Mike (owner) on a walking safari in Tsavo, Kenya.
Safari & Company
- Located In:
-
Canada
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2003)
- Member Of:
- ACTA, TICO & SPA
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $300 to $1,200 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
CA
A truly wonderful, unique and personal experience.
Safari & Co was invaluable in planning our first safari trip to Africa. Mike Haines' knowledge and extensive experience in Africa translated into an amazing trip that exceeding our expectations. We wanted a very personalized trip that would provide as much variety as possible within our timeframe. Mike worked out a perfect itinerary that accomplished much more than we had hoped for. Everything ran perfectly from start to finish. The accommodations, guides, drivers were all excellent and every detail was handled seamlessly. We started in Kenya, travelled through Tanzania (Manyara/Ngorongoro/Selous River area) finishing off in Zanzibar. Our personal guides were very professional, extremely knowledgeable and they made sure our excursions were not only interesting but fun. Experiencing the wildlife in a natural habitat was only one part of this amazing trip. We learned so much about the countries and the people as well. Definitely left us wanting more, thanks to the fabulous planning by Safari & Co.
CA
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Safari and co provided the perfect framework for an outstanding holiday.
As a woman travelling alone to Africa, I needed to know that the details of the trip were taken care of so I called Mike at Safari and Co and he came through with flying colours. My vacation to Zambia (Norman Carr Safaris) Botswana (Pangolin Photo Safaris) and Zimbabwe was a trip of a lifetime with not a hitch, not a problem and this I owe to Mike. Given his knowledge and contacts he was able to stitch together my itinerary using reputable guides and transportation companies. From the moment I landed in Lusaka to the sad moment I left Kasane on my way home, everything was seamless. Without a doubt, Mike will be handling the next trip to Africa....and the one after that.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful - Everything was impeccable!
Our first trip to Africa held great excitement and anticipation for us. We love travel and had expected that Africa would be wonderful and once done we would happily move on to explore different parts of the world. What we never expected was that Africa would become a passion! The fact that we are looking forward to our 3rd trip in a few months is a testament to the wonders of Africa and the exceptional work of our travel specialist – Michael Haines. Had it not been for Michael Haines’ advice, we would certainly have followed the standard tours – had an acceptable experience and never returned. Thankfully, with his counsel, we opted for a more’ authentic’ experience and have never looked back. Our experiences have included Capetown’s coastline, South Africa’s world famous vineyards, the breathtaking unspoiled beauty of Botswana, Rwanda with its remarkable mountain gorillas, the magnificence of Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River and the wide open plains of Kenya.
We are value conscious travelers and Michael helped us decide where we would get the greatest value for our money – and he was right every time. We have been very, very pleased with the locations and accommodation each time. The companies Michael collaborates with are professional and have always taken outstanding care of us – whether on simple transfers or more complicated arrangements. We have never left a location feeling that we wished we had not gone or even had wished we had stayed longer (or not as long).
Finally, and perhaps just as important as our personal experiences, we have recommended Michael Haines to many of our friends in Canada and the USA. Michael Haines has organized brilliant trips for our friends – who have become mesmerized by Africa as well! This just does not happen by accident. Well designed, well organized and well executed travel looks easy but it’s not! Michael makes it look easy, makes it feels effortless and wondrous - that could not happen were it not for his expert level knowledge of the country, his commitment to his clients and his passion for introducing the wonders of Africa to others!
The Best Of Many Safari Experiences
In June 2014 myself and my husband booked a Safari holiday in Zambia through Mike Haines of Safari & Company. We are so pleased we made this decision as it turned out to be our best Safari of all time! Our communications with Safari & Company were dealt with promptly and efficiently. All our travel arrangements were faultless from the initial contact with Mike to discuss our ideas for a safari in Zambia, to booking accommodation, meet and greet at various airports, a special diet request and recommended clothing to take. Mike took a lot of trouble to match our various ideas and requests to a Safari itinerary that would best suit us. We stayed at three bush camps in South Luangwa, Chinzombo initially for a couple of nights luxury to acclimatize and then on to two smaller Norman Carr bush camps, Mchenja and Nsolo. All three camps were great, we were really well looked after, we had the safari vehicles to ourselves and the guides and game sightings were amazing. We then flew to Lower Zambezi and stayed at Chiawa camp, another fabulous place to stay, with options for river activities alongside game drives and walks. Mike has previously lived and worked as a guide in Africa and his depth of knowledge is second to none, his love of Africa is infectious!
CA
Email Barry Burtis | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Safari & Company facilitates a return visit to the amazing people and animals of Africa.
We have been thrilled with previous safaris in South Africa, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia and Botswana. This time it was to be a visit to Zambia and Zimbabwe. Safari and Co helped with the planning and preparation of the trip and organized the logistics to allow 3 other couples to join us in our African adventure. With careful, thoughtful planning, clear and complete communication regarding the travel details and most memorable safari locations and accommodations themselves, Safari & Co made our African experience a pleasure from start to finish.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
First African Safari .... Absolutely Wonderful
Once the decision was made to do this grand African Safari it was with the understanding that this may be the one and only Safari therefore it had to be great and by way of custom itinerary. After much searching Mike Haines of Safari & Co. was referred via a friend of a friend. Mike sat down with us, listened to our desires and concerns, gave his views and came up with a preliminary itinerary which ended up being the final version after a few minor tweaks. Based on the time of year and our desires it was suggested the countries to visit should be Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda. The Rwandan inclusion was a personal must for the gorilla trekking experience. The itinerary was action packed with THE most beautiful lodges and locations and couldn't have been more perfect. The custom itinerary was truly the best way to go and ultimately, cost wise by no means the cheapest, but certainly the most effective for our needs. During the actual travels there were a couple of times when things came into question but in forging onwards the reasons for all became clear. During the planning stages Mike explained each lodge/location, the reasons for the suggestions and when 1 particular location was mentioned by us Mike gave a negative facial expression. When asked why the facial expression Mike was very honest in his answer and when we did see the location during our journey we remembered that expression, understood why and nodded in agreement.
As this was the 1st time on the African continent and not knowing what to expect there was much trepidation about the whole trip however everything, guides/drivers/transfers, ran so smoothly. All of this pays tribute to the fact that Mike is obviously well versed in his field, well connected with the required tour operators in Africa and understands his client's needs and desires.
Just as an aside....upon first meeting Mike we immediately liked and felt comfortable with him especially after he explained that he was a TICO member which helped to raise the comfort & confidence levels further.
Safari & Co was the right choice. If the future holds a 2nd African Safari Mike will be the 1st call.
CA
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Flawless.
Extremely smooth experience. No issues when switching between camps and guides, fantastic service, food and amenities throughout. Highlight, of course, was the wildlife; plentiful and easy to observe, incredible to witness their natural behaviors in person. Highly recommended for families.
DE
Email Petra | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent Botswana's Green Season Highlights
We spent 8 nights in Botswana on a fly-in-safari visiting various camps at different locations. Each of the 3 camps was just wonderful with very attentive staff, great activities and the locations, including games, accommodation, food, etc. were just great.
Everything from start to finish was very well organised and we always felt well locked after.
Thanks for that
CA
Email S&S, C&R, J&S | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
All Expectations Surpassed in Tanzania!
Just recently returned from the trip of a lifetime! We traveled as an extended family of 6, two in our 50's and four in their 20's. All expectations were surpassed! The four tented camps were extremely comfortable, food outstandingly delicious and plentiful, guides were prompt, polite, engaging, and amazingly knowledgeable. We can't thank Safari and Co. enough for organizing an experience we will treasure forever.
US
Email Paul | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Jurassic Park... 2015
Michael Haines is a hands on safari specialist. His knowledge of Africa (Botswana in our case) along with our desire for a vacation of a lifetime, made this safari a trip to remember. From our desire to see the animals on the plains to the delta, Michael planned the perfect 8 day/3 camp excursion. While there are no guarantees on animal sightings, the expectations were far exceeded in the camps Michael recommended and the hospitality and services provided from accommodations, to food/beverage. Look no further when booking your safari of a lifetime, as every detail and request is met by Michael with years of experience in making your vacation a dream come true.