A good one will make the effort to get to know you before the trip, either by email or phone, so that he or she can design a trip that will match your expectations.
In August 2008, I traveled to South Africa with Magi Guinane, who with her husband runs ImaginExpeditions, which specializes in South Africa travel.
Magi describes their New Hampshire-based company as “a luxury all-inclusive customized safari concierge service.” Magi is a member of the Africa Travel Association and Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa, trade organizations, and completed the Fundi South African tourism expert course. In addition, she and her husband have traveled to familiarize themselves with the country several times.
Magi recently answered these questions and offered tips for couples planning a trip to Africa.
What places do you consider the most romantic in South Africa?
- The treehouse at Ulusaba, because it’s secluded, intimate, and exclusive — and the view of the hippo dam is spectacular.
- Franschhoek Country House & Villas, near Stellenbosch, the capital of South African wine tasting, is stunning, with vast villa suites that provide an Old World feel within an intimate setting.
- Rovos Rail is also a top experience because it’s a step back into a romantic era where ladies and gentlemen can enjoy the finer things in life.
Yes, the bush and the coast, all the way to False Bay. If the weather’s right, you’ll see penguins, whales, and sharks as you explore the tip of Africa.
What should a couple expect on a safari?
It’s magical, exhilarating, and adventurous. And it’s not something you’re likely to see or experience again in your lifetime. Going to the zoo is nothing like seeing the animals in their natural environment.
You wake up before sunset, have a quick cup of coffee and you’re off. You never know what you will encounter. The “Big Five” are the cape buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, and rhino. You’re likely to see other spectacular species in the wild as well, such as the giraffe, the hyena, the cheetah.
When you take a break, having coffee in the bush is a lovely experience. You pause at a dry riverbed, the coffeemaker comes out, and you can have a steaming cup per your specifications. I recommend it with a shot of Amarula during the sunset game drives. That’s a locally made fruit liqueur.
What types of trips does ImaginExpeditions arrange?
We’ve primarily organized travel for families and groups of friends. We’ve also worked with wedding planners. We can also plan trips for couples that might include a safari, whale watching, horseback riding. The typical safari we plan includes going into the bush with a professional game tracker and ranger plus luxury-style lodges complete with gourmet cuisine.
What kind of people use your services?
Affluent people who enjoy the finer things in life but don’t want to be bothered with the details.
What aspects of a trip do you handle?
Start to finish, ImaginExpeditions can make all the arrangements from the moment you leave home to when you return. Although we can help make flight arrangements, most people prefer to do their own. In country, we arrange for all transportation and for someone to meet the couple at each stop.
In what ways is ImaginExpeditions different from more established companies with roots in Africa such as iKapa, CCAfrica, Butterfield & Robinson, and Abercrombie & Kent?
ImaginExpeditions provides a more personal experience, and we will handle every minor aspect of a trip. Also, our groups are very intimate, eight people or fewer. And we make it all-inclusive. Additionally, unlike those other Africa tour operators, our clients are not wedded to their itineraries and properties. We’ll send people wherever they want to go.
But isn’t the inexperienced traveler, who isn’t sure where to go in South Africa, most in need of guidance?
Of course. So we offer suggestions. I always recommend the bush — and no one has ever been disappointed.
What do ImaginExpeditions all-inclusives include?
Five-star suite accommodations (we visit intimate, exclusive lodges and hotels that primarily have 20 rooms or fewer); food and beverages; all internal flights and other transportation; private transfers; services of guides and rangers; and spa treatments. The price also covers special requests such as an intimate dinner in the bush or game drives on a private Land Rover.
You might like an excursion to a particular vineyard, which we can arrange. Or a special birthday, honeymoon, or anniversary celebration. I encourage clients to bring a host with them, who can handle unforeseen situations and also cover gratuities.
Editor’s Note: Although there’s nothing like the convenience of having a personal concierge to accompany you from point to point, it significantly adds to the cost. Couples may be happier having a planner work out all the details before they go. Otherwise, they run the risk of spending precious honeymoon or vacation time in the company of a helpful third party when they prefer to be alone.
What qualities should a couple look for when using a South Africa tour planner?
Someone with knowledge, who can provide examples and links to where they are going. Someone whose degree of expertise and contacts they are comfortable with.
Editor’s Note: Couples are wise to ask for multiple references and call them before committing to any tour provider.
What does it cost to use a tour planner such as yourself?
The cost is usually included in the cost of the itinerary, and every itinerary is different. They are all customized.
Where can people find out more about your services?
They’re welcome to visit us online at ImaginExpeditions — and enjoy some wonderful photos from our own visits to the bush.
