benchafrica.com

4.9
4.9 Based on 201 reviews

Family-run since 1969, Bench Africa specialises in small group tours and tailormade journeys across Africa, offering authentic and immersive travel experiences for discerning travellers. With offices based in Australia and dedicated local operations on th...

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Average Rating

4.9

/
5

201 Reviews

5 Star
91%
4 Star
6%
3 Star
1%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
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Susan McDougall
Constant communication and no question was regarded as trite. Being first time adventurers, Stephani

Constant communication and no question was regarded as trite. Being first time adventurers, Stephanie was helpful, accommodating and made me feel confident and comfortable organising our family holiday.
The Bakubung Lodge was perfect and we had a marvellous family holiday including little children who were welcomed and accommodated.

5
Date of experience: Mar 24, 2026
Susan McDougall
Reassuring and Professional but friendly

Constant communication and no question was regarded as trite. Being first time adventurers, Stephanie was helpful, accommodating and made me feel confident and comfortable organising our family holiday.The Bakubung Lodge was perfect and we had a marvellous family holiday including little children who were welcomed and accommodated.

5
Date of experience: Mar 09, 2026
Sara Arnold
Bench is the most efficient travel company we have come across

We recently undertook our third adventure using Bench Africa. We cannot fault them; from regular communication to suggesting ideas and ways to do things. We never had any concern about being met at airports or at Safari camps. The attention to detail was extraordinary. Our bench Africa person Maria was exceptional so friendly, so caring and so efficient. We travelled to Johannesburg and Zimbabwe, felt safe all the time and had a great time due to Bench and their efficiency. We would not use any other travel company when considering another trip to Africa.See you next time.

5
Date of experience: Feb 18, 2026
Bob & Andrea
Can't recommend highly enough

We have just come back from a tailor made 16 day Uganda (Gorillas), Tanzania and Zanzibar with Bench. Everything was absolutely fantastic, from the communications, information, accommodation as well as all the great places we went and the things we saw. Even when our flight was delayed by 7 hours until 2.00 in the morning, the driver who met us was cheerful and conversational, as were the staff at the hotel. Gayle from Bench was also extremely helpful and kept in touch to make sure things still ran smoothly. Everywhere we went the staff were excellent and keen to please, especially our guide from Leopard Tours (Charles) who was absolutely brilliant. I cannot recommend Bench or the itinerary highly enough, we would go again tomorrow!

5
Date of experience: Jan 16, 2026
Maree
Hassle free experience

Bench Africa organised a trip to Victoria Falls for my husband and myself. The whole process from communicating with Eric (Perth) to the time we flew out, ran very smoothly.When I was arranging the trip many emails went back and forth because there were different things I wanted to do and Eric was very punctual in replying so we were able to do what we want, when we wanted to do them. I would highly recommend Bench Africa.

5
Date of experience: Sep 09, 2025
S & B
Amazing Namibian adventure holiday

We did the Highlights of Namibia 11 day tour as part of a group of six, plus our very knowledgeable guide and driver, Gerhardus, who we highly recommend. We travelled in a modified long wheel base Toyota Land Cruiser, with a pop top for game viewing.Be prepared for driving on unsealed roads for much of the trip, which is part of the African experience. The lunch time picnics on travel days were amazing and there were plenty of stops to break up the journey. It was wonderful to arrive at our luxurious accommodation in the most interesting places, with delicious food and friendly staff to attend to our every need. Staying two nights at each destination was ideal.This tour takes in the magnificent landscapes and landforms of Namibia as well as game viewing and is well punctuated half way in the coastal town of Swakopmund.We highly recommend Bench Africa in Australia and Ultimate Safaris who operated the tour in Namibia and would not hesitate to travel with them again. There were many personalised touches before, during and after our tour, which made our experience even more memorable.

5
Date of experience: Sep 05, 2025
Stephen Clay
An amazing tour that will stay with us forever.

We were on the highlights of East Africa tour with some add ons for Johannesburg and Cape Town. There were only 4 of us so it was a great experience without being lost in a big group. The guides in the East Africa tour were fantastic. Moses and James were knowledgeable and flexible. They also had a sense of humour and kept us safe. The border crossings were made much easier with the guides walking us through the formalities.It is hard to say which parts of the tour were highlights. Firstly the accommodation was great. From upmarket hotels to tented camps made it special. Your choice of accommodation is first rate. My wife is allergic to onion and garlic and the hotel chefs were very accommodating.We were able to see so many animals up close and our photo collection is bursting. We really loved Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti , Maasai Mara (including the balloon ride) and the sometimes confronting town tours.We have some suggestions for improving the tour in the future. A rest day option between Tanzania and Kenya would have been good for us. Somewhere like Amboseli or Lake Naivasha perhaps. Travelling on rough roads in the land cruisers with limited A/C is challenging. The excellent Insika Lodge and Victoria Falls were welcome wind down times. We had several hours at Dar es Salam airport. Advising people that once you get in to the airport there is nothing there before check in time would have prompted us to use the cafe opposite the departure hall. A pick up time of 3.30am to get a 7.30am flight from Nairobi to Zambia is way too early. The airport was not really open. While we enjoyed the Maasai village tour it was unexpected and confronting to have to bargain to purchase so-called 'local' artefacts that we then saw available in many places.We were travelling as a group of 4 so expected that to be the case for the whole tour. In Cape Town we were with a number of other people (who were fine) for the Cape of Good Hope tour, Table Mountain and the city tour. We were not aware of this. These were minor irritations on an otherwise fantastic tour and we will recommend Bench Africa to our friends without hesitation.

5
Date of experience: Aug 31, 2025
Geoff Hatchman
We did the 13 day safari and it was… Just enjoy the experience and pack light , plenty of places to

We did the 13 day safari and it was brillant , i would do it again tomorrow. We went for glamping tents and a couple of resorts to get the real experience. Our Guide Charles Davis nyangasa from Leopard tours was amazing we saw so many animals . I totally would reccommend this tour , so many highlights , the hot air balloon over the seringeti was incredible . When we go again we would ask for Charles again.ThanksGeoff

5
Date of experience: Aug 26, 2025
Karen
Bucket list Africa experience

This was our first trip to Africa, and it had been a bucket list in the making for many years. I have come home ready to go again and soon! Veeral at Bench created the most amazing itinerary for us and was so patient with endless questions and concerns. We had a week in Tanzania, a week in Kenya and 6 nights in Zanzibar to finish. We felt safe and looked after the entire time. Our driver guides in both countries were engaging, knowledgeable and made the game drives so much fun. (Pascal in Tanzania, Leopard Tours and Peter, Southern cross safaris in Kenya). Both went the extra mile to make sure we saw everything possible (including later days back to camps due to viewing opportunities arising). The accommodations were exactly what we wanted, smaller lodges and camps without the huge crowds. Kati Kati tented camp raised a few eyebrows when we got there, however the experience of being walked to your tent by a Masaai and hearing lions roaring at night in the middle of the Serengeti was EPIC! Ngorongoro Farm House is amazing, beautiful grounds and staff.Elerai camp in Amboseli was breathtaking and we simply could not believe that we were there. All the accommodations were perfectly chosen. The bigger locations at the end of our Kenya leg (Sopa and Sarova) are a very different experience with a lot more guests, however staff were still lovely.There are long days on terrible roads in the jeep, but this is Africa and our guides called these roads "African massage". We had so much fun bouncing around and watching towns go by and the locals bustling around. Visitors need to remember you are travelling HUGE land distances during these tours, adjust your expectations and head into it simply enjoying the unique experience for what it is. Tip: USD is recommended throughout the travel documents; however, we found staff wanted the local currency and actively tried to change USD with other people. Kenyan and Tanzanian shillings were much preferred by the staff everywhere we stayed.Highly recommend Bench Africa.

5
Date of experience: Aug 20, 2025
joe revill
Perfect for Safari first timers

We used Bench Africa to go on our first ever safari. Despite our lack of knowledge of exactly what we wanted from our safari, Julie at Bench Africa expertly put together a perfect itinerary for us which delivered a range of safari experiences ranging from sublime luxury to more traditional tented camps. We would highly recommend the Bench Africa team for your safari trip. We loved every minute!

5
Date of experience: Aug 19, 2025

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Business Details

  • Family-run since 1969, Bench Africa specialises in small group tours and tailormade journeys across Africa, offering authentic and immersive travel experiences for discerning travellers. With offices based in Australia and dedicated local operations on the ground in Africa, every detail is carefully coordinated to maintain exceptional standards and ensure smooth, seamless journeys from start to finish.

    Bench Africa designs customised itineraries that connect guests with Africa’s diverse wildlife, rich cultures, and stunning landscapes. Whether exploring iconic destinations like the Serengeti, Okavango Delta, Kruger National Park, or the Maasai Mara, or discovering lesser-known gems off the beaten path, each safari is crafted to suit individual interests and travel styles.

    Specialising in both personalised private safaris and small group tours, Bench Africa provides expert guidance throughout the planning process and on the ground. This hands-on approach, supported by experienced local guides and knowledgeable teams, creates meaningful connections with Africa’s natural environment and local communities.

    Beyond wildlife viewing, the safaris often include cultural encounters, opportunities to support conservation efforts, and authentic experiences that reveal the true spirit of Africa. With a commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism, Bench Africa ensures that travel has a positive impact on the regions visited.

    Whether it’s a luxury safari, a family safari, a solo adventure, or a tailormade honeymoon, Bench Africa’s careful planning and genuine care deliver memorable and meaningful journeys that leave lasting impressions. The combination of extensive local knowledge, personalised service, and a passion for Africa’s wild places makes Bench Africa a trusted choice for travellers seeking in-depth and unforgettable safari experiences.See more

  • email info@benchafrica.com.au
  • call 1300237422
  • language https://www.benchafrica.com.au

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