Wagon Trails - Small group adventure holidays and safaris in Africa

Customers Testimonials

Barbara - Canada

Package: Okavango Experience

Travelled: April, 2008

My sister and I have just come back from our trip which you helped arrange and I wanted to drop you a note to let you know that it (the trip) was absoultly wonderful. Our guide, Emma, was great. She new where she was going, what she was doing at all times and everything else in between. Thank you for all of your help in the planning. I would recommend your travel services to anybody wishing to travel to Africa.

Thank you, again, Barbara

Eon - South Africa

Package: Namibia special group itinerary

Travelled: February, 2008

What a success!!! I just wanted to thank you for your patience and for planning such a wonderful trip. But most of all I wanted to let you know that our guides Darren and Steve made the trip. They were absolutely great: professional, friendly, made delicious food and
provided a fun and relaxed atmosphere. I can't rate them enough and I wanted to thank you for letting them take us. I don't think I can think of 1 significant complaint so well done and once again thank you for an incredible experience.

Kind regards,

Eon

Sylvia & Neal Robichaud from United States

Package: Kruger 4 day Lodge

Travelled: November 2007

We have returned from our visit to South Africa & by far the highlight of our visit was the 4 Day Kruger - Chalet Trip at the Wagon Trails Lodge (Guernsey Gate). We were picked up & driven to the lodge by Gerrat Botha, our young guide, who was actually still a student & doing his first transport. Words cannot express our admiration for him. He was like a walking encyclopedia when it came to knowing about the animals, birds & reptiles, plants also - a very knowledgeable & personable young man.

We enjoyed our stay at the Wagon Trails lodge. The food was good. Our drivers, Simon, Dan & Martin were wonderful, patient & knowledgeable with our questions. The host Vitale was Mr. Personality & the best part was the tour drive through Thangala with our guide Neal & tracker (sorry, I forgot his name).

We actually could have reached out of our vehicle & touched the animals. The only one of the big 5 that we did not see was the elusive leopard, but took many pictures which we were able to bring back home, of lions, elephant, zebras, rhino, hippos, ostriches, kudu, spring buck, crocodiles, impala & more impala, and even an encounter with a black mamba who reared up in front of our closed air-conditioned vehicle along the road back from Blyde River Canyon. We would definitely recommend the tour to anyone who has only a short time & would like to view as much wild life as possible.

Thanks to everyone involved in your operation, from you John O for the speedy help with our last minute booking to the wonderful cooks & staff at the lodge.

Fiona Patterson - from United Kingdom

Package: Kruger Camp and Lodge

Travelled: July 2007

The trip to Kruger was FANTASTIC, a real trip of a lifetime condensed into 4 days. We were treated as special, and saw so much of that small part of South Africa, especially the wildlife. THANK YOU

Thank you once again

Fiona

Erika Taylor - from United States

Package: Okavango Experience

Travelled: June 2007

Comments: Well, I just got back from Africa and I had a great time. The Okevango Delta was amazing, we woke up one morning hearing hyenas and then lions on the next. I was really impressed with the tour (Okavango Experience - 10 days) and our guide, Alfred. The sights were great. The food was well above my expectations. Alfred was fun and knowledgable. I am looking forward to my next visit and hope to go to either Etosha (Nambibia) or Kruger (S. Africa).

Paul - from Australia

Package: Southern Explore

Travelled: April 2007

Comments:y wife and I did the 14 day Wagon Trails southern expole. We had a magic time. The small portion of Africa we saw simply blew us away. The animals, the people we met on our tour, the humble and proud people of Batswana...all of it!

We we also impressed with the meals, the equipent and the safari vechile. There was a lot of time spent travelling but obviously this is inevitable. One point that our group all felt stongly about was that it was simply too much work for one guide.We met people from other tour groups who were smaller in size and had an assistant (sometimes 2) with their guide.

Apart from that, we felt that it was great value for money.

Emma Burns - from United Kingdom

Package: Southern Explore

Travelled: September 2006

Comments: WOW....what a trip!! I wish it had never ended, although more time at Vic Falls would have been really good as there is so much to do...plus it was the best place to just chill out and get away from the rest of the group (I know that sounds bad, but sometimes you just needed some time to yourself)

However going back to the group, Mary-Anne was truely amazing, it didn't seem like she was the tour leader more like one of the gang!! She was truely great and some of the meals that she came up with...wow...what an imagination or maybe that's the experience of tour leading coming through. (the safari stew as it was affectionately know was one of the best meals of the two weeks!!)

Apologies for being a pain and asking so many questions prior to going...but I'm glad I asked as it saved me money and time shopping. The others on the trip had all taken with them water purification tablets, and thanks to my persistant questioning I knew not to bother.

Jeanette Perdue - from United States

Package: Southern Sailaway

Travelled: August 2006

Comments: I completed the Southern Sailaway with Wagon Trails (22-Aug thru 6-Sept) - what a great tour/safari.

This was my first experience in Africa and our guide was very informative and knowledgeable about the history of the towns, villages, countries and terrain.

The camping provisions are excellent and the bus is perfect for the overland portions. Our dinners provided were cooked to perfection - you never know when someone is camp cooking what you might get - it was great! Our guide arranged for our group to eat with a family in a village in Malawi. We had a traditional meal prepared and served to us - we provided our own utensils & plates they did the rest - WOW!

This tour encompasses the deep hearts of Africa as well as beaches and animal viewing. I would definately recommend this tour for the true adventurer who wants to experience the sum of all parts of what Africa can be. Cheers!!

Gemma Strutt - from United Kingdom

Package: customised itinerary

Travelled: July 2006

Comments: It was a great trip and the itinerary was fantastic, although it had changed slightly from when I booked it.

Having also done overlands in the big trucks, I would say that, for me, the mini bus is too small and I was constantly hitting my head on the roof and had no where to put all of my stuff that I wanted to keep on me (opposed to in the trailer) or any leg room. But they do have the advantage of travelling faster than the trucks.

The tents were in good condition and the matresses provided were also good. It is a lot more hands on than the overlands I did with the trucks where cooks help only goes as far as cutting veg up, on this tour we got more involved with helping cook everything.

John Winfield - from Canada

Package: 4 day Kruger Park

Travelled: May 2006

Comments: Just a big thank you to the great Safari that this operator provided this month for me.

It exceeded all my expectations, more so because of the service which was excellant and the overall experience. I would highly reccomend this Safari Company as I believe the planning and delivery was above and beyond what I had expected, not only the price but the hands on approach which I will remember for a long time. I think though credit is due to the excellant guide Andre , who was fun, experienced and also a good cook.

I am in the service industry myself, so I do see the difference between just okay and great. I would be happy to allow you the use this response as I truly believe it was THE African experience.

Samuel Storrer - from United States

Package: 14 day Southern Explore

Travelled: January 2006

Comments: My wife and I LOVED our African adventure!

We went at the very end of January through the beginning of February. The weather was great, the company and new friends we made were wonderful, and the tour operator was excellent! We would not have changed anything about the trip.

Khensani was our guide, we loved him! We found him to be highly knowledgable on various topics of African lifestyle, culture, and various regions. Khensani was fun and enrgetic, he provided us with the trip of a lifetime!

We are very interested in returning to Africa in the future to visit other regions. We will use The Africa Guide, as well as this operator again!

Heather Donovan - from United States

Package: 14 day Southern Explore

Travelled: January 2006

Comments: We had an amazing time!

It was a long journey with a lot of driving for 14 days however, I wouldn't have changed a thing. We never would have seen all that we did without a detailed itinerary.

The tour guide was very helpful and knowledgeable, and the food was better than I had expected for a camping trip. I would recommend using this operator to a friend, for the price the tour was excellent.

The highlight of our trip would have been the amazing wildlife, the friendly people who guided us in the Delta, and the White Water Rafting on the Zambezi. Overall the camping facilities that we stayed at had great facilities, some with pools, and bars (there were a few that were not as nice). The minibus that we used was a bit cramped for the amount of driving that we did, but that is really my only constructive feedback.

Ben & Susanna - from United Kingdom

Package: 4 day Kruger Park

Travelled: September 2005

Comments: We had a fantastic trip that exceeded our expectations.

Our guide Pete was wonderful, very enthusiastic, helpful, knowledgeable and keen to please. We will definately would consider travelling again with you.

Thanks for an unforgettable trip and for our new found friends! Susanna / Ben Ps.

Only 1 think to mention, they forgot to give us a hammer and we all had to use stones to pitch our tents!

Mia - from Sweden

Package: Okavango Delta

Travelled: August 2005

Comments: My trip was nice.

We had a bit of a tight schedule but this meant that we got to see a lot of things. The absolute highlight was the Okavango Delta. The guide was nice and cooked lovely food.

It would have been good to know on beforehand that local currency (and not only dollar) should have been brought. Even though you can exchange there, it is better to bring (since otherwise you have to rely on that the guide does an FX-stop when you want it).

Cricket - from United States

Package: Okavango Experience - 10 days

Travelled: July 2005

Comments: My trip was fantastic. Originally I was planning to rent a Jeep and travel to all these sites by myself, I cant tell you how relieved i was that i didnt try it on my own.

From the minute we met Xavier, our guide, he made us feel welcome and comfortable. We were well informed as to what we needed and what was going to happen. Xavier made our trip enjoyable through his hard work and team work with us as a group.

He knew everything, we even tried to stump him but was unable. The sites we saw were well planned out. We all wished there was a little more time in the schedule to just have an hour or two for ourselves. The ride between destinations got to be a drag, but we all made it through.

It was nice to have a diverse group as we did. The tour was also well thought out. The sights and the options for the price was well worth it. I know this is a bit random, i am just trying to be brief, yet I want you to know I would do it again in a heartbeat. If I can be anymore help or give anymore info dont hesitate to ask.

Lorna Book - from Canada

Package: 4 day Kruger Park

Travelled: July 2005

Comments: Our guide was very knowledgeable, accommodating and fun to be with. She cared about her clients and obviously focussed on us getting as much as possible from the tour.

The pace of travel for the 4 days was good, we saw countless numbers of animals and birds and because of the weather, mist and fog in the early mornings, she re-arranged the route so that we wouldn't miss anything.

The vehicle was comfortable and the meals were fine. Fortunately for us, we were only 4 on tour and so we were able to use 2 mattresses each.

Finn Mogensen - from Denmark

Package: 4 day Kruger Park

Travelled: November 2004

Comments: We had a great Safari tour

In the last week of November 2004, we, a family group of 6 adults, went for a 4 days safari tour, together with a couple from Sweden and a guy from England. We all had a great experience, and afterwards we can't say which part was the best. Was it the evening in the original African village, where we eat a meal, which were cooked over a fire or was it talking and dancing with the local guy, Given? Was it the night tour in Kruger Park where we saw the animals at night, or the walking tour, with two armed guides, where we saw tree white rhinos? Or was it the last day in the park, when we had given up all hope to see lions - and there they lay in the side of the road - two males and a female?

It is hard to say, but our guide on the trip, Dion, made our holiday complete. He arranged everything for us, so that we could spend most time locating the animals. He bought and prepared the food and made all the arrangement for the tour - and if it hasn't been for him, we would have missed a lot of animals, because he spotted them long before us.

Ken Chamberlain - from Australia

Package: 14 day Southern Explore

Travelled: August 2004

Comments: I've now completed a 14 day tour In South Africa, Botswana and Zambia, sleeping in a native hut, or tents in the wilderness.

Activities included: Sightseeing at Victoria Falls. White Water Rafting on the Zambesi River. Poling on the Okavanga Delta in a mokoros (dug out canoe) Plane flights low over the Zambesi River, Victoria Falls and Okavanga Delta. Cruises on the Zambesi and Chobe Rivers. Visiting a Cheetah breeding centre (where they are protecting endangered species) Camping on the edge of the Kalahari Dessert.

A superb tour on which I saw and did more than I had anticipated. Thanks to a great guide and companions.

Jan Murphy - from South Africa

Package: Kruger Park to Victoria Falls

Travelled: July 2004

Comments: Our trip with them was a good return for the money we spent. Our traveling companions were all fun, and our guide was first-rate. I'm planning on taking another safari with them, when my other son comes to visit South Africa.

Linda Sellers - from Canada

Package: 14 day Southern Explore

Travelled: May 2004

Comments: I would just like to say that my husband and I were extremely pleased with the service and tour we received. We participated in the 14 day Southern Explore and felt that it provided and excellent opportunity to see South Africa, Botswana and Victoria Falls. Our guide was professional, knowledgeable and well organized. There were no surprises and everything that was promised was delivered.

I would not hesitate to recommend this company for anyone wishing to experience Africa on an overland tour.

Michael Dean - from Ireland

Package: 14 day Southern Explore

Travelled: April 2004

Comments: The holiday was a great experience and value for money. I saw a great deal of Southern Africa that I wanted to see particularly the Okavango Delta and the Vic Falls. Kruger was incredible with fantastic camping facilities and tard roads. Our Guide Richard and his trainee Jawl were great and always doing there best to give me and the others a good time and making the trip as enjoyable as possible, which could be quite difficult having probably been stuck in the minibus for 5 or 6 hours at a time getting to our next destination.

The only drawback was into our second week when the numbers in the van grew from 5 which was comfortable to 10 when we took some more people on. That made the total number of people in the minibus to 12 including the Guides. It is hard travelling most of the day quite squashed especially as I was in the back seat most of the time seating 4. Richard has great energy and was a great host and did a great job, although in true South African tradition he can be abrupt and loud, but did a fine job. Got us up and ready for the next day and really made the effort to make our holiday interesting and fun and looked after us even though we could all be a bit difficult. Nice guy and thank him for the good time I had.

I would recommend the holiday to others, I know you guys make a real effort to give us an amaizing adventure, without to much hardship, as you laid on the food, knew the route and took us to good camp sites, and made us aware of what was available which saves a huge amount of effort if one did this for himself. You were very helpful with border crossing, access to ATM's, toilets, shopping, eating out, and drinking- all good stuff. Thanks for giving us a great adventure, without busting a gut, and the effort you guys made to give us a good time.

Melissa Moeller - from Switzerland

Package: Kruger Park to Victoria Falls

Travelled: December 2003

Comments: Fantastic holiday.

The people were amazing. I was a little hesitant to go by myself, but everything went smoothly. John was able to answer all questions I had before my trip, and I had quite a few!

I would recommend this trip to people of all ages, and those interested in having the most wonder vacation ever in Sunny South Africa!

Melanie Reinholz - from Germany

Package: 14 day Southern Explore

Travelled: November 2003

Comments: Thank you very much for this tour. It was a very unique and special tour which I will never forget.

I really got a wild impression of afrika and enjoyed much. Also a thank you to our tour guide, Marius. he was really funny and gave the tour and the whole team the right atmosphere and a enthusiastic feeling.

Until now it was the gorgeous holiday what I ever had but definitely it will not be my last trip to afrika. thank you for that.

Atsushi Arauchi - from United Kingdom

Package: 4 day Kruger Park

Travelled: November 2003

Comments: There's lots of different company offers you all sorts of Safari Tour. If you are after basic, hands on but real safari experience rather than staying in Air-con bus and having afternoon tea provided at View point, then this is the tour operator that you should go for.

The knowledge of tour guide was amazing, obviously not one of those "Temp Guides" at all. So passionate what he does.

You need a spirits of "Join-in and enjoy" to make most of it and at the same time that is what the rest of group would appreciate from you too.

All in all, great experience.

Donal Mahony - from Ireland

Package: Kruger Park to Victoria Falls

Travelled: October 2003

Comments: I had a fantastic time. everything about the trip was superb and it was i reckon the best value for money possible. the guide dion was superb I couldnt say enough about him professional, fun, knowledgable etc. etc. kruger park was great as was the booze cruise white water rafting on the zambezi victoria falls.

Alison Mary Brown - from United Kingdom

Package: Okavango Experience - 10 days

Travelled: August 2003

Comments: I've got to say this... WOW!!!! The Okavango Experience is definately my best holiday ever!!! From a best ever birthday white water rafting and bungi jumping at Vic Falls to an absolutely AWESOME experience camping out under the stars in the Okavango Delta... I just have to close my eyes and allow the memories to come flooding back.

What a special continent! I'm already dreaming of when I can return to where the sun always shines!!

Don Ramage - from United Kingdom

Package: 14 day Southern Explore

Travelled: August 2003

Comments: The safari was good value and well organised with a good variety of experiences from the calm Mokoro travels in the Okavango Delta to the less calm white water rafting on the Zambezi below Mosi-O-Tunya.

Helen Preston and Edwin Allen - from Australia

Package: 4 day Kruger Park

Travelled: June 2003

Comments: They provided an excellent service throughout the entire safari. Our guide was informative, friendly and well organised ensuring that the trip went smoothly. Meals provided were great and fresh and the campsites on a whole were of a good standard.

Would definitely recommend them to anyone considering an overland safari in Africa.

Kerstin Healy - from Spain

Package: Tropical Trek

Travelled: May 2003

Comments: I had a GREAT time on the Tropical Trek. What I liked most was the small group size, offering more flexibility and shared experiences than some of the bigger trucks that weave their way rather obtrusively around Africa.

Our guide was great - a mixture of responsible and laid back, so we felt that we were in safe hands yet not regimented. He also provided insight into wildlife, local customs etc, and was knowledgeable about all things African. All the gear (tents, cooking stuff etc.) we used was clean and in good condition, vehicles were comfy (even though they needed some attention along the way - they thanked us for our patience with an extra day and other treats).

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone - fun budget travel.