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 Sandy | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Go "Worry Free" with GTD (Go Touch Down)!
For an "Adventure of a Lifetime" Don't Think Twice. Book it! I love to make my own travel plans, but in places where they drive on the opposite side of the road & limited wi-fi, why not go worry free. From the time we met Angie at the travel show with her enthusiasm & pictures (that really were accurate photo's of our adventures), to the phone conversations with Dana's knowledge, organization & fun planning our signature tour, and than the excellent helpful African guides like James, Bill & Fredrick, I say, think about the time of year you want to go for your best experience and than "just book it"!
Some tips that I think might be helpful: Wifi is available at several places,but usually it's by the resort lobbies or restaurants.Print or take pictures of the vouchers & itinerary found on the web site before you go. Enjoyed the small 5-6 group size. Much easier for the guide to accommodate everyone and would have been impossible on a big bus tour. Consider going a few days early with the signature tour for the cultural excursions. Lessedi, Mandala day in Joburg, Cradle of Mankind, interaction with the elephants (we even fed & got a kissed from an elephant). All of these were so worth the extra time & money.
Prepare for a wonderful culinary experience. The meals are 4 to 5 star. A great time to try the ostrich & other African dishes. We loved the true dirt road safari experience at Humala vs the commercialism of Kruger. Over exceeded our expectations for the animal & nature lover that I am. In October we were able to see several babies. For city lovers, you will love how they were able to pack so many adventures into the few days in Cape Town. The wait to get up to Table Mt was well worth it, Penguins, Seal Island, Wharf area, wineries & more. Consider the add on Vic Falls adventure. Not just for the falls but waking up to zebras outside your resort window, seeing herds of wild elephants, & interacting with the people from Zambia & Zimbabwe. We liked the low water season of the falls vs high water that you need to wear rain gear. The guides & resort staff helped us contact the African GTD contacts to answer any questions we had while in Africa, THANKS GTD for the memories & pictures of a lifetime".
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Email Michael Bell | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent choice for my group tour for a South African Safari
Go Touch Down went over and above my expectations! I organize group tours in the US and we interviewed several organizations before choosing Go Touch Down as our South African Safari tour partner. They handled everything in the same manner I would for my tours in the US. My group of 14 was informed, entertained and cared for during our time in South Africa. We stayed in the best accommodations and the food was amazing. I will continue to work with Go Touch Down for all of my African Safari groups and any other area in the world we can colaborate together and take people to exotic destinations! Thank you Go Touch Down for being a business I can trust with my hosted group tours!
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Email Dave | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent service from Go Touch Down Tours
We went to a presentation given by Go Touch Down Tours on traveling to South Africa. This covered Tours in Cape Town and Johannesburg, including daily safaris.
On our way I told my wife I wasn’t so sure about a trip to Africa.
The presentation was so inspiring that half way though I leaned to my wife and said we should go.
We decided to take advantage of their offers and we booked both Cape Town and Johannesburg.
I can honestly say that the presentation was great but everyone, from the office to the guides, went way beyond to make this the most enjoyable and memorable experience anyone could have.
5 stars all the way!
We are still in contact with our guides, ( now very good friends) and some of the people we were on tour with.
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Email Paulette | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime
It was an experience I will never forget. Humala Lodge was a big highlight. It was so serene, so spiritual, so intimate, and the safaris were amazing. Cape Town was a blast. Joseph, our driver in Johannesburg went way above and beyond the call of duty. Tony in Cape Town was great. They couldn’t do enough for us. The whole tour was fabulous. The animals were center stage. Call Lucia Barnard at 941-212-0924 and tell her Paulette sent you. You won’t be sorry
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 Jim Kirkman | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
My wife and I could not have been more pleased with all aspects of this wonderful trip of a lifetime
I had never had an interest in going to South Africa until my wife and I met Lucia and Deon with Go Touchdown Travel & Tours at the Dallas Travel Show in 2018. They described to us a trip that sounded almost too good to be true. We talked 3 other couples into considering the same trip. They joined us on the Signature Tour and we just returned on Saturday, May 4, 2019. The trip was even better than we thought it would be. My wife and I travel quite extensively and we both agreed that this might be the best trip we have ever been on. There were too many highlights to mention in this short space. We expanded our Signature Tour to include Victoria Falls for 2 days. Humala River Lodge and Victoria Falls Resort were top quality and very unique. The wine paring lunch at Grand Provence was first class all the way and our favorite meal presentation. We went on at least 5 safaris, each with a very qualified, informed, and helpful guide. I took over 600 pictures and treasure each one We will talk about our wonderful experiences on this trip probably for the rest of our lives. Thanks for exposing us to a beautiful part of the world!
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 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.
