Most perfect and fabulous trip of my well traveled 74 years. There wasn't the smallest detail overlooked.When our return flight (which we booked) was canceled, they stayed right by our side until we boarded a flight with a different airline.
That means a lot coming from a travel veteran like yourself, Orie! So happy you got to share such a special safari adventure with your husband.
Joseph Vivona2026.10.10
Jessica and Brigid were so helpful, patient and responsive. The team planned a very special trip for us within our date and financial parameters. The two camps chosen for our family safari were very different in terms of experiences and both excellent, and the game drives were the highlight of each day. Everything was handled so smoothly throughout the entire trip. Our trip was beyond our expectations... it truly was extraordinary!
This was our 10 year anniversary trip and it was better than anything we had pictured. Abby guided us correctly at every step, even when I was hesitant, and the whole trip ran smoothly from start to finish. Abby really understood our style, especially my wife Zoya's. Sisini Mara matched her vibe perfectly, and having a private vehicle with Shaban meant we got to see everything we hoped for and a lot more.
We’re so happy Abby got to know you both so well, Zain. Happy anniversary, and thank you for trusting us with such a special one!
annica wayman2026.09.21
They are worth every penny. Our trip for our family to East Africa for safari and beach time well exceeded our expectations! We worked with their destination specialist (Abby is absolutely amazing!), insurance specialist/head of business operations (wow, so good!) , travel coordinators, and coordinators on the ground and everyone was so spectacular! I couldn't have imagined a better team to make my travel dreams for my family come true.
Loved reading this, Annica! Thank you for trusting us with such a special adventure for you and your boys.
cyndi pajak2026.09.02
Our experience with Extraordinary Journeys was truly exceptional from beginning to end. From the very first planning conversations through our return home, every detail of our Botswana safari was thoughtfully considered and flawlessly coordinated. Abby took the time to understand what we wanted from this once-in-a-lifetime trip and created an itinerary that allowed us to experience the incredible wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, unforgettable sunrises and sunsets, and the warmth of the people in a truly meaningful way. The camps, guides, transfers, and overall logistics were handled seamlessly, allowing us to simply be present and enjoy every moment. There were experiences that exceeded our expectations and others that were simply unforgettable, but what stood out most was knowing we had an expert we could trust every step of the way. Extraordinary Journeys delivered exactly what we hoped for and more, and we would absolutely trust them with our next great adventure.
Thank you for the lovely review and for sharing such a special photo from your trip with us, Cyndi - it really is beautiful!
Clare Hart2026.09.02
1. We Loved the camps - elegant, efficient and served great food. 2. Above all, the Game Drives and the guides were exceptional. Every guide exceeded our expectations. We feel very fortunate and believed we had the best guides at each camp. We think Brigid made sure of this by explaining Greg is a photographer and all guides understood what it meant to photograph animals e.g. they knew about the importance of light, sunrise and sunset. 3. We found the Big Five in four days and were delighted with the number of animals we saw and how healthy they looked. 4. We also loved not having to worry about the details. Extraordinary Journeys took care of everything and made sure we were handled with care. 5. All of the camps were so accommodating of our vegetarian dietary preference, which made a huge difference. 6. We were busy, but still had some down time each day to take in the camp and the beauty of our surroundings. 7. Special treatment - surprise outdoor bush lunch and dinner in the wine room at Duba Plains and lunch outing on the barge on the river in Dumatau. Extremely nice touches that made us feel special.
We’re so happy you both had such an incredible time, Clare. We bet there'll be some of these beautiful shots hanging on the walls soon!
Basak Ertan2026.09.02
What we loved most was how thoughtfully the whole trip was put together. Anisha really listened to what we were hoping for and then matched us to properties that delivered exactly that. Legendary Lodge was a wonderful place to start and gave us a soft landing after a long travel day, and finishing at Baraza was the perfect way to end the trip. In between, Namiri and Sayari were outstanding in every respect: the service, the food, the guides, and small things we did not anticipate, like having pools to relax in between the morning and evening drives. The prep call up front, and then the support with visas and all of the documents, seemed like a lot at the beginning but made everything seamless by the time we left. The advice that our bags might be delayed was invaluable, and it meant we were prepared when that actually happened in Kilimanjaro. Once we were on the ground, having local support over WhatsApp for questions and itinerary changes made everything easy, and the concierge team was excellent with our lost luggage and with guidance on tipping. All of the car transports to and from the airports were smooth and well organized. Planning with Anisha and Samantha was a genuine pleasure from start to finish. As they say, your first safari creates your next safari, and we are already looking forward to the next one.
So happy your first safari was everything you hoped for, Basak. We loved putting it together for your family. Until the next one!
Nancy2026.08.31
First of all, I totally enjoyed the one on one conversations that we had with everyone early in our planning. Your feedback was excellent regarding things we shouldn't miss and upgrades that we did or did not need. The individual attention to detail was perfect. The tip guide was so needed and appreciated. Thank you for the details as to clothes to pack. The spiral notebook was very helpful and easy to carry. We checked it many times over the trip for last minute assurance. Also, you help arrange a splendid birthday surprise luncheon and Spa time for my daughter's birthday. I would not know how to plan any of that without your help!
-Nancy Sheperd
We loved our chats too, Nancy! So glad we could take some of the planning off your plate and sneak in a little birthday spoiling for Lindsey along the way too.
Lisa Brue2026.08.27
Amazing, breathtaking, exceeded my expectations. I was sad to leave but look forward to returning to Africa one day. The accommodations and wonderful staff & guides were all so welcoming and engaging. EJ provided so much helpful info ahead of the trip that I didn’t worry about anything-it was all covered down to the last detail. The package that arrived days before we left was also unexpected and wonderful. This was a dream come true for me to get to Africa one day. The first day at Chem Chem, I was overwhelmed, realizing I was actually standing in Tanzania about to see some of the most beautiful landscapes and interesting creatures on the planet. Thank you for creating this one-of-a-kind experience, I will never forget it!
To finally realize a lifelong dream is an incredible moment, Lisa. We're so glad we could help make it happen. And with your family by your side made it even more special!
Katherine Murphy2026.08.26
Jamie planned a trip that perfectly fit our needs. It was a magical experience! We loved that we could turn our brain off and just enjoy - we were so well taken care of. THANK YOU! We absolutely loved our guides - They were so great and passionate. We wanted good food, beautiful views, great service, and memorable. This trip was ALL of that and more.
We loved reading this, Katherine! Thanks for trusting us with such a special trip to South Africa.
Rita Balice-Gordon2026.08.24
Lauren Jaffe and the EJ team were knowledgeable partners in planning a trip to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand. We felt from our first meeting with Lauren that we were in good hands, and that continued throughout the planning and the trip itself. We focused not only on historical and cultural highlights in each country, but also on getting to know the people. The guides with whom EJ partners in Southeast Asia were all outstanding. Our trip included, for example, a meeting with a former pilot in the war, for which our guide prepared us and taught us the norms for showing interest and respect, and a trip to mountain villages in Laos to understand how different tribes live, work and raise their families. We also went on a street food tour and had a Thai cooking class, which were phenomenal. This was truly a trip of a lifetime, unlike anything we've done previously -- and we hope to return someday to see everything we couldn't cram into a wonderful almost 3 weeks. We would use Extraordinary Journeys again in a heartbeat, and have recommend them to family and friends.
It sounds like you came home with some wonderful stories, Rita (and a few new recipes too!) Thank you for recommending us to the people in your life, too. It really does mean the world to us.
Ben Hatch2026.08.22
Pearl and Amber did a great job to take our (sometimes very vague) thoughts on a safari and turn it into the perfect trip. Both lodges were terrific and complemented each other very well. Kigelia was smaller and more intimate, while Sand Rivers was larger and offered more unique activities. The trip was truly an 'Extraordinary Journey'. All of the pre-departure sessions and work was designed well to ensure the trip was tailored to our groups preferences and to ensure the travel and experiences were exactly what we had in mind. The guides were personable and experienced, both lodges offered unique touches and special ways of going above and beyond. The entire group had a great time and made some terrific memories.
A vague starting point is what gives us a chance to flex! So happy we could turn those early ideas into an adventure that worked so well for all of you. Thanks for letting us be part of it, Ben.
Carol Sawchuk2026.08.17
Extraordinary Journeys is truly extraordinary. We have planned several trips with EJ. Working with Lauren, our Asia consultant for our family trip to Japan, was like working with a family member. She listened to what we wanted to see and do and made it happen! Our list included making ramen from scratch and hiking the Nakasendo trail. Our guides were excellent and our accommodations surpassed our expectations, especially the ryokans! Thanks for putting together a memorable family trip that we continue to talk about! Can't wait to put together that foodie adventure in Southeast Asia next!
We remember how excited you were about that Nakasendo hike and ramen class, Carol! Lauren had so much fun putting this one together for your family, so we can't wait to see what she comes up with for your Southeast Asia adventure.
Kaitlyn M2026.08.17
I used Extraordinary Journeys to plan my trip to Indonesia and I have nothing but positive things to say about the process and trip experience. Lauren was our go-to throughout the entire planning process, making sure the trip was exactly what we envisioned. We actually started off with another destination in mind, but when discussing time of year and our ideal trip, Lauren suggested Indonesia and we couldn't have been happier with the outcome.
Planning was simple and collaborative, and we never felt pressured to book anything that didn't fit with our budget or vision. The support didn't stop at the booking process. Throughout the entire trip, we had experiences with the best guides (like Surya in Bali!) and local businesses that made our trip unforgettable. EJ makes the trip feel personal and each guide welcomed us like family. Not only do they provide you the best in person experience, but you also get dedicated team members to support you via WhatsApp all throughout your trip. Knowing that you can ask locals at any time for restaurant recs, where to get a massage, or even the best medicine to get at the shop, took the stress out of every decision made on the trip.
We wanted a trip with a mix of culture, cooking, adventure, and a bit of relaxation, and Lauren helped us achieve exactly that. I can't wait to see what trip is in store for us next, and I'm looking forward to booking it with Extraordinary Journeys!
Turns out Indonesia was meant to be! So glad you trusted Lauren to take the trip in a different direction. Here’s to whatever adventure comes next, Kaitlyn!
Jean Tennessen2026.08.16
Extraordinary Journeys planned an epic Safari to Tanzania for our family. We would not have changed a thing. Everything went smoothly, we were in good hands the whole way. We loved staying in the small camps, including two exclusive use ones. I was not even aware these were options, it really opened our eyes to a new way of travel for our family thanks to Extraordinary Journeys. We enjoyed every minute of the trip, the mix of camps and locations provided different experiences at each one. We will definitely travel with EJ in the future!
What an epic family safari (we also love that you discovered the joys of having a camp all to yourselves! ) Here's to many more adventures together.
Karen Gadson2026.08.16
In February 2026, four of us traveled to Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand. Each country offered experiences that amazed, inspired, and stayed with us – but one early morning in Luang Prabang (Laos) perfectly captures the trip as a whole.
Before dawn, our guide Leeter, led us to a quiet street where we had the privilege of witnessing the daily alms-giving tradition. While still dark, novice monks quietly made their way through the streets, receiving offerings of sticky rice from us and local residents. It was peaceful, intimate, and deeply authentic, a moment that felt far removed from the usual tourist experience.
As we waited, an expat who had been watching us from her window came outside and struck up a conversation, most curious about our travel company. She told us that, although she sees tourists come through Luang Prabang all the time, she had never witnessed a group having an experience as authentic as ours.
That comment stayed with us because it perfectly describes our travels throughout Southeast Asia. Time and again, we found ourselves not simply visiting places, but being invited into them – sharing meaningful moments, connecting with local people, and experiencing traditions and cultures in ways that felt genuine and deeply personal.
These are the memories we carry with us and could not have found on our own. Thank you, Lauren and Extraordinary Journeys.
Karen and Mark
What a lovely story, Karen and Mark. Thank you for sharing that moment with us, and for coming back to travel with us again.
Roseanne Horn2026.08.13
I have used Extraordinary Journeys for a number of trips.
My last being a trip to Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, a relatively new area for them. I worked with a fabulous EJ travel expert, Lauren Jafry whose expertise in this area is so insightful and meaningful. Because she has so much hand on experience there, she was the perfect travel planner.Lauren personally knew many of the guides assigned to me. They were so knowledgeable and such wonderful people. It was a joy to be with them each day as i discovered the magic and beauty of this
area of the world. Working with Lauren from EJ, was so
much fun and helpful, as she knew everything about what to see and do based on my interests, but also hotel properties and restaurants to recommend for me based on our conversations as we got to know each other. I am a big fan of Extraordinary Journeys. I wish i could use them for all my trips, but unfortunately
they have made their name based on being experts in certain areas of the world. If you have an opportunity to use them for one of your trips, you will be spoiled for life.
Lauren knows this part of the world so well, and we love that you got to experience it with some of the wonderful guides she knows personally. Thanks for trusting us with another one of your adventures, Roseanne!
Allie Kendall2026.08.12
Lauren planned the most AMAZING trip to Thailand for our group of twelve. It was the perfect balance of culture, activity, relaxation and authentic experiences we were looking for. I could not recommend more highly!
We’re so happy Thailand gave you all a trip to remember, Allie!
Andrew Gallagher2026.08.12
Extraordinary Journeys planned my grad school friend group's trip to Thailand and it was truly EXTRA ORDINARY! We got to explore Chiang Mai, Kao Yao Noi, and Bangkok. Everything from a temple tour to trying local cuisine to having moments to just relax, the Extraordinary Journeys team took such special care and made this a once in a lifetime trip with memories to last just as long.
There's something really special about getting your group of friends together and traveling somewhere new. We loved helping bring this one together, Andrew!
Kyrsten Bourdon2026.08.05
This trip exceeded our expectations! It was a wonderful blend of city and different safari camp experiences. The documents were incredibly helpful both with helping us know what to expect and helping us be prepared for tips. We loved the blend of two different types of safari camps. We enjoyed all of the activities in Cape Town and Victoria Falls. Lara and Lauren's suggestions were fantastic. Adding in Victoria Falls was a much appreciated relaxing break in between the two camps. All of the guides in Cape Town and Victoria Falls were fantastic. It was very special that Extraordinary Journeys shared the fact that my parents were celebrating their 50th anniversary with the staffs everywhere. They were surpised by all of the celebrations. Having the professional photographer in Cape Town was a much appreciated bonus. We were all pleasantly surprised. All of the advance work done by the Extraordinary Journeys team made our experience in Africa as stress free as possible. We are so appreciative of that.
This was such a special trip to share as a family, and we're so happy we could help make your parents' 50th anniversary feel properly celebrated along the way, Kyrsten!
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Extraordinary Journeys has 216 reviews on Trustindex, collected from Google, Facebook, Tripadvisor and Trustindex.
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Extraordinary Journeys is rated 5.0 out of 5 based on 216 reviews. 100% of reviewers gave five stars.
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