We booked and chose our African experience through our local travel agent. After perusing all the booklets and catalogues available on Africa, Bench International had by far the more comprehensive trips and covered exactly what we were looking for. They covered a variety of levels of accommodation, sights and tour sizes. We were looking for small group, personalised safari's staying in secure accommodation along with a self-drive garden route finish within our budget. Bench put together the most amazing 5 weeks of our lives in August/September this year, covering our total wish list and more. They then provided ALL the information possible in a travel booklet including our itinerary, country information, approximately what amount of money we would require,tipping advice etc that we used like a bible on a daily basis. We started our trip in Arusha where we arrived at lunch time and had the afternoon to spare. Our Bench advisor 'Charles' who met at us our Hotel after being collected from the airport by our first tour guide 'Edwin', advised us not to leave the secured grounds of our accommodation. At our disappointment of being stuck in a room all afternoon (after 5 flights from Australia over the previous 2 days) Charles went over and beyond our expectations and arranged for a friend to come and collect us and take us for a 31/2 hour walk through Arusha and experience the local people and markets, then onto the local Tanzanite museum. We felt very secure in his company and had the most amazing insight into this city that would otherwise never have been available to us. The next morning 'Edwin' began our 7 day, Tanzanian part of the '12 day Highlights of East Africa' tour including Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti N/P & Lake Manyara N/P. Bench matched us perfectly with another couple of similar age and personality to make our small group tour extremely enjoyable - and found us new life long friends. Edwin had over 10 years experience as a tour guide and was extremely knowledgeable and could not do enough for us before leaving us at the Kenyan border for 'Freddie' our next very experienced tour guide. Freddie took us on to Amboseli N/P, Masai Mara Game Reserve, Lake Nakuru & Nairobi. By the time Freddie completed our Highlights of East Africa tour, we had seen ALL of the Big 5, some several times over! This included a Lioness killing a Warthog, Leopard attack on Gazelle, mating Rhino's & Lions, many Elephants and Buffalo on a daily basis - ALL at very close range. AMAZING! From here we flew to Zimbabwe for 4 days at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. We are so glad Bench offered the extra optional activities of a Helicopter flight over Victoria Falls & the Zambezi River which gives a whole different appreciation of this landscape from the sky; Elephant Back Safari and Lion encounter which gave us very personal time learning about these amazing animals and walking/riding with them through their natural environment and not in caged areas. From here we flew to Cape Town and on our own began a 12 day self-drive Garden Route trip. With a suggestion list from Bench we explored Cape Town, the Winelands and the garden route up to Port Elizabeth. Our hire car & accommodation once again was perfectly arranged to our taste and budget.During our trip we stayed in top hotels, tented lodges and on a coffee farm. All this accommodation was immaculate, well presented and many provided 3 meals a day including a packed lunch box on the days we were on Safari drives. At no time on our tour did we feel unsecure as our guides were local people with great local knowledge. Everything went perfectly to plan with our very experienced tour guides Edwin and Freddie offering over and above what we expected. We would highly recommend Bench International to anyone and if we were ever to return to these beautiful countries would never travel with anyone else. Thank you Bench and your tour staff for a once in a lifetime most amazing holiday to Africa.Rob & Carleen Hargreaves, Queensland
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
