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Classic Safari Company
- Located In:
-
Australia
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 1992)
- Destinations:
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Reviews
Email Fiona van Dort | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The best wildlife experiences, stays, food and safe travel
Having travelled extensively in Africa independently, this was the best introduction to South Africa, in a small group tailored tour. Classic Safaris provided the best experiences I've had in all Africa across wildlife, unique stays, wonderful landscapes and interesting cultural insights. It was great to know we were helping conservation projects for the Cape Leopard and Rhino - and to not only see them close up, but get hands-on with a dart-and-tag Rhino exercise - once in a lifetime experience! On safari we sighted all the Big 5, all big cats, as well as giraffe, zebra, countless antelope and oodles of birds, and learned so much from very knowledgeable guides, conservation managers and trackers. We also had enjoyable walks on the coast; visited penguins, lookouts, Table Mountain, Capetown's Bo Kapp and shopping precinct; a Cape Malay cooking class, jewelry making, sunset over the ocean and stargazing. The hospitality was impeccable everywhere across delightful meals and tastings, quality lodgings at every destination, generous welcoming staff and complete safety. Communication and trip planning was easy. With all logistics take care of, it was great to put all my energies into enjoying the trip. Just fab, thank you Classic Safaris!
Email Linda | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Classic Safaris combines exceptional service, expert guiding and unforgettable experiences.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I can't recommend Classic Safaris highly enough.
I spent 24 amazing days travelling through Botswana, Victoria Falls and South Africa, and it was easily one of the best holidays I've ever had. From my first enquiry to arriving home, the communication and organisation were excellent. Everything ran smoothly, so all we had to do was enjoy the experience.
Our guide, Sarah Hoyland, was outstanding. Her knowledge of Africa is incredible, but it was her calm, caring nature and sense of fun that really made the trip. Nothing was ever too much trouble, and she made sure everyone got the most out of every day.
The five-star safari camps were beautiful, the staff were warm and welcoming, and the wildlife was beyond anything I'd imagined. Every game drive brought something special.
The absolute highlight was taking part in the rhino conservation program and helping to dart rhinos so they could be monitored and protected. It was a real privilege and an experience I'll never forget.
Travelling with such a great group of women was an unexpected bonus, and we shared plenty of laughs and unforgettable memories along the way.
This wasn't a cheap holiday, but it was worth every cent. The quality of the accommodation, guiding and organisation was exceptional, and I always felt we were in safe, capable hands.
If you're thinking about an African safari, I'd absolutely recommend Classic Safaris. They delivered on everything they promised, and I came home with incredible memories, new friends and already wondering when I can go back.
Email WT | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Good communication
Unable to review for 2026 trip
We place a booking with this company about 18 months from intended travel. Told that deposit would be held in trust till Dec 2025 and refundable.
Booking contracts were submitted.
Carefully read section on NON REFURDABLE deposit.
Unfortunately we had to cancel approximately 11months from trip because of extreme medical issue and the person has in fact passed.
The booking was for group of 5. Almost $10000 was kept. A limited amount was refunded.
However, they stated that they needed to cover fees for cancelled land content. I check the Web site of accommodation and several had a no cancellation fee this far from stay.
When asked for proof of cost they refused to justify this extreme amount.
Yes they need to be paid for preparation of tour, believe this to be extreme.
Travel insurance not taken out at time because of being more than 12 months from trip and told to take out insurance once flights were booked.
Email The Hayman Family | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Exceptional service from start to finish
Booking my safari through The Classic Safari Company was one of the best decisions I made. I had originally considered using an Africa-based operator, but quickly realised how much uncertainty and risk comes with dealing with an overseas company where, if something went wrong, I would have had no real recourse.
From the moment I reached out to Classic Safaris, the difference was obvious. Their service was exceptional — personal, responsive, and genuinely invested in crafting the right trip for my family. My consultant’s knowledge of Africa was incredible. Every recommendation felt thoughtful and perfectly tailored, and the information provided was clear, accurate, and incredibly reassuring.
Throughout the entire process I felt informed, and confident. There were no unknowns, no guesswork, and certainly none of the stress that comes with trying to plan a family holiday on my own.
I can honestly say that Classics made the experience not only seamless but unforgettable. If you're considering a safari, don’t gamble with any other operator — book with The Classic Safari Company. They are, without doubt, the go-to specialists for Africa.
Email Julie salmon | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Not great info
We booked through this company without realising same trip half the price through company in Cape Town . The driver was ok but obviously ready to retire as seemed bored , Jeep very old and we had paid top dollar so expected excellent Jeep but not the case . We were told to buy all our equipment so after spending over a thousand dollars each discovered the lodge supplied everything for gorilla trekking and all info about that was not great . Our lodges were great and food and service but will not use this company again . Absolutely no follow up on return which speaks volumes
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A fantastic experience from start to finish with the Classic Safari Company
My Wife and I wanted something different and a bit special for our Honeymoon so we decided on a Safari! After a lot of searching and googling we came across Kath Austin at the Classic Safari Company and from the start to finish delivered a fantastic experience.
Kath was very helpful and knowledgeable and provided us with a range of different options to meet our tight budget. We decided on multi stop honeymoon travelling from Cape town to Sabi Sabi Sands for Safari and then onto Zambia for the Victoria Falls.
Kath was very organised and was always available to take our calls and questions, she even came into the office out of hours to change my wifes flights (at very late notice) due to a family illness! And it is this extra mile that establishes the Classic Safari company as one you can trust.
Before leaving for our honeymoon we were provided with a fantastic booking pack containing a detailed itinerary and a summarised itinerary, including all our transfer, hotel and flight vouchers so we knew exactly where to be and when. It also included some complimentary luggage tags and shirts to get us in the safari mood which was a very nice touch!
From the moment we touched down in Cape town our transfers were smooth and friendly and the hotels were amazing.
1) In Cape town we stayed at the V&A Waterfront - very nice hotel, fantastic location overlooking table mountain with plenty of restaurants nearby.
2) In Sabi Sabi sands we stayed at the Arathusa Lodge - We booked the Luxury room which was clean, modern, spacious and extremely well decorated. The staff, rangers and food was excellent and we saw the magnificent 7 (including a wild dog hunt). It also has its own waterhole which was huge and always had activity (hippos, elephants, zebras, warthogs, impala etc
3) In Zambia we stayed at the Royal Livingstone hotel. A beautiful hotel and the rooms were amazing with great views of Victoria falls. I must say however the service received at the hotel certainly needed some work! A few times I ordered a drink a had to keep chasing them to remind them of my order!
Kath must also have made it clear during the reservations it was our honeymoon because a note and bottle of champagne was waiting for us at the V&A waterfront hotel. Thanks Kath! :)
In summary we could not have asked for better from the Classic Safari Company and the experiences we had on our honeymoon. I will therefore without hesitation recommend the Classic Safari company and Kath to all my friends and family!
Thanks Kath! :)
Geoff & Charlotte