Review of Safari in East & Southern Africa

Though seasoned travelers, our safari was a trip that my husband and I had been dreaming of for years. Not wanting to go with a preplanned itinerary or with a tour group, we decided to do a private, custom tour and sought a safari tour company that could take our ideas and help us refine them into the perfect trip for us without being put into the cookie-cutter mold that many safari companies offer even on their custom trips. After talking with several tour operators, we came upon Susan Swanepoel at Discover Africa. What a find!

She listened and patiently helped us put together the perfect itinerary for us. She answered our numerous questions, responded quickly despite the time difference, and gave honest feedback on ideas and camps without trying to push her own company’s agenda. After booking, and all during the trip, she was there. The same was true of every single person we interacted with from Discover Africa – if they were picking us up from the airport, they were there waiting. When we mentioned we’d like to eat where the locals do in Arusha on our one-day layover before heading to the bush, our local contact set it up and ate lunch with us. When we messaged Susan with a small change we’d like to make halfway during the trip, she made it happen.

The private guides she helped us arrange at every camp were tremendous. Every aspect of the trip was seamless. Being used to having to manage our own flight transfers, getting through immigration on our own, solving any issues that might arise ourselves etc. what a pleasant surprise to have someone with us every step of the way without being on an organized tour. Susan checked in with us almost daily to make sure everything was going as we expected. I would highly recommend Discover Africa, and Susan in particular, to anyone looking to ‘do their own thing’ on safari – fantastic tour operator!

Safari planned by: Susan Veldman