Travelzoo Experience: Checking Safari Off My Bucket List

One of the most coveted perks at Travelzoo is the Travelzoo Experience, in which Deal Experts and other employees take advantage of the same travel, entertainment and local deals we publish to our subscribers and report back on their experience.

A safari has always been on my bucket list. Lions and tigers and .... well, you get the picture. So when a safari vacation from Lion World Tours was published in the Top 20, I was ready to hit the savanna.

One of the most appealing aspects of this particular package was the accommodations -- totally top-notch and luxurious. The booking experience was easy, and the Lion World Tours agent was actually from Zimbabwe, so she gave my family some great insight when we were making arrangements.  

Upon arrival, the hotels and service were excellent. The tours and transfers were seamless and always very well-timed and coordinated. The safari lodge we stayed at, Tinga, had beautiful rooms right along the Sabie River and fantastic game drives.

In terms of value and the offer being a “deal,” it’s impossible to contest. There is absolutely no way to book this type of trip for less than what we paid.

Here are some things to know before you go:

• Remember that the seasons are opposite, so plan accordingly when packing. (Our summertime is their wintertime.)
• In Cape Town, you don’t want to miss going to Table Mountain. Take the tram to the top of the mountain and you’ll be rewarded with the most spectacular views of the city below. Make sure to stop at the café for a snack and take in the scenery.
• If you’re going on a safari, ask if your guide will take the group on a bush walk. Instead of just riding in a vehicle around the park, you’ll actually walk through the bush and see things from a different perspective.
• Wine enthusiasts should check out Stellenbosch. The quaint town is chock full of vineyards, so take a day trip out there and plan to visit a few tasting rooms.
• Boulders Beach is home of thousands of penguins. It’s located in Simon’s Town, which is a cute little beachside area with plenty of restaurants and is a good place for an afternoon cocktail while you look at the water.
• South Africans are huge rugby fans. If the national team (the Springboks) is in Cape Town, try to catch a match at the impressive stadium down by the harbor -- it was built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Looking to experience a similar trip? Check out safari vacations in our Africa vacations section.