Here are some comments from a few of our clients and suppliers. If you would like to send us feedback about your Safari Adventure, please email us.
Drew Kluska – “The Tailor”, Australia’s premier ground handler
Tim Lapage IS the Africa expert. He was born and bred in Africa, knows the best guides, and the owners of the best accommodations personally. He flies his own plane through Africa from top to bottom. He can get things done that others can’t”
Roger Toll, Journalist from Santa Fe, NM – traveled this year to Kenya.
“Our trip could not have been a better…growing like a musical crescendo, and remote from all the hectic tourism of the national park. Two leopards, then hours watching four lions, a cheetah’s kill of a gazelle, then a family feast with her cubs. The camps were ideal, really perfection, and the people who guided and served us knowledgeable and kind. The biplane was terrific. Best of all, I learned so much about private efforts at conservation through working with the local communities. A special thanks for that very personal tailoring of the trip.”
Joel and Susan Friedman from South Orange NJ recently traveled to Southern India
“Susan and I want to express both our extreme gratitude for having arranged an absolutely exceptional off the beaten path adventure for us in Southern India and our appreciation for the attention to detail that you and your team exhibited in pulling off this complex trip in so successful a manner. You are definitely our go to team for any future trips of this nature. Susan and I have some very different travel interests as well as differences with respect to levels of comfort and safety. Your carefully spent time “interviewing” us with respect to all the relevant concerns resulted in a near flawless experience for both of us. Our friends have all marveled at our tales of India including the wild life, the temples, the rituals, the food, the warmth and charm of the locals, and the exceptional accommodations. We experienced unusual and highly personalized excursions both into the nature parks and into tribal villages and schools. The drivers and guides were always there for us and all the complex machinations with respect to timing of pickups and arrivals were executed without a hitch. Thank you for a fantastic trip!! “
Susi and Jean Walrand, from Nassau, Bahamas, traveled to Ecuador and Galapagos.
“Our trip was really fantastic. We understand your insistence we see more than the Galapagos. And we are glad we did the trip in the order that we did. It was always a pleasure to go back to the Plaza Grande as well. A great hotel, impeccable service and heated bathroom floors! Ecuador is a surprising place, and we are ready to go back. People are lovely, food is good, and the accommodations excellent.
The Galapagos were all we expected and more. We had a superb guide and the Evolution was very comfortable and clean, food good and the crew super. We were also lucky with the other passengers…we all got along, and were at the same physical level, for the most part. No “bad apples.”
The best part of the trip was meeting your in country person Marcia. She is a great guide and became a good friend. She understands her clients almost immediately and is so knowledgeable about everything.
The Napo Wildlife Center in the Amazon basin was good too..but a lot of early mornings and rain….to be expected. Another day there would have been perfect.
All in all a perfectly planned trip, as usual. Thanks Tim. Now we have to decide what’s next!”
David, Judy and Matt Sobel – San Jose CA
“The Galapagos was a dream adventure. Walking and swimming with sea lions, penguins, iguana, and birds of all kinds, was an unearthly experience. They have no fear of humans and it feels like you are wandering through a dream world in which there is no fear or flight. A unique adventure. Your coordinator and guide Marcia was wonderful too. Thanks so much. Now onto to Zambia and Kenya!”
Ray and Margaret Falconer, from the UK, on their trip to Kilimanjaro:
“As you are aware Tony and I made it all the way to the top of Kilimanjaro and back without incident. I thought I would drop you a line just to say how much my wife Margaret and I enjoyed the whole experience.
The Kilimanjaro climb was extremely well run and equipped with good, strong, knowledgeable guides and very attentive staff. The food was good as was the company.
Thereafter the Safari was efficiency itself. Every taxi, plane and donkey turned up on time and every destination was perfect. Especially Kalacha, well for one night that is!!!
It was a pleasure to meet your daughter Tana, she was great fun to be with.
The flight to Kalacha was a wonderful experience particularly as James showed us his great flying skills and took us over some amazing sights.
So once again a very big thank you for providing us with a holiday of a lifetime!”
Mark Gordon from Boston MA traveled to Ethiopia
“Thank you for your help in setting up such a wonderful trip!
Between the beautiful landscape, the fascinating culture, the rich history and the wonderful people, it was truly a life-changing journey. In particular Aseffa from Travel Ethiopia was a wonderful, knowledgeable guide who was a vast resource of information and enjoyment — even his laugh was unforgettable!
Most of all, in a country where infrastructure can make travel a challenge, you certainly made sure every detail was covered to ensure that we had a safe, comfortable journey.”
Nolan and Margaret Archibald – Potomac, MD were in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya.
“Thanks once again for making our “once in a lifetime” trip so perfect!”
Barbara Brothers from Youngstown, OH did a special trip to Australia and New Zealand
“Our 21 days were perfect! Every host and every activity exceeded our expectations! The trip combined Tim’s knowledge of what we wanted from our visit with what Australia and New Zealand had to offer. Clearly that information was shared with our wonderful hosts, who made each day, each meal, and each excursion one that delighted our minds and our senses. We only regret that Australia and New Zealand are not closer so that we could more often come back to enjoy the company and homes of Malcolm and Marianne Booth, Di and Ian Fargher, the Hannafords (Rachel, her mother, and grandmother).. Our advice to friends is don’t waste your time and money with a package tour as it is the people who make both New Zealand and Australia a must visit”.
Jonathan and Angela Scott – of Big Cat Diary TV fame – traveled with us to Argentina en-route to Antarctica
“Our trip to Argentina just couldn’t have been more special. Safari Experts and their local agents were outstanding – their extraordinary efficiency and attention to detail was a joy! Buenos Aires was fascinating and we only wished we had had longer to explore – the Tango show was the highlight and left us wanting to go the next night and the night after that! But most memorable was Estancia El Rocio – they couldn’t have looked after us with more care – we could have stayed forever and we are already trying to organize our next trip so as to be able to spend a bit more time in Argentina – it will never be as long as I would hope!”
Alison Jones of New York – creator of No Water, No Life – joined us on the Over The Waters of Africa Flying Safari
“Skimming low over vast, abstractly-patterned waterways and spending 3 weeks on the banks of these great rivers and lakes, it is both beautifully and starkly obvious: No water, no life. No one other than Tim could offer such a unique view of Africa, given his piloting expertise, professional safari knowledge and bush experience. The thrill of exploration is an amazing overlay to the privilege of being part of each one of these brilliantly dawning days and Southern Cross starlit nights”.
Melinda and Gregor Andrade of Greenwich & Stamford, Connecticut
“So, we want to thank you both (Tim and Gail), for organizing an incredible journey for us! Our sojourn to Botswana and South Africa was one that most people only ever dream about, and we were lucky enough – with your help – to live and breath it! We are so happy that we chose Safari Experts, and certainly agree that you’ve chosen your company name wisely! You certainly are experts at organizing a safari!
So, now we’re left with only one question??? Where will you take us next???”
Gary and Nancy Fichter from Park City, UT climbed Kilimanjaro
“Our trip, arranged by Safari Experts, was truly a trip of a lifetime – all aspects of our trip: climbing Kilimanjaro, going on safari, and R&R at Lamu Island, gave us experiences, new friends, and memories that will last forever.
Their friendly and knowledgeable staff answered all of our questions and put our minds at ease. They are intimately familiar with the places that they booked for us. The organization was impeccable. We were always met by very friendly staff and well taken care of. That gave a comfortable backdrop for us to enjoy the unique experiences that awaited us. We purposely avoided many of the well known tourist stops to have a more personalized trip and get closer to the locals. That intent was successfully implemented by Safari Experts.”
Diane Marek from Geneva, Illinois took her son on an East African safari
“Our safari was an amazing experience! It surpassed all expectations. We spent the first evening at Giraffe Manor. It was a great place to stay and we had plenty of time to wander in the morning before heading off to Borana Lodge. The Lodge was beautiful as were the mountains it sits among. The accommodations were definitely top notch, from the tea brought to us in the morning to the amazing meals shared with the other guests. We met some very interesting people as well. We saw the big five the first day!
We spent the next two nights at Richard’s Camp. This experience was great as well and a nice counterbalance to the previous lush accommodations. Joseph and I loved the tent, especially lounging in it in the afternoons with it open to the fresh air. Again the food was excellent and the company of the other guests interesting. Our safari guide, Murray, did a great job hunting down lions for us to see as the lions are both mine and Joseph’s favorite. We saw a great variety of animals.
After our short safari, we met up with the Choice Humanitarian group to go into Egu village and help build a school. Suffice to say that was an incredible experience! All in all, the safari was perfect. Two nights at each location was actually sufficient for us due to our time limitations. However, I would have loved to have had time to ride the horses at Borana! Joseph says if he goes back he would do it exactly the same. I would as well.
Thank you for a truly unique safari!”
Julie Floyd from New York joined one of our scheduled climbs of Kilimanjaro
The Kilimanjaro trip is something everyone should try. Not only is it a unique opportunity to walk through several eco systems and camp at breathtaking sites, but a time to challenge yourself. And it’s not about making it to the peak, although that accomplishment will feel good, its about appreciating the process. The exploration of Kilimanjaro is a very special trip. Enjoy each step because after you come down you will wish you had more time on that mountain.The views on the route were so beautiful and the summit climb was definitely one of the most memorable things I have ever done. Every once in awhile I would look up at the amazing stars and could not believe what I was seeing. I have never seen stars so clearly.
Safari Experts did a wonderful job in coordinating my Kili climb and allowed for time beforehand at River Trees to rest, get over jet lag and enjoy a safari at Arusha National Park. It was a very well organized and memorable vacation. Thank you Safari Experts!
Cindy Stephan from Laguna Miguel, CA took her family on safari to Botswana
“The trip was fantastic and we thoroughly enjoyed everything. Got spoiled at Kwando Lagoon since it was a private concession and anything goes! On to Xakanaka and hard to adjust to a game reserve coming from a private concession. All accommodations were great; just Jack’s and Kwando had some extra special touches. Jack’s Camp was so unique and a great way to end the trip. Even some of the pans still had water in them and the desert wasn’t as dry as usual. None of us wanted to leave”.
“Thank you. It was a wonderful experience that I enjoyed far more than I expected to. (I know, you told me so.) All of the logistics which you arranged went off without a hitch, every driver, every plane was just where it was supposed to be, at the correct time.
The best overall impression was that South Africans actually like Americans. The country, in its attitudes and customs, was more like America than I ever expected. All the people that we came in contact with were warm and welcoming.
I loved Makweti. The lodge and rooms were beautiful. Wayne was an excellent experienced ranger who was very reassuring for a first safari. The atmosphere was comfortable and casual but very professional. Food and wine were excellent. We saw plenty of animals including a sighting of wild dogs, which is apparently unusual.
I am glad we went to Kruger. The landscape is breathtaking and so vast.
Rovos Rail was a good experience. The train was more comfortable than I had imagined and it was really interesting to see the different landscapes as we crossed the country.
Cape Town was as beautiful as I expected it to be and the Cape Grace Hotel was one of the finest hotels we have stayed at in the world. Service was fantastic, the rooms large, and the views beautiful. Our guide for the wine country and Cape of Good Hope was a nice man and pleasant to be with”.
Sheryl Jager from Broomfield CO was on safari in Australia
“We had a great time in Australia! thank you for all your wonderful work and hooking us up with what I believe are the BEST of the best folks in Australia – it was great.
Dom and I agreed that Angorichnia Station, with Di and Ian, was the absolute best part of the trip! They are so giving, and treated us so well, I really cannot say enough about them. The places they took us, the people they introduced us to, and of course their wonderful hospitality was phenomenal. Di is a terrific cook and she was so sweet and gave Dom and I fresh lemon juice every morning for our health. Their daughters were amazing and even the animals reflect their warm personalities. The wines were great (even though I don’t drink) and Di and Ian just kept them coming! Dominick really would like to move to Australia primarily because of this portion of our trip. Gads, I could go on, and on, and on…. oh, and flying in their plane to/from Adelaide was fabulous. Ian is the ultimate bushman and Di is a wonderful lady – both Dom and I missed seeing them the day after we left. We feel extremely fortunate to have met. Oh of course the land is spectacular and Ian took us places I never thought we would see there. Great fun!
For me, the next favorite part was snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef. It really was a spiritual experience. I want to go back ….. Perhaps see Di and Ian again and more of that fantastic country. We also took a fishing trip and rented jet skis around the island while we were there.
Graham and Lyn at Stranraer were also incredible on Kangaroo Island! They took such wonderful care of us and of course Lyn’s cooking spoiled us forever! Lyn also really helped Dom while he was sick with lemon drinks and cold medication. I cannot thank her enough for caring for him! The island itself was wonderful. My favorite part was the Remarkable Rocks. Of course seeing all of the native animals was great as well.
Charlie, the driver who transported us from Adelaide to the small airport where we flew with Ian is very entertaining! Dom and I really enjoyed our short trips with him.
All these things cannot come close to describing how wonderful the trip was. There are lots more people and places I haven’t even touched on……..”
Paul and Janet Smith from Park City, UT along with their two children Remy (7yrs) and Tyler (9yrs) were on safari in Kenya.
“Tim Lapage and Gail Reed at Safari Experts did an excellent job in setting up the perfect safari for our family. Safari Experts set up our camps and lodges so we were to have a very nice progression of education and varied safari experiences as we traveled throughout Kenya. The complete trip went off without the slightest hitch as guides, camp or lodge hosts, as well as the pilots, were attentive to our desires and kept the complete trip running extremely smoothly. We found that Tim Lapage is highly respected throughout the safari community as an expert in customizing itineraries for the varied clientele he books.
Before our trip we were apprehensive about staying in smaller tented camps with two young children. However, after the first night in the African bush we realized this was the best way to truly experience a safari. The guides were extremely attentive to all our needs providing a fantastic educational and enjoyable trip. As active people, we were pleasantly surprised to find that we could go on morning runs or hikes with the Maasai guides.
We look forward to visiting these camps again, and we would highly recommend Safari Experts to anyone that is looking to have a unique and personalized safari experience”.
Patrick and Jan Kennedy of San Jose CA took their safari to Kenya and Northern Tanzania, before going on to Egypt..
“The trip surpassed both Jan and my expectations. All of the parks we visited made for a exciting and varied itinerary. I think we were both surprised by the quality of food and accommodation just about everywhere we went. In addition, all of the arrangements you put together for us went off without a hitch. Airport transfers met us on time as promised, all of the tickets and paperwork were complete and organized, and we really didn’t spend a second wondering about logistics during our entire stay in East Africa.
We had what ended up being a very funny experience on our last night in Tanzania. We were staying at Treetops for 2 nights. On the second day, while driving in Tarangire Park, it had begun raining in the mountains and the creek bed close to the camp (that was bone dry when we crossed it in the morning), became a raging torrent during the day and was un-passable by the afternoon. While we sat and waited for the water level to drop, we recognized a couple of potential issues. First, all of our clothes were in camp on the other side of the creek-bed. Second, even if the water-level dropped enough for us to cross and get back to camp, we had a plane to Cairo to catch the next morning and if the rain continued overnight, we would not be to get out. As we were pondering this, and I was mentally figuring how to get a rope strung across the water, the entire staff of the camp appeared on the opposite bank with our bags (the contents of which we had scattered across our room earlier that morning). In a caravan, these guys began wading through the current with our bags held over their heads. As the current was pushing on them, they slowly made their way across, delivering our belongings, and those of our guide, to the opposite side. In addition, they had made arrangements for us to stay at the sister property (a beautiful coffee plantation in Arusha called Redds) that night so we would be assured to make our flight. This example typifies the type of people we met on our safari.”
After having traveled to Africa with Tim. trying to see Australia and get a real sense of it’s many wonderful attributes without (Australia Less Traveled/Safari Experts) is like thinking you’ve really seen Hawaii after going to a luau at your hotel. We were on the “insiders track”, and had a richness to our travel there that we will never forget. It’s like having instant friends. Our hosts in the outback and in Baird Bay, and Kangaroo Island were enthusiastic and gracious, and allowed us to see the wide open, pristine, non-touristy side of Australia. Our kids (Ages 12 & 14) really enjoyed the personal touch this type of travel allows. We can’t wait to continue our exploration of Australia!”
Paula Miles from Aiken SC returned recently from Australia
“How can we ever thank you for such a wonderful holiday? The Itinerary was beautifully and expertly prepared and Drew took very good care of us while we were in Australia. I felt honored to be treated so well by him, Kiley, TJ and all of the hosts where we stayed. Their hospitality was unsurpassed. We had a wonderful time and felt so welcome, as though we will long be friends with everyone. We fell in love with Angorichina and The Flinders Range, Baird Bay and KI and felt that we were treated to the best of the best. Thank you!”
‘This past June my family and I traveled to Kenya for three weeks. We had never met Tim Lapage, but the trips he had organized for some friends of ours were so successful we felt sure all would go well. Tim asked each of us what we wanted to do, and although we came up with a very diverse list, he managed to satisfy each of us! We hiked,
my daughter ran with some Maasai, we fished, we camped out and we luxuriated at private ranches. We rode horses and camels, discussed African environmental issues with people who were very involved with same, were guests at two villages-each quite different, but both welcoming, and we saw more animals than we ever could have hoped to see. We would love to return, and when we do, it will be under Tim’s guidance”.
Marta and Ken Johnston, Duxbury, MA were in Kenya
Carol Keys and Philip Andrews wrote:
“We never imagined that our African holiday could have been so fantastic. Tim put together a safe and flawless adventure for us that really let us see a side of Africa we never knew existed. He was patient and helpful, making sure we got exactly what we wanted. Also, having him in the US meant that we could get fast responses to all the questions we had, and it made us feel all the more comfortable in the relationship… We’d recommend Tim to anyone wanting help planning their African trip of a lifetime.”
Helen Bairsto, from London, U.K., wrote the following about her experiences on Safari in Africa:
“For many, a visit to Africa is a ‘once in a lifetime experience’ and even I, who became hooked, still want every journey to be a unique experience. As a single traveler it is important for me to feel able to trust the advice and the people, and to feel safe in the knowledge that everything has been planned and coordinated – also for me the right experience was critical – what you see and feel you remember for a lifetime – none of these things should be left to chance.”
“Tim has a knowledge and understanding of Africa and, in particular of Kenya, which only someone who was born and lived there can have. His love of the place is infectious and his commitment to giving his clients the best experience is totally genuine. He will send you to places that you couldn’t have believed existed and you will meet quite remarkabl
e people, totally dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and cultures which are now fast disappearing. This was THE BEST experience – my next trip and the one after are already in the planning with Safari Experts.”
Tom and Ros Miller, Hawaii
“Our safari was the thrill of a lifetime; and, having done it, we wouldn’t do it any other way than how you put it together. We saw East Africa the way it should be done. Amazingly too, in a long and complicated schedule, there were ZERO glitches; everything went perfectly. Thanks for everything. Tom and Ros. “
Donald S. Gull Salt Lake City, UT
“It was a crescendo of ever more exciting places. We would say to one another, ‘Can it get any better than this?’ And, sure enough, it did. The scenery and animals were spectacular. Far more exciting than we had expected. The food was as good as we have ever tasted and we simply could not believe it could be prepared in such remote places. Friends asked if we felt frightened. Never! Exhilarated? Yes! Would we go again? In a heart beat!”
Dr. and Mrs. Lu Fletcher, Newton, NJ
“Efficient, dependable, hospitable, and fantastic are a few of the adjectives we use to describe our Africa trip with Tim Lapage – a trip of a lifetime!”
Chrysanne O’Neill, Burlington, VT
“I was more than a little nervous about my first trip to Africa, and, much to my surprise, discovered a fabulous country with new and delightful experiences at every turn. Our trip to Kenya and Tanzania exceeded all expectations and I would return tomorrow as long as
it was planned once again by Tim Lapage and Safari Experts.”
Scott Anderson, President of Zions Bank in Salt Lake City, says:
“We had Tim plan a four week trip for our family (5 of us, including our daughter (14 at the time) and two sons (10 and 11 at the time)) that included a day stopover in London (on the way to Africa) and a fabulous safari in Kenya and Tanzania. Everyone was captivated by the scenery, the animals, the adventures (camel and horse back riding, jeep tours, hiking, stalking the white rhinos), and the wonderful friendships we made with our hosts at the homes we stayed at. No one wanted to come home!. The meals we had each day were fit for kings and queens. Even our 10 year old son who is very finicky about his food loved it. The trip was not only spectacular, but it brought our whole family closer together, enjoying something that will continue to bind us together through memories for years to come. Tim was an expert who guided us gently and with wisdom on what we might enjoy doing, and then making sure that all the arrangements came together perfectly. We are planning to have Tim plan another trip for us to Africa – we would encourage you to use Tim and see Africa before it changes forever.”
Dr. Howard from Le Claire, IA, went on safari and sent us this note:
Dear Tim,
Beth, Mike , and I had a fantastic family Safari. We had great connections, no mishaps, great guides, and a trip with just the three of us that was — THE VERY BEST!!!!!! Thank you for your help. We saw all of the big five animals. I don’t think we missed any . Your help in planning was outstanding. Planning Kiwayu at the end was an excellent idea. We got much rest and still had lots of fun. I made up a picture book and I have shown it to many friends. If you would send some of your business cards I will be happy to suggest you for Safari planning to many of my acquaintances. Thank you for your help. This trip will go down as one of the most memorable.
Sincerely,
Dr. J. Thomas Howard
Arline Blake traveled to South Africa and writes:
We want to thank you, Gail and Jeremy Lock (South African coordinator) for all your efforts in making our trip to South Africa a memorable one. As you know, only days before we were to begin our visits to the game reserves, we learned that the torrential rains wrecking havoc on Mozambique had also washed out both of the private game reserves we had been booked to visit, Makweti and Selati. Worried, we called Jeremy Lock, who reassured us that he was making great progress booking us into two entirely different lodges which weren’t affected by the rains. The visions we had–and many others experienced–of having our entire trip washed out and/or a travel agent shrugging, saying “act of God” or the like, never transpired, thanks to you.
We very much enjoyed our stays at Tshukudu Lodge in Pilansberg and Kapama Lodge in N.Western Kruger. Both were elegant, Kapama remarkably so, we were treated very well, and had, especially in Kapama, some remarkable game experiences: a close encounter with a baby rhino (who charged at us playfully) and its mother who broke off this encounter with an anxious shove; lions who carefully plotted and executed their hunt of wildebeest just a few feet from us; and finally locating the elusive leopard, and having found him, watching with fascination as a huge male lion who detected his scent in his territory, hunted him, again just a few feet from us. Our night in Buffalo Camp was also an interesting change. We kept laughing that if these lodges were “plan B” we were so lucky. So many thanks for all your help ensuring that our trip was as exciting and memorable as we had hoped. We hope that we can return to SA some day, and visit Makweti and Saleti as originally planned.
She then traveled to the Galapagos islands with us.
Hello Gail and Tim,
We had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed our time in Kenya. Wanted you to know how impressed we were about the scheduling – everyone was on time and where they were supposed to be. Not once were we left waiting or wondering who, what, where, when…amazing!!!
Thank you both for your patience and a job well done.
Best wishes,Lisa and Steven RuseHappy Customers from Canada
Barbara and Larry Brothers sent us this note:
Everything about the trip to Southern Africa with Safari Experts was phenomenal. But the flying safari with Bertus whose knowledge of geology and the plant and animal life of Namibia and whose hospitality was absolutely the best (we met his wife and sister-in-law at the new camp), was not to be duplicated anywhere. Every one of the game camps was extraordinary and different, but the air safari was the one experience so different and so wonderful that it would be the last thing to eliminate if we were to do only a part of the trip again.
Best,Barbara and Larry Brothers