John Cooper (Coop) owner of African Adventures
African Adventures Safari Company
- Located In:
-
Australia
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2006)
- Tour Types:
- Customizable private tours and fixed group tours
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $206 to $950 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email John R | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
A life-changing experience
Having read books on Africa and heard the stories for over 60 years, finally I had the chance to experience it. Absolutely fantastic - the people, the animals , the landscapes and all bought together in a compact form by John Cooper and African Adventures. A series of emails prior to the trip help set the scene and make sure we were prepared for the excitment to come.
My trip was just two weeks and started in Harare, Zimbabwe travelling to Great Zimbabwe, Matobo Hills, Hwange National Park, Victoria Falls and finally Chobe River in Botswana. The adventure started slowly allowing participants to feel the atmosphere - then the tempo increased -the animals got bigger -more dangerous - as we were able walk among elephants, rhino, and also view from bunkers as they visited the water hole. Vic Falls was a welcome break and allowed a few days shopping interspersed with helicopter flights over the falls and sunset cruises on the Zambezi.
Finally the tour reached its' climax -Chobe River and floating amongst the animals in the Pangolin Safari photographic boats. This is certainly not the cheapest safari but the money is well spent in getting to the best spots and having the flexibility of a small group tour. John was most attentive and ensured each persons needs were taken into account with his planning and tour delivery.
I am looking forward to going back
Email Sue Johnston | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An unforgettable African photographic safari adventure
My sister and I had the good fortune to go on a photographic safari in 2016 with African Adventures Safari Company, led John Cooper, through John Ralph’s Camera House at Erina, NSW. We had an amazing safari. This was my second trip to Africa and John Cooper’s intimate knowledge of all things African – history, geography, wildlife, politics (as well as border-crossing protocol!) – added to our appreciation of all the regions we visited, from Cape Town up through Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. John always went out of his way to ensure his guests were happy, comfortable and safe; he accommodated his guests’ requests with grace (especially those like me with not-so-normal dietary requirements); and his good humour was an added bonus. We travelled with like-minded companions and had lots of laughs along the way. One of the best aspects of the trip was that we weren’t rushed (no 5 am starts!) and we had plenty of time to explore. Apart from the Big 5 and usual African safari wildlife, we had the good fortune to encounter wild dogs, a pangolin and an aardwolf, and I finally achieved my goal of capturing wonderful images of elephants and hippos against the African sunset. The lodges were clean and comfortable, and the meals excellent, but it would be hard to beat The Fort at Onguma, bordering on Etosha National Park, for an amazing luxury safari experience. I would definitely recommend AASC for an unforgettable African safari.
Email Jess McCombe | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Tour to Rwanda!
We were lucky enough to travel to Rwanda in March 2017 to visit the amazing Mountain Gorillas. We used the services of African Adventures Safari Company to assist us in booking our trip and we had a very positive experience. Both Scotney and John were fantastic at responding to emails, and providing a variety of different options for our trip. They were able to utilise their contacts on the ground in Africa to provide us with a brilliant, tailored itinerary for our trip. From the moment we arrived in Kigali to the moment we departed, we were totally looked after. The pricing was very reasonable, particularly as our tour was private, and almost everything was included (minus a couple of meals and tipping, which was easily handled from our end).
They answered any questions we had, even when they weren't necessarily to do with our tour (eg. flights, visa queries etc..)
John and Scotney were very friendly and easy to deal with and their experience when it comes to travel in Africa is clear - we now have the bug and look forward to experiencing more of Africa with you!
Email Kelly | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Once in a lifetime holiday!
John had been recommended to me by friends that had been on safari with him. The places we went to & the people & animals we seen was unforgettable! Truly one of the best holidays I have ever been on & I will defiantly be returning one day very soon..... thanks for the memories John
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Email Karen | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The "adventure"of a lifetime
This first trip to Africa was a trip I took as a gift to myself for my birthday . The trip was something I have wanted to do for as long as I can remember. My family came with me, ( my daughter and her boyfriend and my son). John had 2 women, a mother and daughter who also joined our tour. They were such great company and really added to our enjoyment.
I knew I had wanted to use John for the trip. My friends used him, they are very well traveled and only had very good things to say about John.
From my very first contact with him our relationship became very easy and confrontable. John kept in contact with me throughout the planing process. For me that was almost a year. John was always cheerful, helpful, conscious of our aloted time for the trip, desires of what we wanted to do, the "must" things we felt were things we had to do, all the while being conscious of our budget. He planned out the most amazing adventure with such beautiful lodges( some of which he was able to get upgraded for us). He sent out frequent information so we had no surprises about what to expect when we arrived in Africa. We were so well prepared for the trip.
When we arrived John was sure we were greated and well cared for. All of the places we stayed and all the guides we used were know personally to John, making our experiences very special. We formed close relationships with our guides who were entrusted with our safety as well as being our link between the wildlife we saw and learned about. We experenced Africa in ways that were wonderfully overwhelming to us. It was/is an experience that is very hard to articulate about. So special . The best thing I could say about the tour, John himself, as well as our experience, is that we will return and would only use John's company. When visiting a foreign land and venturing into the wild, you want to know who you can depend on personally, John and African Adventures Safari Company is that touring company.
Amazing, trip of a lifetime, left me wanting more
I have recently got back from one of John Cooper's photographic safaris. Wow, what an amazing time I had. We only had a small group which is a bonus on such a trip because everyone is trying to get the same vantage point. While on safari drives we were also able to split our group into two which gave us even better photographic opportunities. The accommodation and food were all great and we were able to see 4 of the big 5. We tried hard to see leopards but they just didn't want to be found. John was the ideal guide and knows a lot about the history of Africa and all the places we visited and knew where to take advantage of the best photographic opportunities. I am missing the animals and the entire Africa Adventure and am already saving for my next trip. I can highly recommend John and his African Adventures Safari Company.
Email Howard Grant | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Water, Wilderness and Wildlife Safari through Zimbabwe and South Africa visiting heritage sites
John Cooper, the owner operator of African Adventure Safaris prepared an amazing itinerary for our group of six to some different places not generally on the tourist trail but most certainly worthy of a visit. We flew into Harare, Zimbabwe via Johannesburg from Sydney and spent two days recovering from the flight at Wild Geese Lodge. During this time we were able to grasp some of the economic hardship that is Zim at present, yet the spirit of the people we met was one of supreme optimism.
We travelled by road to Lake Kariba and stayed in the new Kariba Safari Lodge. A wonderful place with private amenities, delicious food and friendly staff. Three days on a houseboat allowed us to explore some of the lake which is over 200 kilometres long. The houseboat provided queen bed, A/C and ensuite for each of our party and the off shore excursions allowed us to get close to Hippos, Crocs, Elephants and other wildlife.
We flew in a charter aircraft to Mana Pools Lodge on the Zambezi River. Here Elephants would stroll through the grounds, Hyenas could be heard at night and we met a herd of Elan that actually posed for our photographs rather than run away as they usually do. Waterbuck, Baboon, Buffalo, Crocodile, Kudu and a variety of birds completed the African Cocktail.
A trip to Southern African would not be complete without a visit to Victoria Falls. The Kingdom Hotel is so centrally located and was our base for two nights after we had flown from Mana Pools. There is so much to do in Vic Falls one really needs two full days at least. We chose to Walk with Lions, a Helicopter flight and a walk through Victoria Falls National Park to view the amazing volume of water that the Zambezi River dumps into the gorge. Any spare time was easily consumed shopping in the various markets and stalls.
Hwange National Park, 14,500 square kilometres of untouched countryside is an ideal environment for Elephants, Lions, Giraffe, Wildebeest, Hippo, and Buffalo. We were so fortunate to stay at Bomani Tented Lodge and were taken to the site on a purpose built small train designed specifically for this trip. The "Elephant Express" is a unique experience as is "The Hide" inside the park. The "Elephant Express" crew seemed excited as we pulled up short of our accommodation. We were "detrained" and taken to view the first sighting of a Lioness with 3 week old cubs. Whereas the is such a range of animals in Africa, lions still hold a special place in one's experiences so to view this mother, her cubs and other pride animals on our first day was amazing. Shepherd our driver guide was so attuned to the animals and their surroundings. A nature walk was a special experience and then being in "The Hide" when several herds came down to drink at the waterhole was unforgettable. Virtually standing under Elephants only 7 metres away watching their interactions with one another was special. Having seen a range of animals we were still up for a close encounter with a Lion and on our last morning we located a Jackal that did not run away. Closer inspection lead us to a Lion who had killed a Buffalo the previous night and he was content to guard his kill and ignore us when we were only metres away. Some great photo opportunities.
Amalinda Lodge in the Matopos Hills was our next location. A stunning landscape, supposedly home to Leopards and where we met Ian Harmer a "Rhino Whisperer" who took us for close encounters with endangered White Rhinos.
Our last safari stop was at Camp Shawu in Kruger National Park for three nights and John had "saved the best till last". Here we were able to view ALL of the BIG 5. Whilst Lions are pretty cool, seeing a Leopard is REALLY special. Our game drive that afternoon allowed us to view not one Leopard but two in different areas. Plus earlier that same day we viewed Wild Dog which we had not seen anywhere else.
This was our SECOND trip with John Cooper from African Adventure Safari Company: www.africanadventures.com.au
We were delighted we travelled with John again. Our first experience 5 years ago was great, this time was even better. FIVE STAR!
Email alan e | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Outstanding, exciting, safe, unforgettable - and value for money
I was fortunate to share an African wilderness adventure with John Cooper ('Coop') in 2018. The adventures/wildlife in South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe were amazing, one of many highlights being sightings (and photographing) The Big Five. Accommodation and meals, even in remote areas, was outstanding. Another highlight was a unique rail journey on The Elephant Express...amazing! 'Coop' provided an informative, interesting and entertaining commentary on Africa in general, and the wildlife in particular. His passion for the country is evident. Another highlight was meeting famed rhino protector Ian Harmer, and getting up close and personal with three white rhinos in their natural habitat. 'Coop' was with our group throughout the tour, giving advice on where and where not to go, side trips such as helicopter flights over Victoria Falls and walking with the lions, and how and where to buy genuine African souvenirs. Nothing was too much trouble for him, and it was certainly value for money. I am going to put together another African adventure, probably in July 2022 or '23, so I can get that experience again. I will be writing to 'Coop' to put together his 'best of Africa' tour for a limited group.
Email Rebecca Beardmore | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Coop (John Cooper) is an enthusiastic, warm, friendly tour operator with a 'can-do' attitude!
Hands down the most incredible holiday of my life. If you are wavering about doing a safari for any reason- DON'T! This is a MUST DO! You won't regret it and John Cooper will ensure you don't have to worry about anything other than "What time do you want me here in the morning"! Our trip was planned in honour of my dad's 80th birthday so our party of 17 ranged in age from 5 to well... almost 80! Our 28 day safari was superbly planned to include ample diversity and interests- locations, accommodation, animals, travel options, food. With every new site I thought it couldn't get any better and I was proved wrong at every turn. It was sensational: Safe enough for the littlies' and with enough thrills to keep the teenagers engaged. Whatever your particular interests, Coop will provide. And if you just want to leave your adventure in safe hands and not get involved in the planning at all, then you'll be sure to have a grand time anyway! Loved it, loved it, loved it!
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Email Trevor Carter | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
John (Coop) not only brings local knowledge and expertise, he adds a lot of fun to the tour
My young family and I had always wanted to travel to Africa but were daunted by the exercise of planning and choosing the right places to visit, stay, etc. John made the whole trip so simple and enjoyable for us. I am sure the trip would have ben nowhere as fulfilling if we had not had him guiding us every step of the way.
Coop has clearly built long lasting relationships and friendships across Africa, which become of great benefit to you, when you travel with him. We were welcomed like old friends every place we went.
We have travelled the globe extensively, however traveling to Africa is one of the most unique experiences you will ever have. I highly recommend it but it is not your standard holiday. I strongly suggest you enlist the support of someone like Coop to make the experience as amazing as it can be.