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Native Escapes
- Located In:
-
United Kingdom
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2007)
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
-
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- Price Range:
- $188 to $1,002 ppper person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Mark Tulitt | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Highly responsive & extremely knowledgable
I wanted to self-drive in Malawi & explore the country/locations of my childhood. I therefore needed to visit specific places that are off the tourist track. I was also visiting the country 50 years after I had last been there so needed to understand how it worked if one was going to be travelling within it alone. Native Escapes knowledge was obviously expert & their suggestions of where to stay turned out to be ideal for me in every way. Their flexibility in accommodating my itinerary changes was exemplary. Their advice on important issues such as currency, what it is like to drive around a country like that, what to do and not to do was invaluable in giving me confidence that I wouldn't have any problems.
Organising anything in a country like Malawi is tough, I know that. The proof of the pudding was in the eating. I had excellent flights, ( they even made sure I had aisle seats as the on-line check-in wasn't working ), excellent car hire, first class accommodation & everything worked like clockwork on what was on the face of it a relatively bespoke trip. The organisation was seamless.
I would recommend Native Escapes for any trip within the region of their specific expertise, because they know their stuff, have the contacts, and can manage the organisation of one-off itineraries that don't fit into a specific package.
As their name suggest - they cater for those who want to do something a little less packaged or unconventional in countries that, by definition, are not mass tourist destinations. I wouldn't hesitate in using them again & will do when I next visit Africa.
Email Roger | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful experience from start to finish
Apart from the taxi rides to and from LHR, our entire trip was organised by Sharon at Native Escapes. We had two nights at the Victoria Falls, three nights at Lebala and two nights at Little Kwara. At every stage, Sharon was very helpful offering different suggestions before we booked, which helped decide the precise itinerary, and dealing with queries and changes that we requested. Questions were answered promptly and courteously.
During the trip we were met and helped at every transfer: at Victoria Falls Airport to the hotel, and then from the hotel to Kisane Airport, which meant passport control from Zimbabwe to Botswana. In Botswana, there were three light aircraft flights from Kisane to Lebala, Lebala to Little Kwara and finally to Maun to begin our journey home. Apart from one small delay waiting for the Botswanan rep, everything was faultless.
Detailed documentation was provided making it easy to understand where we were going and what we needed to do.
We had a great time and I have no hesitation in recommending Native Escapes to anyone who's thinking about going on safari,
The places that we stayed were all great. If you are interested in more detail, you can read my reviews on TripAdvisor:
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g472673-d1194523-r233423128-Lebala_Camp-Okavango_Delta_North_West_District.html
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g472673-d1052497-r233724080-Little_Kwara_Camp_Kwando_Safaris-Okavango_Delta_North_West_District.html
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g293761-d1310535-r232530092-Livingstone_Room_at_Victoria_Falls_Hotel-Victoria_Falls_Matabeleland_North_Provi.html
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing bird & wildlife, wonderful camps & people, great horses, expert guides & faultlessy arranged
Safari was superb, good balance of camps (2 dry/wet & 1 riding) & excelled beyond our expectations. The camps were extremely comfortable & well run by caring, helpful people, the food was excellent, the Guides & Trackers were devoted to conservation & always informative, the horses were a delight to ride & the game/bird viewing was amazing. In all 3 camps, the attention to our safety was reassuringly paramount. Native Escapes tailormade everything perfectly & just could not have been more helpful - what better way to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary!
Email CJLondon | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Holiday of a lifetime - thank you Native Escapes!
Just back from an absolutely excellent holiday. Native Escapes couldn't have been more helpful in organising our itinerary and listening to what we wanted from our safari. They delivered our perfect trip staying at great accommodation and seeing all the animals we dreamed of, and more. Would definitely use Native Escapes again for our next trip to Africa.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
South Africa and Zimbabwe
We had the holiday of a lifetime and cannot thank Native Escapes enough for putting together such an extraordinary itinerary.
Our 3 children (20, 17,17) are all on the cusp of adulthood and we wanted one last amazing family holiday to leave indelible memories – it certainly fulfilled that brief.
Cape Town lived up to expectations and the Radisson Blu was terrific. The rooms were stunning and the views out of this world. A porthole onto table mountain on one side, and a panorama of the sea on the other. We struggled to get tickets for Robin Island, but took advice and hung out down at the terminal from which the boat leaves, and we got some cancellations. In future, we would book this well in advance as we didn’t know it would be so busy. We took a private day trip to Cape Point, Klein Constantia and Boulder Beach – what a day! And a trip up table mountain – early in the morning, with great views and no queues – unforgettable – not least because my legs were like jelly and the kids were dangling over the edge. We took our santa hats and took next year’s Christmas photo (in which I look petrified!).
Franchhoek was stunning and the hotel was utterly divine. The kids could not believe their luck when each room was delivered a bottle of champagne and canapés on Christmas eve, and Christmas day lunch was superb. We had a quiet day by the pool on boxing Day (the only ‘chill out day’ of the holiday) and everyone underestimated the strength of the African sun! 27th – our wine tour was outstanding. Duncan was a brilliant guide and we visited some fabulous places – we will be ordering in bulk!
The verde airport hotel was great and out trip to Vic Falls v smooth.
I am so pleased you talked us into Zimbabwe- it was utterly fabulous. The adventure started on the drive to Camp Hwange when we were met at the Boom Gate by the fabulous Stephen in the open top vehicle. A 3 hour drive to the camp (after the 1 ½ hrs from the airport) sounded ominous, but it was fabulous. We were well wrapped up in big fleecy waterproof capes and we stopped for tea and views and animals. By the time we arrived at camp we had seen elephant, giraffe, impala, and so many birds. We arrived at dusk with the big camp fire roaring and the sun setting on the waterhole. We were greeted by Ruth who gave us a delicious welcome drink. Without a doubt it was the most breath-taking arrival we have ever had.
Julian was our guide and he and the team made the experience extraordinary. It was just what we wanted, beautiful, but remote, low tech and high-intensity. The sights, sounds and smells made us feel completely alert and although I didn’t sleep much the first night I didn’t mind. The rains had whipped the bubble frogs up into a state of high excitement and I have never heard a noise like it!
We tracked lion and elephant on foot and the thick bush made this a high adrenalin activity to say the least! We were out from 6 – 12 and from 4-7.30 or 8 every night – incredible! Our photos are remarkable. Despite it being the wet season we found plenty and I am now a bird enthusiast, much to our children’s amusement. The staff, the food and the accommodation were absolutely perfect and we will be life-long Hwange fans. We feel we have come to know the family dynamics of several lion families and will follow their progress on the web.
On the way back to Victoria Falls we saw one last lion – it couldn’t have been more perfect.
Victoria Falls was breath-taking and despite the horrors of our children zip-wiring and bungee-jumping, we had a great time. We ate mopane worms and warthog at The Boma and learned to drum. Perhaps a bit ‘Disney does Africa’ for us, but the Victoria Falls Hotel was a taste of a bygone era.
We cannot thank you enough for the meticulous attention to detail you put into organising the trip. We will recommend you whole-heartedly to anyone who will listen. I sense that we are already becoming safari bores!
David and I will certainly be heading back to Africa – and look forward to your help planning the next trip.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfectly tailored trip
Simon at Native Escapes did a perfect job tailoring our trip to South Africa. He chose places with lots of activities for our kids and went through loads of options with me, really taking the time to understand my needs.
The trip worked smoothly end-to-end, including car-hire, flights, activities and accommodation. The properties Simon helped us to choose were of a very high standard. I can't think of anything that could be improved - we had an outstanding holiday with zero hassle. Would definitely recommend Simon to anyone thinking of a trip to SA.
Email Sarah castle | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Native Escapes could not have been more helpful, accommodating and very efficient.
A party of four of us have just arrived home from a fantastic trip to Namibia organised by Native Escapes. We flew to Windhoek and was taken to our guest house for a 2 night stay. Whilst there we where met by Native Escape agents in Windhoek, talked us through our planned route, we where driving ourselves, mobile phone, first aid kit and very good directions to our destinations. We travelled around 2500km staying at lodges with various activities included, not compulsory but most where taken up! All exceeded our expections from tracking leopards to climbing big Daddy sand dune and the desolation of the Skeleton Coast. We felt Native Escapes organised a fantastic tour for us and one we will always remember....could not recommend highly enough.
Email Laura | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A fantastic experience from beginning to end, seamless and personable.
We had the most wonderful trip thanks to Native Escapes! As soon as we landed in Cape Town to be greeted by a lovely chauffeur the trip was seamless the whole way. We loved the freedom of having our own car and the fact we had the opportunity to stay in 5 different beautiful guest houses. Cape Town was an adventure, The winelands were beautiful with the most wonderful places to eat and drink!! The drive to Wilderness was so straight forward and with beautiful scenery the trip was pleasant, then in Plett it was quiet and relaxing, the guest house was another beauty and Veronica the manager was so sweet and helpful. The Safari was an experience I will never forget, we saw 4 of the big 5 and felt like we were in the middle of nowhere which made it so relaxing.
All of the accommodation were great, beautiful views and very helpful / personable management in each.
The service from Sharon at Native Escapes has been outstanding throughout from my first conversation with her, to receiving the information in the post and such quick responses at all times.
Email Denise | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Helpful
Sharon dealt with our original enquiry and subsequnet queries and booking efficiently. The trip Diverse Namibia lived up to its name. Lots to see although a few long days of travel. We couldn't have asked for a better guide; Jimmy Limbo was fantastic the best we have ever had. I was a little worried before we went as I had not been able to find any reviews on-line for two of the camps we stayed at (Kulala and Damaraland adventure camps). I need not have been concerned they was fantastic, great locations, food, really clean and well run.
Email Rosie | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Magnificent experience of Victoria Falls and Botswana Safari
After emailing and my communication with Sharon I felt confident that she would deliver the special holiday we were looking for. A very big thank you everything ran smoothly our holiday was spectacular and I would definitely use Native Escapes in the future. Rosie
Average User Rating
Rating Breakdown
- 5 star 30
- 4 star 0
- 3 star 0
- 2 star 0
- 1 star 0
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- All corporate and/or tour info is provided by Native Escapes, not SafariBookings
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