Bushtracks Reviews 5

I’ve been to Africa several times, both independently and with other safari companies. But Bushtracks stands out. Safaris are a significant investment. When I look at the cost relative to the value I received while traveling with them, the access, the coordination, the private air logistics, and the overall depth of the experience, the value exceeded the price.

The aviation piece alone made a difference. We flew by private air into remote airstrips inside conservancies and it was efficient and well organized, allowing us to spend our time where we came to be. We ran into severe weather during our trip. I’ve seen situations like that unravel itineraries. Bushtracks handled it differently. They adjusted quickly and went well beyond what I would have expected to make sure the experience stayed intact.

Having done Africa on my own as well, I can say with confidence that it would be difficult to replicate what Bushtracks delivers.

Our second journey with Bushtracks was just as magical as our first—if not more so. We began in Cape Town, where every detail was beautifully arranged, from exploring seaside towns and the Cape Winelands to enjoying outstanding meals and restorative spa time. The pacing felt effortless and perfectly suited to how we like to travel.

From there we continued to Hermanus for an unforgettable marine safari, spotting whales, dolphins, seals, African penguins, and even sharks along the coast. It was an extraordinary experience and seamlessly woven into our itinerary.

One of the most impressive aspects of the trip was how safe and cared for we felt at every step. The Bushtracks team provided such personal attention, thoughtfully tailoring each safari and activity around our interests and preferences. We never felt like we were on a standard itinerary—everything felt designed just for us.

The aviation logistics were especially remarkable. Traveling by private air with two pilots between remote airstrips in the middle of the conservancies was incredibly smooth and reassuring. Each landing felt almost cinematic, with our safari guides and vehicles already waiting for us right on the airstrip, ready to head straight out on game drives. It made moving between regions effortless and added to the sense of adventure without any stress.

In the Okavango Delta, we stayed at an intimate luxury lodge built like treehouses above the white sand floodplains—completely serene and beautifully integrated into the landscape. The wildlife sightings were extraordinary: cheetahs, elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and more. We especially loved the walking safari with an expert guide and the tranquil mokoro excursion gliding through channels filled with lily pads.

Our journey then took us to the Kalahari Desert, where we witnessed the zebra migration and experienced a dramatic storm that transformed the Makgadikgadi salt pans into shimmering lakes. A night safari under star-filled skies revealed hyenas, oryx, aardvarks, meerkats, and bat-eared foxes. The cultural walk with the Bushmen, including the renowned Cobra Keipeile, was deeply meaningful and a true highlight.

The accommodations throughout were ultra-luxurious yet authentic, the food and wine were exceptional, and every detail was flawlessly executed. Bushtracks created an experience that felt both adventurous and completely effortless. We left feeling inspired, cared for, and already planning our return.

We loved Africa and Bushtracks so much that we had to return. We started in stunning Cape Town in December, exploring charming beach towns, exquisite wineries, luxurious spas, and delicious food. Cape Winelands was a highlight.

Next, we visited Hermanus on the southern coast, where we enjoyed an incredible eco-marine safari, spotting whales, dolphins, seals, African penguins, and sharks. Our journey then took us by private plane to the Okavango Delta in Botswana, staying at a secluded luxury lodge built like treehouses above the white sand floodplains. The safari was unforgettable, with sightings of cheetahs, elephants, leopards, lions, zebras, giraffes, and baboons. We also loved the walking safari with an expert guide and a mokoro boat safari through the Delta's lily pads.

Continuing to the Kalahari Desert, we witnessed the migration of thousands of zebras and experienced a dramatic storm that turned the Makgadikgadi salt pans into stunning lakes. We enjoyed a star-filled night safari, seeing hyenas, oryx, aardvarks, meerkats, and bat-eared foxes. The highlight was a cultural walk with the African Bushmen, including the famous Cobra Keipeile.

Our accommodations were ultra-luxurious, the food and wine sumptuous, and the adventures unforgettable. We hope to go back soon!

I would be very wary of using Bushtracks. While we had three excellent trips with them, it took the pandemic for us to find out that on our fourth trip that their air partner, AirTreks, were corrupt and wouldn't return monies they received back from the airlines for cancelled flights due to the pandemic. When we asked Bushtreks to intercede on our behalf, Mr, Tett simply said it was beyond his control. Additional communication with Bushtracks were then not returned. We have not, and I fear will never receive back the tens of thousands of dollars of airline tickets that AirTreks held, even though we have the proof that AirTreks received the money back from South African Airways.
Bushtracks positions itself as a customer centric, white-glove, concierge-driven company (with a price tag that goes along with that). When push came to shove, they abysmally failed to even lift a finger to try an help.

I have traveled with Bushtracks on two African safaris. One, the private jet tour leaving from Athens, Greece and going to 7 other countries in Africa happening in 24 days plus an add on cruise up the Nile River. They balanced the wildlife adventures with cultural sites perfectly. When needed we would take smaller air flights to the more remote destinations. We were never in the air for more than 4 hours going to the destinations. Look up the private air 2018 trip. No disappointments.
Then the following May I had them design a private trip for my photography friend and myself over two weeks. Again, perfection. We were picked up and dropped off at all destinations and had a wonderful time exploring the Okavango Delta and north South Africa. Photo hides were included as well as private drivers for photography vehicles. I even was able to go horse back riding at one of our sites while my friend shot her pictures.
I would definitely travel or have them make arrangements again for Africa.