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Don’t miss out on the remarkable experiences that have left our customers in awe. SafariWise has garnered a loyal following of animal enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventurous souls, all captivated by our exceptional service and passion for wildlife. Hear their resounding testimonials of unforgettable encounters, seamless planning, and expert guides that have made their dreams a reality. Immerse yourself in the wonders of the African bush, guided by our knowledgeable team who go above and beyond to ensure every moment exceeds expectations. With SafariWise, you’ll witness breathtaking wildlife sightings, enjoy luxury accommodations, and contribute to conservation efforts. Take a cue from our satisfied customers on platforms like Google, Trip Advisor, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn, who attest to our dedication to creating truly extraordinary safaris. Their glowing testimonials speak volumes about our commitment to providing immersive and ethical experiences. But time is of the essence – don’t delay in securing your spot. Book now with SafariWise to embark on an adventure that will forever leave its mark on your soul. Join the ranks of those who have experienced the magic firsthand, and let the wild wonders of Africa become your reality. The call of the wild awaits!
Totte Malmström 2023-01-25 The best Whitney Garrah 2019-03-03 If I could give 10 stars I definitely would! Every detail from our pick-up to our final good-bye was first class! Thank-you for an amazing experience and a truly life-changing trip!
Sheila W 2024-11-26 An amazing wildlife -experience Namibia’s Etosha Pan and Skeleton CoastThis was a superb wildlife-watching experience, offered by the UK company Naturetrek and operated by Namibian ground agents Safariwise. Expertly led by Neil MacLeod and Hano Smit of Safariwise, their superb spotting skills enabled not just many interesting birds and mammals to be seen, but also a wide range of lizards - some colourful, others very well-camouflaged! I was particularly delighted to see two Cape Foxes – after trying unsuccessfully for years to see these beautiful desert-living canids with their pale silky coats and large ears. I also very much enjoyed seeing two African Penguins, a Humpback Whale, a Heaviside’s Dolphin and very many Cape Fur Seals and White Pelicans on a wonderful boat trip on the Skeleton Coast. Other interesting sightings included a colony of very locally distributed Whistling Rats – which sound like birds singing from the thick bushes in the semi-desert areas they inhabit. We also saw Dune Lark, found only in Namibia, as well as plenty of other beautiful birds and many of Africa’s large mammals, too – including desert-adapted Elephants, Leopards, Rhino and a Cheetah. Human interest, too – with a visit to see well-preserved rock paintings done by the local people many hundreds of years ago. A truly amazing trip – with very many highlights, which I can thoroughly recommend. Ksenia G 2024-11-24 Excellent Safari!! I traveled for almost 2 weeks in Namibia with Safariwise for a birdwatching trip. Neil Macleod was our guide. The most professional, skilled, and experienced guide you can imagine. His ability to identify any bird from a brief sight or from a call or a song is just incredible. The same goes for mammals and reptiles. The amount of knowledge that I gained in these 2 weeks is just huge.Except for professionalism in birding and nature, Neil's personal attitude is amazing. Every problem I had was sold. Every request I had was fulfilled. With Neil, you're filling like you're traveling with a close friend or a family member.I highly recommend Safariwise for anyone who plans to visit Namibia. Gabriel S 2024-10-06 Hands down best tour I’ve done I just went on a small group tour to Madagascar for just over 2 weeks. I can’t rave enough about this company and the care they put in to ensuring you have the best experience. They made sure to meet any requests we had, even if that meant trying every local rum we could find! Not really, but we did try a few. The local guides they use were exceptional, all had a good grasp of English which is their third language. Everything is well organised which is saying something when you travel in a country whose mantra is Mora Mora or slowly slowly! The wildlife was amazing, and having guides who know their stuff including different birds and reptiles not just the mammals really made it extra special.All the accomodation was on point and I know I felt very, very comfortable. The only negative thing I have to say is that it had to end! Will definitely go back with them again to check other areas of Madagascar Explore117119 2024-09-02 July visit to Namibia was fantastic. Recently returned from a fantastic trip to Namibia, on tour with Safariwise. We stayed at a variety of lodges and hotels, all with excellent food and amenities. We travelled from Windhoek down to the border with SA, then north as far as Etosha before heading back to Windhoek for the trip home. Cannot praise Safariwise enough! Thank you Neil, Berdene and associates for a fabulous holiday! tina j 2024-08-09 need more than 5 stars.... yet another fantastic safari with Safariwise - Namibia for the 3rd time. Everything from office contact re your trip to being greeted on arrival to making sure everything is in order on departure....excellent - but the best bit is what happens between arrival and departure. stayed at great variety of lodges, food at all was excellent, some long days on the road but stopped for photos, food etc that made the time go quickly. Cant recommend Safariwise enough - for their professionalism, friendliness, knowledge etc - book one of their safaris or do a tailor made safari (to other African countries as well as Namibia). Thank you Neil, Berdene and the rest of Safariwise team. Sheila W 2024-08-01 A superb trip! Namibia, Botswana and Zambia – Etosha to the Victoria FallsThis was a superb trip, run by Naturetrek and expertly led by Neil MacLeod and Jakes De Jager from ground agents SafariWise. We saw very many incredible mammals, birds and reptiles – thanks to the amazing spotting and identification skills of both Neil and Jakes. Some of the many highlights included two Cheetahs and an African Wildcat together at one of the many waterholes we visited, Black Rhinos at another, and playful young Lions at a third. Many wonderful birds too – including Blue Cranes, Southern Ground Hornbills and even the Critically Endangered White-headed Vulture. And as a grand finale - the ever-spectacular Victoria Falls! wpohley 2024-04-22 Well planned from start to finish. A friend and I did the 3 country (Zambia, Botswana, Namibia) birding/photography tour in March 2024. Excellent communication during the planning stage and the trip was spectacular from start to finish. From airport pick up to airport drop off everything was arranged. The introductory packet with map, trip info, bird list and other goodies was appreciated. The vehicle was very well maintained and was excellent for wildlife viewing and photographing. The accommodations were excellent and close to where we needed to be to find the wildlife. Neil was very flexible making some changes during the trip to enhance the possibility of viewing wildlife. The food was excellent everywhere we stayed. I highly recommend Safariwise, they know Africa very well and design an amazing tour. Jamie Buxton-Gould 2024-03-14 Safari of a lifetime! This was the first time I have visited Africa and the safari was absolutely incredible! Our guides Neil and Jakes took us to Etosha, the Caprivi strip, Chobe and Victoria falls so capably, with good humour throughout. Their awesome ability to spot wildlife allowed us to see and hear hundreds of amazing species and immerse ourselves in the landscapes we visited. I would 100% recommend a trip with SafariWise, it was such an exciting trip and the dream of a lifetime come true! Tracy A 2024-03-11 Safari road trip On safari with SafariWise, booked through Naturetrek UK. Landed in Windhoek and travelled 1700 miles through Namibia, through the Caprevi Strip to Botswana and into Zambia for the Victoria Falls as the finale. Well designed trip, stopping for lunch en route and evening stays at charismatic and welcoming lodges. Neil and Jakes are great at spotting the birds and mammals, and are attentive and personable hosts. Made some wonderful memories. Peter 2024-03-08 Two great guys I went on a holiday booked through Naturetrek, starting in Windhoek Namibia and ending at Victoria Falls Zambia. Neil and Jakes were our drivers and tourguides, all I can say they were tremendous . Great spotters of birds and mammals. Both Great guys , good sense of humour, laid back always ensuring all guests had a great time. The tour was well organised, we stayed at some great places and the food was of a good standard. Travelling over a thousand miles , what a trip , seeing great sights, never to be forgotten. Highly recommended.
Hello Berdene, Just to let you and Neil know that we enjoyed our trip to Namibia very much. Thank you for arranging it. Okaukuejo was slightly run down, as you had warned us, but OK. Halali was fine and we had the best night waterhole experience there. Mokuti was good and Erindi very good, particularly with its waterholes next to the dining area and our room, and the variety of mammals.. Thank you for adding it to our itinerary. The vehicle was just right for us, with good viewing on three sides, and quite comfortable. Dayne Braine is an excellent guide. He spotted the birds and mammals and identified them exceptionally well not only on the game drives, but also in walkabouts in the camps and lodges. He drove carefully, handled all the arrangements of the trip very satisfactorily, and was good company. All the best
Makis
We really enjoyed the holidays and are happy that everything went so well. We were very surprised by your welcome gift at the airport and of course we also used Neil's book on tour. The accommodations were nice.
Patrick Freitag
Dear Neil, Thank you for the photos. I thought you and Jakes were a great team and outstanding guides. On a personal level, I thank you for your support and kindness and excellent company. On a group level, I admired your tolerance and thank you for the many ‘extra surprises’ and experiences you made available to us. Nature was kind to us and there were many special events we managed to witness with your help and guidance.I hope that now, world wide, covid is controlled or, at least, less of a threat and that your business and Jakes’ job prospects will return to pre-pandemic levels and that you will both manage to lead happy, successful lives in your beautiful country with you families. I certainly will not forget the two of you and our amazing adventure!My love and best wishes
Sheila
Dear Neil & Jakes, My wife and I recently completed the NatureTrek journey from Windhoek to Livingstone with Neil and Jakes. I just wanted to thank everyone involved. I'm sure there must have been a lot of organisation and reorganising, with all the COVID related changes but we felt it went remarkably smoothly and we had the trip of a lifetime, this being our first time in Africa. Could you please pass on our thanks and congratulations to everyone, including Neil and Jakes who we didn't really get chance to personally thank at the end. I hope Jakes made the long journey home safely. He deserves special recognition, as it is clear he really goes above and beyond to make sure everyone is looked after. Please make sure he receives this thanks from us personally? We had a simple journey home and are currently shocked at the 1°C temperature and already miss African skies.
Mike and Peg Saul
Dear Neil, We would like to thank you again for a most amazing and memorable trip. You were a very inspiring guide and your knowledge of the wildlife is amazing. We enjoyed your and Jakes’s company very much.We have already planned to visit South Africa again and we hope to combine this with a visit to other parts of Namibia. Maybe we will meet again. We hope sincerely that the tourism will pick up again.Thank you again and we wish you and Jakes all the best for the future.
Charles and Marianne
But now for the trip….thanks so much to you and Neil for putting it together for us. We had a wonderful time and all really enjoyed it. Neil was marvellous throughout and took care of everything so well.A highlight of the trip were the early morning chasing around the waterholes at Etosha looking for a pride if lions that we found. The animals were a revelation – I did not think that we’d see so many; but we also greatly enjoyed the extra little detours to see the meteorite, dinosaur footprints and the sink hole. Heloise and Saskia had never done this sort of holiday before – usually beach and pool – but both enjoyed it so much that they’d like to return to Africa.We had 3 nights in Johannesburg after the trip you set up for us, and so got home yesterday morning (Monday 9 August). EVERYTHING you had arranged ran smoothly and exceeded not just expectations but hopes! We had many good sightings so have come back so that amongst the LARGE number of photos there are ones of Pell’s Fishing Owl, mating lions, White-tailed shrike, leopard in tree, … well basically LOTS. When I have sorted the photos I will send you a DVD with a selection and if we make a general trip report it will be saying good things about you and the various lodges, Caprivi cars, and about Pride of Africa and through them Papadi Safaris, Grant Craig (and his cook!). So THANK YOU everybody who has been involved in making this happen for us, and you will hear again when we have had time to sleep and sort out what to send you.
Arthur and Lucy Norman
Dear Neil,Thank you so very much for what was a most wonderful safari. Heloise, Saskia, Harry and I all immensely enjoyed the trip – partly because of the stunning wildlife and scenery and partly because of the perfect way in which you ran things. I cannot thank you enough for the huge effort and attention to detail that you put into every aspect of the trip.It went way beyond our expectations and we saw so many diverse and wonderful sights that my head is still reeling!It was also really good to see you again and I am sure that it will not be the last time that we meet.Thank you also for the lovely cookbook that you gave us on departure – we have a large collection of cookery books and I enjoy reading them in bed! Saskia is already planning to prepare some of the dishes and wants to write to let you know how they turn out!One aspect of the trip that I did not expect was the effect that it had on Heloise – never would I have imagined her playing the Impala poo game! Yet she gave it a go. Also, seeing her eyes fill with tears at the airport when she said goodbye shows that she does have a soft side after all!Anyway, thank you again for a most wonderful time, for our best family holiday and for your great good company.With best wishes to you, Berdene and Neil Leslie.
Jonny & family
Greetings Everyone, We would just like to say thanks to all of you for being such a great group of fellow travelers. It was a wonderful time. We are still enjoying the trip as we share our memories with friends and family and show them some of our many photos. Special thanks to Neil and Robbie for sharing all their knowledge and fun – first class guides.Best wishes for a nice spring and summer (or winter for those “down-under”).
Kathy and John
It was great to meet the team behind the front men, and of course, the camping lot…..have sent away my photos to be done and really looking forward to getting them. Love
Tina Jones
Thanks again to Jill for organising everything so expertly!Thanks too to Neil, Robbie, Malakia, Samuel, Simson, Berdene and Liezel for making it all possible.
Jackie Downey
To Neil, So very many thanks for another fabulous safari. If you look after all your clients as you did with us – you will be overrun with customers.Take care of yourself and your family.Love from us all
Jill
Hallo Robbie,Met dat mailtje wil ik U bedanken voor het gidsen in uw zeer mooie land Namibia!!Ik kende uw land helemaal niet maar door uw hulp heb ik nu een beter idee hoe uw land in elkaar steekt!! Het was gewoon een super reis, vond Bart ook.Bedankt U hebt goed werk geleverd.
Groetjes Danie
Dear Neil,Just a quick message to thank you and your team for a wonderful experience (not calling it a holiday as I’m tired out!) Have had lots of lie-ins since my return and I’m still tired, but it was worth every waking moment.Best regards to everyone especially Robbie and the three chefs S.,S. and M.
Jo Gardner
Dear Neil and BerdeneThank you so very much for the generous hospitality that you showed to Barry and me when we stayed with you last week. I had a wonderful introduction to Southern Africa and am already looking forward to coming back. But a country is made of more than landscape and birds, and the two of you contributed in very large part to the great impression that Namibia made on me. So, thank you.With very best wishes,
Jonathan Barnard
We zijn inderdaad goed thuis gekomen. Bij aankomst in Frankfurt Duitsland werd de luchthaven een half uur later gesloten wegens de stofwolk.We hebben goed genoten van Namibië en ik ben zeker dat Martine en Ik later bij leven en welzijn er nog zullen teruggaan.Heb vandaag de dvd met de foto’s verzonden. Ik hoop dat je er zal van genieten.Stuur je me even een mailtje bij ontvangst dan weet ik dat de dvd goed is aangekomen.Hopelijk kan je dit Nederlands lezen maar ik denk het wel.Bedankt voor je goede zorgen tijdens de fijne reis.De groeten van Martine en Jos en de rest van de groep.Nog veel succes en misschien tot laterps Sinds onze thuiskomst is het laatste wat Martine en ik iedere dag zeggen: “lekker slaap”. Toch een mooie taal het afrikaans!
Martine en Jos
Thanks for giving us all a truly splendid experience – we’ll be back
Gerald and Mandy Brook
We would have truly missed a singular opportunity to see big game and entirely different geography and habitats had it not been for your excellent advice, planning and expert guiding service.
William Satterfield
To Neil, although far too short(!!!!), it was probably the best trip we’ve ever had.
Gill and Neil Friswell
Neil – Thanks for the great time we’ve had with you!
Gary Player
Finally, very many thanks for a great trip – thank you Neil.
Mark Barden
Berdene I just wanted to drop you a note to thank you for organising an amazing trip for us. Our family have never been to Africa and the amazing experiences we had we will never forget. All the places you recommended were incredible for their own reasons and we enjoyed the contrast of the dry areas to start with through to the Chobe river cruises. We saw an amazing array of animal life which ticked all of our boxes. I want to make special mention of Charl and Jakes who treated all of us to an amazing time and took care of everything. You could have mistaken them as the owners of your business they did such a great job, as they were passionate about all of us having the best possible time and making sure that we were well catered for. Meeting them both and spending time with them just makes us want to come back to African soon for another adventure. Thanks again and all the best.Regards(June 2023)
Justin Pettett
Hi NeilWell its been a while since we arrived home and while it took a while to readjust our clocks to be back on Pacific Time, we at least did not suffer in any other way.I know that I wrote a trip advisor report on the trip but I wanted to write to you specifically to thank you for your leadership during the Uganda tour. I know that I was a bit concerned with some of the aspects for the first couple of days, however you did an amazing job of listening to my concerns and acting positively to ensure that my experience was top notch. I really appreciate the little extras that you took the time to arrange – the private boats, the anniversary cake and wine, the wonderful catered breakfast at the delta and while we didn’t have to change our rooms for air conditioning at Mweya Safari Lodge, your concern and offer to have our room changed was thoughtful and considerate. While not quite a photo tour (I know my definition might not mesh with yours but based on my experience) I have no complaints. Michelle and I really had a great time and we can truly say that there were just far too many highlights to answer the question that we have been asked so many times since we got home – The question being; what was our favourite part of the trip.While we were clients of Safariwise, you treated us like friends. Again, thank you for everything and we hope to be able to join you, or perhaps Charl on a future trip.And not to forget, please pass my thanks on to Berdene for doing all the work that she did to ensure that this was a successful trip.
David and Michelle Axford
Hi Berdene and NeilThank you for the wonderful time we’ve all had in Namibia. You’d obviously worked hard to get everything in place for all 5 of us. We were overwhelmed with the warm welcome we received and we were delighted to meet you together with Hannah in Swakomund. What a lovely evening, excellent food and company . Also thank you for the Beanie hats you sent with Jakes the next morning and the replacement for the edition of your book I’ve lost.Jake was an excellent guide and host. He really put himself out to help us all. Florence’s difficulties didn’t prove to be a great problem and she became very fond of him. She certainly learnt a lot. Harry’s lifetime ambition now seems to return to the Skeleton coast to do some more fishing!!We’re all now looking forward to coming back again in the not too distant future. No doubt our son,Philip and his family will want to come with us next time when they hear all about our trip!Thank you
Carol and Paul (Aug 2023)
Please thank Neil and Jakes for a wonderful holiday, perfect for me. I loved the desert scenery and all the birds and animals and learnt so much from Neil and Jakes about all aspects of Namibia. Thank you so much,
Susan Howard November 2023
I wanted to thank you for everything you did to make our visit so enjoyable. The welcome packet with all the personalized items was appreciated. The map was especially helpful.Sorry we didn't have a chance to meet in Swakopmund, but thank you for helping to facilitate my reunion with Tas, it was a highlight for me, so many wonderful memories. It will take me a while to process my images because our spring is in full swing here with a lot of chores around the property. Our town is also in the path of a total solar eclipse, so on Monday in the middle of the afternoon the moon will block the sun and it will go completely dark for 4 minutes. Friends from outside the area are visiting to witness the event and I am trying to get camera filters and plan how to photograph it. Wishing you all the best,
Bill March 2024
Dear Berdene,We want to thank you ever so much for organising an amazing trip through Namibia for us. We enjoyed every minute. Every day brought something new and we learned and saw a lot about not only the wealth of animals but also the interesting geology and its traces. We thoroughly enjoyed being guided by Pierre. Not only has he a wealth of knowledge, but he is also very pleasant company. He was not only utterly professional in every way, but also helped us when our age and mobility problems needed an extra hand. He was amazing at spotting anything animal or plant wise on the way.We loved the accommodations. We also visited the Mesosaurus Fossil camp near the Quiver trees and Giant’s playground. Giel Steenkamp, who found the fossil on his farm, Spitzkop, has a little museum and he does a nice talk about the findings. It was, of course, also very nice to meet you in person and to see Neil again.With best wishes,
Marianne and Charles June 2024
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