Reviews of wild planet safari

A great experience for a small group of six Aussie friends with Ryan and Thales' Wild Planet Safari

Our small group was fortunate to choose Wild Planet Safari to host our recent visit to South Africa and Kruger NP. Ryan and Thale met us in Johannesburg, took us to breakfast, helped organise our days sightseeing there and then collected us bright and early the next morning for the drive to Kruger. Ryan's knowledge of the birds, animals and topography is faultless and his obvious enthusiasm for locating likely spots for great viewing gave us up close photo opportunities. At one point we were surrounded by 17 lions..... (In total we spotted 29 different animals and 43 birds.) Not forgetting to mention Thales input and sharp eyes. Lungsani backstopping with preparation of meals etc made late morning breakfasts after (very) early safari welcome and dinners under the stars were great social times with Ryan and Thales extended family. We were made to feel very welcome and more than just paying customers. Thanks from all your Aussie friends. Regards Jim and Jan

Jim and Jan

Everything was seamless, so we could really just focus on enjoying ourselves.

My girlfriend and I took a five day safari and absolutely loved it. We considered spending more money for what we thought would be a more "luxurious" experience, but are so glad went with the safari as Wild Planet Safari planned it. They were very patient with us asking a ton of questions during the booking process and once there, everything was perfectly planned. We felt incredibly spoiled as everything transfers, meals, check-ins; everything was handled seamlessly. The safari drives themselves were phenomenal. Our guides were incredibly knowledgeable and had a great sense for where we would have the best animal encounters. We've recommended this tour to all our friends and family back home. You won't be disappointed.

Justin

Amazing + Ethical

This was an amazing experience - as someone who has been on multiple safaris across different countries in Africa, this experience stands out for the personalisation, ethical and eco nature of the viewings, wildlife sighting and overall a brilliant experience that was an enjoyment from start to finish. Rafel my guide was a true professional and Thale was great to work with during the planning phase. Kruger’s offering were only multiplied by the service offered by wild planet safari - definitely will be back and will work with them again.

Hameer

Did what it said on the tin.

A very enjoyable 4 days safari with Chris our guide and “Mr Fixit” his assistant. Chris was so knowledgable and informative about all the wildlife we encountered including the incredible variety of bird life in Kruger.

Eric and Simon

Fantastic safari, amazing animals, knowledgeable guide

Thale at Wild Planet Safari was super helpful answering all of our questions via email before the safari. We received our shuttle ticket in plenty of time, and our guide met us right at the shuttle drop-off. Coming from outside the country we really had no idea what to expect, so asked lots of questions. Our guide Ryan was very knowledgeable, really friendly, a great cook, and easy to be with for four days. We chose the enclosed vehicle, and it was great for both viewing and photography. Inside Kruger National Park we took the north route and stayed inside two different rest camps over three nights/four days. The huts we stayed inside the rest camps were clean and air-conditioned, as advertised. We highly recommend Wild Planet Safari company for Kruger Park. The animals are amazing!

Mandy

Knowledgeable and going that extra mile to make the experience exceptional!

My two kids (age 18 and 20) and I booked an 11-day Kruger Safari for 2020. Because of Covid, we were not able to complete the travel until July 2022. I would like to open my review by praising the flexibility and forthcoming way we have been treated. The planning and booking job was done and cancelled numerous times because of Covid and restrictions before we finally were able to go in 2022. All we have experienced from Thale, Ryan and the wonderful hosts at Wild Planet Safari, is a willingness and determination to solve everything with exceptional service and a smile. And when we entered the Kruger Park, they were always attentive and asked if there was anything we would like to see or do. If we wanted to see rhinos, they tracked and found rhinos. We actually spotted all Big 5 in one single day, which is exceptional. And the guides are very knowledgeable about the history and current status of the species; mammals, birds, reptiles, you name it. We were comfortably lodged in Park Lodge bungalows the whole trip, from Letaba Rest Camp, Satara, Skukuza and Lower Sabie. They also booked night game drive and bush walk for us with the local Park Rangers. I would highly recommend both. I would like to reflect on the value we got on our trip. It is possible to book a game drive with own car or with a bus, but the knowhow and service from the Wild Planet Safari team left me certain that it was worth every dollar. This should be on everyone's bucket list :-) Than you to Thale, Ryan, Chris, Adriaan and Cary for all the experiences and memories!

Roger Groenset

A REAL SAFARI

From the booking of the private “5 Day Kruger Express” safari with Thale everything was clear and reliable, we chose Wild Planet Safari because from the description of the safari we understood that we were going to be with animal experts really in love with nature, not tourist guides and so it was, the driving hours were as long as possible from 6 to 6 which not all companies do, time flied because everything was so fascinating, the animals behavior, the changing landscapes, the light, we never got tired of driving around, our jeep was new, extremely comfortable and high to provide us proper views, anyway we had coffee breaks to stretch out, and fortunately it was a good period without too many other jeeps around so we had a lot of sightings for ourself, Chris our welcoming and clever guide drove us extensively through the Kruger, spotting animals for us and we were a lucky team as we met animals difficult to see more than once, leopards, rhinos, painted dogs, and all “small” animals we are keen on the same, as well as birds zipping along all day, and it wasn’t the migratory season. We travelled towards north sleeping in different Kruger campsites, which I recommend, having the chance to see different areas of the park, the campsites have a historical taste, a visitors centre, some have lookouts and a shop, why not? ;) with books on wildlife. We were on a middle range safari and all lodges were in perfect state. One night we went on a collective park night safari during which we saw two baby elephants and different nocturnal animals. I wasn’t aware of the thousand of animals we would’ve seen, in this season many parts of the park are burnt to clear out animal viruses but it’s a good moment also because it’s the dry season and less leaves means you can see more animals. I can’t forget to mention Hopeson kindness that provided us wonderful cooked meals all the way, I wish I could taste again his Potjie, pancakes and steaks, every meal was delicious. We have such good memories from our trip that enlighted the rest of our year. At the end of the trip we had the chance to meet Ryan, Thale and their lovely family. Thank you so much guys!

Elena

A trip of a lifetime

I am incredibly grateful to everyone at Wild Planet Safari for an amazing trip this past October. We originally were supposed to visit in 2020 and Thale was amazing in helping us reschedule and work through any difficulties. Her kindness was truly appreciated. We were blessed to have Chris as our guide for the 5 days and we consider ourselves so lucky. He took good care of us and answered all our questions. We saw so much, thanks to him and we felt very much like we made a good friend. We loved having our private tour with also the opportunity to meet with our fellow travelers at breakfast or dinner on a few occasions. Thank you to Ryan, Thale and Chris for everything. I will be back!!

Susan

The Best Safari Ever with Wild Planet Safari

We cannot thank you enough Ryan, Thale and Lungisani for our best safari experience. Absolutely marvelous seeing the Big Five almost everyday of our 4 day safari in Kruger National Park. The heavy rains that we must have brought to the Park when we arrived did not hamper the animals and we even saw the porcupines, mongooses, hares and millions of termites which were flushed out of their homes by the water. The animals and birds were feasting on the ground and flying termites. We saw the lions twice with three majestic males and the elusive leopards 3 times. One leopard was walking just next to us in the rain at the night safari ride organised by Satara camp. With elephants, giraffes and zebras eating and crossing the road (zebra crossing *) right in front and behind us, these wild animals did not mind us at all being so close to them. Thale organised the bookings and enquiries and Ryan and Lungisani carried out the safari for the 4 of us in a very personal and family experience from the moment we landed at Johannesburg Airport and cleared customs and immigration. They cooked amazing breakfasts, lunches and dinners with fruits, good wine and juices to go with them and joined us for these and other meals as well. Each day started at 4.00am and ended at about 10pm with 3 trips into the bush each day with enough time in between for a rest. Ryan's knowledge of and sharing on the African bush and plains and the animals, birds and other wild life that live in them also made the safari educational for us. Ryan brought all they needed for our enjoyment and their camping needs in the nippy little towed trailer which was left parked outside our two villa huts all the time and left unlocked. This is how safe and secure the Satara and Sukukuza camps are and also according to Ryan in the 10 years he has been operating Wild Planet Safari. I could keep on writing a book about our 4 day safari. Well Done Wild Planet Safari. May 2017 bring you more adventures with more thoroughly satisfied tourists/customers like us.

Gerard Vincent

My family and I were blessed with an amazing experience because this company loves what they do!

Trying to find a company to book our safari through was a bit stressful as their are many to choose from. After speaking with Thale in our first email together she stood out from all the rest. She was timely in responding to all my questions and accomodated all my requests (travelling with 1year old son, vegan food, etc) Our guides Chris and Lumi were so amazing. They are full of information about all the animals and South Africa in general. My family and I felt so comfortable with them it was actually sad to say our goodbyes at the end of our safari. Kruger park is magical and we were able to see all the animals we had hoped for! This is a great company to book your tour with!

Jessicalina

3 nights, 4 days in Kruger

Ryan has been simply as good as a tour guide can be. He was punctual, extremely knowledgeable and willing to share his life experiences with us. His wide-ranging knowledge of animals and their ethology allowed us to learn quite a lot in such a short time. He answered all the umpteenth questions we asked him kindly and fully even at 5 o'clock in the morning while sipping coffee and nibbling some rusks before the gate opened and we could head into the wild. Unquestioningly, if in the future we have the chance to spend some more time in South Africa, he will be our guide. Thank you!

Lorenzo and Jessica

Perfection on Safari

This safari was amazing from the pick up at the airport to drop off. We saw the Big 5 the first day in the park. We were treated like royalty and became fast friends with our guide and chef. Highly recommended! 5 STARS!

Jim&Anna

Amazing Safari Experience.

December 2015 will remain memorable for many years to come as this was our first time in Africa and our first animal safari. Right from the initial contact with Ryan and his wife Thale through to the safari itself we were super impressed with communications and organisation. On Safari with Ryan and his co worker was the most amazing experience. Ryan has a wealth of knowledge and passion about Africa and the wildlife. We were a party of 6 and spent 4 days in the Kruger National Park having lots of fun and seeing more wildlife than we could have wished for. Thanks Ryan we will be back in 5 years and will be in contact to do another safari.

Glenis Harrison & Yochanan Miller

Breathtaking

We enjoyed being on a private tour very much. We saw a wide variety of animals including lions up close! The camps we stayed at were clean and comfortable. The stores at the camps had a nice variety and were reasonably priced. Our guide Chris was fantastic he found a wide variety of wildlife. Hopson(hope I spelled his name correctly) did a fabulous job of cooking our meals. Over all the experience was pleasant and highly recommend doing the private tour allowing you to go at your pace!

Sandy

Extremely knowledgeable, professional, and friendly!

Our time with Wild Planet Safari was AMAZING! It was honestly, the trip of a lifetime. Our guide, Chris, was so awesome! He took care of all of our needs, showed us amazing wildlife, and gave us countless facts and tidbits about everything in the park. There was no question I had, that he didnt know the answer in detail. Breathtaking view, stunning close up encounters with incredible animals.. I would go back out with Wild Planet Safari RIGHT NOW if I could! It was worth every penny!

Casen

EXCELLENT SERVICE

We enjoy the Safari and have great time with Chris and Benjamin. They are very professional. Chris went extra miles, even at the risk of penalty for lake coming back before gate closing, to chase the wild dogs. We were lucky to see 6 wild dogs which is so rare now all over Africa. Benjamin is a good cook. I am quite a big fan of his chicken curry and garlic bread. We also did the extra tour panoramic trail today to Blyde River Canyon which is great place as well.

HOANG

3 day safari in February

Me and my wife had an amazing time on this trip to kRuger national Park. We got to see a lot of animals including the big five it was such a fascinating trip and well worth the experience much greater than I expected the food that Ryan cooked for us was also excellent .my wife and I enjoyed every moment we got to see lions feasting on a buffalo A pack of wild dog giraffes elephants and even a leopard. The views were astonishing and Ryan was a excellent tour guide and he was very knowledgeable he explained to us the history and the nature of the wild animals . I definitely recommend to book with this tour operator to anyone that is interested in a safari!!

Amer

Unforgettable experience and adventure

We had a really great time and safari trip with Wild Planet Safari. The whole trip was perfectly organized and we always felt safe and welcomed. Our guide Ryan had a huge knowledge of all animals that we saw at Kruger National Park. We also spent our eventings together while having a barbecue at the camp. The price of the tour is really fair and worth every cent of it. Bookings are highly recommended.

Maren and Niklas

An unforgettable journey of a lifetime, a "must do" for everybody

It was so easy to book our trip (for my daughter and myself) with Wild Planet Safari. Everything was done online with Thale whose service and communications were excellent. Our guides Chris and Lungisani were friendly and courteous and great "spotters" of the wildlife which we saw in abundance. We were so lucky to see a pack of 12 wild dogs together, in addition to a group of six cheetahs in one sighting. We saw the big five plus more and were rewarded during our bush walk with a sighting of a pride of lions with cubs. It's difficult to mention a highlight of the tour, there were so many! I'll be back!

Pamela