On Safari in the Mara
The Safari Partners
- Located In:
-
Canada
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2010)
- Member Of:
- IATA, ACTA & TOPAC
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $300 to $1,000 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
CA
Email Russell | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Superb Knowledge, Service and Communication
My wife and I are in our mid-late forties and have previously travelled twice to Africa. On those occasions we booked with another tour company. On this occasion, we decided to go with a local provider, The Safari Partners, and we're certainly glad we did.
Although we had been to Africa before, Chris (Safari Partners) was engaged with the the planning of our trip from the onset. He provided information and insight into various lodges and camps that proved invaluable. There is a line in their profile that states: "We don't strive to just sell, we consult. We listen to your needs and design the best possible travel solution for you.". This couldn't be more accurate. They are not just selling you a 'product'. There is a genuine effort and interest to determine what type of traveller you are and what kind of Africa experience you want to have and put an appropriate package together for you.
Communication was excellent. Any email queries we sent, both before and during our trip, were responded to within 24hrs. The only ones that may have taken longer required a response from someone in Africa, hence the delay. Itineraries are professionally set out, detailed and are available to view via a weblink.
Our safari (Johannesburg, Victoria Falls and Botswana) was excellent. Everything was as we discussed and went without a hitch. Even if some matter unforeseen had arisen, I would have all the confidence that Chris would see to it and find a solution. It was a very relaxing, worry-free experience.
Again, this was not our first trip to Africa, we have used other tour operators and would say that Safari Partners has been the best. They have the knowledge, communication along with a high level of service to guide you through and book your African adventure, whether you're a first timer or seasoned traveller. Highly recommended.
CA
Email Robin Hunter | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime
We have returned from our Amsterdam and Africa Safari adventures safe and sound and very happy!
The trip to Rwanda and Kenya was absolutely spectacular. Our experience of seeing all the animals from the Gorillas, Elephants to the small Dik-Dik, the hospitality and quality of the lodges, to the knowledge and expertise of our guides, will live in our memory forever! We don’t think any other trip going forward will come close to what we experienced here.
Everything went off without a hitch; there was someone there to pick us up at the airports and drop us off which was comforting as they were friendly and knew exactly what to do.
We thank Chris for his guidance, recommendations and service!
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Email Colleen Slavinski | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The greatest trip!
A friend and I visited South Africa in September and to say that we had an incredible time would be an understatement--thanks to Chris at The Safari Partners! We stayed at the Peermont Mondior Hotel at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg and took a half day tour of the city. Next we flew to Hoedspruit and took the beautiful Panorama route to Garonga Safari Camp for four nights where we saw the Big 5 within two days and had excellent game viewing! After, we stayed at the stunning Blackheath Lodge in Cape Town for five nights where we had the absolutely gorgeous loft suite and took numerous day trips. On our last night we stayed at the Coopmanhuijs Hotel in Stellenbosch and visited several wineries.
Chris' responses were quick, he had a vast knowledge of the location and provided recommendations/guidance to meet our parameters. Chris ensured everything was taken care of from booking all accommodations, shuttles, day trips, and international/domestic flights. I highly recommend using The Safari Partners if you're looking for a seamless vacation!
travel designers of your dreams!
It is hard to add to all of the great reviews here. All I can say is that every word is truly spoken by immensely happy customers, my family included. Chris customized a safari for our family of 4 very much like their "Cheetah" safari. The Boma, Nairobi, flight to Elephant Bedroom at Samburu, drive to Sweetwaters at Ol Pejeta, drive to Sopa Lodge at Lake Naivasha, drive to Encounter Mara at Naboisho Conservancy in the Mara, and finally a flight to Leopard Beach at Diani Beach. We had two guides and both were amazingly talented. We visited both a Samburu village and a Masai village, which was very educational and REAL. My husband and I had traveled to Kenya and Tanzania 18 years ago, and I was honestly worried that with population growth and modernization that there wouldn't be any "wild" Kenya left. We were happy to find that there is still "wild" and that the Kenyans have prioritized the preservation of wild spaces. Yes there is still poverty, but there is also much good progress- free public education, a push by the government to increase the average age of marriage, an understanding that tourism is worth more than the deforestation of land and decimation of wild animals. etc. So let Chris and Jen at the Safari Partners create your dream African safari, spend your tourist dollars and bring a little extra to donate to the people who are changing their way of life to preserve an amazing natural environment.
Email James | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Knowledgeable and helpful
I found Safari Partners online through my research. They had great reviews from previous clients and even though I live in Australia, got great advice and competitive pricing from them. Their customer service was exceptional, with the initial email discussion being greeted with prompt and informative responses. The best advice we received from Safari Partners was that whilst it sounds great to do a tour of East Africa visiting all the areas you have heard of, to get the most out of your experience, you are better off locating yourself in a couple of varied wildlife areas for decent periods of time, rather then constantly travelling......so we did.
Our 9 day private tour was arranged perfectly-everything went as planned and all details had been taken care of. We did an air safari so as not to waste time travelling and the tour tented camps we stayed at were perfect for our requirements-Elephant Bedroom Camp and Encounter Mara.
We have no hesitation in recommending our friends to book their East Africa holidays using Safari Partners, and we look forward to our next trip to Africa using their services.
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Email Jeff and Luann | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Victoria Falls/Botswana Tour
We just returned from a trip to Victoria Falls and Botswana that was planned by The Safari Partners. The trip exceeded our expectations! We spent 2 nights in Victoria Falls, and 2 nights each at Chobe Game Lodge, Camp Moremi, Camp Okavanga and Leroo La Tau. The lodging, locations and guides were great. Each location was different and Safari Partners did a great job of coordinating the flights between camps. Chris at Safari Partners was great! Anytime we sent him a question, we had a response within 24 hours or less. We would definitely use Safari Partners again.
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Email David G. | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
There and back again.
If you are looking for the most amazing African safari experience, Chris and the Safari Partners is your best friend. I've booked with Chris my Safari adventure in 2015 and 2016, traveling to East and South Africa. Both times Chris was super helpful, patient, accommodating, and just a pleasure to work with. Chris specializes in African adventures and nearby islands, and really knows his stuff.
On my 2016 trip to SA and Seychelles , Chris put us in Machaton Private Camp. We thought Safari will be rough, but we have Mahe Island to relax.....but we were in on real treat. Every single person at Machaton went above and beyond to ensure that guests are taken care of and treated like royalty. It is truly a bar set so high, that I am no longer sure how to top that without spending exorbitant amounts of money, and even then....
If you are looking for a worry free VIP African experience, Chris is the best bet. He will make it happen, and I am really puzzled on how he does that with the prices he charges. Best deal out there and the best treatment.
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Email Teri | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a Lifetime to Kenya and Zanzibar!
We heard about The Safari Partners from another couple I had met, who had booked a trip with them last summer and raved about it. Our family had been dreaming of a trip to Africa for years and we were overwhelmed with the choices we had to make. From the moment I contacted Chris at The Safari Partners, I knew we were in good hands. He responded quickly with all of my questions, and when I told him what we wanted to do, and what our budget was, he set up an itinerary that was beyond my expectations. From the time we landed in Nairobi, the entire experience went off without a wrinkle. We were taken care of by our guides/drivers, and all of the properties were wonderful and so accommodating. Our favorites were Encounter Mara and Elephant Bedroom Camp. My husband, 15-year-old daughter and I had the most amazing family trip that we will always remember. We did a 10-day safari in Kenya and capped it off with 5 days on Zanzibar. I highly recommend The Safari Partners to anyone planning an African safari trip. I'm already thinking about our next trip!
CA
Email Lauren and Kevin Williams | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Dream Trip Fulfilled!!!!!
After Christmas we went in to meet with Chris about planning our trip to Africa. We gave Chris our list of things that were a must do...walking with lions, elephant ride, microlight flight over Victoria Falls, walking through Victoria Falls, BOMA dinner as well as, of course, lots and lots of animals. 2 days later we received our flight itinerary and 1 day after that our amazing safari adventure information. What Chris returned to us with was an itinerary that met all those points and more: Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Cape Town and Stellenbosch. Our accommodations were incredible, and we smile every time we think of the amazingly pleasant and kind people that hosted us at each destination. The itinerary filled every day with something new, and every day was literally it's own adventure. We would and, in fact, already have recommended Chris and the Safari Partners to anyone who expresses even the slightest interest in making a trip to Africa. The only thing that will ever have a chance of topping this trip, is going back, which is now being saved for. Thank you Chris, talk to you soon!
Attention to every last detail
For our daughter's high school graduation, we wanted to take her on a family trip to South Africa. A friend recommended Jen from The Safari Partners to help, as I had no idea what to do or where to go! From the start, Jen did a great job figuring out what we wanted to do and where we wanted to go-making suggestions and listening to our ideas. She worked with us almost daily, and did a bang-up job with our itinerary! Every place we stayed (especially the Simbavati River Lodge), the location was ideal, and made the trip with our 3 teenagers just perfect. The package that arrived for us had absolutely everything we needed to make our trip memorable. Thanks Safari Partners!