Discover Africa Safaris Review 2026: Is It Worth It, What It Costs, and Who Owns It
By Richard Jasinski·Updated 15 October 2026
Discover Africa Safaris, the Cape Town safari company Steve Conradie and Andre Van Kets built from a 2002 travel business, scores 88/100 on our six-criterion review of safari planners: full marks for independent reviews and destination breadth, 24 of 25 for expertise, and 5 of 10 for ownership transparency. SafariBookings rates it 4.9 from 593 reviews, it prices 17 trips on its site from $1,080 per person, and it has 13 named experts, an office in Cape Town and UK, US and Australian phone lines. What a buyer cannot find: who owns the company, and the financial protection its marketing promises, which its booking terms do not name.
Verified 24 September 2026 · Discover Africa's own pages, booking conditions and group site · SafariBookings and Trustpilot · ATTA directory · NBC New York and the Mail & Guardian · Skift
Discover Africa Safaris at a glance: the company record
Discover Africa Safaris is a division of Discover Africa Group (Pty) Ltd, registration number 2003/012380/07, which trades from Fedgroup Place in Bellville, Cape Town, and also runs Drive South Africa and 4x4 Hire. Every row below links to its source and was checked on the date shown.
| Field | Fact | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trading name | Discover Africa Safaris (discoverafrica.com); group site discoverafricagroup.com | Discover Africa homepage | 24 Sep 2026 |
| Legal entity | 'Discover Africa is a division of the Discover Africa Group (Pty) Ltd' registration number 2003/012380/07; South Africa's register could not be checked | Terms of use | 24 Sep 2026 |
| Founded | 2002 as a vehicle-planning business ('Buybacks'); Discover Africa launched in 2010 by 'Andre and Steve' | Group story | 24 Sep 2026 |
| Founders | Steve Conradie (Director of Operations and Finance) and Andre Van Kets (marketing and technology) | Meet the founders | 24 Sep 2026 |
| Office | Unit 4 and 5 (2nd floor), Fedgroup Place, 35 Willie van Schoor Avenue, Bellville, Cape Town (map); its booking terms give 1st Floor, 38 Hout Street, Cape Town 8001 | Contact page | 24 Sep 2026 |
| Phones | US +1 720 681 6235; UK +44 20 3885 0549; Australia +61 243 127 620; other +27 21 422 3498 | Contact page | 24 Sep 2026 |
| Hours and reply | Monday to Friday 08:00 to 19:00 (GMT+2); 'a Travel Expert will get back to you within 24 hours' | Contact page | 24 Sep 2026 |
| In-trip support | '24/7 Support' | Contact page | 24 Sep 2026 |
| Owners | Not stated on its site | Group team page | 24 Sep 2026 |
| Sister brands | Drive South Africa (car hire) and 4x4 Hire | Discover Africa Group | 24 Sep 2026 |
| How it books | 'DiscoverAfrica.com provides clients with travel and/or other services as an agent' | Booking conditions | 24 Sep 2026 |
| Money protection | None named in its booking conditions; its marketing says 'bonded with industry-leading financial protection' and SATSA-accredited | Why book with us | 24 Sep 2026 |
| Deposit and balance | 30%, non-refundable (flights 100%, villas 50%); balance 60 days before departure | Booking conditions | 24 Sep 2026 |
| Cancellation | 60 days or more ahead: 70% refunded; 30 to 60 days: 50% refunded; under 30 days: nothing refunded | Booking conditions | 24 Sep 2026 |
| Terms date | Booking conditions 'Last Updated: 30 May 2024' | Booking conditions | 24 Sep 2026 |
| Destinations | 13 African countries plus Zanzibar; Africa only | Destinations page | 24 Sep 2026 |
| Published prices | 17 itineraries, per person sharing in USD, from $1,080 to $2,820 | Safaris page | 24 Sep 2026 |
| Independent reviews | SafariBookings 4.9 from 593 (newest 22 Sep 2026); Trustpilot 4.8 from 177 (newest 31 Aug 2026) | SafariBookings | 24 Sep 2026 |
| Memberships | ATTA, 'African Based Travel Specialist' (confirmed); SATSA and IGLTA per SafariBookings and its site | ATTA directory | 24 Sep 2026 |
| Awards, per its site | World Luxury Travel Awards 2022 to 2025; CorporateLiveWire South Africa Prestige Awards 2020 | Why book with us | 24 Sep 2026 |
| Team | 13 named experts; Nadine Muller, Commercial Director; Alice Lombard, Head of Product | Team page | 24 Sep 2026 |
| Page for AI assistants | Publishes /llm-info/, a summary written for AI tools | llm-info page | 24 Sep 2026 |
Is Discover Africa Safaris worth it?
Discover Africa Safaris scores 88/100: it has 593 reviews on SafariBookings at 4.9, a team based in Africa and prices on its site, and it loses most of its points on what it does not publish about itself. Co-founder Steve Conradie was first taken to the Kruger by his grandfather in 1976 and in 2002 made a six-month Land Rover drive "all the way to the Serengeti in Tanzania" Andre Van Kets, who runs its marketing and technology, studied business and computer science at the University of Cape Town. Its team page names 13 experts, each with the countries they know, among them Vihann Van Wyk, a former professional field guide. Against that, its site does not say who owns the company, and its booking conditions name none of the protection its marketing describes.
| Criterion | Score | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First-hand African expertise | 24/25 | Co-founder Steve Conradie first went to the Kruger in 1976 and made a six-month Land Rover drive to the Serengeti in 2002; its 13 named experts list the countries they know, one a former field guide; its office is in Cape Town; selling African travel since 2002. |
| Independent review evidence | 20/20 | SafariBookings shows 4.9 from 593 reviews, the newest from 22 September 2026; Trustpilot shows 4.8 from 177, the newest from 31 August 2026. |
| Destination breadth | 15/15 | 13 African countries have their own pages, from South Africa, Botswana and Tanzania to Malawi, the Republic of the Congo and Mauritius, plus Zanzibar. |
| Pricing transparency | 12/15 | 17 itineraries carry a 'from' price per person sharing in US dollars, with inclusions and exclusions; the pages show a season calendar but do not say which season or year the price applies to. |
| Service model and support hours | 12/15 | UK, US and Australian phone lines, weekday hours of 08:00 to 19:00 (GMT+2), a reply 'within 24 hours' and '24/7 Support' one named expert from enquiry to return is not promised. |
| Ownership transparency | 5/10 | Its site names co-founders Steve Conradie and Andre Van Kets but not its shareholders, and publishes Discover Africa Group (Pty) Ltd, 2003/012380/07; South Africa's company register could not be checked. |
| Total | 88/100 |
How Discover Africa Safaris compares with other safari planners
Discover Africa Safaris is a safari planner, like the seven companies below: it builds trips from lodges and suppliers it does not own. Our planner reviews were scored on different criteria at different times, so their scores are not ranked against each other here; every fact below was read from each company, or from the review platform named, on 12 October 2026. It already appears on two of our awards pages as a World Travel Awards nominee for Africa's Leading Safari Company: on the World Travel Awards safari page for 2026 and the award-winning safari companies page for 2025; Safari.com won both years. It has not been assessed on our safari planner index or payment terms index.
| Planner | Independent reviews | Deposit and balance | Client money | 24-hour line |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discover Africa Safaris (this record) | Trustpilot 4.8 from 186 | 30%; balance 60 days before travel | SATSA accreditation stated; no scheme named | Stated |
| Go2Africa | Feefo 4.9 from 3,118; Trustpilot 4.8 from 181 | 30%; balance 60 days before travel | Money-Back Guarantee (supplier insolvency); SATSA bonding | Stated |
| Expert Africa | Google 4.9 from 306 | 20% or GBP 600 pp; balance 70 days before | ATOL 5206 | Stated |
| Yellow Zebra Safaris | Trustpilot 4.9 from 1,783; Google 4.9 from 243 | Amount not stated; balance 90 days before travel | ATOL 10614 | Stated |
| Micato Safaris | Trustpilot 3.2 from 1; no Google listing found | 30%; balance 120 days before travel | No scheme, bond or trust named | Stated |
| Extraordinary Journeys | Google 5.0 from 182; SafariBookings 4.9 from 35 | Amount not stated; balance about 100 days before travel | No scheme, bond or trust named | Stated |
| Abercrombie & Kent | Trustpilot 4.4 from 787 | Booking terms showed no text when read | Not stated; optional Allianz insurance | Stated, small groups |
| Scott Dunn | Trustpilot 4.6 from 278 | Set per trip; balance 90 days before | ATOL 2471; ABTOT 5222 | Yes, number printed |
Stated means the company says it offers 24-hour support but prints no number for it. Not stated means the company's own pages did not say it when read; it does not mean the company does not do it. Sources: each company's own site and booking terms, Google, Trustpilot, Feefo and SafariBookings, read 12 October 2026.
How much does a Discover Africa safari cost?
Discover Africa Safaris prices 17 itineraries on its safaris page per person sharing in US dollars, from $1,080 for five days at Victoria Falls to $2,820 for six days in Botswana; most are short trips of three to seven days, and many are shown against a higher crossed-out price. The itinerary pages list what is included and excluded: the three-day gorilla trek in Rwanda, from $2,700, includes transfers, internal flights, all meals and local drinks, and excludes international flights, visas, insurance and tips. Each page shows a calendar of peak and low seasons but does not say which season or year the price applies to. Longer tailor-made trips are quoted individually. Our safari cost by budget guide shows what longer trips cost.
| Itinerary | Days | From, per person sharing | Crossed-out price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Affordable Victoria Falls Stay | 5 | $1,080 | None |
| East Africa Beach Extension, Zuri | 4 | $1,350 | $1,890 |
| Livingstone Discovery | 4 | $1,690 | $2,100 |
| Greater Kruger Safari Short and Sweet | 3 | $1,836 | None |
| Malawi Island Escape | 5 | $2,005 | $2,135 |
| Affordable South Luangwa Safari | 4 | $2,010 | $2,380 |
| Affordable Sabi Sands All Inclusive Safari | 3 | $2,078 | None |
| Luxury Honeymoon in Mauritius | 7 | $2,080 | $2,590 |
| Affordable Masai Mara All Inclusive Safari | 4 | $2,170 | $4,110 |
| Wildwaters of Uganda | 3 | $2,290 | $2,620 |
| Pemba Holidays at Fundu Lagoon | 7 | $2,290 | $3,500 |
| Timbavati Safari Short and Sweet | 4 | $2,492 | $2,997 |
| Short Victoria Falls and Chobe Experience | 5 | $2,540 | $4,420 |
| Affordable Greater Kruger Safari Combo | 5 | $2,583 | $2,971 |
| The Cape, Penguins, Vineyards and Coastlines | 10 | $2,611 | $3,448 |
| A Short Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda | 3 | $2,700 | $2,820 |
| Unfiltered Botswana | 6 | $2,820 | $4,420 |
Prices as listed on its safaris page on 24 September 2026. For context, our South Africa safari cost guide, Kenya safari cost guide and Rwanda safari cost guide set these prices against the market.
Who plans Discover Africa trips?
Discover Africa's team page names 13 people, all with the African countries they have travelled, and says its team has "over 60 years of collective experience". Reviewers often name their planner, and its site says it offers "24/7 Support" but it does not promise one expert from enquiry to return. The Head of Product quoted by NBC New York in December 2024, Murielle Mignot-Vegezzi, is no longer on its team page; Alice Lombard now holds that title on the group team page.
| Name | Role | Countries or experience it lists |
|---|---|---|
| Steve Conradie | Co-founder; Director of Operations and Finance | South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda |
| Andre Van Kets | Co-founder; marketing and technology | Twelve destinations including Kenya, Rwanda, Zanzibar and Madagascar |
| Nadine Muller | Commercial Director | 'over a decade in the travel and hospitality industry' |
| Bianca Angelucci | Africa Safari Expert | 'over 15 years of safari expertise' ten destinations from Tanzania to Mauritius |
| Matthys Van Aswegen | Senior Travel Consultant | 'over 18 years experience in the travel industry' |
| Vihann Van Wyk | Africa Safari Expert | Former professional field guide and lodge manager |
| Alice Lombard | Head of Product (group); Sales and Product Manager | Nine destinations including Uganda, Rwanda and Mauritius |
| Adelle Bell, Cayleigh Brown, Chrizaan Troch, Devryn Panaino, Justin Van Wyk, Megan Warrington | Africa safari and concierge experts | Southern and East African countries listed for each |
What do Discover Africa Safaris reviews say?
Discover Africa Safaris is rated 4.9 on SafariBookings from 593 reviews, the newest from 22 September 2026, and 4.8 on Trustpilot from 177, where 95% are five-star. SafariBookings reviewers describe planners who were "knowledgeable, responsive and always prompt" on Trustpilot, "She listened to what I wanted to do and put together a perfect itinerary". The complaints found concern individual lodges, such as mismatched room descriptions, cleanliness and plumbing at one lodge, and slow email replies when a problem arose. The review widgets on its own pages show different counts on different pages, and its reviews page adds "933 Reviews" across platforms. Our safari operator review index explains how we weigh platforms.
| Platform | Rating | Reviews | Newest |
|---|---|---|---|
| SafariBookings | 4.9 | 593 | 22 September 2026 |
| Trustpilot | 4.8 | 177 (95% five-star) | 31 August 2026 |
| Google, via its own widget | 4.9 | 159 | Not checked |
Discover Africa Safaris' awards and press
Discover Africa Safaris says it won World Luxury Travel Awards four years running, 2022 to 2025, and a CorporateLiveWire South Africa Prestige Award in 2020; neither could be checked at source, and the World Luxury Travel Awards site does not allow automated checks. Two press mentions were confirmed: a syndicated CNBC story on NBC New York in December 2024 quoting its then head of product, and a Mail & Guardian article in July 2023 on the group's use of AI, published as partner content. Its press page also lists a Skift article of 30 December 2023 that does not mention Discover Africa. Its HerdTracker service, the group says, broadcast the first live stream of the Great Wildebeest Migration in 2015.
Where Discover Africa Safaris goes, and its safari styles
Discover Africa Safaris has pages for 13 African countries plus Zanzibar and sells only Africa. Its experiences run from big cat, gorilla, migration, walking, horseback and photographic safaris to rail journeys, mobile camping, beach holidays and family and honeymoon trips, and it lists more than 40 lodge partners, among them Asilia Africa, Great Plains Conservation and Sabi Sabi. Its summary for AI tools says it does not offer group bus tours, budget overland trips or self-drive car hire, which sister brand Drive South Africa handles.
| Region | Destinations with their own Discover Africa pages |
|---|---|
| Southern Africa | South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi |
| East Africa | Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Zanzibar |
| Central Africa | Republic of the Congo |
| Indian Ocean | Mauritius |
Who owns Discover Africa Safaris?
Discover Africa Safaris' site names its co-founders, Steve Conradie and Andre Van Kets, but not its owners; its terms name the company, Discover Africa Group (Pty) Ltd, registration 2003/012380/07, and South Africa's register could not be checked for this record. The group's story begins in 2002 with "Buybacks" which helped travellers plan vehicles for long trips in southern Africa, adds car hire, 4x4s, campers and an overland partnership by 2006, and launches Discover Africa in 2010. The group team page lists Steve Conradie as founder and Andre Van Kets as director. No investor or parent company beyond the group appears on its site or in the press checked.
| Date | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 'Buybacks' launched, planning vehicles for long trips in southern Africa | Group story |
| 2003 to 2005 | Car hire, 4x4s and campers added | Group story |
| 2006 | Partnership with Overlanding Africa for budget safaris | Group story |
| 2010 | Discover Africa launched by Andre and Steve | Group story |
| 2012 | Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe added | Group story |
| 2014 | East Africa added; HerdTracker launched | Group story |
| 2015 | First live stream of the Great Wildebeest Migration, per the group | Group story |
| 30 May 2024 | Current booking conditions | Discover Africa |
| 2024 | HerdTracker AI migration prediction added | Group story |
Discover Africa Safaris' booking terms and financial protection
Discover Africa Safaris takes a 30% non-refundable deposit and the balance 60 days before departure; cancelling 60 or more days ahead refunds 70%, 30 to 60 days ahead refunds 50%, and inside 30 days nothing. Its booking conditions, last updated 30 May 2024, say it acts "as an agent" recommend but do not require comprehensive insurance, and name no bond, trust account or protection scheme. Its why book with us page says it is "bonded with industry-leading financial protection" and "accredited by the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA)" SafariBookings lists SATSA among its accreditations, but SATSA's directory could not be searched for this check. Our guide to safari deposits and payment terms compares these with the market.
| Term | Discover Africa Safaris |
|---|---|
| Deposit | 30%, non-refundable; flights 100%; villas 50% |
| Balance | 60 days before departure |
| Cancel 60 days or more ahead | 70% refunded |
| Cancel 30 to 60 days ahead | 50% refunded |
| Cancel under 30 days ahead | Nothing refunded |
| Amendments | 'amendment fees where applicable' no amounts |
| Role | Acts as an agent |
| Financial protection | None named in the terms; 'bonded' and SATSA per its marketing |
| Insurance | Recommended |
What the public record does not show
Seven things a buyer might look for could not be found or did not match on 24 September 2026. Each is listed so it can be answered; if Discover Africa Safaris publishes or corrects any of them, this record will change with a dated note.
- Who owns Discover Africa Group (Pty) Ltd.
- The bond or scheme behind "bonded with industry-leading financial protection" named in its booking conditions.
- One founding year: its homepage says "Over 20 Years" its summary for AI tools says "established in 2010" and another page says "17 years".
- The season or year its itinerary prices apply to.
- One named expert from enquiry to return, stated as a promise.
- A current summary for AI tools: its /llm-info/ page names two destination experts who are not on its team page.
- Press it lists that names it: a Skift article on its press page does not mention the company.
Discover Africa Safaris vs Go2Africa, Yellow Zebra Safaris and Ker & Downey Africa
Against two other Cape Town operators and a UK specialist we have reviewed, Discover Africa matches Go2Africa on reviews and pricing and trails it and Yellow Zebra Safaris on ownership transparency.
| Discover Africa | Go2Africa | Yellow Zebra | Ker & Downey Africa | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base, founded | Cape Town; 2002 (safaris from 2010) | Cape Town; 1998 | Kingston upon Thames; 2012 | Cape Town; 2012 |
| Best independent reviews | SafariBookings 4.9 from 593 | Feefo 4.9 from 3,118 | Trustpilot 4.9 from 1,710 | SafariBookings 5.0 from 140 |
| Ownership transparency | 5 of 10 | 8 of 10 | 7 of 10 | 4 of 10 |
| Pricing transparency | 12 of 15 | 12 of 15 | 14 of 15 | 6 of 15 |
How to price a comparable safari
The fair test of any quote from Discover Africa Safaris is a like-for-like quote for the same camps, nights and season from a second specialist and a comparison platform. Ask each for the same lodges by name, the same room category and the same inclusions, then compare the per-person total with international flights excluded.
What changed
Four dated changes shape Discover Africa Safaris' public record today.
30 May 2024. Its current booking conditions were last updated.
2024. The group added AI-based migration prediction to HerdTracker.
December 2024 to September 2026. Its head of product changed, from Murielle Mignot-Vegezzi, quoted by NBC New York, to Alice Lombard on its team page.
24 September 2026. This record opened with a score of 88/100.
15 October 2026. Re-read against our 12 October 2026 planner database: the ranking against other companies' scores replaced with a side-by-side of facts, because those pages use different criteria. The score is unchanged.
Discover Africa Safaris: the facts on record, read 12 October 2026
53 facts about Discover Africa Safaris were read from its own website, the award publishers and the review platforms on 12 October 2026, and every one below says who stated it, where it was read and when. “Not stated on their website” means the right page was read and the fact is not there; “Could not access” means the page would not open; “No profile found” means the platform has no listing. None of the three means the company does not have it. The same form is kept for every safari planner on this site, so each line can be set beside any other company’s. Where a line here differs from an older line on this page, this one, read later, is the current reading.
Who they are
Trading name and legal entity
Trading name 'Discover Africa' (DiscoverAfrica.com). Terms of Use: 'Discover Africa is a division of the Discover Africa Group (Pty) Ltd', registered in South Africa, registration number 2003/012380/07.
Source: Company · terms · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
Where it is based
Cape Town, South Africa. Home page: 'Our team, based in Cape Town'. Address printed: Fedgroup Place, Unit 4 & 5 (2nd floor), 35 Willie van Schoor Avenue (footer also lists Bellville); booking terms give notice address 1st Floor, 38 Hout Street, Cape Town 8001.
Source: Company · home page · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
Year founded
2002 ('Crafting Tailor-Made Safaris for Over 20 Years'; 'Since 2002'). Note: the why-book-with-us page says 'our 17 years as a trusted travel partner'.
Source: Company · home page · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
Owner or parent
Division of the Discover Africa Group (Pty) Ltd. Co-founders named on team page: Andre Van Kets (marketing and technology) and Steve Conradie (Director of Operations and Finance). No shareholder or parent owner named beyond the Group.
Source: Company · team · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
What it is
Planner. Calls itself 'an online tour operator' with tailor-made trips built by its Africa Concierge Experts; the booking terms say it acts 'as an agent only' for suppliers. Works with partner lodges and ground handlers; no own camps stated.
Source: Company · about · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
Team
13 named on the team page: 9 'Africa Safari Experts' (Adelle Bell, Bianca Angelucci, Cayleigh Brown, Chrizaan Troch, Devryn Panaino, Justin Van Wyk, Matthys Van Aswegen, Megan Warrington, Vihann Van Wyk), 1 Destination Expert (Alice Lombard, Sales & Product Manager), Commercial Director Nadine Muller and 2 co-founders (Andre Van Kets, Steve Conradie). Claims 'more than 60 years' collective experience'.
Source: Company · team · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
Where it sells
Phone lines: US +1 720 681 6235; UK +44 20 3885 0549; Australia +61 243 127 620; all other countries +27 21 422 3498. Office hours Mon-Fri 08:00-19:00 (GMT+2). Email [email protected]. Single office in Cape Town. Site currency selector offers GBP, USD, EUR, CAD, AUD, ZAR, CHF (site-wide text); prices on itinerary cards in USD.
Source: Company · contact · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
In its own words
'At Discover Africa Safaris, we specialise in crafting luxury safaris in Africa that are customised to your unique preferences.' About page: 'We make luxury travel in Africa, simple.'
Source: Company · home page · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
Response time and named planner
Enquiry form text: 'Enquire now and a Travel Expert will get back to you within 24 hours.' Itinerary cards are tagged 'Safari crafted with the expertise of' a named consultant (e.g. Chrizaan, Justin, Matthys, Adelle, Bianca, Vihann, Devryn, Megan, Cayleigh); the site does not explicitly state that one named planner handles each trip.
Source: Company · home page · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
Reviews, by platform
No profile found: no Google business listing was shown in the search on 12 Oct 2026.
Source: Independent source · Google search · by hand · 12 Oct 2026
Trustpilot
Rating 4.8, 186 reviews. Newest review shown: Mary Brown, Sep 14, 2026. Profile is claimed (since December 2023) with a paid Trustpilot subscription.
Source: Independent source · Trustpilot · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
Tripadvisor
Could not access: to be read by hand
Source: Company · not recorded · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
Trustindex
No profile found: trustindex page returned a CRAWL ERROR (404, dead page).
Source: Independent source · Trustindex · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
Where it asks clients to leave reviews
Reviews page says reviews are 'sourced from trusted, independent review platforms (Safaribookings, Google Reviews and TrustPilot)'. Only the SafariBookings link is shown (safaribookings.com/reviews/p620). The site also hosts its own testimonials on itinerary and destination pages.
Source: Company · reviews · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
Awards and recognition, read from the publishers
Every award, 2024 to 2026
World Luxury Travel Awards: 2024 and 2025 (also 2022 and 2023), described as 'four consecutive years'. Category and result are not given beyond 'proud recipients'; awarding body is named as World Luxury Travel Awards. Also Corporate Live Wire South Africa Prestige Award (2020, outside the 2024-2026 range). Company claim only.
Source: Company · why book with us · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
Certifications
No B Corp or similar certification stated. Memberships and accreditations stated, with no dates: accredited by SATSA (Southern Africa Tourism Services Association); affiliated with ATTA (African Travel and Tourism Association); member of IGLTA (International LGBTQ+ Travel Association) and South African Tourism.
Source: Company · why book with us · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
Money and booking terms
Prices published
Yes. Itinerary cards show per-person-sharing prices in USD (e.g. Best of Botswana $6,330 / $12,650; Luxury Highlights Cape Town, Kruger and Victoria Falls $9,520 / $13,330). The all-tours page lists 175 itineraries with a filter range of USD 1,080 - USD 28,580 and a sort-by-price option. Not every itinerary is priced: the Zambia page shows 'Price on Request' for Zambia Safari Adventure (7 days) while its other five cards carry prices; every other card seen on the Zambia, Kenya, Rwanda, Arusha, Kigali and Katavi pages carries a price. The exact count with published prices across all 175 cannot be confirmed. Site also has a Safari Cost Estimator. Country pages say recommended tours 'can be tailor-made to match your budget'.
Priced example trips
1) Hwange Experiential Safari and Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), 9 days, $5,310 to $7,510 USD. 2) Namibia self drive adventure (Windhoek, Etosha, Swakopmund), 15 days, $3,095 to $3,582 USD. 3) Fly Namibia Desert & Safari Adventure (Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Etosha), 11 days, $8,857 to $11,514 USD. Cards show two prices without a season label; per person sharing; nights, season and inclusions are not listed on the cards. More priced cards (USD per person sharing, two prices shown, no season given, days as printed on the card): Short Victoria Falls and Chobe Experience (Zambia/Botswana) 5 days $2,540 to $4,420; Unfiltered Botswana (Okavango Delta) 6 days $2,820 to $4,420; Affordable Masai Mara All Inclusive Safari (Kenya) 4 days $2,170 to $4,110; Migration River Crossings Safari (Kenya) 4 days $3,690 to $6,010; Tanzania Northern Circuit Luxury Safari 9 days $7,920 to $16,450; Affordable Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda 3 days $3,610 to $3,730. Cheapest on the all-tours list: Affordable Victoria Falls Stay (Zimbabwe), 5 days, $1,080; Best of Africa (Botswana, South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda), 16 days, $24,390 to $41,460.
Source: Company · safaris, zambia, kenya, arusha, rwanda, kigali, big cat safaris, desert safaris · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
Price per person per day
Per person per night/day ranges from the cost FAQ: Kenya $445 (low season) to $2,250 (luxury, high season); Tanzania $400-$2,500; Botswana from $525 (low season) up to $3,000; South Africa $400-$2,600; Namibia $120-$1,980; Zambia $600-$1,840; Zimbabwe $150-$1,800; Uganda $500-$1,500; Mozambique $550 to $1,320; Rwanda luxury lodges $300-$1,500 per night.
Source: Company · safari cost estimator · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
Minimum spend
Not stated on their website: no minimum trip budget or daily rate stated. Cost page says it upholds 'distinct starting price points'; cheapest catalogue price shown in the tour filter is USD 1,080.
Source: Company · safari cost estimator · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
What the price includes
Stated on the cost page: 'Our safari pricing includes all local flights, transports, and transfers, but excludes international flights.' Estimator covers accommodation, regional flights, park fees, travel insurance, transport and airport transfers, gratuities. Works 'exclusively with lodges that include the standard game drives'. About page: 'we prefer to include as many of the costs up-front'. Per-itinerary inclusion lists are not in the saved pages.
Source: Company · safari cost estimator · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
Deposit
30% of the quoted booking price (or a guarantee for that amount); stated as strictly non-refundable. Percentage may differ by service: flights 100%, villas 50%.
Source: Company · terms and conditions · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
Balance due
Final payment must be received at least 60 days before departure (some suppliers may require pre-payment earlier in peak season). Bookings made less than 60 days before departure must be paid in full.
Source: Company · terms and conditions · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
Cancellation charges
Cancellation must be in writing. 60 days or more before departure: 70% of total confirmed price refunded; more than 30 but less than 60 days: 50% refunded; less than 30 days: total vacation costs forfeited. Air tickets follow airline rules (refunds can take 8+ weeks). No refunds for late arrival or no-show. Note: the same terms also say the deposit is strictly non-refundable (clause 3.6), so the 70% refund wording sits alongside a non-refundable 30% deposit.
Source: Company · terms and conditions · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
How client payments are protected
Own wording: 'we are bonded with industry-leading financial protection' and 'industry-leading financial protection'; says it is accredited by SATSA and affiliated with ATTA. No named bonding or insurance scheme, number, or coverage detail is given (which clients or which parts of the trip). Advises clients to take their own travel insurance.
Source: Company · why book with us · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
Currencies and card fees
Not stated on their website: currencies it bills in and any card surcharge are not stated. Nearby: terms give a Nedbank South Africa account for payment; exchange-rate increases between quotation and final payment are for the client's account; site currency selector shows GBP, USD, EUR, CAD, AUD, ZAR, CHF.
Source: Company · terms and conditions · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
24-hour contact while travelling
'24/7 Support' stated: 'round-the-clock support' and 'Professional support is always just a call away'. No separate emergency or 24-hour number is printed in the saved pages; the contact page lists the office lines and office hours Mon-Fri 08:00-19:00 (GMT+2).
Source: Company · why book with us · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
How the company is paid
No explicit statement of how it is paid. Pages say personalised travel advice is 'all at no extra cost'; booking terms refer to 'commission paid or payable to DiscoverAfrica.com' and reserve the right to charge 'late booking charges, communications, consultation, administration and amendment fees where applicable'.
Source: Company · terms and conditions · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
Price against booking direct
'Best Price Assurance': 'If you discover a better quote for your itinerary, share it with us.' It does not state that it matches lodge direct rates. Site lists lodge specials (e.g. Ol Donyo Lodge Special - Stay 4, Pay 3; Erebero Hills Special - Single Supplement Waived).
Source: Company · why book with us · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
Licences and registrations
Company registration number 2003/012380/07 (Discover Africa Group (Pty) Ltd, South Africa). Trade accreditations named without numbers: SATSA, ATTA, IGLTA, South African Tourism. No licence numbers beyond the registration number; not checked on a register.
Source: Company · terms · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
Where it goes and how it works on the ground
African countries it plans
Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Congo (Congo-Brazzaville); Indian Ocean islands Zanzibar and Mauritius. Cost estimator lists ten countries (Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe).
Source: Company · destinations · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
Own offices or staff in Africa
Cape Town, South Africa: 'Africa-based travel experts'; team 'based in Cape Town'. No other African offices named.
Source: Company · home page · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
How it books on the ground
Through partners: 'we partner with a number of properties, partners, and ground handlers' (cost page); 'We collaborate with the finest lodges, experienced guides, and dedicated local teams' (home). Booking terms: it acts as agent and 'shall transmit any such booking to the supplier concerned'. Testimonials name Desert & Delta Safaris running camps in Botswana.
Source: Company · safari cost estimator · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
Own camps or vehicles
Not stated on their website: no own camps or vehicles stated. Pages say it works with partner lodges and suppliers (e.g. Asilia Africa, Green Safaris, Imvelo Safaris partner pages) and acts as an agent only.
Source: Company · home page · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park) and Uganda (Bwindi), plus Congo-Brazzaville western lowland gorilla safaris. 'Gorilla Trekking Safaris' category lists 15 itineraries. Priced examples (USD per person sharing): A Short Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda $2,700 to $2,820 (days not printed); Affordable Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda 3 days $3,610 to $3,730; Wildlife and Gorillas of Rwanda 7 days $9,850 to $13,200; Meet the Gorillas of Uganda and Rwanda 8 days $8,150 to $8,990; Trek with Gorillas, Meet the Chimpanzees and Cr... (Rwanda, Volcanoes and Nyungwe) 9 days $9,450 to $11,680. Chimpanzee safaris listed (7 itineraries); Rwanda chimp tracking (Nyungwe) is in the 9-day itinerary; Tanzania chimp trekking is offered: Southern Tanzania Wildlife and Chimpanzees (Ruaha, Katavi, Mahale Mountains), 11 days, $10,080 to $15,120. Permit fees stated: Rwanda $1,500, Uganda $800 per person.
Source: Company · rwanda, katavi, safaris, destinations · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
Beach add-ons
Zanzibar (5 tours), Mauritius (4 tours), Mozambique (9 tours: Bazaruto, Benguerra, Vilankulo). Seychelles not listed. 'Beach Holidays in Africa' category has 19 itineraries. Priced examples (USD per person sharing): East Africa Beach Extension Zuri (Zanzibar) 4 days $1,350 to $1,890; Luxury Honeymoon in Mauritius 7 days $2,080 to $2,590; Pemba Holidays at Fundu Lagoon (Zanzibar archipelago) 7 days $2,290 to $3,500; Malawi Island Escape (Lake Malawi) 5 days $2,005 to $2,135.
Source: Company · safaris, destinations · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
Africa only, or other regions too
Africa only, including the Indian Ocean islands Zanzibar and Mauritius. No other regions listed on its destinations page.
Source: Company · destinations · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
Who it suits and how it travels
Family trips
Yes. 'Family Safaris in Africa, Thoughtfully Designed for Every Generation' category with 29 itineraries. Example with price: Cape Town & Kruger Family Safari (Kapama) $3,830 / $4,984 USD. Other family itineraries named: Family African Safari Tours, Family Cape Town and Kruger, Botswana Family Safari, Family Safari in Kenya.
Source: Company · 10 day best of africa big five safari review · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
Minimum child age
Not stated on their website: no minimum child age stated. Nearby: 'Child rates vary between lodges. Some lodges offer reduced rates or family rooms.'
Source: Company · safari cost estimator · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
Teenagers and multigenerational trips
Multi-generational stated: 'Multi-Generational Safaris' category with 21 itineraries and the family safaris 'for Every Generation' category. Teenagers are not specifically mentioned. A client testimonial describes a party of seven with older and younger members.
Source: Company · experiences · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
Honeymoon trips
Yes. 'Honeymoons in Africa' category with 35 itineraries on the experiences page (33 'Honeymoon Safaris' in the all-tours filter), plus 'Romantic Honeymoon Safaris' and 'Atzaro Okavango Honeymoon Special'. Named honeymoon itineraries include Cape Town, Kruger and Vic Falls Deluxe Honeymoon and A Romantic Safari in Tanzania. Priced examples (USD per person sharing): Luxury Honeymoon in Mauritius 7 days $2,080 to $2,590; A Romantic Safari in Tanzania 9 days $9,020 to $15,330.
Source: Company · safaris, arusha, experiences · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
Solo travellers
Not stated on their website: no single supplement policy stated. Nearby: cost page says 'smaller groups or solo travellers may incur higher per-person costs'; a lodge special 'Erebero Hills Special - Single Supplement Waived' is listed.
Source: Company · safari cost estimator · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
Older travellers and limited mobility
Not stated on their website: no policy stated for older travellers or limited mobility. Nearby: blog title 'Wheelchair Accessible Beach Resorts and Hotels in Africa' (6 Nov 2025) is listed; client testimonials on the site mention itineraries accommodating a wheelchair user.
Source: Company · 10 day best of africa big five safari review · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
First safari
Guidance rather than a marked itinerary: destinations page says Botswana is 'a perfect experience for first-time safari-goers and photographers'. No itinerary is marked 'first safari' in the saved pages.
Source: Company · destinations · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
Private guide and vehicle
Optional: 'Guests have the option to arrange a private vehicle and guide at an extra cost.' Private safaris are mentioned as a separate price point.
Source: Company · safari cost estimator · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
Exclusive-use camps and villas
Offered: 'private-use villas for families' (site-wide text); partner pages list Jabali Private House (Asilia, Ruaha) and Tangala House Tongabezi (Green Safaris, Zambia); itinerary named Exclusive Okavango Delta Safari.
Source: Company · asilia africa · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
Small-group departures
Yes: Namibia Highlights Exploration (group tour), $3,457 to $3,710 USD, 4 Namibia regions. Group size not stated. HerdTracker Migration Safaris run on set months (February, April, July/August) at reduced cost versus private. Groups of six or more get negotiated room rates.
Source: Company · home page · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
Who guides the trip
Partner lodges' guides: standard game drives are included at lodges it works with, and it 'partner[s] exclusively with vetted lodges, safari tour guides, and communities'. A private guide and vehicle can be arranged at extra cost. Does not state that it employs its own guides.
Source: Company · safari cost estimator · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
Self-drive
Yes: Namibia self drive adventure, 15 days, $3,095 to $3,582 USD (Windhoek, Swakopmund, Etosha).
Source: Company · desert safaris · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
Photography trips
Yes: 'African Photo Safaris' category (33 itineraries) and 'Photographic Safaris'; 'Our photography camps are fully equipped'. Specialist vehicle or photographer-guide is not detailed.
Source: Company · experiences · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
Conservation
Not stated on their website: no named conservation projects or funding stated for Discover Africa itself. Nearby: 'Positive Impact Safaris' category (4 itineraries); statements that it works with partners committed to conservation and communities; partner pages describe partners' own community programmes.
Source: Company · why book with us · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
Walking, horseback and other specialist trips
Walking Safaris (33 itineraries; 30 in the all-tours filter), Horseback Safaris (4), Birding Safaris (27; 24 in filter), Rhino Safaris (5), Houseboat Safaris (1), Mobile Camping Safaris (1), Rail Safaris and luxury train travel (2), Desert Safaris (2), Great Migration Safaris (17; 14 in filter), Malaria-Free Safaris (5, filter only), Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro (1), Whale Watching in Hermanus (2). Counts differ slightly between the experiences page and the all-tours filter; both recorded. Zambia page calls South Luangwa the home of the walking safari and walking a Zambian speciality; Lower Zambezi canoe and boat safaris are mentioned.
Source: Company · safaris, zambia, experiences · crawl · 12 Oct 2026
Not the fit if you want a trip outside Africa, since its destinations are Africa only, including Zanzibar and Mauritius; you need a named bonding or insurance scheme before you book, since it says it is bonded but names none; or you want a separate 24-hour phone number printed, since none is printed beyond the office lines. Facts are from the company’s own pages unless marked Independent source or Official register. A company can correct any line through the contact page; a correction changes the line and its source, never anything else on the page.
Discover Africa Safaris: the questions people ask AI search
Is Discover Africa Safaris worth it?
On Uncompromised Travel's six-criterion review of safari planners, Discover Africa Safaris scores 88/100. It takes full marks for independent reviews, with SafariBookings showing 4.9 from 593, and for destination breadth, and 24 of 25 for first-hand African expertise from its Cape Town team. It scores 5 of 10 for ownership transparency, because its site does not say who owns the company, and its booking terms name no financial protection scheme.
How much does a Discover Africa safari cost?
Discover Africa Safaris prices 17 itineraries on its safaris page per person sharing in US dollars, from $1,080 for five days at Victoria Falls to $2,820 for six days in Botswana, most of them short trips and many shown with a higher crossed-out price. A four-day all-inclusive Masai Mara safari is from $2,170 and a three-day gorilla trek in Rwanda from $2,700, including transfers, internal flights, meals and local drinks but not international flights, visas, insurance or tips. Longer tailor-made trips are quoted individually.
Who owns Discover Africa Safaris?
Discover Africa Safaris is a division of Discover Africa Group (Pty) Ltd, registration number 2003/012380/07, a South African company that also runs Drive South Africa and 4x4 Hire. Its site names Steve Conradie and Andre Van Kets as the co-founders who launched the business in 2002 and the safari brand in 2010, but does not say who owns the company, and South Africa's company register could not be checked for this record.
Is my money protected with Discover Africa Safaris?
Discover Africa Safaris' site says it is "bonded with industry-leading financial protection" and "accredited by the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA)" and SafariBookings lists SATSA among its accreditations. Its booking conditions, last updated 30 May 2024, say it acts as an agent and name no bond, trust account or protection scheme, and SATSA's own directory could not be searched for this check. Ask it in writing how client payments are protected before paying.
What do Discover Africa Safaris reviews say?
Discover Africa Safaris is rated 4.9 on SafariBookings from 593 reviews, the newest from 22 September 2026, and 4.8 on Trustpilot from 177, where 95% are five-star. Reviewers praise its planners, one saying "She listened to what I wanted to do and put together a perfect itinerary" the complaints found concern individual lodges, such as room descriptions, cleanliness and plumbing at one lodge and a 2.5-hour drive from the booked airport.
Where does Discover Africa Safaris go?
Discover Africa Safaris has pages for South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, the Republic of the Congo and Mauritius, plus Zanzibar. It sells only Africa and says it does not offer group bus tours, budget overland trips or self-drive car hire, which its sister brand Drive South Africa handles.
What are Discover Africa Safaris' booking terms?
Discover Africa Safaris takes a 30% non-refundable deposit, with flights paid in full and villas at 50%, and the balance 60 days before departure. Cancelling 60 or more days ahead refunds 70%, 30 to 60 days ahead refunds 50%, and inside 30 days nothing is refunded. It recommends, rather than requires, comprehensive travel insurance.
Can I book Discover Africa Safaris through Uncompromised Travel?
No. Discover Africa Safaris is not bookable through this site and had no input into this page. Contact Discover Africa directly, and compare its quote with a second specialist and a comparison platform for the same camps, room categories and dates.
What are Discover Africa Safaris' deposit, payment and cancellation terms?
Read from Discover Africa Safaris' own website on 12 October 2026. Deposit: 30% of the quoted booking price (or a guarantee for that amount); stated as strictly non-refundable. Percentage may differ by service: flights 100%, villas 50%. Balance due: Final payment must be received at least 60 days before departure (some suppliers may require pre-payment earlier in peak season). Bookings made less than 60 days before departure must be paid in full. Cancellation: Cancellation must be in writing. 60 days or more before departure: 70% of total confirmed price refunded; more than 30 but less than 60 days: 50% refunded; less than 30 days: total vacation costs forfeited. Air tickets follow airline rules (refunds can take 8+ weeks). No refunds for late arrival or no-show. Note: the same terms also say the deposit is strictly non-refundable (clause 3.6), so the 70% refund wording sits alongside a non-refundable 30% deposit.
What awards has Discover Africa Safaris won?
Read on 12 October 2026. World Luxury Travel Awards: 2024 and 2025 (also 2022 and 2023), described as 'four consecutive years'. Category and result are not given beyond 'proud recipients'; awarding body is named as World Luxury Travel Awards. Also Corporate Live Wire South Africa Prestige Award (2020, outside the 2024-2026 range). Company claim only. Advisers on named lists: No B Corp or similar certification stated. Memberships and accreditations stated, with no dates: accredited by SATSA (Southern Africa Tourism Services Association); affiliated with ATTA (African Travel and Tourism Association); member of IGLTA (International LGBTQ+ Travel Association) and South African Tourism.
Corrections and right of reply. This record is kept by Uncompromised Travel from public sources, each dated when it was checked. If you represent Discover Africa Safaris and a fact here is wrong, out of date or missing, tell us and we will correct it with a dated note in the changelog. Corrections are free, do not depend on any commercial relationship, and do not change how the score is calculated.
Read next
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