Owners Ines & Christopher
Indigo Safaris
- Offices 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)
for a custom tour
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
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Email Ali | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Attentive to details and very accomodating
My sisters and I took my 80 year old mother on safari for her 80th birthday. We worked with Shannon Maclean from Indigo who was very patient with us in the coordination and planning. She listened carefully and helped us work through our specific challenges. She was a wealth information and created an itinerary that worked seamlessly. We started in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and then made our way to Xanetseni in Klaserie Private Reserve, South Africa. Travel is typically full of unanticipated twists and turns, but with Shannon's guidance and careful planning, the entire trip went off without a hitch!
Email Daniela | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A travel agent who does not listen
Super disappointed about the experience: a travel agent who does not listen, empty promises, long wait after 5 hours of drive, another 2 hours for a room ( triple for a person)
Definitely not an agency which I recommend, try and get someone who is really professional and tries to do something for you
No value for money, despite promises of a good experience, just excuses
Reply from Indigo Safaris
Posted on Oct 22, 2024This is one of the most surprising and untruthful reviews we have ever received. As the Managing Director of a company I have built over the last 16 years by providing tailor-made experiences to travellers of all budgets and backgrounds, I take any complaint very seriously and look into them with commitment. Thanks to our detailed communication systems, I have been able to look into all the communication that took place between the client, Cristina (not Daniela), and my safari specialist Michele, who looked after this inquiry.
Initially Cristina enquired about a budget accommodated two-night short Etosha safari at short notice, which we found availability for, then changed her mind on the dates, then came back asking for a one-night Etosha trip from Windhoek, which we do not offer as we consider it to be too short a time on site for what are two long transfers either end. Our advice was unheeded, and Cristina insisted one night would be fine. Michele found availability at Etosha Safari Camp, booked it, invoiced it, and sent a detailed digital itinerary with images of the camp and details of the routing. The accommodation was reconfirmed as being at Etosha Safari Camp and not Etosha Safari Lodge via WhatsApp. All Michele's replies were punctual and very timely, and did as the client requested.
Upon arrival at Etosha Safari Camp, Cristina messaged Michele that the drive had been five hours. This is as per the usual driving time, and as per the information provided in the digital itinerary. I find it very surprising that someone who works in Windhoek and who has a senior position at the University of Namibia doesn't know that Etosha is five hours away. Nevertheless, there is nothing we can do about making the point of departure and the national park closer together. Moving either of Windhoek or Etosha NP is beyond our powers :-)
The client then complained about having to wait to check in to her room, even though she had arrived prior to check in time. Again, as a frequent traveller, I am at a loss to understand why she thought there would be an early check in as none was ever discussed or offered.
Christina then requested an upgrade to Etosha Safari Lodge. Immediately Michele enquired an found a room was available, at normal check in time, for an upgrade fee, and informed Cristina, who refused to pay it. Cristina then contacted the lodge by phone, and tried to make them believe we had sold her Safari Lodge and that is what she had paid for. Having worked with us for many years, the lodge found this hard to believe, and asked her to pay the upgrade fee if she wanted the upgrade.
During this time, Michele tried t ascertain why the client wanted to change, having been provided what she had been offered and paid for, to whit a private room with en suite bathroom, to no avail. Why it a room designed and sized for three occupants is a problem for single occupancy remains a mystery, as after the trip I reached out to Cristina to have a chat to try and ascertain where she felt Michele had made promises we didn't deliver on, but was told that she didn't want to talk about it.
Regarding value for money, this is obviously a matter of personal perception. This trip, as a two-night, three-day Etosha lodge safari with transfers is, in my professional experience of nearly 30 years of Namibia travel, very good value and the cheapest option out there at 9425 NAD for single occupancy for two nights half-board with a half-day and full-day game drive into Etosha (or 8500 NAD pp based on two sharing a room). As a one-night trip, it does lose some of its value for money as the transfers make a large portion of the trip, and this was communicated from the outset. But when the offer was sent, with images of the accommodation and camp, Cristina considered it to be what she wanted and one would assume value for money. I have tried to find out why that was not the case once on site, and why she felt the need to lie about our contract with her to a tested and trusted service provider, but no answers have been forthcoming.
The conclusion to my investigation is that Michele did nothing wrong, other than allow herself to be persuaded to provide a trip that I consider to be too short in duration in relation to the transfer times, in order to please a demanding client. Michele has been involved in African travel in many capacities over four decades; scuba dive business owner, lodge manager, and safari specialist to name some of them, and has excellent reviews from our clients, some of which can be found in reviews as recent as September and August below.
As we are as committed as ever to providing quality experiences for our clients, for whom we handle around 800 trips a year, I have reminded my team of experts that one night trips are not to be provided, however good the intention is.
Christopher Bartlett, Managing Director.
Email Andrew Reynolds | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent itinerary and information.
Indigo Safaris drew up a fantastic itinerary for our travels through Namibia. It was evident from the first day that they had placed us in the best camps and resorts in every place we visited. The information and GPS maps they provided were accurate and informative and made reaching each destination easy. Full marks to Indigo Safaris for planning an amazing trip for us.
Email Rhonda Edwards | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Michele listened, developed tour required which exceeded our expectation, communication excellent.
Michele listened to what type of safari we were looking for and the dates were very specific to our travel needs. Michele organised flights, transfers and gave much needed general info on the area and cultural requirements. Umkumbe Bush Camp meet our expectations and all travel connections ran smoothly.
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Email Bess Thompson | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent!
Michele was wonderful to work with. She was patient with our large group while we changed dates and plans. She was able to guide us through the process and ultimately planned the BEST vacation for us. Every detail from transport, to celebrating my Mom's birthday at every turn, to accommodations, tours and more was clearly thought out! I would highly recommend Michele and Indigo Safaris! You will not be disappointed.
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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 .
