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CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
Link to a safari report
from a Brown and Keene escorted trip.
Anne's report from Egypt and Jordan, March
2007
Snider report - Kings Camp and Leopard Hills -
September 2006
Mary Ellen's Report - Madikwe Hills - February
2007
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Dear Ngaire:
Now that Carol and I are back home and
recovered from the jet lag I thought I would drop you a
note about how pleased we were with the entire
experience. From our initial discussions where your
extensive knowledge of So. Africa game parks helped me
decide on the itinerary to your on-site escorting that
allowed for a smooth relaxed experience of moving from
point to point to the book received several months in
advance about the trip that answered each and every
question we had we could not be more pleased. The group
on ROAR 2 was a large one (over 50 people I think) and
to see how you managed this in such a seamless manner
was a pleasure to observe. The fact that you are
personally knowledgeable about each and every game park
and have escorted many groups on similar South Africa
trips is very apparent. I was especially impressed by
the warm greetings from the management and staff you
received at Birkenhead House and the game parks.
Needless to say Carol and I are looking forward to our
next trip to South Africa with you and Ken.
Ralph Webster |
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Dear Ngaire,
I wanted to take this
opportunity to thank you and your staff for arranging
what turned out to be one of the best trips Steve and I
have ever taken. This was our first time in South Africa
and our expectations were high. At every step of the way
those expectations were exceeded. Every hotel you
recommended was extraordinary, each transfer and tour
was prompt, informative and above all, easy. I never had
to worry if someone would show up or if the excursion
would prove worthwhile. Everything went like clock work.
Normally, when I return from
a trip I reflect on the highlights. In this case the
entire trip was one long highlight. Our time in Cape
Town at the Cape Grace was a pure delight just as you
predicted. The Birkenhead House in Hermanus was one of
the most special places we have ever stayed. Not only
was the service and food top rate, but because you
arranged for us to have room number 1, the best room in
the house with never ending views of the ocean, our stay
was even more spectacular. And what can I say about
Singita that hasn't already been said. Just as you
promised we were overwhelmed by the magnificence of the
property, the friendliness and professionalism of the
ranger and other staff and the awesome beauty of so many
spectacular wild animals in their natural environment.
Spending five days at Boulders and Sweni/Lebombo was not
enough, but still life changing. Perhaps no matter how
long you spend in the Bush, it will never be enough. I
know Steve and I plan to return, again just as you
predicted.
Ngaire, it gives me great
pleasure to tell you what a terrific job you did in
helping us plan this adventure. I am certain that
without your guidance it would not have been the same.
You have our sincere appreciation.
Best regards,
Henry S.
Palm Springs, CA |
TO
FUTURE TRAVELERS TO AFRICA:
We have just returned from a very memorable trip to South
Africa, Zambia, and Botswana. Our trip was planned and
organized by BK Africa. This represented THE trip of a
lifetime for us. Our expectations were quite high as
was our anticipation.
From the minute we arrived in Africa to the minute our plane
landed back home, we were on an incredible journey! Our
expectations were exceeded beyond our imagination. To
our absolute delight, each and every day was another
“special” unveiling of a fascinating new experience for us.
Words just aren’t enough to express the beauty of this
journey.
At each transition, we were met and easily positioned for
transporting to our next destination. BK Africa’s tour
operator on site in Africa handled these arrangements
without a hitch. We never had to question, worry, or even
“think” about the details that were involved with
transferring to our flights, train, boats, and land
vehicles. All that was necessary for us to do was to be
there on time and wear a smile! We have never been treated
so grandly!
All of the above was certainly not possible without a lot of
hard work on the part of the professionals at BK Africa.
Many, many details had to be decided and put into the
works. Timing was critical as there were many points where
we were dependent upon being met by the tour operator’s
guide. This went absolutely like clockwork. It was very
important. One day, we were transitioning through 4
countries! We were met punctually by eight different guides
who took very good care of us with refreshments,
transportation, and good English skills. It involved land
rovers, boats, & buses. It turned into quite an enjoyable,
fun, and memorable day.
Our professional at BKAfrica responded without hesitation
whenever we contacted her during the planning stage. She
had excellent knowledge of the areas where we were going to
travel. Ngaire Keene believes strongly that BK Africa must
have personal knowledge of the properties they recommend so
that they can speak knowledgeably of the product. This
particular attention to detail proved to be quite
invaluable. BK Africa’s best asset is that they can
recommend a safari location that suits your personal likes,
needs, and expectations.
Attention to detail was another impressive part of our
experience with planning a trip through BK Africa. We were
contacted in a timely way whenever there was a need for more
information. And, certainly not least, whenever there was
an opportunity to get a better price for some part of the
trip, BK Africa was right on top of it. If it was possible
to realize a lower pricing for the same product, they were
on the job. It afforded us a lot of trust and comfort in
knowing that BK Africa was acting as our agent for our
benefit.
We are already planning our next adventure with BK Africa
and its parent company, Brown and Keene Travel Company. We
highly recommend its services to anyone considering
investing in a trip of a lifetime to Africa.
Regards,
Don & Michele Dammeyer
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Usually, I like to handle my own travel plans on land
domestically and overseas without a middleman but I was
having difficulty with our travel plans to South
Africa. There are so many small planes used and so many
different small camps that I became frustrated in
waiting to get a response. Since I had used Ngaire for
some past Radisson cruises she immediately came to mind
as a viable choice to help us out. Not only is Ngaire
knowledgeable but she is very efficient. She makes you
feel like you are her only client. Ngaire has visited
Africa numerous times and has first hand knowledge of
the area and facilities available for all different
price ranges. I would email Ngaire with suggestions and
questions about the trip and she would usually answer
me within a couple of hours. Our trip went very
smoothly and it was a trip we will always remember. I
would not hesitate to use Ngaire in the future and hope
someday she will decide to handle China.
Kneedy Family
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Hello
Ngaire, we have returned home safe and sound. I can
hardly describe what a magnificent trip we had. It is
such an extraordinary country, with such extraordinary
people. The accommodations were perfect, as was the
total organization of the trip. Your ears must have
been burning, as we were singing your praises each and
every day. We had no glitches, no problems and we have
not a single complain.. Thank you so much for your help
in our excursion. We will be returning.
Janet Waters |
"Ngaire, of BK Africa, planned our 17-day journey, with
safari included, to Botswana and South Africa in April.
She is the consummate professional. Every detail was
attended to with efficiency and our travel arrangements
were perfect down to the minutest detail. All of our
questions were answered promptly and knowledgeably, and
the whole trip went smoothly from start to finish. I
would highly recommend her to anyone planning their
dream sojourn to Africa."
Sincerely,
Beth McCain |
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Our recent trip to Africa with Brown and Keene was the
trip of a lifetime. Before we left, every question we
had (and we had plenty of them) was answered completely
and promptly. The hotels, tours, transportation and all
the other arrangements for the trip were perfect-- we
traveled through most of southern Africa without a
hitch. The one minor Visa problem we had in Zambia was
handled by Ngaire before we even had a chance to get
stressed--now that's service! It's so great to travel
with confidence, knowing that everything is taken care
of -- what a great way to vacation! Ngaire, thanks for
a fantastic trip.
Jerry and Peggy Wolf |
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We
compliment and recommend BK Africa to anyone considering
a trip to either Africa or Egypt. Our journey to
Zambia, South Africa and Botswana sparkled, thanks to
great advice up-front and strong execution by BK and
their agents on the ground.
The
trip entailed safari camp stops, side trips to see the
Cape of Good Hope, Capetown, the townships and
communities in South Africa that continue to be home to
many of South Africa’s residents. The meals were
excellent and the shopping options very interesting and
abundant in Capetown. We have rarely been able to see
so many parts of a country on holiday. It was
fascinating, to say the least. It was sobering to
realize just how many steps were involved to make our
dream trip happen. The folks on the ground were
professional, cheerful, welcoming and helped us to feel
most comfortable no matter where we went.
We asked many, many questions before, during and after
our trip. Importantly, people responded promptly at
every stage of the trip. We found knowledgeable,
personalized advice that was well suited to our
situation and to our goals for the trip. The trip was
excellent value for the overall cost of the tour.
We, too, are planning another adventure with BK Africa
to enjoy a cruise on the Nile. We have also had the
pleasure of enjoying Regent Cruises booked through Brown
& Keene Travel. The services of BK Africa were
certainly up to the same high standard we’ve enjoyed
with o standard we’ve enjoyed
with o standard we’ve enjoyed
with o standard we’ve enjoyed
with our cruises. Thanks again with our cruises. Thanks again with our cruises. Thanks again with our cruises. Thanks again to all of the B&K team
for putting this effort together for us.
Cheers,
Anne Drennan and Gary Kohler |
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