50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic safari's and a great organization leading us around South Afrtica
Having spent months planning a "bucket list adventure" wildlife trip to Africa we were getting confused over rates, dates of safari's, and how we could add in all the events we wanted and what was available. Thus, ended up looking for trip providers who could assist in our planning. We ended up with Siya Phambile Expeditions (Benjamin Wilson, Director and tour leader), mainly on his tour suggestions and providing a more focused and personal tour. However, saying this all the other providers did give some good ideas but never seemed to understand what we wanted for our "bucket list adventure" which did not include wine tasting, penguins, and events we can see and do in Australia. Our original pricing for the trip was a bit different compared to the trip Siya Phambile Expeditions provided. Overall it turned out a bit more expensive compared to my original plan as I was trying to keep cost down, But, Benjamin did add in a few fantastic 4 and 5 star accommodations, being our driver/ guide in some safari's and giving us pointers on what to see and do, which actually turned out better in the long run.
We ended up taking many safari's in a large area around north and north eastern South Africa (including Eswatini <Swaziland>) and found that while wildlife/land/events differed, it worked perfectly for us to see and do so much in 4 weeks.
With my birthday on the last few days of our trip Benjamin organised a superb accommodation with the staff included singing happy birthday and baking a cake. Not to mention the Champagne breakfast in the morning before the early safari...
The only down side I had was trying to get booked onto the trains to and from Johannesburg and CapeTown, but in the end the trains we desired were cancelled and not a fault of the tour guide. For that matter, I would complement Benjamin for his speed and planning to make this work for us and actually enjoyed the safari's more.
Locations visited:
Pilansberg Game Reserve
Mapungubwe National Park
Kruger National Park (traveled north, central and south)
Hlane Royal National Park. Eswatini
iMfolozi Game Reserve to start the wilderness trail
Hluhluwe Game Reserve
Ithala Game Reserve
Royal Madikwe Lodge
CN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
a very bad experience
We had paid for everything before we arrived in KENYA, but during the trip the driver asked us for money every day, at least $100 each time.They changed the bad hotel without inform us。 No one answered the hotline. We can't find staff when we came back to the office. Three travel group suffer from the same problem in the same day, so we had to go the police station, but the money hasn't been returned yet.
Please don't trust their record. This is a very bad company，they have cheated travelers for many times.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An amazing experience.
All your doubts, questions will be answered. Very professional and patient. I recommend 100%
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent service, accommodation and itinerary
We received very prompt replies to our requests to personalise our itinerary for our Tanzanian safari. Having been met on our arrival at the airport, James, our driver and guide, ensured we had a great trip, visiting various National Parks and seeing amazing wildlife. The accommodation was much better than anticipated and we wanted for nothing during our week's trip. Early June was a good time to visit as it was relatively quiet, the animals were not sheltering from the hot sun, and it was a comfortable temperature with no mosquitoes! Have no hesitation in recommending them.
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Not reliable
The actaul itenerary is not same as discussed in email.
It’s understood that it’s was shared tour basis, I could accept some changes but lying to customer is not acceptable.
However the drivers/ guides are okay. I have changed 4 mini van for 7days tour.
If you are flexible and ready to change the plan then it’s fine to book this tour as it’s cheap.
JP
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The guide is what made the tour amazing
Simba gave me the best price for the gorilla trekking when I was first researching tour agencies. Frank was my guide and was so knowledgeable on every single animal- fuelling the inner animal science geek in me. He was also happy to answer any questions I had, however controversial, on Ugandan culture. My most favourite moments were the things that weren't scheduled: like stopping on the side of the road to buy local potatoes and watching the guide interact in the exchange.
My only request would be an opportunity to buy a small souvenir from the stalls (with guidance), more chance to try traditional food that isnt from a restaurant designed specifically for foreign tourists, and an explanation why the Batwa community walk was omitted when it was mentioned in the original schedule. I also did not need to stay in anything as lavish as what I did as a solo traveller, so if there was more options given at the begining to chose how much I wanted to spend on accommodation, that would be good too.
I would book through Simba again and request Frank, but ask to slightly alter the tour to include the above comments.
Overall, very happy customer! Would definitely like to come back and do the gorilla habitation program.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime arranged by RajaTours. Fabulous 5 day safari then beach break in Zanzibar
Amazing Trip. Great communication with RajaTours. Correspondence by email was very quick and all queries answered straight away. Expectations on safari were exceeded. Drivers were great - experienced, informed and friendly. Saw loads of animals in both Selous and Ruaha. Vehicle, food, service, accommodation, experience all great! Couldn’t have asked for more. Trip of a lifetime.
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Satisfying
Lizzie was good with communicating, cleared all my doubts bfr arriving to Kenya, and our safari driver Antony was the best, he took us the best spot to view. Overall it’s worth for the money, and best budget safari in Kenya
US
Uganda Gorilla Trek
Our experience with Encounter Africa Safaris was fantastic! From setting up our trip to see the gorillas in Uganda to our driver to the lodge where we stayed it was top notch across the board! The communication and service was amazing! Thank you for helping make my dream come true to see these amazing animals in person!
FI
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
So many good things for me to say about Regional Tours & Travel
There are so many good things for me to say about Regional Tours & Travel that I cannot tell it all. The company had a wonderful staff and outstanding customer service.
I chose Regional Tours & Travel because of their wonderful reviews. Maturaf the owner personally took charge of organizing our itinerary and he helped us create a fantastic itinerary for us (husband and wife)
Stanley is a highly experienced knowledgeable guide and driver. We were able to see numerous animals and also enjoy the narrations about them thanks to Stanley.
We had an absolutely amazing time and I am grateful to Regional Tours & Travel for their dedication and excellent service on our trip.