Discover Africa Safaris team
Discover Africa Safaris
- Office In:
- Size:
- 20-50 employees (Founded in 2002)
- Member Of:
- ATTA, SATSA, CTT & IGLTA
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $450 to $2,000 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
CA
Email Moyra | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A experience tailor made beyond our wildest dreams
We began planning our Safari by researching companies that offer both prepackaged and custom tailored trips. We interviewed our top 4 over Zoom or by telephone. Discover Africa, and Diane in particular, came out miles ahead of the others. Diane listened to our needs, anticipated things we had not thought of and provided suggestions, and worked with us to tweak this trip to be exactly what we wanted. Communications was top notch. Their portal for providing trip details was beautiful, thorough and very easy to use. Payment was seamless.
The trip itself turned out to be everything we had asked for and more. The logistics of moving us from camp to camp and country to country had is a bit worried, as it was just the two of us and not an entire tour group. Well we needn’t have worried. Between Diane, the camp management and the transportation providers things ran seamlessly. We had lots of contact numbers for Diane, Discover Africa and our providers should we run into any snags, but all went very smoothly.
The camps themselves, as well as Cape Town, were beyond our expectations. People truly couldn’t do enough for us. We felt safe and cared for at all times. The food was plentiful, varied and delicious. The scenery was spectacular and varied. The guides were friendly, so knowledgeable, and very accommodating. We saw every animal on our list apart from the elusive cheetah. We experienced some very rare and fortunate sightings. We particularly enjoyed the communal dining at the camps and were happy to meet travellers from far and wide, learn from them, and develop new friendships.
One of the highlights for me was the welcome and pre dinner entertainment provided by the staff at the camps. Cooks, housekeeping, guides, managers, waitstaff…they all came out with singing and dancing that was just so beautiful and heartfelt. How privileged we were to spend time with such multitalented and beautiful people.
Looking at our early plans for the trip, the style of travel, and our budget, the trip evolved into something so much more customized, comfortable, and yes…more expensive. Before leaving on the trip I was second guessing how much I chose to spend and whether it was overkill. Let me tell you…this trip was worth every Penny. It was the experience of a lifetime and I’m so glad we discovered Discover Africa and Diane who made it all possible.
US
Email Lori Cochran Dougall | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Capturing the Experience
You listened and captured our unknown desires for this trip. You created memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.
Expedition is for those that want to really connect. It is for those seeking adventure. You understood that we wanted to be connected to nature, not be around a lot of people, have an austere experience in the bush yet with luxurious accommodations. We could not have imagined how well you would nail our preferences. Beginning with our travel to the camps. The flights and helicopters were filled with excitement and expertise. We felt well cared for with each transition.
Onto the Delta, African Bush Camps are magical – from the staff to the landscape to the animals to the accommodations and especially the guides. Just wow!
Our placement at Expedition was the perfect way to start our adventure. Expedition makes you feel alive!
Noah, our guide and Witness the second guide were knowledgeable, welcoming and wonderful to safari with. They made each day feel as if it was their first day exploring that area. Their knowledge and welcoming spirit made them fast friends. Noah's knowledge was unbelievable. He spent time on the flora, fauna, birds and the beautiful traditions of the people in Botswana. We were completely impressed with Noah, Witness and the staff at Expedition.
You also knew that we would want to be there for three nights and four days. I recall pressing you for more and you encouraged me to take your recommendations, and you were right. Our transition to Leadwood happened at the right time. We relaxed and enjoyed the diversity from Expedition to Leadwood. Bonda our guide will forever be in our hearts and will remain a friend for a lifetime. Bonda, who is from the local village, made it feel as if we had a secret guide into the backyard playground of this area. He was respectful of the land and animals. He shared the traditions of his people. His laugh is contagious! He did a great job supporting and teaching Mumzi, one of the trainee female guides - who did a fabulous job, as well.
When I asked if I could bring things to the school kids in the village, African Bush Camps went the extra mile to help facilitate all aspects of this request. Due to your efforts, we were able to support the school in a myriad of ways that they needed. We were impressed to learn the lengths African Bush Camp goes to support the area communities. Our support will be continued going forward.
The lodges were beautiful, the staff caring and the experience wonderful. We will be back!
US
Email Julie S | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Oustanding safari through Discover Africa Safaris
I had an unforgettable safari organized through Discover Africa Safaris in September. I worked closely with Chrizaan Troch who was just outstanding. She was very attuned to my interests and importantly, my budget. She provided several options and gave objective information on each. At every step of the planning, she was available. I received regular updates, and as the time the safari neared, gave me a lot of important information, including sharing her cell phone should I need assistance. The safari was beyond what I even dreamed off. The accomodations, lodging, staff, etc. were amazing, as was the incredible wildlife I witnessed. I highly recommend Discover Africa Safaris. You won't be disappointed.
Email Rob, Jill, Anna & Chris | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent Safari advice and guidance
We booked a trip to Kapama Buffalo Camp through Devryn Panaino at Discover Africa. He checked out several options within our budget. He was very responsive or one of his colleagues (thanks Megan) replied to our questions. We booked directly from the UK but the whole process was very smooth. Would highly recommend and will definitely contact again if we are looking for another safari or other African experiences in the near future.
The safari itself exceeded expectation. We saw the big five on more than one occasion. The guide and tracker (Themba & Zakes) were very knowledgeable. We also were able to go on a bush walk and learn more about our surroundings. The camp itself was immaculate, all of the staff friendly and helpful. They have great chefs. One thing that was very helpful was a ‘suggested’ tip guide. Tips can also be paid via credit card should you prefer.
Thanks to everyone involved at Kapama Buffalo camp.
US
Email Jan | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Our contact at Discover Africa was knowledgeable and helpful and made our trip smooth and easy.
Discover Africa took my husband's outline of where we were interested in traveling and turned it into a fantastic trip. Diane at Discover Africa recommended the lodges we stayed at in South Africa, Zambia, and Botswana, and all were first rate. Each place had something special about it and each had wonderful safari guides. We had an amazing two weeks and can recommend Discover Africa Safaris without qualification. Thank you for a very meaningful and heart-opening trip!
US
Email Jane Andraka | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best knowledge,communication and advice
So impressed with Discover Africa Safaris and especially Susan! Being a first time traveler to Africa I had so many questions. She took the time to listen to what we wanted to experience and gave us many options to choose from. After we chose what tour we wanted ,she set everything up. Unfortunately I had to postpone my trip for a year because of an emergency and she was so very helpful when we needed to re schedule. Her communication was prompt and clear and she was so kind as to check up on me several times. She re booked our trip and checked in with us several times before we left to make sure everything was clear. She also was extremely available for any last minute questions. She was absolutely correct in her advice. Everything from flights to transfers to the amazing tour she booked for us was all that we could have dreamed of and more. We recommend Discover Africa Safaris and Susan highly and appreciate her tireless work,advice and kindness.
US
Email Marta | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Mathys was amazing. He answered all my questions and provided excellent service.
Our 14-day trip to South Africa and Seychelles was nothing short of amazing. The four days on safari was my personal favorite with being able to see all the animals in their natural environment. My daughter and son-in law enjoyed the hike up Table Mountain and we all enjoyed meeting and talking with the wonderful people, of South Africa and Seychelles. Matthys was amazing in developing an itinerary that took everyone wishes and developing a trip of a lifetime. He always responded quickly to any question or concerns that I had. i would highly recommend Discover Africa Safaris for an amazing trip.
I can wait to go back again sometime.
SA
Email Asmar Shams | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Very helpful in customizing the perfect safari for you
I went on a safari to Sabi Sands this year, and Discover Africa arranged the perfect 5 day stay for me. I was planning on a fairly short notice of 2 months considering Oct is high season in the sands, but Barry Greenshields was able to fetch some great accommodation options for me. He recommended the Sabi Sabi little Bush Camp and it was absolutely amazing; the wildlife experience, the accommodation, cleanliness of the camp, facilities, the food, guides and the staff was all top notch. Being a photography hobbyist, I had laid out my expectations of getting some great photos of wildlife especially big cats in the safari, and surely enough I managed to have some amazing sightings on Lions and the elusive Leopard. I had quite a few Leopard sightings, during the day as well as in the night, making for some amazing photos. Other than the big 5, I also got to see some very beautiful birds which are always a great subject for photos along with other prey animals as well.
Being a tour operator, I think the real value the company can offer is i) giving accommodation recommendation based on experience (actual stay experience is up to the accommodation management but the tour operator must know what it is like and whether it would meet the client's expectation), ii) effective and responsive communication, iii) being transparent with costs and iv) ensuring the booking process is smooth and the client does not experience hiccups on the logistics or payments etc. I was very happy that Barry was great in all these areas - from the planning process, from recommending the accommodation, accounting for my budget and tending to all my queries. Communication was fast and responsive with all channels available i.e. email, WhatsApp, call etc and I didn't have to wait long for getting responses despite it being busy season. He was also very transparent with trip costs i.e. the accommodation cost, flight ticket and transfer cost etc so that I would know exactly what I am paying for and make adjustments accordingly to suit my budget. Sometimes tour operators do not provide cost breakups since the client would then make comparisons, but I believe that if your service is good, you have fair prices and a host of accommodations to choose from then there shouldn't be anything to hide - the client will recognize value and pay for it accordingly. They had booked air tickets as well to and from Johannesburg and every thing was super smooth throughout the trip - I just had to sit back and enjoy the trip. The payment process was also very easy - i.e. no "5% extra if you pay by credit card", etc.
If I go to South Africa again, I would definitely book with Discover Africa again.
US
Email Nadia | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Better than we could imagine!
Diane arranged the entire vacation, and everything worked out perfectly. Every driver was early, the lodges were better than we could have hoped and the guides and trackers were on top of their game (literally and figurately). She was available for questions both leading up to the vacation, during and even once we got back. She was professional and set up the perfect trip. Not only do i plan to use their services again, but highly recommend them to everyone looking for the perfect safari getaway.
Email Melanie | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Highly professional and experienced tour operator
Working with Susan was a pleasure - she took time to understand our requirements, was knowledgeable about every aspect our holiday, was highly responsive to the many questions we had both before and after we had booked the trip and put together a fabulous itinerary. Every detail was taken care of for us which was hugely valuable given the complexity of a trip covering multiple destinations. The value of having Susan supporting us was apparent from the first day of our trip when our international flights from UK were cancelled and the first 48 hours of our itinerary had to be modified - we were so grateful for her help taking care all the changes. All in all a great experience.