Amazing Safari Adventure with Nhlalala Travel
Nhlalala Travel
- Office In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2017)
- Tour Types:
- Small & medium group tours (Mid-range & luxury)
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $2,642 to $21,137 per person per day (MXN, excl. int'l flights)
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
LT
Email Vaida | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Extremely happy that we picked Nhlalala to handle our Kruger park experience
We did 4 day Kruger Park and Panorama route experience and stayed in Kruger Gate Hotel.
It was the first time for us doing the Safari so we wanted to make sure we chose the good tour company. We have contacted more than 5 different tour agencies offering Kruger park packages and after looking into the packages and accommodation options each company offers, we decided to go with Nhlalala. One of the main reasons was that we were very interested in doing Panorama route, however, many companies would only offer a few stops on Panorama route. After receiving the itinerary from Norman, we felt this was more personal and well though through tour experience which also included all the Panorama points we wished to see. Another reason for choosing Nhlalala was that they offered the hotel options we liked the most and they had different choice in comparison to other tour companies that seemed to offer the same accommodation.
Initially we planned on staying at the 3 star accommodation but in the end we decided to go for 4 star accommodation which was Kruger Gate Hotel. We think this was the best choice we made. The hotel is beautiful, feels luxurious and the pictures do not do the justice. Most of the hotel's common and room areas are on the platform which gives a nice jungle feel with the amazing dinning area. You can dress up or dress down for the evening which is a great bonus. The food choice is superb and the staff is super friendly. The hotel is on the border of Kruger park so you can see Kruger park while having cocktails by the pool area. On the first day of our arrival, we spotted buffalos just outside the hotel and we were told elephants come to drink water nearby every evening. We were never bitten by any mosquitoes which was a huge surprise for us, especially in the evenings!
First day we arrived we had a sunset safari drive where we managed to spot 4 out of big 5 animals and others such as Zebras and Giraffes and the following day we saw all big 5 during the first part of the day. We were told we were very lucky, however, we think using the local safari tour guides is the best option because they are familiar with the Kruger park as well as they communicate with each other where they spotted the animals so they can take you there quickly. During short safari trips we shared the car with 4 other people, however the vehicle was big and it had plenty of room for everyone. On the full day safari tour, we had smaller vehicle and it was only two of us in the car. Even though sharing the vehicle with others is fun, we enjoyed very much having the vehicle to ourselves as we were able to switch seats and hide in the shade from the hot sun.
Norman has been looking after us throughout the whole trip, he would meet us each day in the mornings or after the safari tours just to check on us and follow up with the next day plan. Norman took as around Panorama route too and we had so much fun! He is such a kind and gentle person and it was our pleasure to have him as our tour guide. Also, knowing that he was born and raised near Kruger park makes it more special for anyone wishing to have a truly local tour guide.
We highly recommend this tour agency. The experience we had exceeded our expectations.
Email Tania | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Accommodating and helpful
I contacted Norman rather late the night before we wanted to travel. He was very accommodating and was happy to arrange our tour at the last minute
All was arranged professionally. The usual accommodation was full but Norman managed to arrange alternative accommodation. He was always on tume, happy to make suggestions and happy to Jake adjustments as needed. Cold bottled water was supplied every day Norman made suggestions and gave info as needed. .
The Pilanesburg tour was very interesting and we saw many animals , more than anticipated. The first day we drove in Normans car and for the evening and following morning drove we drive in a series vehicle.
Accommodation was excellent. Pool, restaurant and other activities were available at this resort including rock climbing, scooters .
The Soweto part was interesting, Mandelas house and D Tutu 's house as well as some museums. Also went to Soweto brewery.
A very interesting tour and highly recommended
After the Pilanesburg tour Norman was happy to be our driver and
PL
Email Bogus | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent half day tour to Soweto with Nhlalala and Norman
Me and a few friends of mine visited South Africa in August 2022. We ordered half day tour to Seweto with Nhlalala. I have got tel. number to Norman from my African friend. The tour was excellent - bus was really good, Norman was really nice person and good guide. The trip fully met our expectations. I know Nhlalala offers many other options for tourists. Thank you Norman!
Email Vijay | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Organised everything and looked after us well
Norman was a great owner/operator of the safari and organised everything as well as looked after us for both our outward and inbound drive from and to Joburg. He booked our stay the Kruger Gate Hotel and organised our Safaris with SANParks and one of his freelance tour guides. Although at times it was a bit confusing who our guide would be for the day as plans did change along the way, we always felt safe and well looked after and Norman himself was warm and friendly.
KZ
Email Tsediso | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very friendly,punctual and helpful
Everything went smoothly, the payments and accommodation were properly done. The driver was in time, drove very well with caution. I would therefore unreservedly recommend Nhlalala Travel Tours
SG
Email Chen | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fuss free tour and comfortable stay
Decided to go with Nhalalala Travel because of the many positive reviews. Had 2 young children so booking a safari tour was a no-brainer. We booked the 3D2N Kruger Safari Tour with Panorama Route. Booking the tour was straightforward, simple and fuss free. I truly appreciated that Norman was super responsive, prompt and comprehensive in his replies. I’d think that the highlight of the trip was the hotel venue, Kruger Gate Hotel. Glad that it was an option as part of the tour package. Their viewing deck was amazing - we saw a family of elephants right in front of our eyes! Truly a magical and unique experience. Being just a minute away from Kruger Park’s entrance makes it extra convenient and no time wasted. It was also nice that the tour guide was friendly. Some areas of improvement, however, is that clearer communications during the actual tour would be good. For instance, we only knew who will be picking us up and at what time the day before. We were also only told the day before our sunset drive that children below 6 will not be allowed, this is despite us informing in advance of the age of our kids when confirming the tour. Thankfully they managed to find alternatives by engaging another Safari guide to bring us out in the afternoon instead. Still, it would have been better to have known upfront about the conditions and limitations earlier. There were also times where I felt some uncertainties when my queries were not answered timely during the tour, e.g. we were told to be at the lobby by 6am but waited till 6.15am for the tour guide to arrive. It would have been nice to give me an update of the whereabouts and estimated arrival time if late. Hence, I strongly suggest to iron these details out in advance if you were to book the same tour. Nevertheless, the overall experience is still lovely and I’d recommend first-time travellers with limited time to try out this tour with Nhalalala!
SA
Email Syed Hussain | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Operator is very nice, accomodating and helpful
He helped us a lot in making a plan of safari, pick and drop from hotel and money chsnge as well.we definitely recomend this operator group.
Email Robyn | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Norman was outstanding to coordinate the trip with due to his flexibility and prompt responses.
Norman was great at accommodating my travel and payment requests. Khongi was the driver assigned to my trip. He was a friendly and outgoing personality which made him easy to talk to. He expertly navigated the many potholes on the Panorama Route. I felt safe with his driving the entire trip.
The Kruger Gate Hotel was amazing as was the safari at Kruger National Park. The safari was a new experience, and I therefore had a lot of questions. All of the tour operators were patient to ensure I was comfortable. I did the full day safari which included two breaks. One in the morning and one for lunch.
The Panorama Route was a long trip back to Johannesburg. We made two stops. One at the Lisbon Falls and the second at the Blyde River Canyon (includes the Three Rondavels). The weather wasn't great but we managed to see the sites despite the rain and clouds. Beware that this route doubled the amount of time to drive back to Johannesburg.
Overall, Nhlalala Travel was a lovely group to work with.
ES
Email Marina | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An unforgettable memory
If you are planning to visit Kruger, do not hesitate and choose this agency. Norman was always attentive to make sure that we had an unforgettable and personalize experience and he was also very open to listen our point of view of points of improvement to be the best.
A part form the wild animals that you can see in Kruger National Park, don’t forget to visit Blyde River Canyon. It’s absolutely incredible!
If we have the pleasure to come back to this beautiful country, we will repeat the experience for sure.
Email Mark | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Tour didn't quite meet the decription we were originally quoted for.
The tour was expensive for what it was. The lodge just outside the park was in an excellent location but it was run down. Rooms and the bathroom weren't really clean. The restaurant food wasn't good quality.
Norman - who drove us from the airport also drove us on the first game drive as no professional guide was available. It's not as good an experience in a car and certainly not what we paid for. Kruger National Park is excellent of course and delivered the big 5 for us! Overall a mediocre tour operator who charges a lot. We realise now that we could have done the tour ourselves without using a tour operator for less than half the price.