends who had traveled to Africa, but none of the other recommendations were as glowing as Safari Ventures. We contacted Robin and discussed our destinations and experiences on our wish list, and gave her the general travel dates we needed. She arranged all the details and was always easily accessible and willing to listen to questions. She worked with me on adding a couple of dates and other interests that were not necessarily part of a typical plan package. I loved being able to customize our trip to meet our needs, and Robin had great suggestions for some other things to do while in these areas since she has been to each of these locations herself many times and knows exactly what the traveler is experiencing. In the months and weeks prior to our departure, all details were in place and there was great communication about expectations.

Once we landed at Kilimanjaro Airport in Tanzania, every aspect was handled to perfection. The local safari company that took care of us was superb. We planned to arrive a day early to be able to decompress after the long flights before our actual safari started, and we arranged for transportation to visit a few local areas of interest based on Robin’s recommendations. Our friends who traveled last year also raved about their guide, Jackson, and we requested and received the same guide. Jackson was very knowledgeable about all the animals, and was on the hunt with us to give us the best possible experience and viewing of animal encounters. He was patient with all our questions and with allowing plenty of time while seeing the animals. We saw all of the Big 5, and so much more. I definitely recommend adding on the hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti, with champagne toast and breakfast to follow. We had enough down time during the week to relax along the way as well.

After we left Tanzania, we visited Victoria Falls for 2 days. Our hotel was so close we could see the mist of the falls from our balcony. I suggest adding on the Boma Dinner show while you’re there. The second night we enjoyed a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. From there we then spent 3 days at Chobe National Park in Botswana. At that location you select whether you’d like to do a morning or afternoon game drive, or a river safari with a group or on a private boat tour. We were not always with the same people for each game drive as we had been in Tanzania, and we had opportunities to meet lots of other travelers from all over the world. There was great hospitality from each hotel and lodge location throughout our journey, and all of the food was delicious and plentiful. We were very impressed by Safari Ventures and have already recommended the company to several friends who are planning a safari. We particularly loved our time in Tanzania, and we will definitely be contacting Safari Ventures ourselves to go back again in a few years. It makes a huge difference when we know we can trust that we will have an excellent experience again, because we have seen the attention to detail and high level of service provided by Safari Ventures and their partners on...

My family of 11 took "THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME" in May and June 2025. Everything went perfectly, thanks to our wonderful tour operator, Robin, with Safari Ventures. I have traveled to more than 60 countries and usually make all the arrangements myself. But Africa is not a do-it-yourself destination! I'm so happy that I left the planning in the hands of the Safari Ventures team We flew into Cape Town, SA, on Emirates, and were picked up at the airport by our wonderful tour guide. He stayed with us the 3 days we were in the area and was a great help. Safari Ventures selected The Victoria and Albert Hotel, which is located on the V & A waterfront with many restaurants and shops within a short walking distance. We enjoyed a fabulous dinner at the Gold Restaurant, where we learned African drumming and were entertained by local dancers. The guided day tours in Cape Town allowed us to see all of the highlights of the area. We then flew to Hoedspruit to begin our safari at Tanda Tula Safari Camp. To say we were impressed would be an understatement! The grounds and facilities were fabulous. The staff and our safari guides were very helpful and friendly and the food was superb. The guides even surprised us with a birthday cake and special drinks at a bonfire while on the evening game drive to celebrate the birthdays of my grandson and daughter-in-law. Another day we were served a bush breakfast fit for a king while on the morning drive. We enjoyed the private plunge pool in each suite. We then drove to our next lodge, Lion Sands, and it was equally as special with extraordinary game viewing. We visited Victoria Falls and enjoyed the Palm River Hotel with gorgeous views and ended our journey in Chobe National Park in Botswana. The staff of Chobe Game Lodge arranged a special farewell dinner for us under the stars. Every detail was planned so perfectly that I didn't have to worry about anything! Flights and ground transportation were right on time, no mix-ups, no last-minute hassles, lovely accommodations and food, a very memorable...