Reviews
This review section is intended to help promote confidence in booking with Tailormade Africa. All of the reviews below have come directly to us from our clients through an independent safari review website (Safari Bookings).
Tailormade Africa planned a really fantastic and exciting trip for us and we are so grateful!
Clyde and team at Tailormade put together a perfect trip for our 10 year wedding anniversary.
We went gorilla trekking in Uganda and had the best time at the Buhoma Lodge. We spent time with two gorilla families, had fantastic meals, and experienced the very best service from the staff at Buhoma. Our driver/guide for our time in Uganda was exceptional, too. The price of the National forest pass (to go on a trek) is steep - just like the mountain!! - but it was well worth it for a once in a lifetime opportunity.
We were then off to the northern Serengeti where we stayed at a migration camp. I was a bit nervous about staying in a tent but I’m so glad we took Clyde’s advice because it was incredibly comfortable, the food was fantastic, the staff could not have been more attentive, and we lucked out with our own driver/guide for the full 3.5 days we were there. We saw several wildebeest crossings, and so many incredible animals.
We ended our trip at the beach in Zanzibar at a beautiful resort. I can’t say enough about how grateful we are to Clyde and team for listening to our preferences and building us such a fantastic itinerary.
It was the best trip, with every detail thought of. Many thanks to the Tailormade team!
Unbelievable attention to client needs
This was our second trip with Tailormade Africa following an amazing experience last year.
Lots of travel agents have access to good quality accommodation but very few take the time to understand what the client really wants, and then match those needs to the right safari.
Clyde's intro video calls are a great way to discuss what we are looking for and also to work out how to test our boundaries. He then comes back with a detailed intinary that demonstrates he has listened and reacted to our discussion. We trust him 100% with his recommendations and the detailed support infrastructure in country.
We visited Zambia - South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi. Both parks were outstanding in terms of landscape, quality of safari and the camp. They offered a complementary experience with amazing quality. Both delivered 100% on the brief. Clyde texted to see how things were....we replied with one word. "WOW!"
We had a few connections in/out of Lusaka airport. Each time we were met by a local agent who guided us through the airport. On our last connection we were early for the international checkin so had the opportunity of relaxing in the local agent's lounge with drinks, snacks and air con. Very welcome!
Clyde keeps in touch when you are away via WhatsApp so you know that he's able to sort any problems that may arise.
In summary, Clyde's knowledge of African safari is immense and his ability to properly tailor a trip to suit your needs is second to none. There is no need to consider anyone else in my opinion.
Outstanding - highly recommend!
From the planning stage Clyde was brilliant. He spent time getting to know us and then planning our ideal trip. We had a couple of FaceTime calls to discuss. He is clearly knowledgeable and was able to offer some great ideas for our trip. We knew we had be listened to as when the itinerary came back it covered everything we wanted. The choice of lodges for safari and all other accommodation was excellent. All internal flights were included and booked for us. Nothing was a problem.
Communication before and during the holiday was excellent. We were able to download an App before we left which had our itinerary clearly laid out. The App was so useful and ensured we knew what to expect and the numbers of days at each destination. Some useful tips for travel eg luggage weight for the internal flights. We even got a message from Clyde on the day we left wishing us a safe flight. Some of these personal touches may the holiday very special. Both Clyde and Amy were great at answering any questions we had.
The holiday its self was just amazing! It was everything and more than we wanted. Everywhere we stayed was of a high standard. Staff were just amazing. Pick up times and travel was all well organised we felt very safe. Drivers met us of planes and picked us up from places. Everyone we met was just so accommodating nothing was too much!
The safaris and Victoria Falls were magnificent. We loved every minute.
I can’t recommend highly enough Tailor made Africa. I have already shared details with friends who saw all our photos and want to book a trip. When we visit Africa again we will definitely be booking with Clyde and team again! Thank you for making it all so special!
Tailormade Africa's knowledge, expertise & personal touch made our dream vacation a reality
Even though Tailormade Africa's Clyde Beaty resided in a different country, England, his communication with us in the US on the "WhatsApp" platform proved to be much easier than expected. He made himself available during our choice of time frame. Clyde truly customized an epic 24 day experience in Africa for us. I left JFK airport in late July arriving in Johannesburg a day later due to the flight duration and time change. (Side note: If you can afford it, definitely travel Business class. You will feel so much better when you arrive at your destination).
After a short stay in South Africa, we made our way to Zimbabwe for 4 days. Victoria Falls, Devil's Pool, (a must for thrill seekers in close by Zambia), and the Lion, Cheetah and Elephant experience were a great way to start our trip. You have to see the pictures to believe it. Next we went through Kenya to get to the northern Serengeti in Tanzania to do 4 days of unforgettable Safari. Yes we did see the wildebeest river crossing and too many animals to mention here. Next we made our way to Ngorongoro Crater for another day of Safari. Next on to Uganda to see the Chimps and Gorillas. These Primates were so special to see in their own environment. And to end our trip, a 4 day well deserved relaxation visit to the island of Zanzibar back in Tanzania.
Our trip included visiting over a half a dozen different countries by large and small aircraft. I can't tell you how many things that COULD have gone wrong but DID NOT, all due to the meticulous planning and contacts "Tailormade" Africa had with their ground operators. We were met by personal contacts at every location. In the airports, outside the airports at Air strips. Even personnel assisting us getting required visas. All knowledgeable people who spoke English very well. So to say the least, our Service from TaylorMade Africa was First Class all the way. Clyde ensured that we got to see what we wanted for the best possible price. The tour companies were hand picked by Clyde and none disappointed us. At all times on our 24 day excursion we could contact Clyde if there ever was a need. I also liked the personal touch of Clyde who checked in with us periodically during our trip to see how things were going. We shared so many photos and videos with family and friends while on our trip. Everyone was greatly impressed with them and how the details of our trip were all laid out at every location visited.
This was my first trip to Africa and the animals were fantastic but all the people we met were so unbelievably kind and genuinely happy to see us. I am so glad that we picked Tailormade Africa to truly make this dream vacation come true!
From start to finish our experience of dealing with Tailormade was excellent
Another great trip with Tailormade. Clyde's knowledge and advice on our Zambia trip was second to none. The places we stayed and the guides along with our transfers were excellent. We would have no hesitation in recommending Clyde and Tailormade.
Clyde is passionate about Africa and uses all his knowledge and experience to find your perfect trip
I hadn’t heard of Tailormade Africa before I started researching a special holiday to Tanzania for a multigenerational family group of 9, aged from 9 to 84 years.
Having contacted four tour organisers, Clyde’s obvious detailed knowledge of the safari/beach options and his abounding enthusiasm for Africa, as well as his understanding of the travel logistics for our group, made me immediately put our trip in his safe hands. Of the three options he originally sent, our final itinerary was a standout, confirmed by Clyde as being his absolute favourite choice. It was perfect!
The choice of safari lodges/camps and the beach hotel couldn’t have been better, and the small plane transfers saved us many long hours of rough road travel. While we were in Africa Clyde kept a close eye on our trip and everything ran very smoothly.
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Tailormade Africa; I am sure Clyde would always come up with the perfect trip. Thank you Clyde.
Tour operator directed us to outstanding properties with excellent care!
Clyde worked with us to determine the best location to meet our goals and worked with us to get the best value in our budget. All connections were smooth and flawless. The lodging and people guiding and taking care of us were top notch.
Tailormade Africa knows where to go and always sends us to unbelievable places.
The last trip was even more amazing as the lodge and resorts are very much giving back to their communities and people.
Second safari with Tailormade and cannot recommend or praise them enough!
Clyde Beaty and his team at Tailormade Africa provided an excellent bespoke itinerary for my safari
I contacted Tailormade Africa after seeing multiple positive reviews online. Clyde, a co-founder, responded to my enquiry promptly and arranged a virtual meeting so we could discuss my requirements and so that he could then put together possible itineraries for me to consider. The whole process was much easier than I expected and extremely efficient. Clyde and his team clearly know Africa and are able to make appropriate recommendations and advise according to your needs.
As a family of 4, with older children, I wanted a safari and beach holiday, combining seeing the big 5, the wildebeest migration and some sun and sand. We discussed my budget early on and he suggested 3 different safaris in Tanzania which fell within this and which would all ensure a great family experience. He recommended a variety of stays on a single safari, including a tented camp, lodges and a hotel. After that we would go to Zanzibar for 5 nights before returning home. Clyde also provided general advice regarding kit needed on safari in Africa, visas, vaccinations required etc.
This was for us the holiday of a lifetime. The accommodation throughout was amazing, the staff in each stay were fantastic. The guides for the safari in all stays were experienced, friendly, and so knowledgeable about all the wildlife. They also educated us about the culture and their own lives in the Serengeti. The transfers and internal flights were surprisingly seamless and smooth, with no delays. The only airport which seemed somewhat chaotic and overwhelmed by the number of passengers was at Kilimanjaro but even there, we were received and looked after by Clyde’s local contact, to the envy I think of a large number of Americans who seemed to be herded around in confusion by their group leader….
Clyde remained in contact via WhatsApp throughout our trip - his company does not just take your money and leave you in the lap of the Gods. When we wanted to modify our itinerary on our return leg, he enabled this efficiently and without fuss - he paid for the change and we reimbursed him on our return to the UK. He responded to any query promptly - however early in the morning or late at night I messaged him. My son actually commented that Clyde would need a holiday after looking after me! I know that if there had been any significant issue, Clyde and his team would always be at the end of the phone and that security when on this type of holiday I think is priceless.
No bespoke safari holiday is cheap, but I would emphasise that the service provided by Tailormade Africa from the planning stages to when we got on our flight home was excellent and their quote was certainly not the most expensive we had. I cannot recommend them highly enough. I know that they can arrange bespoke trips to other places (South America, Australia, South East Asia and others) and we will definitely book with them again.
As an addendum, I would say that the people of Tanzania and Zanzibar need us all to visit them - they are highly reliant on tourism as a primary source of income and have struggled post pandemic. I felt completely safe travelling around the country with my family, and we did not need any vaccinations or malaria prophylaxis. If you stick with bottled water throughout (even to clean your teeth) you will be fine.
The tour exceeded expectations
Our trip was planned 2 years in advance. We relied on Clyde and Tailormade to choose the sites we visited and stayed at. They did an excellent job fulfilling our groups’ wishes of being in the least congested and remote places. The guides were informative, helpful and accommodating.
The trip exceeded our expectations.
Fantastic Itinerary!
Clyde, an experienced guide on the ground in Africa before co-founding Tailormade Africa, put together a really interesting itinerary for our family. As an experienced traveller in Africa I had some preconceived ideas where I wanted to take the family for their first safari.
Clyde understood the brief superbly and we started with a Zoom call to clarify our needs before he sent over a few options just a few days later. I felt engaged and consulted throughout the whole process. He nailed our budget and logistical needs perfectly. We ended up going to Jabali Private House in Ruaha National Park in Tanzania before some R&R in Zanzibar on the way home.
Everything worked a charm with Amy backing Clyde up with some excellent Operations Management skills leading up to the actual trip. During my trip I had constant communication with Clyde - that made me feel secure and comfortable that help was just around the corner should I need it. Which I didn't as everything went smoothly.
Overall, an excellent experience and I do not hesitate recommending Tailormade Africa to anyone and I will certainly be using their services again for our next safari.
Awesome
Clyde planned an amazing Safari itinerary for us, first timers. The way the camps and locations were chosen, was so well thought of. We got the adrenaline going at Camp Hwange, and then it flowed into the rustic but comfortable tents at John’s Camp. And then finally we were eased into a less hectic stay at Chundu Island.
We got to experience all types of safari living. I have already shared Tailormade Africa to our friends and family, who were interested. This has been an incredible and unforgettable trip, right from the Peech hotel in Jo’berg to the last. The staff at each place made us feel like family.
I hope to go to another safari with this same tour company, and maybe plan an Antarctica trip, with them too. Wishing them the best always.
Wonderful trip!
What a fantastic trip we had to South Africa earlier this year. It was arranged by Rob from Tailormade Africa and from the very start he seemed to understand what we were looking for.
After years of working hard and never seeming to find the right moment for a decent break, we were looking for a special holiday with plenty of variety. While we had some limited knowledge of South Africa, organizing such a trip without help seemed rather daunting.
We were introduced to Rob via a third party and from that point on everything fell into place. During various calls he listened to our list of things we wanted to do and see, which was quite comprehensive, and he interpreted them into a wonderful trip. Our request was to spend a maximum of 3 nights in any one place, mix site-seeing, culture, history, safari and activities and all within a specified budget. Rob’s incredibly detailed knowledge of the areas, hotels and value for money made the trip possible and we didn’t have to compromise on anything.
All the hotels, connections and car hire were very good, clean and reliable and, when requested, accommodation was luxurious. The people and guides we met were extremely helpful and knowledgeable. It all exceeded expectations and was more than we could have hoped for, even keeping within budget! During the stay, Rob was there in the background making sure we were OK and sending us the odd Whatsapp message. We also knew we could call his mobile at any time if needed, but that was not required.
We have no hesitation in recommending Rob and his team to anyone contemplating a trip to Africa.
A personalised, reassuring and carefully considered service
Rob was very empathetic and took time to get to know us and understand our interests and what we wanted from the trip, giving careful consideration that we would be travelling with our 7 year old daughter.
Everything on the trip went smoothly, but we were very reassured that Rob was on hand at any time if something unexpected had happened. We had an amazing trip and made magical memories that we will never forget with experienced and knowledgeable guides in a variety of locations and always with a personal and warm service, that felt completely genuine.
We would highly recommend Tailormade Africa and hope to book with them again in the future.
Rob was easy and friendly to deal with, took time to understand what we wanted and delivered it
Rob Morley took time to find out what we had liked / disliked in previous holidays - and his recommendations for where to go and what to do were superb. We couldn't fault the accommodation or travel arrangements. Help was available via WhatsApp when we encountered a problem with billing at a resort - problem resolved within 10 minutes. Excellent service! The guides on our safaris in Uganda and Kenya were excellent, and very happy to talk about their background and culture - which added an unexpected dimension that made this an outstanding experience.
We stayed in Mahogany Spring Lodge in Uganda, Encounter Mara and Lewa House in Kenya and The Manta Resort, Pemba in Zanzibar - and highly recommend all of these resorts. They all work with local communities, helping to fund clean water supplies, education and healthcare, as well as employing mainly local staff. As a result, the communities are aware of the direct benefit to them of the tourist industry, and are very welcoming.
Rob was very keen to talk to us after the trip, to get feedback on what we liked, and any areas for improvement. We highly recommend Tailormade Africa and would happily book through Rob again!
Perfectly made by Tailormade
Five years ago we contacted Rob Morley and Tailormade Africa to discuss a safari trip. Rob arranged a convenient time to come for dinner and drinks to meet us, find out about who we were as people and what we were hoping to get out of the trip. Shortly after he provided us with an itinerary that was quickly finalised and had us ready to go the summer of 2020.
Unfortunately, Covid got in the way and we had to cancel our trip. That wasn’t going to stop Rob from helping us experience the dream trip of a lifetime. Rob and his team stayed in close touch with us, keeping us up to date on changes and progression of trips starting again.
Due to personal reasons we had to postpone until July 2024. That only spurred Rob on to ensure we had the holiday of a lifetime to celebrate our 30th Wedding Anniversary. Multiple phone calls, emails, discussions (with the occasional drink thrown in) about wishes saw us looking at the perfect itinerary. The attention to detail, provision of information, handling of transfers (both by plane and car) ensured we only had to enjoy our trip and take in the scenery.
Rob and Tailormade Africa covered every detail and eventuality taking all pressures off of us. We started with two nights in Giraffe Manor where we had a wonderful up close and personal experience with the giraffes. Our guide, Ally with Masai Wanderings, picked us up and we went to Tarangire National Park and stayed in the picturesque Camp Ndovu. The first night we watched a family of elephants walk past on their way home. The staff were super friendly and looked after us so well.
It was then on to Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater. Even with the ‘free African massage’ provided by the roads, Ally was amazing ensuring we not only saw everything, but he taught us all about the country, people and culture. Polepole became our mantra during the trip in order to immerse ourselves in the moment.
Our final stop was the Central Serengeti staying at Little Moru Camp. A temporary camp only open a few months a year that delivered the most. Outstanding staff who made you feel like you were family, friend and special guest all at once. Our final night there saw us presented with an anniversary cake, celebration with staff and other guests and our own special sunset celebration. All courtesy of Rob Morley and Tailormade Africa.
We finished our trip with a week on Pemba Island staying at The Manta Resort. We cannot explain how restful, calm, beautiful, and amazing this resort is. The most pristine, soft sanded beach we have ever experienced. Staff who only wish to ensure you are relaxed and taken care of, from scuba diving to your next cocktail.
Rob set up a WhatsApp group to allow us to be able to stay in touch at a moments notice should any problems occur during the trip. The only contact we had to make was to send him a photo every day of the wonders we experienced. We truly know how fortunate we are to have been able to go on a safari. However, we also know the advice, guidance, support, knowledge, and attention to who we were as people allowed Rob and Tailormade Africa to put together the best second honeymoon/trip of a lifetime.
Rob, we cannot thank you and the team at Tailormade Africa for everything you all did to make this trip exceed our dreams.
Fifth trip with Tailormade Africa
We have been booking Africa safari holidays with Clyde since 2018.
We return to Clyde every time as whilst we've never met, it feels like he knows us. He has taken the time to learn our travel history, what we enjoy and our budget preferences and has a knack for knowing what should come next in our travel plans before we do!
Every trip has been preceded by countless phone calls and emails. Clyde is very accommodating in making himself available around our work commitments and we often speak during evenings or weekends. We always book with confidence as we know Clyde has taken the time to answer all our questions.
We trust Clyde's knowledge of Africa implicitly and this has been tested across trips to Zimbabwe, Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana and Kenya. He makes recommendations but is also open to our ideas and to change direction based on our feedback. His level of detail goes to steering towards specific guides at camps.
Clyde always checks in before we depart and we feel he shares our excitement. We've contacted him via email / phone / WhatsApp from the remotest of locations if any issues have arisen.
Our most recent trip to Kenya further supports our reasons to keep coming back to Clyde. His advice about the time of year, busyness, game viewing, photography opportunities and split of time across conservancies was spot on. We were extremely happy with our two Kicheche camps (Laikipia and Mara North) and would return to them both. The quality of guiding at both camps was excellent, as was the accommodation and food.
Wonderful, personal, thoughtful and thorough. 5* service the whole way through.
I recently had the pleasure of booking a holiday in South Africa with Rob, and he was absolutely amazing. From the moment we started planning our trip, Rob listened attentively to all our needs and preferences.
He took the time to understand our travel preferences, budget, and desired experiences. Rob went above and beyond to create an itinerary that perfectly matched our expectations. He suggested incredible destinations, recommended the best accommodations, and arranged unique activities tailored to our interests.
Throughout the entire process, Rob was always available to answer our questions and provide assistance. His knowledge of South Africa and its attractions was impressive, and he shared valuable insights that made our trip even more memorable.
Thanks to Rob's expertise, our holiday in South Africa was an absolute dream. We had the opportunity to explore breathtaking landscapes, encounter wildlife in its natural habitat, and immerse ourselves in the vibrant culture of this beautiful country.
I highly recommend Rob to anyone planning a holiday in South Africa. His professionalism, attention to detail, and dedication to ensuring an unforgettable experience truly set him apart. Rob's ability to listen to his clients' needs and create personalized itineraries is truly remarkable.
Thank you, Rob, for an incredible holiday! Corina & Family.
Trip of a lifetime
To say that Tailormade Africa was amazing to deal with would be an understatement. Clyde Beaty and his team were OUTSTANDING in getting the perfect Africa adventure put together. They were available, quick and smart as to what details needed to be covered.
We had the most amazing trip in Eastern Africa. They teamed with the best guide in the world, Cameron Pearce, to be sure that all of the details were covered. The result was the most amazing vacation/adventure we have ever experienced.
Their hard work, dedicated service and attention to detail allowed us to see incredible animals while staying at amazing camps/lodges. I was blown away at what they put together for us.
We had an amazing time in Tanzania and Uganda, seeing big cats, elephants, wild dogs, hyenas, hippos, and to top it of chimp and gorilla treks (and a ton more).
To say we recommend them would be a gross understatement. We will be telling everyone we know they HAVE to take a trip with this company. It was truly the trip of a lifetime and worth every penny we spent.
Can't wait to do our next adventure (South Africa awaits!) with Clyde, Cameron and Tailormade Africa.
Clyde Beaty - Virtual safari expert
I cannot say enough about working with Clyde and the Tailormade Africa team. This was a trip of a lifetime, and we started planning 3 years in advance. Clyde helped understand our needs then customize a trip that matched our desires with our practical budget.
He has great suggestions and well documented itineraries with details even far in advance to help us stay excited. He was responsive and very helpful with everything to know before we go too, how much cash to bring, what to pack, etc.
Once we got there every step was taken care of and he checked in numerous times to ensure things were running smoothly. He even went so far as to help move our rooms when one of our hotels started construction during our stay.
All and all, I felt supported and excited throughout a VERY long planning effort.
Then the trip itself was epic, classic savanna safari in 2 different parks in Tanzania, ensuring we had a broad range of experiences, then on to Uganda with some unique experiences including an afternoon with a research team, trekking for chimpanzee's and trekking for gorillas.
A lifetime of memories. Thank you, Clyde!
Tailormade Africa made our safari experience seamless and wonderful
I had a fantastic experience with Tailormade Africa, travelling to Botswana on a mobile safari with 2 friends.
Clyde was super helpful throughout the booking process and made everything simple. The information and instructions received in advance of the trip were comprehensive and clear. Whilst we were there I know in the background he was making sure everything was running smoothly - which it was - and he personally checked in on us sometimes too.
The trip itself was incredible. Clyde and the team, with their great knowledge and experience, had planned everything perfectly and chosen only the best partners to look after us during our trip.
Overall, I would thoroughly recommend Tailormade Africa to anyone looking for an extremely special safari experience.
Absolutely amazing trip to Botswana and Zimbabwe, tailor made for our family
In contrast to others we talked to, Rob Morley at Tailormade Africa spent the time to understand who we were as a family - our hopes for the trip and what was really important to us and what less so. He responded extremely quickly to any questions we had (big or small), and designed a trip that fulfilled all our criteria (and more). Three lovely, but very different, camps - each with their own unique character and landscape.
Rob taking the time to really listen to what we wanted made all the difference.
Rob checked in with us during the trip via WhatsApp to ensure all was going well, and made it super-clear that he was available at any time to help with any hitches along the way (there were none). The logistics worked perfectly - so relaxing being met everywhere by friendly faces - our guides were superb and the game we saw surpassed even our exceptionally high expectations.
I could not recommend Rob Morley and Tailormade Africa more highly.
Superb, unrivalled and highly recommend
Tailormade Africa were incredible from start to finish. This team understands Africa through and through - it was our first time there and we were planning a trip of a lifetime so it was crucial to get it right.
Clyde at Tailormade really listened and came up with the perfect solution - a combination of safari and beach. I loved the app and the detailed information sent through but the proof really and truly was in the pudding.
It was absolutely the holiday of a lifetime, seamless transitions, meeting and greeting process at every stage, we felt secure, well looked after and the whole logistical side was utterly professional. The safari at Serien Camp in the Mara North was way way beyond our expectations. Breathtaking, welcoming, luxurious, spoiling and the drives each and every day were quite spectacular.
Tailormade understood our request for a personalised safari and wow did we get it. Our own vehicle, driver and guide taking us out whenever and wherever we wanted to go. They were just delightful and massively knowledgable as well as being generous with that knowledge. We learned and experienced so much. Highlights are almost too numerous to describe but our adult kids have not stopped talking about the trip and we all pined for months after the holiday.
I cannot recommend Tailormade Africa highly enough.
Safari Dream Come True: A Tailormade Honeymoon Adventure
I think I'll start this review off with... WOW! My husband and I wanted to go on a safari for our honeymoon but had no idea where to start. I chatted with several providers and landed on Tailormade safaris for 3 reasons. 1. I wanted to go with a company that had people who'd gone to these places and knew what they were talking about. 2. I wanted full service so no needing to figure out transfers on my own. 3. They needed to work within my budget. Several others turned up their nose when they found out we wanted to say below a certain amount but for Rob and his team, it was no problem.
I loved during the planning process getting to chat with Rob about my exact preferences. He then suggested a couple of options and then we came up with an itinerary. Before departure, the team sent some really good documentation so we knew what to expect, pack, etc. The team overall was always super responsive. For the duration of the trip, we knew if anything went wrong we had a direct line to the team to sort out anything. We didn't need it but it was nice to know it was there.
As for the trip itself. WOW! It was absolutely perfect. From the moment we landed until we got back to our international flight, we were taken care of as if we were royalty. Everyone was incredibly friendly, and thoughtful and made sure we had the best time. The camps Tailormade suggested couldn't have been more perfect. It was a great combo of luxury with extraordinary wildlife. We felt so taken care of and everyone kept going way above and beyond. Even Tailormade sent a personalized note to our camp for our last night. No detail was left unturned.
I could write an entire additional essay on the experience but I will leave it at this. If you want someone who truly gets you your money's worth and puts you in the best spots in Africa you need to go with Tailormade. I know we'll be back to plan another trip with them again soon.
6* Knowledge, brilliant comms, empathetic delivery and off the scale service delivery
We needed help, it was our first trip to South Africa, our first safari and our first with Rob Morley and the team at TMA.
From the very first WhatsApp to the last communication on our day of departure we always felt we had Rob and team by our side.
The communications was excellent. They know their subject matter extremely well and when they had to explore something that was outside of their sphere of knowledge they hunted down the information with enthusiasm and at pace.
Every hotel was superb, the safari generated memories which will live with us forever and we have got the bug for Africa, safari and Tailormade Africa.
Book with Tailormade, they’ll help lift a special holiday to another level.
When Tailormade Africa is planning your expedition, rest assured you’re in safe & expert hands
I heard of Tailormade Africa through a colleague who had used their services to not only plan their hike to Kilimanjaro but also to plan and manage the rest of their stay in Tanzania.
Well before and throughout our entire 15 day stay in Tanzania, Rob and his team were super communicative and offered us great advice on our itinerary as well as how we should prep for the hike. I made a video documenting how incredible and memorable our hike to the Kili summit was. https://youtu.be/isVK0Gy1lyc?si=ku4o8U-7AzczzYr2
What I absolutely loved was how seamless the connections were from each location. There was always transportation waiting for us to drive us to our next location. From our airport arrival, to the base gates of Kilimanjaro, to the safari resort, to our tropical resort Zanzibar, and lastly to departure from the Zanzibar’s Airport, the journey was always easy and seamless. There was no thinking or figuring any logistics required from our part - all we had to do was enjoy the sites.
I would use TM’s services again and recommend anyone who wants an stress-free vacation to do so as well.
Perfect holiday, immaculate planning, highly recommend to anyone
I had been doing my own investigations for taking the family on Safari for my wife's 50th birthday for some 18 months before talking to Clyde through a mutual acquaintance. I wish i had met him 18 months prior as it would have saved me a lot of time researching and changing my mind about where and what to go and do.
TMA were quite fantastic at planning, preparing and handholding us through our Safari experience and checked in with us through the trip had we needed them, though we didn't. We had a couple of zooms and a in person meeting before our trip where Clyde told us everything we needed to know and think about and left us very excited about our Safari. We had a 7 day safari in Tanzania followed by 5 days in a beach resort in Zanzibar over Xmas 2023.
The execution of the safari itself was perfect and nothing was left to chance. Our guide, was knowledgeable, passionate about Tanzania, wildlife and left a lasting impression on us, i got the feeling that that wouldn't be uncommon with any of the established guides out there. it's difficult to see how the safari could be improved on, we literally saw everything, counting 62 different animals in total which was mind-blowing as the animals felt very content and very much in the wild. We kept on the move through the National parks, Ngorongoro crater, serengeti and Marshlands so nothing ever felt repetitive and every day felt like a fresh experience. Going at Xmas we were in the middle of the wildebeast migration which made for a truly evocative experience, all of the staff whether lodges, or camps were very friendly, welcoming and we felt entirely safe and at ease through the whole trip.
Zanzibar was the perfect rest bite after long days in the safari truck and our resort, 'The Pongwe Beach Hotel' was quite perfect for us, unpretentious with staggeringly friendly staff and immaculately maintained and not like some of the flashier more sterile resorts that were on offer. Zanzibar itself i felt has been sadly hit hard by tourism and would liken it to the more populus areas or Bali or Thailand but that didn't matter in the confines of our resort so if you accept that for what it is then all fine (though a crying shame).
Other things to note, tipping is a big thing, be prepared for that but TMA will give you guidance on that, if your not into Tanzanite set your stall out early with the guide, we dropped in on an orphange bringing some gifts of footballs and school stationary and cash donations which was really memorable and offset some of our western tourist guilt.
All in all it was everything i had hoped for and more and Tailor made Africa and Clyde were a huge part of that coming together. Look no further if planning a trip.
Fantastic - you won't regret it!
I booked our trip from Australia - and could not have been happier. Clyde and his team were always happy to jump on a call to discuss and emails were answered promptly.
The trip itself was outstanding. Clyde's recommendations were fantastic and as he had represented. He understood our needs (a family of four + a grandmother) and planned the trip with everyone in mind. The trip itself went very smoothly- with only one late pick up. In that case Clyde was online and available and rectified the issue.
I would happily book again with Clyde - and will likely do so when we make another trip to Africa.
Magical
Tailormade Africa organised our honeymoon in November 2022 - visiting Botswana for Safari, Cape Town and Zanzibar. We had a truly magical experience, which was down to the seamless communications with Rob - understanding the type of trip we wanted. It removed any stress from organising ourselves, knowing the tours, transport and hotels booked were perfect!
Rob Morley was knowledgeable, efficient, understood what we wanted and planed an outstanding trip
I got in touch with Rob Morley from Tailormade Africa after an Internet search. Their website presentation resonated with me more than other sites I checked. I contacted the company and set up a WhatsApp meeting with Rob in which I explained to him what our interests are and what do we want to see.
Next we got Rob's suggestions with very clear descriptions of the accommodations, activities and recommendations for what to do and see. The whole process was easy, clear and made us very comfortable that we are in good hands and we will have a great trip.
Before departure we had an additional call with Rob about last details and repeated reminders of contact information for any issues we may have.
The trip went on without a glitch, from the beautiful accommodations at Babylonstoren and Grootbos to the safari at Sanbona. The transportation from place to place was on time with friendly and polite drivers. At every place we went, a letter from Rob was waiting for us. We were fortunate not to need any help during our trip, but we knew we can call at any time for help.
Our trip was outstanding, probably one of the best we ever had and if we will decide to repeat a trip to South Africa we will, for sure, rely on Tailormade Africa company!
Great personalised service
Great trip. Well planned with some excellent touches (such as being met as soon as we stepped inside the terminal at Kigali).
Some good choices of accomodation in terms of lodges and hotels (though 1 of the tented camps was fun but basic). Everything went very smoothly and the Gorilla trekking was very special and felt like a real privilege.
Pre holiday planning was good with regular communications with Clyde and some useful hints and tips.
Excellent selection of destinations and perfectly planned logistics
Clyde and the team delivered on a promise, again! Not the first time we've used them and it will not be the last. From booking to arriving home the attention to detail, the communications and support was great. The locations that they recommended were excellent and the entire trip ran smoothly.
With so many stops, transits and flights to catch, you always worry button when these guys booking for you, and I love the way they check in with you to ensure that all is well during the stay.
I could not recommend them highly enough.
Best tour operator for bespoke safaris
Clyde organised a bespoke trip in Botswana for a family holiday. The trip was extremely well organised and no issue occurred during the trip.
Clyde kept in touch with us throughout the trip. He also provided key information to prepare the trip thanks to his in depth knowledge of Africa.
It is my second trip with Tailormade Africa and I can only recommend it.
If you want excellent advice, service and value this is the Company to deal with
We have dealt with Clyde at Tailormade Africa for many years and find his advice excellent. The itinerary produced is very easy to follow and nothing is too much trouble if some changes are requested.
We have always found value for money in our trips and the camps are always as expected. We take our time in planning the trip and there are many discussions on the complete package.
We value his advice and we have always experienced a first class trip. One distinct advantage is that Tailormade Africa is always monitoring when you are away and in the unlikely, but sometimes happens, event something is not right it is attended to immediately.
Our last trip to Zambia and Zimbabwe was a trip to be savoured. Totally recommended.
Rob Morley was enthusiastic from the start to help us create a honeymoon we would never forget!
Tailormade Africa and Rob Morley in-particular helped us create a honeymoon we will never forget! From start to finish Rob was attentive to our budget and everything we asked if from our trip to be included.
His enthusiasm and excitement about us going on safari for the first time was infectious and we couldn’t wait to go from the start; this also put us at ease and we knew we were using the right company to help with our trip itinerary.
Once we were out there Rob made sure to stay in contact with us, answering any questions we had quickly through what’s app to make sure everything was as planned.
We highly recommend using Tailormade Africa.
Tailormade Africa enabled us to achieve the trip of a lifetime
My wife and I just completed a three week trip to Rwanda and Southern Tanzania and it truly was the trip of a lifetime. We had been keenly looking forward to it for a long time and it exceeded our expectations in every way.
We planned and booked the trip through Tailormade Africa, our second trip using them. I can't say enough about their help and advice in planning the itinerary and also operationally.
We had a broad idea of where we wanted to go, the National parks in Southern Tanzania, but we had very little practical knowledge of those places and absolutely no idea of how to get there. Clyde at Tailormade took our rough idea and crafted the perfect itinerary. However, after he delivered the perfect Tanzania itinerary, we presented him with another challenge. We decided that we wanted to also go to Rwanda to see the gorillas. Clyde enthusiastically gave us advice and options for Rwanda and we finalized that portion of the trip also. After it was finally booked, we decided to shift the whole trip by a week. Clyde demonstrated flexibility and patience with our changes and got everything rebooked without issue.
Having completed the trip, I can say that the destinations, itinerary, accommodations and logistics were all just perfect.
I have to say how important a job Clyde and the Tailormade team did with the complex logistics of this trip. Our itinerary involved 5 charter flights and 11 vehicle transfers, all of which came off without a hitch. I could never have planned or executed all of those logistics on my own and I doubt the ability of many (possible most) travel agencies to have done so well.
We were extremely pleased with all of our accommodations. Not only were they comfortable and beautiful but all of them had great food and service as well. Most importantly the places where we did safaris and treks all had excellent guides.
My understanding is that getting the accommodations/guides and logistic right in some of the out-of-the-way areas we visited is not as straightforward as in the more well-traveled parts of Tanzania. One lodge manager told us that not many travel agents are familiar with his area in Ruaha.
So, we enjoyed wonderful experiences viewing wildlife, met warm and wonderful people and throughout felt well-cared for. It was the trip of a lifetime and something we'll never forget.
Created an excellent safari that was personalised to perfectly fit budget,interest and requirements
Clyde and his team gave us lots of advice to tailor the safari to our needs. They were able to change certain aspects to fit in with our budget. The ground teams were excellent and everything ran smoothly. The lodges recommended perfectly fitted our wish for friendly with a certain degree of luxury but focusing on the safari rather than the wine list.
Sabyinyo lodge was amazing as was Serian and Alex Walker's personalised guiding. They were constantly available for advice leading up to the safari and on hand if needed during the safari.
Clyde saved us by booking us on a flight that left in 20minutes even though we were still at a hotel after our internal flight was cancelled. We unbelievably still made our international flight.
Expert, precision knowledge - putting us in exactly the right place +date for a mega river crossing!
Clyde from Tailormade Africa spent time with us during the booking phase - answering questions and providing expert advice and insight into how to get the best out of our "wish list" safari to see migratory herds and a Mara river crossing with all the dust and drama we had hoped for. Clyde could not have been more spot on. He put us in a Alex Walker's Serian Mobile Lamai camp - carefully chosen to be on a much quieter side of the Mara - in THE exact right place and THE exact right dates to realise our dream.
His passion and knowledge were exemplary compared to other safari booking agents we have used in the past and he made the logistics/details seamless meaning we did not have to worry about organising anything from the moment we landed in Tanzania to the moment we left.
On THE day after we arrived, we saw the first MEGA crossing of the Mara for this year's migration - with some of our fellow guests leaving that day having waited a week on their tours. It was incredible - the landscape just emptying of wildebeest as they flowed into the crossing point valley as thousand upon thousand wildebeest and zebra crossed.
Clyde also encouraged us to get out of our comfort zone and try a tented camp with bucket showers and rustic luxury - experience of a lifetime. We saw cheetah, leopard, lions hunting (and eating dinner!), huge herds of zebra/wildebeest/elephants, hippos galore gently bobbing up and down and a tower of 11 giraffe ++++ - incredible advice on the best camp / guiding to see wildlife.
Clyde also only recommends camps known for great guiding - we certainly had this at Alex Walker's Serian with our guides not only spotting animals but also taking time to explain local medicinal plants and teach us about next construction in a quiet moment in the shade.
Clyde's advice really was spot on/faultless - his connections are probably also to thank for getting us a free upgrade to a family tent. He also stayed in touch along our trip - answering a question about check in for one of our flights almost instantly ... and explaining with his years of African experience that we should not worry but that our name would magically appear on the manifest - and it did!
I highly recommend Tailormade Africa - you are in safe and expert hands!
Genuine experts who listened to us and built a personalised holiday that was perfect for us
This was our first safari and, although we’ve travelled independently a lot, we wanted expert advice on what would give us the best experience.
Clyde clearly has extensive knowledge and experience. Just as importantly he actually listened to us and ensured that we had a wonderful holiday which suited us perfectly- walking safaris, minimal wasted time with travel, experts guides and lodges which were very welcoming and high quality.
We saw so much wildlife at both camps and the people were lovely.
The itinerary Clyde set up meant that we had a good night’s rest before our first lodge and the journey there was a safari in itself. The camps were just the right level of comfort for us - good quality beds and food but not over the top.
Price wise we knew it wouldn’t be cheap but the cost was about par when compared to bigger operators though much more personalised. Clyde and the team responded quickly to any queries and checked in on us via WhatsApp just to make sure everything was going smoothly.
Would highly recommend Tailormade Africa and will definitely be using them again in the future.
An excellent operator with in-depth knowledge and experience of Africa
Rob Morley and the team at Tailormade ensured we had a very special experience in order to celebrate a significant milestone birthday. Most importantly he listened to the brief and succeeded in managing both our expectations whilst taking into account monetary constraints and making our trip a very special one.
The logistics of our safari were quite complex as it involved flying in and out of different lodges in Kenya. The ground arrangements were handled seamlessly by their local partners.
Rob was a delight to deal with as he responded swiftly to my endless enquiries prior to departure and then made himself available 24/7 should we encounter difficulties whilst away (we didn’t).
We had an exceedingly enjoyable and memorable trip and would not hesitate in recommending the services of the Tailormade Africa to anyone considering a safari.
Awesome holiday in every detail
We had an amazing trip to Botswana and Zimbabwe. Clyde's in depth knowledge and suggestions of camps to visit proved to be absolutely spot on, Shinde and Kwando Lagoon were exactly on the brief of what we were hoping to experience - amazing animal sightings with a good variety of landscapes all within wonderful camps. All logistics of the trip worked seamlessly.
It's not always visible the effort that goes in behind the scenes, however we came to find out that Clyde had been speaking to the lodges to ensure we had the tents best positioned for our needs, we really appreciated that care for us. Added to this the regular check-ins and availability during the trip were reassuring, even though not needed given how smoothly everything went.
A holiday of a lifetime we'll never forget.
A trip to remember
When travelling overseas, I am the type of person that wants to experience all that the country has to offer, the problem is, like with most overseas trips, you only have a limited of time to experience it all. This coupled with having never been to South Africa before, makes the planning difficult. By employing the services of Rob at Tailormade Africa not only was he able to cater the trip to our wants but we were able to benefit from someone who had done it before and who had the local knowledge.
Even before the holiday started the communication from Rob was great. Endless too and fro with emails and a few online conversations to iron out the details of what we really wanted from the trip, we even had another one a couple of days before we left, once everything was finalised, meant for any last questions or concerns before we jetted off. Even during the trip Rob was available on WhatsApp!!!
Once there our trip was seamless from the moment we got off the plane in Johannesburg. Rob provided us with detailed instructions for each stop, must see tourist attraction, things to do and most importantly the best restaurants. All we had to do was unwind, relax and soak in all that South Africa had to offer.
We absolutely recommend Tailormade Africa to anyone looking for a hassle free holiday of a lifetime.
Thank you Rob for helping to create a honeymoon that we will never forget.
Excellent service and first class safari trip
From day one Clyde was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. He arranged our safari at short notice and in terms of accommodation and guiding it worked seamlessly.
We had originally thought of going to Kenya, but after talking to Clyde and setting out what we wanted he had no hesitation in recommending we consider Tanzania and boy was he right.
Great trip and looking forward to booking the next one with Tailormade Africa.
Excellent organisation and service
My husband and I live in Australia. Following internet research into companies that specialise in Africa, we approached Tailormade Africa to organise our extensive, 6 week journey , through Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe.
Clyde and his team were fantastic. Our communication with the company, despite being in Australia, was excellent. We appreciated the time taken by Clyde to work out where we wanted to go, what we enjoyed doing as well as discussing budget. We were able to adjust and have input in to the itinerary Clyde suggested.
The information provided to us by Tailormade Africa on our destinations, travel arrangements and contacts for emergencies while away was extensive and very useful.
From the time we arrived in Namibia and finished in Zimbabwe everything ran smoothly. As we traveled in three different countries we had a variety of accommodation and travel arrangements. Our accommodation, activities and mobile safari experience in all the countries exceeded our expectations.
Clyde’s knowledge, experience and advice and the team at Tailormade Africa helped make our trip to Africa a once in a lifetime experience.
Exceptional organisation, wonderful trip to Tanzania
My husband and I booked a trip to Tanzania through Clyde at Tailormade Africa, booking it only 2 months before we travelled. I enquired with several tour operators and received a few quotes before deciding on Tailormade Africa - it was little more expensive but we could tell that the quality of the service and trip was much better - and we were not disappointed!
Clyde was very responsive, putting together an itinerary in a day or so, answering all our questions, and recommending locations/accommodation in Tanzania to visit. This was especially useful given that it was our first safari. The camp that Clyde recommended was amazing, and one we wouldn't have found had we booked the trip on our own. All transfers and internal flights worked out perfectly, and we didn't have to worry about any of the organisation as this was all taken care of for us.
Some travellers are still concerned about coronavirus when travelling. The camp we stayed at followed all sensible precautions, and we were in contact with few other people given the location of our camp, so felt very safe and stayed very well throughout our trip.
In summary, an excellent trip and we look forward to booking our next safari through Tailormade Africa!
Excellent Planning, Perfect Vacation
When planning a family safari to Tanzania, we wanted a special vacation with unforgettable memories. We contacted Tailormade Africa, another safari operator and a luxury travel company for proposals. It became quickly apparent that not only was Clyde the most knowledgeable, but he also listened carefully to our wants and aspirations, which included seeing the great migration crossing of the Mara River in the Northern Serengeti.
He proposed an itinerary (Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and N Serengeti) and timing that aimed to fulfill all of our requirements, with attention to detail which gave us confidence that we would have a great experience. The cost was also reasonable for well chosen camps and private guides.
We have just returned from an outstanding vacation which met all of our expectations and then some. The arrangements were flawless from beginning to end - wonderful camps, excellent guides and magnificent wildlife, including spectacular views on 2 separate occasions of thousands of wildebeest crossing the Mara River!
We highly recommend Tailormade Africa and we would not hesitate to use them again when we next visit Africa.
Wrapped up an "outstandingly organized" trip to Zanzibar / Serengeti in Tanzania
Our family of 4 just wrapped up a 2-week trip to Tanzania, including 5 days in Zanzibar and 7 days criss-crossing Serengeti National Park. What a trip of a lifetime it turned out to be, one that we will reminisce over for years to come. ALL THANKS TO ROB MORLEY AND HIS STAFF AT TAILORMADE AFRICA.
We settled on Rob organizing this trip after having scouted at least 10 other agencies across the U.S., the U.K. and in Africa. The reason we picked Rob and Tailormade was he showed a genuine concern and a full-throated ability to tailor the trip so it was customized for us, not an itinerary he would want us to pursue because it was easy to organize.
From the first dialogue we had with Rob until when our trip actually materialized, Rob displayed extreme flexibility as we worked through re-schedules, firstly due to COVID and yet again due to a sports injury one of my kids endured. Every accommodation, every stop, every meal plan was meticulously picked, so it worked wonderfully for us.
Rob and his team were always available to answer questions, propose alternatives when we needed those, and work with us as we got ready for the trip (vaccinations, visa, what kind of clothes to carry etc.). Our trip turned out to be hugely successful for our family - what a fascinating place, what abundance of wild-life, what diversity in landscape, and what superlative a service every hotel, lodge, campsite Tailormade booked for us!!
I am certainly working with Rob in coming years as and when we are ready to do our 2nd trip to Africa!
Extremely knowledgeable, efficient and good value.
Clyde organized a fantastic safari for us in Zimbabwe. He took note of the countries and camps we had stayed in before and what wildlife we were interested in and tailored our trip accordingly. He had personal knowledge of lots of the camps and was able to select those that were within our budget and would provide us with excellent guides which is what makes a great safari.
We appreciated his choice of camps. Each camp had its own character and associated landscape which allowed us to see the diversity of the country.
The staff at Tailormade Africa promptly answered our questions before the trip and were available to sort out any issues once we were in Africa.
We would certainly recommend using this company.
Amazing experience, excellent organization!
Tailormade Africa was perfect in all aspects.
Rob Morley, thank you for making our experience an unforgettable one. We never had to worry about a thing, transports , accomodation, guides, trips, everything was perfectly organised, according to our wishes.
Thanks again for the amazing experience! We’ll be back soon!
Indispensable advisor from start to finish
We knew we wanted to travel in South Africa but had no idea! I gave 3 safari experts the same brief explaining what we wanted to do, what we liked and how flexible we could be. Clyde at Tailormade Africa was the only agent who suggested having a Teams call to flesh out what we wanted, explain what his thoughts were and clarify our needs. He came back with an itinerary that 100% hit everything we wanted and within our budget. Comms throughout the booking process were first class.
Ahead of our trip Clyde ensured that we knew that he and his business partner were always on WhatsApp in the event of a problem. As soon as we landed we had a message waiting for us - reminding to message him direct if there was anything we needed. Clyde's intimate knowledge of the various airports we used was reassuring and gave us confidence with connection times etc.
Tailormade arranged an airside meet and greet service at JNB which meant we started our trip very relaxed. We were taken through priority immigration at speed, collected our bags, given a tour of the domestic terminal's facilities and then taken to our gate by the greeter.
Internal transfers were made by a local agent arranged by Tailormade. All the cars were spotless. The drivers were all on time, drove safely and were friendly & informative about the country.
I can't really fully comment on where we went as I don't have the vocabulary to fully express what special places they were - Garonga Safari and Babylonstoren near Cape Town. Two stunning locations that had a huge focus on conservation and the environment - total perfection.
We always use specialist agents for our holidays and have always appreciated their insight and expertise. Tailormade are without doubt the best agent we've used for their ability to listen to a customer and then demonstrate why the advice and recommendations they give stack up to what the customer is asking for.
We are only back 24 hours but are already talking about our next safari.
Highly recommend Tailormade Africa as they went above and beyond in creating an amazing experience
We recently went on our honeymoon to South Africa and had the pleasure of traveling with Tailormade Africa and I can assure you they are an excellent tour operator! From the moment I inquired about the tour, Clyde was attentive and responsive to my questions and needs! Making sure how to keep in budget, time sensitive and including the 3 destinations we wanted to go (fun fact, we approach Clyde 45 days before the date of the trip hahaha and he was amazing and put together everything in few days!!)
During the trip everything was organized, always on time, you don't have to think about anything! Clyde and his team have everything planned!
The accommodations were luxury and conveniently located, all the itinerary was well-balanced, allowing us to see and do everything we wanted.
Clyde and his team went above and beyond to make sure we were happy, comfortable and having a great time in our honeymoon!
Overall we had an amazing experience with Tailormade Africa and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a well-organized, enjoyable, luxury and unforgettable travel experience.
Very experienced team, every care taken, all meetings and collections on time couldn’t be better
Gave Tailormade an out line of what we would like to see, also gave them a rough budget, they suggested a 4 day Safari in South Africa followed by a 4 day safari in Botswana which worked very well.
We were collected from Airport taken to a hotel, next day back to Airport to fly and drive to our first camp, all done very smoothly, then we were transported by road to our camp in Botswana by a very nice driver, at the end of our stay in Botswana we were flown back to Johannesburg, met at the Airport taken to our Hotel, then collected the next day to go the Airport for our international flight.
All connections went very smoothly and on time.
We were happy that we got value for our money as we got amazing service at the camps, would thoroughly recommend Tailormade, thank you Clyde.
Focus on enjoying your African Experience rather than logistics!
We are a family of three; myself and my two adult children. We are very experienced travelers so I usually do all of the travel logistics.
This time, we did three countries; luxury and rough, drive safari and boat safari, hiking and relaxing. I did not have to worry about a single logistic. Not one. Five * travelers expect good food and wine and, of course, it was excellent.
But what you pay for with TailorMade is the local knowledge and the assurance that there will be no hick-ups.
It was honestly one of the best trips we have ever had - and the most relaxing for me!
Reliable, thoughtful, knowledgeable and committed
Tailormade Africa know Africa and provide a superb level of service. They are proactive - contacting you if, for example, there is a problem with your schedule.
They are also speedily reactive; we had a local problem with a pick up from an airport and they dealt with it instantly. They are thoughtful, designing the holiday you want rather than an ‘off the shelf’ package.
Altogether a great team delivering a superb service.
Tailormade made our Tanzanian experience exciting and unforgettable
From booking flight/acquiring visas to being dropped off to the airport at the end of our trip, Tailormade made our trip seemless and unforgettable. It was the first vacation I took where I didn't experience any problem or any stress.
From booking accommodations to reserving transportations during transitions to scheduling activities, Tailormade took care of every detail of the trip and customized it according to our preferences.
I would highly recommend Tailormade's services to anyone looking to travel without experiencing any hassle.
Rob fulfilled our desires during the planning process & while we were in Madagascar
Rob of Tailormade Africa and the staff were impeccable in helping us plan our trip and augmenting our desires with their knowledge. They arranged for wonderful guides who gave us personalized service. It was a trip never to be forgotten.
Speaking for a moment about the nitty gritty, if there was a hic-up in the arrangements in this difficult post-pandemic period, Rob seemed to be able to clear it up in an instant.
Madagascar as a place is immensely interesting. The geography, people, flora and fauna are unique. I cannot recommend it enough. I experienced tremendous personal growth as a result of this trip.
It was enlightening and fun in the best fullest sense of those words.
Tailormade Africa truly is a unique company whose desire to ensure you are happy is unparalleled
I formed my relationship with Rob Morley of Tailormade Africa after initially contacting him about travelling to South Africa for the 2022 Comrades Marathon.
I mentioned to Rob that after running in the Comrades Marathon me & my wife would like to go on safari & we'd like to make it really special, like a 2nd honeymoon. It soon felt like Rob was my own personal travel agent but in such a friendly manner. Rob asked me what 'special' looked like for me & was able to tease out of me what I wanted more specifically. I explained that to us special meant somewhere exclusive where we felt looked after but in a relaxed environment. Rob understood we wanted to eat great food within picturesque surroundings. We were also keen to take in some game drives to search for some exciting wildlife without feeling like we were being herded around with large groups of people.
Rob has travelled extensively within South Africa, has great knowledge of & a great passion for the country & wanted us to experience this too. Due to this Rob was able to suggest a destination that matched our wish list & sent us pictures & details which enhanced the picture he had already painted for me. Though I had a great idea of what was awaiting us I was still not prepared for the luxury provided, situated so unobtrusively within the fabulous scenery with great importance placed on being green & eco friendly. We stayed at Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge.
We were treated to an amazing spacious villa with outstanding far reaching views. Imagine standing in a spacious shower watching giraffes moving majestically in the distance with an open fire crackling metres away. Meals were served in the restaurant within the main 'house' with the same views. The food was exquisite without being pretentious. We were taken on game drives by friendly, attentive & knowledgeable people who clearly love their jobs. All staff members were keen for us to be happy & genuinely seemed pleased we had chosen their lodge.
Our experience was incredible, and we look forward to the next time! We recommend Tailormade Africa highly for listening to our desires and budget, organizing accordingly, and delivering all we wished for and more.
I loved how Rob was able to take a rough idea of what I thought we wanted & make the actual experience better than the dream. Without wanting this to sound too sickly Rob was the perfect person to assist us.
Everything leading up to the holiday was dealt with just as we would have liked. Every detail was catered for. We made a few last minute changes which Rob was able to accommodate due to his relationships with his travel partners. Our itinerary was sent to us by email showing clearly every detail we needed for the whole trip. Knowing how special this trip was for me & my wife Rob was able to speak to his contacts to let them know we were wanting to create a few private moments which became a reality without any trouble at all.
My communication with Rob was via telephone, WhatsApp & email. I had access to Rob & his team at all times. We did need their assistance when our outbound flights were delayed meaning we would miss our connecting internal flights in South Africa. They were on hand to ensure we were confident in knowing what plan B was. During the holiday we received timely WhatsApp messages confirming our upcoming transfer/travel arrangements giving us reassurance of our movements (as we made a few transfers to various destinations within South Africa).
After the holiday Rob followed up to ensure everything was just as we had planned & it absolutely was. I would be more than happy to ask for Rob's assistance in planning another trip & its likely we will be doing just that for 2023.
If you want a personal & friendly approach to create a great trip this is the company to use. Thank you Rob. Thank you Tailormade Africa
Up Close and Incredibly Awesome
Clyde and Tailormade Africa delivered an incredible safari experience for us in July of 2021. Sometimes, writing a review directly upon return it's still a euphoria time...but even a year and more later, our time on safari in Tanzania was an experience we still shake our heads about. It's hard to believe how incredible it was. The sights, the sounds, and the people of Tanzania have become etched in our minds and we are richer for the experience.
Despite the stress of several Covid tests in a span of 48 hours to get there, upon landing in Tanzania the stress was whisked away as we stepped outside of luggage claim and met our first guide. From there, we were treated to the most incredible wildlife experience and luxury that is unforgettable. From elephants outside the tent at night at our first camp, to sundowner stories, to camp guides dancing and singing for us at our arrival and departure (and meals), we had a magical experience.
Days were filled with the excitement of lions fighting, leopards hunting, giraffes fighting, elephants spraying, wildebeests crossing, hippos watching, crocodiles waiting, zebras helping, warthogs running, monkeys scavenging, ostriches prancing, flamingos displaying, followed by incredible sunsets over the Serengeti, it was nonstop amazement.
And then, there were the camps. Oh, if you've never stayed in a tent that was a luxury hotel experience with coffee delivered with a morning greeting and warm water delivered for the morning shower or evening wash upon demand, and food delivered or prepared for a picnic at your watching spot...this is the place you need to be!
Our experience was incredible, and we look forward to the next time! We recommend Tailormade Africa highly for listening to our desires and budget, organizing accordingly, and delivering all we wished for and more.
Very knowledgeable and helpful in planning our itinerary
We found Clyde to be very knowledgeable about our destination and very helpful planning our holiday. We felt we had the right amount of time in each place. He also suggested a wonderful destination for the end of our gorilla trekking which totally lived up to his and Rob’s recommendation.
The in country staff they used from the moment we arrived at the airport, until we were dropped back at the end of our holiday were just amazing; lots of information about Rwanda and the gorillas. The accommodation and organisation were just what we wanted and excellent value for money.
We would highly recommend using Clyde and Rob.
Highly experienced in providing a top notch safari experience
Not a glitch in the organisation of our 22 days safari through Botswana and Zimbabwe. Professionally managed from the first interaction with Tailormade Africa through to the flight back.
We stayed in beautiful camps carefully chosen by them and experienced animal interactions beyond our dreams. Both Botswana and Zimbabwe have chosen to avoid mass tourism. As a result, the price point is high but it gives you an intimate, exclusive experience.
My wife and I hope to remember the African sunsets, drink in hand, looking at lions and rhinos at the water hole when we are really old and sit on our veranda at home. Memories for a life time.
Organized and knowledgeable
From start to finish Clyde and his group walked you through the process of a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Clyde actually set up a time to talk on the phone to learn more about our travel group and what we wanted to see/expect. All the camps we visited were a bit different as well as the wildlife we saw.
This trip filled my wife’s bucket list dream and she has plans on returning at some point.
The safari was incredible
The safari was incredible! and the entire experience was seamless and easy thanks to Tailormade. Our hotel lodgings were superb, all the staff were friendly.
Amazing Experience!
Our group of 8 had a phenomenal safari experience, exceeding all expectations
We had an incredible safari experience in August 2022, entire trip arranged by Clyde at Tailormade Africa. The lodging accommodations, food, guides, hospitality and daily itineraries far exceeded our expectations. Most importantly, we were able to see not only so many animals, but also actions ranging from lion mating, chase and kill x3, and wildebeest herd river-crossing x5, etc in barely 12 days.
I highly recommend the service.
Rob from Tailormade made the experience a once in a lifetime
Rob was incredibly detailed and knowledgeable throughout the whole experience, from the initial call to really understand what we wanted which allowed him to come back with some options. Through to finalising the details and bookings. The choices we made suited us completely, not just the safari but also for the location to relax afterwards.
I would thoroughly recommend Rob and Tailormade for the excellent itinerary and touchpoints at the start, during and post. They create an amazing app which holds all the details of your trip for you and Rob is just at the end of WhatsApp if you need anything at all. One of the best experiences of a lifetime and throughout I really felt we were getting the best for us from a team of experts who really wanted the best for their clients.
Can't recommend enough.
Amazing safari in Zimbabwe and Madagascar
We had a truly amazing safari in Zimbabwe and Madagascar organized by Tailormade Africa. We had many discussions with Clyde ahead of the holiday to make sure he knew what we were looking for as a family of six.
We stayed just over a week in three locations in Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park where we saw so many beautiful and exotic animals including the "big five". Victoria Falls was amazing and we took the helicopter ride as well as doing a bungee jump on the bridge between Zimbabwe and Zambia - if you are ever going to do one, this is probably the place in the world to do it!
We then spent just under a week in Madagascar which was equality beautiful with it's many unique animals and trees/plants.
Logistically the trip was quite complicated - we took a total of 11 flights including returning to UK via Mauritius where we spent one day. Everything went to plan, and when at one point it did look like a plane was going to be delayed overnight, Clyde was immediately on the case investigating other options. I would thoroughly recommend Tailormade Africa.
Superb all round
I initially got in touch with Rob Morley at Tailormade Africa to arrange joining his Africa Marathons group to run the Comrades Marathon in South Africa, and mentioned that my wife and I were planning on a few days' R&R on the beach in Zanzibar afterwards, followed by a safari in Tanzania. He asked about our itinerary, and when I told him what we were considering he came up with a far better one, which we decided to go with.
The itinerary, the accommodations (both in Zanzibar and Tanzania), the food, the safari guides, the transport (regular airline flights, light plane flights, 4WD drives) were all superb. Not only that, but Rob's communications were great, both before and during the trip, and he kept us informed about every last detail (including arranging the seemingly impossible task of getting a COVID PCR test in northern Tanzania for our onward flight to Qatar). He was personally available by WhatsApp at any moment.
The game drives were fabulous - we got to see four mass crossings of wildebeest across the Mara River, plus closeup views of leopards, lions, cheetahs and large numbers of many other animals. Apart from one day when we shared a jeep with another (very nice) couple, our guides were always just for the two of us. No doubt you can get this kind of experience from a very expensive, top-end tour company, but in this case the cost was very reasonable indeed, and only modestly more than a budget tour - well worth the difference.
I am happy to recommend Tailormade Africa without any reservations at all, and am beginning to think of where else in Africa I might have Rob take us!
Clyde from Tailormade Africa put together an epic once-in-a-lifetime trip that was par-excellence!
Clyde and I started discussing our African safari trip over a year ago. My husband and I were thinking about embarking on a month-long trip to Eastern and Southern Africa to celebrate my milestone birthday. I had done some research and kind of knew what we wanted to do and so I reached out to 4 tour operators and asked them to send me their proposals.
The highlight of our trip was going to be the migration and viewing the river crossings of the wildebeest in the Serengeti. Needless to say I picked Clyde because of his intimate knowledge of the country and his insistence to pick a camp on the north side of the Mara, the reason being that you want to see the wildebeest cross the river from the opposite bank coming towards you. Best decision we ever made!!
I discussed every detail of the trip with Clyde for over a year: things that were non-negotiable and had to be included (Giraffe Manor), experiences that we wanted to include, some that Clyde talked me out of (thankful for that!), the time of year that would be best to view the migration, covid hiccups, safety, how to travel, the kind of luggage we needed, Visas required and so on.
Clyde was always a WhatsApp call or text away and at no time did I feel that he was actually across the pond in the UK. The travel arrangements were made and our 30-day journey went as smoothly and seamlessly as one could only hope for. We travelled across 5 countries and stayed in over 10 camps, some of which were very remote and getting to them involved changing small planes at different airstrips.
Along the way, Clyde had made special arrangements for the camps to have lovely surprises waiting for us in the form of a bottle of champagne or a bathtub prepared with roses and chocolates or a special birthday cake after dinner. These gestures were much appreciated and shows the kind of attention to detail that Clyde and Tailormade Africa provided.
We managed to see all of the Big 5, the ugly 5 and most everything in-between! We saw hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, herds of elephants and buffalo, hundreds of zebras and antelope, lots of giraffes and of course 3 river crossings which Clyde had guaranteed that we would see atleast one.
We ended our trip in Cape Town and Franschhoek and Clyde had organized sightseeing tours for us in South Africa as well and booked dinners at some amazing restaurants there. Clyde planned a trip that we will remember for the rest of our lives and it was well worth the cost!
I highly recommend Clyde for any African itinerary given his intimate knowledge of Africa and his first-hand experience of being a guide in Zimbabwe.
Top notch bespoke Safari Travel service.
I can't say enough good things about Tailormade Africa. They arranged what I consider to be "once in a lifetime" travel experience for my wife and I.
I really liked their process. It is very personal and very user-friendly. I talked extensively with Clyde Beaty, one of the company's founders. He listened attentively to my objectives and ideas and asked a lot of questions. He used his extensive knowledge and experience to answer all of my questions and to guide and direct me in formulating our rough plan. He then prepared a detailed itinerary for us and it was spot-on, showing that he understood what we wanted.
Clyde and his staff were invariably professional and highly competent throughout this process.
However, we had to reschedule our trip due to the pandemic. When it came time to reschedule, a couple of small tweaks were necessary. Clyde made the rescheduling easy and seamless for us.
Now that we have completed the trip I am even more impressed. I can't imagine a better trip. We were extremely pleased with every aspect of the trip. All of the accommodations, guides, food, etc. were excellent. Aside from these main aspects there were a lot of logistics involved. We stayed in four different locations in Botswana and Zimbabwe that required transfers via small planes, private cars and also border crossings. All of it went without a hitch.
Prior to the trip, we had some concerns about Covid-19. In fact, the trip had far less Covid-19 risk than we had anticipated. We flew from the US to Johannesburg and all flights into South Africa require that all passengers and crew wear masks throughout the flight (as of late May 2022). Also everyone flying into South Africa from overseas is required to show either proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test. All of the flights(4) we took within Africa also required mask wearing.
Our hotel in Johannesburg required masks in all public areas. Likewise the van service and hotel vans we used required masks. All of the safari vehicles were obviously open so wearing of masks was unnecessary. All of the lodges and camps we stayed in had open air dinings so we really didn't have meals indoors. Finally, throughout our trip hand sanitizers were commonly available in public spaces.
Overall, we felt less risk of catching Covid-19 on our African trip that we do in the US.
On top of everything else, Josh from Tailormade Africa was able to make a change to our flight from Johannesburg back to the states at the last minute (same day of the flight). That was amazing and we were very grateful for his great performance.
So, we found Clyde Beaty and the whole team at Tailormade Africa to truly fantastic!
Tailormade Africa have outstanding knowledge about their destinations and organise the most trips.
We have traveled with Tailormade Africa on several occasions to lots of different destinations both with and without the family. Every time they have guided us to locations that have been the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.
Whether it was Tanzania, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Namibia, Zanzibar, Mozambique, the Seychelles or Rwanda everything ran incredibly smoothly and created brilliant memories.
I have recommended Tailormade Africa to friends who have also had similar experiences.
Knowledgeable and personable - went above and beyond to give us the honeymoon of our dreams!!!
We stumbled across Tailormade Africa by chance and we are so grateful that we did! We explored several mainstream travel agents when planning our African safari honeymoon and none of them were hitting the mark.
After only one zoom call with Clyde at Tailormade Africa we knew we were in the best hands and could finally start getting excited about planing our dream honeymoon!
Clyde took time to understand what we enjoy during our holidays and what makes us tick as people. This was so important before jumping in to what resorts look like as this determined the type of places we’d probably enjoy best! It was evident that they really are experts on Africa and could guide us in the best way!
We agreed on Tanzania and Pemba Island (a bit more off the beaten track than Zanzibar which was right up our street!).
Clyde was extremely patient with us when presenting different ideas and options- especially when the trip was only 8 weeks from our first discussion! We left it to the wire but we never felt rushed to make a decision.
The website itinerary platform that Tailormade Africa use made planning so much easier. Following our chats, new accommodation options or locations were added to the itinerary so we could look through in more detail. This also really helped during the trip as we could access it offline on an app.
The trip itself went so smoothly. We had the most incredible honeymoon and couldn’t be more grateful to Clyde and the team! It felt completely tailored to us and not just ‘plucked’ from a brochure. We had a fantastic guide and we were so pleased to have a private jeep as it meant everyday was tailored exactly to what we wanted to do! We were fortunate enough to see all the animals we hoped to and more!! And several times too! We have some incredible memories to treasure
All of our accommodation was brilliant and we honestly had no complaints throughout the whole trip! We were even lucky enough to get a couple of upgrades as we were in honeymoon!
Clyde checked in a couple of times to make sure we were okay and having a good time. We even received a printed note at one of our lodges which was a nice touch!
I have already recommended Tailormade Africa to friends, family and colleagues as we honestly had the best time and we would definitely book again with them! We are already saving!!
Thank you so much to Clyde and the Tailormade Africa team!!
Phenomenal. Can we go again already?
Myself, and my now fiancé, have just got back from the trip of all trips embarking on a six day safari in Botswana. Just wow.
There aren’t really enough words to express the incredible experience that we had. From start to finish we were looked after impeccably. Clyde and the Tailormade team were available 24hours a day for any of our queries that we had really making the experience seamless, we never had to worry about covid rules or restrictions because the Tailormade team took care of every step. We booked a Ker and Downey safari, staying at two fantastic exclusive camps.
Tailormade really went the extra mile with making our engagement extremely special and most definitely memorable, fine touches like leaving us a departing letter to congratulate us personally.
This experience was like no other, we can’t thank you enough and will be sharing your excellence and recommending Tailormade Africa for the rest of our lives.
No detail left unsorted
I’ve recently returned from a 5 week trip around Namibia and South Africa. I gave Clyde quite a project as I wanted to experience the best of both of these countries in what was really quite a short time. Clyde prepared a wonderful itinerary covering the best of both countries in a whistle stop tour and he accomplished the complicated logistics (travel by air and train, luxurious accommodation and even COVID testing) so that we were able to travel without a care in the world.
He kept in touch with us and our destination properties to ensure we arrived everywhere safely and I don’t believe he was able to sleep until we had arrived at each destination where a warm welcome was always guaranteed.
Tailormade Africa is absolutely the right name for this company - we never felt we were on anything like a package holiday and we felt so privileged to travel this way. I have recommended them to everyone I met on my trip and I know that I can trust them to do an excellent job wherever one wishes to travel in Africa.
Tailormade Africa provides magic - sit back and relax
We have had the pleasure of another trip organised by Clyde. There is never any reduction in the level of attention and expertise when the itinerary is put together which is followed by the supervision when you are actually on the trip. So again we rate highly Tailormade Africa – and their approach during the Covid-19 period was appreciated.
This is never cheap and nasty but value for money and expertly suggested. Whilst we had luck on our side, our safari was brilliant, travel was not complicated and Clyde was always there in the background.
Impeccable service and planning!! Rwanda & Tanzania
Rob Morley and team at Tailormade Africa were fantastic to work with from start to finish! I vetted multiple safari travel agents and knew that when I spoke to Rob I had found the right one. Rob asked all the right questions to really get a true sense of the trip we wanted to take and then made great suggestions as to where we should consider going.
Once we landed on the countries, he again provided detailed overviews of potential itineraries - what I really appreciated was that he gave us options but did not overwhelm with too many options while at the same time provided insights into compare/contrast of different areas and camps we would choose from. Having lived in Tanzania and traveled extensively in Africa, he could really give us a true sense of the experiences we would have in each place. He really made the planning process enjoyable and once we arrived in Kigali, Rwanda, everything was fabulous from start of trip until the end.
Covid testing was arranged and never an issue - our local guides were knowledgeable about the testing and whether it required PCR or rapid antigen; guides brought the physician to do the testing and/or we went to local clinics at the/near the airport. The local guides became friends - they are highly knowledgeable about their countries, the history, the geography and really made every day wonderful. If ever we had a question or request, we felt very comfortable asking and received the highest level of service in a friendly manner.
Rob was also available on WhatsApp for questions or concerns (although we did not have a single concern while there - the ability to clarify a travel arrangement or question through this communication method was an added sense of security throughout!).
The camps - WOW!!! Singita Lodge in Volcanoes Natl Park, Nwungye House, Namiri Plains in Serengeti and The Highlands in Ngorongoro Crater area - all were very different and wonderful - the staff, the food, the camp guides - everyone was so welcoming and again, knowledgeable - from wait staff who could identify every bird we asked about to chefs who provided us recipes for food we enjoyed. We really cannot say enough wonderful things about Tailormade Africa, Rob and all of the local teams that took such great care of us throughout the trip.
We said this was a "once in a lifetime" trip but we are already discussing when and where to go next in Africa!! (and when we do it will be with Tailormade!)
Top class concierge travel facilitators!
I worked with Clyde. I could not have asked for a better service. Besides making a fantastic safari itinerary, he made sure our trip was flawless in real time. He was our guardian travel angel always looking over us!
We did not book our airline tickets from the USA to Zimbabwe through Tailormade but Clyde was there to solve our problems real time. Our departing fright was canceled and the airline said that the best they can do is rebook us for the next day. I texted Clyde that unfortunately we would be a day late. Within five minutes he sent us an alternative rout that the airline could rebook us on. I showed the flight proposal to the airline desk and sure enough they could rebook us without any delays. Clyde had made sure we had a person greet us at the plane upon arrival in Johannesburg. Very professional service! The concierge walked us through the airport & immigration in a breeze. Clyde must have been checking all arrivals and departures. We received a welcome text upon every landing and well wishes with every takeoff.
Our experience in the safari camps was fantastic. Clyde had chosen the best fit for us. And thank you for the personalized notes in each camp!
I would highly recommend Tailormade Africa and Clyde specifically! We didn't have a single thing to worry about and felt pampered!
They live up to their name!
Clyde at Tailormade Africa put together a wonderful custom trip to Zambia and Botswana for us six friends, three couples each with different prior experiences in the region and different priorities. And he did it in a hurry when our other plans fell through due to a destination not reopening in time. There was a significant amount of time invested talking to us all over the phone and on Zoom to find what would work or everyone, and that paid off with a journey that we all enjoyed and got a lot out of. We could tell as we travelled that the camps and lodges had been chosen for variety of wildlife experiences and and to give us a mix of adventure and comfort during a hot-season trip (and hot it was). Good safari experiences are not cheap, but Clyde was able to take advantage of some price breaks to put together something affordable for us.
Having the electronic itinerary and daily info in a downloaded app format was great -- we could consult it even when we did not have signal or wifi, and without printing out an carrying around a lot of paper.
All Tailormade's arrangements went off without a hitch, and in the one instance of a serious problem -- a cancelled int'l flight -- it was Clyde who alerted us first by text (before the airline did) so we could rebook immediately after we got off the previous flight. Without that early warning, we might well have missed out on the replacement flight and gotten stuck in transit for who knows how long.
Covid testing for transit between countries and for our return was not a problem -- folks on the ground have developed systems for getting the necessary tests done and timely results into travelers' hands, even if that involves having a nurse fly out to the bush to take your swabs. The US recently tightened the test horizon to one day before departure, but I would bet they will adjust and find a way of getting that done too.
We have another trip planned with Tailormade Africa already, and can't help thinking about further adventures for the future.
Clyde Beaty, the PA's Safari Best Friend
I did not go on Safari, but had to book it for my boss. I am a PA and I literally had to plan, what is a once in a life time trip for most, in 3 weeks, Without Clyde, I would not have managed it. Clyde literally held my hand, from the moment I picked up the phone. Flights were booked, itineraries set then changed (my doing) several times, mass migration established, and half term avoided, and this was down to Clyde, who throughout the booking, remained calm and literally available at any time!
Tailormade Africa is literally tailor made, nothing is travel agency formula and Clyde goes into every detail / scenario possible and asks lots of questions, so the itinerary is very specialised. The best part for any PA, Clyde is on call from the moment your boss depart's, by setting up a what's ap group and literally takes over the reigns, so you don't have to worry. Clyde helped me with visas, navigating time zones and if the PCR test certificate would actually work, to actually setting up PCR tests in the most random of places, plus much more.
He also had some-one on the ground every step of the way, who reported into Clyde - Clyde did not switch off, once, not quite sure how he did it and sent me regular updates. I will be forever grateful to Clyde and all he did and urge any busy PA out there to use Tailor Made, they are quite simple the PAs Safari BFF!
Clyde put together the most amazing itinerary, and yes, my boss had the most marvellous and wonderful time and I had a very peaceful 10 days!
Tailormade has an incredibly deep understanding of travel in Africa.
Tailormade has put together 3 trips to Africa for myself and my husband. Areas covered have been Rwanda, Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia, and Ethiopia. For each trip we have worked with Clyde Beaty, the founder or Tailormade, and he has provided us just the kind of trip we wanted. Having been a safari guide in Africa himself, he has a very deep knowledge of the country and the travel resources that are available. In every case we have had the type of accommodation we wanted, whether it was mobil camping or a luxury lodge. The in country guides he has provided have been absolutely the best. In addition to that, Clyde is always available in case there is anything unexpected that comes up during the trip. I mean it...really, he is just a phone call away to straighten out whatever you need help with. I can't say enough about the service and the product.
We returned from our most recent trip in November of 2021....In other words, we booked this trip and completed this trip during the Covid Crisis and it was one of the best decisions we have made travel wise. Our trip to Madagascar was postponed twice because the country is not open for international travel, so Clyde suggested we go to Zambia and Botswana who were open and safe to travel. In fact, I felt safer than at home. Absolutely all the staff and all the guests at the lodges were fully vaccinated. The guides were all fully vaccinated. Aside from the time spent in our individual rooms, all the meals and all the safaris are outside. We couldn't have been safer and the additional upside is, aside from the wildlife, Africa is currently uncrowded. We will never see Africa like this again. It was a unique opportunity. I know people are hesitant to travel because of the Covid testing that needs to occur between countries and when one returns home. Clyde arranged all of that. Everybody arrived on time to administer our test in a way that did not interfere with our travels and the results were all delivered even earlier than promised. Really, I mean these folks even met us out on a game run one time to administer the test! Clyde monitored all of this from afar and made sure that everything went smoothly.
If you are ever thinking of going to Africa, Clyde is the person to book your trip and now is the time to go.
Now is really the time to go to Africa. Frankly safer there than in the USA
We traveled with apprehension about Covid and the testing,... I have never traveled with such support. Tailormade Africa knew first hand all of the lodges/camps, their high points and their issues. Each time we changed venue, by car or by plane, Tailormade checked in to make sure everything went smoothly. And once or twice there were minor glitches, and Tailormade was right there to iron out the difficulty.
The trip was just fantastic. Sadly there are few tourists currently in Africa. We enjoyed two PRIVATE mountain gorilla tours, because no one else was there. And in November the bamboo shoots come out. But they only grow at lower altitudes, and the gorillas love them. So we had very short easy hikes to see them. Truly a once in a life time experience. And we stayed at the most amazing accomadation- The Bishops House. They had gaiters for us, meticulously cleaned our very muddy boots, supplied a washable backpack, so ours didn't get dirty. Great gym. Fabulous Food.
Next, on to Zambia. Three different lodges-each very different and very complimentary. Different game sightings but very complimentary. Again in November the rains have not started, but it is the end of the dry season. All of the game has to come down to the rivers to drink. Great for the carnivores, since the ungulates are more concentrated. So we saw no end of lions and leopards daily, sometimes twice a day. We saw wild dogs, porcupines, bush pigs: some of which the guides had hardly ever seen. Night drives with owls, pennant winged night jars (look it up-it's amazing), as well as the more usual mongoose, civets and so forth.
Finally 11 days in Botswana. A week in a mobile camp that was really fun actually and 3 mights in a swank lodge in the Okavango Delta as a finale! More lions and more leopards, fabulous large bird viewing: eagles, cranes, storks, pelicans as well as their rookery.
And the Covid testing is so well organized. I am back home waiting on my final PCR test from Kaiser Permanente, slower than getting results in these poor African countries (but they badly need our tourist revenue so they have really figured it out). And you always have your private hut, you eat outside, and drive around in an open vehicle.
I have hardly traveled in the USA since Covid started, but I felt very safe on safari. And Tailormade was right their supporting me if we had problems. But really they had arranged a very delightful and easy secure trip.
You should all book a trip to see the gorillas with them in October/November and stay at Bishop's house.
Best Adventurous Honeymoon Ever!! Thank you, Rob!!
I´m glad that you are reading this post because it means that there is a high chance that you will be in very good hands. I don't think that there are enough stars to describe our amazing experience with Rob from Tailormade Africa.
He helped us to have the honeymoon of our dreams from day 1. Since our first Zoom chat we have changed uncountable emails with great information and advices. He made everything seem possible despite we were travelling during Covid times and he managed to make everything worked from the little things until the very end of our trip. Actually until we were back home!
I have been lucky to have traveled all around the world but I must say that I've never had such a flawless operator as Rob.
We started by summiting Kili via Machame route 6 days, flew to the north Serengeti where we were lucky to see plenty of wildbeest migration and then ended in fundu Lagoon in Pemba island, diving and having the best time our life.
I can't recommend enough our experience! Hope that we will travel with Tailormade Africa very soon!
Thank you, Rob!!
Amazing Experience at Zimbabwe! Clyde and His Team at Tailormade Africa Organized a Fantastic Trip!
Our 3 Safaris at Zimbabwe exceeded our expectations in every level!
Clyde helped us (3 couples) organize the most amazing trip ever! Logistics were right on point, specially considering covid made it much more complicated. He always checked in during the trip in case there was something he could do for us.
The lodges were pure luxury and the service from the staff was unbelievable! The Game we got to see was abundant. We saw all of the Big Five... Lions feasting on their prey several times, even while doing a walking safari!
Clyde the 'Travel Fairy' planned and executed the honeymoon of a lifetime!
There aren't enough stars to accurately rate our experience working with Clyde and Tailormade. We came to Clyde from a friend's recommendation a month before our wedding wanting to leave for our honeymoon immediately after, in the middle of a home remodel and working full-time. We knew we wanted to go on a Safari, but had never been before, and didn't have the time to research where to go. Clyde not only planned the most magical trip to the most amazing places we could have imagined, he also made sure the entire trip was seamless. So much so we began fondly referring to him as the 'Travel Fairy' with all the small surprises along the way. Friendly greeters met us when we needed transport to and from different locations, all the COVID tests we needed to get in an out of Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa were all pre-arranged - we didn't have to figure anything out ourselves. Not our normal way of traveling, but it was so nice not to be stressed on our honeymoon.
We had an issue with one of the airlines cancelling our flight while we were en route and Clyde sent someone to meet us in Johannesburg to escort us through the airport, through customs, and the airline's customer service to book us on another flight the same day. When I say the trip was seamless - it was truly seamless even in the middle of a pandemic. The Wilderness camps he sent us to were spectacular - the people and staff were wonderful and we saw the most incredible things. Leopards, lions, wild dogs, elephants, hippos, giraffe, buffalo, all kinds of antelope, and so many more incredible animals. If you are on the fence about traveling to Africa during COVID, book with Clyde and he will take care of everything for you. We will recommend Clyde and Tailormade to all of our friends and family.
COVID made safaris even more magical!!!
The sad reality is that if you do end up going in this COVID era, the 'traffic' of people will be nowhere near the pre-covid era. You basically almost have the whole camp to yourself!
Concerns about travelling and catching COVID when you are there? You are probably more likely to get it staying at home! The camps know 100% this is people's biggest worries and will go to extreme lengths to keep you safe & give you your test results in time for your flight back home, no matter how remote your camp is! Trust me, I was in the furthest little corner of Ruaha National Park in Tanzania and was amazed at the service.
This is my 5th time travelling with Tailormade Africa and Clyde struck gold again, sending me on yet another adventure of my life. Everytime i go thinking i've seen it all and done it all, he just finds a way to top the previous unforgettable trips. I am in awe of the sights i saw, the people (few) i met and the quality of the guiding. Walking safaris are the only way to go now for me, goodbye 4x4 car rides!!!
Unforgettable! Tailormade Africa made it a trip of a lifetime!
If I had to make a recommendation in one sentence – Tailormade Africa is THE place to make your African dreams come true!
About planning ... Extremely personalized, great expertise and advise, impressed with attention to detail, tailored to our every wish. Clyde even saved us money by extending our safari by one full day! How about that? Can your agent do it?
The whole trip exceeded all our expectations. We stayed in three different camps in Tanzania, each giving us a different experience, and all three were absolutely amazing! Each camp set in a perfect location surrounded by wildlife, offering great food and drinks. And the wonderful people there!! We were amazed how friendly and warm they were. They made us feel like family and did everything to make our stay nothing but perfect.
I can’t say enough how great our two Safari guides, Esto and Jeremiah, were. Besides being wonderful companion, they are experts in what they do. Thanks to their expertise and experience we saw a leopard, cheetah, many lions, tree-climbing lion, black rhino, giraffes, buffalos, countless elephants and zebras and of course wildebeest crossing! And just driving through the vast areas of this beautiful country was a real treat. They both are superb drivers, too.
Everything throughout our trip worked perfectly. We were picked up by courteous and very informative and knowledgeable drivers right on time. We did not feel stressed or unsure of anything even though we traveled during the ongoing pandemic. COVID – 19 testing procedures at the Kilimanjaro airport were smooth and we were out and on our way to our first accommodation in Arusha in no time. We felt very safe throughout the entire trip, in cars, camps and with our guides. All precautions were in place, masks, hand sanitizers, water and soap, cleanliness of tents, dining tents, cars, everything. Not even once during the entire trip we were concerned in any way about COVID-19 safety. And we came back home sound and healthy and very happy.
This was our first trip with Tailormade Africa, but definitely not the last one. We would not trust anyone else but Clyde and his team to help us with our next African journey.
Thank you, Clyde, for a truly wonderful experience!
Enthusiastic and experienced - The only other thing I can say to someone considering a safari with Tailormade Africa - DO IT!
We thought our safari days were over after 5 trips in 8 years. Then last year we saw Clyde’s rather eloquent write-up on Zimbabwe. One quick enquiry to Tailormade Africa and we were on our way.
Clyde’s enthusiasm and his love of the African bush convinced us. We started with a basic plan and Clyde helped us tweak it to perfection. His personal knowledge of the camps and operators is extensive and invaluable. There were Covid-related date changes during the year which Clyde dealt with very effectively. (Hint: keep checking airfares. We actually saved money by leaving 3 days earlier and spending 3 more days in Africa—Clyde adjusted to this change with an new schedule that was even better than the original.)
We had a Covid glitch while we were there, but Clyde and his network of contacts had a sorted out before we even knew about it. They knew we didn’t go to the bush with our phones on. All in all we were in good hands from the beginning. We felt cared for without being pampered. Clyde spent the time to “get” us and tailored (Tailormade) an itinerary that worked for us.
The only other thing I can say to someone considering a safari with Tailormade Africa — DO IT!
Clyde and his team at Tailormade Africa were amazing, and provided the exact trip we wanted!
Excellent communication from start to finish. We never felt pressured during the booking process and all contact was on our terms. During the trip Clyde was in contact at all the critical junctures and knew exactly where we were at all times.
Trip of a lifetime, flawlessly planned with care
My family of four worked with Clyde to create a true trip of a lifetime. Starting in South Africa, we made our way to Zimbabwe and then on to Tanzania to watch the wildebeest migration. Every place we stayed left an indelible imprint on us, and every person we met was warm, thoughtful, and so knowledgeable. We dream of being able to go to Africa again, and if we do, it will be with Tailormade again.
Kind, attentive, knowledgeable
I think Rob did a brilliant job, before, during and after the trip! Attention to detail, but beyond the work his sense of humanity - to sincerely offer assistance and to reach out even during the trip was extraordinary.
Super efficient, planned to the finest detail, no stone left unturned
The communications from Rob Morley from the initial enquiry and subsequent booking, right up to departure date, and during the trip were incredible. Even down to the meet and greet at Jo'burg airport to ensure we got our ongoing flight to Skukuza safe and sound, the TravelKey App recommended to ensure we had our travel details all to hand, and everything from when we arrived at Skukuza airport until we departed again, worked like clockwork. Then the follow up when we were home to ensure there were no problems. A First Class service from Rob, and Tailormade Africa.
The Rhino Post Safari Lodge is a great place, with excellent staff and facilities. I would recommend this lodge to anyone.
Exceptional expertise, knowledge and advice. It was clear from the beginning we were in safe hands
The safari exceeded expectations on every possible level! All three locations, the people, guides, camps, travel, expertise, food, friendliness and everything else you can think of was simply amazing.
It was a trip of a lifetime and will be very hard to beat. Nothing was too much trouble, before and during the trip, the organisation was fantastic.
Amazing!
We decided to go to South Africa on a relatively short notice and Clyde and his team put together a top notch itinerary tailored to us specifically.
The trip was seamless - everything from pick up at the airport, the hotels, safari tours, etc...was perfect.
Clyde also checked in with us while on the trip to make sure everything was going per plan. The team was very responsive and flexible - they helped us make last minute changes to our itinerary when we wanted to.
By far, the best travel agency I have used. Thank you.
Exceeded my already high expectations!
Clyde and the whole Tailormade Africa group exceeded my already high expectations for our trip to South Africa. Communications were extremely easy, and we were able to customise our tour to exactly what we hoped to do.
All of the suggestions the team provided were spot on and our trip was so much fun. It made our whole trip experience more relaxing knowing that Tailormade was there to help us along the way and planned the trip perfectly for us.
They were really easy to get a hold of and answered all of our questions promptly. I would highly recommend them and plan to use them again in the future!
An experience that surpassed all of our expectations!
Rob (and TMA) organised a great holiday to South Africa a couple of years ago so when my girlfriend and I were discussing a trip to Africa, we didn't hesitate to get back in contact. After discussing budget and 'wish list', Rob came back with a couple of options and we decided to go for Uganda, which truly turned out to be beyond what we could have hoped for.
The country is incredibly diverse in every sense - from climate and culture to plant, animal and bird life. It is also much more affordable than a number of other popular destinations.
TMA organised a walking tour with rhinos, multiple game drives in Murchison NP (where we had close encounters with the rest of the big 5 and vast numbers of other animals), Nile river cruises where we spotted the infamous Shoe Billed Stalk and Giant Kingfisher, a hike up the waterfalls and Chimpanzee trekking.
We then flew down to Bwindi for an unforgettable experience trekking with Gorillas, as well as Golden Monkeys and taking scenic canoe trips around Lake Mutanda + more!
Accommodation, drivers, lodge staff and organisation was all spot on and everything went to plan - top job Rob!
Another epic and life-changing adventure with Clyde
We are seasoned safari-goers and keen photographers. This was our 8th trip to Africa and our 3rd with Clyde and TMA. Ever since we met Clyde he's been trying to convince us to do Zimbabwe and we finally agreed.
I'd heard mixed reviews about Zimbabwe so wasn't sure what to expect. Clyde was really patient with us as I hemmed and hawed my way through a whole spectrum of emotions from excitement to downright dread that Zim wasn't going to deliver the kind of sightings we'd had in East Africa and Botswana.
And boy was I wrong. Zim was magical - it's Africa at its most raw, at its wildest and what an adventure it turned out to be! We started off with a night in Vic Falls and then headed to Hwange National Park where we spent five nights divided between two camps. We finished off with five life changing nights at Mana Pools being guided by Nick Murray, the pro guide who guided David Attenborough during the filming of the wild dogs episode in Dynasties.
With Nick we tracked and spent precious moments with wild dogs and got within touching distance of elephants, including the infamous Boswell. It was by far the most exciting five days we've spent in Africa!
Having spoken to us many many times Clyde knew exactly what we'd enjoy and he delivered in spades. Not only did he introduce us to two kindred spirits, Nick and his wife Des, he ensured that we had an unforgettable trip.
When things weren't quite going to plan as things are won't to do in Africa, Clyde was always around to do what he could to make it all better.
I have said it before and I'll say it again - if you want a cookie cutter African experience any agent can most probably deliver, but if you want a trip of a lifetime every single time then Clyde and Rob are your go to people.
We've already booked our next trip to Zimbabwe with Clyde and are in the process of booking a Tanzanian safari with him as well.
Fantastic Trip
What a fantastic trip! Everything exceeded our expectations. A group of us from Vancouver worked with Rob to build a Safari in Tanzania.
Rob was very patient and worked to understand our wish list and to put together a schedule for the trip. The execution was as good as the planning, the two tented lodges with a plantation hotel in the middle was the perfect mix.
The Safari guides (Baraka & Henry) were great and extremely knowledgeable, between them we managed to see all the animals and events we had hoped to, two Rhinos, lion cubs, a kill, Cheetahs, Leopard, wildebeest crossing and so many more.
I can't say enough about how great the teams were in all the locations we stayed, they were all very friendly and could not do enough to help us. The food was good and the packed lunches were more than we needed.
Thanks to Rob and all the people in Tanzania that helped make this such a memorable and happy trip.
What an Amazing Nine Week Trip!!
Clyde and Rob were both great to communicate with even though we are on the other side of the world in Australia. We used Skype mainly to talk and plan.
Right from the beginning, we were very impressed with their wealth of knowledge for our destinations (Madagascar, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Namibia) and how quickly they identified our needs and designed an itinerary that was within our budget.
Their exceptional customer service and follow-up continued throughout our trip using Whatsapp and Messenger. We were provided with both hard copy documentation and electronic support using the travel key app.
Their choices in accommodation and guides were excellent.
Our four-week self-drive tour in Namibia was fantastic and we are very grateful to Clyde for recommending that we drive ourselves.
We highly recommend Clyde and Rob at Tailormade Africa if you want a comfortable and personalised trip.
Simply the Best
We started to plan this trip eighteen months ago and contacted Clyde who we have dealt with before. We gave an outline of what we wanted and visit a country we have not visited before – Zimbabwe.
Having a seasoned safari history, in Kenya and Tanzania, we are a bit picky and wondered whether we would equal the experience of other trips. Clyde gave us some options and was very patient whilst we savoured and tinkered with the itinerary. His in-depth knowledge and expertise is unrivalled.
What we like about TailormadeAfrica and the team is that you feel you are the only clients. Friendly and personable it is a treat to deal with such a company. Clyde was on hand throughout our trip and there were moments of extra magic which we experienced due to their reputation.
Our trip was equal to any of our previous safaris – we started at Victoria Falls, stayed in Hwange and our last camp was in Mana Pools – a truly wonderful experience. We did not see the wild dogs unfortunately – so we will have to go again!
We have no hesitation in recommending Clyde to organise a trip in Africa – in fact we are already planning our next and there is only one person to do it. Many thanks to Clyde and the team for 2 weeks of heaven.
The safari we booked with Clyde Beaty, Tailormade Africa, was truly the best trip of our long lives
We had a telephone conversation during which Clyde Beaty determined our interests. Clyde proved to be a superb listener and offered us a tour which met our needs perfectly. He offered several priced options in his proposal and we chose the ones that met our desires. Our trip itself went off without any problems.
We were met promptly at each of four locations and taken to our lodgings by very professional and friendly guides. We stayed in two luxury lodges, one traditional mobile camp and one permanent camp during our safari. The variety in these lodgings was both interesting and charming.
The wildlife guides at each of the locations were superbly trained and extremely concerned with maximizing our experience. We saw mountain gorillas, lions with cubs and on the hunt, cheetahs on the hunt, leopard, elephant with young, giraffe with young, buffalo, hippos, crocs, a pack of wild dogs hunting, multiple varieties of antelope, numerous species of birds, a hyena taking down a wildebeest and eating it alive and a tumultuous river crossing with wildebeest and zebra.
The people in Rwanda and Tanzania were truly remarkable, friendly and extremely helpful.
This was the best trip of our 73 years of life on this planet and it exceeded our expectations in every way possible.
Truly the Holiday of a Lifetime
It was a great pleasure planning our holiday to Zimbabwe & Botswana with Clyde as he has a huge amount of expertise and an in-depth knowledge of the countries which we lacked and needed advice about and he was extremely eager to help us get things right.
The trip was planned meticulously and he gave us many options to choose from (level of comfort, wildlife, price etc) which was very helpful. The actual trip was far beyond our expectations (and these were not low!).
The camps, staff, food, environment and wildlife were all absolutely excellent in every way possible with many unexpected personal touches and treats. We stayed in everything from a mobile camp to top luxury camps and every one was a completely different experience and all were exciting.
We could not fault anything at all and I would highly recommend Tailormade Africa to anyone and would not hesitate to use them again.
I never in my wildest dreams thought I would get to see lions with cubs, leopards, wild cats, wild dogs, honey badgers, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, many different breeds of deer, cheetahs, hyenas, many birds and other species too numerous to mention in just two weeks, but we did and even watched two adult lion brothers fighting over a meal for nearly two hours - a real privilege.
The only downside was that I put on so much weight as the food and drink was absolutely first class and there was so much of it. Start planning your next trip today!
Extremely personalised service!
When we decided we'd like to go to Africa for our honeymoon, we chose Tailormade Africa to book it for us and we are thrilled with our decision. We spoke to Rob initially and he listened to our requirements, worked to understand what travel we'd done previously, what we enjoy, and he also discussed what we were hoping from our honeymoon. Having done safaris in South Africa before our honeymoon which we absolutely loved, we were passionate about doing this again but were looking for something different from them. Rob understood this and with considering where in Africa the weather is best at the time of year we'd be travelling, he came up with some excellent ideas. As we were also keen to combine safaris with some time on the beach after, he suggested Tanzania as it could offer all of this.
We felt really listened to, and as a result, Rob came up with excellent options in Tanzania for us within our budget and that would offer us something new and exciting. He explained all of these options in depth so we were so well informed and this helped us make our final decision about where he ended up booking. In addition to booking our accommodation, he also booked all of our internal flights and transfers, which would have been very difficult to have done without his help.
Once the trip was booked, Rob completed a bespoke online itinerary for us, which was both exciting to read and informative. During the lead up to our trip, Rob was also extremely helpful. He sent us all of the information we required to travel to Tanzania in a timely manner so we were able to organise our vaccinations and other things we needed. We were also able to speak to him personally with any questions we had, which was very helpful.
When we embarked on our trip, Rob was at hand on the phone should we have had any queries and he was in touch with us checking we were happy and everything was ok. It was very reassuring to know he was available should we need any assistance and it felt like we had such a personal service which made the trip extra special. Our internal travel once in Tanzania was seamless thanks to everything being so well organised and it was always great to see a friendly face greeting us during all of our transfers.
When on safari, Rob absolutely delivered on organising something different for us. Both camps we stayed in were unique, eco-friendly, luxurious and had excellent staff. During the first stop in the Ngorongoro crater, we experienced trekking up a beautiful crater, visits to a local Masai village and had the chance to experience the amazing wildlife in the Ngorongoro crater, where we saw 39 lions in one day! At our second camp in the Serengeti, we got to experience the sound of local lions at night and felt so close to nature. He also booked us a walking safari there which we'd never done before and this was an incredible experience. The following week on the beach on the beautiful Pemba island was exactly what we needed after an action-packed first week and we were able to relax in style.
Overall, we had a trip of a lifetime and the best honeymoon we could have wished for. Thank you, Rob and Tailormade Africa, for organising this for us, we couldn't be more grateful. We can't wait to book more trips in the future with you!
Great advice and great delivery!
From start to finish the attention to detail from Tailormade Africa was excellent. The pre-departure information was very extensive. Rob Morley and his team were responsive to some late alterations that we wanted to make.
The days spent at Sanbona were some of the best safari experiences we have had across Africa.
Efficient, reliable and delivers exactly as arranged.
Couldn’t be more helpful, treats their customers with individual care, giving you exactly the trip you dream of, we had emails, phone calls and even spoke on face time so all our questions were answered.
Our trip went very well Clyde gave us an itinerary of every pick up domestic flight and lodges where we would be staying and all went according to plan.
Our Safari trip was amazing so diverse, we had 3 days in Selous Game Reserveand then 4 days in Ruaha National Parkwhich was very green with lots of vegetation we were lucky to see a total of 38 individual lions, while in Selous we saw a large pack of wild dogs.
My husband saw many different birds including some he had never seen before, we also saw his favourite Crown Cranes and Saddle Bill Storks, so we had a trip of a lifetime and would recommend Tailormade Africa to everyone.
A holiday of a lifetime!
From the outset, Clyde has been fantastic. He tried very hard to understand our brief and came up with suggestions that we would never have considered on our own. He was flexible and willing to make changes. The places we went, the places we stayed and the experiences were had far surpassed our expectations. Clyde told us that we should start our holiday in Johannesburg which I was wary of, but he was so right. The cycling tour of Soweto was a highlight and the tranquillity of the Peech Hotel was a great start to our trip.
I cannot recommend Mashatu enough. the lodge is great, the staff knowledgeable and attentive and the food!!! So much and so tasty. There is amazing game and you can really get up close. The perfect place for a first safari for our teenagers.
Unfortunately, the weather in Cape Town wasn't great but the Waterfront Village was a great place to base ourselves. We had a car delivered and had a beautiful drive to Grootbos just by Hermanus. Grootbos is phenomenal. Beautiful scenery, the Atlantic ocean, amazing plant life and a hotel to die for. The gourmet food and wine was outstanding. Just go!
We ended our trip at Victoria Falls. We stayed at Zambezi Sands tented camp. Right on the Zambezi with crocs and hippos watching us. The game is not as dense as in Zimbabwe but still good. The lodge is amazing. We had torrential rain when we arrived, but once the sun came out and everything dried off it was a stunning location and a superb place to stay. The evening meals around the big table were a highlight.
Everything that Tailormade Africa organised worked perfectly. We were picked up by courteous, knowledgeable drivers/guides on time and at the right places. We never felt stressed or worried. All the flights worked well.
I would definitely use them to book another trip. Cannot recommend highly enough.
Amazing family safari and beach adventure in Tanzania!
We had an amazing 2 1/2 week trip to Tanzania! We spent a week on two different safari camps (The Highlands and Namiri Plains) and a week on Pemba Island at Manta Resort. We spent time at the beginning in Arusha and a day in Stone Town, Zanzibar. Rob helped sketch out the initial trip and put together an itinerary that spoke to what we wanted in terms of experiences and lodging. We had several phone conversations before and texted frequently during the trip. When one of my kids became sick before the Stone Town tour, Rob arranged from us to have a room for the day to rest, while the others went on the tour. He was enthusiastic about Tanzania and steered us toward properties that fit the experiences we wanted on safari and at the beach.
The safari guide we had for the week was amazing! He was knowledgeable and a pleasure! A trip highlight, spending time at a local school in Pemba was made possible through Rob's contact at Manta.
The trip was a once in a lifetime adventure, one that my family feels very lucky to have experienced! We would recommend Rob and Tailormade Africa without reservation and would use him again to plan a trip to Africa!
It was everything we had hoped for.
I am 85 years old and my wife is 78. We have done a lot of travelling over the years. We decided we would make one last big trip before we got much older. We had always talked about going to South Africa and doing a safari. My wife did a lot of research, to try and find the best company to book our trip. In every category she looked at, Tailormade Africa always came up the best.
She got in touch with Rob and explained our situation. We wanted to go for two weeks, we wanted to see as much as we could, without being rushed, and we wanted good accommodations. Rob heard every word she said and took it on board. As I said, my wife and I have done our fair share of travelling, and have used many different agencies.
This had to be the best trip we have ever taken. We stayed in 5 different hotels, we were picked and delivered at every stop. There wasn't one missed cue. Rob must have called us at least 6 times, to check to see if everything was going as planned, and did we have any problems or questions. The man loves his job and does it well. We loved the places we stayed. (My wife's birthday happened during this trip). Rob must have let everyplace we stayed, know about her birthday because she has never had such attention.
The rooms and the beds, at every stop, were decorated with flowers and bottles of champagne. I have never seen my wife so happy. She felt like she was an honoured guest. It was almost sad that we only stayed for two weeks. A month would have been more like it.
I credit the whole experience, to the fact that Rob knew what we wanted and made sure it all went accordant to plan. I would highly recommend, to any of our friends who are planning to go to South Africa, to book it with Tailormade Africa.
Another epic African adventure with Clyde and TMA!
This was our second tour with Clyde and TMA and we booked this one even before we had gone on our first one to Botswana. All our conversations with Clyde made us realize that we had found a kindred spirit - he understood exactly what we wanted and he was the one to go to for unique experiences in Africa.
When we called him up and asked him for suggestions for Dec which is the off-season for most of Africa, he suggested Uganda. Not being a huge fan of primates Uganda had never been on my list but hubby was eager to see the great apes so I agreed. I was apprehensive till the last minute especially after talking to some friends who didn't have a very good experience in Uganda a few months before our tour.
But I needn't have worried. The tour organized by Clyde was once again top notch. He had picked some very cool destinations for us and in just 10 days we visited Kibale to trek for chimps, Bwindi to trek for gorillas, Queen Elizabeth NP for tree climbing lions and Entebbe for shoe-bill storks. His choice of accommodation was well thought out and his idea to do one way by road and the return by air was brilliant as we got to experience the local culture and the Ugandan people which made us fall in love with that country. When we had a small issue at one of the accommodations, Clyde was quick to get on the phone with the local tour operator and get it sorted ASAP.
Uganda was supposed to be a once in a lifetime destination for us as my first love is big cats. However, thanks to Clyde's impeccable trip planning we're now eager to go back and see the rest of the country.
We have no hesitation in recommending Clyde and TMA to anyone. In fact, we've already planned our third tour with them and look forward to exploring Zimbabwe in Sept.
A memorable trip!
We were delighted with the tailor made itinerary Clyde arranged to fulfil our long held wish to combine a journey on the Rovos Rail to Victoria Falls with a safari experience in Botswana.
The ground arrangements were excellent and the tour ran smoothly throughout. We were impressed with the knowledge & attention to detail in the planning particularly the safari element. Although the dry season the choice of two contrasting camps ensured we experienced many game & wildlife sightings.
Everything added up to a most memorable & enjoyable holiday.
Tailormade Africa designed and facilitated our dream trip!
Clyde at Tailormade Africa was a delight to work with. From our initial phone conversation, Clyde was able to capture the exact experience we were looking for. We didn’t want a group tour and nor did we wish to travel during the busy season.
Clyde designed an itinerary that was tailored to our every wish. He was always available to answer our many questions and was in contact with us throughout the trip to ensure everything ran smoothly. Our three and a half weeks in Uganda and Tanzania were a dream come true! We spent a week on the Northern Serengeti and only saw one other vehicle! We managed to see the big 5 in 5 hours.
Everything was perfect. We wouldn’t have changed anything. Everyone on the ground was very professional and knowledgeable. Our guides and lodging exceptional. Thank you, Clyde, for an exceptional trip!!
An unforgettable trip to Madagascar!
This was our second time to Africa. Madagascar was different than mainland Africa and it exceeded our expectations! Rob's knowledge of Madagascar was valuable for all stages of planning. From the first telephone conversation, we knew we were with the right person.
His choice in camps and lodges were exceptional. The food and the staff were amazing. The company Rob connected with on the ground was wonderful!! Every step was smooth and we were well informed every step of the way. I believe we connected with some of the best guides in Madagascar. They were extremely knowledgeable, answering every question about the wildlife and culture. The guides were flexible and accommodating to any last minute requests.
We even asked Rob about purchasing a small musical instrument native to Madagascar, and when we arrived from our international flight the guide who greeted us at the airport had all the information. Rob attended to every detail.
We fell in love with Africa all over again. We truly had an amazing time and look forward to perhaps returning one day. We would certainly recommend Rob and Tailormade Africa.
Overall it was a wonderful experience. A definitive bucket list vacation.
Rob did an excellent job setting up our vacation. He was quick to answer emails and called several times to make sure our communication was complete. His suggestions for camps were spot on. We had a fabulous time.
Rob was helpful, approachable, knowledgeable about South Africa.
All the essentials were organised following informed consultation with us, personally and by email. The accommodation was well planned and very appropriate for our needs, and the locations were beautiful and varied, from people watching to whale watching . Monkeys came as an added bonus! The rented car was great and the roads were mainly free of traffic.
The Safari was fantastic, though the roads were a bit bumpy, the guide was very well informed. We were able to see so much from birds to elephants. The experience was a fantastic conclusion to our trip.
Overall it was a wonderful trip with the right combination of the essentials organised, leaving us to explore locations and free to plan our days.
Clyde's expertise and efficiency gave me the confidence to pursue my dream journey.
Although I had had some experience travelling in southern Africa this trip (a combo of work and fun) was much more complicated than usual - five countries, many organizations, and the potential for logistical disasters. Further, I was making the trip as a single white woman on her own. I was nervous.
I connected with Clyde at the last minute and he not only saved the day in organizing and re-organizing many of the logistics for me - but was always on the other end of a phone as I proceeded through the trip. That meant the world to me - to know that I could always get through to him should I need to.
An important and added benefit was the people with whom Clyde worked. The guides and people running the lodges and
safaris where he sent me were outstanding. They knew they had the extraordinary African wilderness to share with others
and they loved doing it. They were well-trained, caring, and excellent communicators. I can't remember when I felt so cared about
- and always safe even in the midst of very adventuresome excursions!! I saw amazing animals and met amazing people.
It was a remarkable trip.
Fantastic tailor made crocodile trip in Zambia!
Tailormade Africa offered me a great and very professional service. Having a very specific request - observing wild crocodiles in Africa - Tailormade Africa has managed to set a fantastic trip in the heart of one of the biggest population of crocodiles in Africa. Major attention to my expectations, clear description of activities and pace, particular focus on security conditions, transparency in pricing. Really appreciated Clyde's extensive knowledge of wildlife in Africa. Excellent support on spot from when I landed until take-off. I felt in very good hands all the time.
More globally as a comparison, I had approached 10 different agencies based in Dubai, Paris and London to prepare my trip; Tailormade Africa has been far better than any of the other ones. They immediately understood my needs.
Excellent agency which I would recommend with no reserve for a tailor-made trip in Africa.
Clyde planned a trip of a lifetime that far exceeded our expectations.
When we set out to plan our 3 week trip to Africa, we thought we knew where we wanted to go and when. After researching many companies to plan our trip, it was quite obvious who stood out above them all. Clyde at Tailormade Africa was the only one to truly understand our wants and needs. We weren't just another customer. He really listened to us.
He has such a love for Africa and wanted to make sure that he passed that feeling on to us. We can't say enough about Clyde and the amazing experience he planned for us.
Based on what we wanted to see during our trip, Clyde choreographed such a memorable trip. He educated us on where we wanted to be and when. We wouldn't have changed a thing.
We were treated like royalty. Every detail was taken care of. Clyde was always there for us while planning our trip, as well as during our trip. Our trip was a very uptempo 3 weeks, with a lot of moving parts. We were guided smoothly every step of the way. He would reach out to our camp or hotel if he couldn't check in with us. Who would do that? It was such a touching personal touch.
Every camp that Clyde booked for us was outstanding. The accommodations, the food, the staff, the wildlife!! WOW!! WOW!!WOW!!
Our hotels were gorgeous. Best locations. Top notch. We would repeat the entire trip tomorrow if we could.
We never met Clyde in person, but definitely feel that we can call him a friend. He deeply touched our heart and soul and helped us to fall in love with Africa. I have tears welling up in my eyes as I write this because it was such a memorable trip. We are blessed to have found Clyde and to have found our new love of Africa.
Our hope is to return one day soon.
In the meantime, I am eager to share my experience with anyone who will listen. My hope is that if you're reading this you'll be able to experience a fraction of what we did. And that you'll return with a newfound love of Africa. Happy travels.
Exceptional service with unparalleled level of attention to detail.
Clyde at Tailormade Africa really takes the time to get to know you on personal level. Only once he's done that, he's able to recommend the right trip with the right budget. I highly recommend him. He has surpassed all my expectations every time I book with him. It is a real pleasure dealing with him as he is very responsive and knows the industry very very well. He even knows most of the game rangers that are on my trip! And I've been to many countries in Africa!! A rare gem!
Unforgettable 6-week African Honeymoon!
After some Internet research and getting ourselves very overwhelmed with 'where to start planning this trip to Africa?!' we came across Tailormade Africa. From our first email response from Rob,it was clear this was a different service to the others. No generic email or pamphlets were sent to us. Straight away Rob really just wanted to get us on the phone to understand who we were and what we wanted out of our holiday. Our first phone call went for over an hour!
The phone calls and planning kept going for months and months but were always enjoyable. The communication was always prompt and professional, close to 12 months of changing and refining our plans. The end result was a 6-week honeymoon that had so many complex moving parts. So many internal flights and countries and transfers but all ran so smoothly and not one hiccup. A real credit to the planning and support we received from Rob.
We had such an amazing range of experiences. Starting with a 2-week self-driving trip along the Garden Route in South Africa,through to Victoria Falls for a few days and then onto Tanzania for our 6-day safari through Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. We had a week of sun and relaxation on Zanzibar Island before heading to Uganda for the final leg. Here we went on another Safari and experienced the truly unforgettable and surreal gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
We truly had the most amazing holiday and are dreaming about planning another trip to Africa. We have already got two of our friends planning their honeymoon with Rob next year and couldn't recommend him and Tailormade Africa more!
We asked for a 'holiday of a lifetime' we got it and so much more.
From the very first telephone conversation with Rob Morleyat Tailormade Africa, he understood who we were and what we wanted. We were tourists but did not want a tourist holiday. We wanted to see the 'real africa' and meet and get to know its people.
Rob's understanding and personal touch ensured we did this. With his expert knowledge and attention to detail, our trip was flawless. From the trek and spine-tingling encounter with the mountain gorillas in Uganda through the awesome spectacle that is the Masai Mara to the beauty of the Manta Resort on Pemba Island where it shows what can be done to enhance this world and not destroy it.
The lodges and resorts Rob chose were small, intimate and just perfect and the local people we met were fantastic. Their warmth, lust for life and smiles are infectious.
We now consider Rob a friend and have no hesitation in recommending Rob and Tailormade Africa to friends and family.
And yes we really do think we saw the 'real africa'
Tailormade Africa perfectly crafted every single amazing detail of our return trip to Botswana!
We trust, respect and adore our friend Clyde Beaty, co-founder of Tailormade Africa! We first worked with Clyde several years ago when he was part of another safari business. When we discovered by accident that Clyde now has his own company, we immediately contacted him and asked if he would help us plan our long-awaited return to Botswana. Through email and pre-planned early morning Seattle-to-UK phone chats, Clyde both patiently asked us a lot of questions about where we wanted to go and what we were looking for in our trip AND (because he had spent the time to get to know us well) suggested visiting a different part of Botswana.
It turned out to be the perfect combination of familiar and exciting! We revisited the Okavango Delta and Linyanti regions AND experienced the picturesque Tuli Block for the first time! In fact, the Tuli Block lodge Clyde recommended was our favourite!
Except for our international flights, Clyde arranged every single detail of our trip, and every single detail was perfection. How often can one say that these days, especially about something as complex as international travel? As middle-aged travellers, we were very happy that there was no drama and no glitches - we were absolutely free to enjoy being in Africa without having to worry about day-to-day travel plans.
The tour that Tailormade Africa planned for us included thoughtful details and had a great rhythm to it - exhilarating, but not overwhelming. For example:
- Clyde suggested a one-night stay in J'burg between arriving in Africa and starting the safari that was extremely helpful in shaking off jet lag.
- We couldn't stay at Kwarain the delta (where we'd stayed in 2010) because it was closed for remodelling but got to visit Little Kwarainstead.
- We were astonished at the beauty of Lagoon camp.
- We had a comfortable one-night stopover in Maun at peaceful Thamalakane Lodge north of town where my husband could go online and check in with his work.
- And, as he has done in the past, Clyde arranged for our most comfortable lodge to be the last one in the safari: Mashatu Game Reserve.
Travelling as a couple, we were able to meet other like-minded people on our game drives and at meals. We were treated like family by all camp and lodge staff; I really miss them, particularly our exceptional guides and trackers, who put up with all our questions!
The food included vegetarian options and was delicious. Compared to 2010, we experienced more African cuisine choices at the buffets and we loved seeing that! And we always had the time frame of about noon to three each day to relax, regroup, write, nap, and/or shower between morning and afternoon/evening game drives.
As two biologists, the game drives were the highlights of our trip. We loved every sighting: the tiniest flowers to baobabs and Mashatu trees; dung beetle balls to a coalition of two male cheetahs making a kill! We were most surprised by the number of baby animals we got to see! For instance: African wild dogs and their pups; leopards and their cubs; elephants and their calves; spotted hyenas and their cubs and lions and their cubs. ANY of those ALONE would have been wonderful, but to experience all of them was unimaginably rewarding.
We've been home for 48 hours now, but all we can think about is... when can we go to Africa AGAIN? God willing, our health will hold out so that we can return, and when we do, it will be with Tailormade Africa!
Fantastic, well organised and stress-free holiday.
Our agent Rob did a fantastic job of crafting an itinerary with us - incorporating what we were excited to do, what we weren’t interested in, and addressing the concerns that we had (as a gay couple this was quite important to us).
There was plenty of communication, with our questions addressed quickly, and lots of information provided.
The tour, facilities, guide, hotels etc all were fantastic. Much more than we were expecting. Everything was super relaxed but well organised. Staff (including our guide Amani) helping us to feel welcome, relaxed and unhurried.
Overall an amazing experience, and one we hope to repeat again.
Excellent service, demonstrating a high level of knowledge and experience, delivering top quality.
Our experience throughout with Tailormade Africa was excellent. We felt that Clyde understood our requirements and demonstrated a real interest in getting to know what we wanted and our level of safari experience. In putting together our trip we always felt that he was striving for something tailored to us and seeking the best of what was available.
Having booked, Clyde then looked after us at all stages up to and through the trip, meaning that we never felt out of his care. We had a most fantastic trip, with superb accommodation, excellent guides and very memorable experiences throughout, both in South Africa(at the beginning and end) and on safari in Botswana(the main part of the trip).
Overall, we were extremely satisfied and would definitely use Tailormade Africa again.
Incredible experience and our best trip to date!
This was our fourth trip to Africa and certainly our best to date. We started planning nearly two years in advance and Clyde was with us every step of the way sharing his personal experiences and ideas but still being willing to listen and consider our needs. The level of service and expertise extended to us surpassed our expectations, especially when we had to suddenly bring our trip forward to Mar from Aug. Clyde never batted an eyelid and did everything needed to ensure that we had a successful trip. He was always super responsive (even on weekends) and used to get on the phone with us to discuss issues and concerns even though we were based in Sydney.
Travelling to Botswanain the green season is always tricky. We had heard horror stories from friends who had travelled the previous year and were quite apprehensive about it all. Clyde assuaged all our fears and promised us that we would enjoy our three weeks in Bots and how right he was.
Clyde chose some amazing camps and operators for us - we did not want super luxury accommodation but did want operators who prioritised the game viewing experience and that we did get. We started with mobile camping with Letaka, moved on to a combo of Kwando camps and finished off in relative luxury in Mashatu. The areas chosen covered quite a bit of what Botswana had to offer and the game viewing took our breath away.
We camped in the Okavango Deltaand slept under the stars on an open deck in the Kalahari. We felt our jeep vibrate with the roars of lions, spent hours with leopards, saw cheetahs hunt, came face to face with black-maned Kalahari lions, observed the funny antics of wild dogs and were surrounded by elephants and mock charged by feisty teenagers.
From the time we landed in Johannesburg to the time we left for home we were looked after like royalty. Clyde not only monitored our progress and got messages across to us but when one of our flights got cancelled due to bad weather he went out of his way to arrange alternative transport methods so that we still made it on time for our evening safari.
We cannot recommend Clyde and TMA enough. In fact, we have already booked a tour to Ugandawith them for Dec and are in the process of organising a trip to Zimbabwenext year.
A very successful trip, with extremely high quality advice, planning and execution from TMA.
Clyde jumped into action at very short notice, quickly understood our preferences and put together a carefully thought-out itinerary that hit our high expectations. Clyde was super-responsive and clearly has a deep knowledge of the safari experience from his time as a guide. He appreciated that we had been on many safaris in the past and that we were focused on the wildlife and quality of the guiding - the camps and guides he found for us were really excellent and just what we had in mind.
All of the arrangements worked flawlessly and it was impressive that Clyde was monitoring our progress as the trip unfolded. We felt that he was taking a genuine interest in the experience we were having.
The order of camps was also thoughtful - Mara Expedition Camp (in a private concession) for a rich experience with a great volume of wildlife but of course also many tourists; Ol Donyo in the Chyulu Hills, for a more remote (although extremely luxurious) experience with some really epic wildlife experiences, particularly on night drives (incredibly, we saw aardwolf, striped hyena, african wild cat, porcupine, chameleon, genet, spring hare); and Campi Ya Kanzi, also in the Chylulu Hills, for a remote and wonderful cultural experience and great walking opportunities.
All guiding was first rate - particularly Edwin in the Mara and James at Ol Donyo.
All accommodation was of an extremely high standard (although, as a minor constructive comment, Ol Donyo did seem somewhat over the top in terms of luxury and they will need to ensure they don't over-sanitise the lodge experience).
All in all, a fantastic and memorable experience. A big thank you to Clyde.
Clyde and the team were very helpful, very professional and organised everything perfectly.
Everything that Clyde said he would do, he did. The organisation was second to none, we were looked after at every juncture. The guides we had (3 in total) were good company, very knowledgeable and a pleasure to spend time with.
The accommodation was as good if not better that expectation. We had 4 internal flights and every one was organised well, we were handed over from one person to another with no room for getting lost or being unsure of what to do. We had an itinerary with us at all time and were given contact details for every eventuality, including Clyde had we needed him.
I would have no hesitation with recommending Clyde and the company, and we will use them again for our next adventure.
Many thanks.
Yet another excellent experience with Tailormade Africa.
Great recommendations from Clyde about where to go in Zanzibarand everything was excellently organised, as always.
Amazing trip thanks to Tailormade Africa.
When I contacted Tailormade Africa for the first time, they took the time to speak to me in order to understand the type of holiday i wanted. Thanks to their perfect knowledge of Tanzania, we planned an amazing 2 week safari in the north of Tanzaniaand a beach holiday in Zanzibar. They have always been in touch with me to answer all my questions and they were also available during the trip to make sure everything was ok.
Having travelled with many agents before, i can confirm that i have never received such a good service. Tailormade Africa is definitely looking after their clients to give them the best. My trip was wonderful. The wildlife was amazing and everything was perfectly organised..
Epic Experience.
Absolutely amazing trip..started organizing back in May and Rob from Tailormadewas really helpful and very patient with all our changes to dates etc. We trusted Rob to make suggestions on the trip and he completely delivered!
Tailormade give it a really personal touch ... available to reach by phone/ email/ whastapp.
Would most definitely recommend!
Tailormade Africa organised and delivered on an excellent itinerary for my holiday.
My trip to South Africa came from an unplanned bid in a charity auction for Street Childof which Rob from Tailormade Africa had generously donated 3 nights stay in Cape Town!
We also relied on his knowledge and expertise in arranging the rest of our 2 week holiday along the Garden route. Everything was well organised, the route and locations were what we were looking for and needed.
I would definitely recommend and use again!
Gorillas galore! Lions, leopards, lizards! Wildebeest migration! Exceptional lodging and guides!
There should be a five plus plus plus rating for Rob Morley, and Tailormade Africa. This was my first trip to Africa, but it will not be my last.
From the first conversation I had with Rob by phone, he was intuitive enough to put together exactly the sort of trip that exceeded my expectations in every way.
Rob was immediately responsive to all inquiries while planning, and laid out an expedition to Uganda and Tanzania that included Murchison Falls, gorilla trekking in the Bwindi forest(A MUST DO!) and safaris in Ngorongoro Craterand the Serengeti. Our safari guides were superb and our lodging outstanding.
Special shout-outs to Kevin at Karibu Lodge in Entebbe, our guide Emma in Uganda, and especially Clement in Tanzania.
You will not find a better organization than Tailormade to plan your trip to Africa.
Fabulous experience on Safari in South Africa at Ngala and Tswalu.
The safari experiences were excellent. Tailormade Africa was careful to assess our interests and desires and recommend alternatives for accommodations and experiences. Tailormade Africa provided us with comprehensive information and pricing for them, allowing us to make an informed choice.
Our accommodations and experiences at Ngala and Tswalu were extraordinary, exceeding our expectations. Tailormade Africa communicated regularly with us in advance of our safari, and during it, to make sure we were informed and new what to expect.
I would highly recommend Tailormade Africa.
Supportive, personal and straightforward.
This whole South Africa holiday experience was, for us, an amazing one and these guys at Tailormade made it all so very easy. "You'll be met at Cape Town," they said and sure enough a man waiting to take us to the baggage reclaim and to our car.
The trip was described as a South African taster and was a self-drive along the Garden Route taking in Cape Towns culture, Winelands wine, Hermanus and the whales, Knysna for us a chill out and feet up! and the final 5 nights a mix of sightseeing and animals.
Every hotel we stayed in was well described and a very good standard. We covered around 1100 miles in our hire car which was already pre-booked by Tailormade on roads that were a joy to drive on, although that wasn't anything to do with Tailormade!
If at any time we had any question both Clyde and Rob knew exactly what the answer was.
We would love to return to South Africa and if we do, we will be using Taylormade again.
Thanks.
We organised our Honeymoon trip through Tailormade and it was fantastic.
I couldn't speak highly enough of the service we received from Clyde and the team. They found us exactly what we were looking for within our budget.
We went to Tanzania for a week and managed to see all the game we could ever dream of. The safari camps Clyde had book for us were perfect and nothing was too much trouble. We were met off of our international flight into Dar and from then on we never had to worry about anything. All of our transits between camps were arranged and timed perfectly.
In summary would book again without a moments hesitation. Big thank you to Clyde and all the Tailormade Africa team!
17 Days of action-packed adventure in amazing Rwanda.
My name is Geoff and along with friends Anita, David and Irene we gave Rob Morley of Tailormade Africaa brief to include some hiking, kayaking, mountain biking and of course gorilla trekking. We wanted modest accommodation and told him we were also happy to camp. He rose to the challenge and we had a brilliant time. We did a multi-day hike to the source of the White Nile, a kayaking/camping trip on Lake Kivu, a mountain biking trip along the side of Lake Kivu, which was remarkably hilly!!, hiking in the Volcanoes National Parkand of course, spent time with a gorilla family.
We had an excellent driver and guide (Emmanuel).He was first class in every way.
Now it wouldn't be a trip to Africa if a few things didn't quite go according to the script but these were all resolved swiftly by Tailormade Africa's partners in Rwanda and so our enjoyment was not diminished and indeed we had some really good stories to take back home to the UK and Canada and share with our friends. So we can recommend Rob and Tailormade Africa without reservation.
As a group, we decided to volunteer on one Saturday morning, (the last Saturday of each month), that Rwandans give to Umuganda (free work on a local project in each town/village to help improve the environment/area). This was a great experience and I would recommend it is a good way to help Rwanda in a practical way if you can fit it into your trip.
All in all, it was an amazing 17 days and the smiling faces, friendliness and hospitality of the Rwandans will live long in our memories.
Excellent service - above and beyond five star.
Clyde at Tailormade Africa was endlessly patient and worked tirelessly to customise our holiday. This was our first family safari with our 7, 11 and 14 year old and Clyde was an absolute delight to deal with as he answered my endless questions with his obvious in depth knowledge of the area. I changed my mind as to where we wanted to go, when we wanted to go, for how long etc and Clyde coped with admirable good cheer with the constant change of itinerary.
He was also there to help us on the telephone once we arrived in Tanzania as my daughter developed a terror of flying on the small planes. He researched the carrier's safety record and suggested we scheduled a phone conversation with my daughter and Clyde before the flight.
Clyde's phone therapy session worked and he managed to calm her fears enough that she did get on the next flight. Sadly we had to cut short our holiday for family reasons, and Clyde was again on hand to help us re-arrange flights and transport. Before our holiday was cut short we had a wonderful safari at a lovely lodge with delicious food and great guides.
I can't recommend Tailormade Africa enough. Without a doubt the best travel company I have ever used.
More amazing than I had envisaged.
The whole adventure had been put together with all the transfers absolutely first class. The whole holiday was fantastic and tailor-made with perfection. We never had to worry about any transfers or problems at immigration. The whole holiday went so smoothly. I will recommend Tailor Made Africa with their expert advice and thorough knowledge of the camps and their whereabouts.
I would personally like to thank you for putting together the most amazing trip to Africa for us.
From the very start, organising the Elephant Express to Bomani Camp, then on to Nehimba. The two camps were so different and each so exciting in different ways.
I would to thank Pets at Bomani, who totally inspired us with the extensive knowledge of the Animal tracks, the animals habits and the plants. We saw a kill which he explained about the behaviour of the bamboos, The ability to know his whereabouts in both the National Game Park and the concessionary parks was fantastic. Pets had so much passion for his job and enthusiasm it was wonderful.
As I have a disability with MS and found it difficult to get into the trucks I always sat in the front and Pets provided a step to help me get in. He was sociable and all of us found him incredibly helpful and pleasant to be with.
The second camp Nehimba, We were greeted by Ann and Tyrone. Brendan was our guide for this trip. The next day was a long day so they packed us up with a fabulous picnic, a large selection of salads, drinks and coffee and plenty of water.
Brendan knew the area well and first of all, we followed Leopard tracks, saw a pride of Lions with their cubs. Brendan's extensive knowledge of the whereabouts of the lion tracks and where they would be hiding was amazing, they were so camouflaged. but we were able to take some fabulous photos. The evening was spent watching the elephants come to the water’s edge and drink from the pool. It was almost a shame to go and eat.
The meals were absolutely fabulous, with so little space to cook they provided first class meals
We were then driven through the borders and immigration, which went very well. Now time to board the Zambezi Queen. 'this was my dream'. Again this was first class, met up with some great people. First class food. Trips out in a smaller boat on the Chobe river. We saw crocodiles, lots of Birds and a Cheetah. On the last day, the staff of the boat cooked an African meal and gave us a dance show.
Overall this was an amazing holiday that was perfect in every sense. Every day was so exciting.
I would be happy to recommend Tailor Made Africa and this trip to anyone. We are now ready to book another trip with you.
Communications were very good throughout the booking process with nothing being too much trouble.
We originally planned to go to Madagascar and Tailormade produced a very exciting itinerary. We, however, changed our mind and decided instead to go to Mauritius. Tailormade quickly produced a revised holiday to suit our new requirements and were very competitive on price compared with other tour companies. Rob Morley was always helpful and very good at explaining his proposals. Very enjoyable holiday!
The service provided was excellent from start to finish.
I was given good advice on all aspects of my trip, including which camera gear to bring. My agent at Tailormade Africa was available on the phone or for meetings at all times.
The result was, I had a thoroughly enjoyable trip and am looking forward to my next African adventure.
Communication was excellent, attention to details first class and the whole trip just worked.
For my 60th birthday, Clyde at Tailormade Africa was recommended by a good friend and experienced Safari expert.
The choice of accommodation, personal guides, ability to see the most amazing wildlife was second to none.
We are now hooked on Africa and are currently planning our next trip.
I had high expectations and wanted value for my money.
So this was my brief to Clyde: I have been on many Safaris and to numerous countries in Africa.... What can you do for me!
I had high expectations and wanted value for my money. From the initial phone call to the last, Clyde listened, called around to specific lodges I wanted to use and helped twig the holiday to suit me and my teenage boys!
To say he organised a holiday which was phenomenal is an understatement. I didn't think he would be able to please a seasoned traveller like me!
The accommodation in Tanzania (Lemala Mara, Serengeti) surpassed our expectations and Zanzibar's Matemwe lodge was paradise. Both the places Clyde recommended were exactly as he said they would be. Your honesty was so refreshing I'm glad I listened to Clyde!
The first half of the trip included staying with Lemala accommodation and food.... Simply wow. From their service to, helpful staff, it was amazing. My family joked with the Safari guide Juma at the Lemara Mara, that he should phone the animals to have them waiting....and miraculously they were!!! The migration was even more spectacular than I had expected.
The second week we were in Zanzibar. The staff at the lodge were amazing and really catered for all our needs. The food and rooms were awesome! The sandbank excursion was one we will never ever forget, the swim with dolphins, the varied sealife and the reef, were so much fun. I can't thank the management enough for everything they did us. Their smiles and getting every morning were a great touch.
Finally, our holiday from the moment we flew out to the various destinations and numerous flights and pick were brilliantly organised.
My family and I loved the postcard and texts we were getting from Clyde to wish us a happy journey along the way.
We will be going to Zambia and Zimbabwe next summer and Clyde will be helping us book that!
Thank you, Tailormade Africa.
Unbelieveably magical and totally unmissable!
Tailormade Africa's Rob Morley had arranged our previous, incredible "once", or as it turns out, "first in a lifetime Safari" a few years ago. So why would we look any further than Rob, to organise another excursion for us? A short "virtual safari" and we soon tracked Rob and Tailormade Africa down.
It's so much easier, in my view, to deal with someone with whom you strike-up an immediate rapport, and feel you can trust! All using telephone and emails, a virtual friend you might say! So it was with Rob who offers friendly advice, guidance and personal expertise, giving one confidence in the wonderful time to be had.
It's a great pleasure working up an itinerary with Rob as he sifts through your ideas and thoughts, moulds them into a proposal, always testing your views, until at last the plan crystallises. No detail is too small! All this done with enthusiasm for the subject, great humour and the sole intention of creating opportunities for the best possible experience for YOU!
We wanted an "adventure"; more remote tented camps, game drives and to feel more "immersed". Not for us the whistle-stop touring, lodges, or the potentially "popular" locations. We visited camps in the Serengeti, western corridor, and Ruaha National Park in Tanzania.
We were not disappointed, enthralling locations, great service from camps teams, comfortable accommodation, lovely food - bush breakfasts, buffet lunches and silver service dinner. The guides were only too willing to share their knowledge with us and worked hard to find extra special game watching experiences. Everyone seems so proud of their own "piece of paradise" and determined that you should share in it - even for a moment!
It is an absolute privilege to see the wild creatures in their natural surroundings!
I have no doubt they would do so for you!
Great planning and with very prompt response.
Tailor made Africa has planed our first Safari trip and definitely made it a very memorable experience . Clyde is very quick with response and very detailed about the planning and suggestions. This has made our planning much easier and hassle free
If you want a true Safari experience, look no further than Tailormade Africa.
I can't say enough things about how smooth the process was and how helpful and informative Clyde was in particular. He set me and my friend up with amazing accommodations and an excellent Safari camp in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe to then transfer for a couple of days to Victoria Falls. We didn't have to worry about anything and all we had to do, was enjoy all the amazing wild animals and the stunning views of the park.
We were completely satisfied with everything.
Clyde was informative, knowledgable, personable and even called us at home in the US to discuss our requirements. He arranged a mobile safari for my family that we will never forget. It was the experience of a lifetime and, although my husband and I have been on safari before, this one was far superior in every way. On arrival into Botswana until we were taken to the airport in Zimbabwe, we were treated brilliantly, felt completely safe and had access to professionals 24/7. I would definitely have no hesitation in recommending Clyde.
I thoroughly enjoyed my Tailormade Africa experience in Rwanda. The service was brilliant
My guide (Aimable) was knowledgeable and friendly. The gorilla trekking experience was a once in a lifetime event that I will remember forever. I couldn't recommend it more!
We asked Tailormade for a safari which was off the usual track.
Clyde at Tailormade suggested the Odzala National Park in the Republic of Congo near the Gabon Border. He briefed us fully about the pluses and minuses and he turned out to be spot on (including his recommendation of waterproof socks!). This is not a place to go to see the Big 5 and its not a place to go if you hate being bitten by tetse flies and their friends. But it is a place to go for a really authentic experience, with Western lowland gorillas, trekking on foot (sometimes in water up to our midriffs) and in kayaks with only you and the guide and forest elephant and forest buffalo or hyenas as your companions. We had booked our flights separately from the safari but Clyde spotted that our travel agent had booked an internal flight in the Congo on an airline which had ceased operating. This was not his job but he spotted it and proactively helped solve the problem for us. He also arranged extra support for us at no extra cost to explore Brazzaville and the local tribal art markets. I would certainly recommend him and Tailormade to everyone thinking of a safari.
It was an astonishingly good holiday, the best we have ever had
I stumbled across Tailormade Africa (TMA) whilst I was looking to book a "once in a lifetime" safari holiday for my wife who is employed in the veterinary world, so animals are her thing. Having initially spoken to Rob, one of the owners, we together chose a 14 day trip to Tanzania taking in 3 different camps across the Serengeti at the time of the great migration with a few days on the beach in Zanzibar at the end. Rob's knowledge was outstanding and he really listened to what we wanted and "Tailormade" the holiday accordingly....all the employees of TMA have very in depth on the ground experience of Africa, some as long standing guides and it really shines through. It was an astonishingly good holiday, the best we have ever had and we've been lucky to experience many places around the world...at one of the camps we shared it with two world renowned international wildlife photographers and they said that where we where was probably the best place in the world to see big cats in their natural element....it was so memorable, just like being on an Attenborough TV program! We had a very small local issue which TMA addressed immediately and to our complete satisfaction going above and beyond. The holiday was so good that we will be going on several more "once in a lifetime" holidays organised by TMA. If you only have one holiday to book in your life, ask TMA to organise it, it will be the best that you have ever experience - safaris aren't cheap if you do them properly and give back to the local communities and this is why you should not use any other company, TMA care about you, they care about the wildlife, they care about the environment and they care about the local communities. They use companies that share their ethos and this is so important in the world we live in today.
I found them willing to discuss which trips are suitable for my requirements.
They are very aware of costs and the type of experience you want, I was looked after very well met off the plane, directed to my small aircraft, looked after in every camp, providing an unforgettable trip, I hope to avail of their services in the near future and would definitely recommend them to anyone. Thank you Tailormade Africa.
Everything from the planning to the holiday itself was seamless.
Extremely helpful and communicative team...the support and organization was beyond expectations even throughout the trip. The Safari itself was excellent...clean and safe and very knowledgeable guides.
Impeccably organised trip!
Clyde and the Tailormade Africa team really did a great job for us! Before our departure where we were given beautifully personalised dashboards of the trip to come. The flight to the Masai Mara was convenient and quick and our fantastic guide (and now friend) was waiting for us as soon as we got out of the plane.
The accommodation was beautiful and just the kind of thing we wanted to experience The staff at the camps went out of their way to make us feel at home and served us beautiful meals, drinks and desserts every day.
That's before we even got on the safari drives! Which were riveting experiences every day, further enriched by how knowledgeable the guides were and how generous they were with their knowledge. We even did a walking safari which was one of the coolest experiences of my life!
Thanks, Clyde & Team Tailormade Africa! You'll be hearing from us again soon!
Tailormade Africa yet again did a great job putting together our recent trip to Cape Town and gorilla trekking in Uganda.
Their recommendations for where to go and choice of hotel/lodges was spot on. Everything worked seamlessly when we were there and everyone in our group had a great time. Just the right amount of adventure and time to relax. We have booked several holidays through Clyde who is extremely knowledgeable about everything to do with safaris in Africa. You know you are in good hands and it is also good to know that their prices are very competitive. I am sure we will be back for another adventure soon.
Clyde Beaty and Tailormade Africa are the best. Look no further!
These are the people you need to book through. Clyde has booked two very different custom trips to Africa for me and they have both been exactly what I wanted. He has an in depth knowledge of many African countries and the hotel or camp facilities as well as the guiding options available. One trip he designed was over a month, covered several countries and many different venues. It was timed perfectly. We were never bored and he booked us at just the right time of year to see what we were looking for. Our most recent trip with him was three weeks long in the fall of 2016 to Ethiopia. This trip was extremely complicated to put together, involved many internal flights and we asked to go not only to the tribal areas, but some other areas that were really "off the grid" and had no hotels or restaurants. We stayed in local huts or camping facilities, had out own cook, food and camping supplies brought in from Addis. The food, camping gear, itinerary and the guides were all great. Not easy to do in Ethiopia. The high end stuff we did was great and so was the out of the way stuff. Also, I have always felt I got good value from Clyde. None of this kind of thing is cheap, but looking at what we got and what we paid for it, I was very pleased. I also recommended Clyde to my niece who wanted an Africa honeymoon. He did an amazing job and worked within her budget and came up with a truly memorable honeymoon. Clyde is your man.
Thank you so much Rob for arranging this lovely safari!
The drive to the reserve was spectacular and the setting for the tented camp was breathtaking and the sunrise was, WOW. Our ranger was very diligent and spent a lot of time seeking out the animals. We saw Rhino, Elephant, Zebra, Cheetah - we walked to see this one - Giraffe and lots more including white Lions in the distance. We fell in love with South Africa and were privileged to visit a children's nursery in a Zulu Settlement in Durban and afternoon tea at the Oyster Box. Cape Town was great. We did all the usual things, Robben Island, Table Mountain, District 6 and Boulders beach penguins! Not forgetting numerous Vineyards!! Thank you again Rob for organising this. I will pass your name onto anyone who shows a remote interest in visiting Africa.
The incredible part of the actual trip was how personal it was.
Our group of four went on safari with guides who had been in the Zimbabwe outback for decades. In many instances we had both a senior guide (of the quality who teaches, examines, and licenses other guides) and a senior tracker dedicated to the four of us. We were able to track and walk up to a sleeping elephant without waking it, spot rare birds, observe both wild lions unhabituated to humans and a community of somewhat habituated lions who allowed us to observe at close range their cubs playing. The entire experience was very special.
Expert advice and arrangements.
Being new to Africa travel, we had only vague ideas about where we'd like to go on safari and what kind of camps and tours were available. We also started planning a bit late for getting the best camps in the best season. Tailormade Africa's Clyde Beaty talked us through the options and came back with a perfect two-week tour of Northern Zimbabwe, including four different camps -- a mobile camp in Hwange NP, a private lodge on Lake Kariba, a small seasonal camp in Mana Pools NP and finally a more elaborate and luxurious camp in a concession , also at Mana Pools. Once in Zimbabwe everything went smoothly (despite an airline delay arriving); all the land connections and internal small plane flights were as planned. The camps were each different and each had its attractions; taken together they were a fantastic introduction to Southern Africa wildlife and safari culture. Hope we can go back soon -- we would definitely do it through Tailormade Africa!
One of the best holidays we have ever had.
From initial discussions to getting off the plane when we arrived home, Tailormade Africa arranged everything we had requested in a most friendly and professional manner. They advised on flights, accommodation, places of interest, car hire, driving routes and restaurants. They and their team obviously have a wealth of knowledge which enabled us to get the very most out of this 3 week holiday. We travelled by car for much of the time through the most dramatic and interesting countryside staying in fabulous accommodation and visiting several wildlife areas ending up on a 4 day safari before flying home. - Fabulous ! - highly recommended and would travel with them again without question. Thanks Rob et al.
We had an absolutely AMAZING time.
It exceeded all expectations. It's certainly a trip we will never forget, we didn't want to leave. Thanks again.
I am a hard-core extra picky traveler.
I have 3 core problems when travelling:
- Human destruction and devastation of our planet has reached an all-time high. We now consume 1.5x more than what the planet can provide. If you love the wildlife and the natural environment as much as I do, you know how hard it is to find “true hidden gems” in the world – they are scarce and rare.
- I also struggle to find the balance of visiting beautiful pristine locations using companies/hotels/people that are eco-friendly/sustainable, local community-friendly and are “in-it for the long-run”.
- Lastly, I find it hard to find somebody I can TRUST and RELY on to ensure everything is organized and planned for me from A to Z without any bad surprises.
In simple words, Clyde and his team at Tailormade Africa truly understand all the above and DELIVER on their commitments. In summary, they know their stuff. They will openly share their personal experiences (because they’ve been everywhere you will go), their concerns, and even the “bad” parts! They are always there to help. I have worked with a countless number of travel consultants and nobody comes close. Tailormade Africa is my little secret weapon to delivering ultimate travel experiences that make a difference in the world! The world needs more of them!