The “4-Day Safari” at Kruger Park proved quite disappointing
The reality is it was just two days.
The first day was lost in the rather awkward journey from Johannesburg. Upon arrival we were taken straight to the “sunset safari” that was a fiasco: we went round a private reserve where there were no animals expected, or at least we didn’t see them. Then, when we went to the accommodation, we were not given the one we had hired but a substandard one, in a camp next to the one hired, with the additional discomfort of having to move the next day.
When we finally got to the contracted room, it didn’t even have soap or shampoo (neither delivered later, when we noticed it), and at no time was it cleaned. The hot tub (or whatever it is called) was also not available.
The food was mediocre.
The last day we were only taken on a half-hour absurd hike up a hill without any attraction, and from there we were taken on the bus back to Johannesburg (a completely lost day).
Specifically we only had one day in Kruger Park, which got short and did not allow us to see the different animals. The camp is far from the park (an hour's drive) and you lose a lot of time on the road, as well as having to leave the park very early and miss the best hours.
The “cruise” the day before was in a beautiful place, but we saw neither crocodiles nor hippos as promised.
事業者からの返答
Thank you Juan for your sentiments, we take this very seriously, and will take this opportunity to clarify any misunderstandings and grievances, and apologise for any inconvenience caused during the tour.
It is always vital to ensure that all details and itineraries for tours should be thoroughly read and understood by yourself about the travel details to and from the tour destination, scheduled activities and information provided before a tour is booked. On each day upon arrival in Hoedspruit, there is a scheduled activity every day, to maximise the opportunity to see wildlife and scenery.
As Kruger National Park is on average a 5 – 6 hour travel by road from Johannesburg, or 1 hour flight, this should be accounted for, as part of our organised tour, unless a pick-up is arranged in our nearest town Hoedspruit as a starting point. The shuttle by road to and from Johannesburg is with a reputable shuttle service, with free wifi on board, well maintained shuttle buses, and qualified drivers.
At times, due to traffic or late pick-ups, the arrival time in Hoedspruit town can be delayed, thus limiting the time to partake on the private reserve sunset safari on day 1. Thus we only had the option to take you directly to the sunset safari, instead of our camp first. This is at times challenging in the winter months when activities start much earlier than in summer months, and limiting our schedules.
Every safari in a wildlife reserve is unpredictable, and as the wild animals have the freedom to move around freely, and not always be in areas that are accessible on a safari, sightings will differ from hour to hour and day to day. If there was not much seen on the sunset safari, then that is unfortunate and not the fault of the guides. Although, other guests that were on the same safari did enjoy seeing a giraffe drinking water at close range, zebra,s, various antelope, flora, and birds seen on the safari, and enjoyed the off road experience with professional guides. This safari is within the Greater Kruger Conservancy, which essentially is considered to be part of a Kruger Park experience.
The essence of the tour is to enjoy everything seen within the total amount of days spent on tour. On the safari in Kruger Park, we saw African wild dogs (which are highly endangered predators and rare to see), along with spotted hyena's, countless elephants, cape buffalo herds, hippopotamus, crocodile, general common animals, and bird life throughout the day. The day ended with a sighting of a lioness, where unfortunately our time was limited due to the gate closing time for Kruger Park (so we did not leave early and lose any safari time. We left the main gate at 18h00 at closing time). We apologise if these sightings were not to your liking.
The nature walk on the last morning is focused on enjoying the smaller wonders and to appreciate being in nature, thus some traditional plant explanations were discussed and birds seen. There were tracks and signs of hippopotamus, antelope and chacma baboons on the walk. Apologies if it was not enjoyable.
With regards to the boat cruise in the Blyde River Canyon. Yes it is very beautiful as you mentioned. It is surprising that you have mentioned that no hippo's or crocodiles were seen, as the other guests on tour, on the same cruise, do recall seeing hippo's, small crocodiles, antelope, primates, birds, and admired the scenery of the canyon, which is the main attraction on the boat cruise. We will never 'PROMISE' sightings of any animals, as there is never a guarantee of where wild animals will be, so we emphasise that it is always a possibility.
We do apologise if you were not satisfied with the accommodation. As we do have 2 variations of glamping safari tent accommodations, we do alternate in the high busy season when of the accommodations are fully booked. The first nights accommodation was not a lower grade accommodation, and ask kindly to emphasise as to why you felt that it was a lower grade accommodation. We do apologise for the inconvenience to have changed accommodations on day 2, but we ensured to have your luggage safely moved when you were on the activities to allow for an easy transition.
Concerning personal toiletries like shampoo or soap, it is mentioned in all our advertising that these are to be for your own accord as accommodations are based on self catering and most travellers prefer their own brand of soaps. Shops are available throughout the tour to purchase personal belongings. Towels are provided for all accommodations.
As for the 'JACUZZI', or 'HOT TUB', a uniquely designed outdoor hot tub which is heated by fire, we prepared and heated for you on both nights when you were in the waterside glamping tent. It is unfortunate that you did not make use of it, as we did inform you that it was heated for use, with complimentary firewood supplied by us.
It is unfortunate that the meals were only mediocre in your opinion as all other guests on tour at the same time complimented and were very happy with the fresh ingredients and variety in the meals. As we also took extra measures to ensure to provide for your wife’s Celiac disease(gluten free) request for the meals, we took extra care to prepare and serve meals separately, and wash utensils separately to ensure that there was no cross contamination.
We are situated closer to Orpen gate than many operators in our region, and many operators have to drive even 1,5 hours to reach the nearest entry gate to Kruger Park, as most are situated on the border of the park. Our camp is only 45 kilometres from Orpen gate, and the journey to the gate takes 40 – 50 minutes, as we drive slower in the open safari vehicle for safety reasons for our guests.
In final appreciation for your review, we do want to apologise for any grievances and inconveniences on your tour. We would like to mention though that other guests, and myself on the tour were not pleased with your conduct on safari at times, as you were rushing sightings and commenting 'ok lets go' to keep moving on, and not allowing fellow guests to enjoy and appreciate the sightings and explanations. This is perhaps something to consider when you join another safari in future.
We respect nature, and wild animals in their natural habitat. We feel privileged to interpret what is experienced on the tour. We also respect every client that joins a tour, and the well being of every client is a priority. We do hope that your next experience in a wild environment will be more satisfactory.
We do appreciate your insight and review on your experience, and will improve our service accordingly as per your opinion and experience, and appreciate that you joined a tour.
We wish you safe travels in the future.
Kind regards
Lloyd Cronk
