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 $1,953 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Kym and Lyn, Brisbane Australia | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Holiday of a lifetime
While we have travelled internationally many times without using travel agents we were a little reluctant to do so when visiting Africa, not knowing the region and aware of the huge scope of travel and tours available.
We approached Encompass Africa after finding their name on line.
From the moment we met Jono and his team at Encompass Africa Brisbane we had confidence in his ability to provide us with an outstanding experience. Pre-trip he was always available and cooperative and produced for us an extremely detailed itinerary that left nothing to chance.
His itinerary provided first class accommodation, car rentals, tours and air travel, and we put our absolute trust in his suggestions for a 17 day holiday in South Africa and Botswana. We were not disappointed.
In South Africa we experienced Capetown (3 days) and the Garden Route (6 days) and were amazed at the wonderful variety of landscapes and other attractions of the region. While we felt a little insecure before we left to drive the Garden route, we had absolutely no problems. Roads were excellent, locals cooperative and efficient, drivers far more courteous than in Australia, and we always felt safe wherever we went. Sure, when parking the car anywhere there is always a local to guide you into a space and expecting a small tip, we quickly got used to this and quite enjoyed chatting with them.
After returning to Capetown we flew to Maun in Botswana and from there a light plane to the first of two safari camps, Kwando Lagoon. Within 90 minutes of our 4pm arrival we were following two cheetahs for at least 30 minutes, almost within arms reach. We were told this was our lucky day because they had not seen them for 2 months. The rest of the 3 days there were amazing with a huge array of wildlife including witnessing lion and lioness hunts and one kill, hippos, elephants, giraffes to name just a few. Kwando Lagoon was an incredible introduction to the Kwando group of safari camps. Facilities were 5 star, staff efficient, courteous and willing to do anything to make our stay more comfortable.
The routine doesn't vary in Kwando camps: 2 safaris each day, rising at 5 or 5.30am for a 6am start, out for 5 hours then lunch and a siesta before going out again at 4pm for another 4-5 hours of day and night animal spotting. Then a beautiful meal and wines, conversation with other guests, and early retirement to prepare for the next day. It did take a while to become accustomed to the noise of dozens of hippos at night in the river a few metres from our tent.
We left Kwando Lagoon after 3 days for Kwando Splash camp (30 minute light plane ride), thinking nothing could better where we had been. We were wrong. Kwando Splash had the advantage of being newly rebuilt so everything was sparkling. The animals were literally everywhere. We left camp for safaris and within a few minutes were photographing lions, jackals, zebras, giraffes, a honey badger, elephants, hyenas, etc etc. On the first day we found a leopard, under a bush right next to our vehicle and patiently waiting for us while we took a thousand photographs. Our wonderful Botswanan guide Dave and tracker KB had just finished telling us the leopards were very elusive and difficult to find, they were at least as excited and amazed as we were. Like Lagoon camp, Splash had wonderful facilities, outstanding staff and excellent meals and drinks. My wife's birthday was celebrated there with a delightful performance by the staff followed by a cake with the other guests. Staff are more like a big family than employees.
A couple of things to note: the camps are in an environment that is barely disturbed and it is not uncommon to see wild animals in the camp or on the tracks to accommodation tents. We saw elephants baboons and warthogs in camp. Staff are always on hand to escort guests to and from accommodation, and after dark it is policy not to leave the common area or tent without a staff escort. The animals are not in reserves or sanctuaries and are not fed or nurtured by staff. They are completely wild and rely on traditional hunting methods for survival. We never felt afraid or insecure because guides trackers and other staff are so professional and well trained. The period recommended by Encompass Africa of 3 days in each camp was exactly right, any longer and we would have been exhausted with excitement and 5am wake-ups.
We left Africa unable to think of one deficiency or criticism of our holiday, travel agent or hosts in South Africa and Botswana. We cannot recommend Encompass Africa and Kwando camps more highly (although we haven't been to any others) and would return in a heartbeat using Jono and the team again.
Email Eileen | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Our experience with encompass Africa was excellent.
Our Travel Assistant, Steph, from Encompass Africa, was fantastic to work with. There were ten of us travelling as a group and she, very patiently and efficiently, took care of all the various needs of our group as we split at the end of our Safari in Tanzania to go four different directions. She handled it all and the standard of communication was great. Nothing was too much for her. Highly recommended. We would definitely use her again!!
Email Peter | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Encompass Africa deliver great service and experiences for travellers to this great continent!
Encompass Africa helped us extend a safari holiday in Tanzania to include extra experiences at Victoria Falls and the Chobe River. They have a tremendous knowledge of these areas and provided us with excellent accommodation in both places. Pre trip communication was excellent , with emails answered promptly and professionally. Last minute changes for our stay in Victoria Falls were done cheerfully and efficiently. Whilst on the trip, emails, again, were handled efficiently and answered within the constraints of the time zones. Emergency phone numbers were provided before our trip but, luckily, weren't needed.
Encompass Africa are in constant communication with the lodges they use. They knew of an upgrade form wife and I, to a superior level of accommodation at one lodge, because of an electrical fault before we arrived at the lodge.
Because of this diligent, personal and professional service, I would highly recommend Stephanie and her team at Encompass Africa for any of your African travel needs.
They made our trip an experience of a lifetime! One we will never forget!
Email Russell Pringle | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The best of the best. Encompass Africa is a First Class operation.
This was our third trip with Encompass Africa. We've travelled all over South Eastern Africa and we've never had an issue with any part of the travel.
From the "meet and greet" as you step off the plane, airport transfers, flights, private guides, accommodation and most importantly safari destinations..... they have never missed a beat.
Communication is always excellent from the initial........."we want to go to Africa" phone call to the post holiday call from Jono asking about the trip after we arrive home.
Jono and his team both in Australia and Africa are a first class operation and I highly recommend them to anyone considering travel to any part of the African continent.
Email MarcelleC | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Absolutely amazing. Best holiday I have ever been on.
Would highly recommend as cannot fault any of the services provided.
Email Isabel | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Absolutely seamless and impeccable organisation
From our very first contact with this agency I could not fault the initial information, the quote, the pre trip information package and then delivery on the ground of our African adventure. The safari camp was a real camp experience but with very sophisticated attention to,detail. When we arrived back from safari there was a tray of cold lemongrass scented snowy white hand towels waiting for us. Very good coffee was brewing on our campfire with freshly cooked muffins as well as porridge for early breakfast at 5.30 am before our morning safari.
The safari guides were very knowledgeable and kindly as with all camp staff. The group dining table was very friendly. Every detail in our ‘tent’ was thoughtfully designed. The hotels selected in Cape Town and Victoria Falls were perfect as were all transfers.
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!
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 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!
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.