Reviews of safaris to Augrabies Falls National Park

"Expert Africa delivered, as always.

We arrived at an interesting and diverse itinerary, and all of the logistics worked well. We would thoroughly recommend a trip to the Kgalagadi, especially if you have been to Africa before and seen the usual animals, and now want something a little different in terms of the scenery and wildlife." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 15 on a South Africa trip

"Overall this was a great trip.

Kgalagadi is a magical park which generates a feeling of camaraderie among the visitors. Drivers still wave to each other like they are sharing some closely guarded secret. It would be possible to spend two weeks there, with at least three days at each camp. This would make the trip more relaxed and give more time to appreciate each area. Put in the hours in this park and you will get some fantastic sightings. There's no elephant, buffalo or rhino but it's great for birds, predators and the smaller critters. Tiny creatures can get in the chalets, although gratefully for us these were mainly the friendly, cuter end of the spectrum. Shouldn't bother most but might not be for everyone.

If you can book into a Kgalagadi widerness camp you can leave the modern world behind. Forget smartphones and the internet, at present there is no network coverage, apart from in Twee Rivieren.

If possible hire a 4x4. You don't have to but it will enhance the trip enormously. The road can be rough and the elevated driving position is great for spotting. If you can, get a double cab so you can easily stow your drinks, cool box, camera etc. For photography it's doubtful you can can beat Kgalagadi and Etosha.

The weather in late May to early June was fantastic for us, warm in the day and cool at night. It getting dry at this time of year so the waterholes in both parks are populated with small and large herds of animals. In Etosha the numbers seem astounding at times.

The timing was tricky and when our heathrow flight was delayed we could easily have missed our connection from Joburg to Upington. Luckily we traveled with hand luggage only and made it with a half hour to spare. Likewise, you probably need to stop over in Upington as we did, especially if you need to stock up before heading to Kgalagadi.

No fault of Expert Africa but it may have included just a bit too much driving. It was our choice to include Kgalagadi and Etosha. Not particularly the driving in the parks but between the two. However, this is a balancing act between time and resources and we don't regret it all." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 8 on a Namibia trip

"This is a third trip to the Kgalagadi and by far our best trip. The night before our arrival was preceded by a thunderstorm and torrential rain while resulted in a wonderful array.of desert blooms for the first 8/10 days. We were also fortunate to have several Leopard and Cheetah sightings and Lions every day!

Giraffes were very numerous as were the opportunities for bird watching.

Assuming we return May is a great month to visit the park and the Wilderness camps remain very good value and provide a great experience." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 14 on a South Africa trip

"This is the second time we use Expert Africa for bookings etc. As last time, everything went perfect.

We got qualifyed and kind help from the staff. At arrival in Africa, everything went according to plans. You can get full help from Expert Africa. However, as experienced in travelling in Africa, we prepared the route on our own. Afterwards, we got good input from Expert Africa and make changes accordingly. This worked fine.

We will use Expert Africa again in the future." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 10 on a South Africa trip

"We have visited many game parks and this one had been our list for a few years. To get to the park is a bit of a trek but well worth it. Don't expect the masses of game you may see elsewhere in Africa but for big cats particularly lions this is the place.

The park has much more of a local feel with the majority of visitors South Africans returning to the park each year. We saw no traffic jams of cars around sightings although I suspect during the peak period of the South African school holidays this may change. Even if you don't venture onto the 4WD routes I'd recommend a 4WD hire car as even the main roads can be very rutted.

If however you do venture down the 4WD routes to the wilderness camps particularly Gharagab it should be a great experience. We travelled in Oct and were expecting high temperatures however we appeared to hit a mini-summer with temperatures in excess of 50 C only dropping to around 30 C at night. There's nothing you can do about this other than be prepared." Read full review: 27 nights in Africa; 10 on a South Africa trip

"I can see no reason to consider any other travel company. Expert Africa are perfect and I've recommended them many times to family and friends. Friendly, helpful and very knowledgable.

I'm already thinking about our next trip." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a South Africa trip

"As always Expert Africa put together a wonderful trip.

Although the wildlife in the Kgalagadi was, to say the least , sparse we had a superb time. The accommodation was far better than anticipated. Very comfortable beds, good showers and more than adequate cooking facilities . The addition of a fridge in our vehicle would have made the whole experience perfect.

The driving was occasionally a little challenging and perhaps not for the faint hearted but Kgalagadi should be on the wish list for all those who love Africa and want a bit of an adventure.

Our experience with B.A. was unfortunate especially as they are one of the few airlines that go to the destinations of our choice.but that is out if the control of E.A.

We look forward to our next trips organised by E.A. - we have 2 in the pipeline!!!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a South Africa trip

"The trip was very successful and enjoyable. This is despite the unexpected weather difficulties (delayed rains meant that game in the Transfrontier Park was less profuse than normal for January and temperatures were uncomfortably high, followed by a sudden startlingly chilly period in Tswalu).

One point on timing, although the road from Upington to Twee Rivieren is tarred for the whole route, sticking to the speed limits it still takes about 2.75 hours to drive.

Visits to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park nowadays are now notably more regimented than in our earlier visit in the 1980s. However we had the impression that the organisation there was pretty good.

There were no good maps of the Transfrontier Park available in the area of the park. The only map provided in the park was a black and white A4 photocopy. The best map available to us was the coloured photocopy provided in Expert Africa's documentation.

When we left Jo'burg International airport on 31 January for our trip back to UK we were given particular warning at the check-in desk that from 1 February the airport would be being much more rigorous about baggage limits etc. We don't know whether or not this is an issue to watch." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 7 on a South Africa trip

"Our holiday was in two parts. The Kgalagadi in September will not be to everyone's taste as it is by no means a luxury holiday. It takes good advanced planning to make sure you are properly stocked up with water and other essentials before you set out from Upington. Your diet could be limited to red meat on the braai but don't let this put you off. This is a holiday for those who value the traditional south african safari experience.

From the Kgalagadi we travelled through Namakwaland at wildflower time. So lucky, as there are only a few weeks in the year when the desert blossoms. It is unforgettable.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
I value the fact that you allow me to book my own flights and my car hire." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 13 on a South Africa trip

"Thoroughly enjoyed holiday but might have been disappointed at lack of game viewing if had not seen so much in Etosha in previous trips." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a South Africa trip