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 Bryan and Joan | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
The best 60th Birthday trip ever!!
In September, 2016, my wife Joan and I embarked on a bespoke Safari trip to Zimbabwe and Botswana organised and accompanied by John Cooper, Owner and managing Director of the African Adventure Safari Company. After months of research, emails and discussions with John, who remained extremely patient during the whole process, my wife finally confirmed the venues that we wanted to visit and John completed the rest of the planning process, leaving us only flights to book from and back to Perth Australia to Zimbabwe (Bulawayo) and from Botswana (Maun).
John proved to be a rather remarkable guide and travelling companion and we became good friends during the trip. He “sold” our safari to another Australian couple, Karen and Julius from Gosford NSW, who joined us on the trip, in order to keep costs down. They were really lovely and their company really made our holiday something special.
Our trip started with a flight to Johannesburg and then onto Bulawayo where we were met off the plane by John, who had previously picked up Karen and Julius a day earlier in South Africa. At this stage I informed John of my heart problem and from then on nothing, and I mean nothing, was too much trouble for him. I could not have been in better hands! So we started the trip proper with a lovely lunch at the Bulawayo Club that was followed by a few hour’s drive to our first stop, the Big Cave Camp in the Matabo Hills region for 2 nights. From there we drove to a railway station a few hour’s away to catch the Elephant Express to Bomani Camp in the Hwange Game Reserve for 3 nights, leaving by the same means to move onto the Lokathula Lodge in Victoria Falls for 3 nights. From Vic Falls we drove into Botswana to visit the Chobe Game Reserve on the Chobe River for 3 nights, then flew from Kasane to a bush landing strip on the Okovango Delta for a drive to our final destination, Kana Kara Camp for 3 nights. Departing Kana Kara by light plane for Maun, then onto Johannesburg and back to Perth WA, completed the return trip.
John is a really nice guy, garrulous and informed with a great repertoire of stories and jokes! He is very knowledgeable about all things African and calmly negotiated our way through various police checks, roadblocks and customs border crossings with his easy going friendly manner. He also had a great network of contacts at the various lodges and camps and was clearly a well-respected tour operator. We would unequivocally recommend John and his company to anyone wishing to experience a Southern African safari. We intend to return at some stage in the near future and will be using John once again as our guide.
In conclusion, Joan and I differ in our thoughts as to what was the best venue on the trip, Bomani in Hwange or Kana Kara in the Okavango. It is so hard to choose between them. For me the addition of lots of water at Kana Kara and the Lions made it special. For Joan the variety of game and the proximity of the lodge waterhole and all that it brought, as well as the quality of the food and accommodation tilted the balance in favour of Bomani. Needless to say we would return to both tomorrow!!!!
FYI, we thought Chobe came in third and well worth doing, followed by Big Cave (interesting and worth doing for the Rhinos) and then Vic Falls, where two nights would have been sufficient.
John, thanks again for a great time and a fantastic trip. You are a legend, man! Always happy to be contacted by prospective clients.
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.
Email Jenifer Roth-Magar | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exciting and action packed,John Cooper what a amazing holiday could not fault anything.
The service at each park we stayed in was such high quality,the food the staff and the accommodations were the best I have ever been in.
Johns knowledge in Africa was outstanding,we were in Zimbabwe,Botswana and Nabia and I can't wait to do it all again with African Adventures Safari Company.
Email Sonia and gordon muir | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Living an African dream with jovial John the expert tour guide with flair and knowledge!
An African trip of a life time - exceeded expectations
We travelled with John Cooper's African adventures in May 2017 for a three week fully escorted safari through Namibia and Zimbabwe.
Both countries delivered amazing opportunities to experience Africa and exceeded our expectations.
We are not usually tour people but truly John's tours are so professionally run, customised to meet time constraints, specific needs and budgets. He provides excellent briefing newsletters and always answers question so you are well prepared before you take off.
Our tour was intimate with only four other people two of whom had travelled to Africa with John before (I think this is a resounding endorsement for his tours).
We often felt less like tourists but more like a group of friends traveling together.
John takes care of just about everything, has insider knowledge and so much is included there were no hidden surprises only extra options if you wanted.
The accommodation he sourced provided us with a range of experiences including some mind blowing luxury.
We had the most amazing time. John knows Southern Africa inside out and upside down. He is a font of knowledge and negotiated with authorities as required which was comforting and knows where to go to maximise you exposure to animals. We saw the big 5 which is always a dream of anyone going to Africa as this is not guaranteed.
We highly recommend African adventures to anyone wanting to go to Africa without the stress of figuring out out where to go, where to stay and what to do. It was indeed value for money.
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.
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Email Mark | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
One of the best most memorable trips of my life, full of fun, adventure, laughs and culture!
I recommend John Cooper to any and all looking to go on an African adventure. With John Cooper it will be on one of the most exciting, memorable experiences you will ever endure. He is fun, professional, organized, intelligent and passionate.
I went on a two week African Safari in June/July with my girlfriend, her mother and brother. We were accompanied by a Australian Mother and daughter on our trip. From the beginning John was advising us on everything from flights, to what injections we should need, to apparel recommendations to what to bring in general months before the trip and was in constant efficient communication. He would update us on the itinerary changes and address any questions we had promptly.
During our two weeks we never had to worry about anything. We traveled from camp to camp and country to country seamlessly. Everywhere we stayed was homey and warm. The lodging was comfortable and within pricing our pricing budget while having an absolutely incredible guides and staff at each stop. The food was magnificent and the guides once again were unreal. Every single day John would talk to us about our day and if he could make anything better. He cares about his brand and ensures that you have the best in every situation.
Not only was he professional but he is a true delight to travel with. He understands the culture and areas. We always felt safe and everything was convenient. In Victoria Falls we went to the market and I was trying to negotiate on a table size chess set I wanted. The maker was asking for about $1600 dollars, John asked he I wanted him to lead the negotiations I said yes. Watching him barter and negotiate while all in good fun was a culture shock, after two days on negotiations I bought the set for $400. He then immediately brought me to the local UPS and made sure it was packaged properly with care.
I can truly say John is passionate about what he does and cares most about his customers experience. I will be going back to Africa in my life and I will be using John Cooper explaining how much adventure and city tours I am looking to do with a budget and letting him plan the entire thing.
Best trip of my life.
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.
