Safari Reviews & Testimonials

My recent safari adventure with my wife was an unforgettable experience, thanks to the incredible assistance of Mr. Barry Greenshields of Discover Africa. From start to finish, he went above and beyond to ensure every aspect of the trip was seamless, exciting, and stress-free.

His expertise was evident in every recommendation. He chose locations with abundant wildlife, a spectacular lodge with knowledgeable guides, and unparalleled views. Every detail was thoughtfully planned, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the breathtaking beauty of the African wilderness.

What truly set them apart was their proactive communication and support, responding to my enquiries in a timely manner, even with a very tight schedule, plus the time difference between South Africa and the US, to ensure everything was going smoothly.

If you’re dreaming of a safari, go with Discover Africa and look for Barry. His professionalism, knowledge, and personal touch turned a bucket-list trip into a once-in-a-lifetime journey. I can’t wait to book my next adventure with them!

We had a great time at River Lodge Victoria Falls. Amazing accommodations and very attentive staff. Chobe in Botswana was another great safari.

We had a great time, and we hope to travel with Discover Africa again soon!

We had the absolute best experience with Megan from Discover Africa during our two-week journey through Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. From the moment we began planning our trip, Megan demonstrated an extraordinary level of professionalism and dedication that transformed our vacation into a truly magical experience.

Megan’s expertise shone through in her meticulous scheduling and incredible responsiveness. No matter how big or small our requests or questions were, she was always readily available to help, ensuring every detail of our trip was perfectly tailored to our needs. The organisation was nothing short of pristine, with each aspect of the journey carefully curated to provide maximum enjoyment and comfort.

Okavango Delta, Hwange, Sossusvlei & Swakopmund Safari Adventure

The lodges we stayed in were absolutely gorgeous, each offering a unique window into the breathtaking African landscape. We were consistently surrounded by an amazing community that made us feel welcome and connected to the heart of Africa. This wasn’t just a vacation – it was a profound, life-changing experience filled with moments of deep reflection, uncontrollable laughter, and genuine smiles.

Take this journey if you can; just beware, you may be tempted to turn Africa into your only travel destination.

Honestly, this review can’t even possibly come close to expressing what this trip meant to us! I have taken a bit of time to write this review. We went back in July-August 2024. It has been hard to write a review that would do this trip justice, but I am going to try.

From start to finish, it was beyond our dreams! So let’s start at the beginning. We started working with Antoinette with Discover Africa in December 2023. Lucky for us, we found her by accident doing some research. We talked to others but really connected with Antoinette and decided to take a leap of faith in her. Thank goodness we did! She was the “Queen” of this trip, if you will! If it wasn’t for her, this experience would never have happened. I can’t express enough thanks to her and her team! She NEVER got impatient with us. Even with all our “stupid” questions. She answered all of our questions patiently. She never lost focus. She is a source of incredible knowledge and personal experience. She designed a fantastic bucket list trip for us! Every detail was thought out! She is a gem, and if you are lucky enough to get to work with her, you will not be disappointed!

Our trip was focused on the country of Tanzania. What an absolutely beautiful country and beautiful people! From the landscapes to the people and the animals, you should see this amazing country! (Kenya has nothing on Tanzania!)

We started our adventure in Kilimanjaro. We were picked up by Freddy, an Anderson and Harvey representative. He had the most smiling face to welcome us into the country. After a 30+ hour journey, it was well received! We asked him for a coffee place, and he took us to a stand since he is a tea drinker; he was a little at a loss but was very tasty. Onwards to our lodge. Stayed at the Kaliwa Lodge. Very pretty in the treetops over looking the river. With the abundance of foliage, it was hard to see the river but could hear it. Food was incredible, and staff were really nice and attentive. We tried to “hike” Kilimanjaro, I use this word loosely, to the first base camp. We made it halfway. It was a wonderful experience. Our guide was Kester who works with the lodge. He was so fun. I think he was a bit worried with us but we made it! We learnt about his life and what movies he liked. Great way to kick off our trip.

We were picked up from Anderson and Harvey transfers and met Charles for the first time. On the way, Charles treated us to a “respectful” coffee! He was such a delight. We loved talking politics to him. Learnt about his family and his job.

We met Charles a few times throughout the trip. He was a great representative for Anderson and Harvey. He brought us to Siringit Villa. That place is incredible! Beautiful grounds. The food is 5-star! People come from all around to eat there. The service was impeccable. The spa and the golf were fantastic. We spent one of our days visiting the Arusha National Park with Allen from Anderson and Harvey. The brush is incredible and thick. We had a picnic lunch and just a great conversation getting to know Allen and seeing the park and the animals. Really a nice relaxing stay to get ready for the push through to the Serengeti.

Next on our stop was the Arusha Coffee Lodge. Unfortunately, only 1 night at the Arusha Coffee Lodge. I wish it could have been more! The room was gorgeous. We were treated to an excellent dinner. And the breakfast was incredible! The arts and crafts are fun to watch them make and to shop.

Enjoying our trip immensely to this point, as I reflect, this is the point where our adventure really began!

We meet Penuel. He was our guide for the next 11 days. Starting from the Tarangire National Park, through the Ngorongoro Crater, into Central Serengeti, finishing in Northern Serengeti. That is a statement… meeting Penuel. He is a force of nature. He is an astounding guide! From his incredible sightings to all his knowledge. He is a true ambassador of the culture, environment, and all the creatures. His patience is unparalleled to anyone. His comprehension of the terrain and the roads was stupefying (not like there are road signs). His witty sense of humour and his sarcasm endeared him to us right away. We are in debt to Penuel for forever! What he showed us there are no words. He means the world to us! Thank you, Penuel!

Every place we stayed along the way, mentioned below, was beyond belief! From the service to the food and drinks to the breathtaking rooms! You do not want for anything! They surpassed any expectations that we might have had! We thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of our wonderful camps.

All 5-star experience:

• Elewana Tarangire Treetops
• Melia Collection Ngorongoro
• Nimali Central Serengeti
• Nimali Mara Northern Serengeti

Our trip ended in Zanzibar at Essque Zalu Zanzibar. This island is very cultural. Be respectful! Had a nice time unwinding from the rush.

If you made it this far, thank you! Spectacular Trip!

Susan from Discover Africa is quick and friendly in giving professional advice on my Tanzania trip. She provided me with an interactive and detailed itinerary when I first reached out. She answered all my queries regarding the trip before departure, and I did not have to worry about it.

I had a wonderful trip with the Safari operator, Tanzania Experience. Communications before and throughout the whole trip were effective. The driver/guide, Abraham, is a safe driver even and is professional in helping us identify animals in national parks. The lodges are tidy and amazing—far better than my expectations.

We began planning our safari by researching companies that offer both prepackaged and custom tailored trips. We interviewed our top 4 over Zoom or by telephone. Discover Africa, and Diane in particular, came out miles ahead of the others. Diane listened to our needs, anticipated things we had not thought of and provided suggestions, and worked with us to tweak this trip to be exactly what we wanted. Communications was top notch. Their portal for providing trip details was beautiful, thorough and very easy to use. Payment was seamless.

The trip itself turned out to be everything we had asked for and more. The logistics of moving us from camp to camp and country to country had is a bit worried, as it was just the two of us and not an entire tour group. Well we needn’t have worried. Between Diane, the camp management and the transportation providers things ran seamlessly. We had lots of contact numbers for Diane, Discover Africa and our providers should we run into any snags, but all went very smoothly.

Moyra's Southern Africa Safari Experience

The camps themselves, as well as Cape Town, were beyond our expectations. People truly couldn’t do enough for us. We felt safe and cared for at all times. The food was plentiful, varied and delicious. The scenery was spectacular and varied. The guides were friendly, so knowledgeable, and very accommodating. We saw every animal on our list apart from the elusive cheetah. We experienced some very rare and fortunate sightings. We particularly enjoyed the communal dining at the camps and were happy to meet travellers from far and wide, learn from them, and develop new friendships.

One of the highlights for me was the welcome and pre dinner entertainment provided by the staff at the camps. Cooks, housekeeping, guides, managers, waitstaff…they all came out with singing and dancing that was just so beautiful and heartfelt. How privileged we were to spend time with such multitalented and beautiful people.

Looking at our early plans for the trip, the style of travel, and our budget, the trip evolved into something so much more customized, comfortable, and yes…more expensive. Before leaving on the trip I was second guessing how much I chose to spend and whether it was overkill. Let me tell you…this trip was worth every Penny. It was the experience of a lifetime and I’m so glad we discovered Discover Africa and Diane who made it all possible.

Diane Du Plessis at Discover Africa planned an incredible safari to Botswana and Zimbabwe for my friend and I. She truly listened to our interests and created an itinerary that was personalized for where we wanted to travel and what we wanted to experience. The lodges she recommended were fantastic! Each camp was uniquely different, allowing us the opportunity to experience a variety of accommodation style and activities. We stayed at the Victoria & Alfred in Cape Town, Camp Kalahari, Camp Moremi, Camp Okavango, and Chobe Game Lodge in Botswana, the Elephant Camp in Zimbabwe, and the Peech in Johannesburg. She arranged all the transfers between countries, camps, and activities that went perfectly and included a wonderful surprise having a helicopter transfer included. The safari drives, boat cruises, Victoria Falls tour, and Cape tour were amazing, as we saw so many animals and beautiful locations. We will certainly use Discover Africa for planning another African safari!

Chrizaan from Discover Africa created an amazing tour for me and my Mum, and somehow managed to get us a single room each for most of our stay, at better prices than other operators. My Mum has mobility limitations, and Chrizaan ensured that all of the amazing camps we stayed at would be accessible for her. The staff at the camps were so warm, welcoming and helpful. The flight logistics were seamless. The food was wonderful. I’ve never seen a better range of animals on any other safari. The guides and the trackers had unbelievable knowledge. I’ve already recommended Discover Africa to others, and would definitely use them again.

You listened and captured our unknown desires for this trip. You created memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.

Expedition is for those that want to really connect. It is for those seeking adventure. You understood that we wanted to be connected to nature, not be around a lot of people, have an austere experience in the bush yet with luxurious accommodations. We could not have imagined how well you would nail our preferences. Beginning with our travel to the camps. The flights and helicopters were filled with excitement and expertise. We felt well cared for with each transition.

Onto the Delta, African Bush Camps are magical – from the staff to the landscape to the animals to the accommodations and especially the guides. Just wow!

Our placement at Expedition was the perfect way to start our adventure. Expedition makes you feel alive!

Noah, our guide and Witness the second guide were knowledgeable, welcoming and wonderful to safari with. They made each day feel as if it was their first day exploring that area. Their knowledge and welcoming spirit made them fast friends. Noah’s knowledge was unbelievable. He spent time on the flora, fauna, birds and the beautiful traditions of the people in Botswana. We were completely impressed with Noah, Witness and the staff at Expedition.

You also knew that we would want to be there for three nights and four days. I recall pressing you for more and you encouraged me to take your recommendations, and you were right. Our transition to Leadwood happened at the right time. We relaxed and enjoyed the diversity from Expedition to Leadwood. Bonda our guide will forever be in our hearts and will remain a friend for a lifetime. Bonda, who is from the local village, made it feel as if we had a secret guide into the backyard playground of this area. He was respectful of the land and animals. He shared the traditions of his people. His laugh is contagious! He did a great job supporting and teaching Mumzi, one of the trainee female guides – who did a fabulous job, as well.

When I asked if I could bring things to the school kids in the village, African Bush Camps went the extra mile to help facilitate all aspects of this request. Due to your efforts, we were able to support the school in a myriad of ways that they needed. We were impressed to learn the lengths African Bush Camp goes to support the area communities. Our support will be continued going forward.

The lodges were beautiful, the staff caring and the experience wonderful. We will be back!

We booked a trip to Kapama Buffalo Camp through Devryn Panaino at Discover Africa. He checked out several options within our budget. He was very responsive or one of his colleagues (thanks Megan) replied to our questions. We booked directly from the UK but the whole process was very smooth. Would highly recommend and will definitely contact again if we are looking for another safari or other African experiences in the near future.

The safari itself exceeded expectation. We saw the big five on more than one occasion. The guide and tracker (Themba & Zakes) were very knowledgeable. We also were able to go on a bush walk and learn more about our surroundings. The camp itself was immaculate, all of the staff friendly and helpful. They have great chefs. One thing that was very helpful was a ‘suggested’ tip guide. Tips can also be paid via credit card should you prefer. Thanks to everyone involved at Kapama Buffalo camp.

Rob, Jill, Chris & Anna's Safari Experience

Discover Africa took my husband’s outline of where we were interested in travelling and turned it into a fantastic trip. Diane at Discover Africa recommended the lodges we stayed at in South Africa, Zambia, and Botswana, and all were first-rate. Each place had something special about it, and each had wonderful safari guides. We had an amazing two weeks and can recommend Discover Africa Safaris without qualification. Thank you for a very meaningful and heart-opening trip!

So impressed with Discover Africa Safaris and especially Susan! Being a first time traveler to Africa I had so many questions. She took the time to listen to what we wanted to experience and gave us many options to choose from. After we chose what tour we wanted ,she set everything up.

Unfortunately, I had to postpone my trip for a year because of an emergency, and she was so very helpful when we needed to reschedule. Her communication was prompt and clear and she was so kind as to check up on me several times. She re-booked our trip and checked in with us several times before we left to make sure everything was clear. She was also extremely available to answer any last-minute questions.

She was absolutely correct in her advice. Everything from flights to transfers to the amazing tour she booked for us was all that we could have dreamed of and more. We recommend Discover Africa Safaris and Susan highly and appreciate her tireless work,advice and kindness.