Ker & Downey® Africa staff
Ker & Downey Africa
- Located In:
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United Kingdom
- Size:
- 50-100 employees (Founded in 2012)
- Member Of:
- APTA, SATSA, CTT & Safe Travels
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $500 to $950 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
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Email Marianne | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Absolutely amazing from start to finish.
We could not have been happier with our trip, the guides, and the three Safaris we were on. Each reserve had its own unique style of
accommodating my daughter and I and two of our friends from Seattle joined us in Johannesburg to begin our journey. We were met the moment we arrived until we left on our plane after 17 of the most amazing days of our lives. The food, the people, the animals and a beautiful country. I would return tomorrow if given the chance.
our first stary for 3 nights was at Hlosi lodge below Port Elizabeth in the eastern cape. Two safaris a day, excellent food and a luxury tent with our tub facing a large window where wart hogs and others enjoyed a water break.
Second part was Elephant Plains in Sabi Sands, part of Krueger National Park. There are no fences and the animals come and go out of the reserve and into the park. Within 20 minutes Darren and Derrick, our guide and tracker found a leopard and her cub, it was my daughters birthday and her dream to see big cats. Ker & Downey delivered in every way with planning our trip.
Last stay was Simbavati River Lodge where large cats, lions walked through our compound and the elephants came within 10 feet of our porch to roll in the mud and teach their babies how to eat and drink.
We ended our trip in Victoria Falls, a must see if you are going to South Africa.
Thank you for reading, there really aren't enough words to describe this trip.
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Email Steve and Dory | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The Trip of a Lifetime
Our planned 30th wedding anniversary trip to Africa was not simple. We wanted to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro and follow that with a safari that included viewing the Great Migration. Ker-Downey delivered it ALL! From the detailed planning to the actual trip itself, Emma Perrin brought everything together. We were met at every stop by friendly and well informed drivers. They arranged excellent outfitters (Summits Africa) for our Kilimanjaro climb. Our accomodations at Arusha Coffee Lodge, Lake Dulati, Gibbs Farm (not to be missed!), Lemala Kuria Hills, and Elewana Sand River were spectacular, as were the game drives at each location. We saw many discount safari drives where people were crammed into converted mini vans with pop-up roofs and drivers that rely entirely on radio communication to locate wildlife. In contrast, our game drives were in open-sided, converted Toyota 4 Runners that could drive up the side of a cliff if need be and driven by guides that know where the wildlife is without someone telling them. The food at each location was excellent and varied. The bush breakfasts each morning during our game drives were just wonderful. Don't skip the opportunity to take a hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti or Masai Mara Preserves. Each location went out of their way to arrange a surprise to commemorate our anniversary. Finally, at Emma's urging we flew to Zanzibar and spent three nights at the Zuri Zanzibar Resort. Emma was right. The perfect way to round out our dream vacation. Even though we spent 25 days in Africa, we barely scratched the surface. My wife and I consider ourselves addicted to Africa and are already planning a return.
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Email Kathy | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The most AMAZING vacation ever!!!
My husband and I are seasoned travelers so trust me when I say that this is the BEST vacation we've ever had! Thank you Ker & Downey and specifically, Sarah and Pippa, for putting this all together and exceeding our very high expectations! They did an outstanding job of listening to our wishes, promptly responding to our many, many questions, and offering outstanding suggestions that fit our time and budget constraints. Sarah and Pippa know Africa and the companies in operation there. You can trust their expertise. And, they did this all with a charming attitude eager to make this the vacation of our dreams. My only regret is not visiting Capetown and meeting them in person. I guess we have to save this for our next visit.
SG
Email Timothy Lin | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing, Delightful and Friendly!
In the beginning, we were a little hesitant as we were not familiar with South Africa and also our first time travelling through a tour operator. Our worries disappeared when we checked into our first flight. From then on, it was magically amazing. All the transfer rides were on time and waiting for us. The accommodations were also all ready and have been informed that this was our honeymoon thus going out of their way to make it even more magical. Prior, Sasha was extremely helpful, guiding and advising us. In fact, we initially wanted to go on a different itinerary, but she suggested otherwise which turned out to be a great one!
She did not stop there, she went further and arranged for each of our accommodation to prepare something special for us given that this was our honeymoon. And it must be said that the safari reserves and safaris that was booked by her turned out to be something almost out of this world especially for Leopard Hills. It was simply breathtaking. As it turns out, itineraries that we purchased separately were the most disappointing one as compared to what she planned for us.
Special mention also goes to Pippa as well who was prompt in responding when we were on the 'ground'.
So beautiful that we cannot wait to have her plan for our next Africa adventure!
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Email Ross | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Incredible experience in South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe
For our honeymoon, Emma at Ker & Downey planned a 16 day trip for us including stays in the wine country near Stellenbosch, Cape Town, two safari camps in Botswana, a camp in Zimbabwe, and then finally Johannesburg. The whole trip was seamless and every day was as near perfect as one could hope for. We loved the experience and can't wait to go back!
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Email Sandi and Danny | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional, Personalized, Fantastic African Travel
Sarah Morris at Ker Downey was extremely responsive from our very first inquiry regarding a Southernn African journey. She provided excellent service by promptly answering questions and concerns in emails and via phone calls ( in spite of the time difference).She was very willing to incorporate our own prearranged accommodations in Cape Town,Johannesburg and self arranged wine tastings with her recommended safari lodgings, tours and tour operators. She was very accommodating by staying within our budget and our preferred travel dates.
The lodgings she arranged in Zimbabwe,Botswana and Kruger,South Africa were all excellent. The staff, drivers/guides and trackers were courteous,welcoming, professional, personable,etc. We were always met at airports, drives,etc. on time with smiling drivers. All exceeded our expectations and enhanced our already over the top experience in Southern Africa. Finally, we enjoyed meeting Sarah at our Cape Town hotel for coffee and a chat!
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Email Jillian | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Overall great experience!
We booked a trip through South Africa with the help of Sarah Morris and Pippa and the whole experience was just wonderful. They helped answer so many questions for us (we were safari newbies) and put together an itinerary that catered to our budget and desires. They took care of every detail and we felt so prepared for heading over there on our honeymoon. The lodges they helped us pick and the experiences we booked through them all exceeded our expectations- we would definitely recommend booking through them!
DK
Email Yves | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Terrific Experience
The team organized a terrific and thoughtful itinerary that included lovely and luxurious properties.
The communication and details provided allowed for a worry free experience.
We would highly recommend their services, wonderful people.
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Email Belinda B | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Supreme service - every detail!
The communication from Ker & Downey/Sarah was excellent from the start and throughout the trip. The booking went smoothly. The hotel accommodations were very nice, with great service and staff. The safari experience was definitely top notch and we would recommend Tinga Lodge and the MORE family of lodges, hotels and safari experiences to everyone. We’ve never left a location in our world travels and felt a deeper desire to stay longer or to return again as much as this trip. The details of the room and the views were outstanding. We saw the big 5 by the end of our 3rd game drive out of 6 that we took. The food was good and the staff were so caring, professional and fun. We felt right at home throughout our stays in Johannesburg, Kruger NP & Cape Town. The tour operators used by K&D were professional, courteous and went above and beyond. Island View Tours of Cape Town did the loveliest private tours and also our transportation to and from the airport and hotels. Wayne is a gem and you can tell he loves his job and cares about his customers. This vacation, although cut short because of the pandemic was one of our most memorable. Sarah, Pippa and Ker & Downey are the best in the business!
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Email Brian | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Attention to Detail and Thoughful Planning
I can't thank the group at Ker & Downey enough for planning an absolutely wonderful vacation for my family. From Sarah planning the perfect itinerary and locations to Zeena and Peter covering every detail of the logistics and activities, Ker & Downey was an absolute pleasure to work with. They talked with us about our interests and found locations and activities that matched exactly what we were looking for. And when it came to traveling, everything was seamless despite it being one of the most challenging times to travel with all the Covid considerations. The team was always available to answer any question I had and they kept in touch to let me know they were only a phone call or text away if needed. All of the transfers, tours and accommodations were top-notch. I highly recommend Ker & Downey Africa to anyone who is planning a trip. I'd give them 6 stars if I could!
