Wilderness Avis 112

The company bills itself as engaged in eco-travel, so my family and I booked a walking-centered safari directly with the company. Instead, we got a driving safari, spending the large part of 5 days in the jeep. Since this is not we wanted nor thought we were signing up for, we were disappointed. The communication between me and the company was incredibly poor across 7 time zones, and it led to us getting something other than what we wanted. My question is why the company was so ready and willing to take a customer's money for something they weren't looking for. It could be the demands of the outside private-equity ownership structure. Our guide was an excellent driving guide, and the food was astonishingly world-class. One of our camps was spectacular and the other was unimpressive. A difficult 13-hour drive in the jeep to transfer between camps was unexpected and unwelcomed. If using Wilderness, I would certainly rely on a third party to plan the trip according to your wishes. They can't be relied on to do it.

Andrew was an incredible guide across the greater Western Cape. We had a full day best of Cape Peninsula tour with Andrew. We hit all the highlights including the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Point, and Boulder’s Beach to see the penguins. Upon hearing that we were very interested in history, Andrew took us to the Castle of Good Hope and then to the District Six Museum, before driving us through the area of District Six. He was knowledgeable and flexible, answering all of our questions, and sharing his experience and connection to the country’s history. We had separate tours with Andrew to the Winelands, Kirstenbosch Gardens, and Lion’s Head. He made our experience incredibly memorable. Even on the days that we did not have organized tours, Andrew had suggestions for how to get around Cape Town and make our days as efficient as possible. We likely would not have visited Robben Island (truly a highlight), had it not been for our earlier tour with Andrew.

Nelson our travel agent put together the perfect honeymoon in Tanzania - which included a combination of safari and Zanzibar beach holiday. Communication and planning in the run up went well, he quickly understood what we were looking for and provided a clear, comprehensive quote, meeting all our desires for the trip. The trip itself went seamlessly and we enjoyed every stay and experience we had planned - even more than we could have imagined.

I had a wonderful time at 3 Wilderness camps in Namibia!

Arrived in Kigali this evening on a Wilderness package, 1 night Serena Hotel Kigali, 2 nights Sabinyo. Wilderness guide was 30 mins late to airport, had to get taxi to hotel. Arrived at hotel and the reservation had been cancelled because Wilderness had not confirmed. Wilderness offered replacement accommodation at The Retreat which looked very nice. arrived at Retreat, checked in and found ourselves walked 100m down the road to “Heaven”, which it definitely is not. A very disappointing, dishonest and cynical approach by Wilderness.

We arranged a personal guide during our time at Victoria Falls and we were lucky enough to get Shami. I cannot say enough good things about this wonderful man. He is intelligent, warm, professional, knowledgeable and passionate about his work. He brought the whole area to life for us and we enjoyed his company so much. He made sure everything went like clockwork and went out of his way to accommodate our requests. A tour with Shami is highly recommended!

Service, camp locations, food, logistics and guide quality are all insanely good.

My best friend and I planned our first Safari with Wilderness and we could not have had a better experience. From the first discussions about our trip to the final day in Zimbabwe, we experienced first class service and hospitality. Malcolm our agent helped us pick camps that suited our particular interests. He provided guidance with what to expect on the trip and what to bring which was great for novices. When we finally arrived in Zimbabwe every driver, guide, and staff member we met was outstanding. The game we saw each day was amazing and the lodgings were very comfortable. I have no complaints, just praises for this organization. I have recommended the group to many friends and family members and I look forward to booking travel with them again.

We had an amazing stay at Chitabe end of March 2023 (2 nights). The wildlife density in the area is incredible - we had multiple leopard, cheetah and lion sightings and also saw a large pack of wild dogs. Our guide Phinley was very experienced and had a ton of knowledge - he did a fantastic job. The vegetation / landscape in the area is also great and very varied - from the open floodplains around camp, to the Gomoti plains area to the slightly more wooded areas (where we also had great sightings). Chitabe Camp itself is also very beautiful, with a pretty pool and bar area and extremely attentive, warm camp staff. We felt very welcomed and everyone made sure that all expectations were exceeded.

Our experience at Hoanib Skeleton Coast in Namibia was absolutely fantastic. The reservation process was seamless and our agent, Malcolm McFadyen, fantastic at suggesting an itinerary that worked for being both exhilarating and relaxing. Once in Namibia, everything from being met at Swakopmund, the air transfers, the welcome at the camp, the food and drink, the accommodation, the smiles and generosity of all the staff, to being dropped back at Windhoek was outstanding. The camp, its environs and the landscapes are truly unforgettable and the programme perfectly judged. We loved the drives with Ben, our guide, including to the coast, and were blown away by his skill at tracking the animals he is looking for, as well as his knowledge of and love for the place and its creatures and plants, great and small. At the lodge, the engagement from the team – led by Tereza – was wonderful. We realise we are (handsomely) paying guests and delivering the service we have paid for is what the team is required to do, but they do so in a way and with a warmth that make it feel not at all transactional. They are very special and their commitment and engagement was precious. Our only regret is we did not have more time and at least some in our family are already campaigning for a return visit to Namibia and Hoanib...

I first contacted Wilderness only wanting a suggestion for a safari camp in a more secluded spot in Kenya- thinking we could book something ourselves directly with a camp. I was blown away by how knowledgable and helpful Angela was in being able to curate a safari experience (with all camps in Kenya, not just Wilderness camps) that was exactly what we wanted. I also realized how foolish it would have been to have tried to do this on our own.

Very very helpful. Best thing about them: I emailed questions at 9pm US CST and I had an answer ALWAYS at 8 am next morning. Usually if I emailed another question in reply, I got an answer back in 20-30 minutes. Very friendly service and they delivered, with quick responses.

Malcolm was very confident and knowledgeable. It was was easy to trust his advice and experience.

Anneli was so very helpful. She was an absolute pleasure to deal withand got us exactly what we were looking for trip is for sept 2023

I had a great experience making reservation. The travel expert asked about our family’s goals and preferences for the trip. Then, she provided three very sensible options. We were able to choose the option that best meets our needs.

Attention to detail. Responsiveness to questions and concerns

Emmanuel was our guide/driver for 3 days….could not have asked for a better person then him. Very genuine and personable……he provided the small details that always make a vacation special….very dedicated to his work…….loves people and his country

We haven't taken the tour yet, but the planning process has been delightful. When we started, my wife and I knew only that we wanted to do an Africa Safari. We didn't know where or when or how long or how much it would cost--literally clueless.
Anneli introduced herself and by the time she was done we have planned what I'm sure will be a trip of our lives. We've traveled fairly extensively, and pretty much know what to look for in an agent. Anneli's patience with my ever changing requests was outstanding. She was extremely flexible in offering options and was always aware of staying around our budget once she advised what it might cost to do all of what we thought we wanted.
I'll have more to say when we return from the safari, but I can't imagine that it will be anything but a glowing review.

We made booking via Wilderness direct for our holiday in Africa. Interaction was great and information and booking site was very good.

Quick and friendly response in any attempt to contact Wilderness. I always git accurate information and feedback without having to ask for it. Information provided is complete and helpful.