detourafrica.com

I cannot say enough amazing things…

I cannot say enough amazing things about our 10-day guided trip through South Africa, Mozambique (planned), and Eswatini with Detour Africa, supported on the ground by Footprints in Africa. This trip completely exceeded every expectation I had and ended up being one of the best travel experiences of my life.We originally chose Detour Africa because of their extremely competitive pricing and flexibility, and they proved very early on that we made the right decision. Over the course of about eight months of planning, our group size changed constantly. We started with eight travelers dropping in and out due to life and scheduling conflicts and ultimately ended up with only three of us traveling. Despite that, Detour Africa never made us feel like our trip was inconvenient or less important. They remained patient, accommodating, and committed to making sure our experience still happened exactly as planned.Planning & CommunicationTheir organization and communication were outstanding. They consistently checked in with us throughout the planning process and were always responsive during their business hours. They provided detailed travel checklists, passport and visa guidance, and sent our itinerary early enough for us to plan outfits, excursions, and expectations. By the time we left, we felt 100% prepared for everything the trip involved.Flexibility During Unexpected ChallengesOne of the most impressive parts of this company was how they handled unexpected circumstances. Severe flooding made it impossible for us to travel into Mozambique, which was originally planned for beach time and scuba diving. Instead of letting that portion of the trip feel like a loss, they quickly pivoted and rerouted us to a beautiful beach town in South Africa that ended up being just as incredible. They even adjusted our itinerary to include another safari day trip, still ensured we had a beach experience, and personally cooked breakfast for us to make sure no part of the trip felt wasted. Their flexibility and kindness during that situation showed how much they genuinely care about their travelers.Our Guide – Mark (Footprints in Africa)Our guide, Mark, truly made the entire trip unforgettable. I firmly believe that without a great guide, a trip like this could fall apart, but Mark was beyond exceptional. He was incredibly knowledgeable about wildlife, culture, and the regions we traveled through. He was responsible, professional, and always prioritized our safety and comfort.We spent roughly 72 hours total traveling between destinations, and he never hesitated to stop whenever we needed restroom breaks or stretching time. He cooked amazing meals for us, spent time socializing and making the trip fun, and was always available if we needed help with anything. Even with the stress of last-minute itinerary changes due to flooding, he never once showed frustration or negativity. His passion and dedication made the experience truly special.Accommodations & ExperiencesOne of the biggest surprises was the accommodations. Although the trip was marketed as budget-friendly, none of the lodging felt “budget” in quality. Every location was beautiful, comfortable, clean, and well staffed. The places we stayed actually enhanced the overall experience and helped us feel safe and relaxed throughout the trip.The wildlife and safari experiences were incredible. Having park entrances, cultural experiences, and transportation included made everything seamless and stress-free. We were able to focus entirely on enjoying the adventure instead of worrying about logistics.Safety & ComfortAt every location we visited, we felt completely safe. The accommodations were secure, the staff were welcoming, and the animal enclosures and safari environments were handled professionally. Safety was clearly a priority throughout the entire journey.ValueFor approximately $1,500 per person, this trip was unbelievable value. It included three countries, private transportation, daily breakfast, safari park entrance fees, cultural excursions, beach experiences, and constant guided support. It was truly the most “bang for your buck” travel experience I have ever had.Final ThoughtsIf you are considering traveling to Africa, especially for a safari or multi-country adventure, I cannot recommend Detour Africa and Footprints in Africa enough. Their professionalism, flexibility, organization, and genuine care for their travelers set them apart. This trip created memories I will carry with me forever, and I would absolutely travel with them again.

Date of experience: Jan 13, 2026