20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
My First Halal Tour - 10/10 would recommend.
At first I was a bit spectacle because the itinerary sounded too good to be true. As a Muslim traveler our main priorities are always going to be "Where can I pray", "Are their meals Halal", "Do they have prayer facilities in the area" etc etc. All these questions are stated clearly in the itinerary however I still had doubts, so I got in touch with the Australian representative (also this was handy because it made the communication all the more authentic). All my concerns, questions and self-assurance were answered by the lovely Shelly Smith (mind you I only gave Shelly a 4 months notice before my trip but it was such a smooth process!)
Although I did not include a safari in my 8D7N Exclusive Halal Cape Town Tour I did manage to sneak in a Cheetah outreach program and a visit to the Ostrich Ranch at Van Schoorsdrif Rd. Both had been tailored and suggested by Shelly (Although it wasn't included in the itinerary Shelly was always very helpful and attentive to what I wanted to see)
My bestfriend and sister was also on tour with me. We were introduced to JP who was our guide throughout the whole 8 days, JP turned out to be more than a guide, he was our uncle. We admired his patience and his knowledge of the Cape Town culture. He went out of his way to locate halal eateries, mosques and prayer facilities it was honestly the best holiday experience one could ask for. Everyday was an adventure.
Overall I would recommend Go Touch Down Tours especially for Muslims who want a hassle free holiday. There was not a day where you did not feel safe. I wonder at times whether JP was actually our bodyguard!
Coming home felt like you've left a part of you behind. I've made memories that will last a lifetime.
Thank you Go Touch Down and a biggest thank you to our external tour guide that we've met along the way!
A'ida
HK
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Ibrahim is a good and responsible manager in organising the trip for us.
Our safari guide Fredy is an exceptional professional, well-mannered guide with eagle eyes to spot out animals for us. This tour operator agent is trustworthy,
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was magical, and more was deliveredd than promised.
It couldn't have been better. From cell phones for emergencies, attentive guides, unexpected extras, a magical safari, full menus to choose from, and unique accommodations, to professional help with add-ons like a Rovos Rail trip, extra days in Cape Town, and a trip to Vic Falls, it was perfect.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fairly prices good quality tour
Me and my friend worked with Baraka and had very pleasant experience. First of all, Baraka was very responsive, he answered to us almost immediately which I find very important because when you are traveling, a lot of things are time sensitive. We texted him at around 9 am while we were taking a ferry to Dar that we need to go to Mikumi asap, and guest what, he met as at 11 am with the car so we started the trip. Second, price was just great. It was only me and my friend, we didn't share our car or jeep with anyone. Meals were great. Hotel where we stayed the night before safari was just AWESOME. So cozy and clean, we didn't expect it at all. Jeep was open so it was so easy to observe animals. Final, the safari itself was great and very well organized.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An incredible and surprising journey into places I could not imagine!
I've never gone on safari before...I've never used this service...and I really didn't know what to expect. I felt like there was a chance I could be scammed but boy was I incredibly wrong.
I signed up for a tour here with the intent of just wanting to see some animals on a Safari while I was in Cape Town and I received so much more. I got a geography lessons, cultural insights, the best thing I ate on my vacation, animal friendships, and a new brother from our tour guide Ben-G (Benjamin)
Although we only had 4 days, Benjamin lived up to all expectations in making this a really customized trip. He genuinely listened to my requests, remained flexible, and brought us to so many interesting things. My partner and I are younger folks who wanted adventure and Benjamin definitely delivered but he also made sure to be attentive and reactive to our needs throughout the experience. If we ever needed anything or needed a change of plans, he was accommodating. And so much so, that there were just pleasant surprises all throughout our tour experience -- I won't spoil anything as I know that's part of Benjamin's magic itinerary planning but I would say trust in the man and come with an open mind. You can certainly tell the man is passionate about Africa, its people, and its animals and has the knowledge to back it up. It made me wonder why I don't know a quarter of the things about my hometown compared to the encyclopedia-like knowledge he knew about EVERYWHERE we were. Learned quite a bit just being around him!
I came for a safari and quite frankly my highlights were pretty much all things beyond that, which really just shows you how adept Benjamin is at figuring out your needs and giving you a unique experience you can't find on your own. I'm excited to return back to Africa and to go on a longer journey with Benjamin and we've even taken some of his catch-phrases with us back to the states. Classic!
Please don't hesitate with choosing these guys. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a real taste of Africa.
CA
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Every moment was carefully planned, at times to exhaustion, but very good
Very happy, especially with our time at Songimvelo
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
More than expected
This was a trip of a lifetime for me. My expectations went over and beyond. Cannot wait to go back and will not travel with anyone but Go Touchdown. They made my dream come true
SG
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Viva Safaris has everything down in clockwork, the activities are well planned.
It's a good operator, what was promised was delivered.
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime!
I booked my trip at a travel show not knowing what to expect since I booked my trip at the first table I stopped at. Traveling to Africa had always been on my mind since I was 10 years old. Now being retired, I figured it was out of my reach. After talking with Marie, I realized this was a trip I was willing to take a chance on as a single traveler. I only have positive things to say about my trip to South Africa. From the time I was met at the airport, to the time I was dropped off at the airport, I was treated with the utmost respect. I wasn't sure how I would fit in with my four other fellow travelers but my driver Bill and guide Richard made me feel welcomed every minute of the trip. The staff is very professional while having a casual sense of humor to keep things moving in a positive direction. My experience in the bush while at Humala Lodge surpassed anything I could have ever dreamed up in my mind. I would highly recommend traveling with Go Touchdown Tours and hope to travel with them to South Africa again in the future. I am forever grateful that I ended up traveling with a tour group that focused on making sure I was happy while I was traveling on this big adventure. I loved every minute of it!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The most amazing experience of my life time and I have lived and traveled all over the world!
If you have ever wanted to visit South Africa and go on safari Go Touch Down Travels is the way to go. It is first class all the way. My group did a week in Cape Town and a week Safari. Having a small group of only 6 is key. I wouldn’t want to do it any other way. Cape Town was amazing. We saw and did everything and more. We also ate at the best restaurants breakfast lunch and dinner. The accommodations were above my expectations. We had excellent communication before the trip. During the trip I couldn’t believe the care and attention each of us was given. We were a demanding group and our guides exceeded our expectations as well.
The safari week was even better. Their reserve is special as are the accommodations. A magical place. The places we visited outside of the reserve were world wonders. Everyday I had tears in my eyes with the beauty. The value is excellent. My family and friends who have done similar tours with other companies paid much more, had huge groups, the accommodations didn’t compare and the places they ate were not nearly as high end as Go Touch Down. Especially if you have a family or a group this is the company to use. Thank you Go Touch Down for the trip of a lifetime.