African Safari Holidays

African Safari Holidays
Dear Vicky,
We are just back from our holiday in Africa and I am very pleased to let you know that we had the time of our life.

The safari and the beach holiday complemented each other very well. All the accomodations were superb and food to very high standard. Everywhere the staff was very friendly but also very professional.
For the transfers we were met on time by the different representatives and felt welcome. I could continue on for a long time with praise.

But everything started a few months ago when I rang you. You gave me plenty of your time to choose the best options for me. You were always ready to advise and contactable.
So from both of us a big thank you for an extremely enjoyable holiday. Mr Patrick Alzetto

African Safari Holidays
Intrepids Flying Safari and Neptune Pwani Zanzibar
Hello Gemma,

Just thought I would drop you a note of thanks we had a holiday of a liftetime at the intrepids camps and neptune pwani hotel in zanzibar.

We had the most amazing time on our 2 weeks holiday and we were upgraded to the governor camp for 2 nights instead of staying and mara intrepids we had an annivery cake made us at the samburu camp. All staff in both camps were amazing they could not do enough for us. We have never done a safari holiday before but when funds omit we will be doing another one. We were upgraded at the Neptune Pwani as well. Hotel and staff were again amazing.
If we do decide another trip will be in contact thanks again for your advice over this amazing holiday.

Annette and Peter Moorse Mr Peter and Annette Morse

African Safari Holidays
Travelled with Luxury Safaris and their partner in Kenya Somak and had the most wonderful holiday. Nothing is too much trouble and everything is thought of from stepping off the plane ( the local rep even gets you your boarding cards !) to the service in the hotels.
A fabulous find as a travel company._ Mr Steve Groom

3 nights Ashnil Samburu, 3 nights Mara Intrepids followed by 6 nights Neptune Pwani.
The 2 Safari's were even better than our wildest dreams, we saw the big 5 and a lioness kill a Baboon for her 4 cubs. The leopards were wonderful, saw Olive the daughter of Bella of the Big Cat Diaries, she now has cubs of her own. The Ashnil and Intrepid camps were great, as were our Game Guides in both Reserves. The only problem we had was the Safarlink flights from Samburu to the Mara, we had paid for direct flights and they were changes, we had to fly back to Nairobi wait 3 hrs then fly to the Mara, a waste of a day.
Zanzibar was a great experiance,but too hot for us oldies,temp at 39c with humidity of 90%.
Both Kenya and Zanzibar people are so friendly and the service was excellent. Will return to Kenya for more Safari's
Thank you Gemma.
Best Wishes
The Jewell's_ Mrs Sue & Mark Jewell

African Safari to Little Governors followed by a stay at The Indian Ocean Beach Club

Hi Gemma
Just a short note to say a huge thank you for organising our recent trip to Kenya. We had an amazing time at Little Governors , the best Safari we have ever done. We saw a female leopard on the ground with a fresh kill, her only surviving cub was up a nearby tree but eventually she called it down so we got some fabulous shots of them both. The same day we also saw a black rhino which meant we had seen the Big 5. We saw lions from 6 different prides as well as a cheetah and her 2 year old 'cub'

One evening we had an extra guest in the bar at the camp, a lone cow elephant came right up to the sitting area of the bar tent so there was no way we could go to our tent to get ready for dinner - it was a good excuse to have another gin & Tonic!!! She eventually wandered off away from the camp.

Our stay at the IOBC was also excellent, some of the staff remembered us from our previous visits there so we were looked after very well. Your travel agent, Somak , were also 1st Class and all the transfers etc went very smoothly and we managed to get our driver in Nairobi to take us up to Giraffe Manor for short while.

All in all a fabulous holiday

Kind regards


John & Lis_ Mr John and Lis Carr

Travelled on The Great Migration African Safari
I would just like to thank you for the wonderful safari holiday you put together for us at short notice. Everything went like clockwork, people were always there to meet us and the service was excellent. Every day on the holiday was a red letter day. All the lodges and tented camps were superb. The quality of the 2 drivers we had Vincent and Zadoch were unbelievable. They had local knowledge, were very helpful and courteous. There was not one thing I would have changed or thought that could be improved upon. The holiday far exceeded our expectations.

Thanks again for a wonderful safari experience._ Mr John and Kathleen Butterworth

Pinewood Village followed by The Kili itinerary.
Hope all is well with you. You recently helped me to arrange a beach & safari holiday to Kenya, which my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed. Being our first visit we were unsure exactly what to expect but it exceeded all our expectations! We had a marvellous adventure and are very grateful to you for all your help and assistance.

I would particularly like to thank you for suggesting a change of hotel in Mombasa - you recommended the Pinewood Village Beach Resort (instead of one previously advised) which proved to be marvellous! Rather isolated (which we considered a bonus!) it got our holiday off to a wonderful beginning - we spent our first few days completely relaxing in utter peace and quiet on a breathtaking beach. It took all our energy to leave!

Thank you again for your assistance in helping us to have such a wonderful holiday. We certainly hope to return one day!_ Mr Stuart Meachin

Thorn Tree Safari and Bamburi Beach Hotel
Not enough words to tell you how much we enjoyed the holiday, the best , awesome, humbling, fantastic, i could go on, the Bamburi beach hotel was fantastic, staff were brilliant and so helpful, they all seemed to care so much, but to be fair the Safari was breathtaking, please if you can pass on our thanks to our Guide Willis Sande, he was the most understanding and patient man you could have, all our questions he answered, his knowledge on all aspects of Kenyan history, animals, birds, culture, plant life was amazing, and he helped make it a holiday we will never forget._ Mrs Sue Graham

Masai Safari and Neptune Pwani Zanzibar

Just a quick note to let you know Helen and I had an amazing trip to Kenya! The Masaai Safari was excellent for first timers and our Somak driver James made it a fantastic experience from start to finish.

What can I say about Zanzibar and the Neptune Pwani resort?! We loved every single minute of our stay there after initially thinking the people weren't going to be as nice as the Kenyans! Seems they are just more reserved at first, but soon everyone we encountered met us with a friendly "Jambo" and got chatting away, with a few marriage proposals along the way!!
I would go back tomorrow if I could!
I also managed to arrange a trip to Kibera slum (largest in Kenya) before I went and that was fantastic too, visiting a school/orphanage and local craft makers etc. it was truly an amazing trip and one I hope I can make again soon!

Thanks so much for all your help over the last year, it really was appreciated. Mrs Jessica Daniels

Masai Safari and Gazi Retreat
Our holiday to Kenya you arranged was absolutely fabulous from Nairobi,to our last day relaxing at Gazi.
Richard celebrated his birthday with Champagne and cake
at the Serena Hotel,Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara lodges.
The weather was just right for safari not too hot, a thunderstorm developed on return from a late afternoon game drive which we watched whilst swimming in the rain over looking the Masai Mara. The number and variety of animals and birds was over whelming only missing a leopard by seconds but did see quite a few wildebeests and zebra crossing the river and a cheetah with six cubs.
Gazi was a delight, relaxing, quiet, the of warmest pools, food served to our perfection and time to suit us . All the staff were so obliging and always smiling and became friends very quickly. ._ Mr and Mrs Kirby

7 Day Masai Safari Itinerary
My wife and I travelled with your company for our honeymoon in June this year, and I wanted to thank-you for the fantastic holiday we had. I'm not even sure where to begin; our driver/guide was friendly, patient, polite and knowledgeable about the wildlife. He knew the animals habits and habitats; when to wait for them to return or to look for other fare. The lodges you took us to were brilliant, the views beautiful, the food delicious and service very helpful - much better than we had expected. We saw so many different animals, all the big five, and very close up on occasion, we have many great photographs to remember the holiday. We also went on the hot-air balloon across the Masi-mara, and although we didn't see as much as we'd hoped, to finish with the breakfast amongst the wildebeast and zebra was thoroughly enjoyable.

The best thing was how relaxed we were, we had forgotten the day of the week half-way through. I don't think I have a bad thing to say about the whole trip. Although the safari is not cheap, I have to say it provides excellent value for money and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to celebrate a special occasion.

Thank-you very very much._ Mr Andrew & Lindsay Boughton

Travelled on the Masai with Southern Palms
Just wanted to say how much the four of us enjoyed our safari and beach holiday. It proved far better than our expectations in many ways. We saw many animals at close quarters, including lions and cheetahs. Only the leopard evaded us! We even saw the start of the wildebeest migration, much earlier than usual! The camps were great especially the substituted Ashnil, which was tented and magical.

The hotair balloon was wonderful - expensive but worth every penny as from it we viewed thousands upon thousands of wildebeests making their way in single file from group to massive group. What a spectacle! Not so obvious from the ground.

The Southern Palms Beach Resort, a very good hotel to choose, was very welcome after a week of early starts and bumpy rides. The staff were wonderful and we were able to completely relax, in spite of a little heavy rain. Certainly we were right to go All Inclusive there.

It was the trip of a lifetime for the four of us and one we shall look back on with great pleasure for many years. Thank you so much for your very useful advice and for organising the trip for us

Sorry I haven't written this before but we are moving house in 6 days time so we've been rather busy since our return on the 6th!

Have a good summer yourself Mrs Sandie Burdon

Travelled on The Great Migration African Safari Holidays itinerary
Just dropping you a line to let you know that we had the most wonderful time and the holiday was fantastic. We had a guide all to ourselves the whole time , who was absolutely marvellous and very knowledgeable. The lodges were wonderful and the service was excellent. The Kirawira Tented Camp was out of this world, very luxurious.
My only gripe was that our small aircraft flight from the Mara was at 11.00am and our flight home was 11.45pm and we were concerned what we would do with 12 hrs in Nairobi airport. However we were met at the airport and taken to Somack house in the centre of Nairobi, given lunch and the use of washrooms and offered excursions that we could take to fill the time till we flew. We opted to explore the city and they dropped us off and collected us later on at no extra cost which was great.
We saw loads, far more than we expected. We even saw the migration of wilderbeast, thousands upon thousands ran right past us it was the most amazing experience.
Again thank you for all your help and it was a fantastic trip. Mr Kevin and Philippa Cranshaw

Travelled on Masai safari itinerary and Hemingways beach hotel
Just to say thank you for organising a great holiday. We thoroughly enjoyed the itinerary. The safari was marvellous and we saw the Big 5 and alot more besides. Also Hemingways was extremely good and we went big game fishing which was so exciting
Thanks again Tim and Pam rayment_ Mr Tim and Pam Rayment

Stayed at Billila Game Lodge and Mapenzi beach
Dear Vicky
While I am sending you this email I would like to express our thanks to you personally for all your help in arranging our last holiday.
When I first contacted you at Luxury Safaris, I was impressed with your quick response. You went on to arrange our choice of both the Game Lodge in Tanzania and nights in Zanzibar at a particular resort, that other companies seemed unable to offer.
And I know it wasn't easy! But on every occasion you found the information I needed and quickly answered any queries I had. Your efficiency and pleasant manner was very much appreciated. We had a fantastic holiday. Your attention to detail ensured that each time we arrived at an airport, someone was there to meet us and transport us onwards. We had a wonderful 'guide' at Billila Game Lodge and enjoyed every minute viewing the animals. Mushi was there to greet us and was on hand at all times. We were spoilt rotten and didn't want to come home! Even our last night was just perfect. Your choice of overnight stay in Dar es Salam before our early flight home couldn't have been better. Actually we both said we could have spent another week there!
Thanks again Vicky - you're a star - which is why I'm emailing you again for help in arranging our next holiday!!!

Kind regards

Sandra Venables_ Mrs Sandra Venables

Stayed at Keekorok Lodge and Fumba Beach

Just wanted to send you a thank you note for setting up our trip!

We had an amazing time, without a single glitch. I have been so impressed that I have passed on your details to other people whom are interested in Africa.
I know that Matt and I are already talking about our next trip and I will be sure to contact you again

Also, Natasha from FumBa Beach Lodge remembered you being there and she was happy that you had recommended the place to us.........by the way WE LOVED FUMBA BEACH!

Thanks again, we are very grateful for your expertise.

Kind Regards,
Lori Kelley_ Mrs Lori Kelley

Samburu Safari and Neptune Pwani Zanzibar.

We have just returned from an amazing holiday - best ever.

The Samburu safari was amazing, it was very well organised. We had an excellent driver and saw the big 5 plus more.

The holiday was perfect in every way and we were very impressed with the accomodation, the food, the safari vehicle, the organisation, everything was just right.

Overall an amazing experience finished off at the luxurious Pwani Neptune in Zanzibar - perfect for relaxing and luxury.

Thanks again._ Mrs Emma Alfieri

Travelled on Thorn Tree African safari with a beach stay at Neptune Pwani Beach Resort Zanzibar

Just a note to say a very big thank you for all the help you gave arranging our fabulous holiday. I can't tell you how good it was, from being picked up at the airport we were taken such good care of. Our driver Simon who we had for the whole Safari time could not have been nicer and we were lucky enough to see four of the big five amongst many other wonderful sights.

We had a super boat trip on the way where Simon knew some people and saw African Fish eagles and hippos and went walking amongst zebra and various other animals. The transfer to the Holiday Inn was good and then we were in Zanzibar, amazing, the Hotel is absolutely beautiful, the staff incredibly friendly and helpful and the food could not have been better- there was something for our two vegetarians and our picky son at every meal. I would like to tell you that Scuba do did two great days diving for us and the boys both snorkelled on one of the days- lunch provided by them- it is a great day out. We also did Safariblue- day trip to a desert island for snorkelling and then an amazing fish bbq then fruit tasting, trip was on a dhow and we saw dolphins on the way back.

I really recommend the Pwani Beach Hotel, our accomodation was really lovely and although initially they had allocated the kids a double and single bed, as soon as we said we would like three singles it was arranged.
Once again many thanks for all your help, it was the most fantastic big family holiday for us and we have so many wonderful memories to keep from it.
Many thanks Rachel Mrs R Mccallum

Travelled on the 7 night Masai Safari

I am sure you won’t remember us but we booked a Masai Mara safari with you departing in August. I was clearing out my emails and came across yours. I just wanted to say we think our trip was one of the best we’ve ever taken. It was really well organized from start to finish, food was fab, accommodation was brilliant and the animals and birds we saw were spectacular. Thanks for convincing me to take the balloon trip – it was a once in a lifetime experience and worth every penny.

That’s it thanks._ Mrs Debbie Lawrence

Travelled on the Thorn Tree Safari itinerary with a stay at the Gazi Bay Tented Retreat.
We returned from Kenya yesterday and wanted to let you know that we had what was undoubtedly one of the most rewarding holidays we have ever had. The safaris far exceeded our expectations and we were fortunate to see some quite rare sights. Our driver, Noah, was amazing, if somewhat rash at times, but extremely keen-eyed and knowledgeable. There was a lot of evidence of the drought conditions and Noah told us that the rains were very insufficient so far.
Our second week at the Gazi Tent Retreat was very relaxing and everything was done for our comfort. We would recommend it to everyone who likes something a little diffterent and well off the beaten track.

Thanks to all concerned in making all the arrangements for our trip. We very much appreciated the individual attention which we received at every stage of the holiday. Mr and Mrs Beaumont

Travelled on the Samburu Safari with a stay at the Pinewood Beach Resort.

We recently booked our Kenya holiday through your website and just wanted to say a big thank you for a wonderful experience from start to finish. From the initial enquiry, the number of changes/enquiries we made regarding beach hotels and dates etc, to the booking. All our questions were answered promptly and with knowledge and professionalism by Gemma Byard . We had been in touch with a number of tour operators and the contrast in responses was vast.

We will definitely be using you again. Mrs Jayne Bartley

Travelled on the Thorn Tree Safari with a beach stay at the Voyager Beach Hotel.

We have recently returned from our safari and just wanted to say a big big thank you for suggesting the Thorn Tree Safari and beach holiday. Being a little apprehensive about going on a safari, but it was something my husband and 10 year old son longingly wanted to do. I just wantd to say it was the best holiday we have been on. I could not fault anything and it was down to your personal knowledge that put us on to a wonderful journey, the best ever.
Thank you once again. Mrs Karyn Scott

Travelled on The Out Of Africa Safari with a stay at The Cove Luxury Tree Houses.
We had an amazing time on honeymoon, all the places were fantastic, we seemed to have each place we stayed to ourselves, it was perfect. Ol Seki is an incredible place, we have breakfast and lunch looking over wonderful views and had dinner on our balcony each night. The Treehouses were even better, 10 metres away from the beach, the staff were really attentive and the food, drink, and weather was perfect.

We saw everything we wanted to on the safari except a leopard but I suppose we'll have to go back to find one!!!

Thank you so much for organising the trip for us, there were no problems and in your words it was an 'amazing itinterary', we can't thank you enough.

All the best, and when we go for the Gorilla Trekking we'll let you know. Mr Daniel Williams

Travelled on The Great Migration and stayed at The Cove Luxury Tree Houses.
It’s been almost 4-5 weeks since we returned from our safari holiday in Tanzania and Kenya, and I can easily say it was the most amazing holiday of our lives for both Amy and I. Even though almost a month has passed since we returned, there isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t think of or remember some part of it. Everything was truly incredible – from the amazing places we stayed, to the parks we visited, to the people we met and how well taken care of we were. Thank you so much for helping to organise.

Thank you once again for helping to organise the holiday of a life-time.

Mr Tom Sutherland

Travelled on the Thorn Tree safari with a beach stay at the Cove luxury Tree houses.

I just wanted to drop you an email with a big thank you for the outstanding help & advice I got from both Gemma and Leanne whilst arranging my honeymoon to Kenya.

As with any holiday booking, we did have other companies we could have arranged this special holiday with and indeed I did speak to them; but it was solely due to the fantastic help I received from Gemma & how her help and advice shone above other companies I spoke to that I chose to book through Free2.co.uk (luxury-safaris)! Then whilst on vacation the assistance I received from Leanne was fantastic and this made sure everything went like a dream & we had the most amazing holiday ever!

Both their professionalism, dedication, knowledge and outstanding support from the initial call I made to our return have to be highly commended and is deeply appreciated by myself.

Many thanks & I look forward to arranging my future holidays with Luxury-Safaris & recommending your company to others. Mrs Wendy Sells