Truly Africa Tours
Truly Africa Tours
4.9
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Swakopmund, Namibia
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.9
17 reviews
Excellent
16
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Rachel
Sparks, NV8 contributions
Thank you to the wonderful staff at Truly Africa Tours for the trip of a lifetime this past October. Gemma did an outstanding job of planning our trip down to the very last detail, accommodating our busy schedules and keeping in contact with us prior to the trip for any changes or updates. Gemma and Eve did an EXCEPTIONAL job of taking care of us throughout the trip. We opted for the 14 day private tour exploring Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe seeing all of the highlights plus a few hidden excursion routes. The private guided tour was slightly more expensive than the group tour but WELL worth it. We were able to choose our dates and itinerary which is ideal for anyone without flexible vacation dates throughout the year. With excellent luxury lodging and our friendly, knowledgeable guides, we had an amazing vacation. It was a perfect combination of adventure and relaxation and we will recommend Truly Africa Tours to everyone we know!
www.trulyafricatours.com
www.trulyafricatours.com
Written 11 December 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
URM2013
Kiryat Tivon, Israel19 contributions
Jun 2013 • Couples
A certain organized tour to which we had registered was cancelled on us, so we went on line to search for a private tour. What a stroke of luck that was!! We ended up having the most unbelievable trip and safari with Truly Africa Tours, just my wife, me, and our guide Linkie. Our expectations were high, and yet they were vastly exceeded by the wonderful experience in Namibia (about two weeks), Botswana & Zimbabwe (two more weeks).
THE PLANNING: Somewhat pressured, we've contacted several companies that we found on line, and Kate, from Truly Africa Tours, responded most promptly, with great detail. After we emailed her a sketchily possible itinerary, she responded with a detailed one, which included suggested lodges (for each she included the corresponding link, so we could easily check it out!), included description of the day's activities and meals, and the number of miles we were expected to cover each day.
Kate was truly fantastic. I spoke with her twice on the phone, and found her to be unusually friendly and helpful. We tweaked most of the choices through emailing each other back and forth. Despite the time difference between South Africa and Boston, she always managed to answer within hours. Unbelievable service!
THEN ITINERARY: The trip proved to be a smashing success. There is no place where we felt that we stayed too little, or for too long. All the transitions were smooth and worked like a clock. As a matter of fact, about ten days before our departure I discovered that I had made an error and informed her the wrong date of arrival (a day too early); Kate had to change all the accommodations and move them forward by a day – which she did successfully, and without complaining (although it was my mistake). It even resulted in improving our accommodations at Etosha National Park (Namibia), so we ended up with a priority cabin sitting practically yards from the main attraction – the superb water hole where herds of elephants, antelopes of various kinds, giraffes, zebras, birds, and even rhinoceroses congregate throughout the day and night. Fantastic!
THE LODGES: we selected a couple of upper-end lodges, and mostly middle-range ones, and they all were truly excellent. Going through Kate suggestion, the lodges' websites, and TripAdisor proved to be a fail-safe process.
THE GUIDE: Linkie, who is also the owner of the company, was an incredible guide.
Safety first: altogether Linkie drove about 3,000 miles (5,000 km), both my wife and I felt very safe with him. The car he chose was a new, very comfortable Nissan SUV. He really knows how to drive those roads. They are very often very good, yet unpaved, so one has to know how to avoid dips and bumps – which Linkie did incredibly well.
Linkie is very knowledgeable about Southern Africa, and could tell us many interesting things especially about the animals and the birds. He is friendly, yet a relatively quiet person. Linkie is not a chatterbox, and he is not one of those guides that tire you by never stop talking. When you ask him a question, he would respond with interesting information, but he is not imposing himself, and often lets you sit, enjoy what you see, and absorb it all. Linkie is also simply a very nice person – gentle, helpful, and considerate. It seemed like he was genuinely excited to be in the parks with us, had his own camera and excitedly took pictures, just like us! It all felt that he was more than just a guide, but rather also a good travel companion. The only problem is that now we miss him. . .
As I re-read my review, I get a feeling that it sounds too good to be true. But as I scratch my head to find a negative thing to say, I frankly cannot find anything. My wife and I have traveled a lot in the last few years to faraway places; I must say that this was the best-planned and best-executed trip we've taken so far.
THE PLANNING: Somewhat pressured, we've contacted several companies that we found on line, and Kate, from Truly Africa Tours, responded most promptly, with great detail. After we emailed her a sketchily possible itinerary, she responded with a detailed one, which included suggested lodges (for each she included the corresponding link, so we could easily check it out!), included description of the day's activities and meals, and the number of miles we were expected to cover each day.
Kate was truly fantastic. I spoke with her twice on the phone, and found her to be unusually friendly and helpful. We tweaked most of the choices through emailing each other back and forth. Despite the time difference between South Africa and Boston, she always managed to answer within hours. Unbelievable service!
THEN ITINERARY: The trip proved to be a smashing success. There is no place where we felt that we stayed too little, or for too long. All the transitions were smooth and worked like a clock. As a matter of fact, about ten days before our departure I discovered that I had made an error and informed her the wrong date of arrival (a day too early); Kate had to change all the accommodations and move them forward by a day – which she did successfully, and without complaining (although it was my mistake). It even resulted in improving our accommodations at Etosha National Park (Namibia), so we ended up with a priority cabin sitting practically yards from the main attraction – the superb water hole where herds of elephants, antelopes of various kinds, giraffes, zebras, birds, and even rhinoceroses congregate throughout the day and night. Fantastic!
THE LODGES: we selected a couple of upper-end lodges, and mostly middle-range ones, and they all were truly excellent. Going through Kate suggestion, the lodges' websites, and TripAdisor proved to be a fail-safe process.
THE GUIDE: Linkie, who is also the owner of the company, was an incredible guide.
Safety first: altogether Linkie drove about 3,000 miles (5,000 km), both my wife and I felt very safe with him. The car he chose was a new, very comfortable Nissan SUV. He really knows how to drive those roads. They are very often very good, yet unpaved, so one has to know how to avoid dips and bumps – which Linkie did incredibly well.
Linkie is very knowledgeable about Southern Africa, and could tell us many interesting things especially about the animals and the birds. He is friendly, yet a relatively quiet person. Linkie is not a chatterbox, and he is not one of those guides that tire you by never stop talking. When you ask him a question, he would respond with interesting information, but he is not imposing himself, and often lets you sit, enjoy what you see, and absorb it all. Linkie is also simply a very nice person – gentle, helpful, and considerate. It seemed like he was genuinely excited to be in the parks with us, had his own camera and excitedly took pictures, just like us! It all felt that he was more than just a guide, but rather also a good travel companion. The only problem is that now we miss him. . .
As I re-read my review, I get a feeling that it sounds too good to be true. But as I scratch my head to find a negative thing to say, I frankly cannot find anything. My wife and I have traveled a lot in the last few years to faraway places; I must say that this was the best-planned and best-executed trip we've taken so far.
Written 5 July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roxana_L
Singapore5 contributions
In the first half of September we took a 14 day Safari guided by Linkie and Colleen from Truly Africa. We started in Windhoek and passed through the following on our way to Livingstone, Zambia: Sesriem/Sossusvlei, Walvis Bay/Swakopmund, Damaraland, Etosha, Caprivi, Kasane/Chobe and finally Victoria Falls.
We planned our safari in coordination with Gemma over the course of a year and a half. All in all it was a very positive experience. The whole team at Truly Africa is top notch and accommodated all of our requests. Gemma was informative and a breeze to work with over email and phone calls. Linkie (proprietor) and Colleen were courteous, fun and all around nearly perfect. We camped nearly the whole way except for Nakwazi in Rundu, the municipal bungalows in Swakopmund and Waterberry in Livingstone. Each night and day delicious food was prepared by Linkie and camp was set up and broken down swiftly and efficiently.
The itinerary was a good mix of plenty to do and good rest times in between. Optional activities were abundant and easy to book on the spot.
Overall, Truly Africa provided a wonderful, authentic experience and comes highly recommended from us.
We planned our safari in coordination with Gemma over the course of a year and a half. All in all it was a very positive experience. The whole team at Truly Africa is top notch and accommodated all of our requests. Gemma was informative and a breeze to work with over email and phone calls. Linkie (proprietor) and Colleen were courteous, fun and all around nearly perfect. We camped nearly the whole way except for Nakwazi in Rundu, the municipal bungalows in Swakopmund and Waterberry in Livingstone. Each night and day delicious food was prepared by Linkie and camp was set up and broken down swiftly and efficiently.
The itinerary was a good mix of plenty to do and good rest times in between. Optional activities were abundant and easy to book on the spot.
Overall, Truly Africa provided a wonderful, authentic experience and comes highly recommended from us.
Written 4 October 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John V
7 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
Just returned home from the most fantastic adventure due mainly to the good fortune of friends recommending Truly Africa. The itinerary they organised for our eleven days was exceptional mixing majestic scenery, great wild life viewing in three very different environments and excellent accommodation all the way. To top this off we had Martin, Martin's rapport with the locals wherever we went meant we were greeted with broad smiles and extra warmth. We are a couple in our seventies, travelling with Martin was like travelling with a very caring son with an extensive knowledge of the people and wild life we encountered. This was a private tour at a lower cost than the group tours we were contemplating before receiving the recommendation to go with Truly Africa, advice I am only too happy to pass on.
John and Robyn Australia
John and Robyn Australia
Written 11 September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jupiterwray
lakewood, ca37 contributions
Feb 2011
I had begun the process of taking out a 3rd mortgage on my house to pay for one of the safaris at Kruger National Park when I happened upon "Truly Africa Tours". They promised the "goods" for a lot less. I was naturally a little skeptical at first & crossed my fingers. We did the 6 day Kruger/Panorama route tour from Johannesburg. I must tell you this company "DELIVERED". They were really great. Everything was right on time & the accommodations at "Timbavati" lodge were excellent. Having never been on "safari", I wanted as much as I could get while we were there. I had asked for a 7 or 8 day safari package. This company only offered the 6 day. And boy am I glad we did not find a 7 or 8 day. I say this because...riding around in those jeeps ALL DAY LONG is VERY tiring. We actually were in Kruger for 4 days. We were SO exhausted after the second day that we decided to just spend the 3rd day "resting" at the lodge. That was a good move. We could have actually gotten away with a 3 day safari in Kruger...maybe even 2 day. We visited in February which is high "green" season. SO much bush...a little difficult to spot lots of animals. But we managed to see all of the big 5 on the first day! The tour guides were really excellent & very knowledgable & accommodating. Kruger is spectacular & I highly recommend seeing this park. But remember, it is about the size of Israel! So you'll cover LOTS of ground in a few days. The meals that the guide prepares are really good. And please remember to be kind & help with the cleanup at the end. This is part of the "package" to help with cleanup after the meals. Something else to think about...we forked over a tiny bit more $ to stay at the lodge each night. The only drawback is we eneded up having to get up at 4am each morning to get ready for a 5am pickup. The guide will pick you up at the lodge & take you into the park to join up with those who opted to "tent it". The people who stayed in the tents said the tents were okay, but they wished they had spent the little extra for the lodge. These guys were our age & some slightly older (50's/60's). If you're 25, the tents will do just fine. All the people we met up with were super friendly & as excited as we were to be on the trip of a lifetime. You'll be well taken care of with Truly Africa Tours. We couldn't be happier with what we got with this company. Another thing to consider...the schlep from Johannesburg is an ALL DAY AFFAIR! I didn't realize we'd spend 2 days on the road to/from Joburg. I would advise forking over a little extra dough to fly to an airport in/near Kruger...you'll save 2 full days of travel. South Africa is HUGE!!!!! Blyde River Canyon is a stop along the way & it was just stunning. Truly Africa Tours comes very highly recommended by us. They will respond to all e-mails in a timely manner & answer all questions. We are so very glad we did this trip. Africa is just amazing. We'll be going back for more & will again use Truly Africa Tours.
Written 23 April 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AnaMadrid11
Spain6 contributions
Not long back from a wonderful 16-day private tour of South Africa, Botswana & Zimbabwe with Truly Africa Tours.
Gemma's planning was perfect and she was very patient with all my doubts and questions prior to/after booking. We were a bit dubious about camping (necessary because of our budget), but she came up with a perfect mix of lodges, guesthouses and campsites, all of which were excellent.
The camping was actually made very enjoyable thanks to Eve, who was not only an outstanding guide but great company as well. She went out of her way to keep us happy and never tired of our 12-year old son's constant questions. Needless to say, he had a fabulous time!
Thanks again to Truly Africa (Gemma & Eve) for a fantastic trip and we hope to see you in Namibia next year.
Gemma's planning was perfect and she was very patient with all my doubts and questions prior to/after booking. We were a bit dubious about camping (necessary because of our budget), but she came up with a perfect mix of lodges, guesthouses and campsites, all of which were excellent.
The camping was actually made very enjoyable thanks to Eve, who was not only an outstanding guide but great company as well. She went out of her way to keep us happy and never tired of our 12-year old son's constant questions. Needless to say, he had a fabulous time!
Thanks again to Truly Africa (Gemma & Eve) for a fantastic trip and we hope to see you in Namibia next year.
Written 14 September 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mercedes972
Madrid, Spain646 contributions
Truly Africa tours was a absolutely good decision in our travel tour through Namibia, Bostwana and Zambia. All was perfect and well organizated. Places, stops and of course, our guide, Benny Burger. Gemma was always aware to our requests and needs. Thanks a lot for an unforgettable experience!!!!
Written 2 September 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
anonimoOctubre
Madrid, Spain4 contributions
We arrived yesterday from our amazing trip, through Namibia, Botswana and Zambia with Truly Africa Tours, and first of all we want to thank Truly Africa Tours and specially Gemma, for all the job she did, as it was everything perfect.
The accommodation, meals, excursions, 4x4, and guide (Bennie) were excellent, and for sure that we will repeat the experience with them, and will suggest them to all our friends and relatives.
www.trulyafricatours.com
The accommodation, meals, excursions, 4x4, and guide (Bennie) were excellent, and for sure that we will repeat the experience with them, and will suggest them to all our friends and relatives.
www.trulyafricatours.com
Written 2 September 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alethea R
Toronto, Canada32 contributions
Jan 2016 • Couples
We had the best experience using Kate from Truly Africa to plan our first trip to Southern Africa. For 12 days we visited Botswana, Zambia and South Africa. Kate took care of everything. We just told her what we wanted to experience and she arranged all our accommodations, activities, transportation and domestic flights. Kate even checked in on us while we were in Africa to make sure we were okay and moving along the itinerary smoothly. We never had to worry about anything. We had all our pick-ups on time, everyone was friendly and each accommodation was comfortable, safe and secure. We would definitely recommend using Truly Africa to plan your trip. Just ask for Kate!
Written 6 February 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
O6693EGlynne
Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada4 contributions
Sept 2013 • Friends
This was an excellent trip, Colleen was the greatest guide ! A very skilled driver and so very knowledgeable about all the flora and fauna. Kate was so very helpful, efficient, accommodating. I would highly recommend this company. We also had a private tour of Cape Point and wine tour out of Cape Town first which was also very well organized.
Written 22 October 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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