Finding the Luxe South African Safari through Platinum Holidays on Travelzoo was a dream come true - and the experience exceeded every expectation. From start to finish, the trip was seamless, personalized, and magical. From my very first inquiry, Deodene, our travel advisor, was incredible. She is like working with a friend - warm, attentive, and deeply knowledgeable. She guided us through every detail, answered all questions with grace, and thoughtfully helped customize our itinerary. Thanks to her, we added an extra night and a sunrise hot air balloon safari near Hoedspruit, which became one of our absolute highlights. I even met another traveler at the lodge who had booked through Deodene, and they had the exact same rave reviews - her professionalism and personal touch are unmatched. The hot air balloon experience with Suncatcher Balloon Company itself was breathtaking. Wynand, our pilot, is a true expert - calm, patient, and deeply passionate about the Blyde River Canyon and the local ecosystem. Floating over giraffes and zebras and the picturesque landscape at sunrise while learning about conservation and the flora and fauna made the experience unforgettable. The ground team was personable and attentive, making everything seamless, from sunrise coffee to ensuring we didn’t get muddy. Champagne after landing and personalized aeronaut certificates added a celebratory, thoughtful touch. If you’re in Hoedspruit, this is the balloon safari to book. At Shiduli Game Lodge within Karongwe Private Game Reserve, the lodge experience was luxurious and charming. We were upgraded to the Royal Suite, complete with a private plunge pool and indoor/outdoor showers. Wildlife regularly visited the property - nyala, monkeys, warthogs, and even golden orb spiders - creating an immersive bush experience. The lodge staff made every moment unforgettable. Jared, the property manager, combines decades of bush experience with warmth and attentiveness. Dorris (“Mamma D”) brings grace and care to everything she does, from welcoming guests with refreshments to managing the curio shop. Chef Abram delivered exceptional meals, including two boma nights under the stars, drawing on his international culinary experience. The dining team, front desk staff (Advice and Yolandi), and evening security (Gary) all contributed to a seamless, heartwarming stay. The safari guides and trackers at Karongwe are world-class and hands-down the very best. Peter Mike and tracker Alfred set an extraordinary standard - knowledgeable, charismatic, and deeply respectful of wildlife. Their teamwork led to unforgettable sightings, including all of the Big Five in a single afternoon, capped by a mother rhino with her newborn calf. Alfred’s attentiveness, from tracking animals to serving morning bush coffee and arranging scenic sundowners, elevated every moment in the bush. Wesley, Head Guide, brought deep reverence and insight to our drives, leading us to incredible lion pride encounters and an on-foot cheetah encounter. Jeremiah added fun, personality, and expert guidance to the safari he led for us. Peter and tracker Jambo, with decades of experience, closed our stay with playful energy, masterful tracking, and exceptional knowledge of the bush. Every guide and tracker made us feel safe, inspired, and connected to the land and wildlife. From the balloon flight to Big Five sightings, luxury accommodations, and world-class guides, Platinum Holidays curated an unforgettable, high-touch South Africa safari. This trip wasn’t just a vacation - it was immersive, meaningful, and life-affirming. If you’re planning a luxury South Africa safari in the Greater Kruger region, complete with expert guides, top-notch accommodations, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences like a sunrise balloon flight, Platinum Holidays is unparalleled. I am still in awe of the memories, and we are already dreaming of returning.
- Jennifer
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1-800-842-6943
