The Tailormade Africa team - Cape of Good Hope SA
Tailormade Africa
- Located In:
-
United Kingdom
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2015)
- Member Of:
- ATTA, SATOA, ATOL & Fair Trade Tourism
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $126 to $1,889 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Maggie | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Clyde is passionate about Africa and uses all his knowledge and experience to find your perfect trip
I hadn’t heard of Tailormade Africa before I started researching a special holiday to Tanzania for a multigenerational family group of 9, aged from 9 to 84 years. Having contacted four tour organisers, Clyde’s obvious detailed knowledge of the safari/beach options and his abounding enthusiasm for Africa, as well as his understanding of the travel logistics for our group, made me immediately put our trip in his safe hands. Of the three options he originally sent, our final itinerary was a standout, confirmed by Clyde as being his absolute favourite choice. It was perfect! The choice of safari lodges/camps and the beach hotel couldn’t have been better, and the small plane transfers saved us many long hours of rough road travel. While we were in Africa Clyde kept a close eye on our trip and everything ran very smoothly. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Tailormade Africa; I am sure Clyde would always come up with the perfect trip. Thank you Clyde.
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Email James Klena | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The tour exceeded expectations.
Our trip was planned 2 years in advance. We relied on Clyde and TailorMade to choose the sites we visited and stayed at. They did an excellent job fulfilling our groups’ wishes of being in the least congested and remote places. The guides were informative, helpful and accommodating. The trip exceeded our expectations.
Email Vinnie | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Clyde Beatty and his team at Tailormade Africa provided an excellent bespoke itinerary for my safari
I contacted Tailormade Africa after seeing multiple positive reviews online. Clyde, a co-founder, responded to my enquiry promptly and arranged a virtual meeting so we could discuss my requirements and so that he could then put together possible itineraries for me to consider. The whole process was much easier than I expected and extremely efficient. Clyde and his team clearly know Africa and are able to make appropriate recommendations and advise according to your needs. As a family of 4, with older children, I wanted a safari and beach holiday, combining seeing the big 5, the wildebeest migration and some sun and sand. We discussed my budget early on and he suggested 3 different safaris in Tanzania which fell within this and which would all ensure a great family experience. He recommended a variety of stays on a single safari, including a tented camp, lodges and a hotel. After that we would go to Zanzibar for 5 nights before returning home. Clyde also provided general advice regarding kit needed on safari in Africa, visas, vaccinations required etc.
This was for us the holiday of a lifetime. The accommodation throughout was amazing, the staff in each stay were fantastic. The guides for the safari in all stays were experienced, friendly, and so knowledgeable about all the wildlife. They also educated us about the culture and their own lives in the Serengeti. The transfers and internal flights were surprisingly seamless and smooth, with no delays. The only airport which seemed somewhat chaotic and overwhelmed by the number of passengers was at Kilimanjaro but even there, we were received and looked after by Clyde’s local contact, to the envy I think of a large number of Americans who seemed to be herded around in confusion by their group leader….
Clyde remained in contact via WhatsApp throughout our trip - his company does not just take your money and leave you in the lap of the Gods. When we wanted to modify our itinerary on our return leg, he enabled this efficiently and without fuss - he paid for the change and we reimbursed him on our return to the UK. He responded to any query promptly - however early in the morning or late at night I messaged him. My son actually commented that Clyde would need a holiday after looking after me! I know that if there had been any significant issue, Clyde and his team would always be at the end of the phone and that security when on this type of holiday I think is priceless. No bespoke safari holiday is cheap, but I would emphasise that the service provided by Tailormade Africa from the planning stages to when we got on our flight home was excellent and their quote was certainly not the most expensive we had. I cannot recommend them highly enough. I know that they can arrange bespoke trips to other places (South America, Australia, South East Asia and others) and we will definitely book with them again.
As an addendum, I would say that the people of Tanzania and Zanzibar need us all to visit them - they are highly reliant on tourism as a primary source of income and have struggled post pandemic. I felt completely safe travelling around the country with my family, and we did not need any vaccinations or malaria prophylaxis. If you stick with bottled water throughout (even to clean your teeth) you will be fine.
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Email Tristan | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Fantastic Itinerary!
Clyde, an experienced guide on the ground in Africa before co-founding Tailormade Africa, put together a really interesting itinerary for our family. As an experienced traveller in Africa I had some preconceived ideas where I wanted to take the family for their first safari. Clyde understood the brief superbly and we started with a Zoom call to clarify our needs before he sent over a few options just a few days later. I felt engaged and consulted throughout the whole process. He nailed our budget and logistical needs perfectly. We ended up going to Jabali Private House in Ruaha National Park in Tanzania before some R&R in Zanzibar on the way home. Everything worked a charm with Amy backing Clyde up with some excellent Operations Management skills leading up to the actual trip. During my trip I had constant communication with Clyde - that made me feel secure and comfortable that help was just around the corner should I need it. Which I didn't as everything went smoothly.
Overall, an excellent experience and I do not hesitate recommending Tailormade Africa to anyone and I will certainly be using their services again for our next safari.
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Email Sucheta | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awesome
Clyde planned an amazing Safari itinerary for us , first timers . The way the camps and locations were chosen , was so well thought of. We got the adrenaline going at Camp Hwange , and then it flowed into the rustic but comfortable tents at John’s Camp . And then finally we were eased into a less hectic stay at Chundu Island . We got to experience all types of safari living . I have already shared TailorMade Africa to our friends and family , who were interested . This has been an incredible and unforgettable trip , right from the Peech hotel in Jo’berg to the last . The staff at each place made us feel like family . I hope to go to another safari with this same tour company, and maybe plan an Antarctica trip , with them too . Wishing them the best always
Email John Hodge | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
a personalised, reassuring and carefully considered service.
Rob was very empathetic and took time to get to know us and understand our interests and what we wanted from the trip, giving careful consideration that we would be travelling with our 7 year old daughter.
Everything on the trip went smoothly, but we were very reassured that Rob was on hand at any time if something unexpected had happened. We had an amazing trip and made magical memories that we will never forget with experienced and knowledgeable guides in a variety of locations and always with a personal and warm service, that felt completely genuine. We would highly recommend Tailormade Africa and hope to book with them again in the future.
Email Michael | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful trip!
What a fantastic trip we had to South Africa earlier this year. It was arranged by Rob from Tailormade Africa and from the very start he seemed to understand what we were looking for. After years of working hard and never seeming to find the right moment for a decent break, we were looking for a special holiday with plenty of variety. While we had some limited knowledge of South Africa, organizing such a trip without help seemed rather daunting. We were introduced to Rob via a third party and from that point on everything fell into place. During various calls he listened to our list of things we wanted to do and see, which was quite comprehensive, and he interpreted them into a wonderful trip. Our request was to spend a maximum of 3 nights in any one place, mix site-seeing, culture, history, safari and activities and all within a specified budget. Rob’s incredibly detailed knowledge of the areas, hotels and value for money made the trip possible and we didn’t have to compromise on anything.
All the hotels, connections and car hire were very good, clean and reliable and, when requested, accommodation was luxurious. The people and guides we met were extremely helpful and knowledgeable. It all exceeded expectations and was more than we could have hoped for, even keeping within budget! During the stay, Rob was there in the background making sure we were OK and sending us the odd Whatsapp message. We also knew we could call his mobile at any time if needed, but that was not required.
We have no hesitation in recommending Rob and his team to anyone contemplating a trip to Africa.
Email Alan | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Rob was Easy and friendly to deal with, took time to understand what we wanted and delivered it.
Rob Morley took time to find out what we had liked / disliked in previous holidays - and his reccommendations for where to go and what to do were superb. We couldn't fault the accommodation or travel arrangements. Help was availalble via WhatsApp when we encountered a problem with billing at a resort - problem resolved within 10 minutes. Excellent service! The guides on our safaries in Uganda and Kenya were excellent, and very happy to talk about their background and culture - which added an unexpected dimension that made this an outstanding experience.
We stayed in Mahogany Spring Lodge in Uganda, Encounter Mara and Lewa House in Kenya and The Manta Resort, Pemba in Zanzibar - and highly reccommend all of these resorts. They all work with local communities, helping to fund clean water supplies, education and healthcare, as well as employing mainly local staff. As a result, the communities are aware of the direct beneift to theim of the tourist industry, and are very welcoming.
Rob was very keen to talk to us after the trip, to get feedback on what we liked, and any areas for improvement. We highly reccommend Tailormade Africa and would happily book through Rob again!
Email UKKennys | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfectly made by Tailormade.
Five years ago we contacted Rob Morley and Tailormade Africa to discuss a safari trip. Rob arranged a convenient time to come for dinner and drinks to meet us, find out about who we were as people and what we were hoping to get out of the trip. Shortly after he provided us with an itinerary that was quickly finalised and had us ready to go the summer of 2020. Unfortunately, Covid got in the way and we had to cancel our trip. That wasn’t going to stop Rob from helping us experience the dream trip of a lifetime. Rob and his team stayed in close touch with us, keeping us up to date on changes and progression of trips starting again. Due to personal reasons we had to postpone until July 2024. That only spurred Rob on to ensure we had the holiday of a lifetime to celebrate our 30th Wedding Anniversary. Multiple phone calls, emails, discussions (with the occasional drink thrown in) about wishes saw us looking at the perfect itinerary. The attention to detail, provision of information, handling of transfers (both by plane and car) ensured we only had to enjoy our trip and take in the scenery. Rob and Tailormade Africa covered every detail and eventuality taking all pressures off of us. We started with two nights in Giraffe Manor where we had a wonderful up close and personal experience with the giraffes. Our guide, Ally with Masai Wanderings, picked us up and we went to Tarangire National Park and stayed in the picturesque Camp Ndovu. The first night we watched a family of elephants walk past on their way home. The staff were super friendly and looked after us so well. It was then on to Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater. Even with the ‘free African massage’ provided by the roads, Ally was amazing ensuring we not only saw everything, but he taught us all about the country, people and culture. Polepole became our mantra during the trip in order to immerse ourselves in the moment. Our final stop was the Central Serengeti staying at Little Moru Camp. A temporary camp only open a few months a year that delivered the most. Outstanding staff who made you feel like you were family, friend and special guest all at once. Our final night there saw us presented with an anniversary cake, celebration with staff and other guests and our own special sunset celebration. All courtesy of Rob Morley and Tailormade Africa. We finished our trip with a week on Pemba Island staying at The Manta Resort. We cannot explain how restful, calm, beautiful, and amazing this resort is. The most pristine, soft sanded beach we have ever experienced. Staff who only wish to ensure you are relaxed and taken care of, from scuba diving to your next cocktail. Rob set up a WhatsApp group to allow us to be able to stay in touch at a moments notice should any problems occur during the trip. The only contact we had to make was to send him a photo every day of the wonders we experienced. We truly know how fortunate we are to have been able to go on a safari. However, we also know the advice, guidance, support, knowledge, and attention to who we were as people allowed Rob and Tailormade Africa to put together the best second honeymoon/trip of a lifetime. Rob, we cannot thank you and the team at Tailormade Africa for everything you all did to make this trip exceed our dreams.
Email ROBERTSON FAMILY | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Fifth trip with Tailormade Africa
We have been booking Africa safari holidays with Clyde since 2018.
We return to Clyde every time as whilst we've never met, it feels like he knows us. He has taken the time to learn our travel history, what we enjoy and our budget preferences and has a knack for knowing what should come next in our travel plans before we do!
Every trip has been preceded by countless phone calls and emails. Clyde is very accommodating in making himself available around our work commitments and we often speak during evenings or weekends. We always book with confidence as we know Clyde has taken the time to answer all our questions.
We trust Clyde's knowledge of Africa implicitly and this has been tested across trips to Zimbabwe, Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana and Kenya. He makes recommendations but is also open to our ideas and to change direction based on our feedback. His level of detail goes to steering towards specific guides at camps.
Clyde always checks in before we depart and we feel he shares our excitement. We've contacted him via email / phone / WhatsApp from the remotest of locations if any issues have arisen.
Our most recent trip to Kenya further supports our reasons to keep coming back to Clyde. His advice about the time of year, busyness, game viewing, photography opportunities and split of time across conservancies was spot on. We were extremely happy with our two Kicheche camps (Laikipia and Mara North) and would return to them both. The quality of guiding at both camps was excellent, as was the accommodation and food.