Martin Smith, Managing Director
Kingfisher Safaris
- Office In:
-
United Kingdom
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2012)
- Member Of:
- Botswana Guides Association
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $100 to $1,500 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
for a custom tour
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
Email Chris Greaves | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
excellent service with frequent contact and advice
I found kingfisher safaris to be excellent in providing help and advice prior to booking. The fact it is a UK based company also helped in avoiding money transfers which can be awkward in Zimbabwe. Very personal follow up was received with Martin even making sure we had arrived at our various destinations. I had never used a tour company before for trips to Africa but with the number of transfers needed (air and road) used one this time and wasn't disappointecd with the service. Everything was on time andof a v high standard. The recommended accommodation provided an excellent holiday experience. Would definitely recommend Kingfisher and will be using them again in the future
US
Email Peter Greenwald | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful People, Lots of Animals
Nxai Pan was especially wonderful. The people at the lodges were very friendly and kind. The guides & trackers were amazingly knowledgeable, and they were lots of fun to be with. We saw lions at both Nxai Pan and Lebala. Guides at both sites were very diligent in finding animals for us to see. Truly, everyone was very nice. I would definitely go again.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Highly recommended
We approached Kingfisher online somewhat at the last minute to help us plan a two-part safari in Zimbabwe and Botswana, and were extremely satisfied with the service we received. From the very beginning Martin was always available via email or phone to answer any questions we had or make suggestions. He helped walk us though a number of logistical snags early on and was patient and accommodating. We were very happy at the lodges he booked us in within Zimbabwe (Kanga and The Hide) and even when we were in Zimbabwe he was always immediately reachable to answer questions on his phone. At one point a family member back at home was worried about us and contacted him to reach us, and he immediately helped her find us and put her mind at ease. She was so impressed by him and said that if I did ever write a review, I needed to mention that she thought it was the best customer service she had ever received.
We also asked Martin to put together a mobile camp safari for us in Botswana for the second half and really enjoyed that as a change from the luxury lodges. Although there were a few snags (late arrival for our pick-up at the border, things taking longer than expected), Martin was always available via phone and once we experienced the roads in Botswana everything made sense! Our mobile camp was a great time, and we especially recommend our guide Pilot to anyone going to Botswana - he really made the trip there for us. It's definitely not luxurious, but plenty nice for people used to tent camping and really special to be out in the bush surrounded only by nature! We heard animal noises all night and woke to lion and hyena paw prints by the campfire! The food was good and the staff worked hard to make sure that our desires were met. Our kids (ages 13, 11, and 9) had a blast, were very comfortable, and felt like they were on a real adventure.
All-in-all I would say don't hesitate to use Kingfisher to help you plan and execute whatever you're looking for in your dream safari.
Email Bob and Ei | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Superb planning - we have holidayed all over the world but never felt so 'looked after' before.
We had never travelled to South Africa before so wanted to experience a safari but also to visit other parts of the country. We picked Kingfisher Safaris as we would be dealing with people who had actually lived and worked there. Our experience was was extremely positive from beginning to end, with Martin's suggestions and planning producing a well balanced trip that not only appeared exciting, but in the event exceeded all our expectations. All our accommodation was first class and arrangements fell into place like clockwork.
We have holdayed allover the world but never felt so 'looked after' before, with Martin even contacting us during the trip to ensure all was going to plan.
We visited ancient forests, national parks, intriguing villages and beautiful coastline but the highlight must be the safari section. Superb facilities were matched by an absolutely excellent guide with an encyclopaedic knowledge of his subject. Game viewing was brilliant and even included a successful lion hunt - apparently seen by very few.
Would we recommend Kingfisher Safaris? Absolutely. The thought and planning that went into our trip surpassed anything we have previously encountered. There's no doubt that real local experience and knowledge pays off, and in our case resulted in the best trip we have ever taken
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
South Africa - A luxury trip
We asked Martin at Kingfisher to put together a trip for 4 of us travelling from Cape Town, along the garden route & to include a visit to a Game Reserve. We let Martin make suggestions based on his knowledge of the area & of us & did not need to make any changes to his suggested itinerary. Our booking was handled efficiently & we were kept advised of everything at all times. The choice of places to stay & the accommodation arranged for us was beyond my expectations. They were diverse enabling us to enjoy a lot of what the Cape & Garden route has to offer, & all accommodation was top quality. This is the 3rd time I have used Kingfisher Safaris for my travels to Africa & I would have no hesitation in using them again.
Email Paul | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Thoughtfully planned giving different experiences of Desert, Delta and Salt Pans. Brilliant trip!
Excellent service with careful planning to meet our needs. The choice of Camps meant we saw different parts of Botswana, each special and very worthwhile. Expectations were exceeded and we met very knowledgeable guides and staff in the 3 Camps. Seamless transfers by light aircraft ensured trouble free travel. We will certainly return and trust our tour to Kingfisher who clearly have used their on the ground experience to best advantage, definitely hitting the spot for us! Thank you for a relaxing and rewarding holiday.
Email Paul | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
An excellent tailor made Safari in Botswana covering desert, salt pans and delta, brilliant!
Well planned, understanding what we wanted and delivering.