Staff , Felicity & Stephen on safari in Hwange NP
Wild Africa Travel Company
- Located In:
-
Australia
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 1999)
- Member Of:
- AFTA & ATAS
- Tour Types:
- Customizable private tours and fixed group tours
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $65 to $327 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Seamless Travel experience great food hotels and sights
Great, everything ran like clockwork with minimum input from us linkups just happened. Hotels were very comfortable and food was good. Travel guides were very companionable and made the tours fun. Safaris were wonderful although quite cool in the early mornings animal sightings were frequent and we managed to see the big five as well as african wild dogs. Our tours were well combined we did Victoria Falls and Chobe NP, South Africa down the Garden route and took the Premier Classe train from Capetown to Joburg
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
9-day Kruger Safari - exceeded expectations
Everything about this trip was superb. This was our first trip to Africa. We were there a month with the goal of seeing as many animals in the wild as possible, half in South Africa and half in Botswana. The three camps in the Kruger area were all different and provided a wide sampling of environments. We had expected many encounters, but everyday there seemed to be a special surprise. For example, we followed a leopard lead her cubs back to a kill, nurse and clean one, and then go to the kill where the other one was (Matswari). At another camp, we sat by a pride of 12 lions watching us watch them for more than half an hour, into the night when they got up and left, presumably to hunt (Rhino Post). At another, we found a cheetah in the grass, and after a few minutes, a cub sat up next to her (Honeyguide). I had expected to see antelopes, but very pleasantly surprised to see 14-15 different ones, getting pictures of 12 (small pocket guide helped). In addition to the big animals, the birds were magnificent, and I was able to identify 85 during the entire trip (another small pocket guide). The guides were excellent, helping identify the birds as well as the antelopes. Each prided himself on showing as much of his area as he could while we were there, and we got lessons on plants, tracks, and poop during walks. Food and service in all 3 camps was excellent. The travel arrangements to and from, and between camps was perfect. We have recommended this safari to a few others, and expect they may do it. If you want a sampling of everything wild in South Africa, this is the way to go!!
As a side note, we visited 3 camps in Botswana, two on different parts of the Okavango Delta (Footsteps and Gunns) and on one the Chobe River (Muchenje), that we arranged separately. These also were excellent and comparable to those in South Africa, and the totals of antelopes and birds was a combination of the two countries. I think Wild Africa Travel goes to Botswana as well, and based on what we experienced in Kruger, would recommend them to go anywhere.
We've been home almost a year, and we're still savoring and sharing all of it. Many thanks!
We're now considering returning to Africa next year (2015), this time to Zambia and Tanzania.
We'll definitely check what Wild Africa Travel Company does in those areas.
Email Liz | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
I chose Wild Africa for my Garden Route tour because your itinerary had more to offer than others.
My Wild Africa experience began when I researched tours on the net...your tour appealed to me and from my frequent contacts with Robert, who always promptly attended to any queries, I felt I had chosen wisely.
My driver/guide Chris collected me and immediately set the tone for the next 4 days by being an excellent driver and informative guide. He always gave me a complete rundown on the days activities, was very considerate in making sure I had regular comfort stops, was protective in his advice of do's and dont's for my free time...he obliged me several times with photo stops, was always on time and dutifully made sure I didn't miss out on anything, despite the fact that I was the only passenger...this proved to be a bonus as I had unlimited time to bombard him with questions and endless chatter.
Wild Africa exceeded my expectations tenfold...I loved your program...the Bufflesdrift Safari Lodge and game drive was a wonderful inclusion to appreciate the African experience.
Your tour had such a variety of activities included, that it was full on each day....I loved it all.
Wild Africa Garden Route tour, though not the cheapest, gave me a wonderful insight into your country and it's customs, and I will long remember the experience. Your tour was indeed value for money.
Thanks to your Australian agent in Robert...he is an asset to your company. Chris believes in his Africa, and truly likes his work, and it shows in the excellent way he explains his Africa, so that I , as a visitor, can get the best experience..not only from seeing your magnificent scenery...like Storm River mouth....but have a better insight into the African way of life.
Thank you to all at WA company....you have made me want to return soon.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
My whole experience with Wild Africa was fantastic, Robert was very helpful.
Overall our experience was wonderful, organising the trip with Robert was hassle free and he was very helpful with any questions we had. we felt the trip was very well organised.
We felt very safe most of the time and for two women travelling alone this was huge for us. Our drivers were incredible they made us feel so welcome and looked after us so well. The people in Kenya and Tanzania where lovely so friendly and approachable, the accommodation considering it was in the middle of no where was great felt very clean we were impressed. The food on a whole was nice we really enjoyed the way meals are arranged in Kenya and Tanzania being included in your stay it makes it so much easier to just relax and enjoy yourself.
The activities in Kenya and Tanzania where amazing experiences that we will remember for the rest of our lives and we feel so privileged to have been able to experience them. The only activity I didn't enjoy was the Masi Mara Village tour, I felt very uncomfortable the whole time and I was made to feel like I had to purchase their souvenirs. It felt like a tourist trap and I was being taken advantage of because I was young female and traveling without a male relative. I would never recommend this activity to anyone and in future I think this needs to be explained better to tourists. Also we weren't really told how much "tipping" is expected, being Australian we don't really tip in our country and we weren't prepared or aware of how this is done. I think this needs to be added to you information about the two countries so tourist know to travel with lots of small notes. and how much to give for each services.
Next we went to Zimbabwe, apart from Victoria falls I didn't like the whole experience really, I felt unsafe, the food was awful, the people unhappy and rude and the hotel room unclean. I have no intention of ever go back there.
Botswana was better but still not as good as Kenya and Tanzania don't feel like it was worth the extra money and effort to go there.
Overall I believe Wild Africa organised a wonderful holiday for us and we already have told so many people about your company and recommended your service. we would defiantly travel with Wild Africa again!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Exellent on all fronts, loved the attention to detail and itinerary that covered diverse topography
We were impressed with the safari and it surpassed our expectations - all the staff we interacted with were outstanding. One detail we should mention is that the Vintage Africa vehicles - which were alarmingly NOT 4 wheel drive considering the terrain we were in - were outdated and in poor repair. Our vehicle broke down twice, the roof blew open and the windshield wipers didn't work in the pouring rain. WE had to request a replacement vehicle as it was unsafe. Grumeti was of a far higher standard.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I can highly recommend dealing with Wild Africa Travel Company.
Communication was always prompt. Good service and attended to any requests. Tour was excellent. All booked tours were spot on time. Guides were very good.
Email Merrill | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great company to deal with, offering personalised service and knowledge of Africa
WATC provided excellent service from the time I made the first enquiry through to receiving documentation. Their personal knowledge of the areas of interest was very helpful in deciding what to book and in reassuring me that the trip would be safe and smooth going. Every package in every area was just right for us
The Zambezi Sun Hotel at Victoria Falls was interesting and comfortable with lots of Zebras walking around during the day. The 3 nights gave us time to relax as well as see the area and animals. Chobe National Park lodge was my favourite because it was so pretty on the river with the highlight being the number of elephants and hippopotamus we saw. Motswai Safari Park in Kruger was special because the accomodation was not only very african style and the food good, but the personal attention by staff was amazing. We had 2 safaris /day and the guides always found the animals we asked to see. We saw all of the Big Five in 2 nights stay. I have come home wanting more and am happy to use WATC again
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Absolutely Fantastic
Everything from the initial contact with Rob at Wild Africa to the end of our trip was fantastic. The Accommodation, was of a great standard, and tours and Safaris were everything that we had hoped. The connections and transfers through Zambia and Botswana were a breeze. Rob did a great job at organising and tailoring the trip to our specific wishes (group of 9 - 2 families with teenagers) and I would highly recommend him to anyone considering a trip to Africa
Email Renee | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful Wild Africa
From my very first call to Wild Africa, I new they would be brilliant. I was looking for a trip that covered - KENYA, TANZANIA & RWANDA. Initially an acceptable request, until I told them I wanted to leave within the next 7 Days.
Robert was extremely knowledgeable, personable and really listened to what we wanted. He immediately discussed great options with me & he knew the companies and people I would be travelling with personally, this gave me great comfort and confidence. For somewhere like Africa you need to know that you are in good hands & Robert at Wild Africa really did reassure me that we would be in good hands and also cover everything we needed. He put together a couple of options that worked together within our budget and time frame. I was delighted that he did all of this for me. I work in the industry and could not have done this as efficiently, as cost effective or as confidently as Robert. I gave Robert 1 week to organise a trip that normally people take a year to plan for. He absolutely came to the party with the urgency I needed to get the holiday I wanted.
Whilst overseas my husband got ill. The tour company personally escorted and stayed with us at all times to make sure we felt comfortable and got looked after. The first phone call we got via the tour guide was Robert to check what was happening and how he could help to make sure we had the rest of our trip sorted or changed, that was by far the best surprise and so helpful for me as I was preoccupied with my husbands condition and doctors. He was outstanding. I will be using Wild Africa for any future trips they cater for. Without a doubt an amazing travel experience - Im so glad I used an expert. Thanks Robert.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Made our dreams come true.
Wild Africa and Robert Francis was amazing from the moment that we were enquiring about Africa. Robert went above and beyond to create a tour that would suit the time we were and what we wanted to get out of Africa, which was to see Africa and experience the way they live, their lifestyle and of course the animals. Robert always put the effort in to communicate and let us know how the booking was coming along and always kept in contact with us, even the day of the flight out of Australia their were delays with the flights which he notified us off. The safari itself was the best adventure that we have ever been on and our dreams had come true. Our tour guides were amazing throughout the trip and felt safe all the way through our trip. The extra money that we spent staying in hotel was so worth it as they were beautiful and the food was amazing. I would suggest to anyone not to give this tour company a miss as you will missing out on an amazing adventure of a life time.