Chris Bates Safaris
Chris Bates Safaris
4.9
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Chris Bates Safaris is an independent travel planning business that creates bespoke travel itineraries for clients both locally and internationally. We have a large network of lodges and hotels within Southern Africa (South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe), Tanzania, Kenya as well as the Indian Ocean islands. We also offer privately guided safaris to Kruger Park, Pilanesberg, Waterberg, Madikwe Game Reserves including transfers, guiding, photography and birding experiences. Awards achieved to date: The Business Concept - independent Business Awards: Best independent Safari Company 2024 Lux Life Magazine - Travel and Tourism Awards 2024: Best Independent Travel Planner & Safari Guide 2024 (South Africa): Chris Bates Corporate Live Wire Global Awards 2023/24: Travel Agency of the Year MEA Markets: Most Trusted Safari Travel Agency 2023 - Southern Africa MEA Customer Service Excellence Award 2023
Midrand, South Africa
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Chris Bates Safaris
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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.
4.9
9 reviews
Excellent
8
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Pamela Buckle
South Africa21 contributions
Sept 2020
Chris Bates Safaris = Attention to Detail!
The birds started chirping to the start of a one day safari adventure as Chris arrived to collect his guests in a comfortable SUV, boasting seat warmers and my preferred water beverage (Sparkling) that was neatly placed in the door of my seat.
We picked up a warm cuppa coffee served in a 'Stanley' mug and watched the sun rays reflect the dew from the grassland fields as we made our way to the Pilanesberg National Reserve.
We journeyed through the wilderness, making our way to the perfect breakfast location overlooking a waterhole, alive with fishing birds and a crafty crocodile making it's way along the banks. Chris surprised us with 'Ranger' coffee and an appetizing breakfast filling us up for the morning ahead.
It is one thing driving through a reserve, spotting animals in hopes of a glimpse of the 'Big 5' but to have your very own knowledgeable guide bring the surroundings to life- priceless! Everything in your immediate surroundings comes to life with 'Did you knows', bush wisdom, survival and wildlife photography tips and an understanding for conservation and animal behavior. Chris's nature knowledge is not the only skill he possesses, his spotting can be compared to that of a human Falcon.
Chris took care of us and his attention to detail to the planned trip was sensational- including my favourite snacks served in-between the laughs.
I would highly recommend experiencing a day trip to the Pilanesberg with Chris Bates Safaris because you will be guaranteed to have some memorable bush moments captured!
The birds started chirping to the start of a one day safari adventure as Chris arrived to collect his guests in a comfortable SUV, boasting seat warmers and my preferred water beverage (Sparkling) that was neatly placed in the door of my seat.
We picked up a warm cuppa coffee served in a 'Stanley' mug and watched the sun rays reflect the dew from the grassland fields as we made our way to the Pilanesberg National Reserve.
We journeyed through the wilderness, making our way to the perfect breakfast location overlooking a waterhole, alive with fishing birds and a crafty crocodile making it's way along the banks. Chris surprised us with 'Ranger' coffee and an appetizing breakfast filling us up for the morning ahead.
It is one thing driving through a reserve, spotting animals in hopes of a glimpse of the 'Big 5' but to have your very own knowledgeable guide bring the surroundings to life- priceless! Everything in your immediate surroundings comes to life with 'Did you knows', bush wisdom, survival and wildlife photography tips and an understanding for conservation and animal behavior. Chris's nature knowledge is not the only skill he possesses, his spotting can be compared to that of a human Falcon.
Chris took care of us and his attention to detail to the planned trip was sensational- including my favourite snacks served in-between the laughs.
I would highly recommend experiencing a day trip to the Pilanesberg with Chris Bates Safaris because you will be guaranteed to have some memorable bush moments captured!
Written 24 January 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.
Hi Pamela,
Thank you very much for the amazing review from your safari. It is wonderful to hear that you had a great time and enjoyed every moment.
Looking forward to doing another trip with you in the near future.
Keep well.
Kind regards
Chris Bates
Chris Bates Safaris
Written 25 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Andrew D
1 contribution
Feb 2020
Chris took 2 of us on a private tour of Pilanesberg SA National Game Reserve. It was a well planned trip and everything was thought of.
The new 4X4 was extremely comfortable, and coffee, snacks and lunch were all catered for.
Chris' knowledge of the local areas, plants and animals was beyond belief, there wasn't a question he didn't know the answer to.
We are already planning our next trip with Chris Bates Safaris when we return to SA later in the year.
The new 4X4 was extremely comfortable, and coffee, snacks and lunch were all catered for.
Chris' knowledge of the local areas, plants and animals was beyond belief, there wasn't a question he didn't know the answer to.
We are already planning our next trip with Chris Bates Safaris when we return to SA later in the year.
Written 9 February 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.
Dear Andrew,
Thank you so much for the wonderful review. It was a pleasure guiding yourself and your colleague Dinesh around Pilanesberg and getting to know you both. I really appreciate the kind words and I look forward to assisting in the planning of your next safari.
Enjoy the rest of your stay in Johannesburg and travel home safely.
The photos of your safari will be sent via WeTransfer to you shortly.
Kind regards
Chris Bates
Chris Bates Safaris
Written 10 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
racbez
Alberton, South Africa18 contributions
May 2019 • Friends
From pick up till arrival, such an pleasant experience. We had so many animal sightings. What and awesome sleepover in the Bush!!!
Written 19 September 2019
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.
Dear Racbez,
Thank you very much for the review.
Great to hear you had a great time and enjoyed the experience.
Keep well.
Regards
Chris Bates
Chris Bates Safaris
Written 20 September 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Amy H
Amman, Jordan28 contributions
Apr 2023
Solo traveller here . While in South Africa my trip was unexpectedly extended by a few days. On quite short notice, Chris Bates organised an excellent three-day adventure for me in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve with a stay at the Simbavati River Lodge. I really cannot express how much I appreciated how quickly he was able to get this in order on short notice, or how much I appreciated his selection of the Simbavti accommodation and services. These were truly outstanding from the quality and environment of the lodge, the wonderful staff and guides and the excellent food. It was so wonderful I considered tacking on an extra day but work intruded on that. Just to enhance the planning challenge, I managed to fly into the wrong airport -- a mere two-hour drive away from Timbavati! (Note to travelers: if you're en route to Timbavati, your destination is Hodespruit airport!) This could have been an ordeal, but within a half an hour of landing, Chris sorted me out with a car and driver and all was well. I look forward to booking through Chris again when I return to South Africa later this year! (And hope that he would take me on again as a client under less challenging circumstances!)
Written 22 April 2023
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.
Dear Amy,
I hope you are well and that the rest off your stay in South Africa went well.
Thank you so much for the wonderful review you kindly left. It was a pleasure assisting you with your travels and I look forward to being of assistance again on your return to South Africa. Should you require any advise on where to go or need help with transport, feel free to contact me an I will gladly assist.
Kind regards
Chris Bates
Chris Bates Safaris
Written 26 May 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Voyage56154216498
11 contributions
Dec 2022 • Friends
An exceptional few days at the Return Africa Lodge in the Pafuri area of the KNP. A Birders paradise that was complemented by Chris’ fantastic arrangements and organization. Certainly memories that I will keep for a very long time.
Written 8 January 2023
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.
Dear Warrick,
Thank you so much for the wonderful review and it was a real pleasure hosting you and being able to share this amazing part of Kruger National Park.
Wishing you a wonderful 2023 and may it be a year filled with more amazing adventures and memories.
Kind regards
Chris Bates
Chris Bates Safaris
Written 8 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Samantha
2 contributions
Sept 2020 • Friends
Had an awesome day trip to Pilanesberg with Chris Bates. Spoiled by what Africa has to offer as well as CB Safaris. Nothing beats ranger coffee overlooking a waterhole watching crocs coming out to sun themselves, Zebra and Wildebeest getting a morning drink. Chris bird knowledge is excellent, so a must for bird enthusiasts.
Written 17 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.
Dear Sam,
Thank you very much for the wonderful review.It is greatly appreciated!
I am glad that you enjoyed your day trip to the Pilanesberg National Park and experienced some amazing sightings that Pilanesberg has to offer.
Keep well.
Kind regards
Chris Bates
Written 17 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bert den Hartog
Rijswijk, The Netherlands6 contributions
Nov 2019
An outstanding experience with Chris Bates. We had booked a private safari to Pilanesberg for a day. Chris was on time, and we left at 0530 am. After a comfortable and safe ride in his brand new car, we enjoyed the wildlife, nature and the knowledge of Chris about the animals and the area. His company is delightful, and he knows when to be quiet or talk at the right moments. The breakfast and lunch were also arranged superbly.
In summary, a very relaxing day and we spotted many animals. The price was also very affordable. Chris Bates is highly recommended by us for safaris in South Africa.
In summary, a very relaxing day and we spotted many animals. The price was also very affordable. Chris Bates is highly recommended by us for safaris in South Africa.
Written 3 November 2019
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.
Dear Bert,
Thank you very much for the amazing review!
I too thoroughly enjoyed being your guide and guiding you in the Pilanesberg National Park. It was a day to remember and seeing the leopard was a highlight.
The photos of the trip will be shared with you later this week via WeTransfer.
Kind regards
Chris Bates Safaris
Written 5 November 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MisterPeripatetic
Johannesburg, South Africa19 contributions
Aug 2019 • Couples
I spend half of the year in SA and have recently come across Chris Bates Safaris. Although I have been on many tours in Kruger, the most recent one with CBS stands out for the range of sightings and the easy going companionable way in which Chris infects his clients with a love of the bush.
The little touches make all the difference since Chris brews fresh coffee at each stop (his own label coffee?) and warms the caramel waffles over the coffee. Even if you don't see any wildlife straight away at the sometimes ungodly hours Chris has you out and about, believe me, it's well worth it for that coffee and stroopwaffels combo!
Chris is very laid back and there is always a new snippet of information throughout the trip whether about the animals, the birds, or the environment.
Would highly recommend touring with this guy, and we can only say that we'll definitely be back!
The little touches make all the difference since Chris brews fresh coffee at each stop (his own label coffee?) and warms the caramel waffles over the coffee. Even if you don't see any wildlife straight away at the sometimes ungodly hours Chris has you out and about, believe me, it's well worth it for that coffee and stroopwaffels combo!
Chris is very laid back and there is always a new snippet of information throughout the trip whether about the animals, the birds, or the environment.
Would highly recommend touring with this guy, and we can only say that we'll definitely be back!
Written 19 September 2019
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.
Hi MisterPeripatetic (Peeyush),
Thank you very much for the awesome review!
It's great that the stroopwaffel and coffee still holds great memories of Kruger and when you are ready, there are more waiting for your next vacation.
Kind regards
Chris Bates
Chris Bates Safaris
Written 19 September 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
607kim
Pretoria, South Africa3 contributions
Sept 2019
We had the best experience with Chris in the Pilanesburg.
He is knowledgeable and patient and very enthusiastic.
We saw awesome wildlife and Chris made the experience an unforgettable one.
Fresh muffins, rusks and fruit, along with coffee and Amarula started off our day (such a nice touch).
Plenty of snacks, ice cold water and interesting facts were provided during the course of the day too.
A must for all South Africans and tourists who want to get a feel of the awesome "African Safari" - Chris is your man!
He is knowledgeable and patient and very enthusiastic.
We saw awesome wildlife and Chris made the experience an unforgettable one.
Fresh muffins, rusks and fruit, along with coffee and Amarula started off our day (such a nice touch).
Plenty of snacks, ice cold water and interesting facts were provided during the course of the day too.
A must for all South Africans and tourists who want to get a feel of the awesome "African Safari" - Chris is your man!
Written 18 September 2019
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.
Hi Kim,
Thank you very much for the review and I appreciate all you had to say.
I am pleased that you and your overseas guests had an incredible time and got to view some of Africa's magnificent wildlife.
Looking forward to assisting with your future safari experiences.
Kind regards
Chris Bates
Chris Bates Safaris
Written 19 September 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience
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