Owners Ines & Christopher
Indigo Safaris
- Located In:
-
United Kingdom
United States
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2009)
- Member Of:
- ASTA, APTA, FGASA & DEMA
- Tour Types:
- Customizable private tours and fixed group tours
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $70 to $500 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
US
Email Faraz S. | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good service from agent; poor game drives
Booked 2 nights (4 game drives) at Xanatseni Lodge in the Klaserie Game Reserve, part of greater Kruger, through this company. Working with the agent was easy, and he was helpful with changing dates/last minute booking. The lodging, food, and airport transfer were great; however, the game drives (you know, the whole point of the thing) were pitiful. In fact, every person I told about my safari afterward was shocked that someone could see such few animals over four game drives, particularly during a peak month such as August, despite paying around $1000 for two nights and suggestion from my agent that the lodge was a solid place for animal sightings (I had expressed concern that it would not provide ample game viewing opportunities, and I was correct). I did not see a single predator—no lions, leopards, hyenas, wild dogs, etc. Only some rhinos and a hippo in addition to very common sightings like elephants, giraffes, zebras, etc. A couple of the game drives were oddly redundant/unproductive and each one started later than scheduled (two of them 30 minutes later because it was “too hot” and did not end any later). I actually saw the same variety of animals and some rarer ones (incl cats) during a single game drive in Etosha (organized separately). To be clear, I understand that a safari can be a game of odds, but it is hard not to feel ripped off after paying $1000 for sightings you could get during a drive from the airport, and this review will hopefully serve as a helpful data point for anyone trying to determine their odds in the future.
Reply from Indigo Safaris
Posted on Sep 2, 2024Hi Faraz,
It's Christopher, the founder of Indigo Safaris here.
Thank you for your feedback. I will pass on the feedback regarding the late departure on a couple of game drives, though I don't know where you would get easy elephant sightings in a natural environment an hour from Joburg airport, or any meaningful game viewing without a bunch of self-drivers or coaches around.
I am sorry you didn't get to see major predators in your two-night stay, but that is nature, there are no guarantees. The longer you stay, the more chance you have. Two nights is the bare minimum. In a three-night stay, from a purely mathematical point of view, you would increase your chances of major predator sightings by 50%. Expecting to see the Big 5, plus endangered wild dog and cheetah in four game drives is not a realistic expectation in most national parks. I am sorry that this expectation wasn't managed better by Matthew. If a client expresses a specific desire to see leopards, or wild dogs, in a natural environment, then there are specific reserves and parks we would recommend, subject to lodge availability and client budget. From your exchanges, though, I can see that it was a last-minute booking; you had a limited budget, and there was nothing else available that would fit. I understand you were in touch with at least two other companies, and neither of those found anything available for you.
Generally Klaserie game reserve is excellent for lions, good for cheetahs, and not bad for the rare and elusive wild dog. I come across them quite regularly in Klaserie, even when driving inspecting lodges and camps. Leopard sightings are rarer, Sabi Sand is the top Kruger reserve for them, but is also more expensive. Xanatseni is used regularly by our clients, and until your review, entirely to their satisfaction. We do our utmost to put people in the right places at the right times to see wildlife in the best conditions possible and to give them realistic expectations. I am sorry Klaserie did not meet your requirements.
Best regards,
Christopher.
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Email Jess W. | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An Unforgettable African Adventure: Exceptional Experience with Indigo Safaris
We had an outstanding experience with Indigo Safaris! Kerry crafted our Kenyan trip to perfection, tailoring every detail to our preferences. Our adventure included game drives through Masai Mara, Nairobi National Park, Amboseli, and Tsavo West. In the middle of our journey, Kerry seamlessly arranged a visit to my aunt who lives outside of Nairobi. Kerry's advice was invaluable, particularly her suggestion to visit Lake Naivasha, which turned out to be an incredibly unique and worthwhile stop.
Every lodge we stayed at was exceptional, offering perfect accommodations, delicious food, and warm, welcoming staff. We truly appreciated Kerry's reliable guidance, sound advice, and excellent recommendations throughout the trip.
Our guide and driver, Jimmy, was phenomenal. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with him—he was funny, down-to-earth, and made us feel completely safe. His driving skills are exceptional (navigating Kenyan roads is no small feat, lol), and he consistently demonstrated professionalism and punctuality. Jimmy also amazed us with his impressive animal tracking abilities and extensive knowledge of the local wildlife and bird species.
Overall, I cannot recommend Indigo Safaris highly enough. Although it was a significant investment for us, the trip truly delivered incredible value. When I consider how much many American families spend on a Disney World vacation, I’m confident that our African adventure was worth every penny as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Email Rowland & Family | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Tarangire combined Safari
Dickson our driver is a true gentleman and has been driving Safari trips for over 20 years. His knowledge about animals and the Reserves is hard gained and invaluable.
Other Safari drivers acknowledged him everywhere we went and it is obvious he is well respected.
We are a family of 3. My wife, my daughter and myself. We set off from a unique lodge in Arusha and travelled some 6 hours into the Serengeti.
Dickson made sure we saw animals and loads of them. Our Campsite was very remote but very comfortable and the staff were exceedingly helpful. The dinners were excellent. Congrats to the chef.
After 2 full days in Serengeti we moved to a lodge above the Ngorongoro Crater. It was clean and the restuarant /Canteen was big and spacious. Again staff were really helpful.
Dickson is such a safe driver. The Decent into the crater is steep and takes driving skills. We again saw a lot of wildlife within the crater.
The lodge at Tarangire is to die for. Wow the views worth the whole safari trip.
Would I book with Indigo Safaris again. 110%. Another country and another experience.
Email Peter | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Created a memorable itinerary that exceeded our expectations
We gave Ines a budget for 6 pax and asked for an itinerary that included safari and beach in South Africa. The tour she created was amazing with 4 nights safari and 3 nights on the beach at Ballito. It exceeded our expectations and was great value for the budget we set. All transfers were included and perfectly reliable. Would highly recommend.
EE
Email Pierre van der Venne | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
meticulous in the preps ,committed in the execution
communication was excellent during office hours for the local part. Communication was excellent 24/7 for the international part.
Service was excellent ,cristal clear and plenty in the privately owned accommodations ,Service was poor at the state owned accommodations .
Value for money was great, in fact ,it was more value for the money in our eyes.
Reliability was poor on the rental car side, but extraordinary on the tour operator side, Hats off, we felt pampered.
On the tour itself: we shot our-selfs in the foot by a tall order on "tings to see". We found out the country is bigger then we thought, and spent too much hours on relocating.
As with many "first visits" happen, you want really see all you can see. Lesson learned, curb your enthusiasm , and don't drive too long.
Our disappointment at Etosha was bigger then what we got told on the road by the privately owned accommodations. Etosha has got the name, but it's lack of commitment in the entrepreneur's sense is saddening. It might suit for self-drive campers, but it was mediocre in our pampered expectational eyes.
The above line is (obviously) a comparing/reflection to the INSANE LUSH/POSH/WANT OF NOTHING treatment we got at ALL the other accommodations. I have no words how good these are. The sun-rise/sun-sets, the food, the rooms, the hospitality ,the frankness shall remain in my heart for ever. Who puts a settee and a solar panel powered pink fridge in the middle of the desert ,filled with chilled refreshments ? (free of charge).
Mount Etjo Lodge and Omunga Bush Camp knocked all out of the ballpark. I wont tell, go and see, your jaw will drop !
Gondwana Sosusvalei is oozing "honeymoon". Its Braai is mindblowing.
I force myself to stop writing now, because i could fill ten pages .
DE
Email Craig | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Indigo Safaris understood our desires and created a tailor-made holiday that we will never forget.
Our family went on an amazing two-week holiday to South Africa from late July-early August 2024. While I was somewhat familiar with South Africa, the process of arranging the perfect safari and arranging the rest of our South Africa trip was daunting. While I usually prefer to be self-sufficient, I contacted several tour operators. I was immediately highly impressed with Indigo Safaris and especially Matthew. Matthew was highly responsive and quickly understood our family’s interests and adjusted itinerary proposals as we adjusted our price ranges and travel wishes. We booked our holiday relatively short notice, and Matthew worked diligently to find availabilities at the ideal locations. At each stop along our trip, Matthew’s guidance to the lodges, hotels, and transfers were followed through. There was not one small detail that did not go perfectly as planned. He also provided various guidance on driving routes, restaurants, and places to consider avoiding. We spent four nights on our safari and our lodge stay was incredible. We also not only saw the Big 5, but also the Magnificent Seven. I would highly recommend Indigo Safaris and I would definitely use them again.
US
Email Dana Howell | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Better trip than I could possibly have hoped for
I picked Indigo Safaris randomly online when I was looking for a safari to Botswana and the Okavango Delta. Michele Addison contacted me right away and gave me several choices after I told her what I was trying to find. I settled on an 11-day safari with Bushways. I started in Maun and ended in Victoria Falls. They can accommodate up to 12 people but there were only 3 of us, plus our guide and cook. We saw lots of animals. After getting to Victoria Falls, Michele helped me add on a trip to Hwange Park with a stay at the Mombo lodge. Michele responded to me promptly and I changed and added things several times. She helped me get a reservation at a hotel in Johannesburg for the day before my safari and added reservations at the end of the trip when I needed to wait for a friend to arrive. She always gave me options and she answered my many questions. The communications and service were fantastic. I felt like I got a good price for an excellent safari. I couldn't be more pleased with the whole experience. I highly recommend them.
DE
Email Hitomi Mori | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Dreamy and wonderful safari experience was made possible!
Thanks to Kerry, my first safari experience was great !
I am so grateful with Kerry's warm, careful advices and services, with remote contact.
you dispelled all my anxiety about the remote communications and first safari adventure.
I am looking forward to have this company for my next adventure! surely!
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Email Andrew J | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very attentive, responsive operator
About 2 weeks before arriving in Namibia, I reached out to Indigo Safaris for assistance in planning a trip. They were incredibly responsive and attentive during the whole planning process. I gave them a general idea of what we were interested in doing, budget, and other basics (our desire to travel on our own), and they developed an itinerary. They would contact me to provide options for activities, accommodation information (all excellent, by the way), and other suggestions they had to improve the trip under the tight time table we had. It was the smoothest interaction I've ever had with a tour operator and was completed in about 5 days, which was a relief. The support continued when we arrived in the country, where we ended up immediately behind schedule after a long-delayed flight. After my quick message regarding our delay, Ines at Indigo changed our accommodation for the first night and updated our original hotel regarding our arrival status, allowing us to just unwind after a long day of travel. It was an excellent trip made easy by Indigo!
CA
Email Evangeline Smith | 65+ years of age
A great experience with Indigo Safaris in planning our visit to Cape Town.
I fell upon Indigo Safaris by chance while doing an internet search for our Africa trip. Our group of seven needed help in planning six days in Cape Town. We were connected to Kerry Wyatt, a senior specialist with the company. Our group has travelled all over the world and we have to say that Kerry met all our expectations. She was patient with our numerous requests, prompt in her replies and offered advice and her professional opinion on all our concerns. She was considerate of our budget, the average age of our group and dietary restrictions. Kerry booked us at La Splendida, a boutique hotel on the waterfront with spacious rooms and all the basic amenities. Breakfast is included. We were pleasantly surprised with the choice and quality of the breakfast at Sotano, the restaurant connected to the hotel. This restaurant has a fun and vibrant after work clientele and offers a great, and affordable, menu for lunch and supper. Kerry also, organized with care, tours for every day of our stay, from the Cape Town peninsula, to the vineyards, the museums and many other attractions of the city and surrounding area. On arrival to Cape Town we were greeted at the airport by a driver who took all seven of us to the hotel. The same attention was provided on our day of departure making sure we arrived at the airport at the proper time. I can’t say enough about Kerry and Indigo Safaris for taking care of all the details of our trip. Kerry arranged the car rides and day tours with the company African Eagle. Our guide Raegan Felix was a gem. We were, once again, very fortunate to have very knowledgeable and respectful guide who accommodated us in every possible way. Many thanks to Indigo Safaris for their diligent and very professional work. You made our trip to Cape Town one we will always remember.
