Bianca & Craig your expert safari planner/guides
Southern African Tours
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2008)
- Member Of:
- SATSA, CTT & intrasure
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $79 to $129 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
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Email Susan | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic Southern African Tour with Patrick and Craig exceeded my expectations
Our tour (which included Johannesburg, Soweto, Pretoria, Cape Town, Swaziland, Kruger National Park and Zimbabwe, and finally Egypt) was the tops, with thoughtful, caring guides, comfortable places to stay, exciting views of wildlife and in-depth information about what we were seeing. Throughout the tour I felt well-cared for by attentive yet not over-bearing guides, who enjoyed sharing their knowledge and pride in their country with us. The accommodations were thoughtfully chosen to give us a range of settings and styles, and we enjoyed the opportunity to stay in guest houses as well as interesting hotels. The actual safari itself, viewing animals in Kruger National Park, was the least anticipated part of the trip to me, but I was pleasantly surprised at how knowledgeable the guides were and how conscientious they were about helping us view and appreciate the animals. It was definitely better than just visiting a zoo! The real star of the tour was actually the country itself. South Africa seems filled with variety and vitality, with the different peoples who live there appreciative of the uniqueness of their lives and their history. In short, the tour with Craig and Patrick from Southern Africa Tours whetted my appetite and curiosity about South Africa and I look forward to another visit sometime to see more interesting people and places.
TH
Email Cate and Jonathan | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An unforgettable 14 day Best of South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho (Craigs Fav)
Communication was quick and effective.
We experienced everything we wished for. A fantastic Guide, nothing was too much effort, outstanding knowledge and great food.
The Drakensberg mountains was our favorite highlight of the tour and we loved the Kruger Park.
I would highly recommend Southern African Tours, for their skill and expertise.
We will definately book our next holiday with them.
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Email Mike | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Experience on our first Africa trip
My wife and I booked a three week tour with Craig and had a great time. The itinerary was excellent as we enjoyed Joberg, Blyde River Canyon, Kruger National Park, St. Lucia Wetlands, Swaziland, Drakenberg area, Capetown and its surrounds as well as an add-on to Vic Falls and Chobe Game Reserve to the North. Craig designed the itinerary to meet our desires (lots of wildlife and outdoor activities mixed in with a sampling of the Capetown area without spending too much time shopping or in city centers). Because of the personal nature of the tour with Craig driving us almost everywhere, we saw the country through the eyes of a native South African and without the cumbersome nature of a larger group tour.
We were allowed to choose the general quality of the lodging (midrange) and we're pleased with the accommodations at every stop. Craig was always willing to do more. We were the ones who had to say that we were ready to rest up and relax a while.
We saw almost every type of animal you can think of, including all the big cats. Tasted wine in the Stellenbosch area, climbed Table Mountain, viewed more beautiful scenery than we could imagine and met lots of truly nice South African people.
Craig's company is relatively new but he is bonded and enthusiastic about his subject matter. As he is the owner, I imagine at some point very soon he will have to use other guides to cover the areas outside of Capetown but he seems like the kind of guy who will monitor the quality carefully and see to it that you get the experience you want. I actually think it might be better to have more than one guide so you can get diverse outlooks and information.
We were amazed by our first trip to Africa and appreciate Southern African Tours' role in putting everything together.
Wonderful Trip to South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana with Southern African Tours
I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana. Craig and Catherine from Southern African Tours were very professional, caring and organised a great trip for my friend and me to this area. We were met at the airport by their professional and personable representative, Graham who accompanied us during our time in South Africa. Highlights of this trip were the many game drives to see quite a variety of animal life - zebras, lions, giraffes, elephants, hippos, rhinos, baboons, crocs, impalas, wild dogs and so many different species of birds. Many more animals were observed, too numerous to mention at this time.
I was very pleased with my trip organized by Southern African Tours and heartily recommend them for their caring and commitment to ensure a carefree and pleasurable tour.
CA
Email Sheryl | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Terrific Garden Route Tour with added extras
My son and I recently took the Garden route tour with Craig...he was great!..He added a 6th day to the tour to accommodate us as we wanted a surfing lesson for my son...all was taken care of. The accommodation provided for the whole trip was well above my expectations!!..well done Craig!...the food was excellent as well. Craig was more than willing to adjust the route to our liking....spending more time in some places and cutting out places we were not so interested in. The Safari tour was magnificent!...We saw all the animals except for the elusive leopard...got some great pictures to share with our envious friends. The Cango Caves adventure tour was well worth it!...try it if you can fit through the openings!!... If you are looking for a great trip..look no further...this trip hits all the hi-lights!...We would recommend this company to anyone who is interested seeing a part of this great country...a very scenic part!..From ocean drives to mountains to semi desert..you will see it all...thanks so much Craig...we had a fantastic time!
FR
Email Daniel | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
An exciting and wonderful 3 weeks trip.
During 3 weeks Craig does like to share his passion for his country.
With him we were able to wander off the beaten track.
Of course we visit the main sites of SA. We met the locals.
He can show us animals, vegetal...he has a good grounding in natural sciences.
The trip was very well done and Craig waits on us hand and foot.
The choices of accommodation were judicious.
We can heartily recommend this kind and enthusiast guide.
Email Peter Jones | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Nothing better than hosting overseas friends and loving the SA experience as much as them!
I was not sure what to do with my old school friend and his wife from London, as they wanted to spent time with me as well as experience the beauty of SA. Why do I not go on a trip with them - will I be bored? Well, I should never have worried - we opted for Southern Africa Tours 15 day trip - and what an experience - I never knew that there were live Hippo's wondering the streets of St Lucia! Where else in the world can one see the big 5 and go snorkeling on the same day - Isimangeliso Wetland Park is a must for all travelers (and South Africans). I had been to Kruger before, but one day is never the same, and it is even more special when you get to share the magnificent park with close friends - it makes us proud to be South African. Our guide, Craig, was witty and regaled us with endless interesting stories during our 2 weeks - a true Tour Guide that seemed to love his "job".
FR
Email Lilli Stromsted | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
well planned 3 week circuit
We were 2 couples, who wanted to explore South Africa and from our search we found Southern African Tours to be the most comprehensive and the owner, Craig Lucke to be very helpful in changing the little bit we wished to change.
Craig is an excellent guide; he loves his country, which clearly shows in his way of guiding.
He is enthusiastic, knowledgeable and a very pleasant person to be with, which is so important, when you share a car for 21 days.
He went above and beyond, what was expected from the programme, added extra without expecting extra payment and also gave the four of us time alone, when possible.
We stayed in lovely guesthouses and game lodges around the country and thoroughly enjoyed our tour.
We can heartily recommend Craig and Southern African Tours.
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Email Nancy | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A fantastic three-day private tour tailored to our interests
The 3-day tour of the Southern Cape, Agulhas, Safari & Little Karoo was as billed: a wonderful drive along the spectacular southern coast visiting a penguin colony, and viewing many bird species and animals. A stop at Cape Agulhas, southern tip of the continent and stay over at an austere but clean beach house. Day 2 we traveled through historic towns, stopped at the aloe factory and had brunch at the perfect Blue Crane. We went to Botlierskop for a “big 5” safari. The drive covered a huge, gorgeous landscape with a good guide but very few animals. After the safari we continue to the town of Oudtshoorn (via the Robertson’s pass), which is the capital of the Little Karoo, renowned for its spectacular arid landscapes, fossil finds, succulent desert plants and had dinner (ostrich carpaccio, figs and fresh farm cheeses!) and stayed at the incomparable De Denne Country Guest House near the Highgate Ostrich farm. Our guide Derek Keeling was terrifically knowledgeable and flexible, allowing us to skip the caves and tour the ostrich farm, and explore the towns the Route 62 wine route between two mountain ranges on day 3, completing our 800 mile round-trip that started and ended in Cape Town. I would do it all again in a heartbeat!
CH
Email Nicole | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Outstanding service with a lot of heart and passion
My partner and I really enjoyed our 15-Day South Africa Tour including Swaziland and Lesotho and we want to thank you very much indeed for everything you did to help us have such an incredible time. All the arrangements with flights, accommodations, excursions – everything went so smoothly with your tour. We also loved your company and we fondly remember all the interesting explanations and conversations but also the quiet moments which gave us time to digest the wonderful impressions. Your willingness to answer all our questions in depth and sharing a special part of yourself made this journey very special to us.
Choosing you was a wise decision as we were able to adjust our itinerary along the way according to our interests and needs. We very much appreciated all your professional help and support in making our trip an experience of a lifetime.
Thanks to you we learned a lot about South Africa, its cultures and customs and the country’s past and future. Hearing the stories of people and their lives and visiting some of the most breathtaking places was fantastic!
Now looking at all the photos fulfils us with a great deal of happiness and joy.
Thank you very much once again for this truly memorable adventure, Craig ! You were amazing and we just loved your own personal touch! We would recommend you wholeheartedly to anyone who is planning to visit South Africa.
Hopefully we will get more people from Switzerland to travel to South Africa with YOU. We hope to see you again in the near future.