Part of the happy Pembury team having a laugh!
Pembury Tours
- Office In:
- Size:
- 20-50 employees (Founded in 1996)
- Member Of:
- Southern Africa Tourism Services Association
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $100 to $2,000 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
for a custom tour
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
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Email Shawn | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Spectacular Cape Town, Safari, Vicotria Falls Trip
I researched a number of travel companies -- including several from this site -- and settled on Pembury for their price, reviews, and responsiveness. Laurette organized an exceptional trip for us: we loved all our accommodations -- had the luxury African feel we were hoping for. In Cape Town, we stayed at the Victoria & Alfred hotel: great location and wonderful restaurants close by. We had the same private guide from airport pick up, three days of tours, and airport drop off, which was perfect.
Our Safari was at Arathusa Safari Lodge in Sabi Sands. Such an amazing experience -- my friends who've been on safari were surprised by how close we were to all the animals (elephants drinking from our private splash pool at our room, lions and leopards literally walking around and underneath our jeep). And Elephant Camp in Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls) was a dream -- wish we'd spent more time there! After seeing all my pics and videos on Facebook, several friends have already asked me to send my itinerary and travel planner info to them.
I've travelled extensively, 45-50 countries, and generally make all my arrangements myself. But since I've never done a safari and wasn't familiar with these countries, I went through a travel agency and am very glad I did. I always felt safe and all the details were handled. But even now, I would not tackle this on my own; a travel agency is a must -- there's just too many details/transfers and such to safely tackle on your own.
This was an unforgettable experience, and our group was delighted with Pembury, and Laurette!
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Email Ann Baldwin | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Six demanding customers (really) completely satisfied!
One couple had been to Africa several times and the other two were looking for the trip of a lifetime. Somehow, by what I referred to as "Melanie Magic", we all got what we wanted. An extensive knowledge of everything that is available, a high level of communication and a willingness to go that bit further, all while making it a collaborative effort, gave us that dreamed-of trip. The properties were wonderful with the small touches that make a trip seem so special. Not one arrangement went awry and the detailed documentation made it worry free. If you want to be spoiled while seeing all the animals and sights you cannot go wrong with Pembury Tours.
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Email Doug Cecil | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
6 stars out of 5 stars to Pembury Tours
I would give 6 stars to Pembury Tours if I could.
Our agent, Tammy, was clearly working behind the scenes throughout our trip to ensure that we were safe and well. No matter how small the issue, one quick email and it was resolved in a matter of minutes/hours. We felt as if she worked solely for us! She organized perfect accommodations and safari properties for us. It was obvious that she took everything we told her during our planning stages and applied it to her trip framework, allowing us to get everything we were hoping for out of our trip to Africa, and MORE!
At every turn, we were met by thoughtful guides, prompt transportation, and the kind of first-class service that we've never experienced, and now can't seem to live without. In Cape Town and Johannesburg, we loved being linked up with private tour guides, both native to South Africa. The guides gave us extraordinary overviews of the history and culture of South Africa and personal accounts of the ongoing struggles present today (water crisis, political and racial issues, etc.) When an excursion issue arose on our trip to Victoria Falls, we seemingly exhausted all avenues dealing with the local groups and agents. All it took was one phone call to Tammy and we received a refund from the cancelled excursion and booked on another. That trip, swimming the Angel/Devil’s Pool in Zambia, was a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience.
But ultimately, the safaris were the pinnacle of our experience. The food, drinks and accommodations (oh, the accomodations!!!!) were all extraordinary. Our safari guides at both Sabi and Muchenji will be legends in our lives forever, as they both clearly took pleasure in showing every animal they could imagine, from the elusive leopards and cheetahs in Kruger, to herds and herds of zebras, elephants, and giraffes in Chobe. From surprise champagne night drives and walking safaris, to riverboat lunches on the hippo banks and a private romantic evening dinner (rose petals and private butler included!!!), we will genuinely remember forever as a highlight of our lives.
We have travelled to 6 continents and over 100 countries; this was the most spectacular service and experience we’ve ever had, period. Thank You Pembury!
NL
Email Carolina | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Another amazing experience!
After our great visit to South Africa last year assisted by Pembury Tours, we didn’t waste time to check on our calendars in order to ask them to plan our second trip.
And let me tell you something, Heidi surpassed herself! When she organized our tour last year, she tailored an amazing itinerary, making sure that all our requirements and wishes were met and the result was fantastic.
This year, and noting that the trip was to celebrate my birthday and that we wanted an especific Safari programme, she went out to find the best options possible, even if our favorite Lodge was full.
Not only she managed a seamlessly itinerary, including suitable flight and transportation connections, but she found the way to accomodate our expectations, giving us another wonderful time in South Africa - including some thoughtful surprises along the way!
We are, once more, grateful to Pembury Tours and Heidi for the dedication and level of attention to our innumerable questions and for tailoring another holiday to remember.
Hopefully we will be able to count with them in our next vacation!
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Email Shelly Foland | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exceptional Trip Thanks to Gail at Pembury Tours
We went to Victoria Falls, Kruger, Cape Town and the Garden Route on this customized trip. Gail efficiently and enthusiastically helped us plan this trip to suit our needs. Sometimes we stayed at 4* resorts and other times we decided to splurge 5*. ( Can't say enough about Tanda Tula at Timbavati). This required a lot of back and forth planning and Gail was always on top of it and happy to help us create the trip of our lives as it pertained to our desires and tastes. All of the resorts we stayed at were incredible and the transfers were well organized and punctual.
One advantage to booking with Gail, that I did not anticipate, was her help when I broke my ankle at Victoria Falls! We were fortunately booked to fly to Nelspruit, ZA that day (surgery in Zamba - not an option!). Gail got us a personal transfer to the airport and found the best trauma hospital in Nelspruit and directions to get there when we arrived. We would have been lost without her! We ended up having to rearrange the trip a bit because I ended up needing surgery and was in the hospital for 3 nights. She was able to rearrange our stay at Tanda Tula for longer so I could go on safari drives where we got see the Big 5 and much more.
Afterwards, when we were in Cape Town and the Garden route she was able to find us hotels that had wheel chairs - which was necessary for us at that point because I couldn't put weight on the injured ankle. We had originally planned to just book B&B's on the Garden Route on our own as we went so it was above and beyond for Gail to help us out there. She also called the airlines when we had to fly ( some of the flights that I booked) to let them know we needed help getting on and off the plane ( small planes with steps). And to top it off - when we started the last leg of the trip at Port Elizabeth airport to head back home - Gail surprised us by bringing us a wheel chair in person when we drove in to return the car rental! That was awesome! It was so nice to meet her and she is as warm in person as she is in e-mails and over the phone.
The original trip that we planned with Gail was fantastic. On top of that, even though I'ms sure that no one plans to break an ankle on a trip, just know that you will get help from Pembury Tours if something unexpected does happen. Without Gail, we truly wouldn't have been able to salvage our trip.
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Email Bill | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Cape Town/Sabi Sands/Victoria Falls
We believe in using local travel agencies in the country we are visiting. We found Pembury Tours and worked with Laurette. We emailed frequently and occasionally Skyped when that was more efficient. She took our input, offered suggestions and options and we ultimately booked a two week vacation almost a year ago. Of course in that time things change. The hotel in Cape Town undertook renovations during our planned stay. Laurette notified us, suggested a different nearby hotel and we were very happy with our stay. The airline we had booked stopped flying our route on Friday's which was the day we were to leave so we had to leave the US on Thursday. We had two months notice and one email to Laurette got us into the hotel a day earlier. One other reason we book through an in country agent is that if we have any type of issue they are in the same time zone so issues can be addressed promptly. Happily we had no issues. Our itinerary went off without a hitch and we had a wonderful time in Africa. The internet, email and services like Skype have shrunk the world. Consider that Pembury tours offers excellent personal service and will be right near by if any issue arises while in South Africa. We are satisfied customers.
CA
Email Martine | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic safari booked by Pembury Tours!
This was my first time in South Africa and first safari. I was traveling alone, therefore needed good advice and planning. Laurette at Pembury Tours did a fabulous job providing me with a perfect itinerary. We communicated via emails several times and she patiently replied to all of my inquiries. She listened and respected my needs and most importantly respected my budget!!. The safari was an out of this world esperience; accomodations were fantastic, as were staff, rangers, trackers, food and locations. Transfers from airport and or lodges went smootly. Drivers super friendly and on time. I travel a lot and this trip is the most memorable one I got to do!! Thank you Laurette at Pembury Tours! I will most definitely contact you again for my next safari!
SG
Email Denise | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Dream Holiday in South Africa
We had 8 short days to see Cape Town, Johannesburg and go on Safari, but Heidi from Pembury Tours managed to customise 2 different tours for both of us to suit our needs. As our point of contact, Heidi was patient, resourceful, extremely professional and pleasant throughout. Even when we had an accommodation crisis, she handled the situation smoothly and we ended up with a better option. From airport transfers to private guided tours to 5-star accommodation to an unforgettable Safari at Sabi Sands, everything was arranged to great satisfaction. Thank you Heidi & Pembury Tours! I'd return to South Africa with Pembury in a heartbeat.
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Email Jay Schwartz | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a Lifetime
As a global traveler for business I was looking for what I call a "hands-off" three week trip to South Africa where I did not need to think about anything. Susan at Pembury Tours did an excellent job of putting together the trip of a lifetime. We toured Cape Town, down through Cape Point and then a few days in the wine country then back up to Livingston area to take in Victoria Falls where we enjoyed three fantastic nights at Tongabezi Luxury River Lodge enjoying the Tree House Bungalow. Then off to 3 additional safari camps each one wonderful and unique in its own way. Over our three week stay we took 10 in country South African Airways flights and 4 small plane flights. Everything worked perfectly with a person waiting to great my wife and I each time we stepped off a plane to personally guide us to the next flight or to our lodging. Have taken many personal trips in my 60 years of life but this one had much more logistics than any previous and it was perfect. I would highly recomend the expertise of Pembury Tours. THey did an excellent job for us!
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Email Elise | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Highest level of service and expertise - so good!
About 8 months out from my intended trip date, I started reaching out to tour operators/travel agents to help plan my South Africa/Zimbabwe 2-week vacation. I had requested quotes/suggested itineraries from several different ones, and none of them seemed to "get it", until Gail from Pembury responded (in record time!).
What I so appreciated about working with Gail was her ability to listen to what we were looking for in a trip and pull it all together, within a more-than-reasonable price tag. I believe Gail booked us rates better than rack rates available to the general public. I also think Pembury being local in SA helps.
Some standouts points of service:
1. Gail's suggestions. For our safari, we stayed at Motswari Lodge in Timbavati. If you aren't sure where/what game reserve to visit, check out Motswari. It is the only one I want to go to for now on.
2. Responsiveness. One hotel booked (for just a single night on the way to the airport) did not live up to our expectations and we had some service issues at the hotel. I emailed and called Gail quite frantic, after work hours, and she responded extremely quickly and had squared the issues away with the hotel. And, in the months leading up to our trip, I received responses back in hours - even when the time difference meant it was very late or early in SA.
3. Price. As I said before, I can't believe how cheap our entire trip was, with domestic airfare, hotels, and airport transfers included.
If you're looking for someone to plan your trip, look no further. I know I'll be emailing Pembury again soon for another visit!