The Giltedge family - end of the year function
Giltedge
- Located In:
-
United States
- Size:
- 50-100 employees (Founded in 1999)
- Member Of:
- IATA, ASTA, SATSA & CTT
- Tour Types:
- Custom luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $8,585 to $24,037 per person per day (MXN, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Javier Vargas | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
No point in using them
If you are using a travel agent to give you guidance and insight knowledge about where to stay and what to do, this is not your agency. In our trip to Rwanda and Tanzania, we stayed in five hotels in total. We payed for what we thought was a luxury package. One hotel was excellent, which we chose ourselves, one was ok, but not what we were expecting, two were old, outdated and tired hotels and the last one was an all inclusive, terrible service, nightmare of a hotel. We spent the last part of our vacation complaining while being offered no real solution to the issues. They are very polite, but basically you are left to deal with the hotel yourself. If you want a luxury, smooth experience in Africa, find a different Travel Agent. Trust me on that one…
Reply from Giltedge
Posted on Jan 11, 2024We are deeply sorry to read your review. We value our clients’ feedback, and please rest assured that we take this seriously. Based on the daily updates which we received from our team in East Africa, we were under the impression that you were having a wonderful time until you arrived into Zanzibar. It was however very unfortunate that the end of your trip was a huge disappointment at The Residence in Zanzibar. We’ve noted your complaints and, as per our communication with your agent, we’re in discussions with the hotel regarding your complaints. Once again thank you for the feedback.
Email Jerry | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Too many problems -- but the best guide
We booked our safari with Giltedge through Mangata Travel based on a recommendation from a friend. Things started off well and we built a terrific itinerary. Shortly after we made our deposit (which pretty much locked us in), Mangata became less responsive. As we poured over the itinerary in detail, we found several holes and contradictions. Some of our questions were answered but some were ignored. We started communicating directly with Giltedge in order to get answers.
When we landed in Africa and met with the local Giltedge representative, he was working with an outdated itinerary. The next morning, we met our guide/driver and discovered that his itinerary did not fully match ours. For example, at our first stop - Lake Manyara National Park - we had purchased four game drives, but he was only given passes for two. Not a good start.
From our first contact with Mangata, our #1 priority for our trip was to experience the great migration of wildebeest and other animals. Having never been to Africa, we relied on the experience claimed by Mangata and their partner, Giltedge Africa. Mangata placed us at a lodge in central Serengeti. When we met our guide/driver at the beginning of the trip at Kilimanjaro airport and reviewed the itinerary, he told us that regardless of how much or little rain there was, the migration is NEVER in central Serengeti in August. He offered to take us to the Masai Mara, but that would entail an 11-hour round trip on terrible roads just to fight the crowds to spend a brief time to see just a small part of the migration. I didn't think it was worth it. But thanks to our great guide, we had a wonderful week in Tanzania where we saw everything there is to see, except for the migration -- for which I will always resent Mangata and Giltedge.
After our safari, our plan was to go from the Serengeti to Uganda for gorilla trekking. It seemed the most direct way was to fly from Seronera to Entebbe. But Mangata told us that such flights don't exist. So Mangata routed us from Seronera to Kilimanjaro, then to Nairobi, and then to Entebbe - all in one day. About 2 weeks before our trip I noticed we were not yet given our tickets for the first leg to Kilimanjaro. (Note: this is something I believe the travel agent should have caught.) I asked for the tickets. When they finally came, it showed an additional stop in Arusha. This didn't seem to bother our travel agent. But four flights in one day seems excessive to us. One slip-up and we could miss a connection. Since we had expensive gorilla trekking permits for a specific day, we could not afford any problems. After we complained, miraculously we were booked on a flight from Seronera to Entebbe. Mangata and Giltedge said they were"calling in a favor" to get this flight. But once in Africa we learned that this is a regularly scheduled daily flight! This entire run-around was totally avoidable and caused a lot of unnecessary angst for us.
Apparently, Mangata does not have the experience claimed and adequate attention to detail needed to arrange a trip like this. We will not be booking through them again.
The biggest positive by far, though -- and for which we are thankful to Giltedge -- was our guide/driver, Meshack Godson from Arusha. He must be the best guide in all of Tanzania! His knowledge and instincts were top notch. And I learned quite a bit of Swahili from him. What we realized is that no matter how much you plan your safari, your guide is truly the key to it all. And we lucked out big time with Meshack!!!
Reply from Giltedge
Posted on Dec 23, 2019Hi Jerrry,
thanks for leaving us a feedback.
We immediately went back to your travel agent (Beth at Mangata Travel) to get further information & address some of the points you raised.
We're sorry to hear that your safari didn't turn out as you had expected but trust that Giltedge Africa always strive to deliver the best experience, as per the hundreds of positive feedback we have received since we've been in operations for the last 20 years.
Once again, thanks for delivering this feedback so we can improve where possible.
The Giltedge Africa team.
SG
Email Minjie | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An Adventure with My Parents
First of all, Giltedge Africa (formerly Southern Africa Travel) was referred to me by a friend, and nothing beats recommendations from sources you can trust. More importantly, i was not disappointed.
Planning and booking - Monique was the best. A comprehensive itinerary which catered to our specific requests resulting in a bespoke trip. Planning phase was overall smooth and good.
On the actual trip itself, Sabi Sabi and Desert & Delta Safaris were very professional operators and the trip was good overall. I had brought my retired parents on this trip, and would say they thoroughly enjoyed it.
Couple of feedbacks would be i) temperatures gets a bit more chilly than expected, and for folks coming from tropical weather, they may not be as well prepared, so some reminder would be helpful; ii) the Victoria Falls segment was slightly rushed and could perhaps have been better with half a day to a day more. In addition, got the impression that Vic Falls would be better seen from Zimbabwe side.
Nonetheless, from Giltedge perspective, it was enjoyable and met our expectations. Definitely worth it and would recommend to friends and family.
SG
Email Nina | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing honeymoon
The travel agency really pleasantly surprised us with nice hotels one after the other as we made our way along the garden route. They made it a point to put us up in different types of hotels e.g. Rustic, countryside, elegant, beach resorts, etc. For us to experience the different hospitality services that S Africa has to offer. They also told the hotels that it was our honeymoon and we were treated with such love!
Special mention goes to monique who handled our booking. She was flexible and made really good recommendations, open to changing our booking to address our last minute requirements. She was always friendly and prompt to reply and we were thankful for her high service standards.
Email Bill Bronner | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent itinerary, but could have used better communication prior to travel
Our itinerary was just right. Suggestions made by Giltedge Africa (formerly Southern Africa Travel) were generally very good.
All travel connections worked and all guides appeared as planned. Our guides were all quite knowledgeable, well-spoken and very pleasant. I think some of the extras that we incurred should have been included in the package price or more clearly stated, but this was a minor issue. My only real complaint is that pre-travel communication should have been better. The information provided was more for appearances than substance. And the wallet provided at landing was embarrassingly short on any substantive materials.
Our hotels were all excellent, except for &Beyond Xudum which suffers from the necessity of a 75 minute drive each way over bumpy roads between the air strip and the lodge. They also had our poorest guide. Otherwise, the staff and food were very good.
We especially enjoyed Singita Boulders and the Views Hotel, although the food at the Views could be improved. The Harbor House restaurant on the Cape was outstanding.
I'm not sure a guide was needed at Victoria Falls, although he did get us to the falls at a good time of day for viewing which we might otherwise have missed. The river cruise was only interesting because of the wildlife on the banks.
I also want to recommend the Fat Fish restaurant in Plettenberg. It's a little more casual, but the food was excellent.
Our guides at both Singita lodges were terrific, as were our guides in Cape Town and Joberg.
Overall, we enjoyed a wonderful trip.
Email Lawrence | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent and varied holiday with great accommodation
We spent a second holiday with Giltedge Africa (formerly Southern Africa Travel) and enjoyed the experience again. All arrangements were made according to our agreements and there were no hiccups and the accommodation in all of the places we stayed were exceptional. An excellent apartment in Camps Bay, a wonderful game park in the Nambiti Hills, an original design lodge at the Zulu war battlefields and a luxury hotel on the coast near Durban were the highlights.
The guide at the Game Park was very experienced and committed and added to the enjoyment of seeing the wide range of animals (including the Big 5).
The tours of the battlefield were interesting although the guide was somewhat outdated in his style and attitude.
Although the whole organisation of the trip was good, the consultant on our previous trip was far more proactive than this time, but nevertheless all worked out very well and the knowledge of good accommodation of Giltedge Africa is second to none
VU
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Was wonderfull, a fantastique experience, I hope to go back.
Monique did help me a lot in planning our holidays in S.A early this year.
The hotel, lodges and Safaris that she had recommended where exactly in the range we where expecting.
The Sabi Sand in Kruger Park with the big 5 within 500m from our Lodge (the gourmet food in our lodge and the setting, the rooms and mostly the staff where Magnificent) , and the lodge at Victoria Falls in Livingstone (Zambia) was magic.
Giltedge Africa (formerly Southern Africa Travel) can only be recommended regarding their extensive knowledge of the region and their advice.
I can only recommend them.
Christian
Email Jackie B | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Wonderful trip for Grandparents and 9 yr old Grandson
All in all it was a fabulous vacation. Everything went off without any complications or issues. Flights and car transfers all very good.
Lodges
Kariega: Beautiful lodge in beautiful setting. Staff was good. Guide Monde was great. Game viewing excellent. Room excellent. Lodge was very cold because of weather. We just dressed warm. Missed one day of safari because of rain storm. Nothing to do at lodge but use internet. No board games to play or things for kids to do. They did have stuffed animals in their shop so we bought a couple for our Grandson and he ended up playing with them. Food was good for adults. Did not think this place was set up for kids. Would not recommend to children under 12. Definitely recommend for adults. Great sightings here!
Shamwari: Excellent lodge with spectacular rooms. This is lodge is a "Must" if you have kids. Setting and game viewing not as good as Kariega but still very good. This lodge was EXCEPTIONAL from rooms, to guide - Sam, to staff, to food (the Chef is amazing) and things to do. We were highly impressed. Everyone was so friendly and seemed to enjoy working there. It is a kids heaven and the staff was just great with our Grandson and the other kids. This was definitely a winner! We can't say enough good about this lodge. Grandson wants to go back once a month.
Hog Hollow: Great location for activities. Staff were very good and so was food. Not much to do at lodge. Rooms were outdated and had funky smell. No shampoo or hair conditioner. We had our best weather here 82 F. We went to the Elephant Sanctuary, Monkeyland, Birds of Eden, Wild Cat Sanctuary, Reptile Sanctuary, beaches and Plettenberg. Our Grandson had a blast at all of these places and so did we. It was his first time at the beach and he couldn't get enough of it. Our drive/guide Irma was very helpful and was super nice. Recommend the area but not Hog Hollow. After staying at the other places it was not up to par. Would have preferred a more updated place or something on the beach. But we survived and had so much fun!
Victoria & Alfred: How could we beat this place in Cape Town. I don't think it would be possible. Beautiful rooms and views. Delicious food. Great (BEST) location. Highly recommend.
Monique did such a wonderful job on creating our vacation and we appreciate all of the work she put into it. We will have life-long memories from this trip. Our Grandson was excited to start everyday because of the constant new experiences. It was a 10!
Email Pam | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing trip set up by Giltedge
Stella from Giltedge spent months working with us to set up the most wonderful trip to South Africa (Cape Town & Kruger National Park area), Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls) and Botswana (Chobe National Park). She was so thorough and patient really listening to what important to us and answering our many, many questions. Every detail was taken care of--from the flights between cities to airport pick-ups and transfers, beautiful hotels and safari lodges (definitely recommend Kambaku River Sands and Chobe Bakwena Lodge) within our budget, and knowledgeable tour guides. Giltedge made this trip of a lifetime so easy and memorable, and we will definitely book with Giltedge again when we return to Africa.
Fantastic
My wife and I had planned on taking our bucket list trip to Tanzania earlier but had to rebook due to first Covid and then when I had cancer return for the 4th time. Giltedge was kind enough to rebook us at the original price and keep the same luxury Elewana Lodges. Our contacts were Tamera Laine and Paula Nobre. They did a fantastic job of keeping us informed on all our preparations. Our trip to Tanzania was wonderful from the meet and greet at the airport to the final send off. We first stayed at the Arusha Coffee House best breakfast buffet ever, and lovely room and nice gardens. The first stop was Tarangire Treetops Lodge. We were treated like Royalty and the last night we were treated to a group of Maasi dancing and singing to us around a campfire and then presenting us a cake for our 53rd wedding anniversary. Our guide for the whole trip was Immanuel Jackson Muna and he did a fantastic job not only pointing out the big five animals but also the many birds that most of the visitors drove right by. At Tarangire we saw the great Elephant Migration, we had to wait for over 100 elephants to cross a road to get to their final destination at the water that is always in the park. We also saw lions kill two zebras and viewed many Giraffes and other animals. Be sure to take the night drive and the daylight walking tours where you not only see animals not active during the day but also learn about the African landscape. The second stop was at Lake Manyara National Park on the way to the Ngorongoro Crater. This used to be a salt water lake with a lot of flamingos but due to flooding it is now fresh water and the road around the lake was partially wiped out so you have to backtrack. You can still enjoy the baboons and white-faced monkeys and other animals. The crater drive was a lot longer than we expected. They limit the amount of vehicle traffic allowed in at one time and
the one way road in was long and slow. For being there during the off season we were surprised how busy it was. We did see all the animals we wanted, including the black rhino. Enjoy all the birds around the picnic areas. We stayed at the Manor at Ngorongoro Coffee Plantation where there were just a few other guests for the 2 nights we were there. Titus was a wonderful host and we enjoyed the gardens and the 5 course meals provided by Peter. I want to thank all the people involved in helping my wife when you fell, an accident, and had to be taken to the emergency room in the nearest town. She just had to have stitches and is doing fine. Our last stop was 4 nights at the Serengeti Pioneer Lodge. It was a tented camp with wonderful service. You had to be escorted morning and evenings to the dining areas because of all the animals going through the camp. We saw monkeys, gazelles and other animals up close. During breakfast one Morning we had a herd of 15 elephants feeding right below our table. The Serengeti is a huge area and you can drive and see so many different landscapes that hold various groups of animals, birds and lizards. Everyday we were able to see something different and unexpected. Again the service was excellent thanks to Big Fred and his staff. I would highly recommend booking with Giltedge for your dream trip to Tanzania.
