Southern Dynasty Safaris Team after a Fam trip
Southern Dynasty Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2019)
- Member Of:
- Zambia Tourism Agency & Zambia Association of Indigenous Tour Operators (ZATO)
- Tour Types:
- Small & medium group tours (Mid-range & luxury)
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $150 to $1,500 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
DE
Email Jennifer | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
I recommend not too book-- Promised refund not provided – despite written confirmation from Collins,poor service
The circumstances of our trip and the internal rebooking to a different and significantly cheaper safari hotel in the Okavango Delta were not only not discussed with us, but in retrospect, the fraudulent practice of the provider has become apparent. After we contacted Southern Dynasty Safaris several times and they promised a refund of USD 2,000, nothing has happened yet. Collins, our contact at Southern Dynasty Safaris, is obviously highly dubious and collects the full travel price for high-quality travel services and is not willing to pay reasonable refunds that have already been promised. We had to involve the Zambian Tourism Organization, which wanted to mediate in this case. Unfortunately, they could not persuade ZATO Southern Dynasty Safaris to make a payment either. All tourists are warned at this point not to book a trip with Southern Dynasty Safaris and especially not with Collins Kolonga.
JP
Email Grant F | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Brilliant organisation, fantastic tour
Rather than booking individual tours, we contacted Southern Dynasty with a planned itinerary and they sorted everything out for us. We flew into Victoria Falls and were but by a Zimbabwean guide, escorted to the border, helped with immigration formalities and handed over to the Zambian team whom we had booked through and taken to our hotel in Livingstone. The first night we did a sunset cruise on the Zambezi which was a wonderful way to spend out first night in Zambia. The cruise had some food and an open bar so it was a relaxing start to our trip. The next morning, our fantatsic guide and driver Mwangelwa took us to Mosi-oa-Tunya (Victoria Falls) and gave us the tour of the Zambian side, before driving us to the border and handing us over to Kuta, our guide in Zimbabwe. Mwangelwa was waiting for us at the border to bring us back over the bridge to our hotel. The next day, we arranged a tour to Chobe National Park in Botswana which was incredible. Mwangelwa picked us up bright and early and drove us over the bridge to the Botswanan side where we were met by the park guides for Botswana. The safari tour was world class, and having both the park drive and the boat tour on the Chobe river allowed us to see different sides of the national park. The buffet lunch was also excellent. This was my first safari experience so I don't have anything to compare it to, but it was incredible and experienced safari-goers were also very happy throughout. On pur last day in Livingstone, we were picked up at the hotel and transferred to the airport for our onward flight to Lusaka. The entire organisation was perfect and the Zambian team work so well with their colleagues in Zimbabwe and Botswana to offer these cross-border experiences. Huge shout out to Mwangelwa, our driver and giude in Zambia - lovely guy and great company for our days in Livingstone. 100% would recommend Southern Dynasty.
DE
Email Stefan | Experience level: over 5 safaris
We think we got scammed by this Southern Dynastie Safaries, so be careful if you book with them
We booked with Southern Dynastie Safaris (SDS) 6 months in advance a 4 day fly-in safari to Okawango Delta to a lodge in the heart of Moremi Game Park for a lot of money. However, Southern Dynastie Safari did not book us on the booked lodge butalready 5 month ago into a cheaper lodge with less quality outside of Moremi Game Park. If you have ever been to Okawango Delta, this is quite a difference in landscape, experience and quality.
SDS (especially Collins) did not tell us for six month that they booked us knowingly on a different lodge. They suggested all the past five month, everything is as plannend. On the Airstrip in Maun we were informed by the pilot of the plane that we are not going to the booked lodge but to a different lodge outside of Moremi.
No communication at all by SDS, no explanation, no apology, no refund of price difference. So we would just warn everybody booking with SDS that you might not get what you booked and paid for.
Reply from Southern Dynasty Safaris
Posted on Oct 14, 2024Dear Jen,
I hope you are doing well today.
Thank you for your email and the messages you've shared.
Firstly, we would have appreciated your patience as we worked on addressing the situation. While we acknowledge that we didn’t communicate as promptly as we should have, it’s important to note that the change in lodging was a last-minute adjustment aimed at ensuring your holiday was not disrupted. Unfortunately, you were quick to issue statements accusing us of being scammers despite our ongoing efforts to resolve the matter and request your patience.
Additionally, you would wish to note that since we started operating as a tour agency, we have never swindled anyone, nor has anyone ever tagged us as scammers. We have consistently upheld our promise of offering the best travel experiences, which is reflected in the positive reviews we have received across various platforms, as well as from many other travelers who, though satisfied, didn't find the opportunity to share their stories about us.
Furthermore, you went on to post negative reviews about us on Safari Bookings and TripAdvisor. Have you considered the damage these reviews have caused to our company, Southern Dynasty Safaris, and to Collins Kalonga personally? Please take a moment to reflect on the impact of your actions.
Regarding your booking, we initially reserved your stay at Camp Xakanaxa as promised. However, due to availability issues beyond our control, we were placed on a waiting list. When the earlier guests confirmed their stay, only the 13th and 15th of September were available, and the 14th, your birthday, was fully booked. In response, we secured a booking for you at Khwai Expeditions Camp, which offers access to both the Khwai Concession and the Moremi Game Reserve. Although this camp is slightly lower in price, our plan was to ensure your holiday continued smoothly, then refund you the price difference, as we communicated.
Additionally, your calculation regarding Khwai Expeditions Camp does not take into account the charter flights to and from the camp, which is why your claim of being scammed is unfounded. We refrained from responding to your WhatsApp messages in the hope that our eventual statement would satisfy your concerns. Unfortunately, instead, you chose to escalate the issue with damaging reviews.
We take these accusations seriously, and the damage to our reputation is something we cannot ignore. We are currently consulting with legal representatives regarding our next steps.
In the meantime, we will provide the full breakdown of costs for your stay at Khwai Expeditions Camp and will determine the appropriate course of action regarding the balance.
Kind regards,
Email Zeid | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Efficient, honest tour company for arranging wildlife trips in southern Africa
Good company which arranged for us a 4 day (3 night) trip in Kafue National Park, Zambia. Pick-up from Lusaka was punctual & comfortable. Lodge was pleasant & quiet, with good meals & various activities as agreed & noted in our itinerary. Mr Collins Kalonga remained in contact with us throughout our time in Kafue NP to make sure that all is well; we were not disappointed. Everything was perfect. Later, we had the pleasure of meeting Collins in Livingstone where he helped us in several ways. I have no hesitation in recommending Southern Dynasty to other travellers who wish to visit southern Africa.
CA
Email Anju | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent trip to Livingstone and Chobe game park
We had an excellent African experience thanks to our wonderful guide Collins. He was very helpful from the beginning to end starting from the planning to making sure everything was to our liking. He was very flexible and accommodating and made changes as we needed. Thanks Collins for making this trip memorable for us.
IT
Email Leonardo | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Excellent travel agency to organize tailor made safaris.
Mr. Collins excellently organized our planned three week private trip to Malawi and Zambia.
We managed to visit n. 4 national parks with more game drives every day.
The very good guide Mr. Robert Beadel who assisted us throughout the trip always looking for the best solutions for us and solving all the little mishaps.
It was like traveling with a friend.
We hope to be able to take more trips with them.
ES
Email Jaime | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very attentive, patience and quick responding service to plan a perfect trip
My wife and I travelled to Botswana and Victoria Falls last April with Southern Dynasty Safaris. Collins offered an amazing service. We had to organize everything last minute and even wait to close everything until the last week due to a family illness. Even with all those complications, Collins was very patience, attentive and in touch with us all the time through Whatsapp and phone calls. He modified things based on our feedback and we were able to planned a perfect trip. Once there, he made sure that everything was going as planned and constantly in touch. Very quick in responding to our messages. Highly recommended! It was a success to plan the trip with them!
NO
Email Sindre | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent customer service tailored to our preferences
We were extremely pleased with our trip arranged by Southern Dynasty Safaris. They delivered exactly the experiences promised, combined with excellent customer service. Collins was very reliable, replied quickly to any queries and didn't hesitate to go the extra mile to deliver an unforgettable experience.
The trip had multiple highlights, and we loved both the walking safari with white rhinos, day trip safari to Botswana from Livingstone, safari in Kafue park, sunset cruise on the Zambesi river and Victoria falls from land and helicopter.
We can warmly recommend Southern Dynasty Safaris!
NO
Email Veronica | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An unforgettable, smooth trip.
Collins planed most of our stay in Zambia, all tailored to our preferences and wishes. What he promised is what he delivered and he would often go the extra mile to ensure a great experience for us. The lodges and activities he recommended were all amazing, memories for life. Fair prices, professional staff, always on time, no problems or complications.
Would definitely plan our next visit to Zambia with him again!
US
Email Melanie | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was a well informed and once in a life time experience.
The whole experience from the Safari to camping to Victoria Falls was amazing! Everything was very well organized, well-informed, and so much fun! It was an experience of a lifetime!