Wild Eye
Wild Eye
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About
At Wild Eye our purpose is to change the way you see the world and we pride ourselves on our personalised approach – not only making sure you get the best wildlife and photographic safari experience, but that you have fun, feel well looked after, and your expectations are exceeded from the moment you make contact with us. The Wild Eye family has grown dramatically since 2012 and is now made up of a team of full-time expedition and tour leaders, serviced by a highly qualified and experienced compliment of logistics and safari operations teams in our Johannesburg and Nairobi offices. Not only do we possess in excess of a collective 50 years combined field and photographic guiding experience, our family consists of people who are driven and motivated to deliver the best experiences possible for our guests. Our aim at Wild Eye is to change the way our guests see the world through travel experiences that create meaningful connections.
Fourways, South Africa
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Travellers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
188 reviews
Excellent
187
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Manfred Foeger
Axams, Austria5 contributions
May 2020
I was lucky enough to be on a Wild Eye safari this year before the Cover-19 pandemic messed up my further travel plans for 2020.
The 'Best of Serengeti' trip hosted by Johan van Zyl and Michael Laubscher was a really unique experience. Great sightings, outstanding photographical support and a great handling of the challenging situations due to the unexpected heavy rains made this trip as outstanding as my past tours with Wild Eye in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya.
When I returned back home on March 12, the world had already changed and step by step worldwide travel was banned. During these very early days of the restrictions I received a first update from Wild Eye concerning my planned trip to their Mara Camp in July 2020. Regular updates followed.
Yesterday the final decisions had to be made: Wild Eye offered a postponement of the trip to July 2021 for the 2020 price and to change all the necessary bookings. I had never thought of canceling the trip, but in the current situation postponing is probably the best, if not the only option.
The back office of Wild Eye handled this difficult situation in a very professional and pleasant way, special thanks to Lara de Jong and Judy van Zyl for their continuous support with changing my travel plans. I can't wait to be on this Wild Eye tour, it will be a long year to wait, but worth every second of it!
The 'Best of Serengeti' trip hosted by Johan van Zyl and Michael Laubscher was a really unique experience. Great sightings, outstanding photographical support and a great handling of the challenging situations due to the unexpected heavy rains made this trip as outstanding as my past tours with Wild Eye in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya.
When I returned back home on March 12, the world had already changed and step by step worldwide travel was banned. During these very early days of the restrictions I received a first update from Wild Eye concerning my planned trip to their Mara Camp in July 2020. Regular updates followed.
Yesterday the final decisions had to be made: Wild Eye offered a postponement of the trip to July 2021 for the 2020 price and to change all the necessary bookings. I had never thought of canceling the trip, but in the current situation postponing is probably the best, if not the only option.
The back office of Wild Eye handled this difficult situation in a very professional and pleasant way, special thanks to Lara de Jong and Judy van Zyl for their continuous support with changing my travel plans. I can't wait to be on this Wild Eye tour, it will be a long year to wait, but worth every second of it!
Written 14 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your support and understanding during these challenging times Manfred. We love your selection of images from your most recent safari too!
Written 15 May 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ann Nichols
Greater Johannesburg, South Africa33 contributions
Sept 2020
I was part of a group of 6 Wild Eye guests on their first Photographic Safari to the bush after Covid 19 restrictions on inter-provincial travel in South African were relaxed in August, thus enabling South Africans to travel within South Africa. It was so exciting to get back to the bush and wild life photography. We were not first time Wild Eyers! We had 5 nights and 6 days at Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve at Bush Lodge. Sabi Sabi shares a fenceless border with the west side of Kruger National Park, known as the Greater Kruger. The Lodge is superb with a view over the waterhole and the African savanna plain beyond, The Lodge staff were amazing and every effort was made to ensure our safety under strict Covid19 protocols. Our Guide Greg and his tracker were excellent. We learnt a lot about wild life behaviour which is an essential part to capturing good photographic images. Sabi Sabi is one of the few destinations which authorises off-road driving and night time driving thus giving photographers the best opportunities for exploring their photographic ambitions.
Wild Eye Photography Safaris are always special, but this was a very special trip after 5 months Covid19 shutdown. This is my fifth Wild Eye Photographic Safari. Each trip is a reservoir of memories rich in wild life photography, learning and enjoyment. Many of the like minded people I have met on these trips have become friends.
Although the weather was cloudy, cold and wet we had exceptional game sightings including elephant, buffalo and rhino, but especially predators wild dog, cheetah, leopard and lion. We watched interactions between cheetah and wild dogs, lion and wild dogs, both of which gave us excellent photographic opportunities. We watched 2 separate kills by a coalition of 5 cheetah and a leopard chase and kill, both of which presented incredible photographic experience. Our Wild Eye Guides, Andrew Beck and Marlon du Toit, were there tirelessly to guide us, help us with our camera settings and giving us ideas for composition and more creative style photography. Although the bad weather and light were challenging, the Wild Eye approach was to use the light creatively and they helped us with our camera settings to capture the light thus giving moody and/or pastel shades to the final photo result. We enjoyed the experience of panning, night and rim lighting photography.
The Wild Eye Team excelled once again both in travel arrangements, briefings and information before travel, Covid19 safety protocols, lodging with a fantastic culinary experience and photographic expertise. Our trip with Wild Eye was productive, fun and memorable. Another amazing experience. Thank you Wild Eye
Wild Eye Photography Safaris are always special, but this was a very special trip after 5 months Covid19 shutdown. This is my fifth Wild Eye Photographic Safari. Each trip is a reservoir of memories rich in wild life photography, learning and enjoyment. Many of the like minded people I have met on these trips have become friends.
Although the weather was cloudy, cold and wet we had exceptional game sightings including elephant, buffalo and rhino, but especially predators wild dog, cheetah, leopard and lion. We watched interactions between cheetah and wild dogs, lion and wild dogs, both of which gave us excellent photographic opportunities. We watched 2 separate kills by a coalition of 5 cheetah and a leopard chase and kill, both of which presented incredible photographic experience. Our Wild Eye Guides, Andrew Beck and Marlon du Toit, were there tirelessly to guide us, help us with our camera settings and giving us ideas for composition and more creative style photography. Although the bad weather and light were challenging, the Wild Eye approach was to use the light creatively and they helped us with our camera settings to capture the light thus giving moody and/or pastel shades to the final photo result. We enjoyed the experience of panning, night and rim lighting photography.
The Wild Eye Team excelled once again both in travel arrangements, briefings and information before travel, Covid19 safety protocols, lodging with a fantastic culinary experience and photographic expertise. Our trip with Wild Eye was productive, fun and memorable. Another amazing experience. Thank you Wild Eye
Written 7 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What a pleasure it was to host you for one of our very first safaris after Covid19.
Thank you for the fantastic feedback and we are so glad to hear that you enjoyed your time at Sabi Sabi.
Written 11 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nancy A
Central Point, Oregon, United States107 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
We had two trips scheduled with Wild Eye during the time all travel has been halted. Before we even knew what was happening their efficient staff was making arrangements for our trips to be moved to the same time in 2021 at the same price. They always take the best care of their clients and treat you like family. They are the best company with which to travel! This is why I keep traveling with them year after year, trip after trip, destination after destination! Thank you Wild Eye for the amazing job you do on my behalf!
Written 17 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
garmstr132
East Sussex, UK7 contributions
Sept 2020
Travelling back to the Mara Triangle with Wild Eye and being their first international guests after the lockdown period, proved to be one of the most memorable trips to that area I have ever had the privilege to experience.
This was my 5th trip back to Kenya with the group in as many years, the detail and help all the team made in making this at all possible was amazing. Thanks to all the staff for making this happen.
The truly memorable welcome we received from the Wild Eye camp staff, who met our group at the Serena Airstrip set the standard for the next 11 days.
Interaction with that group during the period, just made this truly special. The morning breakfast and Massai lunch proved to be extra special this year.
The wildlife also came out in abundance, 20 crossings, over 60 different lion sightings, mating lions, lions with cubs, special Rhino morning early morning leopards, the list was endless.
I cannot recommend my friends at Wild Eye any higher, my travelling companions for their enthusiasm and comradery along with our Guide for the trip Matt, who looked after all our wildlife, photographic needs and general coordination.
Wild Eye have proved to me on so many occasions that they are truly the best in the business.
This was my 5th trip back to Kenya with the group in as many years, the detail and help all the team made in making this at all possible was amazing. Thanks to all the staff for making this happen.
The truly memorable welcome we received from the Wild Eye camp staff, who met our group at the Serena Airstrip set the standard for the next 11 days.
Interaction with that group during the period, just made this truly special. The morning breakfast and Massai lunch proved to be extra special this year.
The wildlife also came out in abundance, 20 crossings, over 60 different lion sightings, mating lions, lions with cubs, special Rhino morning early morning leopards, the list was endless.
I cannot recommend my friends at Wild Eye any higher, my travelling companions for their enthusiasm and comradery along with our Guide for the trip Matt, who looked after all our wildlife, photographic needs and general coordination.
Wild Eye have proved to me on so many occasions that they are truly the best in the business.
Written 1 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for this feedback Gerry. We are so glad that you had such a wonderful time and that everything ran smoothly!
The Wild Eye East Africa team loved catching up with you and the other guests.
Written 2 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mgraced
New Hampshire67 contributions
Sept 2019
I had first become aware of Wild Eye in early 2018 and was intrigued. I ended up traveling with them in Sep 2019 to the Wild Eye Mara Camp in Kenya and an add-on to Lake Nakuru. Every aspect of the trip was outstanding. The Mara camp is simply amazing and I adore the entire camp staff. The guides and drivers are amazing and I loved it so much, I booked 2 trips with them in 2020 - South Africa and back to Kenya.
Enter a worldwide pandemic...The staff at Wild Eye is regularly keeping me updated on what is happening and my options. Sadly, my South Africa trip is now cancelled but the options presented to me for rebooking at a later time (2021) is very accommodating and I will look forward to that. I am still hopeful that my Kenyan trip will go as scheduled in Oct, but if it does not, I know I will travel with Wild Eye again.
While many of their trips are beyond my budget, the ones that are provide incredible value for the experience received. That is very important to me.
Through Wild Eye I have also connected with a wonderful community. And that is something I have really enjoyed as the experience continues to be present with me!
Enter a worldwide pandemic...The staff at Wild Eye is regularly keeping me updated on what is happening and my options. Sadly, my South Africa trip is now cancelled but the options presented to me for rebooking at a later time (2021) is very accommodating and I will look forward to that. I am still hopeful that my Kenyan trip will go as scheduled in Oct, but if it does not, I know I will travel with Wild Eye again.
While many of their trips are beyond my budget, the ones that are provide incredible value for the experience received. That is very important to me.
Through Wild Eye I have also connected with a wonderful community. And that is something I have really enjoyed as the experience continues to be present with me!
Written 18 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Silke H
Bad Honnef, Germany29 contributions
Dec 2019
I have been on various safaris with WildEye since 2015 and I was never disappointed, for me it's the best operator I have ever travelled with.
The destinations are extraordinary, Africas best places to experience the beauty of the bush but the biggest value they offer is the most incredible and dedicated team based in South Africa but also in Kenya.
It's the people that makes places and travelling with WildEye is travelling with professionals which soon become friends.
Due to the Corona crisis my Botswana trip for April, which I booked almost a year ago, had to be cancelled and I was afraid of not beeing able to go at any time.
But the wonderful WildEye team was able to shift it to next year, so even if there's now another year to go, I am more happy with this solution. The whole process of shifting the trip was seamless and straightforward, and I couldn't be more satisfied.
It was an outstanding performance of handling this crisis.
Thank you so much for all your support!!!
The destinations are extraordinary, Africas best places to experience the beauty of the bush but the biggest value they offer is the most incredible and dedicated team based in South Africa but also in Kenya.
It's the people that makes places and travelling with WildEye is travelling with professionals which soon become friends.
Due to the Corona crisis my Botswana trip for April, which I booked almost a year ago, had to be cancelled and I was afraid of not beeing able to go at any time.
But the wonderful WildEye team was able to shift it to next year, so even if there's now another year to go, I am more happy with this solution. The whole process of shifting the trip was seamless and straightforward, and I couldn't be more satisfied.
It was an outstanding performance of handling this crisis.
Thank you so much for all your support!!!
Written 19 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback with us and others during these challenging times. We cant wait for you to experience the beauty of the Okavango Delta with us next year!
Written 20 April 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lauren McIntyre
Southampton, UK17 contributions
Oct 2021
I went on my first Safari with Wild Eye in 2019 to their camp in the Masai Mara Kenya and honestly had the most amazing time of my life, I literally left there thinking I would never beat that experience, the encounters we had were one of a kind. But I also left instantly wanting to go back.
The Wild Eye Enkishui camp and the safari experience the team has put together is honestly like nothing else you'll ever encounter. The safari may be the thing that attracts you in the first place but it's the camp and the staff that will keep you coming back. You arrive a guest but you leave a part of the family not saying goodbye but simply saying "see you soon".
I had rebooked for 2020 but obviously due to the pandemic travel was basically impossible, it looked like 2021 was also out of the question for UK to travel to Kenya so I once again rescheduled for 2022. BUT when the UK suddenly announced Kenya was accessible again I contacted the Wild Eye office team and they made it happen, literally within a couple of weeks start to finish I was able to return to my favourite place, sorting out all logistics and payments, the team were so helpful with questions I had about new COVID regulations, they made it very stress free.
On the way there I thought, how will i beat my 2019 experience? Well once again the bar was raised and I had an incredible two weeks out there, so incredible I don't have enough characters on here to explain it all but WOW the sightings, the experiences, the team, the guests, the camp, the food, everything is simply magical. I was even lucky enough to be out there when the team hit their 100th crossing for the season which was something very special and because I did two weeks I got the privilege of spending time with four Wild Eye hosts and two of the local guides driving. One thing I will say about the local guides they have, yes they are incredible at spotting wildlife from a ridiculous distance which is amazing in itself, but what sets them apart is that they understand your needs from a photographic sense as well as just a normal viewpoint, so they get you to the absolute best places to not only enjoy the action/scenes but to also get the best photos! You'll never be dissappointed. Another nice thing is that Wild Eye are clearly always looking to improve (if it's even possible anymore) as I noticed they have added a light in the toilet and a light in the shower. Things that I didn't directly miss having in 2019 but that I do find better now they've been added. So the attention to detail from the team is top knotch!
The whole team is just superb, great knowledge and skills, helpful, friendly, funny and so welcoming and accepting. You just never want to leave! Highly highly recommend to anyone interested in a Sarafi, if you don't like tents don't let it put you off, this is camping in style and it's honestly so worth it! It doesn't matter if you're into photography or not they accomodate for everyone, and it doesn't matter if you're travelling on your own as you'll soon be part of their family.
Asanti Sana Wild Eye, until next time!
The Wild Eye Enkishui camp and the safari experience the team has put together is honestly like nothing else you'll ever encounter. The safari may be the thing that attracts you in the first place but it's the camp and the staff that will keep you coming back. You arrive a guest but you leave a part of the family not saying goodbye but simply saying "see you soon".
I had rebooked for 2020 but obviously due to the pandemic travel was basically impossible, it looked like 2021 was also out of the question for UK to travel to Kenya so I once again rescheduled for 2022. BUT when the UK suddenly announced Kenya was accessible again I contacted the Wild Eye office team and they made it happen, literally within a couple of weeks start to finish I was able to return to my favourite place, sorting out all logistics and payments, the team were so helpful with questions I had about new COVID regulations, they made it very stress free.
On the way there I thought, how will i beat my 2019 experience? Well once again the bar was raised and I had an incredible two weeks out there, so incredible I don't have enough characters on here to explain it all but WOW the sightings, the experiences, the team, the guests, the camp, the food, everything is simply magical. I was even lucky enough to be out there when the team hit their 100th crossing for the season which was something very special and because I did two weeks I got the privilege of spending time with four Wild Eye hosts and two of the local guides driving. One thing I will say about the local guides they have, yes they are incredible at spotting wildlife from a ridiculous distance which is amazing in itself, but what sets them apart is that they understand your needs from a photographic sense as well as just a normal viewpoint, so they get you to the absolute best places to not only enjoy the action/scenes but to also get the best photos! You'll never be dissappointed. Another nice thing is that Wild Eye are clearly always looking to improve (if it's even possible anymore) as I noticed they have added a light in the toilet and a light in the shower. Things that I didn't directly miss having in 2019 but that I do find better now they've been added. So the attention to detail from the team is top knotch!
The whole team is just superb, great knowledge and skills, helpful, friendly, funny and so welcoming and accepting. You just never want to leave! Highly highly recommend to anyone interested in a Sarafi, if you don't like tents don't let it put you off, this is camping in style and it's honestly so worth it! It doesn't matter if you're into photography or not they accomodate for everyone, and it doesn't matter if you're travelling on your own as you'll soon be part of their family.
Asanti Sana Wild Eye, until next time!
Written 26 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you SO much for such wonderful and detailed feedback Lauren.
We're looking forward to welcoming you home again soon...
Written 28 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Em and Nat
New York City, NY72 contributions
Jun 2020
We've been working with Wild Eye for close to two years, planning an epic trip with safaris in Bwindi, Amboseli and the Mara for Great Migration in summer 2020.
From our very first meeting, Wild Eye felt more like family than just a safari operator. They are truly passionate about travel, photography and changing the way you see the world! Every step of the way everyone on the Wild Eye team has been fantastic, putting together our best dates and itineraries, answering questions, chatting about photography equipment, even setting up coffee dates with us in NYC! Their personal touches really make you feel a part of Africa even before you depart!
And now that we've had to postpone our trip until 2021 due to the pandemic, Wild Eye was right there for support, always providing current updates, finding new dates, rearranging guides, refiguring financials and will continue to answer questions, or just check in, over the next year.
We're restarting our countdown and are looking forward to our trip more than ever and are so glad we chose Wild Eye. We know they'll make it an experience we'll never forget!
From our very first meeting, Wild Eye felt more like family than just a safari operator. They are truly passionate about travel, photography and changing the way you see the world! Every step of the way everyone on the Wild Eye team has been fantastic, putting together our best dates and itineraries, answering questions, chatting about photography equipment, even setting up coffee dates with us in NYC! Their personal touches really make you feel a part of Africa even before you depart!
And now that we've had to postpone our trip until 2021 due to the pandemic, Wild Eye was right there for support, always providing current updates, finding new dates, rearranging guides, refiguring financials and will continue to answer questions, or just check in, over the next year.
We're restarting our countdown and are looking forward to our trip more than ever and are so glad we chose Wild Eye. We know they'll make it an experience we'll never forget!
Written 24 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for the feedback and support, we truly appreciate it!
Written 16 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lukas W
Coral Harbour, New Providence Island8 contributions
Apr 2020
My father and I had booked a trip to the Mara for September 2020. Due to the Corona Pandemic it is very uncertain to happen. Wild eye regularly informed how they will handle the situation. They first took care of the people still on trips and that were to travel very soon.
For our situation they offered to postpone the trip to next year and because my father is in the risk group they offered a lot of flexibility that they didn't have to according to the terms and conditions. I didn't even had to ask for it, I described our situation and they came up with a very accommodating solution themselves that went beyond our expectations. They look at every situation individually, are very understandable and may sacrifice some financial benefits in the short them but it builds trust and in the long term will pay off for them. So I have not been on the trip with them yet but I'm sure it is going to be amazing and how they handle the current situation is great.
For our situation they offered to postpone the trip to next year and because my father is in the risk group they offered a lot of flexibility that they didn't have to according to the terms and conditions. I didn't even had to ask for it, I described our situation and they came up with a very accommodating solution themselves that went beyond our expectations. They look at every situation individually, are very understandable and may sacrifice some financial benefits in the short them but it builds trust and in the long term will pay off for them. So I have not been on the trip with them yet but I'm sure it is going to be amazing and how they handle the current situation is great.
Written 17 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for this incredible feedback. We are ready to change the way you see the world when you finally do get to experience your first Wild Eye Safari!
Written 20 April 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mary
Michigan6 contributions
Jun 2020
I had a trip scheduled in August and due to covid19 had to postpone to 2021. WildEye initiated contact in March and they continued timely updates with estimated dates of when they would contact you. They recommended to postpone the trip and not cancel. They provided new dates and ensured I was happy with the changes. New dates were worked out for travel in 2021 with the camps at no extra cost.
The whole process was made to look simple while they were tirelessly rescheduling who knows how many other adventures. They were brilliant.
The whole process was made to look simple while they were tirelessly rescheduling who knows how many other adventures. They were brilliant.
Written 10 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much Mary, your feedback and support means the world to us and we look forward to changing the way you see the world in 2021!
Written 12 June 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.