New York travel specialist Kitt Garrett shares highlights from her first journey through Southern Africa, including Cape Town, Rovos Rail, Victoria Falls and Botswana, with memorable wildlife encounters, luxury stays and warm local hospitality.
Victoria Falls is shaped by seasonal water levels, offering different but equally memorable experiences throughout the year. This article explains the facts behind water flow, media misinformation and why the Falls remain one of Africa’s most spectacular natural wonders.
Trans Africa Safaris is honoured to have received the APAC Award for Destinations & Experiences Growth at the Asia Pacific Luxury Awards, recognising the valued support of our Australia and New Zealand travel partners.
Southern and East Africa both offer unforgettable safari experiences, from the diverse landscapes, wildlife and luxury lodges of Southern Africa to the iconic savannahs, migration routes and classic safari heritage of East Africa.
Good Morning From Los Angeles,
I wanted to share the note from the my clients with you. They also left you a Virtuoso.com review. Thank you again for all your assistance, as this was the largest trip spend-wise of my travel career.
Oh Carrie,
What an amazing trip we had with our family. Memories galore!! Everywhere we went was amazing and was seamless, with everyone meeting us and escorting us at every stop. The people we met were so kind and we developed such a relationship with them it was hard to leave Zafara, Londolozi, and Benguerra Island without lots of hugs.
Thank you for all of your planning that made it such a fabulous trip!!!
Carrie
Luxury Travel Advisor
I just spoke with my clients today. They had the most incredible time, even with the bat and rogue baboon “break-in” experience in their room at Mala Mala 😊.
And specifically, I MUST MENTION how you jumped right in, even during the night, to assist. They were really so, so thankful to have you and how you helped them. We discussed the trip, the differences between the two lodges, and on this one, Jenny, you were right, as always — they LOVED Mala Mala Camp and were so grateful that we suggested it to them.
They really liked Royal Malawane too — over the top, incredible — but we knew Lisa really wanted a “true safari” experience, and they were over the moon.
With Mala Mala, Jenny, you always said it’s the best game viewing and, as usual, you were RIGHT!
For me, I need the “Zhuzh” of Royal Malawane, I’ll admit it. I’m a bit spoiled like that, HEHE 😊.
Anyway, they had the best, best time. Lisa told her kids she felt a little sorry, as maybe they were now spoiled, asking, “How could they top this trip?”
I have to agree. I said for me it was a “LIFE-CHANGING” trip, and Lisa and I discussed the importance of working with a great company that supports and leads the clients once we hand them over on the ground, and the need to have a real hands-on company that can handle anything that comes up!
I told her, this is why I always say, TRANS AFRICA IS MY ONLY GO-TO FOR AFRICA!
Big HUGS, and to Mara too — could not have done it without you too, Mara 😊
P.S. They very much loved the location of the V&A and were happy they chose it. Great location, and they went to dinner at, I believe, Kloof Street House, and loved it
My best,
Joanne
Luxury Travel Advisor
My granddaughter was sobbing on the FedAir light aircraft flight to Johannesburg about leaving. She was so sad.
We all had a great time. I was surprised my grandchildren were happy to do two or three-hour game drives each day. The manager did not know it was our third visit and treated us like kings, with special wines and gifts. They did know about the birthday and sent champagne and cake.
We had a fabulous guide who was also great with the children and the family.
Carol
Luxury Client
I’m not sure how to fully express our gratitude for the absolutely perfect vacation you planned for our family.
Everything—from the seamless airport pickups and hotel transfers to the chartered flights, our stays at Elewana Sand River and Lewa House, the day tour of Nairobi, and our final transfer back to the airport—was flawless. While every accommodation was top-notch, it was truly the wonderful hospitality, incredible food, and exceptional guides and staff that put our stay over the top at both Elewana Sand River and Lewa House.
I can’t adequately describe the love we all felt for the beautiful country of Kenya. The landscapes, the wildlife, and especially the people we met were simply fabulous.
Thank you for sharing your expertise with us. You created a vacation for all 16 of us that will never be forgotten.
Warmest regards,
Kathryn
Luxury Client
“It was FABULOUS! Nothing we would change on the itinerary – highlights were the motorcycle tour and the Safari. On our free days we went to Camps Bay, explored the V&A, and in wine country we did a massage and lunch at Delaire Graff which was fabulous.”
Then my client called and talked to me for 30 minutes about all their fun experiences. It was a homerun! Thank you and your team for another great client experience.
Best Regards,
Chris
Luxury Travel Advisor
Overall, they had a wonderful time and came home with fantastic memories. The safari experience at Kariega was a tremendous success. The family loved having exclusive use of the Homestead, the guides received high praise, and the wildlife sightings exceeded expectations. Victoria Falls and the elephant encounter were also major highlights.
They also expressed tremendous gratitude for the team’s assistance before and during the trip, including the responsiveness over WhatsApp and all of the assistance and escorts provided during travel days.
They were extremely complimentary of the trip and repeatedly emphasized how meaningful it was to spend this time together as a family. They returned home with wonderful memories and were very appreciative of all the planning and support provided throughout the journey.
Many thanks again for helping make this such a special trip for them and for all of your assistance along the journey.
Antony
Luxury Travel Advisor
I have previously worked with another operator for all of my luxury travellers and decided to take a chance on Trans Africa Safaris over the past year with several clients with moderate budgets seeking affordable luxury in Africa. Wow! Have I been impressed!
Candice at Trans Africa Safaris is now my GO-TO planning partner for this niche! Response time is fast and efficient, comprehensive itinerary proposals are developed within days, digital versions and PDF versions are both provided, and full comprehensive trip preparation is provided with the digital itineraries, including visa and vaccine recommendations and requirements.
They make my job so much easier, freeing up my time knowing they have all the information that my clients will need. Restaurant recommendations and reservations are an included service. Safari bags are included too!
Final documents are sent in a timely manner at least 30 days prior to guest departure, so I am not biting my nails begging for final documents two weeks prior to departure, like I have to do with other DMCs. They send me regular updates while my clients are traveling and include photos of my clients during their travels. This is so valuable, so that by the time my clients return home, I know exactly what transpired and am prepared already to hear their happy feedback!
Janice Gombert is also an amazing resource for me. As I am currently traveling in South Africa, she was amazingly instrumental in connecting me to our Signature Hotel properties and setting up experiences at Red Carnation as well as other Signature hotel and resort properties.
Trans Africa Safaris is truly an EXCELLENT PARTNER. Thank you!
Lisa
Luxury Travel Advisor
Sharon, I wanted to thank you and your organization for the fantastic trip our family just enjoyed in South Africa.
Everything worked seamlessly (even a missing C-Pap was promptly found). I enjoyed each of the three locations immensely; the accommodations were luxurious and incredibly scenic, and staff there really went out of their way to help our big group. I was especially pleased that the Mount Nelson Hotel provided us with late 6 PM checkout on all 5 of our rooms on the last day. I was not expecting that. Wow – it made everything so much easier. And the van in Cape Town came provided with three rows of seats – we weren’t expecting that either – thank you!
Gerhard at Madikwe, Ben at Phinda and Clive at Cape Town were all stellar guides. Clive in Cape Town already forwarded us a family photo he took of us; he certainly has a knack for making everybody look good. I believe Clive even took a liking to my youngest granddaughter Guinevere, who is a tiny two; he carried her around, and she was a docile darling, something she was NOT with the rest of us. He must have the magic touch. The luggage tags, the i-pad covers and wonderful itinerary booklet we received in Johannesburg are all so beautiful, not to mention useful – thank you!
Thank you so much for going the extra mile for me and my family. I would definitely do it again if I can. I would certainly definitely do something similar in another part of south or east Africa. It was indeed the trip of a lifetime.
Nancy
Luxury Travel Agent, USA
Dear Jade,
Thanks for reaching out, our honeymoon was AMAZING!!!
We are still on cloud nine and can’t even pick what our favorite part was, it was all perfect! In Will’s words “It exceeded every expectation and no other vacation will be able to live up to it, it was that good!” We absolutely loved our guide and tours in Cape Town. He really made it fun and special and everything was top notch. We got so much special treatment everywhere we went, and the lodges were OUTSTANDING! The personal touches and attention they give to you really made it so very special. We can’t thank you enough for everything you did to make our honeymoon a trip of a lifetime, you were so great and easy to work with!!
Thanks again!
Sarah & Will
Luxury Clients, USA
“You all are one of our top suppliers in volume and are great business partners. Also, we regard you all as much more than that, you are considered a friend. This is not something that we pass along to just anyone either. Of course, as in the past, and into the future, when we think of which inbound to choose from we will always think of Trans Africa Safaris first and foremost.
Even though we are small agency, everyone here, believes as I do, that you are number one.”
Josh
Luxury Travel Agent, USA
Michelle, thanks so much for your wonderful note – you guys are the absolute best.
You just made my day and it’s only 11 am! As I’ve told my client on many occasions during the planning of this trip, one of my favorite things about my job is being excited FOR people before they even leave on their first African adventure, and then living it vicariously day by day while the trip is in progress. After all, before you go, you simply have no idea what to expect…but I do, and so it’s kind of like planning a surprise party for someone in that regard.
I’ll look forward to hearing more…that’s another part I like, hearing from people after it’s all over. You’ll find that as much as you enjoy the trip while it’s happening, your appreciation for it will deepen as time goes on and you reflect back on it.”
Tom
Luxury Travel Agent, USA
“What an amazing way to experience South Africa. It was over two years in the making, thank you Covid, but well worth the wait. I cannot imagine seeing Africa for the first time with any other supplier. Jennifer Paterson, the owner, and her team made this a dream come true for me. I know that my clients will be in wonderful hands before, during and after their adventure to Africa. The entire team is personable, easy to work with and best of all the response time for answers, requests and general information is quick. I cannot wait to send my clients to SA with TAS because I know they will be pinching themselves as well and dreaming of Africa just as I am. Cannot wait to go back.”
Michele
Luxury Travel Advisor
“I highly recommend Trans Africa Safaris as I have had both the opportunity to travel with them personally and to work with them for clients. As a South Africa based company, they have a deep knowledge of the area and strong relationships with their vendors. I have worked with TAS on bookings for both East Africa and Southern Africa. They are always prompt with a response (faster than many US based companies). I have found them to be accommodating with mid-range budgets as well as high-end clients. I highly recommend TAS and know they will provide my clients with exceptional service..”
Mary
Luxury Travel Advisor
“My agency has used Trans Africa Safaris many times in the past. Communication is always clear & prompt and they are extremely knowledgeable about each destination they offer. They can work within your budget and let you know what they can/can’t do. I recently got to travel with them to Zambia, Botswana, and South Africa. It was an amazing trip! We stayed at some wonderful lodges and had great guides to take us around in Johannesburg and Cape Town. There were a lot of moving parts to trip (multiple flights & transfers to each destination)and it was a worry free and seamless experience.”
Heidi
Luxury Travel Advisor
“Look nowhere else! Trans African Safaris exceeds all others, and being in business for 100 years will always be the BEST. I had the great honor to travel with them as a solo traveler and in a small group. If you have any Solo travelers, TAS is the one to call. They never missed a beat, down to arranging a surprise Mother’s Day dinner at “Restaurant Klein Jan” on a private Game Reserve. Their offices are in Africa, which allows them to assist any situation in real-time. They have a great relationship with management at every one of their properties and work diligently to make sure every client’s needs are met, and then more. Work with Trans Africa Safaris, and you’ll have Happy Clients and a stress-free booking process.”
Theresa
Luxury Travel Advisor
“I just returned from the TAS educational trip, which had been rescheduled. The team there worked very hard to rebook our trip and recreate the original itinerary. This is an example of the exemplary diligence of this supplier; AND their amazing relationships with properties throughout Africa. Because they operate offices there, they can respond to traveller needs in real time. Their communication with agents is prompt and clear. They know Africa and will plan a seamless and worry-free vacation. I can’t recommend them enough. They are a joy to work with and simply superb!”
Melanie
Luxury Travel Advisor
