Walks in Africa Reviews

Name: Walks in Africa
Address: Hill Oak Farm Ampney St Mary, Cirencester
Rating: 5.00

5.0 Rating 108 Reviews

100 %

of reviewers recommend Walks in Africa

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5.0

Based on 108 reviews


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About Walks in Africa:

Specialists in tailor-made holidays in Southern and East Africa, aimed at walkers - we cover mountain and coastal trekking, walking safaris, and other travel experiences around these

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Phone:

01285850909

Email:

angus@walksinafrica.co.uk

Location:

Hill Oak Farm Ampney St Mary
Cirencester
GL7 5SW

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Walks in Africa 5 star review on 3rd December 2023

Sarah P

Walks in Africa 5 star review on 23rd October 2023

Christopher S

Walks in Africa 5 star review on 20th October 2023

Kicab C

Walks in Africa 5 star review on 20th November 2022

Helen

Walks in Africa 5 star review on 15th May 2022

Christopher S

Anonymous

Anonymous // 01/01/2019

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“Our very special trip included: an unforgettable series of walks in the Drakensbergs including a rare, snow-covered ascent of Sani Pass into Lesotho and exploring seldom-visited Bushman caves concealed behind waterfalls (all the more enjoyable with good food, a roaring log fire and underfloor heating in our room on our return each evening). Then an informative and emotionally involving tour of the Anglo-Zulu battlefields, with an oral narrative from highly engaging and knowledgeable guides at Isandhlwana and Rorke's Drift, retiring to the historical and beautiful Fugitive's Drift each evening. Finally animals galore in a private game reserve, including walking safaris and outdoor meals by firelight. Completely magical and seamlessly professional throughout.”

Helpful Report

“Angus was instrumental in helping plan our trip to South Africa and everything he recommended was incredible! From the game drive to the mountain trek and even to Cape Town, his assistance was invaluable. We loved each place we stayed and hope someday to return. It was especially helpful for us to have someone in a similar time zone helping to communicate -- we were coming from LA so direct communication was a bit more difficult. We wouldn't have changed a thing, and much credit for this amazing trip goes to Angus and all his helpful advice.”

Helpful Report

“My experience with Angus and Walks in Africa was great. I typically like to plan trips by myself, so I was reluctant to ask for help, but after looking at the logistics of doing a big Drakensberg trek I realized that I'd need some guidance. Angus recognized quickly what I was looking for and helped to identify the right trek and organized a guide. As trip planning continued, Angus also provided very useful guidance and suggestions on the non-Drakensberg parts as well. Everything that Angus suggested was great-- the trek, all the places we stayed, his guidance on how to get from one place to another. We had a wonderful trip, and Angus was a big part of making it happen-- basically, working with him was like having a friend who just happens to know the place you are going on vacation very well and is willing to help you out with planning.”

Helpful Report

“Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra - concert tour to South Africa, July 2015; 80 players, 6 concerts, 16 days - in part arranged by Angus Maclaren of Walks in Africa. The trip was fantastic, musically, as well as all the travel and accommodation arrangements. Not a single hitch. And lots and lots of magic. All the Orchestra old hands said that it was by far the best international tour they had undertaken. Some achievement! Angus invested so much energy in understanding the needs of the group and right at the outset came back with such an imaginative shaping of the journey. His suggestions really captured what a large group of young people needed - like taking the group straight into a game reserve on their first night, so they could wake up in the bush; like taking them out of the city to the Cradle area for their stay in Johannesburg, so they could completely relax in a beautiful safe and very private environment. The attention to detail was a treat, it was clear that Angus worked hard to make every part of his tour arrangement special, on the ground, his guides were excellent and very knowledgeable, The result was an experience where every day was just better than the last. Thank you thank you for the huge effort you put into making this once-in a lifetime event for the young players - see our blog on fiddleorchestra.com for the players' views.”

Helpful Report

“An excellent trip to an unsung gem of a trekking destination. The tour was simple to organise and Walks In Africa were easy to deal with at every turn. The itinerary was pretty much spot on, combining challenging but not overly strenuous trekking with a comprehensive snapshot of the stunning northern end of the Drakensberg range. The 10-15km days were the ideal length, the guide and porters were friendly and accommodating, the food was always good quality and the logistics were all well executed. No complaints at all. Would definitely recommend it.”

Helpful Report

“I have only good things to say about Angus and our trip. Having had my surprise honeymoon trek to Everest Base Camp cancelled due to the earthquake disaster just 6 days prior to departure and 5 days prior to our wedding Angus came to the rescue during a very stressful period! Not leaving all my eggs in one basket I had approached other similar tour operators who smelled an opportunity to overcharge a distressed bloke by suggesting various overpriced and undoubtedly inferior tours. Angus completed a very thorough itinerary, was in constant contact about developments and improvements to the trip and set us up with an ideal mixture of adventure, cost and relaxation. The value of the trip was very cheap relative to other similar journeys, the quality of guides, suggested route and fact that Angus actually listened to and understood the kind of trip I was after cannot be understated - simply brilliant. I will be sending other wanderers in his direction without question. Cheers, Andy (base camp next year! )”

Helpful Report

“Angus really gives you a personal service designed solely for you. We had a very detailed itinerary in KZN over 18 nights, and everything worked perfectly. the transfers were all on time and the drop-off and collection of the hire car to various lodges all went well. The highlights were many but a special mention of the walking safari recommended by Angus in Hluhluwe-imfolozi, the stay in Fugitive's Drift (and the knowledge of our guides), and the walk to the Ampitheatre in the Drakensberg with our guide Philip, (including the infamous chain ladders). As my wife said, it really was the holiday of a life-time. Thanks again Angus. We will definitely use your services again and I would always recommend you.”

Helpful Report

“The organisation was excellent with everything going as planned. We were given route maps which were easy to follow and the suggested packing lists were exactly what we needed. Christine, our guide knew the area well and was full of interesting information about the area, flora and fauna. She went at a pace that suited us well. The hotels were exactly as described. Angus clearly knows the area well. We had a really wonderful three days. The views and walks were amazing and the people friendly and hospitable.”

Helpful Report

“We had a fantastic trip thanks to Angus and Walks in Africa - simply incomparable to anything we could have organised on our own. Angus helped us choose a three-day route suitable for our fitness, time and budget, organised all the bookings at the lodges (including packed lunches and breakfast) and ensured the whole thing was led by the most fantastically friendly and knowledgeable local guides. The Drakensberg Mountains are a very special place in their own right, and we feel very lucky to have been able to completely relax and enjoy them, knowing that everything else had been so well taken care of. Thank you!”

Helpful Report

“I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. However, I think it should be made clearer in your description that this is most definitely a strenuous walk with some very steep ascents and descents and that a good level of fitness is required. I consider myself to be a very fit adult but did find the going tough at times!”

Helpful Report

“This was my first time in Africa and it turned out to be the trip of a lifetime! We stayed in several different places and the transfers between each one worked like clockwork with absolutely no hitches. The accommodation was great if very basic at the wilderness camps but it was as close to nature as we could possibly get. It was fantastic to hear animals (large and small) calling and padding around the tents and chalets during the night. The facilities were fine too and the catering at the wilderness camps was superb. The food everywhere was delicious and very generous. The guides on each of the wilderness trails and in the Drakensberg were excellent too. They quickly established a rapport with everyone in the group and their knowledge of the flora and fauna was very extensive. Mealtimes in the evening around the camp fire at Mpila were magical. The final three days at Umlani provided a wonderful opportunity to rest and refresh ourselves after two weeks walking in the bush. All in all a superb adventure!!”

Helpful Report

“The Hoerikwaggo Trail was superb! The guides were excellent - responding to individual needs and environmental issues (the recent fires). Our accommodation was interesting and varied with Frank's excellent catering. This is not a trail for faint-hearted! A good level of fitness is required. Rosie McCrindle”

Helpful Report

“Great guiding, super food and accommodation, good organisation . Very enjoyable but strenuous hike requiring good level of fitness. Would recommend.”

Helpful Report

“Angus at Walks in Africa responded to our request for a complex, multi-part trip by putting together an excellent itinerary, using the sort of accommodation we like, top class guides and sufficient time to get from one to the other. It worked very well and we had a superb three week trip. Dave Sanderson, Saddleworth, April 2015”

Helpful Report

“The very Good rating that you provideis inadequate and excellent or outstanding would be more appropriate. I have travelled with Walks in Africa on many occasions following imaginative itineraries taking me to exotic,exciting and unusual venues. In the planning nothing is too much trouble, even late changes of mind. The planning for flights, meeting representative s at the airports,car and other transport arrangements are allways spot on. All this delivered with a fund of experience and a warm friendly approach. CN”

Helpful Report

“We had a great few days in the Drakensberg with our guide, Philip, he was immensely knowledgable, and a good personality for keeping the atmosphere light! The hiking was spectacular, and we were very fortunate with the weather, which just added to the experience! Accommodation throughout the trip was very good, clean, decent food, and very well organised and communicated by Angus. It was our first trip to South Africa, and we weren't quite sure what to expect - but the communications from Angus did a lot to help, a really great touch. We would be more than happy to have our next hiking experience organised by Walks in Africa!”

Helpful Report

“This was the third time we have booked a trip to SA through Angus and it was, as always, a great experience. All accommodation was booked and of a good standard. Guides, transport and excursions were excellent. Each of the visits have been for school trips (DofE or a geography field visit). The pupils have always thoroughly enjoyed the expeditions and gained many life changing experiences.”

Helpful Report

“Angus set up an excellent programme for us. Some trekking,some game watching, some beach and some R &D.We benefitted from his wide experience.”

Helpful Report

“Dear Angus, First and foremost, we thank you so much for orchestrating our holiday. It was both splendid and flawless. Five stars and "very good" isn't sufficient--can I have a six-star category? Working with you was like having a good friend who takes pleasure in you having a great time and also has detailed knowledge and contacts in the places you want to visit. Corresponding via email and Skype, you skillfully asked all the right questions to ascertain our desires, quirks, and capabilities, carefully listened to us, and patiently answered all our questions. This might sound odd, but corresponding with you was thoroughly enjoyable in itself—like having a delightful pen pal. You almost magically mapped out and meticulously arranged a dream trip. Almost unfathomably, nothing went wrong and everything was as you described it would be. No surprises, no foul-ups, nothing unaccounted for, right down to incidental things that you shouldn't even have been responsible for (like arranging for an early-morning ride to the airport from our B&B in Windhoek). We'd enthusiastically recommend you to plan a trip for any one of our friends and would jump at the chance to work with you again to plan a holiday. Lonny Lippsett, Massachusetts, USA”

Helpful Report

“From start to finish, our entire experience with Angus was stellar. We planned the trip with him online for months, refining plans as our needs and interests evolved; Angus not only was receptive to the changes, but offered numerous suggestions based on his knowledge of the area and his understanding of our inclinations and our financial limitations. He really listened to us. Even after all this, we anticipated some glitches, given that we were traveling in Third World countries on an itinerary developed via Internet, and thus surely subject to some miscommunication. But, no: Everyone scheduled to meet us was there, on time; every venue awaited our arrival; every detail was as promised. The guide assigned to the Namibia portion of our journey was exceedingly knowledgeable, helpful and affable (we still keep in touch with him). We did some driving in Namibia, and Angus gave us sensible advice about how much territory we could anticipate covering, and how best to navigate in the varied conditions. Every place we stayed, from a patch of sand in the Namib Desert to a B&B in Swakopmund to the Oddballs camp near Maun, Botswana, in the Okavango Delta was precisely as advertised and just what we wanted. This trip remains a peak life experience.”

Helpful Report

Walks in Africa is rated 5.0 based on 108 reviews