On Safari in the Mara
The Safari Partners
- Located In:
-
Canada
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2010)
- Member Of:
- IATA, ACTA & TOPAC
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $300 to $1,000 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
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Email Joy | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
No follow up
A few mistakes in our flight itinerary, one of the hotels dropped the ball regarding transfers, had to be stressed out and contacted Chris he got back to us and said he would look into it. He said he would get back to us but never heard from him again. Chris never followed up after the trip either as we expected he might do to get our feedback or explain what happened. One of the hotels we stayed at was under construction. Things happen on holidays that are out of peoples control I get it but we feel with how things happened there would have been some follow up. We are well travelled and have done many private tours with follow up afterwards.
Reply from The Safari Partners
Posted on Oct 26, 2023Hello Joy, thank you for your review. We are very sorry we did not full meet your expectations for your safari. We pride ourselves on the itineraries we design to run smoothly and to keep you focused on enjoying your trip, not the logistics. We want you to come back with fond memories, not feeling like things could have gone better.
In this case, our local operator in Victoria Falls dropped the ball on getting transfer times correct and communicated to you. Please accept our sincerest apologies as this should not happen. We have since worked to address this with the appropriate teams so that it does not happen in the future. When I became aware of this situation, I immediately responded to clarify and rectify the situation and was in contact with you continuously on this matter. I am always there for my clients (as you will see from other reviews) as I know they trust us to make their logistics effortless and holiday memorable.
It is not always apparent, but I am continuously checking on clients with the hotels, guides and teams on the ground in the background to ensure that things run well. This is even more important when a client has experienced a hiccup along the way. I had been constant contact with our partners for you, and received reports that you were enjoying your time throughout following on from your stay in Vic Falls. I actually emailed with your husband while you were in Botswana with a followup on the transfers in Vic Falls and to check on your stay so far. I wanted you to know that I had spoken to everyone and reconfirmed all arrangements were in place and correct from there onward. Your husband responded positively that you were enjoying your experience so far and thanked me for following up.
As you transitioned to the Cape region, I checked in with your guide Thomas on your time in Cape Town and Winelands and how things were going. He remarked on how fun you were as clients, and that you were really enjoying your experience there.
South Africa is experiencing a boom in tourism and post-pandemic there has been a fair amount of building taking place. There was some construction happening on the backside of One Marine Drive in Hermanus and I have confirmed that this only took place between 9 AM - 4 PM when you would have been on day tours. Your room was on the other side of the property facing the sea and should have not impacted your stay. Hermanus in particular is extremely busy in September and given you would be out during these times on tours, we did not want to rebook you in a property of a much lesser standard. Our sincerest apologies for any disruption to your enjoyment this caused.
Despite all this I do hope you enjoyed your trip as a whole. Thank you again for all your feedback and I hope that we can take you to Africa again one day. We would like to show you that this was the exception and not the rule. We take great pride in our attention to detail and planning.
Warm Regards,
Chris.
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Email Doug | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Safari partners was absolutely amazing, well organized and very accommodating
Trip of a lifetime
A safari was always on my bucket list. We finally decided to go and I searched for a safari tour operator. There were so many to choose from. Safari partners popped up on one of my searches. I read the reviews and decided to contact them. I talked to Chris and I felt at ease dealing with him. He always answered all my questions quickly. I never had to follow up with anything. Jennifer was great also. They designed an itinerary for me and the choice of camps were amazing. We went to Lewa Safari camp and Mara crossing camps. They were exceptional in different ways. The service was impeccable. Every thing was taken care of and there were no worries. When we stepped off the plane at Lewa there was a cool towel and a drink awaiting us. I thought wow what a welcome. The staff at both camps were five star plus. We made many friendships along the way. We went in knowing this was going to be a great trip and it exceeded all our expectations.Chris kept within the budget that I proposed to him. I would definitely recommend Safari partners to anyone looking to plan a safari. You will not be disappointed.
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Email Lisa and Don Campbell | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Our Expectations were Exceeded!
We have just completed our third trip in the past six years with Safari Partners. For a variety of reasons our expectations for this trip were extremely high. As usual, Africa and Chris and his Team at Safari Partners exceeded our expectations! We did not think it was possible.
We travelled to Kenya and spent time in Nairobi, Northern Kenya, and the Maasai Mara. All aspects of our trip were very well planned and organized. All of our accommodations were outstanding for service and food. Our game drives were amazing! We saw the "Big Five" many times over and experienced the Great Migration in motion. All of our transfers happened as scheduled and the people who helped us were always pleasant and professional.
Chris and Jen are always pleasant to deal with. Our e-mails were often answered within minutes. Their knowledge of Africa is unrivalled. They will know the answer to your questions. Their contacts in Africa are wonderful people and are also very able and willing to help you. In talking with fellow travellers, we also believe that Safari Partners is very good value for your money.
If you are considering a trip to Africa, we highly recommend that you contact Safari Partners. We are certain they are the best!
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Email Ron Jacques | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exceeded expectations
I wanted a special trip to celebrate turning 80 and looked at quite a few safari options. After speaking at length to Chris, I chose Safari Partners, and I could not be more satisfied with the results. Chris selected three camps, and the progression from first to third was perfect. The driver/guides at all three camps were excellent. Their knowledge of the animals and their ability to find them gave us great experiences every day. The arrangements Chris and Jen made were seamless, making for one of the most relaxed trips I have ever had. I recommend Safari Partners to anyone who's looking for the best safari planners.
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Email Joanne | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
What an Amazing Experience!
I was one of four in our party that traveled to Kenya and Tanzania in September and October on a private luxury tour. After a safari in each country, we ended our trip chilling on the beach in Zanzibar. Chris and Jen planned every detail which enabled us to travel to all of our destinations and accommodations with ease. What an experience! The tent camps and accommodations were first rate. (I particularly loved Mara Crossings in Kenya and the Luxury Escarpment in Tanzania!). The safari guides were personable and knowledgeable and provided the ultimate safari experience in both the Mara and the Serengeti. (I really wanted to slip a Dik Dik in my suitcase but managed to resist). This was truly a bucket list trip. Thank you Chris and Jen for your meticulous planning to make this an amazing experience!
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Email Alison | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The company that thinks of everything!
Safari Partners were fabulous! Our trip was complicated for several reasons, and Chris and Jen rolled with all the changes and requests. The administration was great, the choices they made for us were excellent. They listened really well to our requirements, and counselled us on changes as needed. The partners they used in Kenya and Tanzania were really good, with all the logistics taken care of smoothly for us. You won't be sorry you used them to design and organise your safari!
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Email Dayle & Johanna | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Absolutely Amazing!
Thanks to you and your staff for putting together an amazing and seamless adventure!
It was what we were hoping for and our expectations were blown out of the world!
Our guides were exceptional, very knowledgeable, always looking for our best interests and helped to make this our lifetime dream trip.
We saw all of the big 5 and so much more, but seeing them was only a small part of this wonderful adventure. The people of Africa are very friendly and welcoming and the landscapes were beautiful.
The gorilla trek was amazing, this should be a must on everyone’s bucket list and the balloon safari was perfect! We saw 2 hyenas take down a wildebeest from the balloon. Our pilot was so excited, he said he has only seen 3 kills from the balloon in his 27 years of flying them.
The accommodations were over the top, we were welcomed enthusiastically and treated like royalty, each time we were on our way to the next stop we said that they couldn’t get any better and then we were surprised again and again. The Residence in Zanzibar was beyond phenomenal, complete with our own 12’ x 27’ private pool. What a great way to relax for the long journey home.
I adopted 2 baby elephants at the orphanage, (I have been in love with elephants since I was about 5), so that was a no brainer and probably expected by everyone in my family! Lol
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Email Janet | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fabulous well organized trip.
My review will echo all the other reviews. Highly organized. Very impressive. The staff at the camps and boutique hotels always expected our arrival. They called us by name and always new exactly what tours we were doing. I never once showed a voucher that Chris sent us. Everyone was always punctual,enthusiastic knowledgeable and FUN! Great communication with Chris and the staff. As this trip was originally planned for 2020, we had lots of communication with Chris. I always felt confident that the trip would eventually happen. Chris managed to get refunds for our international flights. We did the East Africa safari and the South Africa tour. All accommodations were lovely.
The only thing I would have liked to have change is another night at the Escarpment luxury lodge…our final stay of the safari. It was truly fantastic and lovely. Best for last! I would have also liked to have added 2 more nights in Knysna, South Africa. The boutique hotel was spa like and relaxing and there is lots to do and see in this stunningly beautiful area. We didn’t have time with 2 nights to do it all.
Highly recommend this tour and this company. The trip was beyond our expectations.
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Email Marci | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Meticulous planning and a wealth of knowledge.
This was my second trip to Africa, the first to Kenya and this one to Botswana and South Africa. Both trips were painstakingly organized a year in advance by Chris at the Safari Partners. Every detail, from flights to tour guides to pickups at airports, was meticulously planned and carried out without a single hitch. I felt safe and well looked after the entire trip. Like my first trip to Kenya this trip to Botswana and South Africa was memorable and awe inspiring. Highlights were the &Beyond Sandibe Okavango safari lodge in Botswana and the Babylonstoren farm and winery in South Africa. Two places I will dream and reminisce about the rest of my life, I never wanted to leave. The accommodations, staff and locations were perfection, words cannot describe how amazing they were. I have and will recommend the Safari Partners to anyone, their knowledge and professionalism is unparalleled. The extremely detailed and informative itinerary they provide is such a treat to study both before and after the trip. Chris has outdone himself on my two trips to Africa and I already want to go back. Maybe the gorillas in Uganda this time? Without a doubt I will use the Safari Partners to plan my next trip.
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Email Anne | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The Safari Partners provide unparalleled service and trip/event planning - just amazing
This is our second trip with the Safari Partners. Chris helped us plan the trip of a lifetime, taking our kids to Africa. We spent time at camps in Botswana and then a few days in Cape Town. Everything was literally perfect (yes, perfect). We were met at airports and guides showed up on time, without issue. Flights were seamless, including our ‘puddle jumpers’ to the camps. Chris helped us find really good rates for our first class tickets (important when you are flying six people!) and he was completely transparent about all costs on the trip.
We stayed at two camps in Botswana - food was amazing, the staff was fabulous and the accommodations first rate. Our game rides were out of this world…our kids saw and experienced things they never thought they would.
In Cape Town, we stayed a wonderful boutique hotel, really well located. We had guided tours of Cape Town and went the Cape Peninsula. The guide Chris arranged was knowledgeable and flexible when we wanted to do a few other things.
I have recommended Chris and the Safari Partners to several friends and they have all had great experiences. We will go back to Africa again, and I will only use Chris.