Ile Saint Marie is a perfect location for everybody who
would prefer to spend some time on a small island
with a
relaxing atmosphere, amazing beaches and a great
variety of activities offered!
Overall operator rating 9.7/10 from 24 trip reviews
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They did a great job setting up our safari - which had very specific time guidelines as I had to fit it into school holidays.
The operator made sure we were picked up at every airport and at every lodge to be taken to the next event. We had the most marvelous time at Camp Dizhana (about 1 1/2 hours north of Maun), where we were given the most comfortable tent and the most individual and professional attention.
I must have exchanged about 30 e-mails with my contact (Tanya) prior to the trip, where she answered my questions, suggested specific activities and lodges or camps, and ultimately came up with an internerary tailored to my needs.
Everything worked our perfectly! I have no problem highly recommending their service.
We took the 14 day Botswana mobile safari (camping only) from J'burg to Victoria Falls. Our guide, Blessed, was very personable, knowledgeable, and hardworking, as was the driver we had for most of the trip, Sage. He basically doubled as another guide. Also, both were very environmentally-conscious, showing a great appreciation for the animals and landscape, and ensuring that we left "only footprints".
In Africa, you have to take what it gives you. For us, the rainy season basically went a month longer than usual, which made it impossible to get to two of our destinations. We missed Kubu Island, but the operator compensated for this by putting us up in a very nice lodge in Maun (the Thamalakane River Lodge). Also, because the roads were flooded and impassable, we were not able to get to the mokoro rides in the Okavongo Delta, but again they compensated with a cruise on the Zambesi that included all food and beverages (including alcohol). That was very generous of them.
The camping and campsites were excellent, as was the food. The lodge we stayed at in Victoria Falls (the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge) exceeded my expectations - very nice. The group of 8 was the right size, and the vehicles were great for the roads and for game viewing. We saw all of the big 5 and just about every other animal we could think of. My favorite Park was Chobe, which is extremely dense with animals. The Chobe River is beautiful and also had a very nice cruise.
After this trip we took another 6 day safari in Kruger with a different outfit, and this one was clearly the better of the two.
this was a terific trip for cost. The guide (Garland) was excetional, the accomodations were good to great, the front office of the agency was always courteous and professional, the itineray was rich, the activites all doable, the group (whild divided) ended up with great cohesion.
it has opend my thinking to a new way to travel-overland journeys. compiments to the operator.
The Safari I experienced through Botswana, Namibia and into SA was very enjoyable indeed.
The lodges I stayed were very comfortable, the people that ran the smaller lodges were very welcoming and kind. the food was plentiful with lots of choices.
I travelled in a group of 8 which was a perfect amount for our size of vehicle as well it was a good size for organizing and group decisions.
And for myself the high light would be all the big animals we were able to observe and photograph. Overall the trip was a wonderful experience with lots of memories and new friends to have for a long time.
I am pleased to say that my safari/holiday was wonderful.
I delt with Nadia for everything except my hotel reservations. She was quite helpful and took care of all my needs. We communicated through emails and I called her once I had arrived in South Africa. The service was second to none.
She booked me with a 5 day walking safari. The safari group consisted of myself and 7 others with 2 guides. I was apprehensive at first traveling alone, but I could not have emagined that I would meet such wonderful people. Also the guides were very knowledgable and went the extra mile to insure that we all had a memerable experience.
The camp was more that i expected and I could not have been more comfortable. Although I have never been on a safari before this trip and have nothing to compare it too I give it a 10 out of 10. I would recomend this package to anyone, weither they are traveling alone or as a family. The 5 to 6 hour hikes in the morning were pleasant and gave me the opportunity to see the small details of the bush, and the afternoon and evening drives were amazing as we were able to get close to lots of game.
Unfortunately we did not see and of the big cats but a 30 minute encounter with a male elephant at less than 20 meters made up for anything I didn't see.
My daughter and I recently completed a 21 day trip from Cape Town to Victoria Falls.
It was an amazing and beautiful experience that exceeded all of our expectations and cannot be easily described. Our 8 travel companions were fantastic, there was not one day when we did not laugh and truly enjoyed ourselves, and we are already making plans for future travel with these newly made friends.
Everything was extremely well organized and things went as planned along our long route, with great selection of campsites and lodges and delicious meals that one could not have imagined could be prepared by a campfire.
Of course, having a great guide is what made a difference. Mike is extremely knowledgeable and has a love for the area that is contagious.
Thumbs up for keeping their groups small, for a well-planned route, for carefully selected sites, and for all the people who work there. Working with them was a pleasure, they were extremely helpful from the minute we started planning our trip, with all our questions, getting birthday’s organized and all their extraordinary efforts in helping us with visas, logistics, etc. We would highly recommend them
The tour I have recently taken part in was absolutely stunning:rich in emotions, colours and sounds which are still in my heart.
A special thank to Amina, who saved my life by promptly warning me the carrier I booked the flight with (by my own), went bankrupt in the meatime, and to Chantel, whose superb "lasagne" I will never forget...
I recently returned from the 14 day Upgraded Botswana Wildlife Breakaway Safari.
We were a great group of 10 - 2 Irish, 5 Americans and 3 Australians and were fortunate to have the services of driver/ guide Mike Miles.
He really made our trip special, sharing his extensive knowledge of the wildlife, customs, history and politics of the countries we visited during the drives and around the campfires as we ate the delicious meals he prepared. He left no stone unturned to maximise our enjoyment of the safari. In the main our lodges were good. The itinerary was well thought out and we saw lots of animals but alas no cheetah, leopard or rhino. A pleasant surprise for me was the amazing variety of birdlife we encountered. The mokoro trip through the Okavango Delta was magical.
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Itinerary
Day 1: Antananarivo Arrival You will be met on arrival to Ivato airport and transferred to IC hotel, where you can relax from your flight and take a swim. Depending on your arrival time, there may be an opportunity for you to ask the hotel to do a tour to the handicrafts market (additional expense).
Day 2: St. Marie After a quick breakfast, you will be transferred back to Ivato airport for your flight to St Marie. On arrival, you will be met at the airport & transferred to Vanivola “Hotel de Charme”. With a private beach & pool, Vanivola offers complete relaxation on this beautiful island. The hotel can arrange many excursions for you from boat tours to different parts of St Marie, to road trips, whale tours (in season) and quad bike tours. [B]
Days 3 - 6: St. Maire At leisure. Ask at reception about the many excursions on offer. The sea is safe for snorkelling, or you could book a few days of scuba diving! Fishing trips may also be arranged, or simply just enjoy a cocktail or two on the beach admiring the hues of sunset. All these excursions are booked in your own time and are to your own expense. There are many hotels along the main road to offer you variety for dinners and lunches, or you could take a stroll into the small town of Ambodifotatra to explore some boutiques or the local market (Tuesday and Thursday). [B]
Day 7: St. Marie - Antananarivo After a leisurely breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your departing flight to Antananarivo. Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport & transferred to your hotel in Antananarivo, where you will spend the night in an ensuite room. [B]
Day 8: Antananarivo – home destination After breakfast we will transfer you back to Antananarivo airport, where you will check in for your flight home. [B]
Accommodation: Standard Option: (Accommodation will be in mid-range hotels) Days 1 & 7: Antananarivo: IC Hotel or similar (en-suite rooms with hot water and balcony. Restaurant, bar and swimming pool) Days 3 - 6: St Marie: Vanivola “Hotel de Charme” (Double/Twin Classique Bungalow with en-suite bathroom. Set on a private beach, with restaurant, bar and swimming pool)
Upgraded Option: (Accommodation will be in mid to upper range Hotels) Days 1 & 7: Antananarivo: Carlton Hotel or similar (en-suite rooms with hot water. Restaurant, bar and swimming pool) Days 3 - 6: St Marie: Princesse Bora Lodge (Comfort bungalow containing a private terrace, en-suite bathroom, safe, mosquito netting and fan. Set on a private beach, with restaurant, bar and swimming pool)
Highlights: St Marie, Pirate cemetery*, snorkelling*, scuba diving*, deep sea fishing*, whale watching*, tours of the island* (* Optional)
Included in the price: 5 Nights accommodation at a mid-range, or luxury accommodation on a half board basis (breakfasts and dinners), 2 nights accommodation in Antananarivo on a bed and breakfast basis. Transfers airport / hotel / airport.
Not included in the price: All Optional excursions mentioned in the program, all lunches, and dinners in Antananarivo, International and domestic flights and their taxes, all personal expenses, insurance for luggage, tips, drinks, laundry and visa.
Price per person 2012*: Standard option Validity: 1 Feb – 31 Oct 2012
USD 740 Single supplement: USD 320 Rate for single traveller:USD 1245
Upgraded Option Low ssn Validity: 16 Nov – 15 Dec 2011 16 Jan – 6 April 2012 8 May – 30 June 2012 1 – 31 Oct 2012
USD 1140 Single supplement: USD 215 Rate for single traveller: USD 1545
Upgraded Option High ssn Validity: 1 – 15 Nov 2011 16 Dec 2011 – 15 Jan 2012 7 April – 7 May 2012 1 July – 30 Sept 2012
USD 1270 Single supplement: USD 320 Rate for single traveller: USD 1805
* No flights included * Rates are subject to change
