The Giltedge family - end of the year function
Giltedge
- Located In:
-
United States
- Size:
- 50-100 employees (Founded in 1999)
- Member Of:
- IATA, ASTA, SATSA & CTT
- Tour Types:
- Custom luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $500 to $1,400 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
PE
Email Marjorie Rivero | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I travelled alone, but never felt lonely because the agency took such good care of me!
Communication was fine, accommodations too (everywhere I stayed). The safary had great accommodations, animal sightings, food, etc. Everything was on time. I would definetely return!
Email Emily and Brian | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Blown away by the thoughtfulness and attention to detail.
Philippa was amazing to work with. She paid careful attention to what we wanted and made sure to deliver. For example, my husband Brian told Philippa I wanted to see a lot of elephants, so Pippa booked us at Savute Safari Lodge which has a fabulous view of a watering hole where elephants gather all day long.
All of the safaris really exceeded our expectations. We loved our guides and enjoyed bonding with them continuously throughout each of our stays. The accomodations at Camp Xakanaxa, Dulini River Lodge and The Royal Livingstone were particularly excellent. Everywhere we went, the staff reminded us we were on our honeymoon and showered us with love and sparkling wines!
We would go back to Camp Xakanaxa and Dulini River Lodge in a heartbeat. The people there are some of the warmest and kindest we've ever met, and everyone on staff remembered your name at both locations. Accomodations were excellent in their unique ways. Both set you right in the middle of the action, with hippos, elephants and even rhinos within view. Dulini is a must for honeymooners - after many communal meals in Botswana, it was lovely to have our very own safari vehicle and romantic private dinners.
Our only criticism of the trip was our ending location at Massinga Beach Lodge in Mozambique. We had put most of our budget into the safaris, and we knew that Massinga would be more of a 'no-frills' location, but I would recommend Giltedge pause before sending future clients there. Whilst located on an absolutely stunning stretch of gorgeous turquoise beaches, the facilities were not safe or well cared for. For example, steps down to the beach (of which there were at least 100) were barely tended to, with cracks, crumbling concrete and broken handrails. They were not lit at night. The lodge has a pick-up truck with seats on the back to transport 4-6 people between the beach and main lodge, but that felt even less safe than the dark footpath. One night the truck stalled and almost began rolling backwards. At the pool, most of the toys, games and floats were broken or missing key elements, such as a ball to play paddleball with. When it came to mealtime, service was simply bad. One night, we were asked if we wanted to see the dessert menu, when we hadn't yet had our first course or even any drinks served. There was always a long wait to get any drinks served. The highlights of this location were the incredible beach, relaxing pool scene, skilled massage therapist and romantic private lodges with decks and plunge pools.
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Email Dwight | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Vic Falls plus Linyanti, Khwai, & Sanctuary Stanley's safari camps in Botswana
For this trip we compared four different tour operators in order to find the best option for our interests and timeline, Giltedge provided the best package that matched all our needs. The overall experience was fantastic and just as advertised/communicated to us up front. Very impressed with the Giltedge team and their attention to detail, what was promised was delivered. All of the connections, transfers, accommodations, and activities occurred without any problems or delays.
A special thank you to our consultant Sandi Bird who did a marvelous job of packaging this trip to meet our cost, schedule, and destination requests. I would highly recommend Sandi and Giltedge, their efforts made our first trip to Africa a truly special experience.
US
Email Pamela Loper | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Absolutely Stellar!
Giltedge & African Travel Expert, Sandi Bird, surpassed ALL of our expectations! This was not a basic trip plan logistically, we had 4 small aircraft flights into bush camps, two commercial flights in and out of Maun, road transfers, greeters at Johansburg International to walk us through customs to get on another flight to Livingston, Zambezi river cruise, helicopter ride over Victoria Falls and all of this was done flawlessly! I mean not a minute delay, someone was always there to coordinate and greet us. The communication remained constant as all the bush flights are arranged the evening before. Sandi was extremly responsive during our booking process offering various suggestions and recommendations which all were an A+. This was our second Safari but our first with Giltedge and I would not hesitate to book with them and of course Sandi again! Sandi also recommended 2 different African Bush Camps as our tented camps (Linyanti and Khwai) and they were incredible-from the staff, guides, location and accommodations. They really made you feel special. We ended our trip at another of Sandi's recommendations, Stanley's Sanctuary, where you can have a real experience with two rescued elephants from culling operations. Very well worth it! I will be back Africa!
SG
Email John | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Our second African safari with Giltedge and another excellent experience with them.
We worked with Sandi Bird of Giltedge. This was our 2nd African safari planned with her expertise. This time we went to Botswana for the incredible wildlife. Sandi was flexible with our requirements and proposed a fantastic itinerary for us. Everything worked out very well in the end and this allowed us to fully enjoy a worry free safari. Her itinerary allowed us to see and experience a range of environments and habitats in Botswana that maximised our time and wildlife encounters in this amazing country. Charter flight transfers between camps were seamless and hassle free. We would not hesitate to recommend Sandi of Giltedge Africa to any of our friends and in fact we do plan on traveling to Africa again in future with Giltedge.
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Email Karen & Tom | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The most amazing people to work with that created a once in a lifetime custom experience for us!
Nikki is an amazing asset to Giltedge and delivered service beyond our expectations. Every little detail of the trip not only was successful but truly enhanced our experience and allowed us to enjoy our vacation without worry. I shared our experience with our friends and they also booked a trip with Nikki/Giltedge and equally had an amazing experience. Thank you for giving us a trip of a lifetime.
CA
Email Tom and Beryl | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Excellent tour experiences, thanks to our agent, Nikki's direction, efficiency and professionalism.
Our agent, Nikki Theron, was always prompt with her replies to our research questions. This enabled us to formulate a series of safaris that suited our wishes. Nikki always contributed valid options, if requested, which resulted in our 4 safaris (over 9 years), to various parts of Africa, being top quality. On each adventure, the accommodation, camp locations, transportation and guides exceeded our expectations, leaving us with the continued desire to return to Africa.
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Email Helene | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great planning/ providing sufficient time each excursion (scenery, history, safaris) & communication
Excellent experience! Communication before, during and after the trip was most helpful and timely. The varied excursions were wonderful and well planned (individually or in a small group). The 2 safaris offered two different, wonderful experiences. The trip definitely lived up to my expectations (and more)! Thank you to Nikki Theron.
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Email Callie | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Easy and extremely profession. Everything was taken care of for us with all attention to detail.
We had the most excellent trip of our lives! Giltedge took amazing care of of and we could not have asked for anything better. This trip was absolutely epic from our transport arrangements to our accommodations. Every detail was managed to perfection. We can't recommend their services enough. If you want the trip of a lifetime, use Nikki and her team!
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Email Peter W. | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful Tour Arranged by Giltedge Africa
My wife and I cannot say enough about our 15-day tour to South Africa and Zambia arranged by Philippa Lawrence of Southern Africa Travel/Giltedge Africa. Philippa's recommendations were spot-on and every aspect of our trip was well thought out. She went out of her way to listen to our wishes and she kept us fully informed of all details. All of the properties were stayed in were luxurious and we experienced absolutely amazing safaris. I would highly recommend Philippa to anyone interested in experiencing what southern Africa has to offer.