Real Stories from Our Safari Guests
Kartula Adventures Reviews
Planning an African safari is a journey built on trust. At Kartula Adventures, we specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries for families and private groups across Southern Africa. Don’t just take our word for it, read the authentic Kartula Adventures review stories and experiences from guests we have had the pleasure of guiding through the wild.
“I was worried what we would do… Kartula planned our entire week.”
“My daughter and I accompanied my husband on a hunting trip. I was a little worried about what we would do all day in a bush camp. The Camp manager gave me Carmen’s name, and I can’t begin to say how relieved I was! We had the most amazing time, Bush Spa days, pottery with local artists, and lion encounters. If I ever get to go back, I will spend time with Carmen!”
“Made us feel like part of the family.”
“From the first moment we spoke to Carmen, we knew we were in good hands. What truly set Kartula apart was the way they made us feel like family. As a female traveler, I was particularly impressed by the emphasis on safety, I never felt insecure, even when venturing out alone. From the Wild Cat experience to the 5-star spa, it was unforgettable.”
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The saying “Start as strangers and leave as friends”
The saying “Start as strangers and leave as friends” couldn’t be more accurate for the day we had with Carmen during our elephant excursion. As our excursion guide, she was easy to talk to and very relatable. Not only do you see the passion for her work with the coffee shop and her excursions, but also for her community. Her and her husband have mastered the art of hospitality and go the extra mile for you to have the best experience possible.
“Carmen is an excellent guide with a great knowledge of the Reserve”
The Nature Reserve Game Drive was a great experience. We saw many various types of animals including many Rhinos. Carmen is an excellent guide with a great knowledge of the Reserve and its animals. We would highly recommend this day trip, there was much to see and the food was great.
“My experience with Kartula Safaris was magical”
My experience with Kartula Adventures was magical in every way. Kartula Adventures delivers excellence with fun and enthusiasm! I HIGLY recommend!!!
“Amazing First Horseback Riding Experience “
As a first-time rider, I was nervous, but my gentle horse and kind guide made the experience easy and enjoyable. The scenery was beautiful, but the highlight was a lovely picnic included in the trip. A fantastic way to relax!
“We booked 2 adventures with Carmen and both were exceptional”
Carmen and Kartula Adventures were such a highlight on our trip to South Africa. I have rarely seen such an amazing attention to detail as we had in all of our bookings and interactions with Carmen. We booked 2 adventures with Carmen and both were exceptional. She went above and beyond to ensure we had a great experience whatever we were doing.
The Bush Spa is simply beautiful located in a marula tree, and the interactions with some of the local people was a wonderful experience for us as well as the opportunity to taste local foods, wine and gin. Carmen is patient answering our many questions and we felt like we learned a lot about South Africa while we were with her. The trip to the game reserve was fantastic and definitely worth the drive to get there. The transportation provided was very comfortable and she always stayed aware of our wants and needs during our day trip.
I would not hesitate to book any adventure she is offering. She also adds so many personal touches to the experience that were unexpected and delightful. I would highly recommend Carmen and Kartula Safaris to anyone traveling to South Africa, you will not be disappointed.
“Each day exceeded our expectations”
My son and I scheduled a few excursions while the men hunted and it was the best decision ever! Every aspect from scheduling to the excursions were fantastic!
Carmen and her team were professional and made us feel welcome! This was our first trip to South Africa and did not know what to expect.
We went to the Adventures with Elephants, spent time at the coffee shop doing pottery, and did the driving safari! Each day exceeded our expectations and truly created memories that we will cherish forever! Our guide, Ankabe, became family to us! She was fantastic with my son! I can’t recommend Carmen and her team enough!
The coffee shop also is great for shopping for souvenirs while enjoying delicious coffee, tea, or food! Plus the team there are amazing and friendly!
“I really felt like the best part of my time spent was having the chance to really get a feel for the local culture.”
Carmen and her team provided an exceptional experience for me. While the rest of my traveling buddies were hunting, I was able to see other attractions in the Limpopo region, which included a wild cat reserve and luxury lodge, an elephant reserve with up close photo ops, a unique Bush Spa experience located on a peaceful local farm complete with a beautiful lunch spread, dessert, cocktails made with local gin and a tasting of some local wine.
In addition to the bigger trips, one of my favorite things to do was to stop by Carmen’s coffee and gift shop for a latte and a homemade cookie!
On our final day, Carmen arranged for a guide to take us to Pilanesberg National Park on our way to the airport. We were treated to a 3 hour jeep ride through the park and saw many amazing animals, up close and in their natural habitat! After the ride, we had a beautiful lunch nearby. We arrived at the airport in plenty of time for our flight home. It was the perfect day.
I really felt like the best part of my time spent was having the chance to really get a feel for the local culture. There are close family ties and the small, local communities look out for and take care of each other. People share their talents and resources and have a true love and respect for the land.
“We spent 5 days with this lovely lady and had the best time!”
My husband and I, along with another couple (Jennifer and Wes), left for Africa on August 31, 2024 and returned on September 12, 2024. During that time, our husbands hunted with Kuche Safaris. Jennifer and I were so happy to learn that there were non-hunter activities thru Carmen at Kartula Adventures.
We spent 5 days with this lovely lady and had the best time! We started with a pottery class in her coffee shop. We made 2 adorable platters, drank wine and had a lovely lunch. She has a cute gift shop there with many items made by locals.
The next day, we did the Lion/cat excursion at The Shakinah. It was a breathtaking venue. We saw a lot of wildlife outside of the lion/cat experience while having an amazing lunch. Third, we went on the Game Reserve Drive. It was so much fun! We saw elephants, kudu, impala, hippos and more. We, again, has a wonderful lunch at a beautiful venue.
The next day, we did an Elephant interaction that was fun. We had lunch at a golf course that was lovely. Monkeys enjoyed our leftovers! They were quick to get to the table before it could be cleared. Very cute.
Finally, we went shopping in town. It was nice to pick up a few gifts and eat lunch and the Ocean Basket. Each day, they pick you up and the hunting lodge and drop you off.
Carmen is such a beautiful person and you can tell she loves her community. I learned so much from her about South Africa. She, and these experiences, will always be part of my great memories of Africa.
“Carmen treats you like family and makes sure you are taken care of”
If I had to use one word to sum up Carmen and her excursions it would be amazing! For the non hunters or the hunters that want a break, the excursions Carmen offers are fun filled and well worth it. I participated in the pottery class, shopping in town, elephant experience, nature reserve game drive and the wild cat experience with a spa massage. All of my excursions were wonderful and so fun.
Carmen treats you like family and makes sure you are taken care of by providing drinks and snacks and incredible places to eat for lunch. She is so easy to talk to and she is very knowledgeable about the area and people, so ask away. Also, make sure you go by her coffee shop where she provides the best coffee and gifts to buy that are made by the locals. Carmen made my experience in South Africa so memorable. I would definitely go back and do more excursions with her.
“What truly set Kartula Adventures apart, however, was the way they made us feel like part of the family.”
Exceptional Service and Hospitality with Kartula Deli & Adventure Hub. From the first moment we spoke to the owner, Carmen, we knew we were in good hands. Her warm and welcoming demeanor put us at ease, and we felt confident that our trip would be something special. And from that initial conversation to the moment we departed, every interaction with Carmen and her team only reinforced that feeling.
The staff were equally kind and accommodating, always willing to lend a helping hand or offer a smile. The local shop on site was a treasure trove of unique souvenirs, featuring handmade items crafted by the owner and staff themselves. As well as fresh baked goods and coffee!
A Home Away from Home
What truly set Kartula Adventures apart, however, was the way they made us feel like part of the family. From the delicious coffee and baked goods, to the cozy atmosphere of the shop, every detail was designed to make us feel comfortable and at ease. As a female traveler, I was particularly impressed by the emphasis on safety and security – I never felt insecure, even when venturing out alone. Whether we were relaxing on site or heading out on a last-minute excursion, the team at Kartula Adventures were always happy to accommodate our needs and make sure we a wonderful time.
Unforgettable Experiences and Memories.
We were lucky enough to participate in several of Kartula Adventures’ incredible experiences, each one more unforgettable than the last. The Wild Cat Experience was a highlight, with the owner himself taking us on a personal tour of the facility. The animals were happy and well-cared for, and the 5-star spa and delicious lunch were the perfect accompaniments to an already amazing experience.
The views were simply spectacular!
The Horseback Riding Experience was another standout, catering to both beginners and experienced riders alike. We loved the opportunity to explore the beautiful countryside on horseback, taking in the sights and sounds of the African wilderness. Not to mention the delicious brunch by the water, great for couples!
The Elephant Adventure was a truly interactive experience, allowing us to get up close and personal with these incredible creatures. The elephants were clearly well-cared for and happy, and we loved the opportunity to take amazing photos and learn more about these gentle giants.
Finally, the Big 5 Safari was the perfect way to cap off our adventure, giving us the chance to spot some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife in their natural habitat.
And There’s More to Explore…
Although we packed our schedule with as many activities as possible, there were still many more adventures that we weren’t able to fit in. One experience that we missed out on, but heard rave reviews about from another couple in our group, was the hike to a cave with tribal drawings. They told us about the stunning scenery, fascinating history, and romantic lunch by the river – and we’re more than a little jealous! We’re already planning our next trip back, and this experience is definitely at the top of our list.
A Must-Visit Destination
I highly recommend Kartula Adventures (Kartula deli & adventure hub) to anyone looking for a truly personalized and unforgettable experience in South Africa. From the warmth and hospitality of the staff to the incredible experiences on offer, this is a destination that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit with Kartula Adventures and experience the magic of South Africa for yourself!