I booked the Grand Tour of Africa through my local travel agent with Bench Africa and as I was travelling alone and this was my first trip to Africa I was slightly nervous. My agent assured me that I would be well looked after every step of the way and he was right! I received detailed documents from Bench Africa with added tips which were very useful. The Grand Tour is in two parts, Wildlife & Warriors from Johannesburg to Durban, then a short flight to Port Elizabeth and then a Garden Route tour from there. So we had two different guides, Walter and Abdullah, both were excellent. A party of 14 for the first part and 12 for the second. Another couple from Australia and myself and the rest from UK. Kruger was a highlight and we saw the Big 5 really quickly as well as most of the Ugly 5 as well as many more! The guides in Kruger keep in contact by radio and are excellent at finding where the animals are. I was amazed to discover that Kruger was twice the size of Wales! We returned for an optional night safari which was incredible too. It was totally amazing to see the animals so close up, just that made the tour worthwhile. So many included activities and a really busy tour but we saw so much. So many animals, beautiful scenery, famous places like Table Mountain, Cape of Good Hope etc and visited wineries, ostrich farm and saw the main cities too. We were offered extra tours, one was an elephant sanctuary where I got to take an elephant for a walk and another was Tenikwa Big Cat Reserve where we had afternoon tea with a cheetah prowling outside OUR enclosure and later went for a walk with him. The hotels on the tour were excellent, a stand out was Hunters Country Lodge where the finest details are included, an open fire lit in your cottage while you are at dinner and hot water bottle in the bed were just a couple! I also enjoyed The Benjamin in Durban, smaller rooms and older hotel but amazing service, so friendly and helpful and the open cocktail cabinet in the evenings was an enjoyable place to meet people. The only hotel that wasn't up to standard was Surval which had been changed from my itinerary and was a disappointment. The hotel rooms although large were very dated and they need refurbishing badly. The meals included in the tour were excellent and food in South Africa is very reasonable when we had to pay for our own. When we did the wineries tour we had 3 on the itinerary but when we got to the 3rd one (Spier) there was no booking so we had to leave. This really wasn't an issue as I was feeling that maybe 3 wine tastings in one day was too much! So although a couple of glitches nothing major and certainly didn't have any effect on the trip at all.
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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
