Journeysmiths Reviews 

This was our 4th time of using Africa Exclusive and once again the trip surpassed all of our expectations. The team understand their clienteles requirements and always find the perfect holiday combination. Through this trip we got to see, what we feel, was the true Namibia; the thing that amazed us the most was the variety of colours. From the colour of the rocks, sand, plants, sky, the amazing sunsets and sun rises, one view changed continually throughout the day. Our reason for choosing Namibia was that we wanted to see rhinos in their true habitat and being allowed to roam freely. We got to see this and so much more when staying at the Desert Rhino Camp, and this has to be the best camp that we have ever stayed at in all of our holidays in Africa. We were made to feel part of the family of the camp and this will be an experience that we will never forget. We combined our trip to Namibia with Botswana, which we have visited previously, but once again the camp was amazing. This combination highlighted even more the abundance of water, the diversity of life in Botswana, and the colours of the landscape.
A trip to Africa is an experience that everyone should try, and once you have you will be planning the next and Africa Exclusive is certainly the company that knows what their customers want!
Ron and Elaine Joseph

We had another fabulous travel experience thanks to Africa Exclusive: a 10 day family trip to Egypt, including a river cruise with sightseeing along the Nile and a few days in Cairo. Everything was planned brilliantly both in terms of the itinerary and assistance before and during the trip. Our local guides were also the best you could ask for. We loved the cruise and visiting the temples and sites along the river. But we also really enjoyed our time in Cairo where we had an amazing archaeologist taking us to the pyramids and the sphinx as well as around the city's main sites. Staying at Mena House Oberoi was also absolutely amazing and we had a fabulous room overlooking the pyramids.
A big thank you to Ross and Rhiannan for making sure that everything went perfectly all along! We'll certainly come back to Africa Exclusive for our next adventure!

Our African adventure began with one night stay at the African Rock Hotel in Johannesburg, which is a great little place with immaculate rooms, wonderful staff and excellent food. The next day we flew to Maun, Botswanna and on to our lodge at Nxabega in the Okavango Delta. One of our first game drives included seeing two male lions take down and kill an adult bull Water Buffalo. We had ring-side seats of this riveting sight. This lodge had really gracious and helpful staff. They took care of our every need. Our guide, Kux, and spotter, Ken, knew where the action was so each game drive produced terrific experiences. The food was as good as you would find in the best restaurant and the accommodations clean and rather upscale.
All of our connections went as planned with our being met each time by a friendly and helpful person to assist us on our adventure. Our second camp was Savute Under Canvas in the Chobe National Park. Even though this camp lacked running water and electricity it did not lack hot water showers and flush toilets. The food was as good as at Nxbega with fresh bread, rolls and muffins baked every day. I don't know how they managed it but it was fantastic. Again the staff was wonderful, with special kudos to our guide, Sam, who was knowledgeable about the animals, plants, geology and stars. Sam is a real renaissance man. We saw wild dogs, a Serval Cat with her cubs, a male and female leopard and cubs. The highlight was being the first people to see a female lioness with her two three-week old cubs trying to cross a stream. The lioness crossed and was calling for the reluctant cubs. It took them about 5 minutes of anxious attempts before they ventured across.
Our last stop required us to cross over to Zambia to see Victoria Falls. Again Africa Exclusive arranged for a seamless flight, car and boat ride and customs on both sides of the river. Our final two nights at the Islands of Siankaba was a memorable end to our African trip. The lodge in the Zambezi River was luxe and very special. Gracious and welcoming staff made it truly a fit finish for our trip of a lifetime.
I cannot say enough about Africa Exclusive. From the start of the process and planning to the execution of of every detail they delivered exactly as described. I want to thank them and especially Ross Cambray, our original contact, and Angela Sumnall, who arranged the whole package and kept us informed and on top of everything from shots to what to pack. I highly recommend them to anyone interested an adventure trip anywhere in the world. I know we will use them again and tell all of our friends about them.

We have had the best wildlife-watching holiday we've ever had. Lemurs, birds, amphibians, and reptiles - including 15 of Madagascar's fantastic chameleon species. We've seen the world's largest moth, the comet moth, (almost) worth the trip on its own. All of the wildlife views have been close-up and prolonged, no fleeting glimpses, and we've come back with a marvelous collection of photographs. We met other tourists who had done their transfers by air, we did all of ours by road and we're glad we did as this gave us a strong impression of Madagascar as a nation. Africa Exclusive's local partners, Za Tours, looked after us superbly and were excellent company on the road.

From airport pick up until departure 10 days later ,we were looked after with no stress at all,the diversity of the country was amazing and the problems they face huge .this is a new tourist market but we felt safe and enjoyed all the trips with excellent guides who covered all the tourist stuff bualso the economic and political issues .
The hotels were excellent even in the most remote areas.

It has taken a few days for us to come down to earth after our wonderful trip. We have nothing but praise for its organisation, and design, beginning with the mighty Zambezi and Victoria Falls and the luxury of Siankaba, moving on to the bush and the huge variety of wildlife we saw (starting with a herd of elephants a couple of hundred yards from our Lebala veranda and a black mamba that had lost its way, slithering over the lounge floor, culminating in the elephant experience at Stanleys). If you could have seen Sue's face throughout you would realise what it all meant to her.

Thank you for the quality of your communication and the smooth way everything worked (we did wonder what was next when we got to Kazungula and the driver said his work was done, but the boat sped us across to Botswana), and for putting together the trip of a lifetime.

Yet, another brilliant trip arranged for us and this one was at very short notice. Paul's advice about the camps was spot on and we knew we could relax throughout the whole holiday as everything would be arranged and sorted for us, leaving us to just totally switch off and enjoy the magic of Africa. Highlights were Selinda Explorers and Camp Kalahari - despite a poor rainy season guides were still able to find lots to keep our binoculars and cameras engaged and to let us spend time sitting and watching animal behaviour and interaction.

The care that goes in to matching our wishes and the locations, the sensible, clear advice and instructions given with the itinerary, the great communication with all contacts throughout our trip: these are the marks of Africa Exclusive service which we've come to rely on and appreciate. Gives us a totally hassle free and wonderful holiday.

We have just returned from South Africa. We chose a 3 location holiday there. We went on safari when we arrived & stayed at Dulini Lodge. On the first day we saw the White Rhino which completed our Big 5 experience. This was a fantastic location and each day we saw different animals - the highlight I think was spending some precious time with a mother leopard and her two cubs. Mum was concentrating on a nearby herd of Empala, while her cubs were playing together & clambering up and down the nearby trees. It was magical.
Our second location was the Dock House Hotel in Cape Town.near the waterfront. It was an ideal location for Table Mountain, Robben Island cruise and all the live entertainment dockside. A tremendous atmosphere with an extensive choice of restaurants and bars nearby.
We could see Table Mountain from the hotel garden.
Our last location was Mosaic Farm near Hermanus. A quiet & tranquil place with stunning views of the mountains overlooking the beautiful lagoon. We went from here on our shark diving and whale watching trips - highly recommended for an unforgetable experience.
We ended our holiday with a leisurely boat trip on the lagoon sipping champagne and taking in the views.
We would highly recommend South Africa to anyone who has not visited and Africa Exclusive organised everything perfectly for us.

We have just returned from Zambia and Malawi. It is the end of the dry season and the animal life was plentiful and varied. I had wanted to return to the southern part of the continent since my return from Botswana 25 years ago! In the meantime I had been to Tanzania to see the migration, but I longed for the remote quality of travel I had experienced so long ago. I have no idea how it came that I started receiving emails from Africa Exclusive, probably I was combing the internet one night and was taken in by the web site. When we made the decision to head back I contacted Africa Exclusive and Paul understood EXACTLY the experience I was trying to re-create.
We visited 3 camps in Zambia and explored the lower Zambezi and South Luangwa, each camp a bit more rustic than the last, but all with many things in common: remote locations so we didn’t see other safari vehicles as we looked for animals; amazing, spacious tented accommodations; savory meals, and delightful staff. We were whisked flawlessly between camps (even when that entailed hopping onto 4 seater bush planes and landing on dirt runways). Our itinerary in Zambia wasn’t for everyone as we prefer rustic luxury, but I have no doubt that the staff at Africa Exclusive knows the right questions to ask to match each traveler with the experience they seek.
To end our trip we headed for Lake Malawi to unwind and found ourselves in what felt like a movie set on Likoma Island. Our accommodations at Kayamawa were the most unique I have ever encountered. No two bungalows were the same and our lake view was 180 degrees of blue lapping water. Dinners were at our private table on the beach nightly under the stars. We just happened to be there when there were only 3 – 4 other couples there so we had the run of the place.
If you want to get “away from it all” this is an amazing way to do it. There is really limited phone and internet reception. Call Paul, he can set you up with a memorable experience.

We came to Africa Exclusive through a personal recommendation so we knew we were in for a great experience and we were not disappointed!
The comments of the previous reviewer about the attention to their wishes could equally apply to our dealings with Laura who was brilliant at fitting in everything we wanted - within budget! When they were messed around by internal airline schedulers, nothing was too much trouble to make sure that our trip was unaffected. It was fantastically reassuring to know that it was our requirements that were driving the itinerary and not the convenience of a tour company or a ground operator. Angie looked after every detail brilliantly it was such a pleasure dealing with a team who clearly knew Africa inside out.

The proof of the pudding.... we had an unforgettable trip with top quality attention at each of the four selected locations (one on Zambia and three in Northern Botswana) and faultless transits in craft of various shapes and sizes. We would not hesitate to put ourselves in their safe hands once again.

We have just returned from our 3rd trip to Africa and our 2nd trip organised by Africa Exclusive. Right from the start Paul understood the brief we gave him and came back with a fantastic sounding itinerary. We went with it and we have never had such an amazing, fantastic holiday. Rhiannan co-ordinated everything so well and always answered every question I had clearly. Everything went smoothly from being met at different airports and escorted through immigration and new check-ins, to fabulous welcomes at different lodges for our safari. We have done bush walking as well as drives in jeeps, stayed in three different lodges and each has given us a completely unique and varied experience. We finished with a stay in Cape Town to wind down from a wonderful experience. Thank you Africa Exclusive.

This was our first trip to Africa and after some online searching we came across Africa Exclusive. From the first call they took on board what we wanted and tailored the trip around us (not as other companies did around what they wanted to provide). They may not be the cheapest but were by far the best provider I contacted. Everything they promised was delivered without question.
They used a Agent whilst we were in Kenya (chelipeacock) who were also excellent. The agent in Zanzibar (Gallery Tours) were more focused on selling trips but I guess that is to be expected.
Africa Exclusive selected the most wonderful accommodation (we stayed in three sites) all were Family friendly (travelled with a 10 and 13 year old). They also selected a couple of restaurants and visits whilst in Nairobi and these were perfect as well.
Really couldn't fault Africa Exclusive and would highly recommend

We have been lucky enough to go on safari twice and each time with Africa Exclusive. Everything with them is fantastic. Laura and Angie, really listened to what we wanted, produced an excellent itinerary and were happy to make any alterations or answer as many questions as we wanted.

The first trip was to Kenya and the second to Botswana. We spend the whole fortnight on safari as not keen on going to the beach; we would rather look at the animals! We also like to have a variety so that we see different parts of the countries we visit. Moving from one camp to another is just so easy

The moment you land a guide meets you and from that moment everything runs like clockwork. We have never had a single worry or concern. It is just as they say it is and happens like magic. The lodges have been excellent, guides first class and accommodation etc. wonderful. The lodges do vary but not an awful lot. One is made so incredibly welcome and nothing is too much trouble anywhere.

It is the most fantastic holiday ever and that is mainly due to the lack of having to worry about anything. One is treated so well at these lodges and the animal viewing is superb.

We have seen everything, been treated like kings and well, cannot say enough about how well they are organised. The whole holiday is amazingly relaxing and can’t wait to go again and it
would definitely be with Africa Exclusive, they are wonderful.

We cannot rate Africa Exclusive high enough and would without a single doubt recommend Africa Exclusive to everyone and indeed have done so.

I decided to work with Africa Exclusive after reading positive reviews on TripAdvisor and following up with one of their previous clients. I live in the United States and did not know how well it work to use a company based in the U.K. to arrange our vacation, but I could not be more pleased with the results.

I worked with Laura and Angie, who set up a 2-week vacation to two different parts of South Africa (Madikwe Game Reserve and Cape Town) for my wife, 6-year-old son, and me. They arranged all the travel within the country, and the whole experience went off without a hitch. We were grateful to have the guides meet us at the airport, help us through security, and see us off to our next destination. And the hotel recommendations were perfect!

I have written a few reviews of the specific stops on our trip (search for "forbachc" on TripAdvisor.com) if you would like more details, but do not hesitate to work with Africa Exclusive. They will do a great job for you and are pleasant and professional throughout the process. We anticipate working with them again in the future!

With just one month's notice, Africa Exclusive organised a dream trip for us to Zanzibar and Rwanda. Meeting the mountain gorillas was on our wish list, and we thought we could team this with discovering the exotic island of Zanzibar. Being our third trip to Africa, we knew how important it was to choose hotels carefully, have safe transport and someone to call in case things went wrong. I picked up the phone to Ross, he gave me all the exciting options, and, within a few days, he and his team had everything in place for us. Gorilla permits secured, hotels and flights booked and every single detail you could imagine was there for us in our itinerary.

On our first trip, years ago, they tracked down and recovered our missing luggage, after just a phone call from us. They came through again for us this time when one of our internal flights was very late and we were sure we had missed our connection back to London. Their agent was waiting for us at the steps to the plane and whisked us off through security and on to our flight home. Their pre-departure pack takes all guesswork out of packing and they organise and follow up everything for you - you just need to turn up! We've not had a single hitch with their planning nor any disappointment in their choice of hotels which are always first rate.

Thank you Africa Exclusive - looking forward to the next trip already ;-)

We booked our honeymoon through Africa Exclusive and could not fault the service we received. The sales team were exceptionally knowledgeable and friendly, listened to what we wanted and tailored our trip accordingly. Everything was taken care of for us and the whole honeymoon was faultless. We felt extremely well looked after and would definitely recommend Africa Exclusive!

This was our third Africa experience organized by Africa Exclusive. We always ask for some variety and each time they have delivered for us...first class resorts in great locations with friendly staff and lots of new and exciting adventures. All of the logistics worked well and the resorts chosen by Africa Exclusive met all our expectations

My partner and I visited Zimbabwe and Zanzibar toward the end of last year. Paul Hawley, a highly knowledgeable design consultant, listened attentively to our requirements and put together the perfect trip that ran like clockwork. We started off with four nights in the heart of the Mana Pools National Park, enjoying private game drives, boat trips across the Ruckomechi river, before relaxing under the stars, around a camp fire, enjoying the sounds of Africa. From here we boarded a scheduled light aircraft to Hwange National Park, where we stayed for a further 4 nights before travelling on to Zanzibar for a luxury secluded 5 day beach holiday staying in two of the finest boutique hotels on the island. The service we received from enquiring about the holiday to landing back in Britain was impeccable. We simply did not have a single worry. The Africa Exclusive team organised all of our transfers with ground partners ready to meet and greet us at each stage of our journey. The accommodation at each of the camps was outstanding. Luxury tented rooms with gorgeous bathrooms and private verandas. It simply takes your breath away, particularly when you consider that you are out in bush. The staff at each of the camps were extremely helpful and did everything to ensure that we were well looked after throughout the trip. The food was outstanding. 5 meals a day whilst on safari with a good choice of meals to accommodate all tastes. Whereas the game drives/ walks were simply out of this world. The wonderful guides ensured that we felt safe throughout, whilst amazing us with their vast knowledge about the bush. In Zanzibar, the food and the accommodation at the two boutique eco hotels where we stayed were simply exquisite. Surrounded by our own stretch of secluded beach, with our own private swimming pool , it was the epitome of luxury. All I can say is that it was worth every penny, the quality of service was outstanding and the trip has given us memories that we will never forget.

The friendly and professional staff at Africa Exclusive took the time to listen to our requirements and put together an itinerary which was just perfect for us. We had a wonderful, relaxing stay in Franschhoek, where the hotel provided all that we could have hoped for. This was followed by a safari at a luxurious lodge, where the staff were most welcoming and the food was amazing. We saw so many more animals than we could have imagined because the guides took the trouble to make the day and night drives a very exciting experience. The flights and transfers all happened without a hitch and we could relax the whole time knowing that everything had been taken care of. The pre-trip information was very useful and the attention to detail was much appreciated. If you are looking for a company who will provide you with the holiday of a lifetime, look no further than Africa Exclusive.

An amazing trip to South Africa. The orgainsiation and pre-trip contact was second to none. As soon as we landed in Johannesburg the holiday started, every element went like clockwork. A great choice of properties for the itinerary giving us a great mix in different areas. All of the properties were excellent with knowledgeable staff, with outstanding service and freshly made food with ingredients from their own food gardens from some of the properties. The team at Africa Exclusive are friendly, knowledgeable and efficient -definitely worth the 5 stars for this review. Thank you to everyone.