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Bellingham Safaris is a luxury safari travel company, delivering exceptional wildlife experiences for discerning travellers to over 20 countries worldwide.
Reviews 92
Alexis B
Mar 02,2023I rarely deal with a business that goes above and beyond a customer’s expectations. Bellingham Safaris did just that. I went through one of the best and most memorable experience of my life thanks to their exquisite service. We were scheduled for one safari in South Africa, but because of a hurricane, Bellingham gave us a couple of other options at no additional cost (only the cost of the plane ticket). We decided to go to Botswana (the recommended option). It turned out to be the experience of a lifetime (with beautiful weather). Shelly, Simon and Jen did such an excellent job at making our safari the best possible experience. Their detailed and timely communication is exemplary. They put the customer first. I hope to be on an another safari adventure with Bellingham Safaris in the next couple of years.
Jackie Osland
Mar 01,2023The Safari experience was just fabulous and the efforts the Bellingham staff did for us through the entire process was just outstanding. They went way beyond the necessary procedures to really care for our details almost as if we were their family or friends.
Karen Patou
Feb 25,20231. Simon's expertise with wildlife and seamless attention to detail and the highest level of service made this trip extraordinary....along with his engaging and charming personality. 2. The remote location where we could view tigers and other animals and birds was exciting. 3. The service of the other tour guides and waiting staff was much appreciated. 4. The food was wonderful! 5. The knowledge imparted by our wonderful tour guides. 6. The chance to be with friends and to have this memorable experience together. 7. The only negative was the fact that the morning game drives and the afternoon game drives were too close together with not enough time to rest in between. This was not the fault of the travel company but was necessitated by the rules of the National Park which closed about 6pm or so.Obviously they wanted to give us the maximum amount of time to see the wildlife - and therefore took us out twice each day - but it was tiring. A few times we chose to miss a drive and enjoy the camps which were beautiful and restful and where staff were on hand to provide whatever we wanted in terms of food or drink. 8. There were lots of opportunities to learn about the behavior of the wildlife and also efforts to preserve the natural habitat they live in. 9. We also learned about efforts to discuss with the Indian government the importance of tourism to India and taking better care of these National Parks. This includes the many efforts to discourage poachers from harming the animals. 10. We walked around the neighborhood surrounding the camp and engaged a bit with children and their parents. We enjoyed getting a view into how they lived and appreciated how warm and welcoming they were.These experiences helped to provide context.
Sarah B
Feb 15,2023Bellingham Safaris is really excellent on all levels. They carefullylisten and help plan a trip that is just right for you. They are then extremely attentive to all levels of detail for the trip to be just perfect. And while you are traveling, they are very responsive and check in along the way. You feel cared for and supported over your whole time away. I cannot recommend them highly enough!
Gary Patou
Feb 14,2023Amazing well organized trip. Every attention to detail. Hassle free travel. Simon is a great guide, he has an encyclopedic knowledge of wildlife. I highly recommend Bellingham Safaris
Ulla Gabrielsson
Feb 14,2023Our recent trip, the fourth adventure planned and arranged by the Bellingham team, to India became another great adventure. As always when booking through Jen, Simon and the Bellingham team everything was planned with perfection. As on previous travels they followed every step on the trip, checked that everything worked as planned. Passion is the key word for how the Bellingham Team works.
SARA
Feb 01,2023They provided feedback on great hotels and itineraries for our trip of a lifetime at a good cost.
Kathryn Kennedy Seattle, WA
Jan 20,2023I'm often asked if I ever worry about traveling solo to Africa... With Jen, Simon and the entire Bellingham team behind me, I always trust that I'm not just going to have an unforgettable luxury safari experience, but it will also be a safe, smooth, effortless trip. My recent trip to South Africa was exceptional and the Bellingham team was my constant companion, ensuring that I had a superior safari experience throughout. I won't travel to Africa with anyone else!
Kevin Studd
Jan 18,2023We appreciate the love, care and attention that Bellingham always puts into their itineraries - and particularly for introducing us to Kwandwe: a truly magical place in the bush that has just gotten better and better with every stay.
Laura
Dec 28,2022Our family holiday was fabulous from start to finish, the wildlife, the activities, the accommodation, plus the expert knowledge of Simon and Tim made this holiday so magical, something which I will remember for a lifetime. Thank you to the Bellingham team
Englishman
Dec 14,2022Bellingham provided an incredible experience for us in Namibia. The ease of travel combined with the fabulous accommodation and immersion in the wildlife and landscapes we witnessed proved that everything had been diligently planned to perfection, and Simon's knowledge and passion meant that we were constantly learning and having a great deal of fun too. None of us will ever forget it.
Vanessa Campion
Dec 14,2022We recently have had a 2 week trip in Namibia with Bellingham Safaris. The itinerary was meticulously planned so that we saw not only incredible wildlife but scenery too that was out of this world. Bellingham take a holistic approach when planning a trip. They get to know what your goals are regarding wildlife, culture and scenery when on Safari. They inquire about your likes and dislikes so that you are never out of your comfort zone. They make sure that travel during the safari, to and from different destinations is well timed and give you time to rest especially if it has been a long travel day. They have in-depth knowledge of the places booked on the itinerary as they have often visited the parks/lodges beforehand. The team are in constant contact with you during the trip, making sure you are happy. This recent trip was cancelled twice last minute due to the pandemic. Bellingham made sure our bookings were deferred with no extra cost. During our stay we met employees from 2 separate travel companies who were amazed that Bellingham managed to keep our 2022 Safari trip at 2020 prices. What a gem they are and we are looking forward to our next 2 trips with them in 2023 and 2024!
AM
Oct 30,2022If you’ve never been on safari and need direction and perfect placement, Bellingham Safaris is for you. If you’ve traveled to Africa and been on several safaris but want to take it up a notch with rare opportunities, Bellingham Safaris is for you. If adventure, luxury, detailed scheduling, concierge travel is important to you, look no further. I took my husband and another couple on a 3 week safari, all of who had never been on safari (I have many years ago) and the Bellingham family took great care at every turn. Consistently checking in to see how we were and fine tuning our experience further. Let me tell you, my group was very high maintenance making me super nervous something may fall out of place. Didn’t happen. Everyone was thrilled and so grateful for everything and every adventure. A portion of the trip I scheduled on my own and yet the Bellingham family checked in often to see if they could assist. Such a rare quality. Bellingham Safaris, you’ve certainly earned my highest praises and that of all on the trip. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Kathy
Oct 06,2022WOW what an experience! Exceeded all our expectations. Top-notch from start to finish including the places chosen to accommodations and wildlife. Simon is a very knowledgeable and interesting individual who puts a unique perspective on the entire experience. We were definitely spoiled on our very first trip to the continent. Thanks to the entire Bellingham team for making this adventure unforgettable. All the Best, Kathy & Gary
Lorri and Richard
Sep 23,2022A great trip and well organized! My husband and I felt we were well looked after each step of our stay. Dan, our tour guide was knowledgeable and enthusiastic as he introduced us to the magic of Cape Town. His patience and understanding let us feel comfortable making last minute adjustments. He was in constant communication with the Bellingham team which led to a seamless vacation. The itinerary was planned with efficiency. We ended our long journey at Babylonstoren, an amazing 5 star farm experience while maintaining the intimate charm. We even cooked a meal our last night with the fresh foods we bought at the farm store! Thanks to all at Bellingham!
customer Vanessa & Giles Campi
Aug 27,2022We have had a number of Safari experiences with Bellingham Safaris and each and every time we have had an amazing holiday. Each trip is planned meticulously by the team. Alongside this is a deep knowledge of the country we are to visit, the lodges or camps that we stay at, as they have visited them personally and the best time to view the wildlife. Having Simon as our guide with his encyclopaedic knowledge about wildlife and experience sighting animals makes for a wonderful time. The company showed such flexibility when the pandemic interfered with our Safari trips on two occasions last minute.They bent over backwards to make sure everything was rebooked and we have two more trips with Bellingham which we are so excited about. This company truly values conservation not only for the wildlife but for the communities that live near the camps, as well as the environment and I feel is a shining example of eco tourism. We plan to have future Safaris with Bellingham, they are a company worth trying.
Ashley R.
Aug 24,2022I have traveled to Africa many times and was always hesitant to visit the Serengenti because I want to view wildlife in a quiet environment without masses of vehicles racing to view a sighting. The Serengeti is a popular destination for many safari travelers and so I visited other areas of Africa to avoid the crowds. A friend and I decided to give it a try and reached out to Bellingham Safaris to arrange our trip. It was a fabulous experience and most importantly they were able to find lodges and areas that provided the Serengeti without the crowds. The guides at all of the camps were focused on our experience and listened to what we wanted. The lodges were beautiful and the services provided by the personnel was outstanding. Hats off to Shelly, Jen and Simon for arranging a wonderful trip. Another "once in a lifetime" experiences. Thank you!!!
Mindy M.
Aug 14,2022This was our third trip arranged by Bellingham Safaris. We can always count on them to plan the perfect wildlife/nature vacation to help us get away from the hustle and bustle of our daily life. In the past, we had used them to plan African safaris, and because we had such great experiences with them before, we asked if they could put together a trip to Argentina and Chile for us. They knocked it out of the park again! We enjoyed the colorful birds at the beautiful Iguazu Falls. Experiencing the wind and sound of the Falls as you get close to the rushing water was an epic experience. In Chile, we were transported to what felt like another planet in the Atacama desert. There was amazing stargazing and stunning other worldly landscapes everywhere you look. Watching the flamingos fly across the salt flats with the backdrop of a beautiful sunset was another unforgettable highlight. Logistically, our tour planner, Greg was incredibly patient and persistent in rescheduling our trip 2 years in a row (due to COVID), and then also assisted with multiple changes needed because of international flight cancellations/changes. We greatly appreciate the multiple changes he had to make to our flights and reservations to accommodate these inconveniences. While we were traveling, their team provided excellent communication via WhatsApp. We never had to worry about getting from point A to point B. Everything was planned perfectly. When I lost my phone, their team was so kind to try to call multiple places multiple times to retrieve it. Their kindness and persistence was much appreciated. We are already in communication to plan our next wildlife adventures with the Bellingham Safari team. Thanks a million for all that you do!
Larry L Jackson
Aug 03,2022I have traveled with Bellingham Safaris for years and the attention to detail has always been superb before, during and after each trip. The itineraries are very informative of the planned trip, hiccups are given great attention. My airline checked bag was delayed days and the team worked with the local ground people to get the bag to me as quickly as possible.
42 Lighthouse Road; Kommetjie, 7975, Cape Town, ZA
http://bellinghamsafaris.com
Nadia
Jun 15,2023We were a group of ladies and felt so well looked after. Everything was very well planned and communicated. We had a life changing time in such a beautiful part of the world . I would highly recommend this truly unique experience .