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:
- Price Range:
- $228 to $1,951 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Duncan and Iona Beattie | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Terrific, fantastic, superb.....do i need to say more?
Encompass Africa were simply awesome in every respect - would use them again at the drop of a hat - our Safari was arranged by Jono and Katie - thank you. Their expertise and knowledge in the planning staff were invaluable and when we got there all arrangements worked seamlessly. Not one single hiccup. Would highlight their on the ground mobile camping safari partner, Safari Life, is equally as good. Simply brilliant all round
Email Mike | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
We used the Safari Specialist
Having been on only 1 safari previously,many years ago, we certainly needed professional help in choosing how to maximize our safari experience. That's where Jono and his team came to the rescue. Jono listened to what we were looking for and put together a tailor made itinerary for the four of us. We had seen many group tours for safari but that's not what we wanted. We eventually had an amazing experience of three destinations in Zambia. We found Jono and the entire team meticulous in their approach and detail. Jono's intimate knowledge of Africa meant that the destinations were exactly what we were hoping for. Lions, leopards, wild dogs, hippos, elephant, you name it we saw it. Also we had the amazing experience of a walking safari, where we encountered lions and canoe safari where we encountered hippos and crocodiles up close. The entire process including all documentation, internal flights, transfers etc went like clockwork. We will definitely be doing another safari with Encompass Africa.
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Email Glen & Christine | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Their attention to our desires for our safari experience was outstanding!
We were blown away by the safari experience -- it was our first safari and we had no idea it would be as wonderful as it was! From the drives and activities to view the animals, to the accommodations, to the food and staff...everything exceeded our expectations. Encompass Africa put together a perfect package based on our desires and their communication was perfect...we were reminded of tasks to do, what to pack, deadlines and everything necessary for a great adventure! We can't wait to do it again and would not trust anyone but Encompass Africa to plan our next trip!
Email Robyn | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastically planned 6 1/2 weeks in Africa
Encompass Africa was fantastic in the planning of this epic safari. We just let them know the dates we wished to travel and the places we would like to visit. From there they articulately planned everything for us. Everything was planned to precision from the pick up transfers, internal flights to the individual safari camps, an exclusive tour of Tanzania for just 2 of us and a small group tour with 6 of Namibia.
We travelled from Kenya through Tanzania (including Zanzibar), Namibia, Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls), Botswana and South Africa. The accommodation booked was great and we were also staying amongst the wildlife in luxury tents (the very best of glamping I would say) and luxurious guest lodges where the staff were very friendly and hospitable.
We cannot recommend highly enough the way in which Jonathon Wilson and the team at Encompass Africa made our African Epic Safari such a memorable holiday of a lifetime.
Email Catherine | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Do your own research
The main lesson I learned having booked a Tanzanian trip with EA is do your own research too.
When we arrived in Arusha, the accommodation was well below average. We have traveled all over India and are familiar with accommodation in an under developed country, however, this was quite shocking. We managed to upgrade to a nicer room at no extra charge, courtesy of the hotel.
We decided to travel by road throughout our trip so we could see the countryside, however, the vehicle was a rust bucket. The air con didn’t work and we were unable to close our windows for protection against the elements, mud and tsetseflies. The car seats had no cushioning left which, given that most of the trip was off road, made for an extremely uncomfortable ride. It also felt like the shock absorbers were shot too. The vehicle had done in excess of 380,000km all of which were off road. We all ended up with sore backs as a result. Just to note, some of the game drives took over 6 hours with no toilets around. It’s ok for guys, but I wasn’t comfortable going behind a bush for rest stops. It’s not something you are told prior.
A big part of our trip was to see the migration of the wildebeest. We had been warned by other travelers that the migration was delayed and all the animals were still at the Wester Corridor, so we should tell our driver so he could make alternate arrangements. He was very reluctant to do so. By the time we got to camp, the wildebeest has just started to arrive, but the other big animals had not. We spent hours and hours each day for nearly three days searching for signs of lions, elephants and other large animals. We finally insisted that we move to where other travelers had advised us to go. Reluctantly our guide agreed. We managed to see leopards, lions (many), hippos, crocodiles, wildebeest, zebras, hyenas many different antelope, all in one day. However, because of this earlier reluctance to move, we only managed to stay overnight. It was wonderful and we wanted to stay longer, agreeing to pay the additional costs associated with it. It was refused and we ended up moving very early the next day to stay at a hotel, which was not ideal. Another 10 hour drive in a sub standard vehicle.
Our driver could not be contacted the next day so we missed out on the morning game drive. So we spent over 24 hours in a hotel room. Not what you want when you pay big $$ to see wild life.
After missing out on seeing the migration, it was extremely disappointing that we were forced to leave the one place that had all the action we were searching for.
There were many enjoyable moments and the guide was extremely knowledgeable and a superb driver. Just make sure you do your own research. Check hotel reviews. Ask about the age and condition of the vehicle you will be traveling in. It will make all the difference when traveling through this stunning country. Africa is amazing. The people are warm and welcoming and the animals are breathtaking. It truly is an experience of a lifetime.
Email Gail | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Encompass Africa love what they do, they genuinely care about making your Africa trip perfect!
We have visited Africa many times, and in the latter 8 years our safaris have been exclusively and flawlessly organised through Encompass Africa. Their service is outstanding, we cannot recommend this company highly enough. Encompass Africa is most professional and yet we are also made to feel as if we are 'part of the family'. They are a passionate, thoughtful and knowledgeable team who understand us and what we enjoy and then tailor each journey to specifically suit our interests.. The planning of a safari with them is such a fun and exciting process from start to finish - all part of the adventure! Encompass Africa deliver in every respect. We have had some unbelievable and unforgettable true wilderness experiences through Encompass Africa that will remain with us and last a lifetime. Thank you!
Encompass Africa provides a personalised safari booking service and listen to your wants and needs!
The Zimbabwe/South Africa safari we just completed in November, 2018, was our 6th safari booking with Encompass Africa. To keep going back to Encompass Africa for our African experiences is a testament to the services they offer. Encompass take into account your preferred budget, the countries you want to visit, the animals and environment you are interested in and tailor a safari to suit. Depending on what's on your wish list and budget, it may not be achievable in one safari, all the better to have a great time on the first safari and start planning the second as you land back home!
Most of our safaris have been between 19 and 25 days, which suits us. We visit a maximum of 3 countries so we aren't flying up and down the African continent, which can add dramatically to your budget.
Our last trip we visited 3 camps in Hwange national Park, Zimbabwe, each completely different, Vic Falls, Cape Town for a week, then up to greater kruger in South Africa at a luxury camp. Simply fantastic, not a lot of flying around, maximum time in camps, which is what you want.
We have also been to some extreme safari experiences, such as Odzala in the Republic of Congo, boated on the Nile in Uganda, mountain gorillas in Rwanda, the Serengeti, chimp trekking on Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania, so Africa is you oyster :), golf in South Africa.
If you are unsure where to go, Encompass can advise you so you can get the bitten by the African bug and try different places and experiences.
We will continue to book our African trips through Encompass.
Email Bridget Chapman | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The Perfect Honeymoon
When considering my options for our dream honeymoon the team at Encompass were so helpful and honest which was truly a breath of fresh air, they were focused on ensuring that we got exactly what we wanted and were very mindful of our budget. Every communication with the team was professional and simple, they are wonderful people and easy to talk to. The little personal check in with us just days before departure was a wonderful touch and really impressed us with their attention and care to the details of our trip.
When we tried to change a flight during our trip the team were very quick to respond and assist us putting in maximum effort which we truly appreciated!
The safari and beach holiday they they put together for us was unforgettable, the safari in Zambia was truly amazing, the camps we stayed at were perfect and the staff incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. The beach portion of our trip in Mozambique was so wonderful and perfectly relaxing for the last couple of days before we had to return to reality.
The information about each country and what to expect during our trip was spot on and extremely helpful!
We would highly recommend booking a safari trip through Encompass!
Email Karen New | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing Experience
My first experience with Encompass Africa was in 2010. A wonderful trip to Sth Africa, Botswania and Zambia. From my first meeting with the team explaining what I was interested in to arriving back home was great. They gave me an excellent itinerary, each park was very different which meant that I had encounters with a huge variety of wildlife. Communication was great and everything went smoothly - pickups were there, planes were organised etc etc. Just brillant. Consequently I have recommended Encompass Africa to family and friends heading to Africa. So given that I was heading back to Africa a few months ago - my first port of call was again Encompass Africa (via email and phone - no need to visit office) and again another brilliant encounter! This time to Kenya and Rwanda. Giving details of dates, number of days/nights that I had for Safari - the team put together a number of proposals- taking into account that I was a single female travelling solo. I choose an itinerary with 3 destinations in Kenya- one of which I was unsure about 'Amboselli' - but Jono suggested it was great - large number of elephants and bird life. So I took his advice as I feel that they know the continent - and it was amazing. So very pleased that I went to Amboselli. All the camps that I have stayed have been great/luxurious/decandent - smallish in size, not loads of people, great food and drinks, the guides brilliant, the service wonderful. On a number of occasions, I was the only person in the jeep on the game drive - briliant for sitting and watching as long as you like. On most occassions - 4 to 6 max in the jeeps. The communication from Encompass Africa is brilliant and your itinerary and docs all loaded up onto a cloud - which you can access with a password - thus if hard copy misplaced easy to access again. They follow up with you once home and ask for feedback on the camps etc. Would highly recommend this company if you want an African experience that is well organised, in fantastic camps, a wide variety of wildlife, slightly off the beaten track.
Email Michael Paramor | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
EA is Just superb; a wonderful mix of the personal and the professional.
Again, the EA team has delivered to us a series of unique experiences in East Africa - such that it already has us looking to go back again via Jono, Danica and the EA team. This recent trip certainly matched our wonderful first EA experience of 2012!
The depth of personal knowledge at EA, the wonderfully engaging approach and the series of regular 'check ins' ensured we were well prepared for our month long visit. The trip itself, across three countries and four distant and diverse locations absolutely exceeded our expectations. The shared understanding of what we wanted out of this trip combined with their understanding of us as a couple laid a great platform from which we saw that EA knowledge and experience used to best effect.
This second wonderful trip with EA to southern Africa will see us return there in a couple of years and we'll just head straight back to Encompass Africa!