Review Time
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.
We were a party of 4 (2 couples )who travelled to Egypt in March 2019.Our trip was organized by Julie at Bench Travel.Julie had organized our trip to South Africa & Botswana ( for 8 people) in 2018 & I was most confident in booking through her once again.We began our trip in Cairo , staying at Le Meridien Pyramids Hotel. Great position overlooking the pyramids , very clean , lovely breakfast buffet & helpful staff .Our private guide & driver picked us up promptly the following 2 mornings for our day tours . They were helpful , friendly & knowledgeable.The next four days were spent on a 4 night Nile Cruise on The Sonesta Star Goddess cruise ship , in a Beethoven Suite.Everything about this cruise was amazing, from the crew ,the service , the wonderful variety & presentation of the meals & just sitting on our private balconies or on the lounges on the upper deck watching the Egyptian way of life, on the banks & on the river.All transfers throughout the trip were on time & everything went to plan.We would all definitely recommend booking through Bench travel for their knowledge & efficiency .
I had been dreaming of travelling to Namibia for almost a decade, and my Bench safari lived up to even my most wild imaginings. From my incredibly knowledgable local guide Nestor, to the detailed itinerary covering all the highlights and some hidden gems too, to the excellent accommodation choices (Shipwreck Lodge and Hoanib Valley camp were highlights), it was faultless from start to finish. Dreaming of my next Bench trip already.
Superb and knowledgable service. Advice on trip, timing, planning was very very good. They arranged essentially a private tour for us that fulfilled and exceeded all our expectations at almost the same cost as a group tour.Special thanks to Karen.Dave and Erica.
Wonderful first hand knowledge of Southern Africa which meant that all advice was honest and reliable. Maria, my travel consultant, was friendly, professional, so prompt in responding to my queries and knowledgeable. I really liked that they didn’t try up sell anything and understood my budget parameters. Highly recommend Bench Africa and especially Maria.
From the time of contacting Bench International, their service and delivery was impeccable. I travelled with my family from Australia and my children and grandchildren met me in South Africa for this family reunion. Every detail was taken care of and we had a memorable holiday at Bakubang Resort and at The Palace at Sun City.Well done to the Bench Team
We travelled to South Africa as our honeymoon in Dec and it was exceptional! We had the most amazing time and unforgettable memories. Everything was perfect and stress free, from the accommodation to safari to organised transfers, flights etc. Lyndal from Bench Africa was exceptional, she was very patient, professional and provided tailored advice to suits our needs. She made sure the package she created was everything we wanted and beyond! We absolutely loved South Africa. Highly recommend Bench Africa!
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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
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