US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Pembury Made Our Trip Wonderful
We started with no real information about South Africa,, what to see, how to do it. Octogenarians, we were unclear and apprehensive about what we could do. Tammy Harding was patient and responsive in answering our endless questions (like would the local airlines allow our medical equipment as carry-ons?) The program we ended up with was just about perfect.
Seeing Cape Town with Terence as a guide was marvelous -- worth a trip in itself -- as he explained not only what we were seeing but his apartheid experience and its effect on his family.
The two Safari Camps were wonderful, all we'd been led to expect. Beyond the game-viewing, Kirkman's Camp itself was a real hoot.
We came in part to take photos and we did -- thousands of them that we'll continue to enjoy for a long time.
All arrangements and transfers went like clockwork. A first Class tour.
So, we started with a rough idea and Tammy turned it into a marvelous visit,
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
An unforgettable trip with loads of fun
Let me come straight to the point: I had a wonderful trip and enjoyed every minute of it! I loved the scenery and the wildlife and I loved life unfolding itself in the villages and small towns.
Even though - and, yes, I do have some reservations - we found that the programme was a bit too full, especially at the beginning of our safari. Here we were, pale Europeans, trying to forget about having to watch the time from morning till night - and what did we have to do?? Live by the clock - from morning till night!!!
Another criticism I would like to get off my chest is the fact that the trip was rather expensive. Just to give you one example of where we did not receive value for money is the packed lunches we got from the lodges which were way too expensive.
But - as I said before - I loved the trip, not least because of the great company I had in our car with our competent, kind and knowledgeable guide and driver, Michael, who took those long, exhausting days on the roads in his stride and made sure we arrived safe and sound. Thank you!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience, great organization and very professional personnel.
Pinnacle safaris exceed our expectations. They fit our way to think about travel. Very professional staff, amazing accommodations. Eco friendly and population/ambient Respectfully. They make out honey moon unforgivable! Thanks! I strongly recommend pinnacle safaris to all my traveller friends!
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Our Guide Made Our Trip
Beginning with the planning communication, months before, with Claire in the office, and ending enthusiastically and safely 3 weeks later, having hiked, shopped, cooked, safari'ed, birdwatched, eaten and kibitzed every day together throughout KZN with our knowledgeable, enthusiastic, attentive, bright, affable guide, Paul, I have great memories along with accompanying photos.
The hard cover detailed itinerary book sent to clients is a very nice and useful touch.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Safari!
My wife and I booked a private safari through Ancient Wild Safaris. Michael was very helpful during the planning phase and communicated everything clearly. Upon arrival in Kenya, the driver and Michael were prompt and ready to go at our hotel. We reserved the 3 night and 4 day safari to Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru. The Masai Mara was everything I hoped it would be. We saw all of the Big 5 and more. The accommodations in the Masai Mara are budget, so be prepared for that. In Nakuru, we upgraded and stayed in a resort - much needed after 3 days on the "bumpy road" in the Mara.
All around, it was an incredible experience. Michael and our driver Mouindi were very hospitable, the vehicle held-up though the rough terrain, and the experience was true Africa. Ancient Wild Safaris is an excellent budget safari and I hope to go again soon!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic trip to Giant's Castle!
This was the most trouble free booking I have ever made. The service was quick, questions answered promptly and confirmation emailed within 24 hours of the payment made.
I was impressed with the cottage we were placed in, since I asked for something suitable for octanarians and this was exactly the case. The camp at Giant's Castle is a fantastic venue and the service there including a daily, hearty breakfast, was exemplary.
Thank you for organizing the the trip so hassle-free.
DK
under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I had a great safari. The guides were very kind and had a big knowledge about the animals.
It was my first safari, so I didn't really have any expectations, so for me everything was new and exciting. The guides was good at English so they were easy to communicate with, and the were very focused on our (the clients) wishes and our wellbeing. So, I had a great safari were I saw all the animals I dreamed of seeing.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic time in Sabi Sands and Timbavati with Pembury Tours
We just returned from South Africa. As we were planning the trip, friends from Cape Town recommended another travel agent. My wife,Laura, found them unresponsive and their answers to our questions on safari lodges in South Africa and Botswana didn't tell us much. Laura then found Pembury Tours and started corresponding with Tammy Harding. From the start she was knowledgeable, tireless and engaging. She pulled information on a number of destinations, describing the lodges and the ideal times to visit. Ultimately, the logistics to go to Botswana or Victoria Falls couldn't be accommodated for the number of days we had earmarked for a vacation.
The information she sent to us when we arrived on the two game lodges was accurate and informative. The several pages of birds and mammals was immensely helpful as we revisited each evening what we saw that day.
Before our arrival and while we were traveling in Cape Town, the Garden Route and the wine country on arrangements we had made on our own, Tammy was very responsive to texts and emails. When we were alarmed by reports of rain in Kruger the week before our stay there, she reassured us that the rain was welcome and beneficial and would not affect our visit. Her advice was echoed by the lodges and the guides when we arrived. Our viewing of game was improved significantly by the rain.
Most importantly, Tammy is honest. We had asked her to summarize the costs of the lodges per person and also the internal transfers. As she replied she discovered that we had overpaid by R 1,080 per person which she promptly refunded. We would never have known of this small sum had she not pointed it out.
We will definitely recommend Pembury Tours to friends vacationing in Southern Africa and will call upon them when we visit again.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Failed to Deliver what was Promised
I highly recommend not using Pega Tours. They take no pride in making your experience memorable. The driver was 3 hours late picking me up and then proceeded to rush me through the whole experience. (Even after the trip I waited an hour and a half to get picked up for Nakuru) After speaking with management about my problems, they proceeded to tell me I should have received 15 hours inside the park, but I was only in there for less than 10 hours. The boss refused to apologize and offered no compensation because the other customer "had no problems". He then lied to me that he wasn't the boss and the boss was "on holiday" even though he was right there in the room. Pega could care less about customer satisfaction; therefore I do not recommend!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was a wonderful experience to travel with Gorillas Homeland Safaris and see Gorillas up close.
I travelled last year in a small group to Uganda and we were taken good care of by Gorilla Homeland Safaris.
We felt safe and secure with our experienced guides.
Our accommodation and transport vehicle were excellent. It exceeded our expectations.