A Truly Honest Look at the 2025 ‘7 Days Safari and Rhino Trekking’
So, you are likely thinking about a big trip, a real adventure for 2025. Honestly, I just got back from this exact ‘7 Days Safari and Rhino Trekking’ outing and people have been asking me what it was really like. Well, it’s pretty much a trip that splits itself into two main parts. You get that classic safari feel, you know, bumping along in a 4×4 looking for animals. But then, you know, there is this whole other side to it, this rhino trekking thing, which is a totally different kind of experience on your own two feet. This review is basically just me telling you straight what to expect, from the first hello at the airport to that final, dusty goodbye. I think, at the end of the day, it’s good to have a real picture of things before you go all in on something like this. Seriously, it’s quite the undertaking and you want to be sure it’s the right fit for you.
First Impressions and Where You’ll Call Home
Alright, so the first part of the whole thing is actually getting there. You sort of land and immediately there’s a guide holding a sign with your name, which is a really nice touch, to be honest. Our guide, a fellow named Sam, was honestly just a wealth of information from the get-go. The first day, frankly, involves a good bit of driving to get out of the city and closer to the wild areas. In a way, it’s a good chance to just decompress from your flight and see the countryside, which, by the way, changes quite a bit as you go. You get to see little towns and people just going about their day, which is actually very interesting.
Now, about where you sleep. We basically stayed in a couple of different places throughout the week. The safari lodges were sort of what you might picture, but maybe a little more down-to-earth. The rooms were really clean and felt very secure, with mosquito nets over the beds and stuff. In some respects, they had this simple, wood-and-canvas character that felt just right for being out in the bush. The best part, honestly, was the little porch area each room had. I mean, you could just sit out there in the morning with a cup of coffee and listen to all the sounds starting up. The staff at these places were also incredibly warm and welcoming, always making sure you had everything you needed, you know. You definitely felt looked after, which is a good feeling to have so far from home.
The Daily Game Drives: On the Lookout for Wildlife
Okay, so let’s talk about the game drives, because that’s a big piece of the pie here. Most days, you kind of get into a rhythm. You’re up really early, before the sun, have a quick bite to eat, and then you’re out in the safari vehicle while it’s still cool. Our vehicle was basically a customized Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, which is frankly the best way to do it. You can stand up and get a 360-degree view without feeling like you’re going to fall out. You spend a few hours out there, with the guide pointing things out that you would absolutely miss on your own. Honestly, their eyes are just on another level.
We saw some really incredible things, as a matter of fact. A big group of elephants crossed the track right in front of us one morning, so close you could just hear them chewing. Another time, we sort of sat for nearly an hour watching a lioness and her cubs playing. It’s pretty much these quiet moments that stick with you. It’s not all about the “Big Five,” you know. We saw so many kinds of amazing birds, herds of graceful giraffes moving over the plains, and lots of hippos hanging out in the water. You cover a lot of ground on these drives, and the landscape itself is always changing, from open savanna to thicker bush. At the end of the day, it’s about being patient and just enjoying being out there.
The Main Event: Walking with Giants
Frankly, the part of this trip that felt the most different was the rhino trek. This part is not done in a vehicle. You basically get a briefing from these very skilled rangers who look after the rhinos day in and day out. They tell you all the rules, like how to behave, to be quiet, and what to expect, which is really good information. Then, you just start walking through the bush with them. Actually, your heart is pounding a little bit because it feels very, very real.
It’s a strange feeling, you know, being on foot in a place where such large animals live. You’re paying attention to every sound, every broken twig. The rangers, of course, are pointing out tracks and explaining the behavior of the rhinos as you go. After maybe an hour of walking, our ranger just held up his hand for us to stop. And there they were. More or less a hundred feet away, a mother and her young one were just resting. Seeing them up close, not through the window of a truck, is an absolutely different thing. You can see the texture of their skin and hear them breathe. It’s incredibly moving, to be honest. You spend a bit of time just watching them in silence, and it is a moment you pretty much know you will never forget. It’s the core of this whole week-long experience, I think.
A Few Tips on Packing and Being Ready
So, if you’re thinking about this trip, let’s talk about what you should bring. Basically, you want clothes that are in neutral colors—like tans, greens, and browns. Honestly, you don’t need to buy a whole new wardrobe, just avoid bright colors and definitely no black or dark blue, as they can attract tsetse flies. Lightweight long-sleeved shirts and long pants are actually your best friends. They sort of protect you from the sun during the day and from bugs in the evening. A good, wide-brimmed hat is a must-have, seriously. Don’t forget that.
A really comfortable pair of walking shoes is another thing you cannot skimp on, especially for the rhino walk. You don’t need heavy hiking boots, just something sturdy that you’ve already broken in. Also, a good camera is something you’ll probably want, but you know, don’t get so caught up in taking pictures that you miss the actual moment. Sometimes, just putting the camera down is the right move. I mean, also bring a good pair of binoculars; the ones provided are okay, but having your own is just better. Finally, just be ready for some bumpy roads and a bit of dust. It’s all part of the adventure, you know, so a positive and flexible attitude is probably the most useful thing you can pack.
Read our full review: [2025 ‘7 Days Safari and Rhino Trekking’ Full Review and Details]
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now ([Book the 7-Day Safari & Rhino Trek])
