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 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.
Email AnnaMB | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Crossed all the dots and T's - extremely helpful and professional. A lot of planning and follow-up.
Dunkeld Estate: We arrived at this beautiful estate, and I did not know which way to look first!
Picture perfect – the main building housing the restaurant, pub and reception, surrounded by dams for trout fishing and a row of suites on the side. Each suite had its own character – beautiful and also very luxurious. It was extremely spacious and had a view to die for. There are cottages too, especially for couples/families that preferred self-catering.
The staff were very professional while having a casual sense of humor to keep things moving in a positive direction. They took great care of us and went out of their way to ensure every need was attended to.
Meals were “order anything off the menu” with no restrictions…… OMW it was so difficult to choose! Everything was prepared and presented exquisitely. We were spoilt rotten and ensured we ordered something different at every meal, trying to work our way through all the delicious choices.
While we were at Dunkeld, we were taken on several road trips by Thabo and Joseph, our drivers. These guys gave us (especially me) a lot of attention during these trips. We travelled mostly with Thabo, who I found to be very knowledgeable and patient! He always answered questions, telling us about history of the different places and assisted me (suffering from vertigo) non-stop.
We visited so many places and were able to take the most beautiful pictures.
Thank you, Go Touch Down Travel, for going the extra mile. We will recommend you without hesitation. A
Email AnnaB | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Humala River Lodge Experience
During early January 2019, my husband and I went on a Safari holiday, which was arranged by Go Touch Down Travel …. What an experience! It could not have been better. It was a trip of a lifetime – far more than our expectations. They had every day planned for us. There was a maximum of 6 people in each vehicle, ensuring that we were very comfortable.
We started our Safari at Humala River Lodge.We were met at the gate by our guide (Richard). We travelled to the Lodge in a safari vehicle, giving us our first game drive. Richard had a lovely sense of humor and patiently pointed out the animals and bush, telling us more about their habits. Arriving at the Lodge was an eye opener.
The accommodation was really great. We had our own very luxurious bungalow, surrounded by bush and on the river bank. It was wow inside – spacious and very comfortable and only a short distance from the main building.
The main building was beautifully furnished, and we had a very warm welcome, being briefed about what to expect. The meals were to die for – the chef certainly know what he was doing. The pub area created a great, relaxing atmosphere and encouraged chilling with new and old friends. We were also entertained at the bhoma by the staff singing and dancing around a bon fire, while having a real African braai.
Richard took us on two bush drives a day. One very early in the morning bringing us back just in time for a late brunch. Then we had time to relax and lull around the pool to be treated with a late lunch/finger snacks before going on another game drive, stopping for some drinks in the bush. A beautiful supper was served at 19h00 in the evening (once again the chef had outdone himself). Thereafter relaxing and mingling in the pub, sharing the sights of the day.
We were sad to leave Humala River Lodge after only 3 days.
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Email Donna | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great guides food selection off menus in restaurants. Happy 2 weeks
Very good. The days were long and tiring but worth it
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Email Erica | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect and Life Changing
My South African Safari was awesome and perfect.
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Email Patricia Grech | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Go Touch Down is a first class act!
Go Touch Down communicated regularly & always replied promptly to our questions. My friends and I, immediately recognized the professionalism and were impressed with Marie and the group in Sarasota, Florida. The tour guides, Jonathan, Bakkis, and Bastion were the ultimate professionals, each fun in their own way; and very knowledgeable. Without a doubt, on my/our return to South Africa, I/we will go through Go Touch Down.
Cape Town was more than I/we had ever imagined. It is truly an impressive city with the most majestic sceneries one can ever experience. The dining experiences were beyond our expectations. Jonathan, our tour guide and was kind and patient, but more importantly, we learned so much from him about the South African people, history, and its cultures. He is a class act for sure!
Bakkis, our tour guide for the second leg of our trip, was a very "happy chappie" and always made sure we were all taken care of and safe. Bakkis was fun and we enjoyed his great expressions. He is unforgettable!
Bastion, our tour guide for the safari/game drives, appears serious, but has a great sense of humor. We shall never forget his keen eye for detail and loved that he knew exactly where to stop to capture the ultimate sunrise or sunset experience. These are treasured moments for the rest of our lives!
Thank you a million times! My long life dream came true and it would not have been so perfect withour your entire team at Go Touch Down. Look forward to seeing you all again!
Affectionately,
Pat Grech
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Email Christy | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Presentation, contract, itinerary, and actual experience never matched up, and no resolution.
We booked a safari in South Africa at a travel show in Dallas. We received an itinerary 2 weeks before the trip. On the trip our experiences were not what was communicated at the travel show, nor on our contract, nor on the itinerary. The contract says they can change anything they want at their leisure and as a customer there is no recourse. Many of our safari guides exceeded the 6 passengers, so that small group feel...gone, forget it. They only allow you to stay at their resorts so there is EXTENSIVE driving to and from every activity. Our itinerary said we would be on a jeep safari in Kruger, but once we arrived we were told we had to pay an additional 130 for the jeep. Our trip to Kruger took 3.5 hours to arrive, only got 3 hours on the jeep, then a 5 hour drive back to the resort (Hamala). It was a miserable day in the van and not worth the drive for such a short safari. Hamala is a nice resort but dinner is what they choose, not what the customer would like. They served a steak one night that was too tough to eat. I told the host the steak was too tough and his response was "your welcome", so needless to say I went to bed hungry that night (there were NO other food options provided). The safari's at Hamala were at 7 am, wake up call at 5:30, coffee at 6:30 and safari from 7-10, then breakfast is at 10am. I struggled with my blood sugar being up for 5 hours without any food. I finally had to buy snack cakes at the gas station during an outing. Persons on the Cape Town tour are flown into JBurg and they say a free night at Seasons resorts to recover from the travel, but all it is, is a sales pitch to buy into the resort, as they then have to fly from JBurg to Cape Town the next day. We also booked a shark dive with Go Touch Down, they charged us 350 per person. When we arrived at the shark dive operator we found out the cost is 186 per person. I assumed there would be a small up charge for Go Touch down to book it, but seriously, double the cost. Save your money and book your own shark cage dive directly with Apex Shark Encounters in Simon's Town, your cost will be cut in HALF. I will never recommend this company. I wrote 6 emails during my travels of my negative experience and received NO assistance, many emails I didn't even get a response. I wasted so much money with the company and want to ensure other people don't get scammed like I did.
Reply from Go Touch Down Travel & Tours
Posted on Aug 11, 2020Dear Christy
It is with sadness that I read your review. Our clients travel far and the trip to South Africa is often a trip of a lifetime. We pride ourselves on our success rate and social media reviews.
You wrote to us 5 times during your tour in South Africa. I replied to you every time that you did. My replies were detailed and lengthy, even thou you were in destination. Four of your emails were about the same subject. I replied with extracts from your agreement and the itinerary you agreed on.
There is no point in going over each point you raised, as we have done so in detail in writing to you after this review. Your detailed itinerary you received prior covered the times, breakfasts, and driving. Instead, I want to say I am sorry that we do not agree on all the points you raised, as the other 3 people on tour with you enjoyed the experience. All the constructive remarks have been shared with the resorts/camps and they have taken your review to heart.
Please note that after much feedback, including yours, we no longer drive to Kruger Park as it is a long day, and instead now visit Pilanesberg that's only 70 min away. The reviews are fantastic.
Again, I am sorry to hear that you did not enjoy our 8-day Safari and would like to offer you a travel voucher for $500 to use towards one of our other Exclusive Tours.
Sincerely,
the COO