Hosted Journeys to extra ordinary places
Cuckoo Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2019)
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $50 to $600 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
SE
Email Marc | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience exceeding our expectations
We booked the 6 day tour including Chobe National Park, Makgadikgadi and Okavango Delta. We did a lot of research and ended up booking with cuckoo safari based on their previous reviews and the itinerary that suited our trip, taking us to different parts of Botswana. The booking process was easy and communication with them was quick. We didn't really know what to expect and just went along, and everything worked out great and exceeded any expectations! No hick ups at all, everything went very smooth - from the transfers to the hotels to the different tour operators that were used along the way. (Local tour operators are used, which is a good thing as they have the best knowledge of the area) Each day offered new experiences. Simon and Tatenda joined us for a few days and made sure we were comfortable. All in all a great tour where you can just ride along, everything else is taken care of.
Email Matt | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
8-day tour - Vic Falls, Chobe NP, Makgadigkadi NP, Okavango Safari
Absolutely epic safari package!
We were picked up by Simon at Vic Falls airport. Because we flew in late we missed the sunset cruise however, Cuckoo were flexible and added a lunch cruise the following day after Victoria Falls tour.
Communication with Simon and our group was a breeze with a WhatsApp group chat.
As this was my first time in Africa, I didn’t know what to expect across Zimbabwe/Botswana. I was absolutely blown away by the lodges and hospitality of all staff. As I’m a celiac, I expected to have poor food choices. I actually put on weight! So many meat choices! I think it would have been harder if I were both vegetarian and GF though.
I’m not sure if we were really lucky with sightings but the safaris absolutely blew me away. We were so lucky and saw so many animals including a leopard! Big 5 - done.
I would 100% love to return to see more of Zimbabwe and would 100% reach out to Simon from Cuckoo again.
A trip to remember- easily will stay in my top3 and will be very difficult to top! How many people can say they spent their birthday hanging out with meerkats, then flying over the Okavango Delta!
Email Cherrod | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Cuckoo Safaris giving an Africa trip to always remember
We did an 8 day tour from Vic Falls to the Okavango Delta (Maun). Cuckoo Safaris have been very prompt in responses via all WhatsApp communications from the beginning enquiry questions about tour options to the end of the tour. They customised our package for us based on interests, which is why it’s not listed in their current packages.
A heads up to others that we did not pay the remaining amount of the tour until the day we landed in Vic Falls.
Simon was our assigned guide and he was a 6/5 rated guide from our whole group! He made sure we knew all the details of what was to come for the next day and guided us with personal requests when we asked for them.
He gave us wonderful cultural insights to his Zimbabwean heritage, and answered every curious question that we had with pleasure.
He also ensured that my husband had a nice birthday surprise (which I totally did not expect to come with the package but it was so touching).
Cuckoo Safaris did tell me from the beginning that they would be able to cater for a gluten free dietary restriction but we had to remind every place that we went to (something that isn’t unfamiliar for anyone that has to live with this condition).
We had friends (another couple) decide to join our trip a few months after we booked, and they were staying at another lodge in one of the towns that we were staying in originally due to the intended lodge being overbooked, but they messaged us the week of the tour to let us know that a room became available and our friends were then able to join us in the same place which was so nice!
Our trip exceeded our expectations and our time in Africa will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Email Calli | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Streamlined and made everything a breeze.
We just got back from an 8 day trip with Simon and cannot rate him and the tour highly enough. We loved everything - Vic Falls, Chobe and the Delta - and Simon was the absolute best. He looked after us completely and made the trip run like clockwork.
We were able to see the big 5 and so many other amazing things. The food and accomodation were all stand out.
I highly recommend booking with Cuckoo Safaris and asking for Simon as your tour guide.
US
Email Rachael | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Always on time ,willingness to go the extra mile, and orchestrates unforgettable journey.
The whole experience was better than we expected. The excellent guides provided a wonderful experience . Every place we saw was breathtaking . The Cuckoo Safaris were extremely reliable and I feel we got our money’s worth .
US
Email Linda | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Quick & accurate responses; helpful
My driver, Manda, was waiting as soon as I stepped off the plane & the adventure began! Light snacks on the Zambezi River to see warthogs, crocodiles, hippos, exotic birds, an amazing sunset & to be on a river that connects 4 countries was incredible! The next morning after breakfast, we were off to see Mosi oa Tunya (The Falls). We saw the Zambia & Zimbabwean side. Our tour guides Martha & Prudence walked us through the rainforest, we saw gorges, baboons, beautiful trees & the sound of the falls was amazing! There were rainbows & incredible photo-ops. We had lunch at Lookout Cafe, what a beautiful restaurant with delicious food & top notch service. We took a helicopter ride over the falls, which was breathtaking. We also made a quick stop at Big Tree. The next day was Chobe, Botswana. We started with a boat ride on the river. Our tour guide was so knowledgeable about the animals! I learned a lot. After a fabulous buffet, at an all you can eat lunch, we were off to the land safari. Our guide, Mr.O, got us very close to the animals (which is what we wanted). What an extraordinary day! The next day we got to sleep in a little. Pick up time was 10am. We stopped at a local store to buy food & school supplies for the visit to the cultural village. It wasn’t mandatory, but I love to help people. The village chief & his wife were so hospitable & thankful for the items. The chief gave us an in-depth tour & explained how life works. My highlight was visiting the school they opened & meeting the lovely teachers & adorable children. After the village tour, we stopped in town for lunch, coffee & shopping. We then went to the hotel to relax a little & at 7pm we were off to Boma to have fun, dance, eat, play the drums & just enjoy! The next morning was time to say goodbye to beautiful Africa, but we enjoyed every minute. Believe it or not, I left out some details. There was so much to see & do! The only thing I would change would be to upgrade my room at the hotel. But the staff was so welcoming & helpful & the grounds were tropical & well maintained. If you can’t tell yet, you should book this trip!
HK
Email Anisha | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Once in a lifetime experience!
Tatenda and his team were beyond amazing. They were extremely responsive, organised the best experiences for me based on my needs and what I wanted to see across Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana, and ensured my safety and comfort at all times.
No matter what time of day, they were available to answer my questions and make sure I fully enjoyed my trip.
I would also like to thank Martha from Zambia, Prudence from Zimbabwe and Figo from Botswana for giving me an incredible experience!
Strongly recommend booking with Cuckoo Safaris... ASAP!
US
Email Tanya | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A wonderful trip through Zimbabwe and Botswana’!
We did a 9 day trip of Victoria falls, Chobe, Makgadigadi and Okavango with cuckoo safaris and it was fantastic!
They were very responsive from the start of the planning phase till the end of trip. The guides and drivers were friendly and professional. All the arrangements were great.
We took road transport between places and the vehicles were well maintained and comfortable. The accommodations at Victoria falls, Chobe and Planet Baobad were excellent.
They offer reasonable pricing and great service. They partner with sister companies in Botswana and that worked without any hiccups. I would highly recommend Cuckoo safaris for anyone looking for a great and stress free trip through Zimbabwe and Botswana!
US
Email Micah | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing once in a lifetime experience with Simon
We booked an 11 day tour that took us through Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana. Simon was a perfect guide for our family of six. He explained the transfers and handoffs from one experience or border crossing to another so we weren’t left surprised. On some of our longer drives he took time to explain the culture unique to each area. Our excursions, river cruises, and safaris were all amazing.
SG
Email Jan | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Diligent
Excellent value for money with great experiences. You're in good hands with them, everything ran smoothly from arrangement, payment to execution and communication. Tatenda and Simon handled everything wonderfully. Highly recommended!
