Reviews

Sort By: Date Most Helpful Rating 31-36 of 36 Reviews
Sonia and gordon muir   –  
Australia AU
Visited: May 2017 Reviewed: Jul 30, 2017

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!
5/5

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.

Jill Hawkins   –  
Australia AU
Visited: June 2022 Reviewed: Aug 14, 2022

Email Jill Hawkins  |  65+ years of age  |  Experience level: 2-5 safaris

Absolutely all we had imagined and more. The most wonderful family reunion, so well managed by Coop
5/5

Our 2nd trip to Africa with Coop, was our whole family of 17, ranging from Gran and Gramps to 9 grandkids. Both trips were so well arranged and went ahead without a hitch. We were hesitant because of being just post COVID, but the whole family decided that we have never experienced anything even close to the wonderment and excitement of this trip and can't wait to go again. It was the trip of a lifetime and enthralled all age groups. The accomodation Coop chose for us was perfect and the Host guides and staff at the Lodges were very helpful and attentive. We would happily go again.

Geraldine P. Wallach   –  
United States US
Visited: June 2016 Reviewed: Jul 6, 2016

Email Geraldine P. Wallach  |  65+ years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

It was remarkable due to personal care, attention to detail, and astute diversity and choices made.
5/5

This trip with the amazing Joh Cooper was beyond expectations. John knows how to make a trip memorable so that it becomes the "trip of a lifetime." From his pre-trip e-mails, through his personal attention during the trip, to his post follow-ups, the entire experience was outstanding. John chose excellent accommodations that gave us an authentic experience in the bush and beyond. The sequencing of the trip including "side-trips" to Dullstroom and then to Victoria Falls were well placed to give the group a "break" from the bush. The "experts" John arranged for us to meet and interact with (e.g., Ian for the rhino tracking) were superb as were all of our local rangers/guides. Every need was met including food preferences and times spent in each location. This safari was superb and much "richer" than others that I have heard about. John encouraged our group (four Americans and four Australians) to communicate with one another before the trip which was a terrific idea. The people we travelled with (two couples we did not before the trip) became fast friends. John knows how to form cohesive groups which, again, contributed to the trip's success. Every step of the way, John "made it happen!" He orchestrated the three weeks to perfection and we could not ask for anything more. It was beyond excellent in every way! Bravo, John. We would book with him again without any hesitation and will recommend his company to others! Dr. Geraldine P. Wallach, Corona del Mar, California, USA.

Jess M   –  
Australia AU
Visited: September 2015 Reviewed: Sep 20, 2016

Email Jess M  |  20-35 years of age  |  Experience level: 2-5 safaris

Incredible
5/5

I've been lucky enough to travel with John twice now and loved both trips. First trip was from Victoria Falls down through Hwange National Park, Bulawayo and into Kruger National Park. Second trip was through Namibia across to Victoria Falls. John has this infectious love of Africa and its history. Every location we visited was because it had spectacular views or the ability to get up close for animal viewing. Absolutely incredible trip - I can't wait to go back. John is a great host full of stories and experiences and wouldnt travel to Africa without him there. John travels in small groups in air conditioned vehicles and knows his way around. Highlights for me were Africat in Namibia and Nehimba Lodge in Hwange National Park. Two spectacular locations for animal viewing.

Mark   –  
United States US
Visited: June 2017 Reviewed: Sep 20, 2017

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!
5/5

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.

Dick Johnstone   –  
Australia AU
Visited: June 2016 Reviewed: Jul 18, 2016

Email Dick Johnstone  |  65+ years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

John Cooper's schedule and accomplishment is superlative!!
5/5

Excellence in every segment has characterised our recent journey with John Cooper of African Adventures. For three weeks his introductory tour brought us up close to a fabulous and diverse selection of regions, habitats and accommodation in southern Africa. John's access to some of the prime private concessions within the National Parks ensured that the only crowds were the free running animals. And as two of four Australian guests we made a fabulous and fun loving team with two very special American couples. Looking back, we would not wish to change anything.
John, we salute you!

Average User Rating
5.0/5
Rating Breakdown
  • 5 star 35
  • 4 star 1
  • 3 star 0
  • 2 star 0
  • 1 star 0
Write a Review

Disclaimer

  • All corporate and/or tour info is provided by African Adventures Safari Company, not SafariBookings
  • The tours offered by African Adventures Safari Company are subject to their terms & conditions