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Encompass Africa
- Located In:
-
Australia
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2009)
- Member Of:
- ATTA, CATO & ATAS
- Tour Types:
- Custom luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
-
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- Price Range:
- $228 to $1,953 ppper person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Ron | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awesome Africa Adventure - Triple A Rating!!!
This adventure was our first to Africa - and it certainly will not be our last. Our accommodation was first class and the food was simply delightful (we all put on a few kilos :)). We were impressed with the hospitality of all our hosts and receptionists.
Our tour guides with Ilios Travel were just the best. We'd like to put a big plug in for Walter: prompt, courteous, caring, informative and, a lot of laughs. The guides who took us on the one day excursions - including the National Parks - were all delightful and informative. We'd like to compliment Megan who handled the situation extremely competently when, on three separate occasions, we were charged by bull elephants. I'd do that again coz it was nature at its raw best. Our guides ensured that we were well catered for at all the attractions and their professionalism coupled with their sense of humour ensured that we had "the best of times at all times!"
We wanted an excursion that combined excursions into nature, a taste of some of the local cultures and, a feel for the complex history of the Rainbow Nation. We got all of this and more. Our tour began with a half day in the Apartheid Museum and a half day through Soweto (we could easily have had a full day for each) and ended with two relaxing days at Victoria Falls. These were two great bookends for our Awesome Africa Adventure which included some historic stops on our way to Swaziland, breathtaking glimpses of magnificent landscapes and, exhilarating encounters with "the big five" in the Kruger National Park and again in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve in Zululand. Our drive from Port Elizabeth (Nelson Mandela Bay) through the Garden Route to Capetown was dotted with memorable stops at the Cango Caves, Oudsthoorn, Knysna and Stellenbosch. We just loved being blown off the southern-most tip of the African continent at the Cape of Good Hope. Of course, we encountered the shadow of all humanity in our visit to Robben Island. Our visit through the Langa Township in Capetown helped us to appreciate our good fortune as Aussies!
Encompass Africa kept track of us from the moment we landed at Jo'burg. Their South African Representative helped us with a particularly difficult; she was respectful and attentive! Bravo!
We so enjoyed our tour we are planning our next excursion for '17
Email Theo Coronis | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
An experience for everyone to aspire to.
We had intended to take our family of 16 but the logistical problems beat us. We eventually settled for only 6 travelers and were provided with so much help and encouragement that it seemed for us a simple Operation. Of course it was not and the end result was a credit to the knowledge and perseverance of Encompass Africa that everything went without a single hitch. The itinerary was well researched by Jonathon and his team and provided us with a comprehensive overview of the huge variety of flora and fauna in Kenya The guides at the three selected camps were of a very high standard and their knowledge was entertaining and educational. We were privileged to view a huge variety of game at Amboselli, the Mara and Lewa. The decision to return was an easy one to make.
Email Louise | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exceptional Service - exceeded our expectations!
This was our first trip to Africa, traveling with our 2 teenage children. We were given great suggestions and guidance when we booked our trip and there was great attention to detail. I was particularly impressed with the website. Our guides were excellent, and there were no problems with our transport. We were contacted during our trip and given a local contact, who made sure everything was going smoothly. The camps were amazing and it was an incredible holiday. We are now planning to go back!
Email Bette | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
East Africa - Rwanda, Kenya and Zanzibar
May/June 2015 saw me travelling with two friends to East Africa for my first African Adventure and what an adventure/experience it turned out to be. With only a few basic requests, and no preconceptions on my part, I left the total organisation of this trip to the travel specialists of Encompass Africa who came up with an amazing itinerary - all planned to make me fall in love with Africa and they succeeded. We trekked with the gorillas in Rwanda, nine days of game drives over three different areas of Kenya (Amboseli, Samburu, Maasai Mara) where we saw an abundance of animals/birds (learnt about the Big 5, Ugly 5, Little 5 and the Samburu 5) and the exquisite beauty of the countrys. Our itinerary finished with three days relaxing at the beach in Matemwe, Zanzibar. I have nothing but high praise for the way our trip was organised, the attention to detail, locations, etc and the support of the ground handlers. Thank you Encompass for providing my friends and me experiences that will not be forgotten.
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime with exemplary service both before and during the trip.
During the planning phase Encompass Africa's communication with us was first class. Any queries were answered immediatley. Jonathon took the ideas that we had and enhanced them considerably through his extensive knowledge of Africa. We left the accommodation to him and we were not disapppointed. He saw us through the ebola crisis with up to the minute information which allayed our concerns. He supported our idea of independent travel and of driving in Namibia and answered our numerous questions with great patience. He went out of his way to meet our requests such as a Cape Malay cooking class. We left Australia quite comfortable and confident with the details of our trip.
The trip lived up to all our expectatios - and then some. The length of time that we spent at each destination was adequate. We were pleased that we had three nights at each of the Botswana lodges but two nights at each lodge in Namibia was fine. Our trip extended over five weeks and all of the arrangements ran like clockwork. THe Encompass Africa rep in Johannesburg made frequent contact to check that everything was OK. When we had to contact her over a minor interpretation of accommodation arrangements, she attended to it immediately.
Looking back, there was very little, if anything, that we would change. Jonathon's suggestion of self driving through Etosha was a good one although we did wonder how it would work out before we actually did it. Each day we thought, "This can't get any better," - and it did! There was a new experience every day. The ultimate accolade that we could pay is that we could have kept going even thought we had been constantly on the go for five weeks - and we are either at or approaching 70! At no time were we treated as 'old' or as people who couldn't do particular activities because of their age, something we appreciated very much.
We would thoroughly recommend Encompass Africa to anyone interested in a stimulating trip through Africa and expecting first class service. They will tailor make your trip to your specifications and you can be quite confident that the outcome will surpass your expectations.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A second visit to Africa
Recently we decided to again visit Africa after our fleeting visit 4 years ago. Having been very happy with what Encompass Africa organised back in 2011 we again contacted them via email for ideas for this trip. They were extremely prompt with their reply with suggestions and costings and we finally settled on an itinerary with Danica.
Our trip last month was fantastic - visiting 2 safari camps in Botswana before a mini bus tour on the garden route near Cape Town to eventually finish the 3 week trip at Nottens Bush camp in Sarbi Sands.
The animal sightings were a highlight seeing the Big 5 many times over but also animals that perhaps aren't seen as often including cheetah, serval cat, honey badger - the list goes on
Encompass Africa attention to detail is fantastic and I continue to sing their praise. The pre trip paperwork had all the detail needed and the backup assistance in Africa during the trip with phone calls and being met by their staff at airports was first class. If money allows and we go again we would only turn to this company.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing family holiday in Southern Africa with Encompass!
Our family of 5 (2 adults and 3 girls aged 15, 13 and 8) enjoyed an incredible 2.5 weeks in Southern Africa (Botswana, Victoria Falls and Cape Town) thanks to Encompass Africa. From the moment we made contact with Jono and his team it was apparent that they were experts in their field and that they paid careful and thorough attention as to what type of holiday would suit us (given our short briefing as to the types of things we'd like to see and do) and how they would make that happen for us. Jono was always available to talk when required and was prompt to return calls and emails. His confident manner and first -hand knowledge meant that I was extremely comfortable relying on his advice as to what would suit our family best.
Our trip was fantastic and just right for us-it's hard to think of anything I would have done differently. Starting off with safaris in 3 camps in Botswana-Camp Kalahari, Kwando's Little Kwara and Kwando's Lebala, we followed on with a couple of days in Victoria Falls and several days in Cape Town. From the choice of camps and hotels to the number of days in each, to the order in which it was structured, everything was spot on. We received a glowing recommendation from a friend to use Encompass and we would not hesitate to give the same.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Totally amazing holiday !
Encompass Africa organised our holiday and itinerary for a group of 4 couples. We went to Botswana, Vic Falls and then had our own mini van and own driver/guide doing the Garden Route in South Africa, where we finished our journey in Cape Town.
All our accommodation was superb; in position, staff, food, guides/trackers and the whole holiday went off without a hitch. This also included a couple of internal light plane transfers to Botswana and then to Zimbabwe.
In Botswana we stayed with Kwando Safaris Botswana at Little Kwara and Lagoon camps, which were fantastic. We saw soooo many animals and birds and the guides/trackers even found us some lions, a leopard and also some hyenas. Each game drive blew us away. And everything about the camps was beyond our expectations.
At Vic Falls we stayed at Vic Falls Safari Lodge which, in our opinion, was the pick of the places to stay. Whilst there you MUST do the BOMA experience and also do a Zambezi river cruise with Zambezi Explorer. Encompass recommended both these and we're so glad we took their advice.
And every place we stayed at along the Garden Route was just amazing.
Encompass did a brilliant job organising our itinerary and their choices of where to stay and the add on tours along the way when doing the Garden Route were spot on. You MUST do the Meerkats (even though you need to get up around 4.30 in the morning) and also walk with the elephants at the Elephant Rescue Centre and also go to Tenikwa and see all the wild cats. Also the Cango Caves and Ostrich farm are brilliant and if you have time you must organise a lunch at Babylonstoren Restaurant in the Cape Winelands. We found it was cheapest to buy an ostrich egg at the ostrich farm.
Places we stayed at include Hog Hollow Country Lodge, Protea Hotel Knysna Quays, De Opstal Country Lodge and Franschhoek Country House & Villas.
Jonathon from Encompass Africa organised our holiday as well as another group of friends who virtually did the same tour about 4 weeks after us but they had extra things added into their itinerary as they had extra days.
If we had any queries about anything at all Encompass were there for us, both in Australia and in Africa itself. We would highly recommend using Encompass if you wish to have a holiday anywhere in Africa !!!!!
A company which ensures your experience meets every expectation.
This was our second experience with Encompass Africa and they did not disappoint. Jono and his team were with us throughout the entire experience even though they were physically located elsewhere. All details were attended to even down to camps knowing that hard boiled eggs should not be on our menu :o). Staff greeted us at each point and ensured we were safely delivered to the next destination. We were in touch with the group from the inception of our travel planning through to when we arrived home. We even brought along a couple from USA who used Encompass Africa tagging on to our trip with ease. This was another fabulous adventure and we can't wait to plan our next one! Would recommend Encompass Africa to everyone and anyone planning to visit the continent.
Email Debra King | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our wonderful tour, thoroughly organised by Encompass Africa!
We, a group of 6 adults, have just returned from our nearly 4 week holiday in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana! All this was thoroughly organised by Jonathon Wilson, Director of Encompass Africa and his staff in both the Australian (Brisbane) and South Africa (Johannesburg) offices.
Early 2014, maybe even late 2013, I contacted about 6 companies in both Australia and Africa asking for tour ideas and prices that will coincide with either the start or end of our week of "Golden Oldies Cricket" my partner was to play, at the end of March 2015. We received so many different ideas and prices from one end of the spectrum to the other and we really had no idea who we should pick or what we should do and see. One of the ladies from the cricket team knew Jonathon and organised us all to meet with him. Prior to that I wrote an email to his company asking for quotes on roughly what the other companies had already quoted for us. We wanted to travel through the Garden Route from or to Cape Town from Port Elizabeth do some Safari and see Victoria Falls.
Jonathon, himself came back with quotes for a couple of different. These were so full of information, had prices and coatings for what he had for us and had an interactive map for us to look at to see where we could go, information on the hotels and what was around, it was so very informative and was only the first quote from him! We had made our decision to go with his company because of that info we received! And am so very glad we did!
We had our group meeting with him, and found out about him, his company and how he can make our trip personal! He did that and more! Jonathon lives 6 months in Australia and 6 months in South Africa (his birthplace). So his knowledge of what is around is great, and he and most of his staff have done what he showed us we could do!
Over the next 18 months or so, we emailed quite often and changed and added and tweaked until all 6 of us were happy with what we all wanted to do and see, and not once did any of our many emails not get answered! And promptly! The prices from the quote to when we left did not change unless we added something, which we did often. Even the staff in Johannesburg helped us when we were in their country, met us at the airport, took us to our hotel in Johannesburg and generally looked after us, it felt very personable and was so very much appreciated! I would certainly recommend this company to look at making the ideal quote and trip itinerary for your next/first trip to Africa!
Our itinerary was so thoroughly thought out, and written down for us all with all numbers for every person involved in helping us on our tour, drivers, guides, aeroplane companies names and numbers, all hotel and accommodation names and numbers, so very thorough. We were never left alone to do anything or to find our way. We had drivers for every part who took us to the reception desk of our hotels, introduced us to owners of sanctuaries or safaris, took us to pre-booked restaurants, wine tours, showed us right up to the checkin area for all airports, took us through the customs and visa areas getting into Botswana. We were never alone to worry about anything!
Our tour started in Cape Town where we stayed for 2 nights and then we started on the garden route drive, going through the wine area, stopping at 3 wineries, one of them had a chocolate tasting with the wine, one had cheese tasting and the other was Gary Player (golf player) because one of us like golf! Then lunch at a 5 star winery! I don't drink alcohol so he made sure I was catered for with a juice or a special non alcoholic drink! What a start to a wonderful holiday! Our time on the Garden Route, about 7nights, our guide and driver showed us so much more than was on the itinerary. He took us to an sanctuary for elephants where we were able to walk hand in trunk with them, learn so much from them, we went to a sanctuary for cats, and walked with cheetahs for about 1.5 hours! We went to a bird sanctuary and saw over 500 species of birds, and a monkey sanctuary with so many different breeds to look at, all in the open and no cages! We went on a meerkat adventure and sat and watched these little things playing and going about their daily going ons! We stayed in 3-5 star places, and were treated like royalty in every single place! And nothing was too much trouble!
We then flew to Johannesburg and were driven for 2 nights in Sun City for our golfer to have a game of of golf and us ladies to use the spa! There is so much to do and see, we didn't have anywhere near enough time to see 1/4 of it! Then back to Johannesburg to give our big bags to the encompass office of Johannesburg as we only had limited luggage on the small planes between the safaris! We caught a flight to Skukuza airport and picked up for our first safari at Nottens Bush Camp for 3 nights. Everything was included in this tour, as was all 3 safaris we did, all food, and drink and tours out to look at the animals! We saw the Big 5 on our first day and to say we enjoyed ourselves was an understatement! It was thrilling, and so worth seeing all these animals in the wild, the way they are supposed to be. We learnt so much about the lives of the people here and the antics of the animals! Well worth it, every second! And the camp only held 16 people so it was very personable!
We then went on to Victoria Falls for 2 nights, saw the falls, from ground and a helicopter flight. Us ladies spent time at an orphanage and thoroughly enjoyed that. We went to a Boma for dinner and that was another great experience! All the time with a guide or driver!
The next 2 safaris were at Kwondo Lagoons and a sister place called Kwara. Both for 3 nights and both were reached by a 6seater plane! Another part of our adventure! Both these camps were tented accommodation, on wooden floors, stairs up, full bathroom with outside shower! Very glamorous and very comfortable! And once again, we had a driver and a tracker for our group for the whole time we were there. Both very informative and both very welcoming and both happy to answer all our many questions! We saw cheetahs, lions, leopards, a kill done only one minute prior to us getting there, we saw herds of zebra, elephants, Impala, giraffes and lots of birds! All over all manners of terrain, just so we could see them (all animals) in their natural habitat!
Then back to Johannesburg for 1 night and home to Brisbane!
The whole trip was well thought out and nothing was needed or wanted! Many many thanks to Jonathon and his team in both offices! This has been a trip of a lifetime and I still can't stop talking about it or showing my many wonderful photos of all the animals up close and very personal! Thank you!
Disclaimer
- All corporate and/or tour info is provided by Encompass Africa, not SafariBookings
- The tours offered by Encompass Africa are subject to their terms & conditions