Guides & Their Toys
Go Touch Down Travel & Tours
- Offices In:
-
United States
Canada
Australia - Size:
- 20-50 employees (Founded in 2010)
- Tour Types:
- Small & medium group tours (Mid-range & luxury)
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $300 to $800 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
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65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Cape Town and Safari - 2 Weeks Of Bliss In South Africa
My husband and I were more than a little skeptical when we purchased 2 weeklong vacation packages in South Africa, back in 2013, at an invitation only event in Sarasota, Florida. The Travel Ambassador who represented the tour operator, Go Touch Down Travel and Tours, and her Manager, made us an offer that seemed too good to be true - but we took a deep breath and decided to take the plunge. Both their Cape Town and Safari Packages included almost everything one could ask for ... all ground-transportation, meals, accommodations, all excursions (and there were stacks of these) ... and even gratuity at the amazing restaurants we would visit ... plus a tour guide for both weeks, and a tracker during the safari week ... and even a South African cell phone, so that we were constantly in touch with our guide and family back in the US could reach us. Best of all were the terms. Firstly they gave us a fantastic promotional price at the event, that saved us thousands of dollars overall . Secondly, they asked only for a small 12% down-payment, and gave us 36 months to pay-off the balance, interest free! Well, we simply could not say 'no', but understandably, until we actually took the trip, we still had a few doubts.
Well, the reality was as good, if not better than, what we had been promised. Yes the flight was long, and at times the bar service was a little slow, but that had nothing to do with the tour operator, as we flew Delta from Atlanta, using our frequent flyer miles. As we touched down in Cape Town however, we were greeted by our smiling guide for the week, who took us under his wing, and made us feel like family.
We had two other couples in our group for the Cape Town week, one from the UK and the other from Toronto, Canada, and we quickly all became great friends (and have stayed in-touch via facebook ever since). My personal Cape Town highlight was our visit to Robben Island and learning about Nelson Mandela's incarceration there. Second favorite for my husband and me were the amazing restaurants we visited, followed by out trip up table mountain and then the visit to Hermanus.
The Safari week was also outstanding. The resorts, towns and sights we visited were all superb and the memories will be etched in my mind forever. The 3 days we spent at Kapama Private Game Reserve, managing to see and photograph 4 of the Big Five (we unfortunately never got to see Leopard, but our trekker did find their 'spoor'), were the highlight of the Safari week. Again the meals, transportation, game drives, and accommodations were simply superb, and we made more friends with whom we have remained in touch ever since.
Go Touch Down Travel And Tours offered outstanding communications both before, during and after the tours, and excellent service all round. For anyone thinking of visiting South Africa for the first time, or who is looking for an all inclusive, activity packed stay, this company will be hard to beat - and their prices and terms are simply unmatched by anything we have ever seen anywhere else. Unless you are prepared to pay a lot, lot more, we would recommend this company for all round value, outstanding service and unbeatable terms.
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Email Edward | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Overwhelmingly positive
We chanced upon Go Touchdown Tours at a South African art display in Sarasota, FL and entered to win a South African safari vacation. We did not win a trip, but we did receive discount coupons that, with trip prepayment, made the trip (for two adults and a teenage grandson) affordable. We were very pleased with the attention to detail, generally rapid response to questions, accommodations included, staff friendliness, dedicated driver while in SA (James), and overall value. Meals were “order anything off the menu” with no restrictions so we ate well and got to try local cuisine. We enjoyed Dunkeld Estate but especially liked our time at Humala River Lodge and the intimate game experience in the Songimvelo Reserve. In hindsight, we would have preferred another day at Humala rather than the trek to and disappointing quick day at Kruger, where we had a fairly “grumpy” Jeep driver who kept to the main road and did not give us much opportunity to see wildlife hiding off in the less exposed side areas. We saw the most wildlife at the Pilanesberg National Park, but enjoyed the most “in the bush” experience at Humala. Definitely worthwhile trip!
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Email Melanie | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The most amazing experience of my life time and I have lived and traveled all over the world!
If you have ever wanted to visit South Africa and go on safari Go Touch Down Travels is the way to go. It is first class all the way. My group did a week in Cape Town and a week Safari. Having a small group of only 6 is key. I wouldn’t want to do it any other way. Cape Town was amazing. We saw and did everything and more. We also ate at the best restaurants breakfast lunch and dinner. The accommodations were above my expectations. We had excellent communication before the trip. During the trip I couldn’t believe the care and attention each of us was given. We were a demanding group and our guides exceeded our expectations as well.
The safari week was even better. Their reserve is special as are the accommodations. A magical place. The places we visited outside of the reserve were world wonders. Everyday I had tears in my eyes with the beauty. The value is excellent. My family and friends who have done similar tours with other companies paid much more, had huge groups, the accommodations didn’t compare and the places they ate were not nearly as high end as Go Touch Down. Especially if you have a family or a group this is the company to use. Thank you Go Touch Down for the trip of a lifetime.
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Email Nancie La Pointe | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime!
I booked my trip at a travel show not knowing what to expect since I booked my trip at the first table I stopped at. Traveling to Africa had always been on my mind since I was 10 years old. Now being retired, I figured it was out of my reach. After talking with Marie, I realized this was a trip I was willing to take a chance on as a single traveler. I only have positive things to say about my trip to South Africa. From the time I was met at the airport, to the time I was dropped off at the airport, I was treated with the utmost respect. I wasn't sure how I would fit in with my four other fellow travelers but my driver Bill and guide Richard made me feel welcomed every minute of the trip. The staff is very professional while having a casual sense of humor to keep things moving in a positive direction. My experience in the bush while at Humala Lodge surpassed anything I could have ever dreamed up in my mind. I would highly recommend traveling with Go Touchdown Tours and hope to travel with them to South Africa again in the future. I am forever grateful that I ended up traveling with a tour group that focused on making sure I was happy while I was traveling on this big adventure. I loved every minute of it!
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Email Judith Horn | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
More than expected
This was a trip of a lifetime for me. My expectations went over and beyond. Cannot wait to go back and will not travel with anyone but Go Touchdown. They made my dream come true
CA
Email Jim Carmichael | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Every moment was carefully planned, at times to exhaustion, but very good
Very happy, especially with our time at Songimvelo
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Email Gail Klink | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was magical, and more was deliveredd than promised.
It couldn't have been better. From cell phones for emergencies, attentive guides, unexpected extras, a magical safari, full menus to choose from, and unique accommodations, to professional help with add-ons like a Rovos Rail trip, extra days in Cape Town, and a trip to Vic Falls, it was perfect.
Email A'ida Aman | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
My First Halal Tour - 10/10 would recommend.
At first I was a bit spectacle because the itinerary sounded too good to be true. As a Muslim traveler our main priorities are always going to be "Where can I pray", "Are their meals Halal", "Do they have prayer facilities in the area" etc etc. All these questions are stated clearly in the itinerary however I still had doubts, so I got in touch with the Australian representative (also this was handy because it made the communication all the more authentic). All my concerns, questions and self-assurance were answered by the lovely Shelly Smith (mind you I only gave Shelly a 4 months notice before my trip but it was such a smooth process!)
Although I did not include a safari in my 8D7N Exclusive Halal Cape Town Tour I did manage to sneak in a Cheetah outreach program and a visit to the Ostrich Ranch at Van Schoorsdrif Rd. Both had been tailored and suggested by Shelly (Although it wasn't included in the itinerary Shelly was always very helpful and attentive to what I wanted to see)
My bestfriend and sister was also on tour with me. We were introduced to JP who was our guide throughout the whole 8 days, JP turned out to be more than a guide, he was our uncle. We admired his patience and his knowledge of the Cape Town culture. He went out of his way to locate halal eateries, mosques and prayer facilities it was honestly the best holiday experience one could ask for. Everyday was an adventure.
Overall I would recommend Go Touch Down Tours especially for Muslims who want a hassle free holiday. There was not a day where you did not feel safe. I wonder at times whether JP was actually our bodyguard!
Coming home felt like you've left a part of you behind. I've made memories that will last a lifetime.
Thank you Go Touch Down and a biggest thank you to our external tour guide that we've met along the way!
A'ida
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Email Dave and Nancy | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Go Touch Down Tours went way beyond our expectations
We were on a tour with them for 19 days.....Cape Town and Johannesburg....every single day was packed full and everyday was excellent. Our guides were so up beat and informative to all the activity we were going to do that day and kelp the 6 of us laughing and in awl of our surroundings.... The meals.... unbelievable... the best restaurants everyday in Cape Town and in the preserve in Johannesburg we got to eat some meals you won’t get anywhere else.... These people know exactly what they’re doing and you won’t regret booking with them.... we loved every moment... It was a trip of a lifetime
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Email Susan H. | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Personable, down to earth, warm, funny and accommodating.
The staff are just all-around terrific. They are very accommodating and so well liked. They make you feel like family. Always having your safety in mind and able to answer any questions that you may have. I’ve never been on a vacation with happier people than those at Go Touch Down. Your days are full and your evenings delightful!
I went on Safari and was very pleased from beginning until end. I did not want to leave! Definitely worth the trip and affordable as well.
