Ken Globus

Trip Review: My contact in the U.S. was Vanessa Hensley. She had planned a trip to Africa for my daughter, and my daughter was very satisfied with the job she did, so I used her for our trip to South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. She had grown up in Africa and traveled there extensively, so she was very knowledgeable about all the places we were interested in. She made the process very easy, especially since she is now based in Chicago, so it was easier to communicate than it would have been had we been dealing directly with their representatives in South Africa. I can recommend her without hesitation.

Most Memorable Moment: Seeing a herd of hundreds of buffalo being hunted by a pride of 12 lions in Chobe National Park.

Advice For Future Clients: If possible, stay in private game reserves, where you can drive off road. While Chobe was great, we sometimes lost some wildlife sightings because we had to stay on the dirt roads, which is also the case in Kruger National Park. Chobe provided us with larger herds of animals, but we saw more types of animals in South Africa because we were able to track them off road.

Deborah Chapin

Trip Review: The trip that Vanessa arranged for us far exceeded our expectations. The itinerary was spot on and different locations and accommodations were unique and excellent. We considered various approaches, packaged tours as well as a custom itinerary. Once we decided on a custom approach, we were impressed with independent reviews and comments and after working with Vanessa to develop an itinerary, we were certain African Portfolio would more than meet our needs.

Most Memorable Moment: For my husband, it was the wildebeest river crossing with a crocodile takedown of a wildebeest. For me, it was seeing small lion cubs nursing

Advice For Future Clients: Go to Africa!

Dorothy Gibbons

Trip Review: Is there anything that can compare to Africa? ‘Even the sky is different,’ my good friend and travel companion, better known as Mama Safari, noted. It was her 16th trip to Africa and my first and I am so glad that everything was handled by Anouk and her team at African Portfolio! Anouk’s thoughtful selections and the timing of each were perfect. I've traveled before (albeit not in a while) and thought nothing could top my experience in India, but Africa exceeded every expectation.

Most Memorable Moment: In Botswana, at Elephant Havens, Bee shared the phrase "You can leave Africa, but Africa will never leave you" and I immediately understood. It is as though a part of me is still there. Each memory brings a new flood of emotions, with a yearning to return. The Staff at Elephant Havens greet you with "Welcome Home" and that is exactly what it feels like, being home...with people who are happy to see you and work hard to make you smile. I could write a book about this place and believe me when I say this Elephant Orphanage is one of a kind. The genuine joy of the staff is palpable and infectious as they care for their babies and guests! Never have I felt such kindness by (initially) complete strangers who quickly become good friends.

Advice For Future Clients: South Africa and Botswana are worlds beyond description filled with happy, caring people. I am glad to have had the chance to experienced both in person. I am so thankful to Anouk for everything. If there is anything I can do to help another person decide to make this journey, don't hesitate to contact me. I can assure them that if Anouk is involved, they are about to experience the trip of a lifetime; one they will never forget or ever regret taking!!

S.

Trip Review: Having worked with Anouk before, there was not a doubt that it would be exceptional. She really tailored this trip to my friend who was a first timer to Africa. It was a wonderful combination of city and safari lodges. The guides in both cities were educational and kind. I learned a lot from both.

Most Memorable Moment: Now that is a tough one. After so many trips...I would say when we had our bush coffee stop. We were at a river and across the river, there was a rectangular grove of trees. s we started to get out of the vehicle, there materialized from that grove of trees a herd of about 25 elephants which crossed the river and were maybe 20 feet from us as they passed. The amazing thing was none of us were frightened. We were awe struck.

Advice For Future Clients: That is another tough one. I have two...absorb and curiosity.

Kristen Guthrie

Trip Review: Thank you for the perfect first trip to Africa!

Most Memorable Moment: The animals up close - the elephants in camp, the mating ritual with the lions, the hyenas taunting the young cubs, canoeing with the hippos, watching the cheetahs after the kill.

Advice For Future Clients: GO!!!!! There is not wrong National Park or region.

Lydia Simmons

Most Memorable Moment: The safari at large and hiking the dunes in Namibia!

Lauren Osborne

Trip Review: What a marvelous trip! Everything was meticulously planned and we fell in love with South Africa.

Most Memorable Moment: Sunset with elephants drinking and horsing around in Zambezi River; or lighthouse at Cape Point.

Advice For Future Clients: Spend more than a week, it went too fast!

Jennifer Payne

Trip Review: Victoria took great care of us- she listened to what we were thinking, took note of our likes and dislikes and designed the perfect trip for us! Well done!

Most Memorable Moment: The safari trips were amazing!

Advice For Future Clients: Bring a sweater as well as shorts.

Laurel Herrmann

Trip Review: This trip was so special. We really weren't ready to come home.

Most Memorable Moment: Our first close up with the Silverback!

Advice For Future Clients: Do Africa private and use a professional. It is an amazing vacation and should not be skimped on.

Carol and David Morris

Trip Review: This was our third trip. I would not look anywhere else for travel in Africa. Planning (Victoria) and execution of travel, guides, facility staff and all accommodations were exceptional.

Most Memorable Moment: There were so many but the lengths to which each facility and staff member went to celebrate us on our 55th wedding anniversary was heart warming and really exceptional…lots of rose petals and sparkling wine!

Advice For Future Clients: Engage African Portfolio for your adventure and do not let distances or travel logistics deter you.

Mary Brau

Trip Review: Victoria did a great job! We used all the information she gave us. It was invaluable.

Most Memorable Moment: Visiting my adopted elephant, Kimani, at the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary. Also, being able to get so close to the animals on our game drives.

Advice For Future Clients: Follow the advice of your planner prior to the trip, and you will be so happy you did so. You will be better prepared and enjoy your trip more.

Victoria Rothman

Trip Review: This was such an unforgettable adventure. I feel that my requests were 100% fulfilled and the itinerary was spot on for our interests as a family.

Most Memorable Moment: Sunrises and sunsets, amazing fresh meals in the bush, experiencing seeing animals in their natural habitats.

Advice For Future Clients: Be open minded and flexible. Sometimes weather or other factors out of our control work against us but it is all part of the adventure!

Carina Borgia Drake

Trip Review: Everything was excellent and we appreciate Susan making sure our anniversary trip was better than we could have hoped!

Most Memorable Moment: The first sunset we saw of the red and pinks in the sky was special as well as seeing leopards climb into trees.

Advice For Future Clients: Be open to what nature has in store for you, listen to your guide and embrace the surprises that evolve on your safari: Our best sightings happened when we let the guides work with their knowledge with nature.

Ginger McCloy

Trip Review: Thoughtful planning, and excellent travel tips and restaurant recommendations from our planner Susan. Phenomenal safari camp staffs! EVERYONE was a joy to spend time with. The BEST safari guides! Saw more animals than we thought we could; learned SO much about each and also learned about the ecosystem in general. My mind and heart is full! Fantastic end of trip experiences in the Winelands and Cape Town! Perfect closure to the perfect vacation.

Most Memorable Moment: I couldn’t say … Too many to choose from …

Advice For Future Clients: Go!!

Melanie Stuart

Trip Review: The entire family thought the trip was excellent.

Most Memorable Moment: No way I can pick just one. Both the parents & young adults really did have the best time for the entire trip. I've told many people that this was a trip enjoyed as much by our boys as by us. That's hard to do!! Also, Martin & Godson did a great job in finding us animals EVERYWHERE!

Advice For Future Clients: Be prepared for a rough (but necessary) ride. It was worth every bump in the road. 🙂