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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Email Leslie | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfectly fulfilled a lifelong dream...wildlife, culture, and breath-taking views!!!
Our Spring 2024 trip to South Africa and Zimbabwe was extremely interesting, quite educational, and absolutely sensational!!! We experienced a safari, visited Capetown, and trekked Victoria Falls. This venture was made possible by Go Touch Down Travel & Tours (GTD). From start to finish, Lucia and Deon and everyone associated with GTD went out of her/his way to make sure that all of our questions/concerns/needs were met.
The thatched roofed huts at both Reserves were spacious and comfortable. The chefs went all out to make sure there was plenty of food that all appetites would enjoy. Vegetarians and vegans should not worry; plenty of choices for you too. Our rangers were fantastic. Their vast knowledge of wildlife and foliage throughout the Reserves truly enhanced the experience. We saw the Big Five, plus many other animals and birds. Our wonderful driver also shared his knowledge and understanding of the Reserves and the countryside while driving to different locations. The Endangered Species Reserve is a must see. The afternoon was interesting and offered much information about the wildlife being protected and nurtured at the facility.
During our stay in Capetown, we learned about the city’s culture. A walking tour had us seeing first-hand the lives in a shanty community, a school, and sharing a meal with a local resident. For those liking jewelry, Shimansky’s will have you smiling. (Save your receipts and VAT paperwork!) Dinner and the show at Gold’s Restaurant was so much fun. The food was delicious, and vegetarians/vegans can request a separate menu. Neethlingshof winery was wonderful. We tasted many varietals and took an informative tour. Our visit with the Sans grouping taught us about how we are all connected to each other. And, I cannot forget the penguins; they are simply adorable. Lastly, Victoria Falls is breathtaking. The views looking at the Falls were beautiful, as well as from behind the Falls during our sundowner cruise. This three-week experience was truly a treat!!!
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Email Catherine | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fulfilled a Dream, and exceeded all expectations!!
I paid on this trip for years, so made it easy to afford, but then there was Covid and passport problems with my granddaughter, but GTD was very accommodating and worked with me.
As for the trip...WOW!!! Accommodations were A±±±. Do you know what it is like to be treated like one of the rich and famous, even if you aren't? No crowds, everyone is so nice and friendly. A chef to prepare delicious meals, even prepare the fish you can catch while fishing. If you have certain food restrictions, they will make whatever you need to take care of you. You have plenty to eat, and when you aren't eating, they are feeding you more. You better not plan on loosing weight, because you won't.
Then, you have all been to the zoo, and seen some of the animals. That was cool when you were little, but, you will never have the same feeling as you will when an elephant comes out of the trees, headed right for your vehicle. Heart rate increases dramatically! Then you see more elephants together than you have ever imagined. Zebras, Impalas, Wildebeest, Buffalo, Hippos, Rinos, Giraffes, and then the big cats, Lions, Cheetahs and Leopard. None of them are caged, all running free. Baboons, and make sure you close your door when you go on the morning or evening game drive, as the monkeys know how to get in your room. Very early morning you may encounter the Bushbabies.
Kruger National Park, what a great place! Would be great to spend more time there. If you like dogs, Jackals are great to watch, and a real beauty is the African painted dog.
I just can't say enough about this trip, and I would go back in a heartbeat. GTD has exceeded all expectations.
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Email Theresa | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Go Touchdown Tours is a great tour operator!
I can't say enough about Go Touchdown! Great company! I added a day in Johannesburg before my 8 day Cape Town Tour. They booked all my flights for me and my hotel in Johannesburg and a tour. The Go Touchdown staff was very helpful with questions and concerns I had.
I stayed at City Lodge at O.R. Tambo Airport. Very convenient. Great hotel. Friendly staff! It's right in the airport!
I took the Soweto Tour in Johannesburg and enjoyed it. I learned a lot. Went to Nelson Mandela's house. It is very small.
Cape Town is beautiful! Had great weather! The cruise along Langebaan Lagoon was wonderful. We had a beautiful sunny day for it. Learned about fossils at the West Coast Fossil Park. The !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre was very educational. We even got to cook a piece of Spring Bok on an open fire! We went to Table Mountain. The views from there are incredible! Loved the ride up to the top. The floor in the car rotates so everyone can get the same view! Saw the penguins and seals! Cape Point Lighthouse was great. Great views from there as well. We also went to Cape of Good Hope. The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront has some great shopping. The Watershed is a local place where individuals can sell their jewelry, clothing and other items! On our last full day in Cape Town, we did 2 wine tastings. The wine is great! I bought a bottle! The dinner at Gold Restaurant was incredible! Each course was delicious!
The hotels we stayed at were great. Very friendly staff. The manager at Shark Bay could not have been more accommodating! My only issue was that my bed at Stillness Manor creaked when I got up from it. Being a beach girl, I loved the location of Belle Maroc Blouberg! Right on the beach!
Our tour guide Jonathan is one of, if not the best, tour guide I ever had! He was always on time or even early. He is very knowledgeable and is a proud native of Cape Town! He recommended a great restaurant at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront for fish! I had the King Clip and it did not disappoint! He was also very helpful when taking me to Cape Town International Airport for my flight home.
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Email Anthony | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best tour guide I have ever met!
Cape Town was worth every penny. We had a wonderful time. Everyone we came in contact with was friendly and accommodating. The food was outstanding. We loved the villa upgrade, especially the fireplace and the hot tub. Our tour guide Johnathan made our vacation so memorable, he gets five stars! Also, we would like to request him for our next visit to Cape Town. Go Touchdown Travel we love you all.
CA
Email Jennifer & Trent | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Go Now with Go Touch Down!
We have been home a couple of weeks, and yet our hearts are still in South Africa. Our incredible trip is constantly on our minds. Plans to return were happening before we even left! I don’t know if I can find the words to describe how much we enjoyed our trip - but I’ll try!
The first rate service began long before we landed. Plans to book started a few years ago, but life got in the way, so we chose to wait. Deon (CEO) never pressured, and instead said “When you’re ready, we are here.” Deon & Lucia remembered us and made true on their promise to find us the trip of our dreams! Lucia prepared us so well for our trip and seemed genuinely excited for us as the date approached. We arrived a couple of days early, and Lucia booked our hotel and made excellent recommendations of excursions to fill our day before the “official” tour started.
Each guide, ranger, and lodging staff we met along the way were top notch! Friendly, knowledgeable, helpful and just a joy to be around! At Royal Morubisi, our ranger Abrie’s (the Best!!) passion for his work, the land, animals and teaching was obvious and we felt so lucky to spend time with him! Michael, at Tshukudu answered all questions thoroughly (even ones that made him chuckle) and had a great sense of humour that added to our experience! The safari drives were exciting, beautiful, and a highlight for us. We saw so many animals (even a baby Chameleon - how did Abrie SEE that??) although the Leopard remained elusive. Just another great reason to go back!
Johnathan, our guide in Cape Town was amazing, warm, and knows his stuff! He kept us on track, all while keeping everything relaxed and fun! We enjoyed every minute with him!
The Food!! My advice - Bring Your Stretchy Pants!! All meals were Truly Delicious, including those at the restaurants our guides chose during excursions. Suppers were dining experiences; Never rushed, taking our time savouring every course, wrapping up the days perfectly. .
One of our favourite things was that each lodge and hotel had a different vibe and decor. This made it feel like a whole new vacation each time. Go Touch Down’s consistency in the cleanliness, luxuriousness, comfort, and friendliness of staff was evident across all properties.
Throughout our entire stay, we felt pampered, cared for, and at home away from home. Thank you for an unforgettable experience that will be treasured forever.
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Email Kevin and Carol | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Want luxury, excitement, pampering and affordable, think South Africa, think Go Touch Down.
WOW! Go Touch Down scored a 10 with us. From the moment we booked our tour your office was wonderful answering questions and taking care of everything so we could enjoy a stress free trip. All the resorts we stayed at were absolutely 5* beautiful. James and Tony were wonderful guides and showed us the many wonders of South Africa and made us feel like family. Michael our safari guide showed us more than the BIG 5, it was more like 12+. The knowledge they shared was incredible and made the trip enjoyable and fun. The staff at Tshukudu were all wonderful, Dolly with her homemade gluten free bread and Rachel at Stillness Manor with her cheerful smile and so many others made this trip special. We thought this trip would check South Africa off the bucket list but Go Touch Down and all the wonderful people there have made us want to come back and see more. Thank you all for an unforgettable trip.
CA
Email Carla | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An exceptional tour with people who care about you every step of the trip.
My 1st trip with Go Touchdown was in April, 2019. I had a fantastic time. Accommodations, food & the people who work there were fantastic. My 2nd trip, Oct., 2023 was even better. I couldn't ask for a more informative & knowledgeable group of people who work for Go Touchdown for both of my trips. I did a 10 day safari for the 1st trip & then decided to do a 5 day safari & 5 days in Cape Town for my 2nd trip. We were able to get much closer (safely) to the wildlife on my 2nd trip. I would highly recommend Go Touchdown to anyone wanting a "safari" experience plus the "city" experience of Cape Town. I've read books on S. Africa, but the experience this company brings to you is by far so personable. I can't recommend this company enough for bringing a once in a lifetime (twice for me) experience you'll get when you go & see for yourself.
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Email Bruce Murphy | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
The Big Five--And Much More!
I had booked my photo safari in 2019 for the following year but the COVID-19 pandemic pushed my plans back and back and back. My wife was killed in January 2023 and I was going to cancel my trip--Go Touchdown was very understanding. But friends told me to go ahead and take the trip in my wife's memory. I had lots of questions and apprehensions about the trip and the Go Touchdown folks (mainly Lucia) patiently addressed all of them.
The trip itself was wonderful. I wanted to take photos of the African animals and was not disappointed. Of course, I had a focus on the “Big Five” and I was able to get outstanding photos of all of them. Even though it was not "bird season" there was sufficient quantities and variety of birds to photograph. The free-roaming animals were almost close enough to touch from the safety of our jeeps. The guides were phenomenal--very knowledgeable without being "academic." I thought I knew a lot about animals before the trip but I learned so much more on the safari. (Do you know that hyena poop is white because of their diet of bones?) Accommodations were very good everywhere we went and the food was fantastic.
Our small group (9 guests plus drivers/guides in 2 vans) was perfect--great personalities, interesting people, funny, friendly. One couple had visited Chobe National Park before the start of our trip and recommended it highly because of the large variety and numbers of animals. Thanks to the flexibility and responsiveness of the Go Touchdown team I was able to change my tour to include Chobe and still go to Victoria Falls. Overall, I couldn't have been more pleased with the Go Touchdown Safari experience.
Email Gillian | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very helpful
It was very well organised. All food provided was excellent and there was plenty of it. There was so much to see. I think that an overnight stay in Kruger would have been beneficial so that we could see the wild life in the early morning as well. There was again so much to see and very little time when we were only there for the day. The tour guides were very informative. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. It is unfortunate that we were unable to walk outside of the reserve itself because they do not have a gun licence. The scenery and wild life were breathtaking.
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Email Cynthia | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Diligent, accommodating, friendly, professional, best travel agent ever
I thank Go Touch Down travel for providing me with the most exhilarating journey of a lifetime. Go Touchdown was flexible with my payment plan & helped me to meet my travel goals. Angie & the Go Touch Down team took care of ALL the details. Everything I needed was provided in a timely manner. Angie, my travel agent was available to answer questions and take care of all of my needs before and during my journey. The hotel arrangements were exceptional. All tours & excursions helped me to discover and learn the beauty of South Africa, Capetown, & Zimbabwe. I highly recommend Go Touch Down to everyone I talk to about my trip and to anyone consider the journey. Go Touch Down is definitely a highly professional travel company and I will call on them again for more trips to Africa.
