Makalali Private Game Reserve

We were referred to Discover Africa to book our honeymoon safari by friends who had used them previously and spoke very highly of them and we could not have been happier. We worked with Susan and Adelle and they listened to what we were thinking in regards to amount and types of adventures vs. leisure, settings, and budget and helped craft a great itinerary that made our honeymoon so special. They listened to what we wanted and gave advice when needed to help build this trip together.

We spent 4 days in Zanzibar at a hotel of their recommendation and it was the perfect way to start the trip coming right from the wedding. We then spent 8 nights on Safari and it was everything we could ever dreamed of. We had a private guide, Charmy, for 2 days in Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and the Ngorongoro Crater and he was one of the highlights of our trip. He was so welcoming, knowledgeable about the animals/environment, and was so easy to connect with that he instantly made us comfortable and excited about the trip. He listened to us and what we were hoping to see and also recommended and made it a personal experience that was so memorable. We couldn’t recommend Charmy more to anyone coming on a Safari. He was a perfect guide.

The second 4 days we were in the Northern Serengeti with a different guide, Habib, and had an equally amazing and different experience than the other 3 locations. We learned so much from Habib and Victor about the Great Migration, the habitats and habits of the animals that live on the savannah and really came away with incredible memories and knowledge. It was a phenomenal 4 days here.

The travel, transfers, and communication was seamless and allowed us to travel with ease around the 5 different locations on our 12 night trip. The Discover Africa team was there to help make it as easy for us to enjoy this trip as possible and they succeeded. Thank you!

After a 10-day trip to South Africa with my wife, I’m still raving about the experience Discover Africa put together for us. We worked with Matthys Van Aswegen, who was fantastic from start to finish. He listened to what we wanted, rolled with a few changes of heart on our part without any hassle, and built an itinerary that ended up being exactly right for us. Every guide and driver we had was excellent and always punctual, and the places we stayed – both in Cape Town and on safari – were stunning. Nothing about the trip felt disjointed or stressful; it all just flowed. Honestly one of the best trips we’ve ever taken.

This is the second safari holiday we have used Dev to organise. We had the privilege of visiting three beautiful lodges on this trip, Devs recommendations in three different locations, Sabi Sands, Timbavati, and Makalali, which entailed a lot of organising with pick up and drop by road, each of which was flawless almost to the minute.

First stop was Sabi Sands where we saw the big five within 30 minutes, Unbelievable!

Next stop was Timbavati known for the possibility of seeing the rare white lion, second day out we saw the white lion cub (one of three in the world so we were told ) a gorgeous dirty little white cub with the pride, once again magic. Next stop was Makalali, Dev had mentioned the possibility of seeing cheetahs, after a lot experienced tracking and off road driving we came across two magnificent males basking in the sun, unbelievable.

On our last day when due to leave, a Saturday, my wife fell ill and could not travel, one phone call to Dev, he had transfers rearranged, flights cancelled and rebooked, which took all the stress out of a stressful situation.

I cannot speak highly enough of Dev and Discover Africa.

As a party of seven guests we found the travel arrangements seamless and the accommodation well suited to both older and younger members. In addition, we were of mixed bush experience with some seasoned safari members and some first timers. The Lodges and especially the guides were able to accommodate all levels of interest and discussion. We stayed at a lodge in the Chobe concession (our experienced and wise guide was Lebo) as well as in the delta in the Khwai concession (our guide Biyst was approachable and knowledgeable). The Lodges were well appointed, comfortable and the service friendly and impeccable. Discover Africa’s organizational skills were spot on! This was both affordable and value for money. They are clearly the experts in this area and we can highly recommend them especially for first timer safari travellers.

It was an extensive planning process to put together a 24 day safari and adventure trip covering Victoria Falls, Mana Pools and Hwange Park in Zimbabwe, followed by a wonderful experience in Botswana on the Chobe River and Okvango Delta. There were flight considerations and a few changed plans along the way. I was worried that I was becoming a bore but no, Adelle was just as excited to plan my trip as I was to go on it. Finally the day arrived and I boarded my flights and arrived in Victoria Falls after 36 hours of travel. There waiting for me was my shuttle driver and the hotel was amazing. The next day the same level of service and off to Mana Pools I went. Same wonderful level of service.

But 1.5 days later I fell in the middle of the night and fractured two discs in my back. The care and support I received from Adelle is what got me through what could have turned into a tragedy. She was there for me every step of the way and continued to check in with me after I was finally safe at home. I don’t know what I would have done without her. A 5 star rating is simply not enough. Discover Africa and Adelle deserve a million stars. Once my back is healed we will begin the planning process again. They have won not only my repeat business but also my heart. I cannot sing their praises loudly enough.

Very professional; quick to respond. The trip itself was fantastic. The lodging and the game drives were great. Guide was great; he anticipated where hard-to-find animals would show up. Lodge staff were very friendly. Food was great.

Akos Ledeczi East Africa Experiece