Bench is the only way to travel Africa! From the beginning, right up to when we returned home, everything was perfect and the small personal touches were everywhere!I asked a thousand questions & my consultant had a answer for everything! I got a very special pack for my documentation approx. 2 weeks before I departed on our tour. Bench put together a day by day personalised itinerary to take on the trip with me. We were in Africa for about 10 days staying in the most spectacular properties. Our first stay was Camp Jabulani. This was beyond amazing! A great start to our trip! The personal touches & the food was something the lodge took great pride in. If you are going to South Africa, this property is a must!! After this we traveled to Makutsi for three nights. This is a beautiful, family-feel lodge! There was no Wi-Fi or TV's in the rooms, which was my favorite part! We would wake up and there would be Impala's at our front door, it was amazing! The staff were incredible & extremely helpful! It is in the perfect location & would be amazing for groups or families! After this we traveled to Thornybush Game Reserve and stayed at Shambulala & Thornybush Game Lodge. Both are spectacular! Shambulala was my favorite during the trip. Their attention to detail, and again the personal touches were everywhere! We first walked in the door and they already knew our names & never forgot them during our stay. We had a host for the time we were there. She was incredible and made our stay all the more special. The food, again, was absolutely amazing! They made a simple pear salad into the nicest meal I have ever eaten! It is the greatest place to relax as their pool faces out to the Game Park, you can just watch the animals walk by you! I cannot speak highly enough of this lodge or the staff, it was incredible! After this we headed out to Thornybush Game Lodge, this is another beautiful 5 star property in the reserve. We had a South African braai for dinner one night and it was beautiful! The staff couldn't be more helpful and the rooms were beautiful. When we first arrived, we were told there was a Leopard, that morning, sleeping on one of the decks! One thing you must know about South Africa is that you will forever be eating! All the food & fruit is just too good! Our final stop was The Palace in Sun City. This was a fantastic end to a once in a lifetime trip! There is so much to do & see here! It is quite literally like a small city! There is the 'Gary Player' gold course, which is one of the best, a man-made beach, maze, zipline - The list goes on! Again, another must do experience while you are in South Africa! It is only a 2.5hr drive! Well worth it! All in all, Bench is an incredible way to travel Africa! You can travel so many different ways to so many different places & do it however you would like! The reservation department were absolutely incredible, & honestly that was where the 5 star service began. They are the Africa experts!! They know every corner in Africa, so many of their experts have lived there. I cannot put it into words how incredible the whole experience was with Bench! I urge everyone who travels anywhere in Africa to speak to Bench about their trip! It is sure to be amazing!
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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
