On Safari in the Mara
The Safari Partners
- Located In:
-
Canada
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2010)
- Member Of:
- IATA, ACTA & TOPAC
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $300 to $1,000 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
CA
Email Jim and Marilyn | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Bucket list trip of a lifetime.
This was our first trip to Africa, to mark our 50th anniversary. We had spent a lot of time researching safaris online, ending up quite confused about where and when to go. We arranged a meeting with Chris after finding the Safari Partners online; he took the time to find out what we wanted to see and a few days later sent us a proposal covering the animals we wanted to see at the time the flowers would be out in South Africa.
Chris booked us into 3 luxury tented camps in Kenya and 1 in Botswana. All were small camps with excellent facilities, friendly and efficient staff and all featured excellent meals and hospitality. Our guides were all excellent and we had a fantastic experience. We flew between camps, the connections Chris had set up all worked seamlessly.
We had a 2 day break in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. We had to fly into Livingston, Zambia due to airline schedules, but again Chris had helped us with the visas needed and we were met and transported through the border and to our lodge on the Zimbabwe side.
We ended our Africa adventure with 10 days in South Africa, at Cape Town and driving the Garden Route. Once again we were met at the airport and transported as promised and enjoyed the friendly, efficient small hotel Chris had booked, as well as the tours that had been arranged. The drive along the Garden Route was set up with short, leisurely drives. We had a good experience at all the places we stayed. We were impressed that the car from Europcar was exactly as described.
Chris provided us with a great deal of background information about packing, especially for the small planes we were taking, about normal tipping expectations, and about what we could expect at our various destinations.
We were totally pleased with the trip Chris set up for us.
CA
Email Chelsea | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Honeymoon!
Chris built us a custom self drive tour of South Africa for our honeymoon, and everything was perfect. We did a safari and then picked up our car rental and drove the scenic garden route. Our accommodations were cute and comfortable, and Chris was available to answer all our questions every step of the way. Thank you for such an amazing South African adventure!
CA
Email KC | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Wonderful Vacation!
As a solo female traveler I was a little anxious about heading out on safari on my own, but thanks to Chris it was a wonderful experience. Chris arranged the ideal mix of city and safari. I visited Victoria Falls, Botswana and Cape Town. All were great, but the small lodges in Botswana were my favorite. Everyone working at the lodges were lovely. Every part of the trip was well organized. I didn’t worry about a thing. I’ll definitely return to Africa and I’ll definitely use Safari Partners again.
CA
Email Heidi | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime!
I just got back from a trip to South Africa that included a safari in Timbavati Reserve and a 4 day stay in Cape Town. Every detail of this trip was taken care of with great detail. The accommodations, the safari adventure, the transfers, and service was impeccable. Travelling solo, this was especially important to me, and using this company helped me feel safe and looked after. I highly recommend using this company, as it is clear they have a strong knowledge of the area, and what their customers are looking for. I will definitely be using them again and referring them enthusiastically!
CA
Email Janice & Brian | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A trip of a lifetime to Tanzania!
Thank you to Chris and Safari Partners for arranging an amazing, stress-free trip to Tanzania. We stayed at three camps, The Highlands at Ngorongoro Crater, Namiri Plains in central Serengeti and Ubuntu mobile camp in Western Serengeti. The Asilia company that runs these camps was five star all the way, from the gracious staff that hosted us, to the fantastic chefs and the incredible guides we had at all three locations were the best. From the moment we landed at Kilimanjaro airport, and every leg of the trip after that, we never had to worry about a thing, there was always someone waiting for us with a smile on their face waiting to take us to where we needed to be, it was a perfect two weeks! The trip more than exceeded our expectations, meeting the local people, seeing the beautiful animals, the gorgeous landscapes, the breath-taking sunrises and sunsets and the sparkling night sky. We would highly recommend to anyone planning a trip to Africa to contact Chris at Safari Partners, thank you again for a memorable trip, it will stay forever in our hearts!
US
Email Jim K | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Tanzania Safari and introduction to Africa
Just read all of the other reviews! Not much more to add. Look no further than these guys!
In the planning stages I communicated with several operators. After a couple of emails with Chris, the choice was obvious!
Every detail from beginning to end was meticulously detailed and very informative. Every question I had before and during the trip was answered immediately. They really made my first trip to Africa easy and I felt comfortable the entire time.
The Air and ground transfers were seamless and the accommodations , guides, and other staff were top notch!
The price was also very reasonable!
Also want to mention that the Tanzania Covid-19 restrictions changed just before I left which was a bit unsettling . Chris and Jen made sure I had everything I needed and arranged all testing and paperwork before I left which really helped when I arrived and left Tanzania
Will definitely use the Safari Partners on my next trip to Africa!
CA
Email Eddy | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Perfect in all respects
We travelled to South Africa and Botswana in October 2021 and Safari Partners did an excellent job setting up all our accommodations, flights and COVID 19 tests. Every step worked out perfectly and Chris was exceptionally helpful answering questions, making suggestions and accommodating changes. Traveling now is a bit challenging due to COVID rules but Safari Partners was up to the challenge and did a great job. We had an amazing trip and we were well looked after every step of the way. Looking forward to working with Chris on our next African adventure!
CA
Email Janet | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fabulous well organized trip.
My review will echo all the other reviews. Highly organized. Very impressive. The staff at the camps and boutique hotels always expected our arrival. They called us by name and always new exactly what tours we were doing. I never once showed a voucher that Chris sent us. Everyone was always punctual,enthusiastic knowledgeable and FUN! Great communication with Chris and the staff. As this trip was originally planned for 2020, we had lots of communication with Chris. I always felt confident that the trip would eventually happen. Chris managed to get refunds for our international flights. We did the East Africa safari and the South Africa tour. All accommodations were lovely.
The only thing I would have liked to have change is another night at the Escarpment luxury lodge…our final stay of the safari. It was truly fantastic and lovely. Best for last! I would have also liked to have added 2 more nights in Knysna, South Africa. The boutique hotel was spa like and relaxing and there is lots to do and see in this stunningly beautiful area. We didn’t have time with 2 nights to do it all.
Highly recommend this tour and this company. The trip was beyond our expectations.
CA
Email Dayle & Johanna | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Absolutely Amazing!
Thanks to you and your staff for putting together an amazing and seamless adventure!
It was what we were hoping for and our expectations were blown out of the world!
Our guides were exceptional, very knowledgeable, always looking for our best interests and helped to make this our lifetime dream trip.
We saw all of the big 5 and so much more, but seeing them was only a small part of this wonderful adventure. The people of Africa are very friendly and welcoming and the landscapes were beautiful.
The gorilla trek was amazing, this should be a must on everyone’s bucket list and the balloon safari was perfect! We saw 2 hyenas take down a wildebeest from the balloon. Our pilot was so excited, he said he has only seen 3 kills from the balloon in his 27 years of flying them.
The accommodations were over the top, we were welcomed enthusiastically and treated like royalty, each time we were on our way to the next stop we said that they couldn’t get any better and then we were surprised again and again. The Residence in Zanzibar was beyond phenomenal, complete with our own 12’ x 27’ private pool. What a great way to relax for the long journey home.
I adopted 2 baby elephants at the orphanage, (I have been in love with elephants since I was about 5), so that was a no brainer and probably expected by everyone in my family! Lol
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Email Alison | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The company that thinks of everything!
Safari Partners were fabulous! Our trip was complicated for several reasons, and Chris and Jen rolled with all the changes and requests. The administration was great, the choices they made for us were excellent. They listened really well to our requirements, and counselled us on changes as needed. The partners they used in Kenya and Tanzania were really good, with all the logistics taken care of smoothly for us. You won't be sorry you used them to design and organise your safari!