Director Michelle on a mokoro in Botswana
Explore and Travel Africa
- Office In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2020)
- Member Of:
- Southern Africa Tourism Services Association
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $500 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 Suzanne Moore | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very thorough, timely, and open to flexibility on what the client wants
We were more than thrilled with our trip to South Africa and Kruger N.P. and Namibia. Michelle helped us design an amazing experience with the lodges in the private reserves outside Kruger. She gave us the flexibility to design our as well as book our Cape Town experience, but she provided valuable insight into the areas where we should consider staying. We wanted a self driving safari in Namibia and new 8 days was going to be tough to see as much as we could, and Michelle delivered a wonderful itinerary and some amazing lodges for us to call home even for a night. We hope to return to Africa and we will certainly be reaching out to her to help us plan an amazing vacation. We highly recommend reaching out to her to design your adventure whether its a once in a lifetime or your 100th visit to the area.
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Email Brooke & Matt | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Michelle was knowledgeble, asked excellent questions and guided us resulting in the perfect safari!
This trip could not have been more perfect. We arrived in Johannesburg and stayed at the Intercontinental and headed back to the airport to jump on a plane to Zimbabwe the following morning. We had lunch at the Look Out Cafe which overlooked the mighty Zambezi River and then headed to Victoria Falls for a private tour. The falls were gorgeous and our guide provided an excellent overview. We then headed to the Royal Livingstone in Zambia where we were greeted by zebra and giraffe on property. While checking in, we were provided with wine and the staff catered to us and all guests around the clock. We were celebrating my birthday and came back from dinner one evening to find a bottle of wine and a birthday cake. We must give a shout out to Edward. He was amazing! The next day we took a jetti boat up the river to the Elephant Cafe which is an elephant sanctuary. We spent time with 3 of the elephants on property and their trainers. The interactions were incredible! We were then greeted by the staff and chefs who walked through every course we would be having for lunch. I have severe food allergies and the chefs could not have been more attentive in altering the menu for me. We would highly recommend you visit this cafe. Our last day in Zambia was relaxing and included a sunset cruise on the river. The sunset was heavenly. We then headed to Cape Town and hiked Lions Head, did a tour of the Peninsula and also spent a day in the Stellenbosch wine country doing tastings. The views and wine were spectacular. We didn't want to leave. Antony was our guide both days. He was incredibly friendly and informative! We then concluded the trip with a safari and stayed at Shumbalala Game Lodge. Words can't describe this experience. Our room was spacious and upon request, the staff would light a fire in our room every evening. The room was stocked with insect repellent, sunscreen, we had heavy jackets for morning game drives, blankets and also water babies to keep us warm. Elephants daily drinking not just from the watering hole but also from the plunge pools. Danielle and her staff were remarkable. Each evening, we rotated where we ate dinner so outside overlooking the watering hole, inside, in the wine cellar and then to our surprise, they moved a table into our room and we had a romantic, candlelight dinner the last evening. A warm bubble bath was also drawn with rose petals and candles surrounding it. This lodge sleeps 14 people max and I highly recommend it as the experience is so intimate. Calvin (our driver) and Tony (our tracker) became like family. The animal viewing was spectacular. We saw elephant, lions, leopard, buffalo, rhinos, giraffe and the list goes on! We took morning and evening game drive breaks that involved pastries, juices, snacks and cocktails. Everything was top notch. Calvin and Tony also spent a good amount of time educating us on the animals. These guys have taken classes and continue to study animal behaviors, tracks, etc. We can't wait to go back and introduce our children to this lodge and this amazing experience which we have Michelle to thank for. I've worked with travel agents who are opinionated and push you in one direction and Michelle was the anthesis of this. She asked questions, listened and gave excellent advice. We have immense appreciation for all she did to create a long lasting memory for us. Thank you, Michelle!
Email Philip | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Outstanding organisation from Michelle for our multigenerational group
We had used Michelle previously to organise a family trip (9 of us then) in 2022 in the Cape.
This time (now ten in total) we had a more complex trip to organise. Six of us (two at 75, son and daughter in law, and two granddaughters 12 and 10) went on safari in the greater Kruger at two different private lodges- Inyati and Simbavati Waterside. We flew into Johannesburg then on to Skakuza and started at Inyati. A well established lodge open to animals wandering through. Terrific game viewing and wonderful guide/ tracker who were delighted our two granddaughters took such interest in the tracks and dung identification!
Then a 3 hour road transfer to Simbavati. A newer lodge but with a stunning location, rooms and position overlooking a dam which attracted lots of wildlife. An equally successful stay, with great wildlife.
In both we saw all the big 5 and some very special sightings- leopards mating, packs of wild dog pups in both lodges and lionesses killing a huge buffalo. It was also the little things that made it so interesting. About plants etc. My wife and I have been to about ten game reserves in Africa, India and Sri Lanka. This was by far the best trip.
Then we flew back to Johannesburg and on to Mauritius where we met our eldest son, his wife and two little grandsons (1 and 4). They were too young to join us on safari. We had just over a week at the excellent La Pirogue resort, just relaxing. An excellent resort especially for the children. We had beach pavilions all nearby each other.
Michelle organised everything except international flights and did it brilliantly. Her advise on the game lodges and choice of resort in Mauritius were spot on, as were the logistics and transfers. It’s the little things like remembering that car seats would be needed in Mauritius for the transfers that make the difference as well as listening to our needs and booking accordingly.
Thank you Michelle!
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Email Packer family | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Michelle is a knowledgeable and caring safari tour operator who delivers everything she promises.
On Michelle's recommendation, we started in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, and then spent a week in Botswana's Chobe National Park and Okavango Delta. An absolutely magical trip, made possible by clear communication with Michelle, including several WhatsApp phone conversations; her helpful suggestions and instructions for preparations and lodgings; and the complete reliability of her tour plan and the camps, guides, drivers, and pilots on the other end. A Botswana safari, especially one with a higher degree of privacy and closeness to nature, isn't cheap (those bush planes add up), but it was absolutely worth the price. "I don't see how it could have gone better," our 14-year-old said afterward. None of us really wanted the trip to end. We can't recommend Michelle Astbury and Explore and Travel Africa highly enough.
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Email Mariya | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I am so lucky to have found Michelle
I found the perfect person to coordinate my trip! I found Michelle online with good reviews and a good website. I was just throwing around the idea of a trip thinking I probably wouldn’t be able to afford it. Within an hour of sending in my request for information, Michelle responded to me (+9 hours from my time) and scheduled a phone call to discuss what I was looking for and my budget. When I talked to her on the phone, I instantly knew she was the right person for the job. She listened to all my goals of the trip and even though I thought I knew what I wanted, she let me know that there were better places for my animal expectations and the atmosphere I wanted.
SHE DID NOT FAIL! She found me the most amazing trip! A little bit of town and a lot of safari. Her communication and itineraries were exceptional! She found a trip that met all my wishes and even beat my budget. She gave travel tips and information on money, tipping, transportation and even included a few tours in Cape Town. My trip was PERFECT.
My hotel in Cape Town and two different Safari Lodges (and staff) were exactly fitted to my personality and the animals I wanted to see. Beautiful accommodations and the best of amenities at each. We had a tiny snag when I first arrived with my airport transportation. It was no big deal to me, I just grabbed an Uber. When Michelle found out, she got me a refund (not needed) on the transportation and even dropped off some trip gifts to my room. It seemed like she has a good relationship with the places she books because my first stop seemed like they knew her personally. It makes you feel like you are in good hands.
If you are a first-time safari-er, I can personally testify that Michelle will take great care of you and do her best to make sure your goals are met and trip is amazing. Her communication skills never leave you doubting if she is there or if she cares. She definitely does. I am thankful my search led me to her! THANK YOU MICHELLE!
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Email Michele | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The perfection is possibile
Our trip, fully organized remotely since we live in Italy, was flawless! We had already been to South Africa with this operator and came back thrilled, so we decided to repeat the experience in Namibia. Michelle worked hard for us to accommodate every request. Before our departure, she had prepared a detailed report of the accommodations and everything we would see, complete with photos, itinerary, and useful contacts. Hotels, transfers, activities, guides—everything was perfect. During our stay, Michelle reached out to get feedback on our satisfaction, and it was a pleasure for us to share our enthusiasm with her. We were truly impressed by her efficiency, punctuality, and kindness.
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Email Karen Bradford | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
A trip of a lifetime
Michelle was great to deal with from our first contact. She listened to what we wanted and then put together a trip that was just wonderful. From Capetown to Victoria Falls and then into the Okavango Delta to three camps. Everything went like clockwork. The accommodation was great. You really do have to put your trust in someone to do the best for you, and Michelle did. We have already recommended her to some of our friends!
Email Jack | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A seamless experience!
Personable approach to finding the perfect South African safari with dedicated support along the way. We felt very reassured throughout the process and ultimately had an amazing trip!
Email Michael | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
A truly memorable and wonderful holiday experience in every respect.
From the outset, Michelle Astbury from Explore and Travel Africa was enthusiastic, engaging and communicative. Every suggestion and aspiration from our group was carefully listened to and the resulting itinerary hand-crafted by Michelle was outstanding. Once on the ground, every aspect of the holiday went smoothly, with not a single hitch. I couldn't recommend Michelle and her company more highly.
Email Ron and Sally | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Michelle is a really professional and knowledgeable operator who overdelivered on our expectations
We decided to use Michelle, as a local South African-based travel agent who had first-hand experience, rather than an Australian agent operating from a desk and screen, and we were not disappointed. In fact, Michelle far exceeded our expectations in every way.
We gave her an outline of where we wanted to go and suggested that five-star experiences is what we wanted, without going over the top. Her communication was outstanding, including a couple of phone calls, and her suggestions and attention to detail, particularly with tour, driver, accommodation and meal options.
The itinerary and tours that she planned was amazing:
We arrived in Cape Town, from London and stayed at the beautiful Victoria and Albert hotel at the Waterfront - so convenient to everything. We did wine and Cape Peninsular tours, along with Robben Island and Table Mountain and we even squeezed in a rugby game.
At Victoria Falls, we had superb accommodation at Ilala Lodge, where we could see the mist from the falls. A Zambezi River cruise, with dinner after. The helicopter ride over the falls and upstream and downstream was spectacular. A guided tour of both sides of the falls and a walk across the bridge was followed by lunch at The Lookout Cafe, downstream from the Falls and then to a the amazing Dusty Road Township Restaurant for dinner. Then a day tour to Chobe, including a boat cruise and game drive and a lunch at a local hotel.
We then flew to Kruger and overnighted at Oliver's, a beautiful boutique hotel located on the White River Country Estate, where we wished we could have stayed longer to at play the renowned golf course.
The two game lodges we stayed at were sensational with amazing accommodation, meals and, best of all, great guides - we saw not only the big Five of Lions, Elephants, Rhinos, Buffalos and Leopards but also Cheetahs and Wild Dogs to make the Super 7, plus Giraffes, Zebra, Impala, Hippos, Monkeys and amazing birdlife.
At Inyati Game Lodge, in Sabi Sand, we had a beautiful chalet near the river, with monkeys and Impala wandering through, great food and twice daily game drives. Our day two post on Facebook: Walk to the Giraffes, a pair of Leopards (mating), Lions resting after a kill and more elephants - a cute baby that got startled when our guide started the engine and it gave out a trumpet and charged three metres at us as we slowly drove off. He looked quite proud of himself and will dine out on the story for years.
After three nights, it was a three-hour drive to another of the private game parks in the Kruger, Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp in the private Timbavati Nature reserve, for three nights. Wow. This was Luxury personified, with only four rooms. Our "tent" was absolutely stunning, just metres from the dam. We arrived in time for tea, before the evening game drive, to be greeted by a herd of 25 elephants, of which many also come for tea at the dam every day, much to the annoyance of the resident Hippos and two Egyptian geese.
Our, too short, tour ended with a flight to Johannesburg and then back to Sydney.
Thanks, Michelle for a real "Bucket list" experience.
