The Luxury Safari Company
- Located In:
-
United Kingdom
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2010)
- Member Of:
- Air Travel Organisers' Licensing
- Tour Types:
- Custom luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $1,002 to $3,759 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
CA
Email Kirsty, Simone, Valerie, Scott, and Natasha | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Two Week Bespoke Tour Kalahari and Okavango Delta
This is so overdue, but I hope that it will encourage anyone thinking to make the leap to just do it. We had a custom-built 2 week itinerary in the Kalahari (Makgadikgadi pans) and Okavango Delta. We were a bit challenging to book for because our party included two children, one just a few months shy of her 6th birthday. The luxury safari world, as we encountered it on the internet, is not so welcoming to small people, no matter how well behaved the adults in their lives believe them to be.
Rose put together an itinerary for us, that included all of our "must-haves." We spent four full days at Camp Kalahari and it was absolutely magical. Our guide there (BK, some call him BM) was unbelievable with the kids. We had asked for a possible storytelling night at some point on our itinerary. The message got through to BK, and he did stories every night. He also sang along to our Lion King sing-a-longs (a daily occurrence). He was tremendous. Because we had children, we had to go in our own safari vehicle, so as to not disturb other guests, and to not shorten their game drives. In the first place, I imagine all the other guests were happy to miss our sing-a-longs, but in the second case, we had the opposite problem. Our jeep was always first out of camp and last to return, our longest game drive a full 10 hours! Incredibly, they never felt too long, the time just flew by. The credit goes entirely to our phenomenal guide, directed to our needs in advance of our arrival.
Our inter-camp and inter-hotel transfers were seamless. The toughest of all could have been the transfer to Livingstone, Zambia, especially as we did the trip right when COVID restrictions were coming into effect (we, without internet for nearly two weeks, were blissfully ignorant). We were met at every point by a guide who knew our names, had water and facecloths to refresh us, and who handled the (rather frightening) border crossing so professionally.
Our second camp was Little Machaba, in the Delta, and was absolutely wonderful. We had another fantastic guide, who was able to teach us about anything we would ask. From him we learned about the different grasses that grow in the rainy season, the migration patterns of the birds, and a lot about poaching prevention programs and the damage left behind by DDT. The girls learned so much from him, and he did his very best to show us as much as he could, even during days when the rain bordered on monsoon intensity.
As for Rose and her company, she was so readily available with any questions we had, and always available to provide answers and advice. I will admit that it is a bit anxiety-provoking to wire a large sum of money to an overseas company (we are in Canada) and then not have any formal ticket to show for it, but for any of you that may share this anxiety, please be reassured, a lot is being done behind the scenes. For us, all we had to do was pitch up in Maun airport on day one, and a host of guides and pilots took it from there. We travelled through Botswana and Zambia to meet people who greeted us by name and had anticipated our every need. I do not know what the next few years brings, but I cannot wait to book another trip with the Luxury Safari Company. As for travelling with children, it was absolutely fantastic and I cannot imagine seeing Africa any other way. Truly, for all that children may seem an impediment to safari travel, with the right team, it is just spectacular. Thank you to Rose and team for making it so easy to have the trip of a lifetime.
Email The Hornby Family | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A Holiday to Remember
A truely exceptional trip, with every detail looked after and thought about. Rose recommended the perfect house within the Borana Conservancy, suiting all of the family's needs - from activities suiting young children to older teenagers, there was plenty to keep everyone occupied and entertained. Rose's service was impeccable, we were in constant communication throughout the preparation of our trip, and her support was excellent. Our stay could not have been any more perfect, so much so, we even ended up extending our stay for another week. The conservancy offers so much, from fantastic wildlife to stunning scenery, with guides ready to suit your every need whether you want to go for a ride, drive or walk.
Email Deborah A. | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
One-of-a-kind bespoke itinerary and experience curated especially for us!
Excellent personalised experience from start to finish. The team at The Luxury Safari Company are true experts on Africa and were extremely knowledgeable, offering incredible insight and travel options across the continents many wonders.
We ended up going to the incredible Morukuru Beach Lodge for a three-night stay on the De Hoop nature and ocean reserve - a short 3.5 hours drive from Cape Town. It was the perfect place for us to unwind and reconnect in beautiful surroundings. Our Honeymoon Suite was exceptional and the eco-hotel's innovative design felt ultra-indulgent and much-needed after a year of no travel.
The dedicated team were exceptional and always on hand, ensuring we felt comfortable and well taken care of. Thank you again to Hilton, Nicholas, Kayleigh and Corné! The food was also incredible and definitely another highlight.
In terms of activities, the nature walk and drive was both educational and fun! They change every day meaning no day or experience is the same. And sandboarding was unique and extremely picturesque, boarding down the bright white dunes with the ocean in the backdrop. We also cycled across the reserve encountering zebras, ostriches, baboons and various other wildlife.
In relation to Covid, all precautions were taken by the team to ensure safe interaction between guests and staff. We even received personalised masks and sanitiser kits. Worth noting, as an intimate but spacious hotel/location, there is plenty of space to keep to yourself, if you so wish to.
We have inquired about Ocean House and plan on returning with our family later this year for whale watching season!
IT
Email Cinzia colombo | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Always the best!
I really enjoy the Professionalism Of the luxury safari company and that you have really what is the best possible. Then of course with game drive chance play a good part, but what I know for sure is that anytime I did a safari with the company it was really outstanding and never had a problem.
RO
Email Anda | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent
Very professional, our stay could not have been any more perfect.Rose did all in details,we had a wonderful itinerary including Okawango Delta,Chobe wild reserve and Zimbabwe.Everything was outstanding .For sure I will recommend Rose to everyone and I can’t wait to book another holiday with Rose.
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Email Kay | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing!
Luxury Safaris did an outstanding job from the minute we started our adventure. We had absolutely no problems at all and left no stones left unturned. We felt like royalty the entire time. We would definitely recommend this company to anyone planning to go to Africa. Had a wonderful time! Kay & Ken.
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Email Diana & Greg......Kay & Ken | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Rose was absolutely the most professional, efficient and thorough organizer we could have hoped for.
My husband, sister, brother-in-law and I just returned from an amazing 14 day African experience. We contacted a number of safari companies asking for a proposed itinerary and cost breakdown as we were unsure as to where we should go and what to expect. Rose Hipwood came back with the most exciting and thorough proposal of all and after reading the reviews on Luxury Safaris and Rose, we decided to go with this company.
Our trip was absolutely perfect from beginning to end. If someone was supposed to meet us, they were there. If a plane, jeep or boat was to transport us from one place to another, they were there. We had excellent accommodations at all three camps including friendly staff, delicious meals and cocktails, experienced guides and drivers.....it could not have been better.
Throughout the planning process, Rose was ALWAYS available and responsive to our questions and concerns and helped guide us through the travel challenges we were presented with due to the COVID pandemic.
We would all highly recommend Rose and Luxury Safaris to anyone interested in visiting this amazing country. We experienced fantastic adventures which provided us with memories that will last a lifetime.
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Email Sid & Lori Garner | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Attention to detail was outstanding.
Our family of 11 just returned from an amazing 12 day safari/beach trip to Kenya. Rose was on top of her game as every detail of our trip was flawlessly performed. The communications were great and the logistics were seamless as we moved throughout the country. All of the properties that she recommended were 5 star in every way. I would highly recommend Rose and Luxury Safari Company . We were so moved by the trip and the people of Kenya that we have already booked a return visit for next year!
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Email Bella | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very In Tune With What We Wanted
Our tour operator Rose was extremely helpful and in tune with what we wanted out of our trip. I love that she would give us options of campsites within different price ranges so that we could have a solid understanding of what different price ranges could get us. Rose responded very promptly whenever we reached out to her including on the trip when we would have flight or schedule changes. All the transitions between campsites and flights were very smooth and easy. Highly recommend Luxury Safari Company for anyone who's looking to have the true luxury safari experience.
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Email Robin | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Most professional and responsive group I've ever had the pleasure to work with...!
Having never been on safari we didn't know what to expect, we were just looking for ease and comfort throughout. We found it with The Luxury Safari Company (Rose). Everything from initial contact, booking and throughout the trip was perfectly communicated and coordinated without flaw. We selected tours in Zambia to include Tongabezi Lodge in Livingston, Puku Ridge and Chiawa. The accommodations, the food, the actual activities (safaris) were all perfect and as described. The tour guides were professional, informative, knowledgeable and willing to listen and respond to any request or interest. I can without hesitation recommend the experience. Money well spent...!