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 $1,888 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
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Email Jason Marks | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
They live up to their name!
Clyde at Tailormade Africa put together a wonderful custom trip to Zambia and Botswana for us six friends, three couples each with different prior experiences in the region and different priorities. And he did it in a hurry when our other plans fell through due to a destination not reopening in time. There was a significant amount of time invested talking to us all over the phone and on Zoom to find what would work or everyone, and that paid off with a journey that we all enjoyed and got a lot out of. We could tell as we travelled that the camps and lodges had been chosen for variety of wildlife experiences and and to give us a mix of adventure and comfort during a hot-season trip (and hot it was). Good safari experiences are not cheap, but Clyde was able to take advantage of some price breaks to put together something affordable for us.
Having the electronic itinerary and daily info in a downloaded app format was great -- we could consult it even when we did not have signal or wifi, and without printing out an carrying around a lot of paper.
All Tailormade's arrangements went off without a hitch, and in the one instance of a serious problem -- a cancelled int'l flight -- it was Clyde who alerted us first by text (before the airline did) so we could rebook immediately after we got off the previous flight. Without that early warning, we might well have missed out on the replacement flight and gotten stuck in transit for who knows how long.
Covid testing for transit between countries and for our return was not a problem -- folks on the ground have developed systems for getting the necessary tests done and timely results into travelers' hands, even if that involves having a nurse fly out to the bush to take your swabs. The US recently tightened the test horizon to one day before departure, but I would bet they will adjust and find a way of getting that done too.
We have another trip planned with Tailormade Africa already, and can't help thinking about further adventures for the future.
Email Tanya von Moser | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Clyde Beaty, the PA's Safari Best Friend
I did not go on Safari, but had to book it for my boss. I am a PA and I literally had to plan, what is a once in a life time trip for most, in 3 weeks, Without Clyde, I would not have managed it. Clyde literally held my hand, from the moment I picked up the phone. Flights were booked, itineraries set then changed (my doing) several times, mass migration established, and half term avoided, and this was down to Clyde, who throughout the booking, remained calm and literally available at any time! Tailormade Africa is literally tailor made, nothing is travel agency formula and Clyde goes into every detail / scenario possible and asks lots of questions, so the itinerary is very specialised. The best part for any PA, Clyde is on call from the moment your boss depart's, by setting up a what's ap group and literally takes over the reigns, so you don't have to worry. Clyde helped me with visas, navigating time zones and if the PCR test certificate would actually work, to actually setting up PCR tests in the most random of places, plus much more. He also had some-one on the ground every step of the way, who reported into Clyde - Clyde did not switch off, once, not quite sure how he did it and sent me regular updates. I will be forever grateful to Clyde and all he did and urge any busy PA out there to use Tailor Made, they are quite simple the PAs Safari BFF! Clyde put together the most amazing itinerary, and yes, my boss had the most marvellous and wonderful time and I had a very peaceful 10 days!
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Email Rosemary Heil | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Tailormade has an incredibly deep understanding of travel in Africa.
Tailormade has put together 3 trips to Africa for myself and my husband. Areas covered have been Rwanda, Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia, and Ethiopia. For each trip we have worked with Clyde Beaty, the founder or Tailormade, and he has provided us just the kind of trip we wanted. Having been a safari guide in Africa himself, he has a very deep knowledge of the country and the travel resources that are available. In every case we have had the type of accommodation we wanted, whether it was mobil camping or a luxury lodge. The in country guides he has provided have been absolutely the best. In addition to that, Clyde is always available in case there is anything unexpected that comes up during the trip. I mean it...really, he is just a phone call away to straighten out whatever you need help with. I can't say enough about the service and the product.
We returned from our most recent trip in November of 2021....In other words, we booked this trip and completed this trip during the Covid Crisis and it was one of the best decisions we have made travel wise. Our trip to Madagascar was postponed twice because the country is not open for international travel, so Clyde suggested we go to Zambia and Botswana who were open and safe to travel. In fact, I felt safer than at home. Absolutely all the staff and all the guests at the lodges were fully vaccinated. The guides were all fully vaccinated. Aside from the time spent in our individual rooms, all the meals and all the safaris are outside. We couldn't have been safer and the additional upside is, aside from the wildlife, Africa is currently uncrowded. We will never see Africa like this again. It was a unique opportunity. I know people are hesitant to travel because of the Covid testing that needs to occur between countries and when one returns home. Clyde arranged all of that. Everybody arrived on time to administer our test in a way that did not interfere with our travels and the results were all delivered even earlier than promised. Really, I mean these folks even met us out on a game run one time to administer the test! Clyde monitored all of this from afar and made sure that everything went smoothly.
If you are ever thinking of going to Africa, Clyde is the person to book your trip and now is the time to go.
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Email George | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Now is really the time to go to Africa. Frankly safer there than in the USA
We traveled with apprehension about Covid and the testing,... I have never traveled with such support. Tailormade Africa knew first hand all of the lodges/camps, their high points and their issues. Each time we changed venue, by car or by plane, Tailormade checked in to make sure everything went smoothly. And once or twice there were minor glitches, and Tailormade was right there to iron out the difficulty.
The trip was just fantastic. Sadly there are few tourists currently in Africa. We enjoyed two PRIVATE mountain gorilla tours, because no one else was there. And in November the bamboo shoots come out. But they only grow at lower altitudes, and the gorillas love them. So we had very short easy hikes to see them. Truly a once in a life time experience. And we stayed at the most amazing accomadation- The Bishops House. They had gaiters for us, meticulously cleaned our very muddy boots, supplied a washable backpack, so ours didn't get dirty. Great gym. Fabulous Food.
Next, on to Zambia. Three different lodges-each very different and very complimentary. Different game sightings but very complimentary. Again in November the rains have not started, but it is the end of the dry season. All of the game has to come down to the rivers to drink. Great for the carnivores, since the ungulates are more concentrated. So we saw no end of lions and leopards daily, sometimes twice a day. We saw wild dogs, porcupines, bush pigs: some of which the guides had hardly ever seen. Night drives with owls, pennant winged night jars (look it up-it's amazing), as well as the more usual mongoose, civets and so forth.
Finally 11 days in Botswana. A week in a mobile camp that was really fun actually and 3 mights in a swank lodge in the Okavango Delta as a finale! More lions and more leopards, fabulous large bird viewing: eagles, cranes, storks, pelicans as well as their rookery.
And the Covid testing is so well organized. I am back home waiting on my final PCR test from Kaiser Permanente, slower than getting results in these poor African countries (but they badly need our tourist revenue so they have really figured it out). And you always have your private hut, you eat outside, and drive around in an open vehicle.
I have hardly traveled in the USA since Covid started, but I felt very safe on safari. And Tailormade was right their supporting me if we had problems. But really they had arranged a very delightful and easy secure trip.
You should all book a trip to see the gorillas with them in October/November and stay at Bishop's house.
PT
Email Sara Gomes da Silva | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Best Adventurous Honeymoon Ever!!
I´´m glad that you are reading this post because it means that there is a high chance that you will be in very good hands.
I dont think that there are enough stars to describe our amazing experience with Rob from Tailormadeafrica.
He helped us to have the honeymoon of our dreams from day 1. Since our first Zoom chat we have changed uncountable emails with great information and advices. He made everything seem possible despite we were travelling during Covid times and he managed to make everything worked from the little things until the very end of our trip. Actually until we were back home!
I have been lucky to have traveled all around the world but I must say that ive never had such a flawless operator as Rob.
We started by summiting Kili via Machame route 6 days, flew to the north Serengeti where we were lucky to see plenty of wildbeest migration and then ended in fundu Lagoon in Pemba island, diving and having the best time our life.
I cant recommend enough our experience! Hope that we will travel with Tailormade Africa very soon!
Thank you, Rob!!
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Email David Serna | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
AMAZING EXPERIENCE AT ZIMBABWE! CLYDE AND HIS TEAM AT TAYLORMADE AFRICA ORGANIZED A FANTASTIC TRIP!
Our 3 Safaris at Zimbabwe exceeded our expectations in every level!
Clyde helped us (3 couples) organize the most amazing trip ever! Logistics were right on point, specially considering covid made it much more complicated. He always checked in during the trip in case there was something he could do for us.
The lodges were pure luxury and the service from the staff was unbelievable! The Game we got to see was abundant. We saw all of the Big Five... Lions feasting on their prey several times, even while doing a walking safari!
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Email Caitilynn and Jack | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Clyde the 'Travel Fairy' planned and executed the honeymoon of a lifetime!
There aren't enough stars to accurately rate our experience working with Clyde and Tailormade. We came to Clyde from a friend's recommendation a month before our wedding wanting to leave for our honeymoon immediately after, in the middle of a home remodel and working full-time. We knew we wanted to go on a Safari, but had never been before, and didn't have the time to research where to go. Clyde not only planned the most magical trip to the most amazing places we could have imagined, he also made sure the entire trip was seamless. So much so we began fondly referring to him as the 'Travel Fairy' with all the small surprises along the way. Friendly greeters met us when we needed transport to and from different locations, all the COVID tests we needed to get in an out of Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa were all pre-arranged - we didn't have to figure anything out ourselves. Not our normal way of traveling, but it was so nice not to be stressed on our honeymoon.
We had an issue with one of the airlines cancelling our flight while we were en route and Clyde sent someone to meet us in Johannesburg to escort us through the airport, through customs, and the airline's customer service to book us on another flight the same day. When I say the trip was seamless - it was truly seamless even in the middle of a pandemic. The Wilderness camps he sent us to were spectacular - the people and staff were wonderful and we saw the most incredible things. Leopards, lions, wild dogs, elephants, hippos, giraffe, buffalo, all kinds of antelope, and so many more incredible animals. If you are on the fence about traveling to Africa during COVID, book with Clyde and he will take care of everything for you. We will recommend Clyde and Tailormade to all of our friends and family.
CH
Email Wael J | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
COVID made safaris even more magical!!!
The sad reality is that if you do end up going in this COVID era, the 'traffic' of people will be nowhere near the pre-covid era. You basically almost have the whole camp to yourself!
Concerns about travelling and catching COVID when you are there? You are probably more likely to get it staying at home! The camps know 100% this is people's biggest worries and will go to extreme lengths to keep you safe & give you your test results in time for your flight back home, no matter how remote your camp is! Trust me, I was in the furthest little corner of Ruaha National Park in Tanzania and was amazed at the service.
This is my 5th time travelling with Tailormade Africa and Clyde struck gold again, sending me on yet another adventure of my life. Everytime i go thinking i've seen it all and done it all, he just finds a way to top the previous unforgettable trips. I am in awe of the sights i saw, the people (few) i met and the quality of the guiding. Walking safaris are the only way to go now for me, goodbye 4x4 car rides!!!
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Email Anna & Wojciech S | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Unforgettable! Tailormade Africa made it a trip of a lifetime!
If I had to make a recommendation in one sentence – Tailormade Africa is THE place to make your African dreams come true!
About planning ... Extremely personalized, great expertise and advise, impressed with attention to detail, tailored to our every wish. Clyde even saved us money by extending our safari by one full day! How about that? Can your agent do it?
The whole trip exceeded all our expectations. We stayed in three different camps in Tanzania, each giving us a different experience, and all three were absolutely amazing! Each camp set in a perfect location surrounded by wildlife, offering great food and drinks. And the wonderful people there!! We were amazed how friendly and warm they were. They made us feel like family and did everything to make our stay nothing but perfect.
I can’t say enough how great our two Safari guides, Esto and Jeremiah, were. Besides being wonderful companion, they are experts in what they do. Thanks to their expertise and experience we saw a leopard, cheetah, many lions, tree-climbing lion, black rhino, giraffes, buffalos, countless elephants and zebras and of course wildebeest crossing! And just driving through the vast areas of this beautiful country was a real treat. They both are superb drivers, too.
Everything throughout our trip worked perfectly. We were picked up by courteous and very informative and knowledgeable drivers right on time. We did not feel stressed or unsure of anything even though we traveled during the ongoing pandemic. COVID – 19 testing procedures at the Kilimanjaro airport were smooth and we were out and on our way to our first accommodation in Arusha in no time. We felt very safe throughout the entire trip, in cars, camps and with our guides. All precautions were in place, masks, hand sanitizers, water and soap, cleanliness of tents, dining tents, cars, everything. Not even once during the entire trip we were concerned in any way about COVID-19 safety. And we came back home sound and healthy and very happy.
This was our first trip with Tailormade Africa, but definitely not the last one. We would not trust anyone else but Clyde and his team to help us with our next African journey.
Thank you, Clyde, for a truly wonderful experience!
Anna & Wojciech S Tanzania, July/August 2021
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Email Craig and Ingrid | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Enthusiastic and experienced
We thought our safari days were over after 5 trips in 8 years. Then last year we saw Clyde’s rather eloquent write-up on Zimbabwe. One quick enquiry to Tailormade Africa and we were on our way. Clyde’s enthusiasm and his love of the African bush convinced us. We started with a basic plan and Clyde helped us tweak it to perfection. His personal knowledge of the camps and operators is extensive and invaluable. There were Covid-related date changes during the year which Clyde dealt with very effectively. (Hint: keep checking airfares. We actually saved money by leaving 3 days earlier and spending 3 more days in Africa—Clyde adjusted to this change with an new schedule that was even better than the original.) We had a Covid glitch while we were there, but Clyde and his network of contacts had a sorted out before we even knew about it. They knew we didn’t go to the bush with our phones on. All in all we were in good hands from the beginning. We felt cared for without being pampered. Clyde spent the time to “get” us and tailored (Tailormade) an itinerary that worked for us.
The only other thing I can say to someone considering a safari with Tailormade Africa——DO IT!