Matthew Grace & Nicolette Grace ~ Founder & Owner
African Safari Guru
- Office In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2005)
- Member Of:
- SATOA, FGASA, SATIB, DEAT, CASSETHA, For Wildlife Non Profit Trust & Prodly South African
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $359 to $994 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
for a custom tour
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
Email Mark | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Seamless and as requested
I tasked African Safari Guru to sort me accommodation in stellenbosch and Camps Bay Cape Town with a specific budget and experience required and both were met. I was not left waiting a response and was assisted timeously. I was satisfied with the service I received.
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Email Cecilia | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The most incredible Safari…
We had the most incredible experience booking our South African Safari through Matthew Grace. The trip was perfect. We spent 6 days at Grace of Africa in Marloth Park exploring Kruger, 3 days at Sweni walking trails, and 3 days at Ivory Wilderness in Klaserie Reserve. All three locations were different and enhanced the trip experience. We saw so much wildlife! We loved the variety of the different locations too. The service and attention to detail was amazing. Thank you to Matthew, Nicolette, Michael, Isaac, and Lindy. They are an amazing team. We hope to return soon 💕
CA
Email David Bureau | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best safari ever, just book with Grace of Africa!!!
I’m a very difficult customer and I usually always find things to complain about, but this safari experience was the absolute best I have to say. The 2 owners were extremely nice and helpful (they even helped me with the engagement proposal to my wife:) )
Everything was just perfect to be honest: the room, amenities, safari, guides, food, location!
Don’t hesitate to book this safari, we’ve been absolutely delighted!!! Thanks Matt and Nicolette:)
AT
Email Christoph | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The whole Team was very hospitable.
The whole staff was very friendly.
The food was absolutly amazing and the Lodge was one of the nicest places we ever stayed.
Every single activity was planed perfectly and everyone was always on time.
We had a amazing vacation
Email Constance Parr | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Faultless - not one bad thing to say.
From initially inquiring to the transfers from the airport, to the safari itself - everything was seamless.
Any questions were answered promptly and the high level of service meant we felt comfortable in a country we had never travelled to before.
We had 10 days with 2 safaris per day meaning we saw everything we possibly could in different settings. Each location was different but the accomodation was stunning and clean.
Matthew and Nicolette ensured we had everything we needed and checked in with us periodically.
An unforgettable trip that we loved and was better than we could have imagined!
Thank you!
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Email Joe Mateus | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Competent and Honest
My wife and I are frequent travelers but have not yet traveled to Africa.
To accomplish this dream, I started to search the Internet about a year ago looking for someone to organize the trip. That is when I came across Matt Grace from Africa Safari Guru. Matt had excellent credentials and reviews on various Safari groups including Trip Advisor. I contacted Matt and told him what our interests were, the duration of the proposed trip, and our budget. To my surprise, a few days later, I received a very professionally prepared and detailed proposal. Upon review and a few clarification requests and questions, we agreed on an itinerary and locations to visit which included Cape Town, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Marloth Park in SA, his lodge “Grace of Africa” at the edge of Kruger National Park, Mozambique and back to Cape Town for a two day stay at Franschhoek in a winery lodge. The total trip duration was 30 days and it included accommodation, tours, and transportation between hotels or lodges.
Now that we have completed our adventure and have arrived home and have had time to reflect, I just have to say that all that we had agreed with Matt was complied with. No surprises, sub-standard places/tours, or excuses. Matt and later his wife Nicollet were outstanding and did their utmost to make our trip a very memorable one. Everything Matt committed was met. He was very honest and responsive to all our questions and requests before and during our trip. To complete, if you are considering a trip to this beautiful continent and need help, do not hesitate to contact Matt as you will not regret it.
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Email Brendan & Vera M. | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful service
Matt arranged two safaris for us - four nights at Sable Alley in Botswana and three nights at Kulala Guest Lodge in Namibia. Our original plans were to travel to Africa in 2020... and we all know how that turned out! Pandemic delays and life-in-the-live-along delayed our plans and Matt kept working with us and the lodges to postpone and re-book our travels. Fortunately we were able to keep our reservations and move the dates forward. Through Matt, we were finally able to realize our bucket list trips and visit these two beautiful countries.
Matt was communicative and is assuring - anyone who plans to use his services should relax and trust him to do what he does best: provide trips and accommodations in his beautiful Africa. As an example, we had to catch "hopper" flights from the local airports to the airstrips in the field. Matt assured us we would be met at each of the local airports, and we were. At each local airport the staff were waiting for us with our names printed on a board, ready to welcome and escort us. They did an excellent job!
The lodge we were booked to stay at in Namibia burned down and Matt worked with the lodge to find alternate accommodations at a lodge in the general area. He made sure we were alerted to the fire and need for alternate accommodations.
We were fortunate to see lion, cheetahs and leopard in Botswana, as well as many of the "usual" animals - elephant, hippo, sable, hyena, wild dogs, and many more. Sable Alley has a fantastic team who provide excellent service.
We stayed in a remote campground in Namibia, Camp Sossus. The chef, Daniel, trained under a Michelin star chef and he presented beautiful and tasty dishes at every turn. The stars in Namibia are a sight to see - so beautiful and so many.
Matt has many destinations for you to choose from... simply let him know what you are interested in and he will work with you to explore your dreams.
Thanks, Matt.
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Email Max Greenwald | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Matthew & Team bring immense knowledge and love of South Africa and curate a special experience
Matthew worked closely with us to design a safari experience tailor made to our needs.
For us, as first time Safari-goers, we did not know what to do expect. He patiently explained the nuances of different regions, accommodations, time of year nuances and travel distances to maximize fun and enjoyment.
We ended up doing a 10 day package in South Africa: 1 day driving on the Panorama Route, 3 days inside Kruger in the rustic Olifants camp doing bush walks, 3 days in the private game reserve Timbavarti at Shindzela camp doing game drives and finally at Matthew's own luxury reserve in the south of Kruger, Grace of Africa.
Each showed us different ways that one can safari and we loved it. Matthew was also quite responsive to us wanting to change up the itinerary on the fly and went out of his way to come up with off-the-beaten-path activities like a local waterfall and driving through rural towns
Email Ange H | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredibly knowledgeable with exceptional service
Where do I even start with how amazing this trip was, thanks to the detailed planning and professionalism of Matthew Grace, from African Safari Guru, and all of the staff we encountered during our three weeks in Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar. We did not have to worry about a single thing once we arrived in Nairobi. All the planned accomodation, transportation and activities happened seamlessly. The quality of every camp and hotel was exceptional and Matt was very responsive anytime we needed to confirm details or ask a question, including late at night and weekends!!!
We were able to customise our trip up front with all the specific activities we were looking for. We ventured out on a night safari, visited a Masai village, flew in a hot air balloon over the Masai Mara, and headed out on safari riding a camel, with a Masai Guide, to name a few.
We saw the Big 5 and MANY more animals. Each day on safari was unique and exciting! The safaris were personal, and our guides were very experienced and knowledgeable. Heading back to camp each evening and falling asleep to the sounds of lions roaring and hyenas howling among a host of other animal calls...was truly incredible :).
We will never forget the memories made on this trip. We hope to return again and without a doubt will be calling Matt at African Safari Guru.
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Email Pete Morelli | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Extremely knowledgeable
I have booked trips to South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia numerous times through African safari guru and have always been extremely happy. It is a great company run by the most passionate person I have ever known. His love for animals and Africa is unmatched.
I have got to the point where I just tell him the dates and nothing else and he plans me the perfect holiday. I don't even read the detailed itinerary he sends me anymore because I trust him so much and enjoy the surprise.
I can't recommend this company enough, they are beyond fabulous.