John Cooper (Coop) owner of African Adventures
African Adventures Safari Company
- Located In:
-
Australia
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2006)
- Tour Types:
- Customizable private tours and fixed group tours
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $206 to $950 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Dick Johnstone | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
John Cooper's schedule and accomplishment is superlative!!
Excellence in every segment has characterised our recent journey with John Cooper of African Adventures. For three weeks his introductory tour brought us up close to a fabulous and diverse selection of regions, habitats and accommodation in southern Africa. John's access to some of the prime private concessions within the National Parks ensured that the only crowds were the free running animals. And as two of four Australian guests we made a fabulous and fun loving team with two very special American couples. Looking back, we would not wish to change anything.
John, we salute you!
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Email Mark | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
One of the best most memorable trips of my life, full of fun, adventure, laughs and culture!
I recommend John Cooper to any and all looking to go on an African adventure. With John Cooper it will be on one of the most exciting, memorable experiences you will ever endure. He is fun, professional, organized, intelligent and passionate.
I went on a two week African Safari in June/July with my girlfriend, her mother and brother. We were accompanied by a Australian Mother and daughter on our trip. From the beginning John was advising us on everything from flights, to what injections we should need, to apparel recommendations to what to bring in general months before the trip and was in constant efficient communication. He would update us on the itinerary changes and address any questions we had promptly.
During our two weeks we never had to worry about anything. We traveled from camp to camp and country to country seamlessly. Everywhere we stayed was homey and warm. The lodging was comfortable and within pricing our pricing budget while having an absolutely incredible guides and staff at each stop. The food was magnificent and the guides once again were unreal. Every single day John would talk to us about our day and if he could make anything better. He cares about his brand and ensures that you have the best in every situation.
Not only was he professional but he is a true delight to travel with. He understands the culture and areas. We always felt safe and everything was convenient. In Victoria Falls we went to the market and I was trying to negotiate on a table size chess set I wanted. The maker was asking for about $1600 dollars, John asked he I wanted him to lead the negotiations I said yes. Watching him barter and negotiate while all in good fun was a culture shock, after two days on negotiations I bought the set for $400. He then immediately brought me to the local UPS and made sure it was packaged properly with care.
I can truly say John is passionate about what he does and cares most about his customers experience. I will be going back to Africa in my life and I will be using John Cooper explaining how much adventure and city tours I am looking to do with a budget and letting him plan the entire thing.
Best trip of my life.
Email Jess M | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Incredible
I've been lucky enough to travel with John twice now and loved both trips. First trip was from Victoria Falls down through Hwange National Park, Bulawayo and into Kruger National Park. Second trip was through Namibia across to Victoria Falls. John has this infectious love of Africa and its history. Every location we visited was because it had spectacular views or the ability to get up close for animal viewing. Absolutely incredible trip - I can't wait to go back. John is a great host full of stories and experiences and wouldnt travel to Africa without him there. John travels in small groups in air conditioned vehicles and knows his way around. Highlights for me were Africat in Namibia and Nehimba Lodge in Hwange National Park. Two spectacular locations for animal viewing.
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Email Geraldine P. Wallach | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was remarkable due to personal care, attention to detail, and astute diversity and choices made.
This trip with the amazing Joh Cooper was beyond expectations. John knows how to make a trip memorable so that it becomes the "trip of a lifetime." From his pre-trip e-mails, through his personal attention during the trip, to his post follow-ups, the entire experience was outstanding. John chose excellent accommodations that gave us an authentic experience in the bush and beyond. The sequencing of the trip including "side-trips" to Dullstroom and then to Victoria Falls were well placed to give the group a "break" from the bush. The "experts" John arranged for us to meet and interact with (e.g., Ian for the rhino tracking) were superb as were all of our local rangers/guides. Every need was met including food preferences and times spent in each location. This safari was superb and much "richer" than others that I have heard about. John encouraged our group (four Americans and four Australians) to communicate with one another before the trip which was a terrific idea. The people we travelled with (two couples we did not before the trip) became fast friends. John knows how to form cohesive groups which, again, contributed to the trip's success. Every step of the way, John "made it happen!" He orchestrated the three weeks to perfection and we could not ask for anything more. It was beyond excellent in every way! Bravo, John. We would book with him again without any hesitation and will recommend his company to others! Dr. Geraldine P. Wallach, Corona del Mar, California, USA.
Email Jill Hawkins | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Absolutely all we had imagined and more. The most wonderful family reunion, so well managed by Coop
Our 2nd trip to Africa with Coop, was our whole family of 17, ranging from Gran and Gramps to 9 grandkids. Both trips were so well arranged and went ahead without a hitch. We were hesitant because of being just post COVID, but the whole family decided that we have never experienced anything even close to the wonderment and excitement of this trip and can't wait to go again. It was the trip of a lifetime and enthralled all age groups. The accomodation Coop chose for us was perfect and the Host guides and staff at the Lodges were very helpful and attentive. We would happily go again.
Email Sonia and gordon muir | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Living an African dream with jovial John the expert tour guide with flair and knowledge!
An African trip of a life time - exceeded expectations
We travelled with John Cooper's African adventures in May 2017 for a three week fully escorted safari through Namibia and Zimbabwe.
Both countries delivered amazing opportunities to experience Africa and exceeded our expectations.
We are not usually tour people but truly John's tours are so professionally run, customised to meet time constraints, specific needs and budgets. He provides excellent briefing newsletters and always answers question so you are well prepared before you take off.
Our tour was intimate with only four other people two of whom had travelled to Africa with John before (I think this is a resounding endorsement for his tours).
We often felt less like tourists but more like a group of friends traveling together.
John takes care of just about everything, has insider knowledge and so much is included there were no hidden surprises only extra options if you wanted.
The accommodation he sourced provided us with a range of experiences including some mind blowing luxury.
We had the most amazing time. John knows Southern Africa inside out and upside down. He is a font of knowledge and negotiated with authorities as required which was comforting and knows where to go to maximise you exposure to animals. We saw the big 5 which is always a dream of anyone going to Africa as this is not guaranteed.
We highly recommend African adventures to anyone wanting to go to Africa without the stress of figuring out out where to go, where to stay and what to do. It was indeed value for money.
Email Jenifer Roth-Magar | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exciting and action packed,John Cooper what a amazing holiday could not fault anything.
The service at each park we stayed in was such high quality,the food the staff and the accommodations were the best I have ever been in.
Johns knowledge in Africa was outstanding,we were in Zimbabwe,Botswana and Nabia and I can't wait to do it all again with African Adventures Safari Company.
Email Bryan and Joan | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
The best 60th Birthday trip ever!!
In September, 2016, my wife Joan and I embarked on a bespoke Safari trip to Zimbabwe and Botswana organised and accompanied by John Cooper, Owner and managing Director of the African Adventure Safari Company. After months of research, emails and discussions with John, who remained extremely patient during the whole process, my wife finally confirmed the venues that we wanted to visit and John completed the rest of the planning process, leaving us only flights to book from and back to Perth Australia to Zimbabwe (Bulawayo) and from Botswana (Maun).
John proved to be a rather remarkable guide and travelling companion and we became good friends during the trip. He “sold” our safari to another Australian couple, Karen and Julius from Gosford NSW, who joined us on the trip, in order to keep costs down. They were really lovely and their company really made our holiday something special.
Our trip started with a flight to Johannesburg and then onto Bulawayo where we were met off the plane by John, who had previously picked up Karen and Julius a day earlier in South Africa. At this stage I informed John of my heart problem and from then on nothing, and I mean nothing, was too much trouble for him. I could not have been in better hands! So we started the trip proper with a lovely lunch at the Bulawayo Club that was followed by a few hour’s drive to our first stop, the Big Cave Camp in the Matabo Hills region for 2 nights. From there we drove to a railway station a few hour’s away to catch the Elephant Express to Bomani Camp in the Hwange Game Reserve for 3 nights, leaving by the same means to move onto the Lokathula Lodge in Victoria Falls for 3 nights. From Vic Falls we drove into Botswana to visit the Chobe Game Reserve on the Chobe River for 3 nights, then flew from Kasane to a bush landing strip on the Okovango Delta for a drive to our final destination, Kana Kara Camp for 3 nights. Departing Kana Kara by light plane for Maun, then onto Johannesburg and back to Perth WA, completed the return trip.
John is a really nice guy, garrulous and informed with a great repertoire of stories and jokes! He is very knowledgeable about all things African and calmly negotiated our way through various police checks, roadblocks and customs border crossings with his easy going friendly manner. He also had a great network of contacts at the various lodges and camps and was clearly a well-respected tour operator. We would unequivocally recommend John and his company to anyone wishing to experience a Southern African safari. We intend to return at some stage in the near future and will be using John once again as our guide.
In conclusion, Joan and I differ in our thoughts as to what was the best venue on the trip, Bomani in Hwange or Kana Kara in the Okavango. It is so hard to choose between them. For me the addition of lots of water at Kana Kara and the Lions made it special. For Joan the variety of game and the proximity of the lodge waterhole and all that it brought, as well as the quality of the food and accommodation tilted the balance in favour of Bomani. Needless to say we would return to both tomorrow!!!!
FYI, we thought Chobe came in third and well worth doing, followed by Big Cave (interesting and worth doing for the Rhinos) and then Vic Falls, where two nights would have been sufficient.
John, thanks again for a great time and a fantastic trip. You are a legend, man! Always happy to be contacted by prospective clients.
Email Gail | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An amazing experience!
I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. The people I met were friendly and the scenery was stunning. I was more than happy with both the accommodation and food, although a couple of times our accommodation changed. It would have been good to be closer to Sossusvlei to avoid such an early start, however I cannot fault the accommodation we had.
John Cooper looked after us extremely well and went out of his way to ensure that all was satisfactory.
Highlights of the trip included morning, afternoon and evening game drives (with G & Ts if desired), game walks, the animal sightings - including a pangolin, bat-eared foxes and an aardwolf, accommodation at 'The Fort' and the Pangolin tours.
I wouldn't hesitate to travel with African Adventures Safari Company again.
Email John R | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Seeing the places I wanted to see, the way I wanted to see them
This was the second adventure that I had been on with this company. I wanted to see something different even though it was hard to imagine a better selection than I had seen first time. Before the trip, I was well informed by a series of emails on all aspects of African travel. We even had a meeting of the group to get to know each other.
I was away for 5 weeks and the trip covered over 6000kms from Capetown in South Africa up the West Coast of Africa - Namibia, Botswana and I finished in Vic Falls, Zimbabwe. On a trip this long there were many unexpected events - some good such as rare animal sightings -pangolin, black rhino and more, and some not so good such as being bumped from a planned stop for some reason. In every case, John Cooper was able to use his knowledge and contacts to obtain an alternate of equal or better quality.
The group was generally under 10 people - some joined and left- and this enabled a very flexible itinerary to take advantage of local conditions or special sightings. The trip was planned to limit the number of long drives and where possible to stay an extra day or two in interesting locations.
This was another once in a lifetime experience for my wife and I made possible by African Adventures and in particular John Cooper.