Reviews

Sort By: Date Most Helpful Rating 11-20 of 115 Reviews
Véronique   –  
France FR
Visited: June 2023 Reviewed: Jul 10, 2023

Email Véronique  |  50-65 years of age  |  Experience level: 2-5 safaris

The best travel agent I have never experienced...
5/5

We spent 3 weeks in Cape Town then NorthWest Botswana, a trip organized in close collaboration with Walter, from SafariOnline. I am a demanding customer for everything and especially for my travels and holidays and the advice, support, efficiency and kindness of Walter and team have met and exceeded my expectations. Firstly, this trip has been co-constructed with Walter and I was not proposed with a "one size fits all" option, as it is often the case. We had dozens of e-mails to finally end with the trip I wanted. This said, I am convinced that Walter is fully flexible and knows also to adapt to those who do not want to spend so much time in preparing their journey. Secondly, this trip had been initially planned to occur in april 2020 and was of course cancelled 1.5 months before departure because of Covid 19. Walter had us refunded of all what could be, and this was of course highly appreciable. And thirdly, the trip itself was memorable, with no place creating any disappointment. Walter's team was always reachable (we just needed this once, because of a hotel which did not find the room booking, which was sorted out within minutes).
So, communications, service, value for money, reliability and the tour itself were all outstanding; I warmly recommend SafariOnline to anyone who wants to visit Southen Africa, and I thank them very sincerely.

Linda Sheridan   –  
United Kingdom UK
Visited: June 2023 Reviewed: Jul 9, 2023

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

Walter at Safari Online was amazing.
5/5

From my first email to Safari Online when I was trying to find a package that was my dream holiday to my many many subsequent ones, Walter was so patient. He came up with an amazing package and the whole holiday went so smoothly. The lodges themselves were out of this world and the animals plentiful. We did 4 nights in Cape Town an 8 night safari in three lodges and a night at the end in Victoria Falls. Each hotel and staff member were fabulous and friendly. It was a dream holiday that far exceeded my expectations which was all thanks to the excellent team at Safari Online. Thank you.

Pam Byers   –  
United States US
Visited: May 2023 Reviewed: Jun 29, 2023

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

A better experience is NOT POSSIBLE! Walter and Safari Online are incredible!!
5/5

Walter was from the very moment an amazing partner in arranging a dream safari come true. This was our first (but not last!) trip to Africa. We booked three years out, and Walter nailed every detail perfectly. He listened to what we wanted and were interested in, provided lots of options and recommendations, and helped us experience the most amazing trip ever. We've traveled a lot, and all over the world, and without a doubt our experience using Walter, and going to Botswana, was the trip of a lifetime. Every question was answered promptly (and LOL, there were a LOT of them!), every concern addressed proactively, and really, we could not have had a more amazing experience. We are already planning a return trip, and with Walter, and I cannot recommend him highly enough. If you want to go to Southern Africa, don't do it without Walter. :)

Lesley and Peter, Florida   –  
United States US
Visited: April 2023 Reviewed: Jun 9, 2023

Email Lesley and Peter, Florida  |  65+ years of age  |  Experience level: 2-5 safaris

Extraordinary Safari --Perfectly planned --OTT Customer Service
5/5

We went to Botswana.

Walter 'got us' and picked out lodges that were just what we wanted! Spectacular planning ensued! All airline flights, land transfers (even a well coordinated transfer from Botswana to Zimbawe) were amazing and they all worked.

We sure understand that sometimes things go flooey while on travel despite the travel agent's expertise. We had none.
The price/value ratio was excellent.

We have already recommended this company and Walter to many many friends.

A huge thank you for all involved!!!

Pamela Scalzo   –  
United States US
Visited: April 2023 Reviewed: Apr 28, 2023

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

Professional and extremely helpful and sensitive to individual needs
5/5

We have booked two safaris with Walter Kohrs. He is extremely professional and knowledgeable. Our most recent safari in April of 2023 was the fourth safari we had had the pleasure of experiencing. Working with Walter in planning our needs, as well as suggestions for the additional couples traveling with us on their first safari was helpful. He made some great suggestions. All four of the camps we visited were tremendous...Ngoma, Shindi, Okuti and Gomoti. Our fellow travelers were blown away by the experiences in each camp. We all would not hesitate to recommend Walter and his associates to anyone planning a trip to Africa. Our hope is that this was not our last trip to the magical Africa and its wonderful people.

Jen Fox   –  
United Kingdom UK
Visited: March 2023 Reviewed: Mar 31, 2023

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

Well organised and extremely helpful
5/5

We booked our 4 night Kruger safari with Karina from Safari Online and it was a great decision! Karina was super helpful in providing us options for different lodges and parks to consider, she had personally visited everywhere we discussed and that really helped to have that specific insight speaking from experience when making our decisions on the itinerary. We compared numerous quotes and found Safari Online to be very competitive, so all in all it was an easy decision to book with them. Karina stayed in touch as we waited for our trip to commence, sending us helpful packing lists, itineraries and tips. When in South Africa to start our safari everything was seamlessly executed, from the collection at the airport to the transfers between lodges. The private reserves which Karina helped us select (Klaserie and Sabi Sand) had amazing game viewing as we were so lucky to see so many animals and witness some amazing interactions. This in part was due to the determination of the wonderful guides we had at both lodges Safari Online helped us select. I would not hesitated to book our next trip to South Africa with Safari Online or recommend them to anyone else!

Luisa & Cristiano   –  
United States US
Visited: February 2023 Reviewed: Feb 27, 2023

Email Luisa & Cristiano  |  35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Amazing is the only word
5/5

We never been to South Africa, so besides what we read on internet, we didn't know much about, so we really didn't know what to expect. It was amazing !!
Karina organize everything, nothing was left behind. We didn't have to worry about anything, we were only occupied by enjoying our time there.
Arethusa lodge was the top , food was great and staff helpful and friendly. The games drive were always amazing and emotional. The spa so luxurious.
Then we moved to another lodge , Kambaku, also a great place to be, maybe a little less luxurious but honestly more than great.
All the transfers were perfectly arranged, we surely recommend to use Karina as your agents to plan the perfect trip.
Thank you, we will be back.

Chloe   –  
United Kingdom UK
Visited: October 2022 Reviewed: Nov 15, 2022

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

Karina organised an amazing trip
5/5

I contacted Karina at quite short notice to organise our safari trip as my trip to Kenya was cancelled.

From the beginning, Karina stood out against other tour operators as she was so friendly and managed to find us availability in Sabi Sands which other agents couldn’t find.

Karina organised everything for us including transfers and I couldn’t fault any of the trip - it was all better than I expected and I have actually recommended Karina and this exact itinerary to friends who want to visit South Africa too.

The safaris were amazing - we stayed for 2 nights in Sabi Sands and 3 nights at Timbavati - The lodge at sabi sands felt a bit more luxurious whereas the lodge at timbavati was more friendly and homely (both were amazing but it was good to experience both!).

I’m happy that Karina recommended that we visited two different game reserves - both were wonderful but had differences and we saw all of the big 5 and experienced so many amazing sights - including wild dogs and a pack of lions eating a zebra.

Karina made everything easy and put my mind at ease over certain parts of the trip (I had no reason to be worried).

Thanks Karina!

Christopher R   –  
United States US
Visited: September 2022 Reviewed: Sep 22, 2022

Email Christopher R

Karina booked an amazing tour and was very professional and responsive throughout the process.
5/5

We just got back from South Africa and miss it already. Our trip was the best vacation I’ve had up to date. When booking a trip for Africa who knows where to start. I recommend Karina at Safari Online. She probably learn reading this review that I was in discussion with 2 other African Tour Operators when initially planning. Not only was Karina more responsive than then others. Her trip was the best value as well. For example, Karina planned a safari that was a 3 star lodge (Baobob) and a 5 star lodge (Simbabelli). The quotes from the other companies were the same price but included only a 3 star accommodation and 3-4 star accommodation. If I would’ve went with the competitor I would’ve missed out on the luxury service and accommodations Simbambelli provided.

As for the trip itself we went for 11 nights.

We flew into JHB and stayed at an awesome B&B- Sunrock Gueshouse. Place was awesome. Has everything you need. If you’re like us and only staying for one night the last thing you want to do is have to leave the BB to go get food or what not. Food was good and the setup was even better as the owners run the bar and are down to party or have a great conversation.

We flew from Hoeduspruit to Kruger the next day where we stayed at Baobab Ridge for three nights. Our room was awesome as it’s faces the watering hole. About 30 elephants came through during the day which we viewed from our personal balcony.

We had a two hour drive to Samambelli. The drive itself was interesting as we drove through some poverty stricken areas.

We arrived to Sabi sands our accommodations were next level. Definite 5 star feeling from the moment we arrived. Are room was magnificent as well as the public area. The food was amazing as well.

At both lodges we saw the “big five”. Leopards are more prone in Sabi sands. Elephants and giraffes were always around. We had the pleasure of seeing rhinos and lions. It was just amazing.

We finished the trip three nights in Capetown. It’s a cool city but if I had to do again I would’ve kept on the safari trek and flew to Victoria falls or another safari in a different country.

Overall this trip was a 10/10.

Martin Sears   –  
United Kingdom UK
Visited: June 2022 Reviewed: Sep 1, 2022

Email Martin Sears  |  50-65 years of age  |  Experience level: 2-5 safaris

A top quality holiday in Botswana and Victoria Falls, tailored exactly to our requirements
5/5

Walter excelled from the start and was a delight to deal with throughout. He was fastest to respond to my initial enquiry on SafariBookings.com and in a little over 24 hours we were chatting on a Zoom call where he asked all the right questions to ensure he understood exactly what we wanted, what our budget was, what constraints we had, and where we had flexibility. There were no assumptions, no sense that he was "steering us" towards what he wanted to sell, and absolutely no pressure.

Our options were swiftly established and concluded . When I made a mistake paying the deposit, resulting in a shortfall in the funds Walter received, there was no drama. He pointed out what I'd probably done wrong, and suggested an easy way to settle it when the final balance was paid. When we requested a change to the itinerary (after paying the deposit) he swiftly and happily obliged - no "booking amendment fees", just an addition to the final bill exactly equating to the cost of the extra night we'd added. The itineraries themselves were fully personalised with day-by-day details at each stage. Walter then kept us regularly up to date with Covid entry requirements for each country as the situation changed.

Walter provided us with his and a colleague's contact details for the full duration of our holiday - not that we needed it. Everything ran like clockwork and exactly as described. We hoped for our dream holiday: thanks to Walter our hopes were not just met, but exceeded.

Average User Rating
5.0/5
Rating Breakdown
  • 5 star 113
  • 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 Safari Online, not SafariBookings
  • The tours offered by Safari Online are subject to their terms & conditions