Personal & Genuine African Safaris
Siya Phambile Expeditions
- Located In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2016)
- Member Of:
- Southern Africa Tourism Services Association
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $264 to $15,811 per person per day (MXN, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
CA
Email Dan Aberle | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Magnificent Journey through South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana
We landed in Cape Town on Aug. 5, 2025. The face behind Siya Phambiles Expeditions is Benjamin Wilson. He met us at the airport personally and took us to our accommodations at the Moonglow Guesthouse just outside of Cape Town. Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world nestled between the ocean and the mountains. We spent three days in Cape Town. Our first day was a free day where we explored Cape Town ourselves. Thereafter, Benjamin (or Benji) took us on a wine tour and later to Duiker Island where a seal colony calls home. We were supposed to go to Table Mountain, but it was cloudy, and so Benji like the experienced guide he is shuffled the itinerary so we could get there on a better day. The next day was spectacular. We saw a penguin colony at Boulders Beach, then went to the light house at Cape Point with its amazing views, then headed back to Cape Town through the beautiful countryside, passing by baboons on the side of the road, and eventually making it to Table Mountain with its views of Cape Town, the mountains to the south and valleys to the west stopped by the sea.
The next day we got on a plane and headed to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. We spent two days at the Hwange Safari Lodge where we went on safaris in the early morning and the evening. August is winter in this part of the world, so they bundled us up in blankets before taking us out on safari as it was freezing in the open truck. But the wildlife views were worth the cold.
We then spent 2 nights in Victoria Falls with of course a view of the falls and a day expedition to Chobe National Park in Botswana where we travelled by both truck in the morning and by boat in the afternoon to see the plentiful wildlife around every bush and tree. One of the highlights was seeing a pride of female lions just lounging in the sun. Our driver got us within 8 meters of their bodies on their back or side with paws in the air.
The next day we flew to Kruger Mpumlanga Airport in South Africa. We took the Panorama Route to get to Kruger National Park. There was alot of driving, but the stops along the way to see this magnificent country was worth the drive. We stayed in a chalet at Blyde Canyon Nature Reserve, which is on the rim of one of Africa's riverine gorges; spectacular views abounded.
We spent the next four days in Kruger National Park with Benji taking us on drives or arranging drives with other guides in the morning and the evening, the idea being that the animals are moving more at dawn and dusk. Half way through our stay in Kruger we transferred to another camp. It took us most of the day to do the trip, but it was the most magical day spent in Kruger. At a lunch stop, we saw a watering hole with elephants, zebras, impala, buffalo, warthogs all gathered together in apparent harmony. A short time later, Benji found a leopard in a tree resting. Through out, Benji was the perfect guide telling us of all the animals and birds in their ecological context, being able to spot animals, especially leopards and rhinos at great distances which we would not have seen otherwise. While in Kruger, Benji make evening meals for us, including ostrich one evening (it did not taste like chicken; very close to beef).
On the last day, Benji drove us to Johannesburg where we caught out plane to end our 14 day tour. It was a great trip!
FR
Email Véronique | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful experience with our guide Benjamin who shows lots of animals
During 5 days, each one so different, we saw all types of animals - Big 5 and others - in amazing conditions. 3 accommodations in Kruger park which very well chosen. Our guide, Benjamin, has a lot of expertise to detect and see animals. He has cooked us very good local meals and takes care of us. We recommande SIYA PHAMBILE EXPEDITIONS !!
DE
Email Joel and Liv | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great diverse tour
Benjamin is a good, experienced, relaxed guide and we had a great time in Kruger National Park. We particularly liked the diversity of the tour and the way individual wishes were catered for. We were well informed and well looked after at all times. We saw lots of animals and really enjoyed the variety of different wilderness explorations (game drives and bush walk). We had a full program and it was great! Highly recommended.
EC
Email Isabela Morelli | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Siya Phambile Expeditions offers personalized, high-value safaris with expert guidance.
Traveling for the first time to Kruger National Park with Siya Phambile Expeditions was absolutely ideal. Beyond the incredible value for money, what truly stood out was the reliability, excellent communication, and the fully customized, deeply personal experience.
Ben is incredibly knowledgeable about the area, the land, the culture, and the wildlife. We learned so much—not only about South African history, but also about the history of Kruger and the amazing animals that live there. What made this trip so special was how tailored everything was: Ben completely catered to our needs, from the routes we took, to the places we stayed, to ensuring everything aligned perfectly with our budget. It was a 100% customized experience, and the value for money was unreal—truly worth every cent.
We were also incredibly lucky to see all the animals we had hoped for, which made the trip even more memorable. I 100% recommend booking with Siya Phambile Expeditions. When we return to Kruger, it will definitely be with them again.
BE
Email Johan | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A very personal and knowledgeable guided tour
Siya Phambile and Ben is a highly recommendable tour operator. He recommended the very nice Bateleur private game reserve and then took us to experience the Kreuger park and its camps. Ben is a very friendly and easy going person who knows the Kreuger park and its animals very well. He will share his experiences and knowledge with you in a nice way. Finally he drove us back through the panoramic circuit on the way back to Johannesburg.
Our warmest recommendations,
Kaja & Johan
Email Ivan | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An incredible and surprising journey into places I could not imagine!
I've never gone on safari before...I've never used this service...and I really didn't know what to expect. I felt like there was a chance I could be scammed but boy was I incredibly wrong.
I signed up for a tour here with the intent of just wanting to see some animals on a Safari while I was in Cape Town and I received so much more. I got a geography lessons, cultural insights, the best thing I ate on my vacation, animal friendships, and a new brother from our tour guide Ben-G (Benjamin)
Although we only had 4 days, Benjamin lived up to all expectations in making this a really customized trip. He genuinely listened to my requests, remained flexible, and brought us to so many interesting things. My partner and I are younger folks who wanted adventure and Benjamin definitely delivered but he also made sure to be attentive and reactive to our needs throughout the experience. If we ever needed anything or needed a change of plans, he was accommodating. And so much so, that there were just pleasant surprises all throughout our tour experience -- I won't spoil anything as I know that's part of Benjamin's magic itinerary planning but I would say trust in the man and come with an open mind. You can certainly tell the man is passionate about Africa, its people, and its animals and has the knowledge to back it up. It made me wonder why I don't know a quarter of the things about my hometown compared to the encyclopedia-like knowledge he knew about EVERYWHERE we were. Learned quite a bit just being around him!
I came for a safari and quite frankly my highlights were pretty much all things beyond that, which really just shows you how adept Benjamin is at figuring out your needs and giving you a unique experience you can't find on your own. I'm excited to return back to Africa and to go on a longer journey with Benjamin and we've even taken some of his catch-phrases with us back to the states. Classic!
Please don't hesitate with choosing these guys. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a real taste of Africa.
Email Dustin | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of ones lifetime
I highly recommend! Our guide Benjami was amazing! Some words to describe him: knowledgeable, patience, fun and organized.
The Safari was outstanding. The accommodations where better than I had expected. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat!
Email Lucy | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A trip of a lifetime
I had an amazing experience with Siya Phambile Expeditions. Benjamin was our most excellent guide and he truly went above and beyond to make sure we enjoyed the beauty and wonders of South Africa.
The Safari Tour at Kruger National Reserve was incredible. I feel so lucky to have had such a knowledgeable and experienced team on our tour.
Email Robyn and Karl | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic, personalised, no stress, month long trip in South Africa at very short notice.
Benjamin was a gem. We gave him very short notice, just a few weeks, of coming to South Africa for a month to do primarily safaris and wanted to experience from self catering to 5 star. His communication was excellent and he quickly mapped out a trip for us that would maximise seeing wildlife. He greeted us at the airport and sorted out all issues, eg mobile phone coverage, car rental etc. Part of the planned trip ended up not happening due to changes to train schedules and Benjamin worked with us to make alternative arrangements. In the end, considering we ended up doing a walking safari, this was probably even better than our original plan. We saw lots of animals, including the endangered black rhino and it was one of the best holidays we have had. Benjamin made the trip pretty much stress free and I can't recommend Siya Phambile Expeditions highly enough. Thank you Benjamin for such a wonderful time.
Email Rosemary | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful Kruger safari and African adventure!
I highly recommend Benjamin Wilson and Siya Phambile. Initially I was drawn to Siya by the reviews, the itineraries and the fact that it is registered with SATSA (South African Tourism Services Association). I could not have been happier with my choice.
From the outset, Benjamin patiently and promptly answered my many questions and devised a customised safari in Kruger followed by a week self drive at the coast, split between Kosi Bay and St Lucia. This holiday more than met our high expectations and the different wishes of our family of 6 (aged 15 – 56). Benjamin was a fantastic tour planner and guide. From the moment he met us at the airport we relaxed, knowing we were in safe hands. He helped us arrange local SIM cards then it was off on our adventure. The accommodation was clean and comfortable with air con and sometimes a pool so just what we wanted. We occasionally had wifi which pleased the kids. Benjamin is extremely knowledgeable about the bush, the wildlife, the geography of South Africa and the local customs and languages of the various peoples. He is also a great spotter of wildlife and we were blown away by how much we saw, often at close range. Even my iphone was capable of capturing lots of animal encounters – I have a great video of wild dog puppies playing at the den. Of course, I would recommend taking a proper camera with a zoom too! Some of the kids were reluctant safari goers to begin with but soon relished the game drives! Benjamin rose to the challenge of cooking for 2 vegetarians and 2 vegans which we appreciated. He thought about the details which make for a comfortable trip e.g. we always had ample car snacks and binoculars to share (although we also had our own). He’s a keen card player which made for some fun evenings in camp. By the end of our safari we felt we were saying goodbye to an old friend.
My only regret is that we cannot do this trip every year! Thank you Benjamin and Siya Phambile and best wishes for all your future adventures.