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
US
Email Alex | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Almost made it to Excellent!
It truly was a trip of a lifetime! The people we met, the animals we saw, the scenery...all just amazing! Our drivers and guides were wonderful, especially James who went above and beyond to make sure we got to see and do as much as possible and was so informative as well. The staff at all of the accommodation sites were welcoming and delightful to be around. The food was very good and we were never hungry!! We stayed at 5 different Go Touch Down properties and 4 of them were lovely. We would have been happy staying at any of them the whole time! However, the Belle Maroc was not up to the standards of the other properties. Our sliding glass door to our balcony did not close properly so there was no way to lock it. We had no hot water in the shower the first day. There was what looked like black mold in the shower. There was no hair dryer in the room but I was able to get one from the front desk. And speaking of the front desk, everyone working there was extremely nice but apparently filling several different positions at the hotel, ie desk clerk, waitress, barista
I was glad that we did not end our trip there as I would have left with a sour feeling about Cape Town. Aside from this, it was one of the best trips we've ever taken and have told everyone who would listen that they really should put South Africa on their bucket list!
US
Email Ivy | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Don't use go touch down
Wow, what a waste. Go touch down leaves you in the dark and wastes your travel time. We had a tour the day we arrived in S. Africa and were never given a time or location. Come to find out they never scheduled it. We had to call at 11pm US time to get information. The guide never knew he was taking us, so luckily he checked his messages. None of the guides had information about any flights til the night before departure, and the tourists did not have their flight information either. The tour guides were great, but Go Touch Down is worthless when it comes to collecting information or getting problems fixed. Another huge issue was the flights to and from Victoria Falls. We were unable to schedule our own flights and we spent 2 of our last 4 days in an airport. They claimed there were no flights available any other time, that they were afraid a later flight would be cancelled, and that we were given options, all of which were false. They don't realize we were in a group we stayed in contact with and they had the flights we tried to change to. We had to stand around for several hours before we could even check our bags, then we were stuck in the airport for 4 hours. It was 9 hours total between when landing and catching our next flight, information they knew and requested. They attempted to fix it with a tour, but that's not what we got. Someone picked us up at the airport, drove us 45 min. and dropped us off at a mall in Johannesburg telling us to go find a place to eat. That is something we could have done at the airport. We were also misinformed about Victoria Falls and not informed about tours that were available. I have never had such a disorganized vacation with such unlimited information.
Reply from Go Touch Down Travel & Tours
Posted on May 9, 2023Dear Ivy (we are not sure who you are - as we don't have a client by that name)
However - we are going to assume you are Mr. B. H. as this story only ties up with "one particular" client.
Your flight and layover in JNB was a mess. We tried to fix it after the fact. But we reminded you, that YOU sir selected this cheaper option. To make up for the delay, we arranged a private driver and van to tour you around JHB for 4+ hrs at a rate of $100 only. We know it doesn't take away the frustration. But this is exactly what happened.
You wrote to us today, and we quote: "Finally our complaint is with the logistics and not with the US office (which has been great)."
This matter has been referred to corporate who will email Mr B.H. direct.
Sincerely, USA office
US
Email Karen and Chris Graber | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime in a beautiful country
Wow this trip exceeded our expectations. We booked the 8 day safari and 8 day Cape Town tour with Lucia who was great to work with and very helpful. The itinerary that she sent before we left was so helpful and had so much information about our trip. Once we arrived in Johannesburg everything ran seamlessly. Bakkies picked us up at the airport and was so friendly and a wealth of knowledge. We stayed at Dunkeld Country Estates and Tshukudu Lodge for the first part of our trip. Both were nice lodges with beautiful grounds. The staff were all friendly and eager to make our stay enjoyable. We will never forget the safari’s and seeing all of the majestic animals in their natural habitat. Tyler was our safari guide and was very informative and his love for animals showed. He was determined to find as many animals as possible including the big 5. The highlight was watching two male elephants playing in the water for over 30 min and we could have watched all night.
Cape Town was a beautiful coastal city. Jonathan was our guide and is a proud Cape Town native who provided insight into the culture and history of his city. As for the hotels Belle Marco and Shark Bay were right on the water so we enjoyed walking the beach and it was the first time we’ve seen flamingos in the wild. Stillness Manor had beautiful grounds, but needed some updates and TLC. Again all the staff were friendly and eager to help. We enjoyed some delicious seafood and some wine in the wine lands.
Overall it was an amazing trip and we enjoyed every day to the fullest. If you are considering a trip to South Africa you would be foolish to try and book your own itinerary. Go with Go Touchdown Travel because you will experience things you would never see on your own.
US
Email Robert and Karen | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our trip was beyond our expectations.
We were taken care of from the start to the end when we were dropped off at the airport. Every accommodation was excellent as well as all the food provided to us. The Safaris were amazing, we were so lucky to have had Johnson as our guide while in the bush. Being in the nature among the wildlife was a once in a lifetime experience. When in Cape Town we were treated to so many site seeing tours and adventures to experience. We had the best time and would do it all over again.
Caring, provided excellent service each day!
The trip to South Africa was beyond AMAZING! The accommodations, for Shark Bay and Belle Maroc exceeded my expectations in all areas! (5 stars). Stillness Manor (3 1/2 stars). The property was ok, my room/decor was dull, unclean vibe, the staff and food was excellent! (5 stars)
Our tour guide J.P. was a great guide, full of information, kind spirit, patient, and a great sense of humor. He went above and beyond throughout the week; (sharing what places to visit for certain types of souvenirs, etc. (5 stars).
I'm in awe of the overall experience! My heart if filled with gratitude and joy, and I want to thank Deon and staff for all the kindness given prior to my departure. I would highly recommend Go Touch Down, (5 stars) and continue to share with others.
US
Email Jan | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
She was very helpful even though we had set backs because of Covid.
We were four senior ladies traveling for the first time to Africa so we had to trust our tour company for their knowledge. The safari exceeded our expectations from the accommodations to the food. We saw all of the big five animals in the first two days of the safari, The staff in the lodges couldn't have been more accommodating.
Tsukudu Game Reservewas beautiful and our rooms were spotless. Avani resort at Victoria falls was beautiful as well as the falls. Each time we were to be picked up the driver was there to bring us to our destination.
We couldn't have been more pleased.
US
Email Ray and Connie | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Outstanding and without parallel
All the guides were outstanding, they took their time and were truly interested in providing a unique experience. They were 100% reliable, service was without question the finest we have ever encountered and we experienced the vacation of a lifetime. We are experienced travelers and would recommend Go Touch Down 1,000%. You cannot do better!!
Very great salesperson. All drivers were outstanding in their knowledge of the history, the areas
Although it was delayed a couple of years due to the pandemic, I finally realized my lifetime dream. Safari riding is a good physical challenge but worth the discovery of the top African animals. The hotels were beautifully appointed. The buffets were the same in each hotel along with the same linens that were luxurious. Since returning I have discovered the the trip was quite a value.
US
Email Susan | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
A fine tuned, well oiled machine.
The guides were great. They all knew everything about everything. I had a million questions about animals and birds and they were able to answer them. The food was great. No bad meals. The accommodations were very nice and they kept getting nicer as the tour went on. At first, I didn't understand how it all worked since I had never travelled with guides who helped us with everything and took us everywhere. Other than the road into Tshukudu was extremely bumpy (gravel might help the vans negotiate the road better), all of the accommodations were nice--once we got there.
US
Email Natalie Malin | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Dream of a Lifetime AND no single supplement
Overall, my trip to South Africa through Go Touch Down Tours was fantastic. The trip was everything that the tour operator said it would be. It was tremendous value for the money as all the accommodations were included and were first rate; majority of meals were included; all entry fees were covered; and we covered a lot of South Africa. This was one of my first times traveling internationally by myself, and I always felt safe with the Tour group. Here are some highlights:
· Mpumalanga - Tour guides & Tracker – I cannot say enough wonderful things about our tour guide, Joseph. He was very kind, and extremely personable. He ensured we saw everything promised on the tour, but he was flexible, and was so gracious in answering our questions and sharing about his country and culture with us. Additionally, our tracker at Tshukudu, Johnson, was so knowledgeable about the land and the animals. Our time with him at the game reserve and at Kruger were some of my best highlights. The staff at Tshukudu were all very warm and friendly. They were always ready to serve and to ensure we had a great visit. Food was delicious and there was always ample to try and experience.
· Mpumalanga itinerary – I am a city girl, but hands down, the safari portion of the trip was my favorite. The beauty in the area is amazing between The Chief and his three wives to Lisbon Falls to Potholes to God’s Window….all are majestic and photos cannot capture the true beauty of the area. BUT nothing matches the beauty of the animals and how close we were to many. I have a short video I took which I affectionately call “The Lion King Shot.” It has giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, impalas running in the shot, and it was amazing to see. We were with Johnson one day, and he turned a corner, for us to immediately start going backwards because two elephants were walking on the road towards us. Another day, we saw the lions eating a wildebeest, and then one morning the lions were walking near our jeep. There are so many wonderful memories!
· Cape Town tour and staff – This is an action packed itinerary, and JP, our tour guide, did a great job of dealing with Cape Town traffic and showing us all the sites. Cape Town is stunning from Simons Town with the penguins, Chapman’s Peak, the Cape of Good Hope, V&A Waterfront, the coastline, Table Mountain, and of course the wineries. Robben Island, which was an extra excursion on the last day was fantastic, and it is a must see!