Ker & Downey® Africa staff
Ker & Downey Africa
- Located In:
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United Kingdom
- Size:
- 50-100 employees (Founded in 2012)
- Member Of:
- APTA, SATSA, CTT & Safe Travels
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $500 to $950 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
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Email Morgan Kale | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Book Now! The most amazing honeymoon came true with Lauren and the team at Ker & Downey Africa!!
If you are wavering even a bit about booking with Ker & Downey Africa- stop reading and BOOK RIGHT NOW!!! Seriously, I promise you will not regret it! I cannot say enough amazing things about working with Lauren Barnard and the Ker & Downey Africa Team. It was truly the most incredible trip and Lauren made that possible for us.
While I consider myself a planner, my husband is more go with the flow, so we found ourselves incredibly behind in planning our honeymoon. It seemed impossible to pull off honestly. We then found Ker & Downey Africa on Google and reached out. Lauren responded quickly and didn’t seem phased by our short notice. I think perhaps she remained calm for my benefit, although it had to add stress to her plate. Lauren designed the most incredible itinerary. She made it seem possible, and not only that, but one thousand times more amazing than anything I could pull off. She was such a calm presence throughout the process. She met on multiple zoom calls with me, each lasting over an hour. She answered every question with patience, optimism, and professionalism.
However, I won’t lie, it was pretty nerve wracking when it came time to pay. Here we were about to send a large wire transfer to a company we randomly found on Google. Were we crazy? We couldn’t find many reviews, other than their website, and it was scary to take that leap of faith.
That fear was quieted once we touched down in South Africa. We were in a fairy tale for the next two weeks, a dream that Lauren had brought to fruition. Here I was getting to experience the most spectacular trip I have ever taken. We stayed at the most beautiful places; luxurious, wild, and perfect. The hospitality of everyone we met is truly unmatched, a hospitality that I hoped to bring back home. We ate wonderful food, often more than we should have. We experienced so many different aspects of South Africa, and fell in love with the country more with each stop. It’s hard to express the awe I hold for this trip, even after returning home. Honestly, all words fall short of what this trip was to us. Without a doubt, I will use Ker & Downey Africa whenever I can plan another trip to Africa, and I would encourage everyone else to as well!
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Email Laura R. | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Absolutely Perfect
My mother and I took this trip together in June 2023, and it could not have been any more perfect. Lauren was our travel consultant and she understood exactly what we wanted and also made some suggestions as to options we hadn't considered based on our personal interests. Communication was excellent throughout, and she responded quickly to ALL of our questions, both leading up to and during our trip. I am still in awe of how seamlessly all aspects of our trip worked out, despite our complicated itinerary, and this absolutely due to Lauren’s expertise and hard work. This made our trip truly relaxing and stress-free.
We flew into Joburg and spent the first day recovering from the 20+ hour flying time and 7-hour time difference at the Peech Hotel, which was quiet and relaxing and the food was excellent.
The following morning, we flew by charter flight 90 minutes to the Thornybush Game Lodge airstrip, which, in itself, was a really fun experience. We were picked up at the airstrip by our assigned guide and tracker in our game drive Land Cruiser and driven through the entrance to Thornybush Game Lodge whose gate was literally at the end of the airstrip. The lodge was beautifully appointed and every detail was attended to, everyone was extremely attentive, the food was exquisite, the accommodations were extremely clean and comfortable, and the wandering nyala, vervet monkeys, warthogs, and even the baboons (!) added to the experience. The main lodge area overlooks a (currently, in the dry winter season) dry river bed with a watering hole, which was visited by elephants, water buffalo, and a hippo. The game drives were truly top-notch, and now I hesitate to go on another safari, as I’m afraid no other safari will ever measure up. We saw the Big Five, nursing lion cubs, African dogs, a mother leopard and her cub (which we observed eating game in a tree on two separate occasions), warthogs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, many antelope and bird species. Our twice daily game drives were extraordinary, thanks in no small part to our guide Kaden and tracker John the Best. Their knowledge of the animals’ natural behavior patterns and skill at utilizing this to optimize our experience was just incredible. Because the animals are so habituated to having the Land Cruisers around, we were able to be within feet of leopards, lions, elephants, and rhinos without disturbing them in the slightest, and they continued their normal behaviors unfazed by our presence.
We were truly sad to leave Thornybush after three nights, but our next stop was Cape Town. We were met at the airport by Wayne, who was to be our private guide in and around Cape Town. During our three days in Cape Town, Wayne was extremely knowledgeable, courteous, and attentive to all our needs as he guided us to sites like Table Mountain, Bo-Kaap, Kirstenbosch Gardens, vineyards, and the Cape Peninsula including visits to the Boulders Beach penguins and the Cape Point lighthouse. Lauren had also suggested and arranged a guided tour of the Christiaan Barnard museum at Groote Schuur, which I definitely recommend for anyone with an interest in cardiology, transplantation, or medical history. Wayne knows all the best coffee stops and restaurants, and each of his recommendations was delightful. Throughout it all, Wayne supplied historic background and personal anecdotes from growing up in the area.
Following our time in Cape Town, Wayne drove us to the whale watching village of Hermanus where we stayed for two days, exploring the gorgeous cliff pathways with huge breaking surf along the rocky beach and sighting seals and as many adorable dassies as possible. We had planned a shark cage diving excursion, but unfortunately this was cancelled due to ongoing storms and precariously rough seas.
We were happy to see Wayne again as he picked us up to transfer us to the Cape Town airport for our last leg of the journey, a visit to Victoria Falls. With guidance from Lauren regarding the visa process, this trip went smoothly and we were picked up from the airport and transported seamlessly to The Wallow Lodge, an eco-friendly lodge on a wildlife sanctuary which utilizes solar electricity and no single-use plastic products. Our private suite overlooked the river which was visited by many of the sanctuary animals. The food was excellent, and we enjoyed a variety of gourmet offerings including warthog, Kudu, and Mopane worms (!). On our second day in Zimbabwe, we had breakfast at a restaurant overlooking the Zambezi River followed by a tour of the breathtaking Victoria Falls. In the afternoon, we were transported to Zambia (and assisted through customs/immigration at the border crossing) for a phenomenal microlight flight over Victoria Falls. As majestic as the falls are from the ground, the view from the air allows a better appreciation of just how vast they truly are! The following day, we began our flights toward home, again assisted by a representative (pre-arranged by Lauren) at the Johannesburg airport, who greatly decreased the time required to transit security and customs and navigate to the international departures terminal.
If you're planning a trip to Africa, you can't go wrong with Ker-Downey, and make sure you request Lauren as your consultant and Wayne as your Cape Town guide!
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Email Anne | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unequivocally Unequalled
Lauren, had every detail ironed out before we ever stepped on the plane from Dallas, TX via London to Johannesburg, South Africa. And for our 12 days of traveling between three African countries that same thoughtfully planned itinerary by her continued.
We felt safe, cared for, and our communications with her were prompt and immediate. Lauren answered questions about tipping and anything else we thought of asking her.
The tour details and lodging were beautiful. The cleanest places I’ve ever stayed in -anywhere in the world. Africa beat them all- hands down.
The safari guides, trackers, lodge hosts, touched our hearts and wrapped around our souls. They all, each & everyone, went above & beyond in their service to us. What an incredible experience!!
It will be very difficult to take another trip without Lauren of Ker & Downey organizing it for us.
Tremendous value for the money.
Anne ( & daughter Laura)
Outstanding Safari
My mother took me on this magical adventure to South Africa and our final destination was MalaMala Camp. I cannot say enough about how magical this trip was.
MalaMala has beautiful lodges, delicious food, but most of all the it was the wonderful people who work there that made us feel at home. We felt so well-cared for and the safari was beyond my wildest imagination.
In particular, I'd like to mention Marvin, who is the manager, and his dedication to the guests whom he makes sure to touch base with daily. Our ranger Mike Moth was so knowledgeable and able to answer so many questions. In addition, on the evening game drive, he set up a little table in front of the jeep and served wine, cocktails, soft drinks, and a few snacks. What a way to enjoy the magnificent sunset. In addition, Goodness, our server at meals, was always so kind and even remembered what we liked to drink, and Simon, who was so helpful to my 81 year-old mother and walked us back to our lodge after dinner.
If you want to go on Sarfari, this is the place! It was the experience of a life-time.
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Email Suzy | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Ker-Downey-Excellent
REVIEW OF OUR TRIP TO SOUTH AFRICA
My daughter and I went to South Africa in the middle of April, 2023. We worked with Sarah and her assistant Bronwen of Ker-downeyaftrica. The initial consultation and several after were with Sarah. She understood immediately what we were looking for, since I am older and have some walking issues. Her first Itinerary draft was excellent, but as we discussed things further, she was more then willing to make adjustments. Everything was arranged for us, Meet and Greet, Private Car with Driver/Tour Guide, Restaurant reservations, Spa reservations and all transportation within the Country. Our stay in Francheek, CapeTown and Mala Mala were absolutely perfect. We consider this our “Magical Holiday”. Thank you, Sarah and Bronwen.
Suzy Gellert and Elizabeth Bottcher
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Email Rafael Aranda | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent service, they took care of everithing
K&D offered to take care of a trip that i was managing on my own. In this context they matched my price expectations and offered great quality and high professionalism. They took the time to understand my aims and make an offer above my expectations
I travelled with my wife to South Africa (Thornybush) and Mozambique (Bazaruto islands), everything went perfect and we enjoyed the comfort of someone taking care of us. I strongly recommend them.
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Email Sonal Patel | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Promptly reliable
I would recommend them to plan your Africa trip. Very responsive, prompt and gave us lot of options of lodges.
DE
Email Esther | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Couldn't be better
One of the best travel agencies. From the first contact we felt more than welcome and Sarah created the perfect tour for us. Even when we came down with Covid 3 days for departure last year, it was not a problem to shift the Safari.
Now we are back from the Safari and everything worked just perfect. We were pampered from the first step until to the last one.
Many thanks to Sarah and her team for this perfect holidays.
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Email Gil Judson | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Ker&Downey did a fantastic job setting up our trip and then managing the trip - could not be happier
Each of our lodges and tent camps were outstanding - exceeded our expectations.
Our two K&D guides were fantastic-knowledgeable, caring and fun.
Being there in the rainy season was not a problem at all. Not nearly as crowded as June/July - I recommend going in December.
Our trip manager, Sarah, was always available and seamlessly accommodated all our changes.
I will definitely use K&D again.
TH
Email Fiona | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Flawless from ideation to execution
Thank you Ker & Downey Africa for crafting the most magical 2 week trip to Tanzania over New Year.
The entire trip was flawless from ideation to execution to being super quick to address any additional requirements/queries we had once we were on the trip itself.
Sarah Morris was on the ball from the moment we reach out to K&D to plan our trip. Respond time to all our emails was very prompt. We even had a group call a few weeks before we traveled to go over all our details, ensure we had all our documents and travel essentials ready. Sarah, Lauren, and Brondwyn also set up a whatsapp chat group to ensure they were always a message away while we were traveling.
I cant imagine Africa without this amazing team and will not hesitate to recommend K&D to anyone looking for a top notch travel agent to plan their once in a lifetime trip!
Asante Sana!
