Ker & Downey® Africa Reviews

Elizabeth Hopkins 2026.10.11

     

My husband and I took what we had hoped would be the trip of a lifetime Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rawanda and on Safari in Tanzania. Our trip was personally curated for us by Tamsyn Young, Senior Travel Planner, Private Clients at Ker & Downey Africa. We were impressed and overwhelmed by the care and attention to detail that went into planning this adventure for us. I can honestly say that this trip surpassed our wildest expectations. However, we’re hoping it’s not the trip of a lifetime as we’re considering another trip with Ker & Downey in a few years to other parts of the African continent and completely expect that we will be equally amazed.

Useful Report

Reply from Ker & Downey® Africa

Thank you so much, Elizabeth. We loved reading this. Tamsyn will be so pleased to know the trip exceeded what you had hoped for, and we’re especially happy to hear you’re already thinking about where in Africa to go next. We’d be honoured to plan that one with you too.

Philis Campana 2026.10.10

     

We recently returned from an unforgettable trip to South Africa, and we cannot say enough wonderful things about our travel agency from the beginning stages to the details of the trip itself, everything was handled with professionalism care and attention to detail. Our trip was so truly special and we are so grateful for the expertise and personal attention that made it such an incredible experience. We highly recommend this agency to anyone planning a trip to Africa again, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Phyllis and Bob Fern.

Useful Report

Reply from Ker & Downey® Africa

Thank you so much, Phyllis and Bob. It means a great deal to hear how special the trip felt from start to finish. We’re so pleased our team could take care of the details and make your time in South Africa one to remember. Thank you for trusting us with such an important trip, and for taking the time to share this.

Larry Eisman 2026.10.09

     

Tamsyn @ Ker & Downey Africa helped us plan an unforgettable trip to Cape Town & Sabi Sabi. 8 days and everything was perfect. Would not change a single aspect of this bucket list vacation. Larry

Useful Report

Reply from Ker & Downey® Africa

Thank you so much, Larry. We’re so pleased to hear you had such a wonderful trip. Tamsyn will be delighted to read this, and we really appreciate you trusting our team to plan such a special eight days in Cape Town and Sabi Sabi.

Hanna Heintz 2026.10.07

     

Tamsyn from Ker and Downey put together an incredible 3 week anniversary trip for my husband and me in South Africa and Seychelles. She took care of every detail, and I felt safe and well cared for while abroad. The lodges she chose for our safaris were a perfect mix of experiences to see both tented camps and luxury lodges. She was able to arrange some special surprises to help us celebrate while on our vacation. I couldn't recommend her more, and we will definitely be using her to plan our next African vacation!

Useful Report

Reply from Ker & Downey® Africa

Hanna, thank you so much for your kind words. We’re thrilled that Tamsyn could make your anniversary trip through South Africa and the Seychelles feel so well looked after, with a few special surprises along the way. We’ll be very happy to welcome you back to Africa for the next one.

Roberta Zallen 2026.10.06

     

We had a wonderful time on our trip. Tamsyn Young was our agent and was extremely helpful, answered our multiple questions and was very available with answers when needed. Everything was arranged - people met us at airports, all flights were arranged which included many changes on small planes and all the information was communicated to us in a timely manner. In addition, I sustained an injury and at the last minute needed to get met by wheelchairs for our flights. All was perfectly arranged. We highly recommend Ker and Downey!!!

Useful Report

Reply from Ker & Downey® Africa

Thank you for the lovely reviThank you for the lovely review, Roberta. We’re so glad Tamsyn was able to make everything feel easy and well organised, especially with the last-minute changes you needed along the way. We really appreciate the recommendation and hope we can plan another trip for you again soon.ew Roberta.

Kyle Palmieri 2026.10.04

     

My father and I put our trust into Ker & Downey to put together a once in a lifetime trip to Egypt and they did not fail. Everything went flawless and K&D provided a true white-glove experience, that was above and beyond our expectations. I am so thankful we went with K&D, working with this team was fantastic and paid off. Thank you all.

Useful Report

Reply from Ker & Downey® Africa

Thank you so much, Kyle. It means a great deal to hear this. Egypt is a remarkable place, and we’re so pleased our team could take care of the details so you and your father could simply enjoy being there together.

Tracey de Kock 2026.09.14

     

The most incredible travel company I have ever dealt with! They tailor make your trip to exactly what suits you and do not miss a detail. No one else comes close to them when it comes to African safari curated holidays. Thank you we already looking at our next trip !

Useful Report

Reply from Ker & Downey® Africa

Thank you so much, Tracey. It means a lot to hear that the trip felt so completely yours.

We loved planning it with you, and the fact that you’re already thinking about the next one might just be our favourite part! We can’t wait to see where Africa takes you next.

Shani Dass 2026.09.02

     

We booked a safari in Kenya through Ker & Downey and had a wonderful experience. Sarah and the team were very professional and communication was exceptional and were always available. The hotels they recommended were great and matched what we requested. It was stress free from start to end. We will definitely go with them again

Useful Report

Reply from Ker & Downey® Africa

Thank you so much, Shani. We’re delighted to hear that your time with us was everything you hoped for. Sarah and the team will be so pleased to read this. It was a pleasure planning for you, and we’d love to travel with you again when Africa calls next.

Lynn Beard 2026.07.29

     

We returned home from our safari in Tanzania about two weeks ago. It was arranged by the incomparable Tamsyn "Tam" Young of Ker & Downey and was hands down the best vacation we've ever experienced. From my first inquiry to today, Tam made the entire experience outstanding. She was with us when our flights to Tanzania (arranged by us) were all messed up by delays. While we were sitting in airports, she was busy rearranging our plans so we wouldn't miss a beat. The camps where Tam booked us were unforgettable and staffed by unforgettable people. Our game drivers were absolutely outstanding. We saw gobs of animals, including close ups with elephants, lions, leopards, and cheetahs. We also saw two wildebeest crossings on the same day. We are convinced our trip would not have been the same if not for Tam and Ker & Downey. Top notch service!

Useful Report

Reply from Ker & Downey® Africa

Hi Lynn,

Thank you dearly for sharing your positive experience!

We cannot wait to plan your next trip for you!

Gillian Jones 2026.07.20

     

So helpful and knowledgeable

Useful Report

Reply from Ker & Downey® Africa

Hello Gillian,

Thank you very much!

Emina Begovic 2026.07.02

     

I had a wonderful experience working with Ker & Downey, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. A special thank you to Tamsyn Young, who planned an incredible African itinerary for me on extremely short notice, just two weeks before departure. Tamsyn stayed in regular contact throughout the planning process and during my travels, carefully coordinated every detail around my flight schedule, and ensured that all of the ground logistics were completely seamless. From airport transfers to lodge connections, everything worked flawlessly, allowing me to simply enjoy the experience. The trip itself was unforgettable. Gorilla trekking was a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Every destination, accommodation, and activity was thoughtfully selected and flawlessly executed. Thank you, Tamsyn and the entire Ker & Downey team, for creating such an extraordinary adventure!

Useful Report

Reply from Ker & Downey® Africa

Hi Emina,

Thank you for trusting Ker & Downey Africa with your travels. We hope this was the first of many adventures with us and we look forward to welcoming you back to Africa when the time is right.

Frank Grosspietsch 2026.06.17

     

Sarah Morris and her team from Ker & Downey Africa arranged an incredible 3 night stay at the Atzaro Okavango Camp in Botswana. From arranging the flights (helicopter and fixed wing), responding to our questions and requests, they were exceptional and very quick in their responses. As for the accommodations, facilities and most importantly, the staff at the camp were incredible.

Useful (1) Report

Reply from Ker & Downey® Africa

Hi Frank,

Thank you for sharing your experience with us.

We hope to help you plan your next African adventure soon.

Sarah Kraemer 2026.03.11

     

Ker&Downey (AKA Grand Africa Safaris) has consistently provided excellent experiences for our clients who book safaris. The team is in constant communication with our guests while they are in country, and are highly organized and communicate clearly with us in the planning stages. They execute the highest end luxury safaris, and can also work within a budget to deliver "memories of a lifetime." They have been our partners for 10 years, and we look forward to many more happy years of business together.

Useful Report

Reply from Ker & Downey® Africa

Thank you for your kind words and for your partnership over the past 10 years. It means a great deal to have earned your trust, and we're grateful for the opportunity to look after your clients. We'll be sure to share your feedback with the team, and we look forward to many more years of creating remarkable African experiences together.

Ruth Wood 2026.03.11

     

Ker and Downey has worked with me and my clients for the past ten years and are a wonderful team of professional African specialists.

Useful Report

Reply from Ker & Downey® Africa

We sincerely appreciate your trust and partnership over the past decade. It has been a pleasure working with you, and we look forward to creating many more memorable African journeys together.

Christina Silva 2026.03.02

     

Nicole at Ker & Downey Africa is fantastic to work with. She is professional, responsive, and incredibly helpful throughout the planning process.

Useful Report

Reply from Ker & Downey® Africa

Hi Christina,

Thank you for the lovely feedback

Timeless Africa Safaris 2026.02.26

     

We have worked with Ker & Downey Africa for quite some time now, and the service continues to exceed our expectations. Their team consistently delivers with professionalism, efficiency, and genuine care. Nicole and Yumna are both amazing — responsive, and always willing to go above and beyond to ensure every detail is taken care of. Their dedication and warm approach make working with them an absolute pleasure. We value the partnership and look forward to working with them for many more years to come. - Terri-Ann & the Timeless Africa Safaris Team

Useful Report

Reply from Ker & Downey® Africa

Hi Terri-Ann & Timeless Africa Team

Thank you for your kind words and continued trust in us — it truly means a lot. Nicole and Yumna will be especially grateful for the recognition; they care deeply about every detail and partnership.

We value our relationship with Timeless Africa Safaris and look forward to many more years of creating exceptional journeys together.

Best,
Jenieen van den Heever
Chief Operations Officer

Michael Roy 2026.02.25

     

As both a travel advisor and a consumer I can give Ker & Downey my highest of ratings. As a consumer Danalee and the team planned and executed a brilliant safari last October for my colleague and I. From Cape Town to the private game reserves in Sabi Sabi and Thornybush to Botswana and the delta it was a first class experience and there was never a moment when we did not feel taken care along our 3 week journey. Top shelf accommodations, restaurants and safari camps all exceeded expectations. Great job by the entire team! As a travel advisor that gives me great confidence when I’m planning safaris for my clients. Danalee listens and because of her knowledge and experience she provides the custom itineraries and insight that the clients ask for. She even delivers when clients change their minds mid way through the process and delivers creative itinerary solutions that meet their exacting standards. It’s rare to find a “go to” DMC but you’ll find one here with Ker & Downey Africa.

Useful Report

Reply from Ker & Downey® Africa

Hi Michael

Thank you for the great review! We’re so grateful to be your go-to team — and can’t wait to plan the next one together.

Best
Jenieen van den Heever
Chief Operations Officer

Leah Winck 2026.02.24

     

As a Travel Advisor, the coordination and execution of my clients' trips have been excellent. From the arrival transfers, to the hotels booked and services provided - Ker & Downey Africa were exceptional. It was such a pleasure to work together with the Team to create a dream come true for my clients! Bravo K&D! Thank you for such amazing partnership!

Useful Report

Reply from Ker & Downey® Africa

Hi Leah,

Thank you so much — what a lovely message to receive.

We’re thrilled to hear that everything, from arrival transfers to hotels and on-the-ground services, ran seamlessly for your clients. Creating those “dream come true” journeys alongside you is exactly why we do what we do.

It’s a true partnership, and we’re so grateful for your trust and collaboration. Here’s to many more exceptional trips together!

Best,
Jenieen van den Heever
Chief Operations Officer

Sophie Khoury 2026.02.20

     

Danalee and her team, Zanel, Yumna, Nicole, at Ker & Downey Africa are absolutely wonderful. As a travel advisor, it’s such a pleasure to work with someone like Danalee — a true expert who is incredibly responsive and always ready to help.

Useful Report

Betty Hellstrom 2026.02.18

     

I have had the pleasure of working with Ker & Downey Africa for many years now, and every single trip I’ve arranged for my groups has been absolutely seamless. From the hotels and lodges to the camps and tour guides, every detail has been thoughtfully curated and executed to perfection. The properties are exceptional, the guides are knowledgeable and professional, and the overall experience for my travelers is consistently outstanding. Working with Danalee May here in the U.S. has been an incredible advantage. She is responsive, attentive, and truly understands the needs of my clients. At the same time, the team in Cape Town works hand in hand with her to ensure flawless coordination on the ground. It’s clear that communication and collaboration are at the heart of what they do. There are so many people behind the scenes who deserve recognition that it’s hard to know who to thank first. What I can say with confidence is that the entire Ker & Downey Africa team operates at the highest level of professionalism and care. I will absolutely continue to use Ker & Downey Africa for all of my future bookings to Africa. Their expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence make them an invaluable partner.

Useful Report