Marianne Birrell, founder of MB Safaris.
Marianne Birrell Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2001)
- Tour Types:
- Custom luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $400 to $1,000 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Outstanding Experience Start to Finish
Marianne Birrell Safaris was recommended to us by a friend who is a travel agent. I had already contacted several potential tour companies online and been a bit frustrated by the communications and offerings, but Marianne was a breath of fresh air: efficient, responsive, always pleasant. She was respectful of our budget, offered us a variety of great options and was supportive of any independent arrangements we also made. She sent us to wonderful B&Bs, arranged a rental car, recommended road trip routes and sites to visit, gave us very important advice about travelling in South Africa, and, based on the time of year and weather, booked us into the Kariega Game Reserve, which proved to be a fantastic experience. All of the arrangements went perfectly. Marianne also made herself available at any time while we were in South Africa in the event we needed any assistance or advice. She kindly offered to meet us for a coffee and is delightful. All around a terrific travel experience.
50-65 years of age
Brilliantly organised and great value for money
We contacted Marianne to organise a safari for a group of 4 in Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls) and Botswana (the Chobe and Okavango). In the Okavango we wanted to visit a number of camps ranging from budget to fairly luxurious. The itinerary required numerous transfers by road and air and Marianne saved us a considerable amount by sourcing a flight to Livingstone (from Johannesburg) rather than flying direct to Victoria Falls. Our flights within Botswana included small fixed-wing aircraft and helicopter which was a wonderful experience. Accomodation ranged from B&B in Vic Falls, luxury tented accomodation in the Chobe and the budget option in the Okavango (very comfortable huts elevated over the edge of the swamp with private bathroom). Marianne even managed to upgrade us to a super luxury camp when our original booking in a bush camp fell through due to flooding. We had wonderful safari outings in vehicles and on the water (in traditional mokoro canoes and motor boats) and saw heaps of wildlife. Marianne went to great trouble to meet our needs and to ensure that our dream holiday was realised. We would definitely use her again!
US
Email Sue Spencer, United State | Experience level: over 5 safaris
There's no one better to set up your safari for you.
I've been on safari 17 times, visiting S. Africa the majority of those trips. I was fortunate to meet Marianne and her husband at lunch at one of the reserves I had been to many times. Since then she has set up several safaris for me in whole or in part and answered questions to the point where I sign off as "The Pest. " I'm normally reluctant to recommend anyone for anything , but with Marianne I don't hesitate a nanosecond before giving her name and email. Just referred a wonderful client and Marianne set up a safari for seven which they absolutely loved. Hope to go again in the future and there's only one person that will be handling my trip. I've dealt with the "big" operators and they can't compare as far as knowledge, working with you and response time. She started as my travel agent and I now consider her a friend, as well.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Having been to Capetown in 2009 and doing an overnight safari, we were hooked!!!
After some research we contacted Marianne and from the start of our return to Capetown and flights to Port Elizabeth, pick up to our safari destination it was perfect from start to finish and this was all due to Marianne and her recommendations. First class service - just sad when it ended and we had to return to Glasgow. Anyone looking for that bit of extra personal service cannot go wrong with Marianne. We wish her all the best an hope to use her again.
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
marianne birrell delivers safaries beyond expectations
For the best of african wildlife, marianne suprises us and our family, time and again with the most exciting accomodation, and experienced rangers who will give us a real taste of Africa.
All with constant communication and within budget, we will recommend her to all our friends
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
absolutely wonderful, helpful, clear communication, on budget and way beyond expectation!
We wanted to see South Africa at its best at a reasonable budget. Marianne was all we needed. She found us B&B's that were so much more special than any hotel can be. They were all clean, wonderfully located and with great hosts. Marianne advised us that we could better safe budget on accomodation around Capetown and use it for a bit more expensive safari, that was such a was a great idea, because we had an amazing safari as well as wonderful accomocations! If we ever have time to go to SA again we would immediately contact Marianne again!!