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.
Claim your business profile now and gain access to all features and respond to customer 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 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
