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 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!
US
Email Lisa K. | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Friendly and informative with exceptional service
If you are considering a trip to Africa, I highly recommend Southern Dynasty Safaris for your travel needs. Collins is friendly, informative, welcoming, and provides superb service with attention to detail, ease of transfer, and a dedication to providing amazing experiences. Our team particularly loved the land and boat safaris and camping in the bush! Southern Dynasty Safaris was able to customize different excursions for team members. I’d also highly recommend the four-wheeler ATV course. So much fun! Traveling with Southern Dynasty Safaris really did provide peace of mind as we were so well cared for.
US
Email Jenn | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Kalonga Collins is a knowledgeable tour operator who feels more like a friend!
I traveled to Namibia and Zambia with a team of 13 people from the US. We coordinated our transportation and safari excursions with Southern Dynasty, and the experience from start to finish exceeded our expectations.
Throughout the planning process, Collins was extremely responsive and quick to answer our questions and reply to emails. We had a lot of questions as we navigated international travel in light of COVID-19, and he was very helpful in planning our trip. He was flexible with us as plans changed throughout the year prior to our trip and helped us at every turn.
Collins knew we were working off a limited budget, and he did a wonderful job of recommending options within our budget while encouraging us to use our budget to maximize our experience. Each person he organized to help us, on both sides of the border, were hospitable, professional, and extremely helpful. They collaborated with each other like a well-oiled machine. It made our travel experience much less stressful knowing we would be guided at every step.
This is our second time using Southern Dynasty, and I sincerely hope we are able to return and use their services again. Collins feels like a friend who we trust and respect. I cannot recommend his services highly enough. You will not be disappointed! Thank you, Collins, for making this trip fun and enjoyable for all of us! We look forward to seeing you again soon!