Our expectations for our first time in Africa were high, very high. And I would have to say that these expectations were exceeded in every way. Bench Africa assisted us to plan what would be the most perfect holiday in Kenya, Uganda, and Zanzibar. There were delays due to Covid, changes of mind on itineraries, and differing views on what we wanted to do. Throughout all of this, Bench Africa were so very helpful, honest, and professional. We cannot thank them enough. Each area that was suggested, and selected was so different to other regions we visited. The eco-systems so diverse. Different animals, birds, people and the cultures. Each day was memorising and magical. Each day provided so many highlights, so many happy memories. The different accommodations were in most cases brilliant, superb. The staff so quiet, reserved, closed; but once they knew we not a threat to their well-being they became the opposite. We enjoyed the many conversations, banter, and genuine friendships that followed. The game drive guides in each place were simply the best. In all, I simply run out of superlatives in describing each place. We had no favourites, nor did we rank them. To do so would be disrespectful to the other places. Each was different, unique, and for us they were pure luxury. Again, thank you so much for a 30 day trip of a lifetime and one we will never forget. Places we stayed: Amboseli - Elari Lodge. Such a different place with many eco-systems in the 1 National Park. Samburu - Elephant Bedroom Camp. Saw so many different animals of many different ages. Saw all 3 big cats here along with the "special 5". Masi Mara - Mara Ngenche. Rolling plains with so many animals, including the 3 big cats, hippos, and a brief glimpse of a "river crossing". Uganda was a 10 day tour staying at multiple places. It gave the experience of coming oh so close to Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, and a visit to a Batwa tribe.

Our driver and guide in Tanzania was excellent (leopard tours)and exposed us to some wonderful encounters with the big 5 and many other exotic animals. Loved the hyenas and observing a baby antelope stand and take its first steps. He had the knack of placing us exactly in the right place to experience the animals at close quarters. Our guide in Kenya was experienced and informative and despite social unrest kept us safe. His insight into the Maasai people was insightful and mind blowing. Thank you particularly Bench for finding my laptop which I left behind early in the adventure and returning it to me in Nairobi. Well done. I can now tick that adventure off my bucket list. Food, accomodation ,company wonderful. Even the African ‘massages’ were an adventure..

Amazing trip to Zambia. Fabulous itinerary just loved the Bushcamps in South Luangwa National Park. The number of leopard and lion sighting exceeded my expectations.

We have just returned from our Southern Africa Uncovered tour which was awsome. Everything we experienced was more than what we had ever hoped for. Our driver was our tour guide Mishet was fabulous. Never dreamed we would see so many different animals in the wild. Accommodation was fantastic except for the Cresta Seaspray in Zimbabwe which was very poor compared to all our other stays. Thank you Bench we can highly recommend you for travelling in Africa. It was one of our most amazing experiences of our life.

I loved it!! We were on the go everyday, which i loved. The accommodation was way more than i expected, beautiful, comfortable and the views i had, especially of Kilimanjaro, were spectacular. I had to pinch myself everyday that i was in Kenya! I had many 'moments' where i was overwhelmed with emotion, seeing a male lion, or lionesses eating a kill or a Cheetah family, a thrill that nothing compares. The Kenyan/Maasai people are the most hospitable, beautiful people I have EVER encountered in all my trips overseas and in Australia. The culture so different, yet speaking to the women, we have the same ideas and issues all over the world, which is a valuable, soulsister connection we share. The Maasai Mara was INCREDIBLE, wildlife was in abundance as was the other places we visited. Everywhere we visited was a highlight, yet Navaisha is so beautiful, however we spent one night, but it truly deserves to be a 2 night stay to take in and enjoy the grounds, the roaming giraffe, zebra, antelope, monkeys etc. and get some awesome photos of up close wildlife. Our guide Pesh, is an excellent knowledgable guide. With an friendly, caring outgoing nature, who can deal with diverse personalities, age and medical issues that may arise. Awesome woman. We had fantastic drivers, Sammy and Steve(now known as Stevo lol). Their knowledge of locations and wildlife knows no bounds, fun facts and the driving skills are incredible!! I met some lovely ladies and a couple i now consider friends, a privilege to have met them. Question is, would i go on another tour with BenchAfrica? Yes, i most definitely would, and so should you.

Simply the best at all levels,outstanding accomadation from lodges, hotels and glamping. The food was such a cultural experience so fresh with variety. We travelled Tanzania to Kenya. Saw the big 5 we were overwhelmed with the experience. Excellent guides and service. We were emersed in these countries and learnt so much about the animals and culture. The customer service from Bench is outstanding when I called with questions I was given support from knowledgeable staff speical mention to April you excelled yourself over the phone.

My husband and I recently went to South Africa and Zimbabwe and we booked with Bench. Julie was absolutely fantastic and she made sure that the entire trip ran smoothly. Little Garonga was a highlight for us - we just had the most magical time there. Thank you Julie for all of your hard work planning the perfect trip for us!

Strongly recommend not using bench tours, very very inflexible if have to change your dates or cancel, we lost about 5k in their fees and they were unwilling to even give a credit

10/10! Thank you April for seamlessly weaving my Makutsi Springs Safari trip in October. I asked my usual travel agent in Perth WA who is the best for African Safari trips and she said "Bench Africa!". The price was excellent and no single supplement!! April Selby at Bench was clear, professional, and all of my questions were answered within 24 hours. My itinerary and supporting logistical/safety documents were sent on-time and were clear to read. I would highly recommend Bench Africa for their prpfessional service, knowledge of the subject of safari in South Africa and pricing!

A wonderful, unforgettable perfect trip in Namibia. The lodges, the activities, the flights, the food, the staff - everything was perfect.