Personal & Genuine African Safaris
Siya Phambile Expeditions
- Located In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2016)
- Member Of:
- Southern Africa Tourism Services Association
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $14 to $828 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Rosemary | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful Kruger safari and African adventure!
I highly recommend Benjamin Wilson and Siya Phambile. Initially I was drawn to Siya by the reviews, the itineraries and the fact that it is registered with SATSA (South African Tourism Services Association). I could not have been happier with my choice.
From the outset, Benjamin patiently and promptly answered my many questions and devised a customised safari in Kruger followed by a week self drive at the coast, split between Kosi Bay and St Lucia. This holiday more than met our high expectations and the different wishes of our family of 6 (aged 15 – 56). Benjamin was a fantastic tour planner and guide. From the moment he met us at the airport we relaxed, knowing we were in safe hands. He helped us arrange local SIM cards then it was off on our adventure. The accommodation was clean and comfortable with air con and sometimes a pool so just what we wanted. We occasionally had wifi which pleased the kids. Benjamin is extremely knowledgeable about the bush, the wildlife, the geography of South Africa and the local customs and languages of the various peoples. He is also a great spotter of wildlife and we were blown away by how much we saw, often at close range. Even my iphone was capable of capturing lots of animal encounters – I have a great video of wild dog puppies playing at the den. Of course, I would recommend taking a proper camera with a zoom too! Some of the kids were reluctant safari goers to begin with but soon relished the game drives! Benjamin rose to the challenge of cooking for 2 vegetarians and 2 vegans which we appreciated. He thought about the details which make for a comfortable trip e.g. we always had ample car snacks and binoculars to share (although we also had our own). He’s a keen card player which made for some fun evenings in camp. By the end of our safari we felt we were saying goodbye to an old friend.
My only regret is that we cannot do this trip every year! Thank you Benjamin and Siya Phambile and best wishes for all your future adventures.
CA
Email Diane Boulé | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A trip of a lifetime in the African bush we would like to relive again
An incredible trip with an exceptional guide who has shared with us his passion for animals, birds and trees to name a few.
Benjamin accompanied us throughout this 14-day expedition that ended in early August. He chose different parks and very interesting for us. He also has unparalleled cooking skills and demonstrates incredible calm and wisdom throughout his stay with two women of a certain age. He could have been our son and we appreciated him for all his qualities and for the surprises he has reserved for us. We are still filled with these strong experiences of being close to giant and small animals. A very great feeling of gratitude inhabits me and I wanted to express it in French so that this message is well received. Wanting to translate this trip, it was indeed an expedition in the African bush in winter with such dry areas demonstrating the ability of animals to adapt to survive. The Zulu people of this part of the world welcomed us like queens and I will never forget their sincere smile.
GR
Email Apollon | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Well-prepared, professional and planned, amazing host, extremely knowledgeable, cater for our needs
Siya Phambile Expeditions’s managing director Benjamin Wilson was our guide and accompanier for 8 days of safari at the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park this March 2022.
Benjamin in South-African, thus his native language in English, and it was so easy to relate to us and communicate effectively.
Before our trip, which was actually scheduled the very last minute, he provided with all necessary information and logistics, well-prepared, professional and planned to ensure informed decisions.
During the trip (a group of 4) he proved to be an amazing host, and the whole safari was outstanding in all respects.
We tried 2 different lodges in different areas inside the park, also a campsite for wildlife camping (he had everything packed for a ‘luxury’ camping incl. beds, tables, etc., in the trailer), to cater for our needs and desires.
He was extremely knowledgeable about all sights (carnivals, small animals, birds, etc.) in the park. He was tracking animals so we knew what was coming in our way :) He got us everywhere in the park safely and responsibly, keeping us fed and taken care of at the same time. We were amazed by his knowledge of the park’s facts and figures.
The whole safari experience was an amazing one, as we saw pretty much everything that lives in Khalagadi, from lions to leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, all antelope species, birds, etc. It actually exceeded the expectations of our 2 friends, who’ve been in safari before :)
The whole trip was accommodated based on our needs, it was flexible enough even on sight, and reasonably priced. We highly recommend Siya Phambile Expeditions and Benjamin Wilson as a truly honest and discreet guide as he really made the experience of our safari a trip we will never forget. I hope will be see each other again in another tour.
Email T and PB | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
We had the most fabulous trip. Brilliant from start to finish.
We were two couples on a 3 week trip which was one of the best trips ever. Our (quite specific :)), likes and dislikes were taken into account and each leg of the holiday was special in it's own way. It was great to be able to relax in the knowledge that everything was organised and anticipated in advance. I cannot recommend Benjamin and Siya Phambile more highly. In fact, we are already discussing our next trip, planned for 2023.
Email Lachlan | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An Unforgettable Southern Africa Experience - Would do it again in a heartbeat!
With very little notice, we found ourselves looking for a Southern Africa experience. We found great reviews for Siya and contacted Benjamin. He was very quick to reply to all our enquires and put together our tour after asking what it was that we wanted from our experience. He was highly knowledgeable in flora, fauna and culture. Had some incredible spots for landscapes and got us right into the action... I mean really up close and personal to the animals in various national parks. The experience was something that I know my family and I will cherish forever. I highly recommend Benjamin and Siya and will be telling any friends and family heading to Africa to look him up. He was not just a great guide but a ripping bloke.
Cape Town tour
Was a great trip in and around the Cape Town area with a lot of variety in planned activities! Hosts were extremely knowledgeable on area history and points of interest and brilliant food and accommodation organized.
Email Sybil | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Lovely Family Reunion in the Garden Route
We enjoyed our time spent along the Garden Route. It was peaceful and quiet in general. The perfect way to spend a couple of days with the family, just relaxing in the bush!
CA
Email Caecelia and Chris | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Ben was trustworthy, reliable and the best game driver. Ben was punctual in the duration of our trip
My husband and I went to South Africa and we chose Siye Phambile company. Ben, the tour operator was knowledgable, trustworthy and dependable. Ben was punctual from picking us up from the airport and drop us at the end of our trip in South Africa. Ben was the best game driver. Our safari started at 08:00 an and at 2 pm, we had a break from 2:00 pm to 4 pm and we started our game drive from 4 to 6 pm at Kruger National park. In the Kruger National park, Ben was tried to his best to go to dirt roads so we could see the Big Five. Thanks Ben for the wonderful experiences
AT
Email Kirsten | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Tour Addo Elephant Park
Personal, professional and attentive to details, this tour orchestrated an amazing adventure! Went to Addo Elephant Parka while ago and it truly was terrific. Our tour guide Benji was amiable, very knowledgable, organised and humorous. I strongly recommend. Our trip was absolutely amazing and definitely ‘an experience of a lifetime’!
Email shanel | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
psYchediLIC trip
these guys do really know how to take you places... Swaziland will never be the same ...all the way from Botswana i missioned with awesome safari peops who were hype n clear... fun n amazing jol it was... never a dull moment... absolute must do...whichever way you go.....