In July 2019, we went on the Botswana Wildlife tour (15 days/14 nights) booked through Bench Africa and organised locally by Jenman Safaris. This was an absolutely outstanding experience. Many things contributed to making the trip such a pleasure, notably (1) the assistance from the folks at Bench Africa during the booking phase, as well as the subsequent support (2) the outstanding Jenman guide, for whom nothing was too much trouble. We had a very friendly group of 12 people who got along from the outset, which certainly helped, and were exceptionally fortunate in terms of seeing a very wide range of wildlife (e.g. we saw lions, a leopard, many types of antelopes, dozens of giraffes and zebras, hundreds of elephants and buffaloes, as well as an endless variety of birds). The local guides who supported our Jenman guide were consistently excellent.We stayed at several different lodges/camps during the trip. A'Zambezi Lodge at Victoria Falls and Chobe Safari Lodge at Kasane were clean and comfortable, with all tourist facilities. Camp Kwando in Namibia was a delight, with instant access to the river for a pre-dinner exploratory cruise. Guma Lagoon Camp in the Okavango Delta had an excellent location and was also quite good. Mankwe Bush Camp in Moremi Game Reserve was a fairly basic stopgap arrangement that nevertheless worked very well. Indeed the wonderful smiling staff at Mankwe gave us an impromptu concert after dinner on the second night! Nata Lodge was a pleasure for an overnight stop. We finished the tour staying at Elephant's Eye Lodge in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, a luxurious collection of tent chalets with amazing food. There's a lot of road travel (over 2500 km) and we were out of our comfort zone some of the time, but it was all very worthwhile because of the range of experiences on offer: the tour is a genuine adventure for people of any age. The add-on scenic flight over the Delta in a 4-seater Cessna was special!We unhesitatingly recommend Bench Africa to anyone considering a trip to that wonderful continent.
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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
