US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
South Africa Luxe-Adventure of a Lifetime
In a time where we depend on technology so regularly to run our lives, it is important to remember that we are people. It is our experience with two very special people at Ker & Downey Africa that made this the best trip of our lives. Sarah Morris, our adventurist, and Zeena Ponto, our Customer Experience Coordinator, planned, designed, and arranged the most luxurious South African adventure to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary.
After I made an inquiry to Ker & Downey about visiting South Africa, I was promptly contacted by Sarah. She gathered as much information from me to make this trip unique and special for my wife and me. Oh my goodness, did she and Zeena ever! Working with a travel agency has never been such a pleasure. The communication was always prompt and informative, whether through email exchanges or telephone conversations.
No detail was overlooked. Every airport transfer, hotel accommodation, South African airline booking, safari camp, restaurant reservation, and custom tour was perfect. It would not have been impossible for me to arrange such a wonderful adventure without Sarah and Zeena.
I want to especially thank Sarah and Zeena for selecting andBeyond Phinda Forest Lodge and Lion Sand Narina Lodge and Samsara Africa.
The two safari camps were spectacular and uniquely different, but both had fantastic game drives, luxurious accommodations, outstanding dining and the most exceptional staffs who cared for us in a way we never expected. They anticipated every need and exceeded every expectation.
Samsara Africa, specifically, Leonard McMillan, is a category unto itself. Leonard brought a new meaning to "personal custom tour". We spent two days with him touring the Winelands and the Cape. Our time with Leonard is reason enough to look forward to our return visit to South Africa.
Ker & Downey Africa will plan our next visit to Africa, and there definitely be a next visit!
GH
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Mabamba swamp day visit
I was promptly met at the airport and taken off to Mabamba swamp.Moses, the guide, had an excellent knowledge of the area - nature, culture, traditions. The transport was safe and he was a good driver.
I enjoyed the trip very much and would like to return to do a longer visit.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excitement, amazing food and wonderful team
Our 10 day Botswana tenting safari was NOT glamping. Howeve, it was a real bush safari- fun, well organised, exciting with amazing animal experiences. Our guide KB had the uncanny ability to track and find stunning sightings of animals that we thought one could only experience on TV! The bush cook Dreams was a real dream! 3 course dinners, fresh bread and cake every day-wish he could have come home with us. The rest of the camp crew were friendly and always considerate of our needs. The early morning starts-5.30am- ensured that we were all tucked up at night in our camp beds nice and early, ready to listen to the night sounds of hippos, lions etc. Tge Safari trips were over rough, v bumpy tracks but again-we were on safari so this only added to the excitement. The camp sites themselves were sandy clearings, reflecting the bush surroundings so, again, you were not in manicured lawned, glamping type situations. However, the tents were already assembled for us, swept and beds made by the camp crew. Top this off with a welcoming refreshment after each drive and warm flannels to wipe away the dust before the evening drinks-perfect! We had a prior 7 day lodge safari experience in SA before beginning the tent safari and I can say that the latter had a higher level of excitement and authenticity.
US
50-65 years of age
An Amazing and Extraordinary adventure
Comments from my group...
“Everything was amazing. The safari was better than the last. Our guide and the staff were wonderful. “ Dianne L
I need to share this with you and your staff…. It was not just my work.
“Your unrelenting attention to detail and generous planning made this the trip of a lifetime. We are so very very very grateful for all that you did to pull off the extraordinary adventure. Thank you thank you.” Donielle and Tim S.
“This trip was amazing, we got to see the Big Five. It was incredible, just watching the leopard gracefully get up and make its way down the tree.” Joe L
Another one to share with you and your staff.. it was not just me.
“It was such an awesome trip, thank you for everything you did for us.” Thad P.
And from me…. To be honest, I have always dealt with Amex because I felt comfortable having them as a buffer in case anything went wrong and so going directly with The Luxury Safari was kind of scary. I would like to say thank you Rose, you did a fantastic job, you were able to work with our budget and our payment terms, you came through with everything you promised and I will be happy to give anyone who asks me about an African Safari your information!
Thanks again for everything and I am sorry for the delay in relaying everyone’s comments. Sharmini E
IT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Very good
After several emails with George we decided to rely on him for our safari. George organized a large 5 day safari Lake Manyara-Serengeti-Ngorongoro. We have to thank John our prepared and professional driver / guide and with a perfect Italian he explained everything we asked and guided us in the savannah with great skill he showed us all the Big Five. Thanks John, you're the best we could have. We advise everyone to go on safari with this company.
FI
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
We were very satisfied with our safari and hike to Kili, everything was as booked.
We tailored a trip to suit our schedule which was very easy and helpful. At the location we got good and clear instructions and were able to alter our plans a little on the go, which was great! Overall everything went smoothly and as planned, strong recommendation!
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Most inspiring and incredible adventure our family has ever experienced
From our first visit with Ombeni to arrange this incredible experience til the day we sadly left the Kilamanjaro airport to return to Wisconsin , our family of 18 was amazed. It wasn’t just all the animals we saw, it was
Ombeni, his AWESOME
TEAM that toured us and tended to our needs for our Tanzania visit. It was the people of his village, the young people at his school. The people at every lodge and camp were so welcoming. We could go on and on but I’ll just say this entire experience warmed our hearts and was life changing for each of us. It was
a vacation adventure we will fondly remember and talk about always .
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic safari experience
I had a fantastic 4-days safari with Hekima. Our tour guide and driver Sam is experienced and friendly. He took us to spot dozens of animals and also made our journey full of fun by storytelling his unforgettable experiences of safari. The chef never failed to fulfill our appetite. We went to tarangiere and seregenti national park, as well as ngorongoro, the views were diverse and breathtaking. The Hekima staff at Hekima house treated us as family when we were back from safari. Eliza is young passionate entrepreneur, I was really inspired by his story of setting up Hekima safari.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
AMAZING EXPERIENCE
I choose a budget package but got exceptional service. The hotel service was absolutely amazing.
The driver(Kikitu) was however the most memorable. He is very informed and extremely patient. He constantly went out of his way to ensure that we had an amazing experience. I will definitely recommend this tour company to my friends.
BE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Safari, on a budget!
The 3-day safari was the highlight of our trip to Tanzania. Before we left, we met up with Walter who gave us a short briefing. It was very nice meeting him in person. We had a great safari driver guide, very knowledgeable and friendly.
Especially Tarangire NP and Ngorongoro Crater were spectacular. In Tarangire, we were lucky enough to spot a leopard mother with 2 cubs in a tree right next to the road. The food was great and we stayed at an amazing campsite overlooking Lake Manyara NP.
To summarise, it's a great option if you're looking for a short safari on a budget.