My husband and I recently returned from a thrilling trip to Africa. This trip fulfilled a life long desire to see wild animals in their natural habitat. It truly exceeded my expectations. Simon Gluckman of Intrepid Expeditions listened to our requests and planned a fabulous 13 day adventure. We traveled to four different camps. Not only did we see many animals we also visited a village, ... read moreMy husband and I recently returned from a thrilling trip to Africa. This trip fulfilled a life long desire to see wild animals in their natural habitat. It truly exceeded my expectations. Simon Gluckman of Intrepid Expeditions listened to our requests and planned a fabulous 13 day adventure. We traveled to four different camps. Not only did we see many animals we also visited a village, viewed cave art and heard the history of the areas we were in. We told Simon we love to walk and in our third camp got the opportunity to do that. Tracking lion spoor was a highlight for my husband!
I’m into astronomy and had never seen the Southern Hemisphere constellations before. We saw fantastic sunrises and sunsets too. The various guides knowledge of not only the animals but trees, insects, plants and stars was very impressive. Transportation was all arranged and we never spent a moment worrying about travel arrangements. I highly recommend planning your trip with Intrepid Expeditions. You will not be disappointed. read less

Hey Simon,

So sorry it's been so long to get in touch.

We're still beaming from the trip! We can't say thank you enough for the incredible tour you organized. It was 5 star from the moment we opened the conversation with you. You and your team took so much care to get the details right and it was felt every exhilarating bump of the 4X4 track through the desert! The accommodations... read moreHey Simon,

So sorry it's been so long to get in touch.

We're still beaming from the trip! We can't say thank you enough for the incredible tour you organized. It was 5 star from the moment we opened the conversation with you. You and your team took so much care to get the details right and it was felt every exhilarating bump of the 4X4 track through the desert! The accommodations were perfect and nailed our taste just right. You guys communicated everything perfectly to us, and we were prepared for a good adventure; and, were blown away with what we actually got!

Every single part of the adventure was fun and exciting. We did have one point on our first game drive at Mashatu when we thought maybe the tour was a Disney Land for European retirees - then we saw and heard a lioness crunching through a wildebeest. Our perspective changed. When we got up the next morning for the 5:00am game drive we were on the edge of our seats for what the day might bring. We ended up with two other terrific couples on their retirement vacations. They thought we were crazy for going on the bike tour, and for getting out and running in front of the cruisers. But, it was so much fun!

We also appreciate all the work that went into planning this and ensuring we had gluten free options. The food was superb, and exceeded all expectations - even US and European dining options.

Our guides, Howard (AKA Black Rhino at Malinda, and the whole team really) were remarkable! We learned so much about the local ecology and rhinos, but also a ton about Zimbabwe's culture and history during our 10 mile mountain bike tour. And Stewart at Tuli was incredible - two days of bush tours and hikes was just phenomenal. We gained a very unique perspective of the landscape on foot, which was then followed up by four days of mountain biking, hiking, trail running and Land Cruiser tours with Richard and Jakes at Mashatu. The people - every one we dealt with from guides to pilots - was incredible and made sure we enjoyed our time and learned as much as possible about the various regions we visited. Not to mention seeing community homes in the bush of Zim, white rhinos, elephants, giraffes, JAFIs, baboons, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, bat eared foxes, jackals, wildebeest, zebras, owls, hornbills, warthogs... what an amazing experience.

When we met that guy from Malawi, and he was asking so many questions about our tour and who created it, and how and why it was so customized to our interests: mountain biking, trail running, hiking, camping out in Tuli, tent camp at Mashatu, we knew we made the right choice. Thank you for putting together such a phenomenal, remarkable personalized tour. It is one of the most memorable trips we've ever taken.

All the best, and we'll be sure to share your name. read less

I have recently returned from a safari adventure put together by Simon Gluckman and Intrepid Expeditions and could not recommend him or his company more highly. The arrangements, accommodations and even the animals totally exceeded my expectations. Simon took the time to learn about our interests, desires and budget and put together an itinerary that not only delivered but was almost flawlessly executed. When one minor... read moreI have recently returned from a safari adventure put together by Simon Gluckman and Intrepid Expeditions and could not recommend him or his company more highly. The arrangements, accommodations and even the animals totally exceeded my expectations. Simon took the time to learn about our interests, desires and budget and put together an itinerary that not only delivered but was almost flawlessly executed. When one minor hitch developed, he interceded immediately and rectified the situation.If you are seriously considering an African safari, my advice would be this. Do your homework. Figure out, generally, what you want your trip to look like. Then contact Intrepid Expeditions and let them make your vision a reality. read less

We were in expert hands with Andre at Intrepid Expeditions in planning a Nairobi Explorer and Masai Mara Safari and customizing it to fit seamlessly with our group’s other commitments in Nairobi. Andre was knowledgeable of the experience he was designing and extremely attentive to detail. He inspired confidence in the care and diligence he demonstrated with each conversation and exchange. Transports, hotel, lunch destinations and excursions... read moreWe were in expert hands with Andre at Intrepid Expeditions in planning a Nairobi Explorer and Masai Mara Safari and customizing it to fit seamlessly with our group’s other commitments in Nairobi. Andre was knowledgeable of the experience he was designing and extremely attentive to detail. He inspired confidence in the care and diligence he demonstrated with each conversation and exchange. Transports, hotel, lunch destinations and excursions in Nairobi were flawlessly coordinated – all that was left for us to do was enjoy. The accommodations, food, and client-focused staff and guides in the Masai Mara were all top notch. The camp location and safari experience was magnificent, no one game run was like any other. A trip of a lifetime read less

This was absolutely the most complete and well run excursion ever. Saw everything (except Rino), tour guides were excellent and expert and most accommodating. Camp was great, food the best and great staff!
Wonderful four, full days. Highly recommend!

We've just returned from two glorious weeks in Uganda and Rwanda. Simon Gluckman made our trip planning process fun and easy. We were looking forward to Gorilla trekking, and in "exploring" the region. Simon has significant expertise in Africa, and after carefully listening to our ideas, he came up with many wonderful suggestions.

We experienced a Chimp Habituation Trek in the Kibale Forest National Park, game viewing by boat... read moreWe've just returned from two glorious weeks in Uganda and Rwanda. Simon Gluckman made our trip planning process fun and easy. We were looking forward to Gorilla trekking, and in "exploring" the region. Simon has significant expertise in Africa, and after carefully listening to our ideas, he came up with many wonderful suggestions.

We experienced a Chimp Habituation Trek in the Kibale Forest National Park, game viewing by boat on the Kazinga Channel, traditional game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, a Gorilla Trek and a Gorilla Habituation Trek in The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Bwindi is absolutely beautiful!.. THE BEST!), and a Gorilla Trek in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Our experiences with the Gorilla families were all so different and so beautiful!!!... Plus a day and a half in Kigali to explore the area and visit the Genocide Memorial & Museum.

Add to that, our fantastic guide, the unique local villages, and the friendly people we met on the way. We've been to Africa in the past (Kenya and Tanzania), and have been on wonderful Safaris. This time, we developed a true appreciation for the local people who support and benefit from tourism. We stayed in 4 different lodges/camps. Each were very different and equally beautiful.

Joe, our guide for 12 days, was simply amazing. He spoke 5 different African languages, and fluent English. He was able to converse with ease, respect and genuine friendliness in every village. No matter where we were, we always felt welcomed. Every village was a new experience and the scenery as we drove throughout both countries was spectacular (fair warning: the roads in Uganda are not paved and are very rough)...

We travel quite a bit and have worked with many travel companies. We would never plan another trip to Africa without Simon... He and his team managed every detail from beginning to end, including the airlines, packing lists, visas, etc. His response time was immediate, and we always felt confidence in him and his team.

This was our very best adventure, yet! Our thanks to Simon and Intrepid! read less

I can’t begin to decide what made my 50th birthday trip, organized by Intrepid Expeditions, our best trip ever. Could it be the personal service? From the very beginning, Simon made sure he knew what we wanted and our expectations. He narrowed down each area we wanted to visit with three suggestions of lodging and let me research and pick. All spot on suggestions and we could not have been... read moreI can’t begin to decide what made my 50th birthday trip, organized by Intrepid Expeditions, our best trip ever. Could it be the personal service? From the very beginning, Simon made sure he knew what we wanted and our expectations. He narrowed down each area we wanted to visit with three suggestions of lodging and let me research and pick. All spot on suggestions and we could not have been happier with our choices.

Could it be our amazing stay in the Winelands? Four nights at a picturesque farm with one of the best restaurants in the area, Bablyonstoren was everything we hoped for. A great guide, who chose all the right stops for our wine tour and the most amazing day in Cape Town (including the highlight of my birthday, holding a penguin!).

Could it be the safari lodge that took our very high expectations and blew the top off of them? Sabi Sabi Little Bush was amazing. From the manager, to our ranger and tracker, to the service staff, every single person was immediately like family. The animal viewing was unbelievable even spotting 2 of the Big 5 on the way to the lodge from the airport! Four nights, all of the Big 5 plus cheetahs, hippos, giraffes and more , numerous amazing meals in a different location each night later, we were sad to leave but excited about our next stop.

Could it be relaxing at the most beautiful spot on the Zambezi River? Two nights in the tree house followed by two nights in the honeymoon house made for the cherry on the top of the most glorious trip ever. Hippos, champage bubble baths, sitting on the edge of Victoria Falls and meals with the most exceptional views in the world brought our journey to a happy end.

Could it be all of it rolled into one amazing company called Intrepid Expeditions? Yes – I believe that had we not had the experience, diligence and oversight of these wonderful people, our trip would not have been what it was and it was perfect. read less

Best. Vacation. Ever!

My family started planning a trip to Africa with Simon (Gluckman) and Jack (Kenner) last summer. Simon helped us tailor our trip such that we found the perfect balance between safety for my pre-teen kids while truly experiencing Africa’s incredible tapestry of nature and culture. There were numerous times along the way that I called Simon and questioned... read moreBest. Vacation. Ever!

My family started planning a trip to Africa with Simon (Gluckman) and Jack (Kenner) last summer. Simon helped us tailor our trip such that we found the perfect balance between safety for my pre-teen kids while truly experiencing Africa’s incredible tapestry of nature and culture. There were numerous times along the way that I called Simon and questioned itinerary, lodging, and more ... and he was always patient with me, tweaked a few things here and there, but ultimately reassured me that he knew Africa, knew safaris, and was confident it would exceed my expectations.

The flight over was filled with second guessing ... and then we landed in Jburg and we’re met by Simon’s contacts for assistance through immigration. OMG! Talk about the rock star treatment. We were escorted to the front of some line ... whisked through ... our luggage was collected and we were delivered right to the front desk of our transition hotel. Every day, every hotel, every guide ... it just got better and better with every day for two solid weeks.

Jack joined us for our second week and taught us nature photography for six days. We’d literally be bumping along in the safari vehicle and Jack would be telling us to setup for a certain F stop or shutter speed ... or would be asking the ranger to get us to a certain place to get the best light. Jack got extra trips scheduled, fixed meals, and turned my family into fairly capable nature photographers. We took (literally) 9K photos, and much of what we got in the second half of our time with Jack is simply stunning. I’ve already converted our best 30 photos into a coffee table book.

We were absolutely thrilled with our Safari ranger, and on the last evening said ranger (JJ) mentioned Simon’s name. I asked him if he was talking about Simon Gluckman ... and he says “of course!” So I’m like, “how do you know Simon” ... and JJ replies, “He visited here and specifically asked for me to be your ranger.”

And THAT, folks, is why you need to give Simon a call if you ever considered a trip to Africa. He doesn’t recommend any hotel, destination, activity, or guide that he hasn’t personally vetted onsite.

My family is going back to Africa year after next. Jack will be with us. Simon will do all the logistics. And we’re taking the training wheels off! read less