So, the ultimate question: Kruger or Hwange? This is a tough one, and ultimately comes down to a person’s taste, travel style, budget as well past travel experiences.
Head to Kruger if….
You’re intent on seeing the Big 5
You enjoy creature comforts, such as 24-hour electricity, AC and Wifi
You would like to experience South Africa’s city life
You like the idea of a fenced-in lodge
You enjoy luxury!
Head to Hwange if...
You’d like to experience local culture and give back to the community. Imvelo lodges employ locals and train guides from the surrounding communities, and are heavily involved in community and educational development programs
You’re more interested in experience over comfort
You’re OK with long travel days and travel times
You like the idea of very few people
You prefer larger herds of wildlife over individual sightings
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.