Director Michelle on a mokoro in Botswana
Explore and Travel Africa
- Located In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2020)
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $200 to $2,000 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Michelle set up a perfect holiday for us! We had a great time.
We went with high expectations and they were exceeded really quickly. The lodges were great and all the staff were really nice, the guides and trackers were really enthusiastic and great fun. Every bit of food we ate was also absolutely top drawer. The transfers were also surprisingly fun, Reithe, our driver was full of info about the game reserves, the local area and much more. From the moment we landed in Hoedspruit Airport until we got back there everything was handled really well for us, it couldn't have been better organized.
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Email Robin | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Michelle was highly knowledgeable in coordinating the perfect trip, providing stellar service.
Michelle Astbury was a clear and available communicator throughout the development of our trip. She coordinated a trip that exceeded my expectations in value for the money. All transfers and guides were professional, on-time and provided exemplary service. In Cape Town and during Safari, all guides, trackers, staff we interacted with were friendly, courteous and were extremely knowledgeable in their craft. Lodging that Michelle selected for us surpassed our expectations in all respects - fantastic food, professional service staff, clean and well appointed rooms. Our group of five had only excellent praises to all that Michelle created for us. I have traveled to many exotic places and this tour is now #1 on my list. If you could go anywhere, go to Cape Town and on Safari in South Africa and most importantly, work with Michelle to create an exquisite and memorable trip of a lifetime.
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Email Maureen H | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent in every regard, knowledgeable, professional, attentive to detail and easy to work with
We had the most amazing trip!! Michelle booked the South Africa portion of our trip which included Inyati Lodge in Sabi Sands and Kambaku Lodge in Timbavati. Both lodges were beautiful, excellent game viewing, great food and wonderful staff. We enjoyed being in the private game reserves and being able to go off the track to follow the animals. One of our daughters has a gluten allergy and we were amazed at how accommodating both lodges were in providing alternative options for her. We had already booked the Botswana portion of our trip with a different company but Michelle handled all our flights while we were in Africa. We were so pleased, the flights were at good times, everything was arranged for us- drivers picked us up and dropped us off at the lodges, and everything went exactly as the itinerary stated. Michelle was fantastic throughout the planning of the trip- professional, friendly, responsive and knowledgeable. Her personal service, attention and expertise made us feel comfortable and confident in the planning stages and during our trip. Highly recommend, we would book with her again!
Email Charles | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Michelle exceeded all my expectations. A flawless itinerary created the perfect Safari!
Michelle designed our dream African safari Honeymoon! Michelle was very helpful throughout the planning process, promptly addressing any questions or concerns that arose. Her expertise and knowledge of Kruger were evident, as she provided valuable insights and recommendations that enhanced our trip. Michelle was attentive before, during, and after our trip ensuring that everything ran smoothly, even taking late requests to change internal transfers during our trip. Highly recommend.
Email Karen corp | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect dream trip
Michelle put together a fantastic dream trip for me. I can highly recommend Michelle to find you the best trip. Michelle also kept in contact whilst i was away to make sure everything was ok. Also received a bag of goodies at my first lodge. Thank you Michelle:) :) :)
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Email Lucas | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Michelle was excellent! Keen attention to detail and a fantastic itinerary.
Michelle planned a fantastic safari for my wife and I. We stayed at Umkumbe River Lodge and Africa on Foot and experienced fantastic value and unbelievable safari adventures. Michelle and team were excellent communicators, and we felt very well taken care of on our travels. All told, we would book again with Michelle in a heartbeat!
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Email Gershon Wolansky | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Superb!
Michelle was attentive from the first conversation. She was interested in us and our wishes and adapted the plan perfectly. The coordination with Mack Air was perfect. We started the journey in the African delta at the first camp he set up in a dry area and experienced a fascinating safari. We ended up at the third camp on the Okavango River where although there were fewer animals, the experience of a rafting safari was extraordinary. It is worth noting that in the three camps the training was professional and excellent. Little Stable is particularly worthy of mention in terms of the cuisine which was first class. The Peach Hotel in Johnsburg was recommended by Michelle, and it was an excellent choice, including a guided tour organized by the hotel. In conclusion, we strongly recommend Michelle in organizing trips
Email Dave S | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Prompt, efficient service.
Michelle at Explore and Travel Africa found venues within our date perimeters for us to choose, we chose Honeyguide Montabeni Camp, all additional services were then listed, flights, car hire etc to enable us to finalise the trip. At all times, communications were handled promptly. What a trip it was, we saw all the wildlife we wanted and more, well worth the cost, we think the three nights was adequate. The weather was not with us, but can imagine with good weather how it would be. Only downfall of the trip was the camp management let the whole staff down, who were great. Lacked communication and hospitality skills but that should not deter visiting.
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Email Gautam/ Genevieve | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect in every sense
We interviewed several travel consultants while planning for our first trip to South Africa. Our connection with Michelle was instant. She was extremely pleasant, knowledgeable and quick to grasp our needs (vegetarian meals cooked without cross- contamination etc). Her recommendations, Simbambili lodge turned out to be way better than our expectations so also Oliver hotel in Nespruit. Transportation were seamless. Michelle made us available at any time of the day and always made us feel that we were talking to a friend. She cared to check on us at every stage to make sure everything was going perfectly smooth. Michelle works at much higher level than your average (travel agent) Joe and experience with her has made us start planning for another trip to different parts of Africa already! No Safari trip is cheap but if one puts the proper price for the service, we feel this was one of the best deals for money spent.
Email Pat & Michelle | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An amazing trip organised by an amazing person - Michelle
A trip of a lifetime.. Michelle was a legend in organising at very short notice, the most amazing African Safari and visit to Victoria Falls. She was more than willing to jump on a zoom call to work out what we wanted to do and where we wanted to go and then pulled together the most amazing trip visiting Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and Cape Town in South Africa. She worked overtime to lock in our African flights, Safaris and accommodation and at a price that met our budget. We got to see the Magnificent 7 on the Safaris, the majestic Victoria Falls and met some wonderful people along the way. We could not have been happier with the way Michelle communicated with us, the organisation of it was first class and so thankful in the way out trip played out.
