Mariska and Rika - owners of eXplore Plus Travel
eXplore Plus Travel & Tours
- Office In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2004)
- Member Of:
- Southern Africa Tourism Services Association
- Tour Types:
- Mid-range & luxury tours with set start dates and a fixed itinerary
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $300 to $1,600 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
Email Dries van Niekerk | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Provisionally affective with good comms.to customer and back!
Well and efficiently organised and run!
I found service standards excellent throughout and kept one well informed!
The tour was good and the guides/drivers well man-nerd and excellent knowledge of the whole area,animals and birds!
Negatives were the too long distances traveled and the condition of most inner roads very poor accentuating therefore distances feeling further!The rain did add to this for sure!One needs a fair fitness !
Email Elspeth | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Beyond expectations
I have done many wonderful trips that were professionally organized. Naomi offered a Mozambique trip to Villa Santorini in Vilanculos. The organization was seamless Naomi responded swiftly to all queries before going timeously. This has always been my experience with Explore Plus.
The Villa itself is spectacular right on the ocean with breathtaking views, makes you think you are in a travel magazine. The care and anticipation of your requirements required requires a book on its own and the food was 5 star. Nicholas the host was always available and ready with suggestions and seamlessly altered any change of plans. Thank you Nicholas. Neve took care of me regarding menus and beverages again faultless.
I unfortunately got a bug on plane so I was man down for a few days. The one trip I did was snorkeling at Bazaruto island. A trio on a catamaran helmed by Paulinho and assisted by Thomas who accompanied us on our “dives”. We saw dolphins, turtles, flying fish, and even had sighting of a dugong the had lunch on the beach with a nap. 5 star again.
It is quiet understated luxury although apparently full you not ever were aware of other people. It’s a place where you recharge, quietly find your centre and everything is taken care of.
Having travelled extensively it has been a unique and pleasurable experience. I am ready to book again in September.
Thank you Explore Plus for facilitating this and for all at Villa Santorini for fulfilling everything I needed
Kindest Elspeth
Email Arusha | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Efficient and economical
This is my second experience booking with explore Plus and both bookings were flawless. Naomi and Rita are exceptional. My booking to Botswana was confirmed and booked within a week even with adding on a day. Their services are reliable and great value for money.
We were booked into Elephant Safari Lodge in Savute and Eagle Island Lodge in the Delta. We were met at the airport in Maun on arriving and leaving, by the local representative, who assisted us through the airport. All charter plane transfers were booked and it was a wonderful experience, flying over the delta.
Both lodges were amazing. The staff were friendly, paid attention to the every detail, and made our stay absolutely unforgettable. The rangers were just awesome, our butlers were exceptional and the food was delicious.
We have already recommended these lodges to our friends and family.
Our stay in Botswana felt like our home away from home.
Email Salomé Kotzé | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very efficient. I was so impressed.
Our experience with eXplore Plus Travel started with a simple enquiring email, and a couple of weeks later we were on our way for a quick getaway to Victoria Falls. Our tour operator was efficient, handled our queries professional and quick and ensured that our trip went smooth. We booked a stay for three night, pay for two special and from the flights, hotel bookings and activities we received professional service and value for money. I would definitely recommend eXplore Plus Travel & Tours.
Email Anne de Muelenaere | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Mariska was super efficient, committed to her clients wellbeing and enjoyment, always smiling.
From our departure to our return, eXplore Plus delivered more than could be expected. Mariska and all her helpers were always on call, always here to help and sort out problems.
All the travel arrangements inside Tanzania were superb, well organised and of the highest standard.
It was for my husband and me a bucket list wish that we never thought we would reach, but the affordability of this Serengeti tour brought it within our grasp and now we have memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Highly recommended.
Email peter | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Amazing Safari Experience
I have been on many safari's over the years but this Serengeti experience was a clear winner. Both the selection of game and the vast number of game was incredible. The only animal we never saw was a black rhino but that was more than made up by the number of lion, cheetah and leopard we were able to photograph close to the vehicle. Witnessing a lion kill only a few meters from our vehicle was another one off experience.
Explore plus along with our guide did a wonderful job from beginning to end and i would have no hesitation recommending both this tour and the tour company.
Email Bruce & Dianne | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Zambian Safari Lodge Experience
Explore Plus arranged our fly-in trip to two safari lodges in Zambia, both run by Green Safaris.
All our travel arrangements took place seamlessly and Explore Plus must also be congratulated on their safari lodge choices.
Ila lodge is located on the east bank of the Kafue River, opposite the national park.
We had good game and bird viewing experiences, but the main attraction of the lodge is the river itself, and river cruises are freely available to guests.
The lodge is superbly run by excellent, friendly staff.
The rooms and central hospitality area are immaculately cared for, and the standard of food was astoundingly good.
Shawa lodge is located on the east bank of the Luangwa River opposite the South Luangwa national park.
Once again, the standard of service, staff friendliness, food and attention to detail were all excellent.
Game and bird viewing in the park is exceptional and the experience was enhanced by our highly knowledgeable game guide.
Overall, a great experience thanks to Explore Plus.
Email Linda du Preez | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Extremely capable with hands-on service.
Botswana Safari (10 - 16 May 2026)
I just want to say thanks-a-million for the exceptional safari put together by Bianca and team at eXplore. I lack words to describe the beauty of the Okavango Delta. The way the water just flows across the landscape is unbelievable. To see the Delta from the sky gives a birds eye view and bring home the magnitude of the landscape.
The two camps (Sable Alley en Mbamba) were top class and the staff exceptional. Absolutely nothing is too much trouble for them. They spoiled us like queens.
In the beginning, the amount of water on the flood plains was quite scary. Crossing them with the Land Cruisers was definitely not for sissies or nervous passengers 😊.
My personal highlight was the MackAir bush pilot flights between camps and the additional scenic helicopter (without doors) flight at Mbamba camp.
Best wishes until next time - keep doing what you do !
Email Annamarie Mostert | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Will definately promote them by word of mouth
Maybe I might be prejudice because it was on my bucket list as well as my birthday, but words cannot describe the excellence of this tour group and all involved. From day of enquiry to assisting with numerous questions about this or that, they were quick to respond. This was just from the online office. Our tour guide ( her first) was done with friendly and sufficient info on daily activities. Well organized. And the accommodations par excellence including meals. Catered for everyone taste i think. The rest - viewing of animals and information receiving from the local contracted tour guides. Well you will have to go and experience it yourself. Worth every sent spent. Heard from regulars visiting Kruger National that one cannot compare but Serengeti offers more abundance of wild and birds.
Email Hannes and Rene Claassen | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Explore Plus supported by Predator Safari’s exceeded all expectations and is your no 1 safari
Our Serengeti experience with Explore Plus was a once in a life time Wow experience!
Dennis our guide was the best we could ever have asked for. He took us on roads less traveled and made us feel so special. His knowledge of the fauna and flora were so enlightening and gave us a great perspective of Serengeti and its inhabitants. The arrangements at the lodges, the transportation and the surprise breakfast on our last day at Serena Serengeti were seamless and beyond professional! Communication was excellent, 24 hour support, best value for money (great accommodations and fabulous meals) and the tour was well planned. We were treated like royalty,
Thank you so very very much! You are the best agency we ever booked with.
You shall see us again, hopefully soon 👏
