Reviews

Sort By: Date Most Helpful Rating 41-50 of 89 Reviews
Jennifer S   –  
Australia AU
Visited: March 2013 Reviewed: Sep 19, 2019

Email Jennifer S  |  50-65 years of age  |  Experience level: over 5 safaris

Two of the best guides in the business
5/5

Having travelled extensively in East and Southern Africa since 1990, I have experienced good and not so good guides. Without hesitation I can say Federica and Ruan are two of the best guides I have been lucky enough to travel with. Their passion for, and knowledge of, Africa and her wildlife is exceptional and infectious.

While on game drives, either Federica or Ruan gave us information on the animal we were watching. As keen photographers, they were able to spot animals quickly and know if something worth waiting around to photograph was going to happen – this was a huge benefit to clients.

In the evenings we were given a briefing of the following day’s itinerary, which usually included showing us on a map the route we would be taking. I have sometimes experienced guides who don’t mix with their clients at the end of the day, but Ruan and Federica were always sitting and chatting with us, were the last ones to bed and the first ones up each morning getting things ready for breakfast and the day ahead.

Both are great cooks. The meals on my trip were fresh, varied and delicious, including pastas, braais, stews, cooked brunches or lunches and some traditional South African dishes.

Any extra activities which clients wished to undertake were cheerfully booked by them.

As can happen while travelling in Africa we had a problem with our vehicle which required it to be off the road for a few days. Ruan and Federica showed outstanding leadership and organisational skills by helping to arrange for alternate transportation so our trip would not be disrupted, worked out what our food and equipment requirements for those days would be, as well as keeping us informed of progress on the vehicle’s repairs.

I had such a great time travelling with Federica and Ruan, I hope to travel with them again some day.

Gilles Rodier   –  
France FR
Visited: July 2019 Reviewed: Aug 21, 2019

Email Gilles Rodier

An amazing experience in Namibia during our 15 days trip with Shikwaru Adventures
5/5

Three years ago we’ve been to South Africa with Federica. Everything was so great that we decided to make another trip with her this year, in Southern Namibia this time.
Once again, we have muchly appreciated her great professionalism even when difficulties occured, her excellent ideas during all the trip, her tasty cooking, as she almost always cooked for us local dishes such as bobotie, and her wide cultural and historical knowledge of the country.
Federica is a very caring person who is always vigilant of the needs of each person in the group. She has a lot of qualities but what we really appreciated was her humanity, and her respect towards people as well as nature.
We also had a really good contact with Dewald, who was not only driving, but with whom we also shared a lot of happy moments with great kindness. We are already missing his delicious rusks and braai.
The organisation during the trip was really great, especially when we were camping. For example, five persons of our group didn’t get their luggage when we arrived in Namibia, so Federica made arrangements for us to have extra blankets and pillows until we got our luggage back.
There was also a perfect background organization, with Ruan, who was staying in South Africa and who was constantly checking on the phone with Federica to see if everything was all right.
Namibia is a big and amazing country, with its wonderful landscapes which are very diversified, as well as its wildlife, which is very important to respect and protect.
We had a fantastic experience, so we highly recommend this 2 weeks trip in Namibia with Shikwaru Adventures.

Marion   –  
Netherlands NL
Visited: November 2017 Reviewed: Aug 21, 2019

Email Marion  |  50-65 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Best and most beautiful trip ever
5/5

South Africa Rainbow tour was a trip to remember. Our gide Ruan is a great expert in all areas, good driver and a wonderful cook. Seen fantastic nature and heard many beautiful stories from him. The highlight was the big five, he did everything to spot it.
Moreover, he is careful with nature.So if you are considering a vacation to Africa, think of guide Ruan, who will give you a great holiday.

Maïté   –  
France FR
Visited: May 2014 Reviewed: Aug 20, 2019

Email Maïté  |  65+ years of age  |  Experience level: 2-5 safaris

Magical Trip !
5/5

What a pleasure to discover Southern Africa with Ruan and Federica ...
They know perfectly the fauna, the flora as well as the natives of the crossed countries. Moreover if Ruan is an excellent driver and ... a good cook,
Federica has another asset : she speaks English, French and Spanish fluently.
Thanks to their knowledge and kindness their have made this trip MAGICAL!
I hope to have the chance to meet you again !

Teresa   –  
Italy IT
Visited: February 2015 Reviewed: Aug 20, 2019

Email Teresa  |  35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: 2-5 safaris

Excellent
5/5

I've travelled with Ruan to Botswana and Vic Falls, and everything was absolutely perfect, driving the truck, locations, accomodation, giving us all kind of explanations and stories about places, nature, animals and so on! He is really in love with his job and his Country, and he was able to manage a group of 9 from different nationalities. As I was the only Italian in the group, he has been very patient repeating instructions and explanations, 'cause my english is not so good. I absolutely recommend to travel with Ruan and his company!

Janice   –  
Australia AU
Visited: April 2013 Reviewed: Aug 20, 2019

Email Janice  |  65+ years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Informative exciting fun and love to do again
5/5

I loved the variety of our tour staying in luxury accommodation right through to camping out on the Delta. Our guide Ruan really knew the country he was showing us and went out of his way to make the most of what turned up unexpectedly such as animal sightings along the roadside and meeting local people. I never felt afraid during the tour.

Tom P   –  
Australia AU
Visited: May 2018 Reviewed: Aug 17, 2019

Email Tom P  |  20-35 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

outstanding experience
5/5

What a wonderful experience with wonderful guides. so much knowledge of the wildlife and the land with such a friendly and welcoming approach to the clients. Can't wait to go on the next one with Ruan and the team

Jake   –  
Australia AU
Visited: July 2012 Reviewed: Aug 9, 2019

Email Jake  |  20-35 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Great tour guides
5/5

Great tour operators who care for the people on the tour and are very friendly. Very knowledgeable people who love their job and love teaching people about the wilderness. Would recommend

Madz   –  
South Africa ZA
Visited: August 2019 Reviewed: Aug 9, 2019

Email Madz  |  20-35 years of age

African tour
5/5

Shikwaru Adventures is where the tours are planned with the clients interests taken into account. Great service too. I highly recommend them for your next tour.

Diana   –  
Germany DE
Visited: September 2017 Reviewed: Aug 4, 2019

Email Diana  |  20-35 years of age  |  Experience level: 2-5 safaris

Best guides ever
5/5

You can travel through Africa, or experience Africa with Shikwaru.

I was also traveling with other organizers in Africa before, but every other trip to Africa I will do only with Shikwaru!

The travel program is not processed stupidly. Wishes are individually addressed to give everyone an unforgettable experience.
Whether land and people or the animals, the knowledge of the guides is impressive. Their contact with the locals is warm and respectful, for the safaris they take a look behind every single stone, making sure not to miss an animal (mostly successful).

With meals, the guides are very resourceful and intent on freshly prepared local dishes. Requests are always considered (thanks again for the lactose-free food).

Thank you for the unforgettable experience!!!

Average User Rating
5.0/5
Rating Breakdown
  • 5 star 87
  • 4 star 2
  • 3 star 0
  • 2 star 0
  • 1 star 0
Write a Review

Disclaimer

  • All corporate and/or tour info is provided by Shikwaru Adventures, not SafariBookings
  • The tours offered by Shikwaru Adventures are subject to their terms & conditions