Sun Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2002)
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $350 to $1,800 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
JP
Email Ed Black & Taeko F | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A wonderful and well organised trip to three different environments in Botswana.
We have been on African safaris in various countries before, but Botswana was new for us, and we hoped to see some places and wildlife that were special to the area. We discussed various possibilites and budgets with Natasha, and arrived at a plan which sounded just what we wanted. And it was. We experienced three different environments - Central Kalahari, the Okavango Delta and the Kwando River over the eight days. We saw lots of animals and birds, including local specialities which we hoped for - brown hyaena, aardwolf, Cape fox, side-striped jackal and wild dog were animal highlights for us; wattled crane, slaty and black egrets, lesser jacana and lots of raptors were bird highlights. We also saw many lions, and leopard and cheetah, as well as elephants, zebra, lots of hippos and a wide range of antelope. And the African landscapes and waterscapes as alway were spectacular. Everything went to plan - Natasha's outline of the camps we chose and the activities we could do was excellent, and the guides were phenomenal. The accomodation and food were great and the lodges clean and in beautiful locations with friendly staff. Altogether a wonderful holiday!
Email Matt M. | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
They were fantastic to work with on coordinating our Timbavati private reserve safari.
Natasha was very proactive and friendly from our first contact all the way through to checking in just after we completed our stay! The safari itself exceeded expectations on every level.
FR
Email Olivier | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Second excellent safari experience
This was my second Sun Safari experience and like before, the organisation was perfect. Working with Michelle for a second time was like being back in contact with an old friend....nothing was too much trouble for her and her and all the arrangements that she made in my rather complicated itinerary worked beautifully.
The camps all met my requirements and knowing what I had experienced last time, Michelle was able to suggest options that complimented my last trip, rather than repeating what I'd done before.
If you are hesitating about booking with Sun Safaris....don't - they're great!
CA
Email Karai Madill | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect in Every Way
Planning a trip to Africa can be very daunting so I was greatly relieved when Liselle Raath of Sun Safaris returned my enquiry email. At first I was skeptical. Out of all the companies to book through, I thought, why should I book with them? I'm glad I dropped that attitude because there are no words or phrases in the English language to describe how perfect this holiday was. Transcendent? Life changing? They don't do my trip justice.
Liselle liaised with me for quite some time and then came up with a personalized itinerary for me. That woman knows her stuff because everything was absolutely perfect. The B&Bs (Cape Cadogan and Oceans Eleven) were gorgeous and the service exceptional. Cape Cadogan smelled heavenly and I've been trying like mad to find the diffuser and scent they use. Nadine was a terrific host and the breakfast was fantastic. We walked down to a little place called Arnold's on Kloof and had steak and deep fried cheese. OMG. Delish. Oceans Eleven in Hermanus is one of the most gorgeous spots I've ever been to and the hosts, Megan and Rejoice, were warm and welcoming. The town itself is beautiful and filled with friendly faces. We ate at a couple fabulous places there, Rossis and Tapas. The huge bathtub at the B&B was exactly what I needed after a cold shark dive. The dives themselves were absolutely fabulous and I managed to get rammed in the cage by a great white!!! I have a stunning photo of the dorsal fin!!!
Umkumbe Lodge was spectacular. Our guide, Jade, was one of the nicest girls I've ever met and full of kindness, patience and knowledge.The food was delicious and plentiful. The bomas were cosy and the camp itself was beautiful. We saw plenty of animals out on game drives and it was heavenly to sit in the outdoor space working on my manuscript as herds of elephants strolled by.
Nthambo Tree Camp was an experience like no other. The tree houses were beautiful, airy and spacious. Our ranger, Rey, was hilarious and worked hard to get us ethically close to the creatures. It was every photographer's dream. Our last night there was EPIC. Ranger Rey took us to see a hippo!!! I'd mentioned really wanting to see one and it happened. The foods was outstanding particularly the cauliflower soup and oxtail . I enjoyed the communal dining experience and met some wonderful people there.
The road transfers all showed up on time with lovely air conditioned vehicles and coolers of cold water. They were driven by lovely men who answered all my questions, even the uncomfortable fiery ones about the political climate in SA. Just gracious drivers all around.
I have a new saying and it is "Everything goes perfectly in Africa". But I realized afterwards that it was only so perfect because Liselle took the time to really listen to what I wanted and put a lot of thought into planning what she decided I would enjoy. She was bang on. I am planning another trip to Africa in 2019 and I will definitely be asking Liselle and Sun Safaris to plan my vacation.
Thank you for putting together the most wonderful vacation I've ever had, Liselle. I am truly grateful.
AE
Email Geraint Isitt | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Second Trip with Sun Safaris ... Better than the Incredible First
This was the second safari I've been on arranged by Natasha Allan with Sun Safaris, and like the first one, this one did not disappoint. From the initial email a year before our proposed safari dates, to an email after the safari was over checking in to make sure everything went well, nothing was left wanting.
This was a joint birthday safari so we had special requests and ideas in mind, and Natasha not only delivered them, but she ordered them in such a way that cut down travel time and travel costs between the 3 lodges and reserves we stayed at (Klaserie, Timbavati, and Sabi Sands). Her expert knowledge and communication skills left nothing to chance, and I would trust Natasha to book my next holiday anywhere in the world - even if she was not an expert on that region!
I would not hesitate to book with Natasha and Sun Safaris again, and as someone who has been to Africa 7 times, there is every possibility it will be more than once.
Absolutely brilliant experience - both in country and leading up to it.
Email Kim Richardson | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Exceptional Service - yet again!
This was my second time booking a tailor-made safari with Natasha Allan - that alone should tell you something! For the trip in August 2017, we wanted to do something special as we were both celebrating our birthdays that month. We wanted to visit three different private reserves and stay at least 4 nights in each. Natasha was able to advise us on which lodges would suit our needs best - we like unique and characterful properties - and was able to organise private transfers between each of the lodges/reserves for us. Natasha had up to date information on which lodges had better sized traverses, which type of animals we'd be likely to see in each area (we visited Klaserie, Timbavati & Sabi Sands), what inclusions each lodge had, the order we should visit them in which would be most cost effective, and she was also able to sort out flights between Kruger and Johannesburg for us. The entire trip went smoothly and without incident, nothing was a problem, and we were absolutely thrilled with the suggestions and itinerary that Natasha built for us. In the lead up to the trip, and even on our return home, Natasha was prompt and professional with responses to our emails. I would have no hesitation recommending Natasha and Sun Safaris to anyone looking to experience the best Africa has to offer. I have been to that stunning continent 5 times so far and can safely say all future trips will continue to be booked with Natasha and her team! Thank you Sun Safaris for an awesome trip, never to be forgotten!
US
Email Steven | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Honeymoon
We contacted Natasha @ Sun Safaris because a friend had used them and recommended them. We needed help booking accommodations, flights, and transfers in Cape Town, Kruger, Joburg, and Seychelles for our honeymoon. Natasha was very quick to turn around itineraries and meet our needs. All the hotels we stayed in were beautiful and catered to our dietary needs per request! We had an unbelievable time on Safari, staying in Timbavati at Kambaku River Sands. The staff there was amazing and the lodge itself was beautiful. We got to see the Big 5 and the rangers, chefs, and staff accommodated our every need during our stay. All the transfers and flights were hassle-free as the drivers showed up on schedule according to the itinerary and we did not have to worry about anything. Every part of the trip was incredible and exceeded our expectations. I would absolutely recommend Sun Safaris to others (and I already have done so).
US
Email Barbara | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Making Dreams Come True
The logistics of travelling for 16 days to 6 different camps in Botswana (5) and Zimbabwe (1) via small aircraft and road transfers were perfectly handled. It was the magical trip we envisioned and I can’t thank Natasha Allan of Sun Safaris enough for all her help in making our dream come true. The animals we saw each day made us feel as if we were extras in a National Geographic movie. Each camp we stayed in surpassed my imagination for beauty, service and comfort. Botswana is really spectacular. The trip was a success in no small part due to the planning Natasha put into it.
Email Scott | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
What a trip!
Hi Liselle,
I would like to thank you for organising a fantastic trip to South Africa. We all had an amazing time. The hotels in Cape Town and Franschhoek were great. Great staff and wonderful rooms. And the safari at Umkumbe was out of this world. Saw everything we wanted to except for a rhino. But that’s not a problem, as it gives us incentive to do it all again someday. The guides at Umkumbe were brilliant. So knowledgeable about the flora and fauna. This was a family holiday we will never forget.
BE
Email Vincent VdB | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Everything one expects and yet it goes beyond
Warning: boring review :)
This must have been something like my 10th safari and is Natasha always the one that make the magic happen. Reservations have always been smooth and not only on the camps itself but also the transport in between camps or airport.
Warned you that this would be a boring review as I can only agree on the many good reviews written about Sun Safaris and their superb reservation manager, Natasha Allen.