Places visited:
Time of year: May
Key features / sightings:
Journey duration: 14 Days
Distance travelled: 1 300 km (810 miles)
Testimonial comments:
For those of us who love African adventures, Out There Overland Travel manages to capture that most elusive of qualities, a sense of uniqueness and a chance to discover the real, local South Africa in the company of John Gale, whose intimate local knowledge has been built up over a lifetime of wild travelling. It’s a whole ‘other dimension’ of safari experience when you walk little used tracks, visit remote hides, and uncover rarely visited corners rich in wildlife. John‘s knowledge of flora, fauna and folklore is hugely impressive as is his devotion to acquiring the very best travel experience for his clients. He has the knack of knowing when to sit and wait for the wildlife to appear, when to divert to something new and unexpected (in our case wild dogs), when to move on, when to listen and interpret information from local guides and when to stop for coffee and sundowners.
Out There Overland Travel provided us with such contrasting experiences, all wrapped up in one amazing trip. We will never forget viewing the herds of elephants walking along the river bank from our lodge in iMfolozi, or running the surf and landing at speed on golden beaches in Mozambique after a morning’s fishing. Nor the sense of solitude and wonderment at the beauty of Kosi Bay as we glided silently along crystal waterways watching hippos. Plus, the whole set up was highly professional, well organised and super friendly. It was such a privilege to get to know a region in a different, and highly authentic way.
Can’t wait for the next one.
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Places visited
Time of year: October
Key features / sightings:
Types of accommodation:
Journey duration:15 days
Distance travelled: 4 800 km / 2980 miles
Testimonial comments:
John took us on an amazing journey from South Africa through Botswana into Zimbabwe and back.
Our time experiencing the sights and surrounds of Kubu Island was magical, only surpassed by staying in a remote part of Hwange and experiencing the beauty of its wildlife.
John is a superb guide. His personality and knowledge kept our enthusiasm and fascination going, from identifying all manner of birds to tracking lions from the safety of our vehicle. We were well-fed and each night we slept safely and comfortably.
No complaints other than when is our next trip?
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Places visited:
Types of accommodation:
Time of the year: July
Key features / sightings:
Journey duration: 14 Days
Distance travelled: 5 100 km (3 170 miles)
Testimonial comments:
I cannot recommend Out There Overland Travel more highly.
My first experience travelling with John was to Mana Pool and then on to Lake Kariba. The Mana Pool part of the trip was specifically significant in the fact that I had never wild-camped in the bush before – in fact camping has never been something I would have considered, but John’s knowledge of the African bush, friendly and reassuring manner gave me the confidence to embrace the trip and make every moment count. He is highly organised and leaves no stone unturned when it comes to planning, budgeting and contingencies!
Our trip was 14 days in total starting in Durban, driving to Martin’s Drift border crossing, where we stayed at a river-side lodge before crossing into Botswana. Onward via Bulawayo in Zimbabwe, where we stayed in an old and beautifully preserved colonial building, before moving onto Makuti Lodge, a short distance before the first gate into Mana Pool. We stayed 7 nights at Mucheni 3 campsite which has magnificent views across the Zambezi river.
Our accommodation was very comfortable with everything we could possibly need for a good night sleep given we were in tents! Our days were spent driving around looking for the big 5 as well as the little 5, enjoying rusks and coffee to start our early mornings, followed by our breakfast at one of our stop points later in the morning. Back to camp for lunch and a snooze, a bit of fishing or generally chilling, before heading out for sundowners and final game drive of the day. All followed up with a fabulous ‘braai’ around the campfire in the evening, talking about our day and our highlights. It was a joy to fall asleep at night to the sound of the Hippos laughing in the river, the Hyenas whooping as well as the occasional Lion roaring in the distance. Highlights were definitely the elephants who, once they had decided we were not going to bother them, walked through our camp daily.
From Mana we drove to Lake Kariba where we stayed on a houseboat for three nights, spending our days pottering around on the lake looking for Fish eagles, hippos, elephants on the riverbank and many other amazing creatures. There was even the chance to do a bit of fishing.
Truly a trip of a life time!
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Places visited:
Type of accommodation:
Time of the year: July
Key features / sightings:
Journey duration: 4 days
Distance travelled: 450km (280 miles)
Testimonial Comments:
I travelled to South Africa on a business trip and because I was going to be here for a while, I invited my wife and my two boys to join me at the end of my business engagements. We were able to enjoy a short Safari experience after the business while we were there.
We went with John Gale, a guide living in Durban, to the iMfolozi Game reserve and stayed at a private bush lodge called Hlatikulu (which in Zulu means: Big Bush).
The safari was incredible and one of the best family moments we have ever had together. John’s knowledge of the bush taught us a lot of things about the many animals we saw. And the boys also enjoyed the time around the camp and sitting around the fire when we cooked the meat which the South Africans call a ‘braai’. It was the perfect break after a busy period at work and a beautiful place to relax with my family.
The safari was very well arranged by John and it is an experience we can recommend to anyone.
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