Kanyezi Africa Safari
- Located In:
-
United States
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 1983)
- Tour Types:
- Mid-range & luxury tours with set start dates and a fixed itinerary
- Destinations:
Reviews
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Email Love Z. | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was the trip of a lifetime!
If you had told me 13 months ago that I would be returning from the most amazing safari adventure in South Africa and Zimbabwe in July 2018, I would have laughed in your face. I had no intention on doing any of this. But then my parents surprised my family and my sister's family with a trip. A year later we were on our way to South Africa for the trip of a lifetime. The rest is history.
None of this would have been possible (nor as elegant and amazing) without Kanyezi Africa Safari. My mom had secretly been planning this trip for all of us (ten people total, including four kids between the ages of 7 - 14) for three years. She developed a close working relationship with Chris, who was incredibly helpful, kind, knowledgable, responsive, and supportive. It is because of Chris that we saw so many spectacular things. He worked hand-in-hand with my mom to arrange tours and sights that would be appropriate and meaningful to our family. He personally took us around Cape Town. We learned so much! He also arranged little things, like a gourmet seaside picnic, flowers at the airport upon arrival, and great restaurants.
And that was only Cape Town. After that we went to Sabi Sabi Lodge for five days of safari. Chris made sure we had the best guide and the best rooms. Everything was taken care of. The animals, of course, were spectacular. (I highly recommend Sabi Sabi Lodge -- it was out of this world.) After that we went to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe -- it also was magnificent.
Chris had everything arranged for us and anticipated every want and need for us throughout our 17 day adventure. Even our flights (which included 25 hours of flying time on our return!) were meticulously thought out. We didn't have to think about anything throughout the trip. I think this was the first real vacation I have taken in 20 years -- I've never been so relaxed and at ease!
I highly recommend booking your safari vacation through Kanyezi African Safaris. It was the best decision that I never made!
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Email Heather | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Not the "luxury" we were expecting (Capetown)
This is my experience and my opinion of my latest trip booked with Kanyezi. This is my 2nd time I booked through Kanyezi. The first was a last minute trip (2-3 weeks notice) my flights were my only gripe and I take partial blame for that due to my last-minute booking, so this time I booked my flights myself to solve that issue.
I was expecting luxury or at least upper end accommodations based on their sales of a "luxury" trip, their contract and my previous experience. Our accommodations in Cape town were changed the last few days prior to us leaving on this trip, they were changed from a wine estate to a golf resort? This was not what we had been planning, we don't play golf but we were to go with this change as we were told the other accommodation (Spier or Lanzerac) were not available. The resort, which I will call a "motel" was def not upper end/luxury. We did not even have a/c one night as it didn't work, mold in bathrooms, hairs in the bathrooms, a kitchenette (like an inn suites) also there were private residences on this property, so dogs were barking constantly, laundry hung out to dry all over the place, dust an inch thick on the plastic plants, you get the drift. When I called Chris to express my discontentment he really didn't care and said when he stayed here (10 years ago) it was a nice place. He would rather argue with me than try to sort out our stay somewhere else that was more of what we felt we paid for and were expecting. He was NOT customer service oriented and had a lot of excuses, some were just downright untruths.
There actually was room at the other resorts as we checked, and another couple booked also through Kanyezi actually moved to one of the "unavailable" resorts, however our funds were paid to Kanyezi and we simply didn't have extra funds to make the move to the nicer and what was expected accommodations.
The way were treated by Chris was unacceptable and honestly shocking! This was 4 nights (33%) of our 12 night trip spent in unacceptable accommodations.
Also, I will also say their communication was poor and often took days to respond to emails and most often didn't answer my questions I had asked in my emails. The lists of restaurants to book for dinners given by Kanyezi had not been updated and most of them I called were now permanently closed, because they had not even bothered to check to update their recommendations. Our contract was not updated throughout after they changed our accommodations in Capetown still saying the original "Spier Wine Estate" throughout. Chris is very "contract" driven and mentions his contract regularly.
Given the response and treatment to our situation I would never use Kanyezi again and would not recommend!
I will say Dulini, the safari resort, and The Palms in Zimbabwe were both excellent! I will book direct next time and save myself the hassle of being treated like crap not to mention the anger and frustration I experienced the first days of our long awaited and expensive trip to South Africa. Never again KANYEZI!!
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Email Heather | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Kanyezi NAILED IT!! Magnificent!!
My Africa trip was very short notice, I had some unexpected time off and this was a bucket list trip I was to take with my daughter, who unexpectedly passed away. Kanyezi worked it out on very short notice and got me all booked to be able to use this time to go on what was a much-anticipated trip together. This was a very special trip for me and given the circumstances a very emotional trip. My flights were a bit all over the place and not the best most direct, but that was due to the last-minute booking by me, and I was just very happy to be able to go. Everything, I mean everything was top notch!! From my arrival in Cape town and Manie greeting me with his big smile and flowers everything was wonderful!! I stayed at an amazing wine estate, Lanzerac, and the staff was wonderful, rooms were comfortable. Manie was awesome and made my trip to Capetown just that much better!! He was knowledgeable, friendly, kind and even went out of his way to get me booked on an excursion that was not on the itinerary. We saw as much as possible in the short time I was there, and I felt like I made a new friend in Manie. Then it was off to the Safari portion of the trip and OH MY GOODNESS!! Amazing, life changing, beautiful, magnificent.... I could go on and on. From my pickup at the airport by my Ranger to the gorgeous Dulini resort and awe-inspiring game drives 5 STARS all the way! If I could give more stars I would! Dulini is a very special place, so beautiful, amazing food, wonderful staff and the GAME DRIVES, WOWEE!!!
Kanyezi arranged a most perfect trip and there was not a glitch or hiccup one, everything and everybody was on time and where they were supposed to be to greet me at every destination. This was important as I was traveling alone. There really are no accurate words to describe the safari, it was life changing and I can't wait to bring my family back someday!! THANK YOU KANYEZI!!
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Email Sandy | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
An AMAZING adventure with Kanyezi!
The word AMAZING does not do justice to our KANYEZI AFRICA SAFARI that we just had in South Africa. This trip had been on our bucket list for some time and it was EVERYTHING that we wanted it to be!
We had paid for the “lie down” seats on the planes and we enjoyed EVERY minute of our flight. We were totally rested when we got there and got home. That part was wonderful!
Our few days as the “extension” at Spier Winery Lodge were great. Great facilities and great food. The tour of Cape Town allowed us to see the beauty and history of this beautiful city and surrounding sea and greenery. Beautiful!
THEN we flew again and arrived at Dulini Lodge! Talk about beautiful—this was IT! Our suite was large, African styled, and wonderfully clean . Our individual pool was great, large deck and we felt like royalty when the netting was drawn each night. Just like the movies!
The food was outstanding and served with much flair. Every meal was delicious and we even had a special night dinner out in the bush. The employees took care of our every need. It was top of the line!
THEN what we had come for — the SAFAR! Mere words do not describe our reactions and feelings as we would sit in our Range Rover and quietly watch the animals. Our Ranger, Nic, and Tracker, Dyke, knew the animals and told us so many interesting facts as we watched. We got to see elephants mating, hyenas breaking bones on an impala, zebras, giraffes, rhinos, crocodiles, water buffalos — to name a few. Nic and Dyke had such respect for the animals and their habitat — the animals were right up close to us — always. We had never expected this closeness and we had felt we would see animals further away. Not so — right up close. The personalities of Nic and Dyke were soothing and great. When we go again, we will request both of them. Dyke even made a special drink for our breaks out in the bush. We felt VERY safe with Nic, but were glad that he carried a gun that would have protected us if need be. The SAFARI was EVERYTHING that we could have dreamed about. Thank you, Kanyezi, for all of that.
Then there was Chris and Michael, father and son. I helped coordinate our group of 9 women and had dealt with Chris throughout the time of postponing the trip because of COVID. While at the Dulini Lodge, Chris turned the company over to his son, Michael. It is a GREAT COMPANY, founded in love of South Africa and Dulini Lodge. Happy Retirement, Chris. Thanks for all the set up you did.
Michael is a gem! He is so excited about his company and has had lots of experience in South Africa — ever since he was 12 years old. He stayed right with us all the way through our trip. He did so many things for my friend and me. We were the oldest women in our group and we ALWAYS knew that Michael had our back! He will do well with the future! Chip is going to do well as the Quality Man. They both love what they are doing.
I know this review is very long but I just HAD to write about so many wonderful things. I have only tipped the iceberg on our memories. Since returning home, I have been showing my pictures to several friends. I have told each of them about KANYEZI and how it is such a great company to go on SAFARI with.
I cannot say enough positive remarks about KANYEZI and ALL the employees that we dealt with. It is LUXURY at its finest. If you are hesitating, DO NOT! You will not be disappointed!
If I can answer any specific questions for you, just email me and I will be glad to answer. [email protected]
Happy Safari!!!!!
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Email John P | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible Journey with Kanyezi
Had been thinking about visiting South Africa for a long time and finally decided to make the trip with Kanyezi. I have to say first that I could not have made a better choice. From the day of arrival in Cape Town to our departure at Johannasburg, Kenyezi delivered on all that they had promised, guiding us on an adventure of a lifetime. Tours of Cape Town were fantastic and included a tour of the City, a visit to a Cheetah rescue facility, a penguin colony, a local market, a visit to a winery and trip to the Cape of Good Hope. The hotel we stayed at was first rate with more than one restaurant choice and beautiful African art in the lobby.
From Cape Town we headed up to the Sabi Sabi National Reserve for our Safari Adventure of a lifetime. We stayed at the Bush Lodge which was the most amazing and beautiful place with large suites, a watering hole, amazing staff and the best food. Try the local delicacies if your are an adventurous diner. If not, there are choices for all palates. We went on Safari twice a day for four hours at a time and as promised, got to see the Big Five on every day of this adventure, plus a couple of rare finds of a Cheetah that had just made a kill as well as a pack of wild dogs. There was also an opportunity to visit a local village to meet the people and included stops a school where all of the children were excited to meet us. Also included an optional chance to see a shaman, which to me was a hoot, and we also met a group of local women who invited us to dance with them as one of them played a drum for us. Was a wonderful day.
After the safari we chose to go to Zimbabwe to see Victoria Falls, the Seventh Wonder of the Natural World. We stayed in a very nice motel accomodation right on the Zambezi River and besides visiting the Falls we were treated to a great buffet style dinner where there were local drummers and dancers and we got to play along with drums that they passed out to people at the tables. On the second evening we took a cruise along the Zabezi River where we were treat to snacks and drinks and saw a family of hippos swimming across the river. An amazing site.
Thank you Chris, Chip and Manny for making this trip an adventure of a lifetime. We hope to join you again in the future. GO KANYEZI
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Email Craig Carroll | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
No details were missed in making this an experience of a lifetime
Never had to worry about anything during this adventure. Chip Allen provided great information both before and after the trip. Stayed at the Leadwood Dulini Lodge and the staff took care of every need. Travelled with two friends specifically for photography. Nic our ranger and Dyke our tracker made sure that every game drive there was plenty of opportunity to get close and the best angle for viewing. Nic was very knowledgeable about animals, birds and plants.
Food at the lodge was fantastic and an adventure in itself. Every employee knew our names and always were positive.
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Email Bob | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
On safari with Kanyezi
We completed our first safari with Kanyezi and I have to say that it was an amazing experience. My wife and I have traveled all over the world and without a doubt this was the best vacation we have ever had. The time spent in the Cape Town area at the Spier wine estate was fun and relaxing and there was plenty of wine to sample. But the best part of the trip was staying at the Dulini lodge in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve and going on two safaris a day. We saw it all – every animal on the magnificent seven list was spotted. We had a male lion pass within ten inches of our vehicle. We had a herd of elephants come right up to our Dulini apartment and one of them actually drink out of our swimming pool. The staff at Dulini are excellent and the accommodations are truly 5 star. I highly recommend Kanyezi.
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Email Susan | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fun tour of Cape Town area and an amazingly wonderful safari in Kruger National Park.
The was a very good tour. We had some initial misunderstanding about the total cost of the bush flights to the game area, and the pre-arranged flights were not very direct. Ethiopian Airlines also lost my luggage for almost the whole two weeks of the trip. Otherwise, we enjoyed the entire trip. We stayed at Spier Wine Estate in Stollenbosch, which was wonderful with great service and good wine. The accommodations were great. But the safari itself in Sabi Sands Game Reserve was an eye-opener. The accommodations at Dulini Leadwood Lodge were better than fantastic, and the wildlife viewing was better than I could have imagined. We had elephants and baboons sitting by our deck pool and there were constant antelope outside our door and windows. Really, I can't imagine a better safari than what we experienced. The tracker and ranger we had for four nights and days were bright and knowledgeable, and a lot of fun. They spoke very good English and knew a lot about the animals. We will always remember this trip.
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Email Rick U | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Experience!
Was an ama,ung atleast once in a lifetime experience! Great accommodations, excellent service , great food and awesome people..5 star rating and worth every penny spent! Thanks you guys for such a great and wonderful time!!Keep up the great work and continued success!
BEST TRIP EVER!!!
We saw so all of the BIG 5 and more. We got National Geographic worthy pictures. 5 Star service and Excellent Luxury accommodations. Trip of a lifetime!!