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
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Email Dr David R Rose | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Two safaris in South Africa with specialists Discover Africa
After being unable to visit South Africa since my last visit in 2019, I decided to use Discover Africa to organise my return to safaris. When I visit South Africa I usually arrange two safaris, one per week and use the the weekends before, during and after the safaris to be with my friends who live in Centurion. I chose two areas, Madikwe in the nort-west and Klaserie (Greater Kruger) in the north-east. My Travel Consultant at Discover Africa, Adelle Bell, then set about finding the best lodges in each area based on my interests and preferences. I had been to Madikwe on two previous occasions so I knew it was a good reserve and, while I had not been to Klaserie before, I had been to neighbouring Game Reserves in previous years. Being a solo traveller can be difficult as lodges price their rooms on a 'two sharing' basis and this can mean either a reluctance to take a single occupant or a high single supplement. Adelle was amazing in getting me bookings at lodges in both areas not only without the dreaded 'single supplement' but also at very keen rates. In Madikwe I stayed 4 nights at Thakadu River Lodge where accommodation was in Luxury permanent tents set alongside the river. There are 12 tents running south of the lodge with the tents from number four onwards at increasingly long distances from the lodge. It would take me between 5 to 7 minutes to walk from my tent to the lodge and this may be a problem for those with reduced mobility. Facilities and staff at the lodge were first class and the food was of a high standard. It should be noted that drinks were not included but the prices of local brands were reasonble (ZAR80 for a large, 250 ml, glass of red wine). The game drives were well organised and my guide, Vincent, was very knowledgeable and adept and finding the animals in the very large reserve. As I said, I have been to Madikwe before so I knew that the game viewing there is first class and I can wholeheartedly reccomend it. Thakadu is a lodge that is run by a local collective so as well as having a memorable safari, you are also supporting a local enterprise.
At Klaserie I stayed at Camp George, part of the Simbavati Group of lodges, for 6 nights. The camp is in an excellent site adjacent to a dry river bed and has its own waterhole. The rooms and lodge facilities are of a very high standard and are relatively new (about 10 years since construction). The lodge managers and staff are very welcoming and attentive and have an obvious enthusiasm and love of the bush. Even though the lodge is very luxurious you do not feel isolated from the bush as you can do in some other high-end lodges. At only 8 rooms set around the central lodge buildings it was like being part of a small group of friends which made for a very relaxing stay. The game drives were ably handled by our guide, Julius, who worked hard to ensure that we had the best opportunites to see the animals in the area. Game viewing in high summer can be difficult as the bush is dense and in full leaf. Spotting the animals, even large ones, can be tricky as there is plenty of cover which can conceal them even though they are very close. When you do find the animals you have a greater sense of achievement just because you know how difficult it is. However, we were able to get some great sightings including 6 separate sightings of leopards involving 4 individuals. If you like your lodge to have all the amenities, and be of a high standard, then I can thoroughly recommend Camp George.
I can also recommend putting your trust in the consultants at Discover Africa to organise your trip. Adelle coped with my constant requests for updates and reassurances (I suffer from being one of life's victims of Murphy's Law!) in a considerate and supportive way. She said that she would look after me with my trip intinerary and she did precisely that. These were my 12th and 13th safaris so I have had plenty of experience with booking safaris through various travel companies, Discover Africa is up there with the best.
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Email Alexandra | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Discover Africa Safaris is trustworthy, efficient, experienced... simply wonderful!!
Amazing and relaxing experience from beginning to end! Everything ran smoothly with just the right touch of flexibility to allow for an unwinding trip that exceeded our expectations.
We were able to enjoy Cape Town and its surrounding area as well as the Okavango delta thanks to the impeccable planning and organisation provided by this highly experienced and reliable tour operator before, during and after our trip.
Communication with Megan was great from day one. Her input during the planning process was invaluable; she followed through with all details and she made herself available to answer any questions or clarifications at any moment of the day, any day -- allowing us to trully sit back and enjoy!
For peace of mind and another unforgettable experience, we will definitely be using Discover Africa Safaris again !!
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Email Hersh & Kavya | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A very memorable East Africa trip, thanks to Discover Africa!
Discover Africa organized an amazing 11 day trip for us to Masai Mara, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Southern Serengeti/Ndutu. It was our first trip to Africa, and thanks to the wonderful experience, we are definitely coming back for more. Our tour planner was Vihann. After an initial consultation to understand our interests, Vihann put together a few options for us to pick from. Throughout the process, he was very flexible and adjusted the tour a few times to meet our specific needs. Of all the tour operators we spoke to, Discover Africa was the only one that was able to get us the tour we wanted while still staying within our budget. They did a great job at minimizing travel time between the various lodges we stayed in - this was something other tour operators failed to do to this extent. We stayed at Kichwa Tembo in Masai Mara, Serena lodge in Ngorongoro, and at Lemala Ndutu Mobile camp in Serengeti. Highly highly recommend all of these places, especially Kichwa Tembo and Lemala if you want the authentic safari lodge experience. We were blown away by the hospitality throughout the trip. Our tour guides were patient, knowledgeable and planned each safari carefully. We got a private vehicle and tour guide for 6/9 days we were on Safari in Tanzania. Our guide, Ebenezer (Ben), played a big big role in making our trip memorable - highly recommend asking for Ben to be your tour guide. Our safari vehicles were great as well - rugged, reliable, well-equipped (refrigerator, chargers etc.), and spacious! Overall, highly highly recommend Discover Africa for your Africa travel plans!
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Email Carolina | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Elite service to create a trip of a lifetime
Discover Africa Safaris provided elite service from start to finish. After explaining what I was looking for in a safari trip, and my approximate budget, I received multiple itinerary options within 12 hours. Not only was each itinerary reflective of exactly the preferences I had set, but (1) every single accommodation option was amazing (2) a few options I had not found anywhere else during my own hours of research (3) the online itineraries themselves were extremely informational and user-friendly. I cross-referenced the prices provided with each itinerary with what they would be had I booked everything individually myself, and found them to be comparable.
After booking the trip, Megan at Discover Africa provided extremely helpful information (a travel tip and packing document, confirmation vouchers, an emergency contact number) and would check in every so often to make sure I didn't have questions. Her communication was always helpful and never overbearing or spam-like, as I have experienced with other operators.
And finally, the trip itself: absolutely extraordinary. It is one that will stick with me for the rest of my life and it was 100% a result of using DiscoverAfrica. I will use them again whenever I come back, and have already sent out their information to friends and family. I highly recommend their services, you will not find anything better.
Email Jill Bestwick | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Discover Africa - Karongwe Portfolio - Becks Safari Lodge
I discovered Susan Swanenpoel @ Discover Africa Group whilst getting quotes for a short safari for 4 people. Her quote was the most competitive, with the most luxurious lodge and comprehensive travel and advice. Due to issues with airline she then had to rearrange our transportation which she did late into the night and weekend. Once we arrived at Becks Lodge we were treated to the most stunning facilities, the rooms and views are beautiful and the food was as good as a top restaurant. The game drives were AMAZING and we saw the big 5 multiple times. Throughout the trip Susan kept in constant contact to make sure we were ok . From the moment I stumbled across the website with the multitude of fabulous safari options I have been amazed at the service provided. In an age sadly when online tourism booking can be a minefield we had the best advice and care for our trip. If you want faultless service to THE best safari places, with great travel options and constant communication look no further that Susan at Discover Africa Group!
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Email Lucy Rose | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Megan is an expert- all her arrangements were perfect- she really listened to our needs
Our 3 safaris in Botswana- we were transported to a new world, in the company of wild animals. The three Kwando camps brought us to a variety of terrains. Each offered great care and expert guides and trackers. Thank you Megan and Discover Africa!
Email Mick Stephens | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Absolutely amazing advice, support and execution. Susan is a superstar!
We are a family of 5 with three kids between 12-17 living in Melbourne, Australia. Coming out of Covid lockdown we were considering our options for the Christmas holidays; we wanted to do something special and were targeting a 4-5 week trip away. Do we stay in Australia, go further North to somewhere in Asia (again), maybe go East to the Pacific or further to South America or, as we finally decided, go west to Africa.
My wife and I had been very fortunate to have travelled reasonably extensively and independently in Africa pre-kids but with a limited timeframe and kids in tow we decided to look for a slightly more organised trip. We still wanted a level of independence but with more certainty on accommodation, transfers and timeframes. Being very busy with work and life generally we also wanted to 'outsource' a lot of the local travel related 'stuff'.
I reached out to Discover Africa via their website and was quickly contacted by Susan. From our very first zoom call with Susan I felt we were in very safe hands. Susan in a very experienced and knowledgeable operator and we quickly built a strong rapport. She was as interested in understanding who we were, how we like to travel as much as the where, when and budget. We told Susan our rough conceptual itinerary based around South Africa & Namibia. Yes we wanted to spend time on Safari but also wanted to expose the kids to local cultures and experiences.
After working with Susan on a number of iterations of the agenda we ended up settling on a self drive with a week in Cape Town and surrounds, driving North though Springbok into Namibia. In Namibia - Namib, Sossusviel, Swakopmund, Erongo Mountains (for Christmas), Etohsa and back down to Windhoek. From there we handed the car back and flew to Vic Falls transiting to Botswana - Kasane Forest and down to Savuti then back to Vic Falls then out via Johannesburg back to Melbourne. While it was not peak season for Safari we did have an amazing time and all without the crowds.
Yes the driving distances were large (Australians are generally quite used to this) and most of the roads quite rough but in all 100% worthwhile. Susan's suggestions for accommodation were absolutely on point and all aspects went smoothly. We did have some mechanical issues with the car we rented - a new Toyota Fortuna from Avis - cracked rim in the middle of the desert and some other issue that required a replacement car. Susan was across this and on the phone to Avis. She was in constant contact, checking how were were travelling, if we need anything and checking we made our destinations. She was like a travel support team and as always keen to hear what we had been doing, how the kids were enjoying everything and providing suggestions for interesting stops along, things to do or watch out for or restaurants worth visiting. The detailed itinerary Susan provided in .pdf and on the website, including all supporting documentation and vouchers, was extensive and detailed. This included driving directions and times.
I cannot recommend Susan and Discover Africa highly enough and will definitely be using their services again (hopefully sooner rather than later).
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Email James | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Discover Africa Safaris helped organize the perfect vacation for my family.
In mid-2022, my 73 year old mother decided that she wanted to take a trip after being cooped up in the house for several years. She had gone on a safari in Kenya back in the 1980s and wanted another adventure along those lines. I suggested South Africa and the rest was history. Discover Africa Safaris was actually one of the first tour companies I came in contact with while looking for the perfect trip to accommodate our group: me (31), my mother (73), my cousin (38), and her father (71). We were a group of varying energy levels & ability, so I was somewhat worried about finding the right fit. It was not long after contacting Discover Africa that I realized my fears were unfounded. They took care of everything -- even making suggestions and moving things around for us that I had not even considered. I've done a considerable amount of solo travel & backpacking where I've had to personally organize every single aspect of the trip, and it felt wonderful to just let it go and let the professionals take charge.
Our agent Alice was excellent -- she always responded to our questions quickly & thoughtfully (despite the pesky time difference) and organized an unforgettable trip across two lodges (Arathusa in Sabi Sands & Jock Safari Lodge in Southern Kruger, respectively) where we met wonderful people, ate incredible food, made lifelong contacts, and experienced wildlife and nature in a way that I can only describe as spiritual and life-affirming.
As I mentioned before, this is not necessarily the style of travel that I'm used to so I don't have the best reference point for overall cost, but I believe that the value and quality of tour we received was well worth the money spent, especially with such a wide range of ages in our group. Not once was I ever worried about our group's safety, health, or the overall quality of service we received on this trip. It was the perfect way to sit back, relax, and experience the beauty that this world has to offer. If you're itching for an adventure appropriate for all ages and skill levels, look no further than Discover Africa Safaris!
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Email Rahul | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent Service
My family and I went on a vacation and Safari in December 2022. We visited Capetown and private game reserves around Johannesburg. I coordinated our trip with Discover Africa and our assigned consultant Susan S.
We really enjoyed our trip, which was very well coordinated and hassle free which was really important to me. Right from the itinerary, domestic flights check, rental car and sight seeing suggestions on what to do in Capetown.
Our consultant Susan S, was "first class", and she even checked in with up during our vacation on how things were going.
We had a slight hiccup in one of our in the hotel we were staying in Capetown, but the hotel made appropriate adjustments, and Discover Africa also followed up and made sure appropriate adjustments were made. Overall, we had a wonderful vacation!
If you are looking for a stress free and well coordinated and relaxing vacation, recommend Discover Africa. "Five Stars" for our consultant, Susan S who was wonderful and really a pleasure to work with. Thanks Susan!!!!!
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Email Roberta | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very helpful, responsive and made my travel planning!
Megan Warrington from Discover Africa was awesome. I actually used two different operators for safaris (Megan for South Africa and another for Botswana) and she was a lot more timely, helpful and organized. Also, Megan can handle your bookings in Botswana as well so in hindsight, I should have used her for all my travels!