I was lucky enough to experience a 12 Day Ultimate Namibia itinerary in December 2024. I travel a lot and this was my most favourite travel experiences ever. 7 strangers came together in a comfortable modified Landcruiser with our guide driving us throughout the country. The accommodation in such remote areas was incredible, nothing you could imagine in the middle of the desert. We were aware of the days we had long drives but it was always broken up with stops for picnic lunches or interesting visits along the way. The coastal stay broke up the heat of the desert and the wildlife throughout the whole trip was abundant. Everything was taken care of and we didn’t want for anything, well maybe for someone to carry me up the sand dunes! I would go back in a heartbeat and definitely recommend Bench’s Ultimate Safaris Namibia 10/10!

We enjoyed the tour and our driver and guide were excellent, but the short seat bases made for an uncomfortable ride in the Mercedes bus. We drove 320 kilometres from Maun to Nguma Island Lodge in the western Okavanga Delta for 2 nights and then 320 kilometres back to Maun over poor roads and tracks and then to the eastern Okavanga Delta. It would have been better to omit the first stop and spend more time at the other destinations. We booked in February and made the final payment in August. The cancellation fee was 100% if cancelled within 30 days of departure. 31 days before the departure date, we were informed that Jenman, the tour operator, required a medical certificate from our doctor regarding our physical and emotional fitness. Fortunately, we were not departing Brisbane for 3 weeks and were able to get the certificate.

Once again Bench Africa's manager Julie De Palo meticulously put together the most amazing three week adventure in Egypt and Jordan for my husband and I. Every component of our tailor made experience was expertly managed and meticulously presented. Bench's professional and attentive on location representatives took all of the stresses of travelling away and left us to simply enjoy and marvel at the many treasures that Egypt and Jordan had to offer. We felt safe in both countries and very much enjoyed the reduction in tourist as we were able to savour each location and were able to capture many beautiful photos, tourist free ! I have also enjoyed a 5 week African adventure which was also superb.

Terry and Gael Wilson Perth W.A To Bench. Africa. We have recently returned from our African tour and would like to thank you for the brilliant job you did organising it. We were amazed at the way everything fell into place leaving us unstressed and unworried. In particular, was our Safari at Hamilton’s Tented Safari Camp, it was the most amazing holiday we have ever had. All the people at the camp were very friendly and particular about us having the best time. Our guide Harli had an almost encyclopaedic knowledge of the animals and their habits, the birds and plants. We were waited on and entertained by Robert and Luis with whom I made a great friendship. As we left the staff sang and danced a farewell song for us, it was the highlight of the trip. I could not contact those at Hamilton’s by email so I was wondering if you could pass on our thanks to the people there. Thank you for a perfect holiday, we have already started to save to go back again! Cheers, Terry and Gael

We have just finished an amazing tour of Jordan, Egypt, Kenya, Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Capetown with Bench. We had a few mobility issues for my husband in all these countries and my advice is if you are unable to do steps at all, you will struggle with accessibility. A lot of the hotels had steps to get to restaurants and washrooms. Kerbs and footpaths are quite often not in good condition. We were able to do some steps though slowly and we got to most things we planned. Bench worked with us to help us with this. Hiring a pusher and using a wheelchair was helpful at the temples and at Victoria Falls itself. At the Treasury in Petra, Bench hired an electric golf cart at our request which was wonderful and made our experience special. The entry into the Dead Sea at the Movenpick had cement steps with a rail which allowed us both to experience this and the life guards were happy to help for this once in a lifetime event. There were golf buggies as well though there was a wait for these as the hotel was very busy and fully booked. Egypt was pretty amazing, my husband was unable to access the tombs but we knew this in advance. The River Nile cruise was amazing, note only step access to the different decks. Kicheche Lodge in Kenya was amazing, saw 3 of the big 5 here including 3 lion cubs and female lion calling to her pride, so many animals. I did the balloon ride over Mara which was wonderful, my husband did not as we were advised it often was a rough landing, it was rougher than I had experienced elsewhere but I was lucky enough to have a reasonable landing, harnesses were used which I found good. Victoria Falls was amazing, do the walking tour and do the helicopter over the falls. We also did an extra game drive at Stanley and Livingstone Private Reserve to see the rhino to get 4 out of the 5, we were successful and it was pretty amazing. Table Mountain in Cape Town was wonderful as well. Thank you Bench for the experience of a lifetime l

My wife and I had an amazing adventure in Africa - with multiple elements and experiences booked through Bench. From short stays in South African Conservancies, incredible tours through Zimbabwe to a 16day all-inclusive safari through Kenya & Tanzania - Bench were amazing. The focus on customer service, ensuring safety and comfort at all times and the wealth of knowledge shared was exceptional!

The whole trip was amazing. We did a safari form Arusha and enjoyed every minute of it. Food and service was fantastic. Our guide was great and very experienced.

We have used bench Africa (via flight centre) twice now for our trips to Africa. We stayed at makutsi safari springs in South Africa and jackalberry in kasane Botswana with a few nights in between in Zimbabwe. The service from bench is amazing and I really loved where they booked us, so much that I am in the process of booking my third trip

Everything was organised fantastically !!!!! Loved our printed itinerary book & information given - not all others on our Botswana trip had that! Our Botswana tour had 10pax. Traveled on a AC mini bus which has great with charge ports for phones etc. Both our driver & Guide were Top class!!! There was lots of miles covered overall, however having said that, each different site / NP we moved to had different experiences & worth the effort. It is a tour that is go go go, but for those who want to see as much as possible in 2/52 in Botswana, highly recommended. It was great we did Robin Pope tour second as this was much slower paced. As lodges are inside the Sth Luwanga NP, there was not as much driving. Big bonus was the speed limit in NP is 40km, but mostly you traveled 15-20kph- making it feel like a 'Sunday Drive ' compared to earlier tour. Wildlife there was great - lots more predators easily seen & far less people. RP lodges & staff are just top class as far as we were concerned , our 3/7 safari walking part was 'thrilling!! to say the least.

Outstanding communication from Bench made this holiday one that met and surpassed our expectations. Every little detail was considered so no concerns once we were away. We had 15 days on the road exploring National Parks in Botswana and Zimbabwe. Our driver and guide were exceptional. The remote area camps were delightful to stay in. Guma Lagoon: fabulous accommodation right on the Okavango, Loved the mokoro rides and evenings on the lagoon as the sun set. Mankwe Tented Retreat: very isolated but wonderful staff, food, game drives and accommodation. Gweta Lodge: pity it was changed from Nata Lodge as this was our only disappointment. Disinterested staff and lack of maintenance. Chobe Safari Lodge: Just wonderful rooms, meals, game drives and Sunset cruise with wildlife galore. Robins Camp Zimbabwe: Brilliant in every respect. Wonderful food, game drives in Hwange Nat Park. Insika Lodge, Victoria Falls: Beautiful new resort. Great staff and restaurant. We then had 4 days at Chisomo Lodge near Kruger. This was the icing on the cake. Just perfection. Brilliant staff, dining, amazing game drives morning and evening. Glamping styles tents with full turndown service, electric blankets and super ensuites. If you want a worry free safari in Africa choose Bench....not one of the cheaper alternatives who provide minimal information. Tips....take a decent proper camera, US dollars are great for tips and for Zimbabwe border/shopping, Visa credit and debit cards were accepted in every lodge (for wine and spirits.)