I recently returned from a trip to Africa which included a Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru safari, a visit to Victoria Falls and a self-drive along the South African Garden Route, from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town. When my wife and I decided to go to Africa we had no idea what we wanted to do and how we ever going to navigate the labyrinth of glossy brochures and travel agency flyers. We both decided to look on the internet for a company that could not only help us book our trip, but also give us some expert advice on what was available in Africa. This is how we came across Bench Africa. After sending a few emails to gauge their interest, we finally were introduced to Stephanie Osorio. From the beginning Steph was so helpful. She gave a full run down of the most popular things to see and do in Africa and was genuinely interested in providing information about what we wanted in a holiday. It was not long after firstly speaking with Steph that we had an idea of what we were interested in seeing and dong. It was then that Bench and Steph showed their true expertise. They put a package together for us and tailor made certain parts of the holiday taking in consideration our budget, time frame and most importantly the right time of the year to go. Throughout the process leading up to the holiday we were in constant communication with Steph and the Bench team. At no time were they to buy to discuss our concerns and were always extremely helpful in providing information and chasing airlines and hotel groups on our behalf. Another important factor for my wife and I was that we had never travelled to Africa and had certainly never been on a safari. At first we envisaged that we would be in a large group making the experience quite impersonal. The truth is that it was the exact opposite. Steph booked us in with a tour guide from Southern Cross Safaris who was an absolute delight. William was an amazing man with over 11 years of safari experience. Not only did he look after us on the safari drives, but he also was a wealth of knowledge when it came to the local customs and especially the wild animals. We were that pleased with the way in which William treated us both, that we asked for his personal email when we left Kenya. Since returning home we have been in contact with William and have sent him several emails with pictures of our great safari trip. If I was going back to Africa I would certainly try to re book with William again. I would recommend Bench and their wonderful staff if you are thinking about an African safari. My wife was so pleased that she has been in contact with Steph to enquire about a trip to spend time with the gorillas. Thankyou Bench for a great holiday and more to the point, thankyou Steph for your wonderful service. Cheers

Personal, efficient, trustworthy service/operations, Bench are the best!

Stephanie at Bench created an epic 6 week holiday for myself and 3 friends travelling through eastern and Southern Africa. We threw everything we wanted to do at her - gorillas, migration, desert and dunes, delta, waterfalls and we wanted to see all the animals. Did not want budget, liked nice places but not overly expensive, let's go with quirky and unique accom. Steph put it all together into one amazing holiday with everything looked after from start to finish. All our drivers and guides were fantastic, we were with Leopard Tours in Rwanda and Tanzania, then Jenman Safaris for Sth Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, finally at Kapama Games Reserve in Greater Kruger NP. At no stage throughout our travels did we feel unsafe. Everything went like clockwork and as per what Steph organised for us.

As there are so many contributing factors to booking Africa it pays to go to the experts. Its not like booking a two week holiday in Bali. You are booking an adventure. There are so many questions that you wouldn't think of asking, however Bench already has those covered. You dont realise that until you are there. An amazing experience.

We had a trip organised by Stephanie Osorio and found her very helpful and friendly. Everything planned went smoothly which added to our enjoyment of the trip. The end itinerary package was just amazing, something to keep and show friends. I will most certainly recommend Bench International and intend to have another trip organised in the future together with friends. Suzanna Ainsworth .

Bench organised everything to perfection and catered for all our wishes. They included quality experiences and somehow managed to stay within our budget. Their advice on what to do and at what level was invaluable, particularly as we had never done this before. We will use them for the next trip to Africa.

A honeymoon is not a time to leave things to chance. Hitch-free harmony is what is needed and exactly what Bench Africa provide. Terrific staff from arrival to departure, high-quality accommodation and good food. But of course it is the animal sightings that made the trip: lions, rhinos, cheetahs, baboons, hyenas and hundreds of zebras, giraffes, elephants, wildebeest and buffalo. All in the their natural, resplendent settings. Marvellous, highly recommended.

Our Bench African adventure was brilliant from start to finish and will definitely be choosing to go with them again for our next adventure. We stayed in four different locations over our trip around Southern Africa and each venue had something very unique and memorable to offer and all of our hosts were warm and welcoming. All of our guides both in transfers and safaris were very helpful and went above and beyond in making our trip truly special. Following our amazing African Adventure in August 2014, I cannot recommend Bench highly enough - they are simply brilliant!

We had a wonderful trip and everything worked perfectly. Both Garonga and Makweti were excellent choices and staying more days at fewer places allowed us to enjoy more of the African bush,animals and atmosphere instead of hurrying from one camp to the next. Both camps had good waterholes which animals visited frequently so even though Garry did not go on every drive he saw plenty of animals. I always look for a camp with a waterhole. We saw the big five at Garonga - terrific leopard sighting in a tree above our vehicle and then a leopard fight and the looser just missed falling in our vehicle. No leopard at Makweti but plenty of animals and easier travelling on Makweti Safari. At Makweti we had an elephant drinking from one of the swimming pools. Food was very very good at both places and accomodation wonderful. The sleep out at Garonga Is a must do. Exciting and a little scary but a great experience We saw three lions at the dam I fronton the sleep out while having dinner. They gave us a whistle and foghorn to scare away the animals if necessary! They have not lost anyone in twenty years so I guess it all works. We probably liked Makweti a little more but it was a close choice. The food was exceptional at Makweti seeing animals a little easier and zebras walking under our deck wonderful. Test our guide was exceptional and made every trip fun . We had three different guides at Garonga which I though al little strange although it did not worry us too much but the last guide we had was the best. At Garonga the drinks were paid for and we could help ourselves which is an advantage. At Makweti we had to pay for drinks which were a reasonable price but you needed someone to serve you. Note at Makweti there is NO phone reception which did not worry us. At both places there is wifi in the main meeting areas Moore Quarters was once again great. I would recommend staying there. Easy walking to great restaurants and shops and supermarket and pharmacy near by . We walked to the waterfront And also used the free shuttle . Breakfast was very good Thanks for organising a fantastic holiday Bench organised a truly wonderful holiday and everything ran smoothly. I cannot wait to see more Of Africa.

We have just returned from a 3 week African holiday. Two weeks on safari in Zimbabwe Botswana and Namibia and a week in Cape Town. It was very adventurous for an older couple to do unescorted. But Bench organised everything. And it all worked like clock work. Small plane flights. Four hour four wheel drives tented game lodges etcetc We had a fantastic time! I just wish they did more than just Africa. I'd use them any where in the world. Can't recommend more highly!!!