Testimonials

See what our travelers are saying! These are a sample of reviews from on line platforms like Yelp or Google and we encourage you to search the web for independent reviews of Piper & Heath, we have never found a bad one.

We knew they were the right fit

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POSTED BY Michael Duffy     3 weeks ago

We can’t thank Piper & Heath Travel enough for the amazing safari and beach trip they planned for our honeymoon! From the initial phone call, we knew they were the right fit and leading up to the trip they were fantastic. They went over and above when it came planning our itinerary and were extremely knowledgeable. In the weeks leading up to our trip, their team was in contact to answer any last minute questions so we felt very taken care of. If you are planning a trip to Africa, Piper & Heath Travel is the best!

We felt secure and comfortable every step of the way

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POSTED BY Janet Guggenheim     2 months ago

We highly recommend Piper and Heath to plan a safari and tour to Africa. They were extremely patient and organized during pre-trip planning, all details were covered (from packing lists to pick up/transfer coordination), and we felt secure and comfortable every step of the way — from the airport when we landed to our final take-off. Piper and Heath selected activities which were ideal for our family’s needs— meals and interests were accommodated, and special requests were honored. Accommodations were superb; all guides (city and safari) demonstrated obvious expertise.

Piper and Heath chose perfectly, and we are grateful for the amazing and personalized experience they provided. Without hesitation we would repeat the entire experience without any changes!

Piper and Heath planned a perfect African adventure

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POSTED BY Rachael Churchill     2 months ago

Piper and Heath planned a perfect African adventure for our holiday. They were fantastic to work with; very accommodating, communicative, and thorough. I highly recommend them.

Piper and Heath made it all happen seamlessly

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POSTED BY Diane Dooley     4 months ago

Our trip to Tanzania and Kenya was all we expected and then some! The animals were of course incredible and the people were some of the nicest and most knowledgeable people we have ever met in our travels. We were pampered by the staff in all the camps where we stayed and made some incredible friends throughout. Planning such a trip on our own would have been a daunting challenge but Piper and Heath made it all happen seamlessly just as it was described to us. Thanks for the trip of a lifetime and memories that will remain some of the best we will ever have.

Amazing service and incredible experience from start to finish

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POSTED BY Kathryn Baxter     4 months ago

Amazing service and incredible experience from start to finish. Thank you for creating a trip of a lifetime for us.

Every aspect of the trip went above and beyond

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POSTED BY Annie Harrison     5 months ago

Piper & Heath organized our family trip to South Africa and the experience was truly life changing. Every aspect of the trip went above and beyond. Travel was organized, well communicated and went off without a hitch. The itineraries planned for our large group were well thought out and curated perfectly to our group. In addition to nailing all the details for our group of seven adults, the Piper and Heath team went above and beyond to make the two year old in our group comfortable. Partnering with Chris, Mads and team to prepare for the trip was seamless. The accommodations were AMAZING and the service at each of the establishments that we visited exceeded my wildest dreams. The experience on safaris was life changing. The entire experience was heaven on earth. Visiting larger cities, Johannesburg and Cape Town, was of course a different vibe but amazing just the same. I cannot recommend Piper and Heath more! My boyfriend (now fiancé!) and I got engaged on the second to last day of our trip – and we cannot wait to return to celebrate a honeymoon on our next Piper and Heath trip!

Chris and the entire team at Piper and Heath are AMAZING!

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POSTED BY Kathi Vaughn     6 months ago

Chris and the entire team at Piper and Heath are AMAZING! We just finished our third trip with them so the bar was extremely high since we have had such life changing experiences already! The first trip was to Vic Falls, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Bazaruto (an island off Mozambique). The second was during Covid to Rwanda and Botswana. This time we went to Kenya and Rwanda . Each trip was perfect in its own way. It’s not just the fact that everything goes so smoothly because they take care of every detail…there are also subtle things like going from busier places like Vic falls to more remote and private places in a particular order. The team make the effort to get to know you to craft an experience that is truly mind blowing! They take the time to educate you about the cultures and animals you will see and always come from a perspective of conservation! I have sent anyone I know going to Africa to Piper and Heath and every single person has had an equally incredible experience. I cannot recommend them highly enough! Already dreaming of the next one!

Piper and Heath is a five star experience all the way

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POSTED BY Diana Wiseman     6 months ago

Piper and Heath is a five star experience all the way. The trips, advice, planning, gear etc. they arranged for our trip to South Africa and Zimbabwe was past all our expectations. I would not think of traveling to Africa without their help.

We are inspired to return to Africa

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POSTED BY Shelie Gustafson     7 months ago

Fantastic trip to Rwanda – Chris and Mads and the rest of the team help us plan a wonderful trip, and we are inspired to return to Africa. Highly recommend Piper and Heath!

Their lived experience and depth of knowledge about Africa was immense

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POSTED BY Jackie Gordon     7 months ago

My husband and I just returned from a trip designed by P&H to Rwanda to trek with the gorillas and to 3 safari camps in Kenya.

When we were initially considering a trip to Africa, we were introduced to P&H by some friends. From the first conversation that we had with Chris and Mads we knew that P&H would be the right company to help us to plan a trip to Africa. Their lived experience and depth of knowledge about Africa was immense.

We really didn’t have a clear idea of what we wanted to do in Africa besides see the gorillas and the great migration. They asked us questions, listened closely and designed an amazing, personalized itinerary.

The whole team at P&H was knowledgeable and helpful throughout the process (shout out to Josh who guided me through the online E-visa adventure :-). They were on top of communication, planning and the execution process.

From the moment we landed in Rwanda, there was someone on the ground to meet us and ferry us to the hotel, lodge, camp, restaurant, hike or airport. Our accommodations were amazing. The Bisate Lodge in Rwanda, Ol Donyo Lodge and Segera Retreat in Kenya were luxurious respites from the trekking and safari drives. Rekero Camp in the Maasai Mara was on the river and our close neighbors were hippos, elephants, giraffes and lions. All amazing experiences with friendly and knowledgeable staff, and very good food. The local guides were familiar with the area and the animals and we were treated to some spectacular, close-up sightings.

The entire trip exceeded our wildest expectations. We will definitely recommend P&H to our friends.

They helped from start to finish with recommending & booking everything

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POSTED BY Kristina Bullock     8 months ago

We used Piper & Heath for a 2-week trip to Namibia with kids. They helped from start to finish with recommending & booking everything. Our lodging was all wonderful and we had great local guides that they helped coordinate. I would highly recommend Piper & Heath for anyone looking to visit Southern Africa!

Piper & Heath also went above and beyond before, during and after the trip

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POSTED BY Lucia Sanchez     8 months ago

Piper & Heath organized a wonderful trip to Namibia for my family. Due to slightly unusual circumstances, we weren’t part of the designing the trip part of things (we jumped in after when we decided we wanted to join friends on their trip) – but they managed to fit us in with our friends’ itinerary and same accommodations.

We did a self drive loop around Namibia with really nice accommodations. We started by going to see the desert dunes in Sessriem, then up to Swakopmund, continuing to Cape Cross, then East to Damaraland and finally a few days of safari at Etosha.

Everything was chosen with great care, the accommodations were magnificent and when possible included guides and other activities.

Piper & Heath also went above and beyond before, during and after the trip. They constantly touched bases and made sure we were prepared for the trip and had all the information we might need in order to get ready. They also made sure we were able to get around seamlessly and provided a local contact which came in super useful when one of our checked in bags did not arrive with us. When small issues came up they were super responsive and solutions focused.

Great trip, and great organization and support on their end. Highly recommend.

We had once in a lifetime experiences and memories that will last forever

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POSTED BY Lisa Hoban     8 months ago

I would highly recommend using Piper and Heath for planning your Africa vacation. They were outstanding from the very first phone call. Chris really nailed what I wanted for this bucket-list trip of ours that I had been wanting to do for 25 years. My family of 4 with 2 teenagers did a 2-week trip to Kenya where we stayed at 3 different bush camps. The way that the trip was planned from each camp was perfect for what we wanted to do. Everyone I interacted with at Piper and Heath in the weeks and months before the trip were just everything you would want and more: Prompt to reply, professional, organized, efficient, detailed, knowledgeable, easy to talk to, and courteous. They made sure that we were well prepared for our trip with a detailed review of the itinerary and great advice before our trip (thank you Mads) including even helping with a detailed packing list for me, the over-packer (thank you Emily!). They took on the burden of the logistics of the intercamp and airport travel and everything went seamlessly. I am usually the trip planner and honestly having them do these things was such a relief and treat! I had no worries. I would certainly call Piper and Heath again if we are able to do another adventure to Africa. We had once in a lifetime experiences and memories that will last forever.

We are already planning our next trip

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POSTED BY Cheryl and Russ Brendel     9 months ago

We just returned from another 10 day safari arranged by Chris and his team. Like last year Chris started with a conference call asking what we wanted to see and do. His team put together an itinerary that combined tiger fishing for me, Victoria Falls for my wife and lastly a stop at Mala Mala Game reserve our favorite camp. At each exchange point we were met by his in country associates and assisted with immigration, transfers and most importantly transiting JNB airport in and out. All those we encountered were friendly and on time. Throughout the planning process his team, particularly Abbey and Sam, were in constant email contact. If you are a newby to Safari like we were last year you will not regret contacting Chris. We are already planning our next trip. Thanks Chris and the entire Piper and Heath team.

Piper & Heath planned and executed our dream safari in Botswana

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POSTED BY Tammy Penhollow     9 months ago

Piper & Heath planned and executed our dream safari in Botswana. Chris and his team are outstanding – they take time to get to know your likes, dislikes, wish list/neutral and don’t care things to do and see and design a perfect for you experience. We’ve both traveled extensively and I was deployed to Africa x 9 months and did a lodge based safari in Tanzania. This Botswana adventure went above and beyond our expectations. From the VIP special touches of staff waiting for us in airports to go through check in/security/and to the gate (Johannesburg) or between flights (Maun), to the exact planning of all the moving parts with travel to and between 3 different camps, to the quality of the camps they chose for us based on our conversations. The printed detailed itinerary with room for journal entries was a great touch! We could not be happier with our experience and we will return to Piper & Heath for our next African adventures. IMHO this is not a DIY continent and the peace of mind, confidence and precision of the teams on the ground and back at home are invaluable to the success of the vacation.

They planned an amazing trip for my fiancé and me to Botswana and South Africa

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POSTED BY Jeremy Klinzak     10 months ago

They planned an amazing trip for my fiancé and me to Botswana and South Africa. Everything was 100 percent taken care of and all the flights and transfers and bookings were perfect. We were handed off from one group to the next with no stress or worries about where to go next. We will be using them again in the future for sure and we highly recommend them!

Exceptional travel team!

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POSTED BY Hila Mitchell     1 year ago

Exceptional travel team! We booked a trip to Tanzania on short notice and could not have been more impressed with the P&H team! Chris is so knowledgeable about the regions, activities, lodging…the entire team provided excellent communication. We loved our lodging, tour guides, cultural experiences, animal sightings, etc. So impressed w P&H, definitely recommend and will use again!

The Piper and Heath team helped us plan the Safari of our dreams!

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POSTED BY Wendy Gray     1 year ago

The Piper and Heath team helped us plan the Safari of our dreams! We had the most amazing Safari experience at Tintswalo Lapalala thanks to Piper & Heath! It was everything we dreamed and more! From our first conversation until after our return, the Piper & Heath team exceeded all of our expectations. They were on top of every detail of our trip including when our flight to South Africa was canceled an hour before departure. What could have been a very stressful situation and end to our Safari dream was handled by the P & H team in the US and SA with ease. Most importantly, from the moment we got off the plane we felt both safe and spoiled throughout our entire Safari adventure!

Great experience with Chris and his team

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POSTED BY Kimberly Reubush     1 year ago

Great experience with Chris and his team. My father has utilized Piper & Heath for years and so when my husband and I decided to take a safari trip to Africa they are the only company we thought of going with. Chris was able to put together an amazing 14 day trip with camps in Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana. Communication prior to the trip was excellent and everything worked seamlessly while we were there. Highly recommend if you are looking to travel to Africa.

The entire team was organized, attentive and detail oriented.

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POSTED BY Richard VanOrnum     1 year ago

Piper & Heath organized an amazing trip for us to Tanzania that included traditional safari in Ruaha National Park followed by a magical four nights at Greystoke Mahale in Mahale National Park for chimpanzee trekking. The entire team was organized, attentive and detail oriented. Thanks so much!

Our trip was an amazing adventure that couldn’t have been smoother from beginning to end

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POSTED BY Paul Keljik     1 year ago

Chris, Emily and everyone on their team at Piper & Heath were an absolute pleasure to work with. They are extremely knowledgeable and experienced, curating an amazing itinerary that took us to South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana. Their love for the African continent and animal conservation is evident in their thoughtful approach.

The scenery at Victoria Falls was breathtakingly beautiful and a day trip across the Zimbabwe – Zambia border to devil’s pool is a must if you are an adrenaline junky. To be able to swim and hang out right at the edge of the falls was exhilarating!

We stayed at two camps in Botswana and the people at both camps were amongst the most kind and genuine we’ve ever met. Truly amazing hospitality- wonderful people! We would start our days out at 5:00am with a strong cup of coffee and the exciting anticipation of which beautiful animals we’d be lucky enough to encounter that day on the Okavango Delta.

The Delta was plentiful with elephants, giraffes, hippos, buffalo, impalas, crocodiles, lions, etc… It was amazing to watch the talent of our guides as they would track down some of the more difficult animals to spot including the leopards and wild dogs. By far the most fascinating/exciting event was observing a pride of ten lions hunting a herd of Cape buffalo. Having a front row seat to this was ABSOLUTELY SURREAL!

Our trip was an amazing adventure that couldn’t have been smoother from beginning to end. If you are looking to go on a trip of a life time to Africa we can’t recommend Piper & Heath highly enough.

We immediately started contemplating another trip via Piper & Heath

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POSTED BY Bruce Blackman     1 year ago

Just returned home from a Piper & Heath facilitated trip to Kenya & can’t recommend them highly enough. In addition to Nairobi we stayed at two Alisia camps (Rekero & Naboisho) & Lewa Wilderness Lodge. This was our second trip to Africa through Piper & Heath with our 1st being three years ago to Zambia. At that time we stayed in South Luangwa National Park at Mfuwe Lodge & several of their camps in the bush. It was quite an experience & we immediately started contemplating another trip via Piper & Heath. Now, we begin planning our third!

Piper & Heath are totally custom

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POSTED BY Ria Waugh     1 year ago

We have just returned from our first Piper & Heath safari, however certainly not our last. Chris Liebenberg and his staff (we also worked with Josh, Mark, Abbey and Kelcey) put together a fabulous safari vacation for us in Kenya and Tanzania. Since this trip was to be a celebratory trip to mark milestones for my husband and me, I wanted to find a company that could not only handle the booking details but could also advise us on how to best use our time to get the experience we were looking for. I spoke to several companies in the safari planning space and from my first conversation with Chris, I knew Piper & Heath would be the one we would choose. Chris spent over an hour with me in an initial call with the sole purpose of understanding what we were looking for. I appreciated that Piper & Heath are totally custom and built a personalized itinerary from the ground up (we are experienced travelers and had several specifications learned through our previous safari experiences) all while working within our budget. Through subsequent planning calls he shared his recommendations, even helping us think outside the box, and expert advice garnered through hands on experience and relationships developed over the years he has been in business. Chris is originally from Africa and spent many years as a guide. That counts for a lot because he has a knowledge of the business from that perspective – not just a travel agent who may have never even set foot in the country. Additionally, Piper & Heath’s commitment to wildlife conservation and support of environmental and humanitarian work in the local communities ensures that as visitors to Africa we are making a positive impact.
Once a final itinerary was decided on, Piper & Heath took care of every detail and informed us of anything we need to take care of ourselves. Organized and thorough in every communication, exceeding our expectations. Pre-departure and welcome home review calls with Chris were a nice touch and truly set Piper & Heath apart from any other travel company we have used in the past. Whether this is your first trip to Africa or you are continuing a passion for the safari experience, Piper & Heath is the company you should work with.

I am impressed with all the personal touches

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POSTED BY Dzovag Minassian     1 year ago

If you want to go to Namibia, book with Piper and Heath. Chris and his very skilled and professional team heeded our every wish and concern and devised an itinerary that fit not only our budget but our travel style and sensibilities. We just returned from a two week overland tour in Namibia and it. was. spectacular. From the driver to the pace of the trip to the accommodations to the locations, we felt like we got exactly what we had asked for. I am impressed with all the personal touches, the phone calls for prep, the details and the printed itinerary, the gifts before and after and their emphasis on giving back and on conservation. We felt different than other tourists because our trip was more seamless with local land and culture, and the places we stayed we special beyond special. A notable thank you for bookings and Kwesi Dunes and Ongava Tented Camp in Etosha. Neither are to be missed because of the very sacred land and special staff at each place. I am anxious to book my next trip to Namibia, as well as to other countries in Africa, and I unequivocally recommend Chris and his team. We are forever grateful for this adventure and all the memories.

Chris and his team at P & H were with us all the way

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POSTED BY Kay Moscon     2 years ago

This was our fourth safari to Africa and the third one we planned with Piper and Heath. As always, Chris and his team at P & H were with us all the way. Over 4 countries, 24 days and 18 separate flights, all went smoothly. Chris knows the camps and is very responsive to working with the client to plan trips that best meet their desires. And special kudos to his back-up team. They do a great job of staying in communication.

PERFECTION!

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POSTED BY Tricia Napper     2 years ago

PERFECTION! Just returned from a 3 week trip through SA, Zambia, Botswana and Mozambique with our family of four artfully arranged by Piper & Heath. The care and patience of Chris and team that finally got us on our many times “COVID delayed” trip was commendable! The team worked tirelessly to hold our itinerary together and honor the intention of our trip. They crafted a journey that was the perfect combination of adventure, elegance, authenticity, community, and fun. The variety of camps and lodges hit every note – it gave us diversity of experience while staying consistent with our shared values. I have never been on a trip where I felt more taken care of and at ease with every transition – we were always in excellent hands. THANK YOU Piper & Heath – we are hooked and are gearing up to plan the next one!

Chris and team at Piper and Heath Travel were absolutely phenomenal!

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POSTED BY Kellie Hanselman     2 years ago

Chris and team at Piper and Heath Travel were absolutely phenomenal! This was a very special trip as my husband and I were celebrating our 20th anniversary and from the beginning it was seamless. From the initial call with Chris to setting our itinerary to landing in Africa they didn’t miss a beat. From the air transfers to the transportation to their selection of camps/lodges it was luxury and top notch! We would highly recommend them for your African adventure and will be using them again in the future when our travels take us to Southern Africa!

We had an amazing experience as a family

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POSTED BY Brigid Finley     2 years ago

Chris & Team helped our family create a wonderful 2-week itinerary through Kenya. While they really listened to what we wanted to see / accomplish, we relied on them fully to create an itinerary and guide our trip. The trip went off without a hitch – every transfer, flight etc. was seamless. We had an amazing experience as a family and our 7 yr. old was super engaged. We will plan another Africa trip within another 5 years and will use Piper & Heath again.

They truly listened and took the time

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POSTED BY Susan Canetto     2 years ago

We just returned from a 15-day trip to Africa. It was our first time traveling there and we worked with Piper & Heath to plan it. We couldn’t be more pleased with what turned out to be an epic, trip-of-a-lifetime vacation. Piper & Heath was recommended to us by a colleague and after having introductory calls with them and one other travel agency it was clear that Piper & Heath was a great fit for us. They truly listened and took the time to learn about what was important to us. In addition, their company mission aligns closely with our values – giving back to Africa and providing an immersive experience. We highly recommend them.

Incredible TANZANIAN trip went smoothly w/o a hitch

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POSTED BY Kirk Andrus     2 years ago

Incredible TANZANIAN trip went smoothly w/o a hitch. Stayed at 4 camps each uniquely wonderful with the take out the Rivertrees Country Inn in Arusha where we spent an extra night decompressing at the end of the safari (instead of going straight to the airport for the 20 plus hour trip home. (9 hours longer due to Doha layover) The pre-trip attention and assistance was excellent. The Maasai Wandering Safari company was likewise amazing.

@piperandheath

If you’re going to do it, this is the company to go with…thank you Chris!!

Profound understanding of the best experiences in Africa

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POSTED BY Carolyn Shepherd     2 years ago

9 friends, all in their 70’s, traveled together to Africa in July 2022. The trip was arranged by Piper & Heath and the short story is that they did a fantastic job. We spent 15 days on safari, staying at tent camps and lodges known to Piper & Heath. The accommodations were excellent, the camp staff were friendly, sincere, professional and efficient. The food was excellent all through the trip, including offering delicious vegetarian options. The tents were all very clean and comfortable. The itinerary was perfect. The safari guides arranged by Piper & Heath really made the trip exceed all expectations. Muba and Ally were from Maasai Wanderings and when we go back to Tanzania we will definitely request them. I suggest you do the same! They were excellent naturalists and birders. They were very attuned to our needs during our game drives and a joy to be with. We saw endless wildlife and 101 bird species. Their enthusiasm for the the wildlife and the vistas made the trip really special.

We had no hitches, the prep done by Chris and his team at Piper & Heath made everything flow very smoothly, even though we had a 2 year delay due to COVID. They have a profound understanding of the best experiences in Africa. I am ready to go back. I will definitely do it with Piper & Heath. Asante sana to all.

Communication was outstanding, and all of our questions were answered very quickly

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POSTED BY Michael Moyers     2 years ago

My wife and I used Piper and Heath as a safari specialist for a trip to Tanzania that we took in June 2022. During the trip, we visited Tarangire, Ngorongoro, the Serengeti, and Zanzibar. From our first phone call with Chris, it was clear that he and his team really know their business. Piper and Heath was able to take our input on what we wanted to see and what was important to us and plan out a truly unforgettable vacation. Communication was outstanding, and all of our questions were answered very quickly.

A trip to Africa can be a huge investment, and as first time safari travelers, we were a little overwhelmed when trying to conduct our initial research. I am so happy that we retained Piper and Heath. They took off all of the pressure and worked with us every step of the way to make sure that our trip went well. Everything went great during our trip, but it was very reassuring to know that we had an entire team that was available to assist should things go awry.

This will not be our last trip to Africa, and we will definitely use Piper and Heath going forward.

Thanks so much!

Their knowledge, organization, and attention to detail are unmatched!

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POSTED BY Heidi Mueller     2 years ago

I have been to the African continent more than a dozen times. No doubt, Piper & Heath are the best in the business! Their knowledge, organization, and attention to detail are unmatched! During my two weeks in Zambia I spent time in four different small bush camps, saw the Victoria Falls and spent hours on the Mighty Zambezi River experiencing magnificent sunsets while hippos and elephants crossed onto sandbanks. I flew on small planes, rode in open Landcruisers and enjoyed walking safaris.
By the way I’m 80 years old…

It truly was beyond my expectations.

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POSTED BY Joanne Zaccaro     2 years ago

I want to thank you for all you did to plan my recent trip to Rwanda. I can’t adequately express how wonderful everything was. It truly was beyond my expectations. As you could probably tell, given that this was my first trip to Africa, I didn’t know what to expect or plan for, but you were all so helpful in walking me through everything and providing guidance. And once there, everything went smoothly and was perfect. The gorilla trekking was just amazing – although quite challenging, but a true once in a lifetime experience. I would especially like to compliment the Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge -what a wonderful place, the accommodations were outstanding, and everyone there couldn’t have been more welcoming and terrific. What a great recommendation to stay there, and I do hope I get a chance to go back with my husband someday.

As I hope this note reflects, I had a memorable trip thanks to your guidance and expertise and am very grateful for all you did. Thank you so much.

Our expectations were exceeded in every way

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POSTED BY Robin Sweers     2 years ago

So impressed! We traveled to Kenya for our safari – Piper and Heath set us up with four camp experiences over two weeks and we couldn’t have asked for a better trip. Our expectations were exceeded in every way. We felt very well taken care of, amazed by how well orchestrated the itinerary was! The guides were top notch, such friendly and helpful staff at all the camps, and the food was amazing. Trip of a lifetime!

Piper and Heath coordinated every detail to perfection.

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POSTED BY Jude Rowe     2 years ago

We planned our trip in 2019 to travel in 2020. Then, Covid hit the globe. Piper and Heath worked with our group of 10 to re book our trip for 2021. In spring of 2021 our group had an info Zoom meeting with Chris who gave us the pro’s and con’s of traveling to and from Botswana at that time. We decided to postpone until 2022. These cancellations and rebooking took many hours of work and communication from Chris and his team at Piper and Heath and they handled everything efficiently and professionally.

We finally took that trip, we have just returned home after the most spectacular safari in Botswana. Piper and Heath coordinated every detail to perfection. I highly recommend using their service when traveling to Africa. You will be in experienced hands who will take care of your needs, and you will enjoy the trip of a lifetime.

Piper & Heath planned the most magical fantastic trip to Botswana

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POSTED BY Jill Rosenthal     2 years ago

Piper & Heath planned the most magical fantastic trip to Botswana for us and we couldn’t have been more delighted with the services. Chris and his team thought of everything and were available during the trip for questions, etc. They were stupendous. It was the trip of a lifetime, highly recommend!

Piper and Heath created a fabulous trip for us to Namibia!

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POSTED BY Anita Garfagnoli     2 years ago

Piper and Heath created a fabulous trip for us to Namibia! We were extremely impressed with Chris and his team. They are professional, communicative, and responsive. We felt that we had personal and accessible service from the first phone call until our return home.

Chris took the time and effort to listen to us and crafted an itinerary that was everything we wanted: selecting the camps that were to our specifications, arranging for specific game drive guides who were amazing, arranging for an incredible day tour of Johannesburg with Robin Binckes. Chris is highly regarded at the safari camps and we felt special to be affiliated with him and his team.

We are looking forward to our next trip with Piper and Heath!

If you’re going to Africa, go straight to Piper & Heath.

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POSTED BY Jack Viorel     2 years ago

If you’re going to Africa, go straight to Piper & Heath. They are amazing to work with and can build a perfect trip for you! My wife and I just returned from Kenya and the absolute best trip we’ve ever been on. They put together an incredible trip for us based on our time frame and budget. From start to finish they guided us through the process and we couldn’t be more satisfied with how everything went. Thank you!

Piper and Heath are professional, responsive and extremely thorough.

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POSTED BY Susan McCord     2 years ago

Piper and Heath are professional, responsive and extremely thorough. We booked a trip to Rwanda and they covered every base, including all the required Covid tests. It was an amazing trip and even though we didn’t need their assistance while we were traveling, we knew they were just an email/WhatsApp away.

They are patient and caring and truly devoted to creating a better Africa and sharing it with all of us.

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POSTED BY Callie Hurd     3 years ago

I’ve done two trips to Africa (one to Botswana and one to Kenya), both with Piper and Heath. Chris and his staff take the time to get to know you and understand your interests and abilities to craft the perfect trip for you. Chris is familiar with every camp and activity that he recommends, so he knows what he’s talking about. They are patient and caring and truly devoted to creating a better Africa and sharing it with all of us. I can’t wait to do another trip with them!

This is our second trip arranged by Piper and Heath and we definitely plan to book with them for years to come!

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POSTED BY Amy Bellinghausen     3 years ago

Just got back from a trip to Kenya and Tanzania, arranged by Piper and Heath. Chris and the team did a fantastic job of making sure everything was taken care of, including middle-of-the-night in US help with a COVID test hiccup. This is our second trip arranged by Piper and Heath and we definitely plan to book with them for years to come!

Every aspect of our trip was organized, from transport between camps to making sure we were comfortable on the game drives and in the camps.

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POSTED BY Beverly Kennedy     3 years ago

We recently returned from a trip to South Africa arranged by Piper and Heath Travel Africa. We had to postpone the trip twice due to Covid but Piper and Heath was able to change dates and reservations and we were finally able to go in July 2021. They arranged for us to be met at the airport in Johannesburg and walked to the hotel at the airport. Our guide, Matt Meyer, met us at the hotel and accompanied us to three safari camps in Kruger National Park. All three were different and so interesting, filled with many animals we had never seen in the wild. The lodges were luxurious and the food varied and delicious. Matt, our guide, made our trip informative and exciting, putting himself between us and the elephant that was grazing very close to our tent. Matt talked quietly until the elephant backed away and we were able to go to our tent. Every aspect of our trip was organized, from transport between camps to making sure we were comfortable on the game drives and in the camps. I wouldn’t hesitate to ask Piper and Heath to arrange another trip in the future.

We could not be happier with our experience with Piper and Heath.

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POSTED BY Kirsten Laube     2 years ago

We could not be happier with our experience with Piper and Heath. After a conversation with Chris about what we wanted to get out of our trip to Africa, he and his team put together a custom itinerary that was perfect. Everything we spoke about was taken into consideration and our trip to Rwanda and Kenya in August was better than we could have imagined. Chris’ knowledge and experience, plus his love for Africa, made Piper and Heath the perfect choice for us. It was a trip we will never forget and we can’t wait for our next safari adventure with the help of Piper and Heath.

Piper & Heath put together an excellent trip to Botswana for us.

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POSTED BY Barry Gorelick     3 years ago

Piper & Heath put together an excellent trip to Botswana for us. It was our first trip to Africa. We had a lot of trepidation about the trip and Covid. They guided us through the planning process, paying careful attention to our needs and desires. We stayed at four beautiful and luxurious safari camps. Piper & Heath remained available to us for support throughout our trip. Their people on the ground in Johannesburg assisted us through a frightening incident when our flight got canceled with no notice. Piper & Heath provided exceptional service from the first contact we had with them until we arrived safely at home. Friends who have been to Africa 11 times recommended Piper & Heath to us. They knew what they were talking about!

These were our 3rd and 4th safaris arranged by Piper & Heath and they are masters in African travel.

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POSTED BY James Nelson     3 years ago

Piper & Heath arranged our recent trek to see the Silverback Gorillas in Rwanda and to have 3 different flora/fauna experiences in the Okavango Delta in Botswana. ABSOLUTELY MAGICAL!

Spending time, 10 feet from a gorilla family, was unexpectedly moving. Surreal! After coming off the mountain, P&H had us staying in the lap of luxury at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge…..not to be missed!

Each camp in Botswana represented an exhilarating aspect of the Delta: on water via mokoro; tracking lions and leopards through the bush; seeing young giraffes and impalas spar for ascendency; watching a lion pride eating a buffalo; encountering an elephant in our path while on a bush walk. We’d often just sit in our vehicle and watch a group of elephants, hippos, or baboons go about their everyday lives. Or face a herd of Buffalo menacingly stare us down. Best African experience ever!

These were our 3rd and 4th safaris arranged by Piper & Heath and they are masters in African travel. We’ve visited over 95 countries, and we usually handle our own travel…..but not to Africa. We needed someone to listen to our African wishlists and tailor a trip to the nuances of specific regions or camps to fulfill our dream trip. Piper & Heath is headed by a CEO who was born, raised and employed in the travel industry in Namibia, before moving to the US and starting P & H. Chris has contacts all over Africa and regularly returns to evaluate the camps, people, and logistics and uses this to customize each African experience for his clients.

A note about Covid: each country has its own entry and testing protocols. Piper and Heath schedule testing for you throughout the trip (they had a helicopter meet us at a bush airstrip for a Covid test!).

Tourism has only recently reopened and the camps and their employees are especially welcoming. It’s an ideal time to travel to Africa.
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I have always been able to arrange my travel without outside help….until my trip to Africa. I turned to Piper & Heath to plan and execute my two week trip to Namibia and Tanzania in July of 2019. Wow! What an amazing adventure they put together. The CEO of the company was born and raised in Namibia and he flat out knows Africa, not just Namibia.

I told them what I wanted in Tanzania and they suggested two camps instead of one, both closer to the animals we wanted to see. We wanted to see herds of animals on the savannah without seeing herds of vehicles. Check! We hoped to see the “Big Five” and saw a leopard in a tree eating an impala, while her cubs played below. Later we found a lion nursing and bathing her cubs. And the list goes on.

Our big wish was to see the Wildebeest migration, and after two days of searching, we saw thousands of Wildebeests in a frenzied stampede. Magical!

In Namibia, I had a few ideas of what to see, but Piper & Heath said that would be a mere chapter in the book that is Namibia. So I asked for the book….and got it. They had us flying small planes across the desert, over the mountains and along the coast. Gorgeous! We had three different lodging experiences: Sossusvlei, the stunning red sand dunes; a rugged mountainous area populated by desert-adapted wildlife( where we tracked a rhino for hours until we found him);and the wild, pristine Shipwreck Coast. We also visited a local tribe at their village. Fabulous book!

One other thing. Though Piper & Heath is an American-based company, they CARE about Africa. Their CEO spent years in animal conservation in Africa and the company gives back to African causes 1% of its gross revenues (NOT 1% of net revenue like some companies do). Their passion for Africa is real!

Piper & Heath did an amazing job in crafting a customized itinerary and handling the complicated logistics

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POSTED BY Kathryn Lin     3 years ago

My husband and I just got back from our honeymoon in Uganda and Kenya and first trip to Africa, which was planned and coordinated by Piper & Heath. Although we usually prefer to book our own travel, Piper & Heath did an amazing job in crafting a customized itinerary and handling the complicated logistics that go along with travelling to Africa. Unlike other travel companies, Chris takes the time to understand why you are travelling, your priorities and what you hope to see and uses that information to create the perfect trip. We greatly enjoyed all of the camps & lodges that he recommended and can’t wait for our next trip to Africa!

I also believe it is equally important to assess how people and organizations respond under less than ideal circumstances or when things aren’t going well. We had a small snafu come up in the form of a false positive on a covid test on the morning of our return home. My husband called Chris (at midnight on a Sunday in SD) and Chris immediately lept into action to help us formulate both a plan & a backup option in case things didn’t go the way we wanted them to. Although we were ultimately able to make it home per our original schedule, we are both incredibly grateful to Chris for coordinating with all parties involved to make this happen.

Would highly recommend working with Piper & Heath for your trip!

If we could give 1000 stars, we would!

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POSTED BY Kathi Vaughn     3 years ago

We just finished our second trip to Africa planned by Piper and Heath and cannot recommend them highly enough! If we could give 1000 stars, we would! We were beyond thrilled by their incredible level of service! Answering a million questions, planning a fantastic trip in the middle of Covid with only a couple weeks notice, every detail was carefully considered. The entire crew knows all about Africa, and they thoughtfully customize a trip to fit your budget and your interests! The details like having people meeting you in airports to get you to your destination, providing personalized travel duffels that meet the bush plane limitations, sending you off with a booklet of your travels with all of the information you might need, and providing baseball hats with built in headlamps and neck gators are just a few examples of the way Piper and Heath go above and beyond all expectations! Look no further if you are planning a trip to Africa and call Piper and Heath immediately!

The team at Piper & Heath bent over backwards to accommodate the changes and to help alleviate our fears about traveling to Africa during this crazy time.

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POSTED BY Estelle Baker     3 years ago

This was our third trip to Africa, but the very first time for the two couples who traveled with us. We planned our safari trip with Piper & Heath for late spring of 2020. But, because of the pandemic, our vacation was rescheduled . . . not once, but twice. The team at Piper & Heath bent over backwards to accommodate the changes and to help alleviate our fears about traveling to Africa during this crazy time. We liked the fact that although Piper & Heath is an American company based in San Diego, the owner, Chris Liebenberg, is originally from Namibia and has intimate knowledge of Africa.

We knew we wanted to return to Imbali and Mala Mala. Piper & Heath suggested adding Pafuri, a tented camp, to our itinerary for a totally new and difference experience.
All three of these safari camps were just spectacular. Highlights included seeing the Fever Tree forest and baobab trees at Pafuri, watching a pack of wild dogs running alongside our vehicle in the foggy mist at Imbali, and witnessing lions kill a Cape buffalo at Mala Mala, where we also watched rhinos while drinking wine and saw the Big Five by 9:20am one morning. The staff at each of the camps was outstanding, the accommodations were luxurious (especially the outdoor showers), and the food was delicious.
Another extremely wise decision we made was to have Matt Meyer travel with us as our private guide. Matt had previously guided our family at Mala Mala in 2015, so we already knew he was the best! Matt’s knowledge about all the plants and animals is just phenomenal, and his love and enthusiasm for this land and its wildlife is obvious. He’s a true professional and extremely personable at the same time. Having him along with us greatly enhanced our trip.

Piper & Heath Travel was attentive to every single detail of this vacation. All our questions were answered immediately, and they sent us a complete packet of information before we departed, in addition to a much-appreciated package of items to use on our trip. Our transportation was meticulously planned from the time we were met at the airport gate in Johannesburg until our last camp and the flight home.

It is important to us that Piper & Heath Travel supports programs that help the local communities and animals in Africa. Their strong commitment to conservation and ecotourism made us feel like our visit was really helping Africa’s economy in a positive way.

We have been home from Africa for three weeks and are still riding on a vacation “high.” Piper & Heath played a huge part in making this a dream vacation, and we will definitely recommend their topnotch service to all our friends.

A big thank you to Piper & Heath for all their hard work

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POSTED BY Kathy & John McIlvaine     3 years ago

Just returned from two weeks in Kenya. A big thank you to Piper & Heath for all their hard work. We’ve used A&K for some of our earlier travels but Piper & Heath’s attention to detail and building a custom itinerary make them a much better choice for us. From the moment we walked off the plane in Nairobi to the moment we checked back into the airport 15 days later Chris and Mark had everything planned and covered. The lodges they placed us at were amazing.

At Chris’s suggestion this trip we did a walking safari at Lewa Wilderness Camp. What an amazing experience that was. There was just my wife and myself but we had two fabulous Maasai guides, Kitonga and Nuur, that led us each day, plus a team of 9 people (and 19 camels!) that went ahead each day to set up our next camp. We saw incredible sights — rhino, elephants and giraffe were on and off our regular companions. I’m 66 and while the hiking wasn’t easy our guides made it very manageable.
Each afternoon as we walked into our new camp the team already had our tent set up and cold drinks and big smiles to greet us.

Thank you once again to Chris and Mark for an experience we will long remember!

Through the entire year postponement, Piper and Heath’s customer service has been impeccable

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POSTED BY Thea Bachmann     3 years ago

Words cannot describe how fantastic our trip was to Botswana! We started planning this trip in 2019 and then Covid happened. Sadly, we were forced to postpone our original travel plans for June/July 2020. Through the entire year postponement, Piper and Heath’s customer service has been impeccable. Chris and Mark were able to secure the same cost for the following year and they answered every email with every question we had. We also appreciated the numerous phone calls with Chris to discuss our travel options. We made the decision to travel June/July 2021 rather than postpone another year and we are happy we did! Our travel from place to place was seamless, including Covid tests, scenic flights and road transfers. Even during our trip when we had an airline cancel one of our flights, Chris and Mark were quick to respond and instrumental in facilitating a solution alleviating our stress. The Great North Road mobile tent safari was an experience of a lifetime! We were in awe of the plethora of wildlife in Botswana. Everyday on safari was more exciting than the previous day. Every accommodation exceeded our expectations and the food was delicious. The affiliated Botswana companies were phenomenal and thrilled to have tourists back in their country. They went above and beyond to make sure we had an unforgettable trip- and we did! We also appreciated the pre-travel package delivered to our home with useful gifts for our trip. Over the past two years, our interaction with the staff at Piper and Heath has been incredible and they truly value their customers. We highly recommend planning your trip to Africa with Piper and Heath and we look forward to working with them again when we return to Africa in the near future.

They know Africa, the travel industry, how to listen to their customers

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POSTED BY Guy Nemiro     3 years ago

Chris and his team at Piper & Heath provide excellent service. They know Africa, the travel industry, how to listen to their customers and how to package great trips. I just returned from Botswana and Zambia. Our gang of 7 people, including several who had been to Africa, worked with Chris on the itinerary. Everything was perfect. We flew on small planes, stayed at four stunning and comfortable camps and the luxe Thorn Tree Lodge in Livingstone. We had great guides. We felt special attention all the way. If the travel agency world had an awards show, Piper & Heath would win because they do things right. I’m happy to recommend Piper & Heath. I’m grateful for the experience they put together for us.

They were very responsive to everything we asked

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POSTED BY David Reubush     3 years ago

My wife and I were introduced to Chris of Piper & Heath in late 2015 by friends who were organizing a group trip to Botswana for 2017 as we wanted to add some additional camps to the group itinerary. Working with Chris, Mark, and the rest of the crew at Piper & Heath was a pleasure. They were very responsive to everything we asked, made the arrangements very easy for us, and the integration with the group trip seamless. As things turned out one of the camps we wanted to add was quite expensive and Chris suggested we might consider going in 2016 as the camp was scheduled to be renovated and a temporary camp put in place at a reduced rate. So, we went in 2016 and had a wonderful time. The whole trip went off without a hitch and we loved all the camps Chris picked out for us. We have now been to Africa in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, twice in 2020 (The first trip got cut short because of Covid.) and 2021; all organized by Chris and company. We have been to Botswana, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Chris picked out great camps in all the countries and all the trips came off without a hitch other than having to come home early from our first trip in 2020 due to Covid. We are definitely very satisfied customers and can highly recommend Chris and Piper & Heath to anyone who wants to experience the best that Africa has to offer.

Chris and the entire Piper & Heath staff worked hard to get us there this year

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POSTED BY Drina Boban     3 years ago

After having to cancel our first trip to Africa last May, Chris and the entire Piper & Heath staff worked hard to get us there this year. In planning this trip, Chris spent a lot of time learning about what we wanted to get out of our first visit to Africa and catered our itinerary accordingly.

We just returned from 3 weeks in Zimbabwe and Botswana 5 days ago and I’m ready to go back right now. What an experience! From visiting multiple camps in both countries to canoeing down the Zambezi River with the hippos and crocs…my brain is still reeling from all we saw, learned, felt, and experienced. It’s been the experience of a lifetime!

We are beyond thrilled with our visit and can’t wait to go back to Africa (with the help of Piper & Heath). I’ve recommended them to anyone who asks and am so grateful for all the hand-holding they did every step of the way. Thanks Piper and Heath! You guys are amazing.

They exhibited incredible expertise and meticulous attention to a myriad of details.

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POSTED BY David Oblon     3 years ago

We planned our trip before Covid but had to reschedule from 2020 to 2021. Chris & Mark worked with us and expertly navigated the multitude of changes mandated by forces beyond their control. They exhibited incredible expertise and meticulous attention to a myriad of details. We have traveled to Africa many times so we appreciate the critical role a knowledgeable agent plays in planning & executing a superb safari experience. P & H do their work better that the vast majority of travel agents because they have an intimate knowledge of the region coupled with a genuine passion for tailoring the itinerary to your needs. For example, we visited Namibia and wanted to photograph the Skeleton Coast. Chris discouraged us because fog often covers the terrain at that time of year. Instead he recommended the desert rhino camp which was superb. Most agents would have booked an excursion to the coast and pocketed their commission! Chris made sure our experience was fantastic. In addition they have an excellent network with local agencies that can help you navigate the nuances of airport and local transfers. P & H provides highest quality service with or without Covid!!!
You can trust them to listen, ask probing questions about your goals for the trip, and recommend a terrific itinerary based upon your needs.

Chris and the team helped us plan each step of the way

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POSTED BY Michael Im     3 years ago

I just got back from a 2 week trip and couldn’t have been happier with the trip that Chris, Mark, and the team at Piper & Heath planned for us. Chris set up a very 3-day tour in Cape Town then 10 days split between Eagle Island and the Savute Elephant Lodge in Botswana.

Given the pandemic, I was a bit worried about all the travel requirements (testing, etc.) that we needed to go to South Africa, Botswana, and back. Chris and the team helped us plan each step of the way and the trip could not have been smoother given everything that is going on. All their recommendations were spot on. If you’re looking to book a trip to Africa, I’d highly recommend Piper & Heath.

I threw all kinds of challenges at them and they bent over backwards to make me happy.

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POSTED BY Ann D'Angelo     3 years ago

I first became aware of Piper and Heath years ago at a San Diego travel show. I had always wanted to visit Africa and stayed in touch with them through emails for several years. Recently I had to cancel travel plans to NYC due to Covid but wanted very much to travel somewhere. So when I received an email from Chris that Tanzania was open to visitors and had very few tourists, it didn’t take me long to contact him. I was going to travel alone, as no one else I knew was willing to go at short notice and with unsure travel conditions. But I wasn’t about to let that stop me, so off I went, to a country I had never been and where I knew no one.

And what a trip Piper and Heath arranged for me. I threw all kinds of challenges at them and they bent over backwards to make me happy.

Never having been there, I relied totally on their choices of camps, the lengths of stay, and the order I visited the camps. They set up a perfect trip for me. Each camp was a different and fascinating experience. The staff and guides at each camp were extremely friendly, professional, and helpful, informative, and most of all fun! Of course the fact that I was the only guest there sometimes didn’t hurt . Piper and Heath booked me at several different types of camps, but all were exceedingly comfortable, clean, and even luxurious, and the food was fabulous everywhere.

They even arranged a side trip to Cairo and Luxor so I could visit the ancient sites, and as amazing as it may seem, I was absolutely the only tourist at some of the most popular pyramids and tombs. If you have ever wanted to see these sights, GO NOW!

Piper and Heath were there for me throughout the trip. All I had to do was WhatsApp them for immediate response (within reason since there was a 9-hour time difference). They even changed my schedule for the last day of my trip on very short notice so I could visit a place in Arusha that I hadn’t heard of until my arrival but that I was excited to visit. They rearranged my flights and had a driver waiting to take me there (Shanga gift and workshop, please visit!) and then on to the airport.

Go to Africa. Meet the warm and caring people. Embrace the different lifestyle of another country. See the incredible beauty of the Serengeti. Be blown away by the majesty of Kilimanjaro and the incredible variety of the wildlife living free and unfettered in their natural habitat.

And GO NOW to experience it without hordes of tourists.

And most importantly, put your trust in Piper and Heath, who will do everything possible to ensure that your trip is truly the unique experience you have always dreamed of.

I’m a travel agent and frequently partner with Piper & Heath to plan African safaris for clients, but this was the first time I was able to experience the trip myself

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POSTED BY Lisa Shanahan     3 years ago

Piper & Heath helped me plan a fantastic (and much needed!) vacation to Kenya this past month. I’m a travel agent and frequently partner with Piper & Heath to plan African safaris for clients, but this was the first time I was able to experience the trip myself. Chris and Mark were extremely helpful, supportive, organized, and detailed-oriented and it made for a flawless experience. They chose the perfect safari camps for me and my husband and it was a 5* service at every stop. It was very evident that Chris & Mark have very close relationships with all of the vendors on-site in Africa, which made it even more comforting while we were there. They prepared us with every possible detail beforehand and checked in while we were there. Piper & Heath is my #1 choice for tour operators in Africa and I’m looking forward to partnering with them in the near future! Thanks so much, Piper & Heath – you are rockstars!

The most professional and dedicated travel company

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POSTED BY Evi Meyer     4 years ago

Piper & Heath Travel is the most professional and dedicated travel company I have ever worked with. Chris and his team work very hard to understand what each customer would like to get out of a trip, and then come up with a superb plan to meet all those needs. It is very clear that Chris knows Africa very well and gives excellent advice that only an insider can know. This year Chris and his team put together a trip to Rwanda and Tanzania for us, and we could not have been happier with the the amazing places we experienced. The amount of detail that went into the planning of our trip was truly astounding. As a result everything went very smoothly and we could truly just relax and enjoy.
We particularly like the fact that Piper & Heath has an emphasis on conservation and supports not only programs that benefit the wildlife, but also the local communities. Five stars is not enough to give to Piper & Heath, and I am sure that I will not only chose them again for a future Africa trip, but also highly recommend them to friends.

I would have never planned our trip as well as they did.

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POSTED BY Ryen Toft     4 years ago

I highly recommend Piper and Heath for ALL travel needs. I am an experienced international traveler, having been six continents and I am assured I would have never planned our trip as well as they did. We used their company to book travel for nine people. The communication was bare none, very professional, and any changes or additions were dealt with seamlessly. We were given options in all pricing ranges, accommodated VIP services, helicopters, and all safari needs. No detail was missed and like I said above, they are a real asset to your travel planning needs.

I really appreciate the responsibility and care for the communities that P&H take.

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POSTED BY Tina Diamond     4 years ago

Piper and Heath, Chris and the whole team, were the best. They planned a trip for 8 of us that was simply amazing. Safaris in Kenya and Botswana, with each game drive better than the last! The highlight was the gorilla trek in Rwanda, which was unbelievably special.
I can’t imagine any accommodations better than we had, and the local people were helpful and so kind in each country. I really appreciate the responsibility and care for the communities that Piper and Heath take by giving back to them, supporting ecotourism, protecting wildlife and the land, and leaving Africa the beautiful continent it is.

We could genuinely feel good about where our dollars ended up.

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POSTED BY Emma Griffith     4 years ago

Our family (6 of us total) had an amazing experience with Piper and Heath during our recent trip to Kenya and Rwanda. We all share a serious passion for travel and this was the first time we had used a travel agency for a trip before which we were a bit wary about but knew it would be well worth working with a company that has a deep knowledge and understanding of the different parts of these countries. We provided Chris with a background on why we were going on this trip and what we wanted to get out of it and his team came back with the perfect, well-balanced itinerary for our 10 day stay. Chris also stayed in close communication with us during our trip whenever we had questions which was really impressive and we were thankful for his help throughout the entire process. However what really sold us on working with Piper and Heath was learning from Chris (throughout several long phone chats) how dedicated they are to conservation and directing the money that their customers spend on trips back into the communities. This made all the difference for us during our trip as we were reassured that while it wasn’t cheap, we could genuinely feel good about where our dollars ended up. Thank you to the WHOLE team at Piper and Heath for the trip of a lifetime, truly. Our hearts are full and we can’t wait for a chance to explore new countries on the incredible African continent as a family again in the future.

Working with Piper & Heath is truly amazing

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POSTED BY Lindsay Wilde     4 years ago

Working with Piper & Heath is truly amazing. My husband and I are avid travelers in our 30’s, and we were looking for a mix of different experiences while in Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. Piper & Heath welcomed the challenge with open arms, listened to what we were looking for, and delivered beyond our wildest dreams. We’ve never used a travel partner before (as we typically plan our own trips), so we weren’t sure what to expect, especially since each location was a surprise as to what the accommodation was going to be like, what the area / activities were going to be like, and so on. We also wanted to work with a travel partner that is invested in ethical tourism, conservation, giving back into the communities. We are so happy that we found Piper & Heath for all of this, and we will be doing this again.

Every single thing was above expectations, from the communication and planning leading up into the trip, the resources that were given to us for our trip, the entire experience that they laid out for us, to our post-trip debrief phone call.

I look forward to working with Piper & Heath again for additional travel adventures!

It could not have been better.

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POSTED BY Dennis Milosky     4 years ago

My wife and I just returned from a two week trip to Kenya and Zanzibar that was organized by Chris and his team at Piper and Heath. For me, this was a ‘bucket list’ trip and it could not have been better! I was referred to Chris by several colleagues who had worked with him in the past and from the first call, I knew it was the right decision.

Chris listened attentively to our goals and any concerns we had and helped organize the perfect trip. We stayed at fabulous camps in Kenya (Ololo, Lewa Wilderness, Walking Wild, Rekero…our favorite…and Naboisho). All of the flights and transfers worked out great and their pre-travel communications and organization are first class. We also enjoyed our beach vacation at Breezes Resort in Zanzibar to unwind from the safari.

We had the added surprise of meeting Chris in person at one of our stops!

Bottom line is that I recommend Piper and Heath without hesitation to help organize a fabulous experience for your trip to Africa.

Second safari with Piper & Heath

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POSTED BY Susan Griffin     4 years ago

We just returned from Tanzania – our 2nd African safari arranged by Chris and his amazing team at Piper & Heath. (2018 Botswana)
Piper and Heath are so detail oriented, everything goes seamlessly.
You feel completely safe and both trips were even better than our expectations. The animal sightings were numerous and diverse. I highly recommend seeing the wildebeest migration – a very moving & emotional experience. The lodges and guides P & H work with are superb. The staff at the lodges make you feel like you are a part of their family.
Chris and his team are easy going and dedicated to planning a tailor-made trip for you; they are a joy to work with.
If you ever wanted to go on safari – call Piper & Heath for your trip of a lifetime!

Incredible Honeymoon

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POSTED BY Brittany Diamond     4 years ago

Piper & Heath, specifically Chris, helped us plan an incredible honeymoon to Uganda and Kenya. I’m not someone who normally uses an agent to book a vacation, so it was difficult for me to let go of complete control and trust the process. However, Chris heard me out on things I had researched and worked with me to get to a budget we were comfortable with. I know I couldn’t have planned a better trip myself! Chris is also no BS, and I really appreciated that every conversation we had with him was honest and didn’t feel like a sales pitch. He has stayed at many of the lodges he recommends and even knows some of the guides and staff personally. Needless to say, he knows his stuff and will plan a life changing trip for you. Aside from Chris, his team is also wonderful. They were always on top of things and available to answer any of our questions. Can’t recommend Piper and Heath enough!

Most incredible vacation of our lives

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POSTED BY Kelly Gunderson     5 years ago

We recently returned from a trip to Kenya and Tanzania booked by Piper & Heath and it was hands down the most incredible vacation of our lives. Chris is very attentive and started off our planning process by asking what we wanted to achieve, learned our travel style and our major goals for the trip. From there he planned a trip that was beyond anything we could have possibly put together. Everything went seamlessly, Chris and his team obviously know what they’re doing – giving us private handling in airports where there was a fast transfer (we’re 100% certain we would have missed one flight if we didn’t have this), contacting the lodges prior to let them know about my food allergy, you name it they did it. The next time we go to Africa… yes, we will DEFINITELY go back… we will be coming back to Chris and his team.

Their passion for Africa is real!

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POSTED BY James Nelson     5 years ago

I have always been able to arrange my travel without outside help….until my trip to Africa. I turned to Piper & Heath to plan and execute my two week trip to Namibia and Tanzania in July of 2019. Wow! What an amazing adventure they put together. The CEO of the company was born and raised in Namibia and he flat out knows Africa, not just Namibia.

I told them what I wanted in Tanzania and they suggested two camps instead of one, both closer to the animals we wanted to see. We wanted to see herds of animals on the savannah without seeing herds of vehicles. Check! We hoped to see the “Big Five” and saw a leopard in a tree eating an impala, while her cubs played below. Later we found a lion nursing and bathing her cubs. And the list goes on.

Our big wish was to see the Wildebeest migration, and after two days of searching, we saw thousands of Wildebeests in a frenzied stampede. Magical!

In Namibia, I had a few ideas of what to see, but Piper & Heath said that would be a mere chapter in the book that is Namibia. So I asked for the book….and got it. They had us flying small planes across the desert, over the mountains and along the coast. Gorgeous! We had three different lodging experiences: Sossusvlei, the stunning red sand dunes; a rugged mountainous area populated by desert-adapted wildlife( where we tracked a rhino for hours until we found him);and the wild, pristine Shipwreck Coast. We also visited a local tribe at their village. Fabulous book!

One other thing. Though Piper & Heath is an American-based company, they CARE about Africa. Their CEO spent years in animal conservation in Africa and the company gives back to African causes 1% of its gross revenues (NOT 1% of net revenue like some companies do). Their passion for Africa is real!

P&H really listened to us…

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POSTED BY Karen Hemphill     5 years ago

Piper & Heath made so our trip of a lifetime. Usually we are do-it-yourselfers when traveling but we are so glad we used P&H for our trip to Namibia (even my husband who did NOT think an intermediary would be added value).
P&H really listened to us in terms of what we wanted to do and how we wanted to do it and gave us the perfect custom itinerary, with all flights, lodging and door-to-door handoffs fully arranged. Everything was made so easy for us that we could just enjoy our amazing experiences without stressing at all about logistics.
We spent just over 2 weeks in Namibia and would have never gone to as remote areas or had as in depth of experiences whether out in the bush or in Windhoek without P&H. We will remember Serra Cafema our whole lives. And yes, I’ve been raving to all of our friends and family about P&H and if we ever go back to Africa I will absolutely go with P&H again!

Their knowledge base of Africa is profound

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POSTED BY Mark & Ginny Andrews     5 years ago

We just returned from our African adventure! Everyone on the team at Piper and Heath worked very hard to identify recommendations specifically created to fit our interests. Their knowledge base of Africa is profound. They are always responsive and accommodating. They provided us organized documents with lots of educational information and details of each step of the trip. When our trip began, each part of the trip to South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya was executed flawlessly by their associates in Africa. Every person who helped us was on time, reliable, friendly, knowledgeable and fun to talk to. The locations and tours were first rate, the safari lodge in Zimbabwe and safari camp in southern Kenya greatly exceeded our expectations! Piper and Heath is a remarkable group of people dedicated to providing you a trip you will never forget, a trip of a lifetime. We highly recommend their services.

Incredibly personalized and effective customer service

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POSTED BY Cathy Lewis     5 years ago

We worked with Chris and Emily at Piper and Heath to plan our dream trip to Africa. They provide incredibly personalized and effective customer service. Chris interviewed us for over an hour to understand our travel desires and our values concerning the environment. He came back with a plan for us to visit three incredible wilderness safari camps in Botswana. In addition, they arranged all of our logistical transfers, plus a day of adventure in Johannesburg. Piper and Heath are amazing. Everyone of our transfers was handled professionally. We had an issue with one flight, and the representative stayed with us and helped us handle the situation. All the camps in Botswana were magical, And absolutely in alignment with our expressed goals and desires. We would work with piper and Heath again in a minute. Cannot say enough good things about them.

Our experience was incredible!

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POSTED BY Sally Meyerhofer     5 years ago

This was our first trip to Africa and with Piper and Heath Travel. Just like all of the other reviews, our experience was incredible! When we started out on this journey I felt so overwhelmed with the vast amount of information available online. But when I was referred to Piper and Heath, Chris did an incredible job asking us the right questions to help him figure out what type of itinerary would best fit our desires. The end result was a journey with four Asilia Africa camps in both Kenya and Tanzania that was absolutely seamless from beginning to the end. Once we started on our journey, every detailed was taken care of and my husband and I were able to relax and thoroughly enjoy our trip. Each and every camp was a different experience but consistently exceptional in terms of the staff and their hospitality. The people we met along the way and the wildlife made for life long memories. Thank you, Piper and Heath! (Chris, Emily, Josh, Mark, Kathy) you were all fabulous!

I highly recommend working with Piper & Heath for travel to India

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POSTED BY Sandy Perretti     5 years ago

Many kudos again to Piper & Heath for organizing a fabulous bespoke tour for me and a friend – this time to India in March 2019. It was the perfect blend of the best of India’s art, culture and wildlife. We hit the highlights in Delhi, the Taj Mahal in Agra, and forts and palaces in Jaipur, Rajasthan. We spent two awesome nights at Dera Amer camp where we were greeted upon arrival by Lakshmi the elephant who walked us to our luxury tent. Lakshmi had so much personality and we spent a lot of time with her – bathing and scrubbing her and painting her trunk. Food and service were excellent at Dera Amer. Our next stop was Bandhavgarh National Park where we stayed in the fabulous Kings Lodge and had two days of game drives focused on Bengal Tigers. Good fortune was with us as we saw a total of 11 Bengal Tigers for an awesome safari experience! We finished our tour in southern India in Cochin, Kerala which almost felt like a different country. All along the way, all of the arrangements made by Piper & Heath including airport greeters, drivers, guides, and accommodations were top notch with no glitches. And their local contact was just a phone call away when we needed help with a cancelled flight on our way to Cochin as well as for arranging massages for our last day in Delhi before we flew out that night. As two women travelling in India, we felt completely comfortable at all times with total confidence that Piper & Heath had covered all the details. Even though Africa is their specialty, I highly recommend working with Piper & Heath for travel to India.

Flawlessly planned and executed.

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POSTED BY Steve Cotton     5 years ago

We just returned from a 17-day safari in Uganda that was flawlessly planned and executed by Piper & Heath. No surprise – this was our third P&H trip to Africa (previous safaris took us to Namibia and Zambia/Zimbabwe), and they were also fabulous.  Chris doesn’t just bring expertise and personal knowledge to bear; he asks questions and really listens.  His advice and recommendations have perfectly matched our requests, and his low-key descriptions have proved reliable – which means we’ve embarked with realistic expectations of what we’re likely to encounter.  The P&H team does a fabulous job of making certain it all goes as planned. And BTW, the gorillas and chimps were awesome

One of the best trips I have ever taken

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POSTED BY Charlotte Mark     5 years ago

It’s been my dream to go to on a safari for a while now, but always felt overwhelmed by the process of selecting the perfect place out of an immense array of options. When planning my 30th birthday, I reached out to three travel agencies and Piper and Heath was not only the quickest to respond, but they were the only ones to actually pick up the phone and call me directly. After hearing about our interests, they were able to select the perfect safari for us. It ended up being one of the best trips I’ve ever taken — and I got engaged along the way! We did have one hiccup along the way when our driver in Zanzibar thought we were going to another hotel, which resulted in an increase in fees for transit. Piper and Heath was even nice enough to refund us the difference and take accountability for the mistake that wasn’t even their fault. All in all, highly recommend.

Travel professionals that set the bar incredibly high.

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POSTED BY Christa Muth     5 years ago

There are not enough superlatives in the dictionary to describe what an incredible journey was crafted by the team at Piper & Heath! The common thread running through all of their reviews is consistent execution, local knowledge, patient guest interaction with an unusual focus on the small details that set exquisite travel apart from a great trip. Starting with a gorilla trek in Rwanda and ending with an elephant encounter in Botswana, I have a difficult time picking a favorite experience. But what began this epic adventure was working with a team of travel professionals that set the bar incredibly high-bravo!

They are the best!

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POSTED BY Paul Azevedo     5 years ago

We recently completed a five week trip to Africa with the help of the folks at Piper & Heath. The short version review is this: If you are thinking about or planning a trip to Africa, we cannot urge you enough to use the professionals at Piper and Heath. They are the best!.

Having never been to Africa before, it was a bit overwhelming to assess travel options and figure out the best fit for our travel goals. Upon hearing that Piper and Heath were in our city, and after reading the stellar reviews by other travelers, we visited them. Upon the first contact with P&H, we knew we had found the right professionals to help us. The entire staff was knowledgeable, professional and friendly. Having grown up in Africa, Chris is particularly suited to advise about the details of the options there and fitting your travel plans and goals with the incredible options to select from in Africa. The entire staff really care about helping you have a great experience and it shows in their attention to detail and their efforts to make the logistics work for you. And they are also just very nice people.

We did a four week, self-guided tour through Namibia and a week “safari” in Zimbabwe. The itinerary was well thought out. The accommodations along the way were incredible. The “in-country” support was fantastic. The advice and suggestions for the safari were perfect. We met a number of travelers along the way that were quite envious of our itinerary and mentioned that we were staying at the “best places”. When our college-age daughter joined up with us for the last couple of weeks, we watched as her dreams to see Africa and the wildlife came true before our eyes each day. I would not change a thing from the recommendations that Piper and Heath gave us.

A couple things to note. Some of the best places to stay and visit in Africa cannot be booked directly so using a travel agent can improve the quality of your trip. Also, it does not cost you any extra to use them and in fact, Piper & Heath can save you money by giving you the best “bang for the buck” available for your adventure. Finally, if you are just thinking of going to Africa, do it! It is incredible.

We rarely write reviews for products or services. However, the knowledge, service and professionalism of Piper & Heath deserve as high a rating on any scale as we could give. They are exceptional at what they do and you will not regret using their services.

From the outset it was clear I had chosen to plan my adventure with an extremely knowledgeable and experienced safari planner.

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POSTED BY Stephen Hall     6 years ago

Earlier this month (August, 2018) my wife and I returned from a wonderful, expertly organized safari to Botswana, Africa. Given the numerous lodges and itineraries available and my own lack of prior travel to Botswana, I contacted Piper & Heath in January. From the outset it was clear I had chosen to plan my adventure with an extremely knowledgeable and experienced safari planner.
Their wealth of experience in the country of Botswana (and Africa in general) was readily apparent throughout the process. The day of my initial contact the staff immediately began making phone calls and sending seemingly countless emails that ultimately proved successful in fulfilling all of my special requests and reserving space at my preferred camps during the busy month of August.
All of the trip details including lodge bookings, guides, flights, flight connections, customs navigation, and travel insurance were confirmed and finalized by Piper & Heath within a week of my initial contact.
Having now seven months later just returned from Botswana, I can confirm that it proved to be a marvelous, unforgettable experience, free of confusion or ambiguity and full of the memories and highlights envisioned in January.
I would recommend Piper & Heath to anyone planning an adventure to Botswana or southern Africa. They are simply the best

I wanted to let you know that we had the trip of a lifetime

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POSTED BY David & Debbie Halbreich     6 years ago

I am writing this as I wait for my last flight from JFK to LAX. I wanted to let you know that we had the trip of a lifetime. Everything went off without a hitch. It could not have happened without your expert advice and follow through. From initial planning through final execution you guys did an absolutely wonderful job. The camps were all different but each amazing in their own unique way. The transfers around the airport were an added bonus and eliminated the anxiety that comes with traveling in abroad.

In addition to the above, I want to add that everyone in the company was extremely helpful. They were patient with my endless questions as I planned the trip, were professional in their follow through, and extremely knowledgeable about each of the camps in the countries I sought to visit. I have no hesitation in recommending them.

Dreams do come true!

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POSTED BY Betsy & Art Boyd-Baxley     6 years ago

Dreams do come true! In planning our safari Chris & Emily Liebenberg and Mark Forman were patient with our questions and listened to what we wanted for our African adventure!!!
Piper and Heath made this the trip of a lifetime. Every contingency and preconceived problem were taken care of. Their alignment with Asilia Africa truly enhanced our experience. Teaching us about their fragile ecosystem and the efforts to protect it.
The chosen camps, all the many many people who cared for us, all 8 flight schedules, everything, outstanding & stress free!

Top notch service from Piper & Heath.

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POSTED BY Carolyn Maloney     6 years ago

Top notch service from Piper and Heath! They planned and coordinated the trip of a lifetime for us- safari in Tanzania. Every detail was perfect and the service was truly remarkable. Thanks Emily for answering my endless questions and for everyone at P&H for always being so attentive and responding so quickly. We look forward to planning another trip with you!! Thanks for making a lifelong dream come true 🙂

If you want to travel to Africa for safari, call Piper & Heath.

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POSTED BY Susan Griffin     6 years ago

If you want to travel to Africa for safari, call Piper & Heath. They will customize your vacation and plan every detail meticulously.
Chris, Emily, Mark and Josh and I had many conversations and they took as much time as needed to answer my questions. As soon as I spoke with Chris, I knew he understood what we wanted and I am so grateful he made it a reality. We say it was a trip of a lifetime – but now we know we will go back to Africa again, and without doubt, rely on Piper & Heath to plan and book it.

Piper & Heath developed the perfect itinerary for us.

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POSTED BY Bruce & Sandy Peretti     6 years ago

After an afternoon with Chris to discuss a safari, Piper & Heath developed the perfect itinerary for us to South Africa and Botswana. The selection of our camps was perfect and in the perfect order. Beginning with Jack’s, the 1940’s style camp with no electricity to a more luxurious camp to a remote island camp only accessible by water and ending at another luxury camp. It was the perfect mix of rustic and luxury with regard to accommodations and amenities. Also, each camp offered a different wildlife viewing experience – from the Zebra migration at Jack’s Camp to the Big 5 at Qorokwe – as well as various activities (in addition to morning and afternoon game drives) from horseback riding to touring by Mokoro. Finally, we very much appreciated the great services, guidance, and transfers from point to point that were arranged by Piper & Heath. Everything went smoothly and we always felt safe and comfortable and in great hands. We highly recommend working with Piper & Heath for your travel to Africa. They will tailor the perfect safari for you.

Rarely do you find a company in any field that are as good as Piper & Heath

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POSTED BY Jim Lesperance     6 years ago

I’ve traveled to Five continents and over 20 plus countries for my obsession with Wildlife Photography. I believe I’ve taken 6 trips to Africa with Piper and Heath now. THEY HAVE NEVER MADE ONE TINY MISTAKE. I’ve used used so many different companies over the world and each one normally has a couple of things wrong with it. Piper & Heath delivers what they promise and above and beyond every single time. Signed, Sealed and Deliver. Here is the best part Chris and his staff are amazing friendly people who have their ethics lined up as well. They are active in conservation and think about the animals first. Rarely do you find a company in any field that are as good as Piper & Heath. They sell wonderful experiences with piece of mind while you travel in a foreign country. TRAVEL WITH THEM.

 

We would return tomorrow if we could!

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POSTED BY Charley and Marilyn Wheeler     6 years ago

We just returned from our third safari in Africa and without a doubt this is the best experience we’ve ever had. Past trips were very good, but this one was excellent. We would return tomorrow if we could!

Chris Liebenberg and his team at Piper and Heath Travel took care of every detail. They listened to what we wanted to experience and planned accordingly. Their recommendations for camps and length of stay were spot on. Commercial and local flights were coordinated with representatives meeting us at every stage of the trip. Everything was taken care of including expedited customs and immigration.

Our first stop at the Fairlawns Hotel in Johannesburg was amazing. It is a gorgeous property. It is definitely worth a return visit and even longer stay.

Vumbura Plains in Botswana is beautiful and well-managed with friendly and highly competent staff, great food, and the best guide and tracker we’ve ever had, Chris. Abu Camp, also in Botswana, is also lovely. The experiences we had with the elephants were unbelievable. For four days we interacted with them, fed and walked them, and played with the baby, Mototo. It was life-changing. Giraffe Manor in Nairobi was a special experience. Two days was enough time to feed the Rothschild giraffe and enjoy the beauty of the property. Again, great accommodations, outstanding food and service. Ending our trip at Segera Retreat was a recommendation that Chris made and he was so right. It is stunning, located on a plateau in Kenya. With a wine tower, gardens, pool, art gallery and perfectly decorated suites, it is definitely not a camp!  The food was incredible, as well as staff, who treated us like family. We were so relaxed we lost track of time and thought we were staying another day.

The number of animals we saw throughout the trip was extraordinary. There is nothing we would have done differently, except stay longer!

We highly recommend Piper and Heath and plan to book our return trip to Africa with Chris and his team.

Charley and Marilyn Wheeler

Thanks to Piper and Heath for an epic adventure!

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POSTED BY Jacque C.     6 years ago

Thanks to Piper and Heath for an epic adventure. We could not have checked off our bucket list items without them! From beginning to end, from the Indian ocean to the top of Kilimanjaro, our trip was flawlessly executed! Thank you for the adventure of a lifetime!

This is an A-1 Travel Agency

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POSTED BY Don Lipmanson     7 years ago

This second Botswana safari organized for us by Chris Liebenberg and Mark Forman confirmed my earlier view that this agency is A-1 in every regard.

Chris puts a lot of time and effort in helping create what I’d called a balanced trip, where the adrenaline and physical demands of time in the bush are framed with tranquil and comfortable accommodations in Cape Town or Jo’burg, and perhaps a several days for recovery at a fabulous beach resort Mozambique. Chris is particularly attentive to one’s travel objectives, and has an exquisite knowledge of the unique qualities of each safari camp – seasonal variations in ecosystems and which camps are best for wildlife viewing in a particular season, and his suggestions have proved impeccable.

As a birder, the opportunity to add 250+ species to my life list over the course of five weeks is proof of Chris’s ability to deliver what the client wants from an elaborate and costly trip. His planning has allowed me to see hundreds of elephants, thousands of antelopes of various species, dozens of hippos and Cape Buffalo and giraffes and zebras and warthogs, handfuls of lions and leopards. Most exciting of all was seeing a large pack of African wild dogs stalking, chasing and dispatching several impalas right by our vehicle in the Chitabe concession in March, when the scenery is gorgeously lush and the camps less expensive, but wildlife is more dispersed than in peak season.

Chris finds excellent accommodations in whatever price range suits ones needs, and can arrange exceptionally informative private cultural or scenic tours in South Africa (a country he knows from birth and whose political and social nuances he well understands). He shows an extraordinary personal commitment to wildlife protection and the welfare of local communities, which helps ensure that his client’s visits will have a beneficial rather than a harmful impact in a part of the world that remains a “wild kingdom” yet is so vulnerable to human-driven destruction.

Mark’s and Emily’s involvement in trip planning helps avoid glitches like inadequate time for flight connections, or lack of travel documents necessary to satisfy the bureaucratic obsessions of immigration and customs officials. Their careful review of travel details and repeated communications with clients before the trip begins avoids a lot of opportunity for problems en route.  Even for a very experienced traveler, it’s reassuring  to have them watching the details and proposing ways to avoid potential disruptions.

It’s been a dream…

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POSTED BY Bonnie Wilhelm     6 years ago

It has been a dream to go to Africa; but while we travel quite a bit, planning a trip to Africa seemed too overwhelming. Two years ago, we met Chris Liebenberg. Immediately, Chris, Emily and Mark started thoughtfully planning our August 2017 trip. Initially, we had a long phone conversation where Chris asked about each of our interests (we have 11 & 12 y/o girls), to put together a perfect itinerary. After a few tweaks (had to add a winery visit), we committed! During the 18 months between booking and traveling, the team fielded dozens of questions ranging from flights, what to wear to dinner, camera and lens tips, vaccinations, weather, tipping, safety, packing, providing our luggage, and even assisting with finding a volunteer opportunity for us. Would we recommend them to plan a trip? Absolutely

We started our trip in Joburg @ the Fairlawns Hotel. After a long trip this was the perfect place to relax and rest. We spent a day in Soweto, bicycling through the community, talking with locals. We had a chance to spend time with children at a youth center and visit a home. Together, our family learned tons about how the gold rush affected Joburg, the beginning of Apartheid, the Soweto uprising, the life of Nelson Mandela, and the history of South Africa.

From Joburg, we traveled to Botswana. We arrived at the border and were greeted by Dan, our guide, and Eddie, our tracker from Mashatu. We got in our open-air vehicle and started our short drive to camp. D&E were laughing at our excitement over the animals that we saw on the way to camp. At Mashatu, after a staff greeting, we were taken to our beautiful stone hut with perfect accommodations that overlooked the bush. In the nights that followed, we’d hear elephants outside of our room (“ele party”). Shortly, we were off on our first evening drive. For 3 to 4 hours, 2/day, we would go on a unique adventure. First, it was the male leopard who put on a show for us while marking his territory along the river. The elephants were fun to watch; the baby’s were playful, and the moms protected them & were quite aggressive when our vehicle posed the slightest threat. The giraffes were curious; they just stared at us and chewed. The lions – clearly the King of the jungle (or bush). The baboons were funny, and lived among the antelope and monkeys. They hyena babies were curious and playful, and moms so protective. On our evening drive, we’d watch the sunset, taking perfect pictures with animals in the background. We’d stop for wine & jerky / the kids water. With our experienced guides, we never worried about our safety. Early mornings, we were off to find the animals and watch another perfect sunrise. Between drives, many people napped; others sat outside overlooking the pond, reflecting on the trip. The food, South African wine, and company were fabulous.

Leaving Mashatu was sad, but we were excited to head to Mala Mala. At the airport, where we were greeted by our pilot who transported us to camp, bordering Kruger. Our guide, Michael, met us at the airport and took us to camp. Michael showed us the lodge, the balcony that overlooked the river, the infinity pool, and to our hut which had 2 rooms, a balcony overlooking a pond (& our hippo). Here we saw the Big Five within 24 hours, were educated about animals, astrology (you can’t imagine the sky at night), entertained by stories of previous shenanigans at the camp, followed the lion prides and learned more about bird life than I could imagine. Sitting by the pool during the day meant watching the animals walk through the dried-up river. Evenings, we met in the lodge where dinner was announced by a tribal dance. Our guide was brilliant and passionate about his work. There was not a question he did not have the answer to. Leaving was heartbreaking. I knew it meant saying goodbye to Michael, and the animals for a long, long time.

Our next stop was Cape Town. We stayed in the impressive Cape Grace Hotel. The girls were surprised with gifts of earrings in the room, we experienced a whisky tasting, a high tea and amazing breakfasts. We spent our days exploring the peninsula, shopping, and penguin community, and even had drinks next to Charlize Theron!

Next, we headed south to Grootbos, recently featured in National Geographic. It was rainy, but it didn’t stop us and our guide Gareth from exploring the sand dunes, caves, beak walks, milkwood forests & feynbos. Meals were fantastic. We had our own house, with a generously stocked mini bar. Chris and team had arranged a tree planting ceremony for us which helped us to feel connected to this beautiful place.

We finished our trip with a stop to Vergelegen Winery; beautiful grounds, great food and delicious wine. What a perfect way to toast an amazing trip.

If you have the chance to have Piper and Heath plan a trip, you will not regret it! Perfect way to bond as a family, disconnect and get a whole lot of perspective! We will certainly have them plan another trip!

Thank you so much for the whole experience…

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POSTED BY Chester & Diane     7 years ago

Thank you so much for the whole experience! I have been on safaris before where it was so crowded, but I just loved being in private reserves and sometimes not seeing even another jeep out on drives! The animals are really in their natural habitat there, and they seem to know they are safe. The service everywhere was so friendly. We talked to all the staff and they willingly shared their life experiences with us, and were eager to chat making time in their busy days to give us all the attention! Can’t say enough good things about your excellent planning of our trip of a lifetime! Thank you!!!

What a fabulous trip!

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POSTED BY Tae & Sallay     7 years ago

We recently returned from a two-week trip to Tanzania to climb Mt Kilimanjaro and go on safari in the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. What a fabulous trip! No other words can describe it other than it being a once in a lifetime experience with warm memories that will forever be embedded in our hearts. For our six-day climb of Mt Kilimanjaro we truly could not appreciate the amount of work it took to move our small group of four until we experienced the 25-man-team’s professionalism and dedicated services firsthand. And each day with a smile on their faces and joyful singing upon reaching each camp. As in most things in life, you get what you pay for. We realized how extremely fortunate we were in choosing Piper & Heath, as we saw a number of examples of poorly led groups during our climb that did not stay together on the mountain resulting in poor accountability and lackluster morale for those unfortunate group members. And the safari portion of our trip was first class. From the transportation via SUV or aircraft to the stay at each lodge, we experienced the kind hospitality of the local Tanzanians and the five-star treatment of each venue. It was truly money well spent. Our guides were full of pertinent information and enthusiastic to share their world with us. It was clearly evident that they possess a keen passion for the work that they do daily. Thanks to Piper & Heath for helping us put together the perfect itinerary. From the strenuous beginning with a Kili climb to the more relaxing trip to the crater and safari in the Serengeti, each piece was perfectly planned and executed. Looking forward to continuing to share our memories with friends about our amazing trip and the service of Piper & Heath. Thank you for a first class, professional, and overall easy experience. We were quite fortunate to find you all!

We knew they were the right fit

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POSTED BY Michael Duffy
3 weeks ago

We can’t thank Piper & Heath Travel enough for the amazing safari and beach trip they planned for our honeymoon! From the initial phone call, we knew they were the right fit and leading up to the trip they were fantastic. They went over and above when it came planning our itinerary and were extremely knowledgeable. In the weeks leading up to our trip, their team was in contact to answer any last minute questions so we felt very taken care of. If you are planning a trip to Africa, Piper & Heath Travel is the best!

We felt secure and comfortable every step of the way

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POSTED BY Janet Guggenheim
2 months ago

We highly recommend Piper and Heath to plan a safari and tour to Africa. They were extremely patient and organized during pre-trip planning, all details were covered (from packing lists to pick up/transfer coordination), and we felt secure and comfortable every step of the way — from the airport when we landed to our final take-off. Piper and Heath selected activities which were ideal for our family’s needs— meals and interests were accommodated, and special requests were honored. Accommodations were superb; all guides (city and safari) demonstrated obvious expertise.

Piper and Heath chose perfectly, and we are grateful for the amazing and personalized experience they provided. Without hesitation we would repeat the entire experience without any changes!

Piper and Heath planned a perfect African adventure

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POSTED BY Rachael Churchill
2 months ago

Piper and Heath planned a perfect African adventure for our holiday. They were fantastic to work with; very accommodating, communicative, and thorough. I highly recommend them.

Piper and Heath made it all happen seamlessly

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POSTED BY Diane Dooley
4 months ago

Our trip to Tanzania and Kenya was all we expected and then some! The animals were of course incredible and the people were some of the nicest and most knowledgeable people we have ever met in our travels. We were pampered by the staff in all the camps where we stayed and made some incredible friends throughout. Planning such a trip on our own would have been a daunting challenge but Piper and Heath made it all happen seamlessly just as it was described to us. Thanks for the trip of a lifetime and memories that will remain some of the best we will ever have.

Amazing service and incredible experience from start to finish

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POSTED BY Kathryn Baxter
4 months ago

Amazing service and incredible experience from start to finish. Thank you for creating a trip of a lifetime for us.

Every aspect of the trip went above and beyond

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POSTED BY Annie Harrison
5 months ago

Piper & Heath organized our family trip to South Africa and the experience was truly life changing. Every aspect of the trip went above and beyond. Travel was organized, well communicated and went off without a hitch. The itineraries planned for our large group were well thought out and curated perfectly to our group. In addition to nailing all the details for our group of seven adults, the Piper and Heath team went above and beyond to make the two year old in our group comfortable. Partnering with Chris, Mads and team to prepare for the trip was seamless. The accommodations were AMAZING and the service at each of the establishments that we visited exceeded my wildest dreams. The experience on safaris was life changing. The entire experience was heaven on earth. Visiting larger cities, Johannesburg and Cape Town, was of course a different vibe but amazing just the same. I cannot recommend Piper and Heath more! My boyfriend (now fiancé!) and I got engaged on the second to last day of our trip – and we cannot wait to return to celebrate a honeymoon on our next Piper and Heath trip!

Chris and the entire team at Piper and Heath are AMAZING!

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POSTED BY Kathi Vaughn
6 months ago

Chris and the entire team at Piper and Heath are AMAZING! We just finished our third trip with them so the bar was extremely high since we have had such life changing experiences already! The first trip was to Vic Falls, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Bazaruto (an island off Mozambique). The second was during Covid to Rwanda and Botswana. This time we went to Kenya and Rwanda . Each trip was perfect in its own way. It’s not just the fact that everything goes so smoothly because they take care of every detail…there are also subtle things like going from busier places like Vic falls to more remote and private places in a particular order. The team make the effort to get to know you to craft an experience that is truly mind blowing! They take the time to educate you about the cultures and animals you will see and always come from a perspective of conservation! I have sent anyone I know going to Africa to Piper and Heath and every single person has had an equally incredible experience. I cannot recommend them highly enough! Already dreaming of the next one!

Piper and Heath is a five star experience all the way

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POSTED BY Diana Wiseman
6 months ago

Piper and Heath is a five star experience all the way. The trips, advice, planning, gear etc. they arranged for our trip to South Africa and Zimbabwe was past all our expectations. I would not think of traveling to Africa without their help.

We are inspired to return to Africa

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POSTED BY Shelie Gustafson
7 months ago

Fantastic trip to Rwanda – Chris and Mads and the rest of the team help us plan a wonderful trip, and we are inspired to return to Africa. Highly recommend Piper and Heath!

Their lived experience and depth of knowledge about Africa was immense

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POSTED BY Jackie Gordon
7 months ago

My husband and I just returned from a trip designed by P&H to Rwanda to trek with the gorillas and to 3 safari camps in Kenya.

When we were initially considering a trip to Africa, we were introduced to P&H by some friends. From the first conversation that we had with Chris and Mads we knew that P&H would be the right company to help us to plan a trip to Africa. Their lived experience and depth of knowledge about Africa was immense.

We really didn’t have a clear idea of what we wanted to do in Africa besides see the gorillas and the great migration. They asked us questions, listened closely and designed an amazing, personalized itinerary.

The whole team at P&H was knowledgeable and helpful throughout the process (shout out to Josh who guided me through the online E-visa adventure :-). They were on top of communication, planning and the execution process.

From the moment we landed in Rwanda, there was someone on the ground to meet us and ferry us to the hotel, lodge, camp, restaurant, hike or airport. Our accommodations were amazing. The Bisate Lodge in Rwanda, Ol Donyo Lodge and Segera Retreat in Kenya were luxurious respites from the trekking and safari drives. Rekero Camp in the Maasai Mara was on the river and our close neighbors were hippos, elephants, giraffes and lions. All amazing experiences with friendly and knowledgeable staff, and very good food. The local guides were familiar with the area and the animals and we were treated to some spectacular, close-up sightings.

The entire trip exceeded our wildest expectations. We will definitely recommend P&H to our friends.

They helped from start to finish with recommending & booking everything

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POSTED BY Kristina Bullock
8 months ago

We used Piper & Heath for a 2-week trip to Namibia with kids. They helped from start to finish with recommending & booking everything. Our lodging was all wonderful and we had great local guides that they helped coordinate. I would highly recommend Piper & Heath for anyone looking to visit Southern Africa!

Piper & Heath also went above and beyond before, during and after the trip

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POSTED BY Lucia Sanchez
8 months ago

Piper & Heath organized a wonderful trip to Namibia for my family. Due to slightly unusual circumstances, we weren’t part of the designing the trip part of things (we jumped in after when we decided we wanted to join friends on their trip) – but they managed to fit us in with our friends’ itinerary and same accommodations.

We did a self drive loop around Namibia with really nice accommodations. We started by going to see the desert dunes in Sessriem, then up to Swakopmund, continuing to Cape Cross, then East to Damaraland and finally a few days of safari at Etosha.

Everything was chosen with great care, the accommodations were magnificent and when possible included guides and other activities.

Piper & Heath also went above and beyond before, during and after the trip. They constantly touched bases and made sure we were prepared for the trip and had all the information we might need in order to get ready. They also made sure we were able to get around seamlessly and provided a local contact which came in super useful when one of our checked in bags did not arrive with us. When small issues came up they were super responsive and solutions focused.

Great trip, and great organization and support on their end. Highly recommend.

We had once in a lifetime experiences and memories that will last forever

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POSTED BY Lisa Hoban
8 months ago

I would highly recommend using Piper and Heath for planning your Africa vacation. They were outstanding from the very first phone call. Chris really nailed what I wanted for this bucket-list trip of ours that I had been wanting to do for 25 years. My family of 4 with 2 teenagers did a 2-week trip to Kenya where we stayed at 3 different bush camps. The way that the trip was planned from each camp was perfect for what we wanted to do. Everyone I interacted with at Piper and Heath in the weeks and months before the trip were just everything you would want and more: Prompt to reply, professional, organized, efficient, detailed, knowledgeable, easy to talk to, and courteous. They made sure that we were well prepared for our trip with a detailed review of the itinerary and great advice before our trip (thank you Mads) including even helping with a detailed packing list for me, the over-packer (thank you Emily!). They took on the burden of the logistics of the intercamp and airport travel and everything went seamlessly. I am usually the trip planner and honestly having them do these things was such a relief and treat! I had no worries. I would certainly call Piper and Heath again if we are able to do another adventure to Africa. We had once in a lifetime experiences and memories that will last forever.

We are already planning our next trip

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POSTED BY Cheryl and Russ Brendel
9 months ago

We just returned from another 10 day safari arranged by Chris and his team. Like last year Chris started with a conference call asking what we wanted to see and do. His team put together an itinerary that combined tiger fishing for me, Victoria Falls for my wife and lastly a stop at Mala Mala Game reserve our favorite camp. At each exchange point we were met by his in country associates and assisted with immigration, transfers and most importantly transiting JNB airport in and out. All those we encountered were friendly and on time. Throughout the planning process his team, particularly Abbey and Sam, were in constant email contact. If you are a newby to Safari like we were last year you will not regret contacting Chris. We are already planning our next trip. Thanks Chris and the entire Piper and Heath team.

Piper & Heath planned and executed our dream safari in Botswana

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POSTED BY Tammy Penhollow
9 months ago

Piper & Heath planned and executed our dream safari in Botswana. Chris and his team are outstanding – they take time to get to know your likes, dislikes, wish list/neutral and don’t care things to do and see and design a perfect for you experience. We’ve both traveled extensively and I was deployed to Africa x 9 months and did a lodge based safari in Tanzania. This Botswana adventure went above and beyond our expectations. From the VIP special touches of staff waiting for us in airports to go through check in/security/and to the gate (Johannesburg) or between flights (Maun), to the exact planning of all the moving parts with travel to and between 3 different camps, to the quality of the camps they chose for us based on our conversations. The printed detailed itinerary with room for journal entries was a great touch! We could not be happier with our experience and we will return to Piper & Heath for our next African adventures. IMHO this is not a DIY continent and the peace of mind, confidence and precision of the teams on the ground and back at home are invaluable to the success of the vacation.

They planned an amazing trip for my fiancé and me to Botswana and South Africa

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POSTED BY Jeremy Klinzak
10 months ago

They planned an amazing trip for my fiancé and me to Botswana and South Africa. Everything was 100 percent taken care of and all the flights and transfers and bookings were perfect. We were handed off from one group to the next with no stress or worries about where to go next. We will be using them again in the future for sure and we highly recommend them!

Exceptional travel team!

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POSTED BY Hila Mitchell
1 year ago

Exceptional travel team! We booked a trip to Tanzania on short notice and could not have been more impressed with the P&H team! Chris is so knowledgeable about the regions, activities, lodging…the entire team provided excellent communication. We loved our lodging, tour guides, cultural experiences, animal sightings, etc. So impressed w P&H, definitely recommend and will use again!

The Piper and Heath team helped us plan the Safari of our dreams!

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POSTED BY Wendy Gray
1 year ago

The Piper and Heath team helped us plan the Safari of our dreams! We had the most amazing Safari experience at Tintswalo Lapalala thanks to Piper & Heath! It was everything we dreamed and more! From our first conversation until after our return, the Piper & Heath team exceeded all of our expectations. They were on top of every detail of our trip including when our flight to South Africa was canceled an hour before departure. What could have been a very stressful situation and end to our Safari dream was handled by the P & H team in the US and SA with ease. Most importantly, from the moment we got off the plane we felt both safe and spoiled throughout our entire Safari adventure!

Great experience with Chris and his team

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POSTED BY Kimberly Reubush
1 year ago

Great experience with Chris and his team. My father has utilized Piper & Heath for years and so when my husband and I decided to take a safari trip to Africa they are the only company we thought of going with. Chris was able to put together an amazing 14 day trip with camps in Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana. Communication prior to the trip was excellent and everything worked seamlessly while we were there. Highly recommend if you are looking to travel to Africa.

The entire team was organized, attentive and detail oriented.

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POSTED BY Richard VanOrnum
1 year ago

Piper & Heath organized an amazing trip for us to Tanzania that included traditional safari in Ruaha National Park followed by a magical four nights at Greystoke Mahale in Mahale National Park for chimpanzee trekking. The entire team was organized, attentive and detail oriented. Thanks so much!

Our trip was an amazing adventure that couldn’t have been smoother from beginning to end

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POSTED BY Paul Keljik
1 year ago

Chris, Emily and everyone on their team at Piper & Heath were an absolute pleasure to work with. They are extremely knowledgeable and experienced, curating an amazing itinerary that took us to South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana. Their love for the African continent and animal conservation is evident in their thoughtful approach.

The scenery at Victoria Falls was breathtakingly beautiful and a day trip across the Zimbabwe – Zambia border to devil’s pool is a must if you are an adrenaline junky. To be able to swim and hang out right at the edge of the falls was exhilarating!

We stayed at two camps in Botswana and the people at both camps were amongst the most kind and genuine we’ve ever met. Truly amazing hospitality- wonderful people! We would start our days out at 5:00am with a strong cup of coffee and the exciting anticipation of which beautiful animals we’d be lucky enough to encounter that day on the Okavango Delta.

The Delta was plentiful with elephants, giraffes, hippos, buffalo, impalas, crocodiles, lions, etc… It was amazing to watch the talent of our guides as they would track down some of the more difficult animals to spot including the leopards and wild dogs. By far the most fascinating/exciting event was observing a pride of ten lions hunting a herd of Cape buffalo. Having a front row seat to this was ABSOLUTELY SURREAL!

Our trip was an amazing adventure that couldn’t have been smoother from beginning to end. If you are looking to go on a trip of a life time to Africa we can’t recommend Piper & Heath highly enough.

We immediately started contemplating another trip via Piper & Heath

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POSTED BY Bruce Blackman
1 year ago

Just returned home from a Piper & Heath facilitated trip to Kenya & can’t recommend them highly enough. In addition to Nairobi we stayed at two Alisia camps (Rekero & Naboisho) & Lewa Wilderness Lodge. This was our second trip to Africa through Piper & Heath with our 1st being three years ago to Zambia. At that time we stayed in South Luangwa National Park at Mfuwe Lodge & several of their camps in the bush. It was quite an experience & we immediately started contemplating another trip via Piper & Heath. Now, we begin planning our third!

Piper & Heath are totally custom

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POSTED BY Ria Waugh
1 year ago

We have just returned from our first Piper & Heath safari, however certainly not our last. Chris Liebenberg and his staff (we also worked with Josh, Mark, Abbey and Kelcey) put together a fabulous safari vacation for us in Kenya and Tanzania. Since this trip was to be a celebratory trip to mark milestones for my husband and me, I wanted to find a company that could not only handle the booking details but could also advise us on how to best use our time to get the experience we were looking for. I spoke to several companies in the safari planning space and from my first conversation with Chris, I knew Piper & Heath would be the one we would choose. Chris spent over an hour with me in an initial call with the sole purpose of understanding what we were looking for. I appreciated that Piper & Heath are totally custom and built a personalized itinerary from the ground up (we are experienced travelers and had several specifications learned through our previous safari experiences) all while working within our budget. Through subsequent planning calls he shared his recommendations, even helping us think outside the box, and expert advice garnered through hands on experience and relationships developed over the years he has been in business. Chris is originally from Africa and spent many years as a guide. That counts for a lot because he has a knowledge of the business from that perspective – not just a travel agent who may have never even set foot in the country. Additionally, Piper & Heath’s commitment to wildlife conservation and support of environmental and humanitarian work in the local communities ensures that as visitors to Africa we are making a positive impact.
Once a final itinerary was decided on, Piper & Heath took care of every detail and informed us of anything we need to take care of ourselves. Organized and thorough in every communication, exceeding our expectations. Pre-departure and welcome home review calls with Chris were a nice touch and truly set Piper & Heath apart from any other travel company we have used in the past. Whether this is your first trip to Africa or you are continuing a passion for the safari experience, Piper & Heath is the company you should work with.

I am impressed with all the personal touches

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POSTED BY Dzovag Minassian
1 year ago

If you want to go to Namibia, book with Piper and Heath. Chris and his very skilled and professional team heeded our every wish and concern and devised an itinerary that fit not only our budget but our travel style and sensibilities. We just returned from a two week overland tour in Namibia and it. was. spectacular. From the driver to the pace of the trip to the accommodations to the locations, we felt like we got exactly what we had asked for. I am impressed with all the personal touches, the phone calls for prep, the details and the printed itinerary, the gifts before and after and their emphasis on giving back and on conservation. We felt different than other tourists because our trip was more seamless with local land and culture, and the places we stayed we special beyond special. A notable thank you for bookings and Kwesi Dunes and Ongava Tented Camp in Etosha. Neither are to be missed because of the very sacred land and special staff at each place. I am anxious to book my next trip to Namibia, as well as to other countries in Africa, and I unequivocally recommend Chris and his team. We are forever grateful for this adventure and all the memories.

Chris and his team at P & H were with us all the way

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POSTED BY Kay Moscon
2 years ago

This was our fourth safari to Africa and the third one we planned with Piper and Heath. As always, Chris and his team at P & H were with us all the way. Over 4 countries, 24 days and 18 separate flights, all went smoothly. Chris knows the camps and is very responsive to working with the client to plan trips that best meet their desires. And special kudos to his back-up team. They do a great job of staying in communication.

PERFECTION!

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POSTED BY Tricia Napper
2 years ago

PERFECTION! Just returned from a 3 week trip through SA, Zambia, Botswana and Mozambique with our family of four artfully arranged by Piper & Heath. The care and patience of Chris and team that finally got us on our many times “COVID delayed” trip was commendable! The team worked tirelessly to hold our itinerary together and honor the intention of our trip. They crafted a journey that was the perfect combination of adventure, elegance, authenticity, community, and fun. The variety of camps and lodges hit every note – it gave us diversity of experience while staying consistent with our shared values. I have never been on a trip where I felt more taken care of and at ease with every transition – we were always in excellent hands. THANK YOU Piper & Heath – we are hooked and are gearing up to plan the next one!

Chris and team at Piper and Heath Travel were absolutely phenomenal!

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POSTED BY Kellie Hanselman
2 years ago

Chris and team at Piper and Heath Travel were absolutely phenomenal! This was a very special trip as my husband and I were celebrating our 20th anniversary and from the beginning it was seamless. From the initial call with Chris to setting our itinerary to landing in Africa they didn’t miss a beat. From the air transfers to the transportation to their selection of camps/lodges it was luxury and top notch! We would highly recommend them for your African adventure and will be using them again in the future when our travels take us to Southern Africa!

We had an amazing experience as a family

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POSTED BY Brigid Finley
2 years ago

Chris & Team helped our family create a wonderful 2-week itinerary through Kenya. While they really listened to what we wanted to see / accomplish, we relied on them fully to create an itinerary and guide our trip. The trip went off without a hitch – every transfer, flight etc. was seamless. We had an amazing experience as a family and our 7 yr. old was super engaged. We will plan another Africa trip within another 5 years and will use Piper & Heath again.

They truly listened and took the time

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POSTED BY Susan Canetto
2 years ago

We just returned from a 15-day trip to Africa. It was our first time traveling there and we worked with Piper & Heath to plan it. We couldn’t be more pleased with what turned out to be an epic, trip-of-a-lifetime vacation. Piper & Heath was recommended to us by a colleague and after having introductory calls with them and one other travel agency it was clear that Piper & Heath was a great fit for us. They truly listened and took the time to learn about what was important to us. In addition, their company mission aligns closely with our values – giving back to Africa and providing an immersive experience. We highly recommend them.

Incredible TANZANIAN trip went smoothly w/o a hitch

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POSTED BY Kirk Andrus
2 years ago

Incredible TANZANIAN trip went smoothly w/o a hitch. Stayed at 4 camps each uniquely wonderful with the take out the Rivertrees Country Inn in Arusha where we spent an extra night decompressing at the end of the safari (instead of going straight to the airport for the 20 plus hour trip home. (9 hours longer due to Doha layover) The pre-trip attention and assistance was excellent. The Maasai Wandering Safari company was likewise amazing.

@piperandheath

If you’re going to do it, this is the company to go with…thank you Chris!!

Profound understanding of the best experiences in Africa

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POSTED BY Carolyn Shepherd
2 years ago

9 friends, all in their 70’s, traveled together to Africa in July 2022. The trip was arranged by Piper & Heath and the short story is that they did a fantastic job. We spent 15 days on safari, staying at tent camps and lodges known to Piper & Heath. The accommodations were excellent, the camp staff were friendly, sincere, professional and efficient. The food was excellent all through the trip, including offering delicious vegetarian options. The tents were all very clean and comfortable. The itinerary was perfect. The safari guides arranged by Piper & Heath really made the trip exceed all expectations. Muba and Ally were from Maasai Wanderings and when we go back to Tanzania we will definitely request them. I suggest you do the same! They were excellent naturalists and birders. They were very attuned to our needs during our game drives and a joy to be with. We saw endless wildlife and 101 bird species. Their enthusiasm for the the wildlife and the vistas made the trip really special.

We had no hitches, the prep done by Chris and his team at Piper & Heath made everything flow very smoothly, even though we had a 2 year delay due to COVID. They have a profound understanding of the best experiences in Africa. I am ready to go back. I will definitely do it with Piper & Heath. Asante sana to all.

Communication was outstanding, and all of our questions were answered very quickly

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POSTED BY Michael Moyers
2 years ago

My wife and I used Piper and Heath as a safari specialist for a trip to Tanzania that we took in June 2022. During the trip, we visited Tarangire, Ngorongoro, the Serengeti, and Zanzibar. From our first phone call with Chris, it was clear that he and his team really know their business. Piper and Heath was able to take our input on what we wanted to see and what was important to us and plan out a truly unforgettable vacation. Communication was outstanding, and all of our questions were answered very quickly.

A trip to Africa can be a huge investment, and as first time safari travelers, we were a little overwhelmed when trying to conduct our initial research. I am so happy that we retained Piper and Heath. They took off all of the pressure and worked with us every step of the way to make sure that our trip went well. Everything went great during our trip, but it was very reassuring to know that we had an entire team that was available to assist should things go awry.

This will not be our last trip to Africa, and we will definitely use Piper and Heath going forward.

Thanks so much!

Their knowledge, organization, and attention to detail are unmatched!

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POSTED BY Heidi Mueller
2 years ago

I have been to the African continent more than a dozen times. No doubt, Piper & Heath are the best in the business! Their knowledge, organization, and attention to detail are unmatched! During my two weeks in Zambia I spent time in four different small bush camps, saw the Victoria Falls and spent hours on the Mighty Zambezi River experiencing magnificent sunsets while hippos and elephants crossed onto sandbanks. I flew on small planes, rode in open Landcruisers and enjoyed walking safaris.
By the way I’m 80 years old…

It truly was beyond my expectations.

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POSTED BY Joanne Zaccaro
2 years ago

I want to thank you for all you did to plan my recent trip to Rwanda. I can’t adequately express how wonderful everything was. It truly was beyond my expectations. As you could probably tell, given that this was my first trip to Africa, I didn’t know what to expect or plan for, but you were all so helpful in walking me through everything and providing guidance. And once there, everything went smoothly and was perfect. The gorilla trekking was just amazing – although quite challenging, but a true once in a lifetime experience. I would especially like to compliment the Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge -what a wonderful place, the accommodations were outstanding, and everyone there couldn’t have been more welcoming and terrific. What a great recommendation to stay there, and I do hope I get a chance to go back with my husband someday.

As I hope this note reflects, I had a memorable trip thanks to your guidance and expertise and am very grateful for all you did. Thank you so much.

Our expectations were exceeded in every way

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POSTED BY Robin Sweers
2 years ago

So impressed! We traveled to Kenya for our safari – Piper and Heath set us up with four camp experiences over two weeks and we couldn’t have asked for a better trip. Our expectations were exceeded in every way. We felt very well taken care of, amazed by how well orchestrated the itinerary was! The guides were top notch, such friendly and helpful staff at all the camps, and the food was amazing. Trip of a lifetime!

Piper and Heath coordinated every detail to perfection.

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POSTED BY Jude Rowe
2 years ago

We planned our trip in 2019 to travel in 2020. Then, Covid hit the globe. Piper and Heath worked with our group of 10 to re book our trip for 2021. In spring of 2021 our group had an info Zoom meeting with Chris who gave us the pro’s and con’s of traveling to and from Botswana at that time. We decided to postpone until 2022. These cancellations and rebooking took many hours of work and communication from Chris and his team at Piper and Heath and they handled everything efficiently and professionally.

We finally took that trip, we have just returned home after the most spectacular safari in Botswana. Piper and Heath coordinated every detail to perfection. I highly recommend using their service when traveling to Africa. You will be in experienced hands who will take care of your needs, and you will enjoy the trip of a lifetime.

Piper & Heath planned the most magical fantastic trip to Botswana

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POSTED BY Jill Rosenthal
2 years ago

Piper & Heath planned the most magical fantastic trip to Botswana for us and we couldn’t have been more delighted with the services. Chris and his team thought of everything and were available during the trip for questions, etc. They were stupendous. It was the trip of a lifetime, highly recommend!

Piper and Heath created a fabulous trip for us to Namibia!

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POSTED BY Anita Garfagnoli
2 years ago

Piper and Heath created a fabulous trip for us to Namibia! We were extremely impressed with Chris and his team. They are professional, communicative, and responsive. We felt that we had personal and accessible service from the first phone call until our return home.

Chris took the time and effort to listen to us and crafted an itinerary that was everything we wanted: selecting the camps that were to our specifications, arranging for specific game drive guides who were amazing, arranging for an incredible day tour of Johannesburg with Robin Binckes. Chris is highly regarded at the safari camps and we felt special to be affiliated with him and his team.

We are looking forward to our next trip with Piper and Heath!

If you’re going to Africa, go straight to Piper & Heath.

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POSTED BY Jack Viorel
2 years ago

If you’re going to Africa, go straight to Piper & Heath. They are amazing to work with and can build a perfect trip for you! My wife and I just returned from Kenya and the absolute best trip we’ve ever been on. They put together an incredible trip for us based on our time frame and budget. From start to finish they guided us through the process and we couldn’t be more satisfied with how everything went. Thank you!

Piper and Heath are professional, responsive and extremely thorough.

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POSTED BY Susan McCord
2 years ago

Piper and Heath are professional, responsive and extremely thorough. We booked a trip to Rwanda and they covered every base, including all the required Covid tests. It was an amazing trip and even though we didn’t need their assistance while we were traveling, we knew they were just an email/WhatsApp away.

They are patient and caring and truly devoted to creating a better Africa and sharing it with all of us.

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POSTED BY Callie Hurd
3 years ago

I’ve done two trips to Africa (one to Botswana and one to Kenya), both with Piper and Heath. Chris and his staff take the time to get to know you and understand your interests and abilities to craft the perfect trip for you. Chris is familiar with every camp and activity that he recommends, so he knows what he’s talking about. They are patient and caring and truly devoted to creating a better Africa and sharing it with all of us. I can’t wait to do another trip with them!

This is our second trip arranged by Piper and Heath and we definitely plan to book with them for years to come!

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POSTED BY Amy Bellinghausen
3 years ago

Just got back from a trip to Kenya and Tanzania, arranged by Piper and Heath. Chris and the team did a fantastic job of making sure everything was taken care of, including middle-of-the-night in US help with a COVID test hiccup. This is our second trip arranged by Piper and Heath and we definitely plan to book with them for years to come!

Every aspect of our trip was organized, from transport between camps to making sure we were comfortable on the game drives and in the camps.

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POSTED BY Beverly Kennedy
3 years ago

We recently returned from a trip to South Africa arranged by Piper and Heath Travel Africa. We had to postpone the trip twice due to Covid but Piper and Heath was able to change dates and reservations and we were finally able to go in July 2021. They arranged for us to be met at the airport in Johannesburg and walked to the hotel at the airport. Our guide, Matt Meyer, met us at the hotel and accompanied us to three safari camps in Kruger National Park. All three were different and so interesting, filled with many animals we had never seen in the wild. The lodges were luxurious and the food varied and delicious. Matt, our guide, made our trip informative and exciting, putting himself between us and the elephant that was grazing very close to our tent. Matt talked quietly until the elephant backed away and we were able to go to our tent. Every aspect of our trip was organized, from transport between camps to making sure we were comfortable on the game drives and in the camps. I wouldn’t hesitate to ask Piper and Heath to arrange another trip in the future.

We could not be happier with our experience with Piper and Heath.

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POSTED BY Kirsten Laube
2 years ago

We could not be happier with our experience with Piper and Heath. After a conversation with Chris about what we wanted to get out of our trip to Africa, he and his team put together a custom itinerary that was perfect. Everything we spoke about was taken into consideration and our trip to Rwanda and Kenya in August was better than we could have imagined. Chris’ knowledge and experience, plus his love for Africa, made Piper and Heath the perfect choice for us. It was a trip we will never forget and we can’t wait for our next safari adventure with the help of Piper and Heath.

Piper & Heath put together an excellent trip to Botswana for us.

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POSTED BY Barry Gorelick
3 years ago

Piper & Heath put together an excellent trip to Botswana for us. It was our first trip to Africa. We had a lot of trepidation about the trip and Covid. They guided us through the planning process, paying careful attention to our needs and desires. We stayed at four beautiful and luxurious safari camps. Piper & Heath remained available to us for support throughout our trip. Their people on the ground in Johannesburg assisted us through a frightening incident when our flight got canceled with no notice. Piper & Heath provided exceptional service from the first contact we had with them until we arrived safely at home. Friends who have been to Africa 11 times recommended Piper & Heath to us. They knew what they were talking about!

These were our 3rd and 4th safaris arranged by Piper & Heath and they are masters in African travel.

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POSTED BY James Nelson
3 years ago

Piper & Heath arranged our recent trek to see the Silverback Gorillas in Rwanda and to have 3 different flora/fauna experiences in the Okavango Delta in Botswana. ABSOLUTELY MAGICAL!

Spending time, 10 feet from a gorilla family, was unexpectedly moving. Surreal! After coming off the mountain, P&H had us staying in the lap of luxury at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge…..not to be missed!

Each camp in Botswana represented an exhilarating aspect of the Delta: on water via mokoro; tracking lions and leopards through the bush; seeing young giraffes and impalas spar for ascendency; watching a lion pride eating a buffalo; encountering an elephant in our path while on a bush walk. We’d often just sit in our vehicle and watch a group of elephants, hippos, or baboons go about their everyday lives. Or face a herd of Buffalo menacingly stare us down. Best African experience ever!

These were our 3rd and 4th safaris arranged by Piper & Heath and they are masters in African travel. We’ve visited over 95 countries, and we usually handle our own travel…..but not to Africa. We needed someone to listen to our African wishlists and tailor a trip to the nuances of specific regions or camps to fulfill our dream trip. Piper & Heath is headed by a CEO who was born, raised and employed in the travel industry in Namibia, before moving to the US and starting P & H. Chris has contacts all over Africa and regularly returns to evaluate the camps, people, and logistics and uses this to customize each African experience for his clients.

A note about Covid: each country has its own entry and testing protocols. Piper and Heath schedule testing for you throughout the trip (they had a helicopter meet us at a bush airstrip for a Covid test!).

Tourism has only recently reopened and the camps and their employees are especially welcoming. It’s an ideal time to travel to Africa.
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I have always been able to arrange my travel without outside help….until my trip to Africa. I turned to Piper & Heath to plan and execute my two week trip to Namibia and Tanzania in July of 2019. Wow! What an amazing adventure they put together. The CEO of the company was born and raised in Namibia and he flat out knows Africa, not just Namibia.

I told them what I wanted in Tanzania and they suggested two camps instead of one, both closer to the animals we wanted to see. We wanted to see herds of animals on the savannah without seeing herds of vehicles. Check! We hoped to see the “Big Five” and saw a leopard in a tree eating an impala, while her cubs played below. Later we found a lion nursing and bathing her cubs. And the list goes on.

Our big wish was to see the Wildebeest migration, and after two days of searching, we saw thousands of Wildebeests in a frenzied stampede. Magical!

In Namibia, I had a few ideas of what to see, but Piper & Heath said that would be a mere chapter in the book that is Namibia. So I asked for the book….and got it. They had us flying small planes across the desert, over the mountains and along the coast. Gorgeous! We had three different lodging experiences: Sossusvlei, the stunning red sand dunes; a rugged mountainous area populated by desert-adapted wildlife( where we tracked a rhino for hours until we found him);and the wild, pristine Shipwreck Coast. We also visited a local tribe at their village. Fabulous book!

One other thing. Though Piper & Heath is an American-based company, they CARE about Africa. Their CEO spent years in animal conservation in Africa and the company gives back to African causes 1% of its gross revenues (NOT 1% of net revenue like some companies do). Their passion for Africa is real!

Piper & Heath did an amazing job in crafting a customized itinerary and handling the complicated logistics

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POSTED BY Kathryn Lin
3 years ago

My husband and I just got back from our honeymoon in Uganda and Kenya and first trip to Africa, which was planned and coordinated by Piper & Heath. Although we usually prefer to book our own travel, Piper & Heath did an amazing job in crafting a customized itinerary and handling the complicated logistics that go along with travelling to Africa. Unlike other travel companies, Chris takes the time to understand why you are travelling, your priorities and what you hope to see and uses that information to create the perfect trip. We greatly enjoyed all of the camps & lodges that he recommended and can’t wait for our next trip to Africa!

I also believe it is equally important to assess how people and organizations respond under less than ideal circumstances or when things aren’t going well. We had a small snafu come up in the form of a false positive on a covid test on the morning of our return home. My husband called Chris (at midnight on a Sunday in SD) and Chris immediately lept into action to help us formulate both a plan & a backup option in case things didn’t go the way we wanted them to. Although we were ultimately able to make it home per our original schedule, we are both incredibly grateful to Chris for coordinating with all parties involved to make this happen.

Would highly recommend working with Piper & Heath for your trip!

If we could give 1000 stars, we would!

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POSTED BY Kathi Vaughn
3 years ago

We just finished our second trip to Africa planned by Piper and Heath and cannot recommend them highly enough! If we could give 1000 stars, we would! We were beyond thrilled by their incredible level of service! Answering a million questions, planning a fantastic trip in the middle of Covid with only a couple weeks notice, every detail was carefully considered. The entire crew knows all about Africa, and they thoughtfully customize a trip to fit your budget and your interests! The details like having people meeting you in airports to get you to your destination, providing personalized travel duffels that meet the bush plane limitations, sending you off with a booklet of your travels with all of the information you might need, and providing baseball hats with built in headlamps and neck gators are just a few examples of the way Piper and Heath go above and beyond all expectations! Look no further if you are planning a trip to Africa and call Piper and Heath immediately!

The team at Piper & Heath bent over backwards to accommodate the changes and to help alleviate our fears about traveling to Africa during this crazy time.

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POSTED BY Estelle Baker
3 years ago

This was our third trip to Africa, but the very first time for the two couples who traveled with us. We planned our safari trip with Piper & Heath for late spring of 2020. But, because of the pandemic, our vacation was rescheduled . . . not once, but twice. The team at Piper & Heath bent over backwards to accommodate the changes and to help alleviate our fears about traveling to Africa during this crazy time. We liked the fact that although Piper & Heath is an American company based in San Diego, the owner, Chris Liebenberg, is originally from Namibia and has intimate knowledge of Africa.

We knew we wanted to return to Imbali and Mala Mala. Piper & Heath suggested adding Pafuri, a tented camp, to our itinerary for a totally new and difference experience.
All three of these safari camps were just spectacular. Highlights included seeing the Fever Tree forest and baobab trees at Pafuri, watching a pack of wild dogs running alongside our vehicle in the foggy mist at Imbali, and witnessing lions kill a Cape buffalo at Mala Mala, where we also watched rhinos while drinking wine and saw the Big Five by 9:20am one morning. The staff at each of the camps was outstanding, the accommodations were luxurious (especially the outdoor showers), and the food was delicious.
Another extremely wise decision we made was to have Matt Meyer travel with us as our private guide. Matt had previously guided our family at Mala Mala in 2015, so we already knew he was the best! Matt’s knowledge about all the plants and animals is just phenomenal, and his love and enthusiasm for this land and its wildlife is obvious. He’s a true professional and extremely personable at the same time. Having him along with us greatly enhanced our trip.

Piper & Heath Travel was attentive to every single detail of this vacation. All our questions were answered immediately, and they sent us a complete packet of information before we departed, in addition to a much-appreciated package of items to use on our trip. Our transportation was meticulously planned from the time we were met at the airport gate in Johannesburg until our last camp and the flight home.

It is important to us that Piper & Heath Travel supports programs that help the local communities and animals in Africa. Their strong commitment to conservation and ecotourism made us feel like our visit was really helping Africa’s economy in a positive way.

We have been home from Africa for three weeks and are still riding on a vacation “high.” Piper & Heath played a huge part in making this a dream vacation, and we will definitely recommend their topnotch service to all our friends.

A big thank you to Piper & Heath for all their hard work

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POSTED BY Kathy & John McIlvaine
3 years ago

Just returned from two weeks in Kenya. A big thank you to Piper & Heath for all their hard work. We’ve used A&K for some of our earlier travels but Piper & Heath’s attention to detail and building a custom itinerary make them a much better choice for us. From the moment we walked off the plane in Nairobi to the moment we checked back into the airport 15 days later Chris and Mark had everything planned and covered. The lodges they placed us at were amazing.

At Chris’s suggestion this trip we did a walking safari at Lewa Wilderness Camp. What an amazing experience that was. There was just my wife and myself but we had two fabulous Maasai guides, Kitonga and Nuur, that led us each day, plus a team of 9 people (and 19 camels!) that went ahead each day to set up our next camp. We saw incredible sights — rhino, elephants and giraffe were on and off our regular companions. I’m 66 and while the hiking wasn’t easy our guides made it very manageable.
Each afternoon as we walked into our new camp the team already had our tent set up and cold drinks and big smiles to greet us.

Thank you once again to Chris and Mark for an experience we will long remember!

Through the entire year postponement, Piper and Heath’s customer service has been impeccable

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POSTED BY Thea Bachmann
3 years ago

Words cannot describe how fantastic our trip was to Botswana! We started planning this trip in 2019 and then Covid happened. Sadly, we were forced to postpone our original travel plans for June/July 2020. Through the entire year postponement, Piper and Heath’s customer service has been impeccable. Chris and Mark were able to secure the same cost for the following year and they answered every email with every question we had. We also appreciated the numerous phone calls with Chris to discuss our travel options. We made the decision to travel June/July 2021 rather than postpone another year and we are happy we did! Our travel from place to place was seamless, including Covid tests, scenic flights and road transfers. Even during our trip when we had an airline cancel one of our flights, Chris and Mark were quick to respond and instrumental in facilitating a solution alleviating our stress. The Great North Road mobile tent safari was an experience of a lifetime! We were in awe of the plethora of wildlife in Botswana. Everyday on safari was more exciting than the previous day. Every accommodation exceeded our expectations and the food was delicious. The affiliated Botswana companies were phenomenal and thrilled to have tourists back in their country. They went above and beyond to make sure we had an unforgettable trip- and we did! We also appreciated the pre-travel package delivered to our home with useful gifts for our trip. Over the past two years, our interaction with the staff at Piper and Heath has been incredible and they truly value their customers. We highly recommend planning your trip to Africa with Piper and Heath and we look forward to working with them again when we return to Africa in the near future.

They know Africa, the travel industry, how to listen to their customers

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POSTED BY Guy Nemiro
3 years ago

Chris and his team at Piper & Heath provide excellent service. They know Africa, the travel industry, how to listen to their customers and how to package great trips. I just returned from Botswana and Zambia. Our gang of 7 people, including several who had been to Africa, worked with Chris on the itinerary. Everything was perfect. We flew on small planes, stayed at four stunning and comfortable camps and the luxe Thorn Tree Lodge in Livingstone. We had great guides. We felt special attention all the way. If the travel agency world had an awards show, Piper & Heath would win because they do things right. I’m happy to recommend Piper & Heath. I’m grateful for the experience they put together for us.

They were very responsive to everything we asked

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POSTED BY David Reubush
3 years ago

My wife and I were introduced to Chris of Piper & Heath in late 2015 by friends who were organizing a group trip to Botswana for 2017 as we wanted to add some additional camps to the group itinerary. Working with Chris, Mark, and the rest of the crew at Piper & Heath was a pleasure. They were very responsive to everything we asked, made the arrangements very easy for us, and the integration with the group trip seamless. As things turned out one of the camps we wanted to add was quite expensive and Chris suggested we might consider going in 2016 as the camp was scheduled to be renovated and a temporary camp put in place at a reduced rate. So, we went in 2016 and had a wonderful time. The whole trip went off without a hitch and we loved all the camps Chris picked out for us. We have now been to Africa in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, twice in 2020 (The first trip got cut short because of Covid.) and 2021; all organized by Chris and company. We have been to Botswana, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Chris picked out great camps in all the countries and all the trips came off without a hitch other than having to come home early from our first trip in 2020 due to Covid. We are definitely very satisfied customers and can highly recommend Chris and Piper & Heath to anyone who wants to experience the best that Africa has to offer.

Chris and the entire Piper & Heath staff worked hard to get us there this year

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POSTED BY Drina Boban
3 years ago

After having to cancel our first trip to Africa last May, Chris and the entire Piper & Heath staff worked hard to get us there this year. In planning this trip, Chris spent a lot of time learning about what we wanted to get out of our first visit to Africa and catered our itinerary accordingly.

We just returned from 3 weeks in Zimbabwe and Botswana 5 days ago and I’m ready to go back right now. What an experience! From visiting multiple camps in both countries to canoeing down the Zambezi River with the hippos and crocs…my brain is still reeling from all we saw, learned, felt, and experienced. It’s been the experience of a lifetime!

We are beyond thrilled with our visit and can’t wait to go back to Africa (with the help of Piper & Heath). I’ve recommended them to anyone who asks and am so grateful for all the hand-holding they did every step of the way. Thanks Piper and Heath! You guys are amazing.

They exhibited incredible expertise and meticulous attention to a myriad of details.

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POSTED BY David Oblon
3 years ago

We planned our trip before Covid but had to reschedule from 2020 to 2021. Chris & Mark worked with us and expertly navigated the multitude of changes mandated by forces beyond their control. They exhibited incredible expertise and meticulous attention to a myriad of details. We have traveled to Africa many times so we appreciate the critical role a knowledgeable agent plays in planning & executing a superb safari experience. P & H do their work better that the vast majority of travel agents because they have an intimate knowledge of the region coupled with a genuine passion for tailoring the itinerary to your needs. For example, we visited Namibia and wanted to photograph the Skeleton Coast. Chris discouraged us because fog often covers the terrain at that time of year. Instead he recommended the desert rhino camp which was superb. Most agents would have booked an excursion to the coast and pocketed their commission! Chris made sure our experience was fantastic. In addition they have an excellent network with local agencies that can help you navigate the nuances of airport and local transfers. P & H provides highest quality service with or without Covid!!!
You can trust them to listen, ask probing questions about your goals for the trip, and recommend a terrific itinerary based upon your needs.

Chris and the team helped us plan each step of the way

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POSTED BY Michael Im
3 years ago

I just got back from a 2 week trip and couldn’t have been happier with the trip that Chris, Mark, and the team at Piper & Heath planned for us. Chris set up a very 3-day tour in Cape Town then 10 days split between Eagle Island and the Savute Elephant Lodge in Botswana.

Given the pandemic, I was a bit worried about all the travel requirements (testing, etc.) that we needed to go to South Africa, Botswana, and back. Chris and the team helped us plan each step of the way and the trip could not have been smoother given everything that is going on. All their recommendations were spot on. If you’re looking to book a trip to Africa, I’d highly recommend Piper & Heath.

I threw all kinds of challenges at them and they bent over backwards to make me happy.

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POSTED BY Ann D'Angelo
3 years ago

I first became aware of Piper and Heath years ago at a San Diego travel show. I had always wanted to visit Africa and stayed in touch with them through emails for several years. Recently I had to cancel travel plans to NYC due to Covid but wanted very much to travel somewhere. So when I received an email from Chris that Tanzania was open to visitors and had very few tourists, it didn’t take me long to contact him. I was going to travel alone, as no one else I knew was willing to go at short notice and with unsure travel conditions. But I wasn’t about to let that stop me, so off I went, to a country I had never been and where I knew no one.

And what a trip Piper and Heath arranged for me. I threw all kinds of challenges at them and they bent over backwards to make me happy.

Never having been there, I relied totally on their choices of camps, the lengths of stay, and the order I visited the camps. They set up a perfect trip for me. Each camp was a different and fascinating experience. The staff and guides at each camp were extremely friendly, professional, and helpful, informative, and most of all fun! Of course the fact that I was the only guest there sometimes didn’t hurt . Piper and Heath booked me at several different types of camps, but all were exceedingly comfortable, clean, and even luxurious, and the food was fabulous everywhere.

They even arranged a side trip to Cairo and Luxor so I could visit the ancient sites, and as amazing as it may seem, I was absolutely the only tourist at some of the most popular pyramids and tombs. If you have ever wanted to see these sights, GO NOW!

Piper and Heath were there for me throughout the trip. All I had to do was WhatsApp them for immediate response (within reason since there was a 9-hour time difference). They even changed my schedule for the last day of my trip on very short notice so I could visit a place in Arusha that I hadn’t heard of until my arrival but that I was excited to visit. They rearranged my flights and had a driver waiting to take me there (Shanga gift and workshop, please visit!) and then on to the airport.

Go to Africa. Meet the warm and caring people. Embrace the different lifestyle of another country. See the incredible beauty of the Serengeti. Be blown away by the majesty of Kilimanjaro and the incredible variety of the wildlife living free and unfettered in their natural habitat.

And GO NOW to experience it without hordes of tourists.

And most importantly, put your trust in Piper and Heath, who will do everything possible to ensure that your trip is truly the unique experience you have always dreamed of.

I’m a travel agent and frequently partner with Piper & Heath to plan African safaris for clients, but this was the first time I was able to experience the trip myself

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POSTED BY Lisa Shanahan
3 years ago

Piper & Heath helped me plan a fantastic (and much needed!) vacation to Kenya this past month. I’m a travel agent and frequently partner with Piper & Heath to plan African safaris for clients, but this was the first time I was able to experience the trip myself. Chris and Mark were extremely helpful, supportive, organized, and detailed-oriented and it made for a flawless experience. They chose the perfect safari camps for me and my husband and it was a 5* service at every stop. It was very evident that Chris & Mark have very close relationships with all of the vendors on-site in Africa, which made it even more comforting while we were there. They prepared us with every possible detail beforehand and checked in while we were there. Piper & Heath is my #1 choice for tour operators in Africa and I’m looking forward to partnering with them in the near future! Thanks so much, Piper & Heath – you are rockstars!

The most professional and dedicated travel company

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POSTED BY Evi Meyer
4 years ago

Piper & Heath Travel is the most professional and dedicated travel company I have ever worked with. Chris and his team work very hard to understand what each customer would like to get out of a trip, and then come up with a superb plan to meet all those needs. It is very clear that Chris knows Africa very well and gives excellent advice that only an insider can know. This year Chris and his team put together a trip to Rwanda and Tanzania for us, and we could not have been happier with the the amazing places we experienced. The amount of detail that went into the planning of our trip was truly astounding. As a result everything went very smoothly and we could truly just relax and enjoy.
We particularly like the fact that Piper & Heath has an emphasis on conservation and supports not only programs that benefit the wildlife, but also the local communities. Five stars is not enough to give to Piper & Heath, and I am sure that I will not only chose them again for a future Africa trip, but also highly recommend them to friends.

I would have never planned our trip as well as they did.

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POSTED BY Ryen Toft
4 years ago

I highly recommend Piper and Heath for ALL travel needs. I am an experienced international traveler, having been six continents and I am assured I would have never planned our trip as well as they did. We used their company to book travel for nine people. The communication was bare none, very professional, and any changes or additions were dealt with seamlessly. We were given options in all pricing ranges, accommodated VIP services, helicopters, and all safari needs. No detail was missed and like I said above, they are a real asset to your travel planning needs.

I really appreciate the responsibility and care for the communities that P&H take.

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POSTED BY Tina Diamond
4 years ago

Piper and Heath, Chris and the whole team, were the best. They planned a trip for 8 of us that was simply amazing. Safaris in Kenya and Botswana, with each game drive better than the last! The highlight was the gorilla trek in Rwanda, which was unbelievably special.
I can’t imagine any accommodations better than we had, and the local people were helpful and so kind in each country. I really appreciate the responsibility and care for the communities that Piper and Heath take by giving back to them, supporting ecotourism, protecting wildlife and the land, and leaving Africa the beautiful continent it is.

We could genuinely feel good about where our dollars ended up.

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POSTED BY Emma Griffith
4 years ago

Our family (6 of us total) had an amazing experience with Piper and Heath during our recent trip to Kenya and Rwanda. We all share a serious passion for travel and this was the first time we had used a travel agency for a trip before which we were a bit wary about but knew it would be well worth working with a company that has a deep knowledge and understanding of the different parts of these countries. We provided Chris with a background on why we were going on this trip and what we wanted to get out of it and his team came back with the perfect, well-balanced itinerary for our 10 day stay. Chris also stayed in close communication with us during our trip whenever we had questions which was really impressive and we were thankful for his help throughout the entire process. However what really sold us on working with Piper and Heath was learning from Chris (throughout several long phone chats) how dedicated they are to conservation and directing the money that their customers spend on trips back into the communities. This made all the difference for us during our trip as we were reassured that while it wasn’t cheap, we could genuinely feel good about where our dollars ended up. Thank you to the WHOLE team at Piper and Heath for the trip of a lifetime, truly. Our hearts are full and we can’t wait for a chance to explore new countries on the incredible African continent as a family again in the future.

Working with Piper & Heath is truly amazing

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POSTED BY Lindsay Wilde
4 years ago

Working with Piper & Heath is truly amazing. My husband and I are avid travelers in our 30’s, and we were looking for a mix of different experiences while in Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. Piper & Heath welcomed the challenge with open arms, listened to what we were looking for, and delivered beyond our wildest dreams. We’ve never used a travel partner before (as we typically plan our own trips), so we weren’t sure what to expect, especially since each location was a surprise as to what the accommodation was going to be like, what the area / activities were going to be like, and so on. We also wanted to work with a travel partner that is invested in ethical tourism, conservation, giving back into the communities. We are so happy that we found Piper & Heath for all of this, and we will be doing this again.

Every single thing was above expectations, from the communication and planning leading up into the trip, the resources that were given to us for our trip, the entire experience that they laid out for us, to our post-trip debrief phone call.

I look forward to working with Piper & Heath again for additional travel adventures!

It could not have been better.

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POSTED BY Dennis Milosky
4 years ago

My wife and I just returned from a two week trip to Kenya and Zanzibar that was organized by Chris and his team at Piper and Heath. For me, this was a ‘bucket list’ trip and it could not have been better! I was referred to Chris by several colleagues who had worked with him in the past and from the first call, I knew it was the right decision.

Chris listened attentively to our goals and any concerns we had and helped organize the perfect trip. We stayed at fabulous camps in Kenya (Ololo, Lewa Wilderness, Walking Wild, Rekero…our favorite…and Naboisho). All of the flights and transfers worked out great and their pre-travel communications and organization are first class. We also enjoyed our beach vacation at Breezes Resort in Zanzibar to unwind from the safari.

We had the added surprise of meeting Chris in person at one of our stops!

Bottom line is that I recommend Piper and Heath without hesitation to help organize a fabulous experience for your trip to Africa.

Second safari with Piper & Heath

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POSTED BY Susan Griffin
4 years ago

We just returned from Tanzania – our 2nd African safari arranged by Chris and his amazing team at Piper & Heath. (2018 Botswana)
Piper and Heath are so detail oriented, everything goes seamlessly.
You feel completely safe and both trips were even better than our expectations. The animal sightings were numerous and diverse. I highly recommend seeing the wildebeest migration – a very moving & emotional experience. The lodges and guides P & H work with are superb. The staff at the lodges make you feel like you are a part of their family.
Chris and his team are easy going and dedicated to planning a tailor-made trip for you; they are a joy to work with.
If you ever wanted to go on safari – call Piper & Heath for your trip of a lifetime!

Incredible Honeymoon

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POSTED BY Brittany Diamond
4 years ago

Piper & Heath, specifically Chris, helped us plan an incredible honeymoon to Uganda and Kenya. I’m not someone who normally uses an agent to book a vacation, so it was difficult for me to let go of complete control and trust the process. However, Chris heard me out on things I had researched and worked with me to get to a budget we were comfortable with. I know I couldn’t have planned a better trip myself! Chris is also no BS, and I really appreciated that every conversation we had with him was honest and didn’t feel like a sales pitch. He has stayed at many of the lodges he recommends and even knows some of the guides and staff personally. Needless to say, he knows his stuff and will plan a life changing trip for you. Aside from Chris, his team is also wonderful. They were always on top of things and available to answer any of our questions. Can’t recommend Piper and Heath enough!

Most incredible vacation of our lives

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POSTED BY Kelly Gunderson
5 years ago

We recently returned from a trip to Kenya and Tanzania booked by Piper & Heath and it was hands down the most incredible vacation of our lives. Chris is very attentive and started off our planning process by asking what we wanted to achieve, learned our travel style and our major goals for the trip. From there he planned a trip that was beyond anything we could have possibly put together. Everything went seamlessly, Chris and his team obviously know what they’re doing – giving us private handling in airports where there was a fast transfer (we’re 100% certain we would have missed one flight if we didn’t have this), contacting the lodges prior to let them know about my food allergy, you name it they did it. The next time we go to Africa… yes, we will DEFINITELY go back… we will be coming back to Chris and his team.

Their passion for Africa is real!

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POSTED BY James Nelson
5 years ago

I have always been able to arrange my travel without outside help….until my trip to Africa. I turned to Piper & Heath to plan and execute my two week trip to Namibia and Tanzania in July of 2019. Wow! What an amazing adventure they put together. The CEO of the company was born and raised in Namibia and he flat out knows Africa, not just Namibia.

I told them what I wanted in Tanzania and they suggested two camps instead of one, both closer to the animals we wanted to see. We wanted to see herds of animals on the savannah without seeing herds of vehicles. Check! We hoped to see the “Big Five” and saw a leopard in a tree eating an impala, while her cubs played below. Later we found a lion nursing and bathing her cubs. And the list goes on.

Our big wish was to see the Wildebeest migration, and after two days of searching, we saw thousands of Wildebeests in a frenzied stampede. Magical!

In Namibia, I had a few ideas of what to see, but Piper & Heath said that would be a mere chapter in the book that is Namibia. So I asked for the book….and got it. They had us flying small planes across the desert, over the mountains and along the coast. Gorgeous! We had three different lodging experiences: Sossusvlei, the stunning red sand dunes; a rugged mountainous area populated by desert-adapted wildlife( where we tracked a rhino for hours until we found him);and the wild, pristine Shipwreck Coast. We also visited a local tribe at their village. Fabulous book!

One other thing. Though Piper & Heath is an American-based company, they CARE about Africa. Their CEO spent years in animal conservation in Africa and the company gives back to African causes 1% of its gross revenues (NOT 1% of net revenue like some companies do). Their passion for Africa is real!

P&H really listened to us…

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POSTED BY Karen Hemphill
5 years ago

Piper & Heath made so our trip of a lifetime. Usually we are do-it-yourselfers when traveling but we are so glad we used P&H for our trip to Namibia (even my husband who did NOT think an intermediary would be added value).
P&H really listened to us in terms of what we wanted to do and how we wanted to do it and gave us the perfect custom itinerary, with all flights, lodging and door-to-door handoffs fully arranged. Everything was made so easy for us that we could just enjoy our amazing experiences without stressing at all about logistics.
We spent just over 2 weeks in Namibia and would have never gone to as remote areas or had as in depth of experiences whether out in the bush or in Windhoek without P&H. We will remember Serra Cafema our whole lives. And yes, I’ve been raving to all of our friends and family about P&H and if we ever go back to Africa I will absolutely go with P&H again!

Their knowledge base of Africa is profound

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POSTED BY Mark & Ginny Andrews
5 years ago

We just returned from our African adventure! Everyone on the team at Piper and Heath worked very hard to identify recommendations specifically created to fit our interests. Their knowledge base of Africa is profound. They are always responsive and accommodating. They provided us organized documents with lots of educational information and details of each step of the trip. When our trip began, each part of the trip to South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya was executed flawlessly by their associates in Africa. Every person who helped us was on time, reliable, friendly, knowledgeable and fun to talk to. The locations and tours were first rate, the safari lodge in Zimbabwe and safari camp in southern Kenya greatly exceeded our expectations! Piper and Heath is a remarkable group of people dedicated to providing you a trip you will never forget, a trip of a lifetime. We highly recommend their services.

Incredibly personalized and effective customer service

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POSTED BY Cathy Lewis
5 years ago

We worked with Chris and Emily at Piper and Heath to plan our dream trip to Africa. They provide incredibly personalized and effective customer service. Chris interviewed us for over an hour to understand our travel desires and our values concerning the environment. He came back with a plan for us to visit three incredible wilderness safari camps in Botswana. In addition, they arranged all of our logistical transfers, plus a day of adventure in Johannesburg. Piper and Heath are amazing. Everyone of our transfers was handled professionally. We had an issue with one flight, and the representative stayed with us and helped us handle the situation. All the camps in Botswana were magical, And absolutely in alignment with our expressed goals and desires. We would work with piper and Heath again in a minute. Cannot say enough good things about them.

Our experience was incredible!

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POSTED BY Sally Meyerhofer
5 years ago

This was our first trip to Africa and with Piper and Heath Travel. Just like all of the other reviews, our experience was incredible! When we started out on this journey I felt so overwhelmed with the vast amount of information available online. But when I was referred to Piper and Heath, Chris did an incredible job asking us the right questions to help him figure out what type of itinerary would best fit our desires. The end result was a journey with four Asilia Africa camps in both Kenya and Tanzania that was absolutely seamless from beginning to the end. Once we started on our journey, every detailed was taken care of and my husband and I were able to relax and thoroughly enjoy our trip. Each and every camp was a different experience but consistently exceptional in terms of the staff and their hospitality. The people we met along the way and the wildlife made for life long memories. Thank you, Piper and Heath! (Chris, Emily, Josh, Mark, Kathy) you were all fabulous!

I highly recommend working with Piper & Heath for travel to India

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POSTED BY Sandy Perretti
5 years ago

Many kudos again to Piper & Heath for organizing a fabulous bespoke tour for me and a friend – this time to India in March 2019. It was the perfect blend of the best of India’s art, culture and wildlife. We hit the highlights in Delhi, the Taj Mahal in Agra, and forts and palaces in Jaipur, Rajasthan. We spent two awesome nights at Dera Amer camp where we were greeted upon arrival by Lakshmi the elephant who walked us to our luxury tent. Lakshmi had so much personality and we spent a lot of time with her – bathing and scrubbing her and painting her trunk. Food and service were excellent at Dera Amer. Our next stop was Bandhavgarh National Park where we stayed in the fabulous Kings Lodge and had two days of game drives focused on Bengal Tigers. Good fortune was with us as we saw a total of 11 Bengal Tigers for an awesome safari experience! We finished our tour in southern India in Cochin, Kerala which almost felt like a different country. All along the way, all of the arrangements made by Piper & Heath including airport greeters, drivers, guides, and accommodations were top notch with no glitches. And their local contact was just a phone call away when we needed help with a cancelled flight on our way to Cochin as well as for arranging massages for our last day in Delhi before we flew out that night. As two women travelling in India, we felt completely comfortable at all times with total confidence that Piper & Heath had covered all the details. Even though Africa is their specialty, I highly recommend working with Piper & Heath for travel to India.

Flawlessly planned and executed.

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POSTED BY Steve Cotton
5 years ago

We just returned from a 17-day safari in Uganda that was flawlessly planned and executed by Piper & Heath. No surprise – this was our third P&H trip to Africa (previous safaris took us to Namibia and Zambia/Zimbabwe), and they were also fabulous.  Chris doesn’t just bring expertise and personal knowledge to bear; he asks questions and really listens.  His advice and recommendations have perfectly matched our requests, and his low-key descriptions have proved reliable – which means we’ve embarked with realistic expectations of what we’re likely to encounter.  The P&H team does a fabulous job of making certain it all goes as planned. And BTW, the gorillas and chimps were awesome

One of the best trips I have ever taken

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POSTED BY Charlotte Mark
5 years ago

It’s been my dream to go to on a safari for a while now, but always felt overwhelmed by the process of selecting the perfect place out of an immense array of options. When planning my 30th birthday, I reached out to three travel agencies and Piper and Heath was not only the quickest to respond, but they were the only ones to actually pick up the phone and call me directly. After hearing about our interests, they were able to select the perfect safari for us. It ended up being one of the best trips I’ve ever taken — and I got engaged along the way! We did have one hiccup along the way when our driver in Zanzibar thought we were going to another hotel, which resulted in an increase in fees for transit. Piper and Heath was even nice enough to refund us the difference and take accountability for the mistake that wasn’t even their fault. All in all, highly recommend.

Travel professionals that set the bar incredibly high.

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POSTED BY Christa Muth
5 years ago

There are not enough superlatives in the dictionary to describe what an incredible journey was crafted by the team at Piper & Heath! The common thread running through all of their reviews is consistent execution, local knowledge, patient guest interaction with an unusual focus on the small details that set exquisite travel apart from a great trip. Starting with a gorilla trek in Rwanda and ending with an elephant encounter in Botswana, I have a difficult time picking a favorite experience. But what began this epic adventure was working with a team of travel professionals that set the bar incredibly high-bravo!

They are the best!

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POSTED BY Paul Azevedo
5 years ago

We recently completed a five week trip to Africa with the help of the folks at Piper & Heath. The short version review is this: If you are thinking about or planning a trip to Africa, we cannot urge you enough to use the professionals at Piper and Heath. They are the best!.

Having never been to Africa before, it was a bit overwhelming to assess travel options and figure out the best fit for our travel goals. Upon hearing that Piper and Heath were in our city, and after reading the stellar reviews by other travelers, we visited them. Upon the first contact with P&H, we knew we had found the right professionals to help us. The entire staff was knowledgeable, professional and friendly. Having grown up in Africa, Chris is particularly suited to advise about the details of the options there and fitting your travel plans and goals with the incredible options to select from in Africa. The entire staff really care about helping you have a great experience and it shows in their attention to detail and their efforts to make the logistics work for you. And they are also just very nice people.

We did a four week, self-guided tour through Namibia and a week “safari” in Zimbabwe. The itinerary was well thought out. The accommodations along the way were incredible. The “in-country” support was fantastic. The advice and suggestions for the safari were perfect. We met a number of travelers along the way that were quite envious of our itinerary and mentioned that we were staying at the “best places”. When our college-age daughter joined up with us for the last couple of weeks, we watched as her dreams to see Africa and the wildlife came true before our eyes each day. I would not change a thing from the recommendations that Piper and Heath gave us.

A couple things to note. Some of the best places to stay and visit in Africa cannot be booked directly so using a travel agent can improve the quality of your trip. Also, it does not cost you any extra to use them and in fact, Piper & Heath can save you money by giving you the best “bang for the buck” available for your adventure. Finally, if you are just thinking of going to Africa, do it! It is incredible.

We rarely write reviews for products or services. However, the knowledge, service and professionalism of Piper & Heath deserve as high a rating on any scale as we could give. They are exceptional at what they do and you will not regret using their services.

From the outset it was clear I had chosen to plan my adventure with an extremely knowledgeable and experienced safari planner.

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POSTED BY Stephen Hall
6 years ago

Earlier this month (August, 2018) my wife and I returned from a wonderful, expertly organized safari to Botswana, Africa. Given the numerous lodges and itineraries available and my own lack of prior travel to Botswana, I contacted Piper & Heath in January. From the outset it was clear I had chosen to plan my adventure with an extremely knowledgeable and experienced safari planner.
Their wealth of experience in the country of Botswana (and Africa in general) was readily apparent throughout the process. The day of my initial contact the staff immediately began making phone calls and sending seemingly countless emails that ultimately proved successful in fulfilling all of my special requests and reserving space at my preferred camps during the busy month of August.
All of the trip details including lodge bookings, guides, flights, flight connections, customs navigation, and travel insurance were confirmed and finalized by Piper & Heath within a week of my initial contact.
Having now seven months later just returned from Botswana, I can confirm that it proved to be a marvelous, unforgettable experience, free of confusion or ambiguity and full of the memories and highlights envisioned in January.
I would recommend Piper & Heath to anyone planning an adventure to Botswana or southern Africa. They are simply the best

I wanted to let you know that we had the trip of a lifetime

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POSTED BY David & Debbie Halbreich
6 years ago

I am writing this as I wait for my last flight from JFK to LAX. I wanted to let you know that we had the trip of a lifetime. Everything went off without a hitch. It could not have happened without your expert advice and follow through. From initial planning through final execution you guys did an absolutely wonderful job. The camps were all different but each amazing in their own unique way. The transfers around the airport were an added bonus and eliminated the anxiety that comes with traveling in abroad.

In addition to the above, I want to add that everyone in the company was extremely helpful. They were patient with my endless questions as I planned the trip, were professional in their follow through, and extremely knowledgeable about each of the camps in the countries I sought to visit. I have no hesitation in recommending them.

Dreams do come true!

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POSTED BY Betsy & Art Boyd-Baxley
6 years ago

Dreams do come true! In planning our safari Chris & Emily Liebenberg and Mark Forman were patient with our questions and listened to what we wanted for our African adventure!!!
Piper and Heath made this the trip of a lifetime. Every contingency and preconceived problem were taken care of. Their alignment with Asilia Africa truly enhanced our experience. Teaching us about their fragile ecosystem and the efforts to protect it.
The chosen camps, all the many many people who cared for us, all 8 flight schedules, everything, outstanding & stress free!

Top notch service from Piper & Heath.

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POSTED BY Carolyn Maloney
6 years ago

Top notch service from Piper and Heath! They planned and coordinated the trip of a lifetime for us- safari in Tanzania. Every detail was perfect and the service was truly remarkable. Thanks Emily for answering my endless questions and for everyone at P&H for always being so attentive and responding so quickly. We look forward to planning another trip with you!! Thanks for making a lifelong dream come true 🙂

If you want to travel to Africa for safari, call Piper & Heath.

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POSTED BY Susan Griffin
6 years ago

If you want to travel to Africa for safari, call Piper & Heath. They will customize your vacation and plan every detail meticulously.
Chris, Emily, Mark and Josh and I had many conversations and they took as much time as needed to answer my questions. As soon as I spoke with Chris, I knew he understood what we wanted and I am so grateful he made it a reality. We say it was a trip of a lifetime – but now we know we will go back to Africa again, and without doubt, rely on Piper & Heath to plan and book it.

Piper & Heath developed the perfect itinerary for us.

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POSTED BY Bruce & Sandy Peretti
6 years ago

After an afternoon with Chris to discuss a safari, Piper & Heath developed the perfect itinerary for us to South Africa and Botswana. The selection of our camps was perfect and in the perfect order. Beginning with Jack’s, the 1940’s style camp with no electricity to a more luxurious camp to a remote island camp only accessible by water and ending at another luxury camp. It was the perfect mix of rustic and luxury with regard to accommodations and amenities. Also, each camp offered a different wildlife viewing experience – from the Zebra migration at Jack’s Camp to the Big 5 at Qorokwe – as well as various activities (in addition to morning and afternoon game drives) from horseback riding to touring by Mokoro. Finally, we very much appreciated the great services, guidance, and transfers from point to point that were arranged by Piper & Heath. Everything went smoothly and we always felt safe and comfortable and in great hands. We highly recommend working with Piper & Heath for your travel to Africa. They will tailor the perfect safari for you.

Rarely do you find a company in any field that are as good as Piper & Heath

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POSTED BY Jim Lesperance
6 years ago

I’ve traveled to Five continents and over 20 plus countries for my obsession with Wildlife Photography. I believe I’ve taken 6 trips to Africa with Piper and Heath now. THEY HAVE NEVER MADE ONE TINY MISTAKE. I’ve used used so many different companies over the world and each one normally has a couple of things wrong with it. Piper & Heath delivers what they promise and above and beyond every single time. Signed, Sealed and Deliver. Here is the best part Chris and his staff are amazing friendly people who have their ethics lined up as well. They are active in conservation and think about the animals first. Rarely do you find a company in any field that are as good as Piper & Heath. They sell wonderful experiences with piece of mind while you travel in a foreign country. TRAVEL WITH THEM.

 

We would return tomorrow if we could!

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POSTED BY Charley and Marilyn Wheeler
6 years ago

We just returned from our third safari in Africa and without a doubt this is the best experience we’ve ever had. Past trips were very good, but this one was excellent. We would return tomorrow if we could!

Chris Liebenberg and his team at Piper and Heath Travel took care of every detail. They listened to what we wanted to experience and planned accordingly. Their recommendations for camps and length of stay were spot on. Commercial and local flights were coordinated with representatives meeting us at every stage of the trip. Everything was taken care of including expedited customs and immigration.

Our first stop at the Fairlawns Hotel in Johannesburg was amazing. It is a gorgeous property. It is definitely worth a return visit and even longer stay.

Vumbura Plains in Botswana is beautiful and well-managed with friendly and highly competent staff, great food, and the best guide and tracker we’ve ever had, Chris. Abu Camp, also in Botswana, is also lovely. The experiences we had with the elephants were unbelievable. For four days we interacted with them, fed and walked them, and played with the baby, Mototo. It was life-changing. Giraffe Manor in Nairobi was a special experience. Two days was enough time to feed the Rothschild giraffe and enjoy the beauty of the property. Again, great accommodations, outstanding food and service. Ending our trip at Segera Retreat was a recommendation that Chris made and he was so right. It is stunning, located on a plateau in Kenya. With a wine tower, gardens, pool, art gallery and perfectly decorated suites, it is definitely not a camp!  The food was incredible, as well as staff, who treated us like family. We were so relaxed we lost track of time and thought we were staying another day.

The number of animals we saw throughout the trip was extraordinary. There is nothing we would have done differently, except stay longer!

We highly recommend Piper and Heath and plan to book our return trip to Africa with Chris and his team.

Charley and Marilyn Wheeler

Thanks to Piper and Heath for an epic adventure!

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POSTED BY Jacque C.
6 years ago

Thanks to Piper and Heath for an epic adventure. We could not have checked off our bucket list items without them! From beginning to end, from the Indian ocean to the top of Kilimanjaro, our trip was flawlessly executed! Thank you for the adventure of a lifetime!

This is an A-1 Travel Agency

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POSTED BY Don Lipmanson
7 years ago

This second Botswana safari organized for us by Chris Liebenberg and Mark Forman confirmed my earlier view that this agency is A-1 in every regard.

Chris puts a lot of time and effort in helping create what I’d called a balanced trip, where the adrenaline and physical demands of time in the bush are framed with tranquil and comfortable accommodations in Cape Town or Jo’burg, and perhaps a several days for recovery at a fabulous beach resort Mozambique. Chris is particularly attentive to one’s travel objectives, and has an exquisite knowledge of the unique qualities of each safari camp – seasonal variations in ecosystems and which camps are best for wildlife viewing in a particular season, and his suggestions have proved impeccable.

As a birder, the opportunity to add 250+ species to my life list over the course of five weeks is proof of Chris’s ability to deliver what the client wants from an elaborate and costly trip. His planning has allowed me to see hundreds of elephants, thousands of antelopes of various species, dozens of hippos and Cape Buffalo and giraffes and zebras and warthogs, handfuls of lions and leopards. Most exciting of all was seeing a large pack of African wild dogs stalking, chasing and dispatching several impalas right by our vehicle in the Chitabe concession in March, when the scenery is gorgeously lush and the camps less expensive, but wildlife is more dispersed than in peak season.

Chris finds excellent accommodations in whatever price range suits ones needs, and can arrange exceptionally informative private cultural or scenic tours in South Africa (a country he knows from birth and whose political and social nuances he well understands). He shows an extraordinary personal commitment to wildlife protection and the welfare of local communities, which helps ensure that his client’s visits will have a beneficial rather than a harmful impact in a part of the world that remains a “wild kingdom” yet is so vulnerable to human-driven destruction.

Mark’s and Emily’s involvement in trip planning helps avoid glitches like inadequate time for flight connections, or lack of travel documents necessary to satisfy the bureaucratic obsessions of immigration and customs officials. Their careful review of travel details and repeated communications with clients before the trip begins avoids a lot of opportunity for problems en route.  Even for a very experienced traveler, it’s reassuring  to have them watching the details and proposing ways to avoid potential disruptions.

It’s been a dream…

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POSTED BY Bonnie Wilhelm
6 years ago

It has been a dream to go to Africa; but while we travel quite a bit, planning a trip to Africa seemed too overwhelming. Two years ago, we met Chris Liebenberg. Immediately, Chris, Emily and Mark started thoughtfully planning our August 2017 trip. Initially, we had a long phone conversation where Chris asked about each of our interests (we have 11 & 12 y/o girls), to put together a perfect itinerary. After a few tweaks (had to add a winery visit), we committed! During the 18 months between booking and traveling, the team fielded dozens of questions ranging from flights, what to wear to dinner, camera and lens tips, vaccinations, weather, tipping, safety, packing, providing our luggage, and even assisting with finding a volunteer opportunity for us. Would we recommend them to plan a trip? Absolutely

We started our trip in Joburg @ the Fairlawns Hotel. After a long trip this was the perfect place to relax and rest. We spent a day in Soweto, bicycling through the community, talking with locals. We had a chance to spend time with children at a youth center and visit a home. Together, our family learned tons about how the gold rush affected Joburg, the beginning of Apartheid, the Soweto uprising, the life of Nelson Mandela, and the history of South Africa.

From Joburg, we traveled to Botswana. We arrived at the border and were greeted by Dan, our guide, and Eddie, our tracker from Mashatu. We got in our open-air vehicle and started our short drive to camp. D&E were laughing at our excitement over the animals that we saw on the way to camp. At Mashatu, after a staff greeting, we were taken to our beautiful stone hut with perfect accommodations that overlooked the bush. In the nights that followed, we’d hear elephants outside of our room (“ele party”). Shortly, we were off on our first evening drive. For 3 to 4 hours, 2/day, we would go on a unique adventure. First, it was the male leopard who put on a show for us while marking his territory along the river. The elephants were fun to watch; the baby’s were playful, and the moms protected them & were quite aggressive when our vehicle posed the slightest threat. The giraffes were curious; they just stared at us and chewed. The lions – clearly the King of the jungle (or bush). The baboons were funny, and lived among the antelope and monkeys. They hyena babies were curious and playful, and moms so protective. On our evening drive, we’d watch the sunset, taking perfect pictures with animals in the background. We’d stop for wine & jerky / the kids water. With our experienced guides, we never worried about our safety. Early mornings, we were off to find the animals and watch another perfect sunrise. Between drives, many people napped; others sat outside overlooking the pond, reflecting on the trip. The food, South African wine, and company were fabulous.

Leaving Mashatu was sad, but we were excited to head to Mala Mala. At the airport, where we were greeted by our pilot who transported us to camp, bordering Kruger. Our guide, Michael, met us at the airport and took us to camp. Michael showed us the lodge, the balcony that overlooked the river, the infinity pool, and to our hut which had 2 rooms, a balcony overlooking a pond (& our hippo). Here we saw the Big Five within 24 hours, were educated about animals, astrology (you can’t imagine the sky at night), entertained by stories of previous shenanigans at the camp, followed the lion prides and learned more about bird life than I could imagine. Sitting by the pool during the day meant watching the animals walk through the dried-up river. Evenings, we met in the lodge where dinner was announced by a tribal dance. Our guide was brilliant and passionate about his work. There was not a question he did not have the answer to. Leaving was heartbreaking. I knew it meant saying goodbye to Michael, and the animals for a long, long time.

Our next stop was Cape Town. We stayed in the impressive Cape Grace Hotel. The girls were surprised with gifts of earrings in the room, we experienced a whisky tasting, a high tea and amazing breakfasts. We spent our days exploring the peninsula, shopping, and penguin community, and even had drinks next to Charlize Theron!

Next, we headed south to Grootbos, recently featured in National Geographic. It was rainy, but it didn’t stop us and our guide Gareth from exploring the sand dunes, caves, beak walks, milkwood forests & feynbos. Meals were fantastic. We had our own house, with a generously stocked mini bar. Chris and team had arranged a tree planting ceremony for us which helped us to feel connected to this beautiful place.

We finished our trip with a stop to Vergelegen Winery; beautiful grounds, great food and delicious wine. What a perfect way to toast an amazing trip.

If you have the chance to have Piper and Heath plan a trip, you will not regret it! Perfect way to bond as a family, disconnect and get a whole lot of perspective! We will certainly have them plan another trip!

Thank you so much for the whole experience…

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POSTED BY Chester & Diane
7 years ago

Thank you so much for the whole experience! I have been on safaris before where it was so crowded, but I just loved being in private reserves and sometimes not seeing even another jeep out on drives! The animals are really in their natural habitat there, and they seem to know they are safe. The service everywhere was so friendly. We talked to all the staff and they willingly shared their life experiences with us, and were eager to chat making time in their busy days to give us all the attention! Can’t say enough good things about your excellent planning of our trip of a lifetime! Thank you!!!

What a fabulous trip!

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POSTED BY Tae & Sallay
7 years ago

We recently returned from a two-week trip to Tanzania to climb Mt Kilimanjaro and go on safari in the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. What a fabulous trip! No other words can describe it other than it being a once in a lifetime experience with warm memories that will forever be embedded in our hearts. For our six-day climb of Mt Kilimanjaro we truly could not appreciate the amount of work it took to move our small group of four until we experienced the 25-man-team’s professionalism and dedicated services firsthand. And each day with a smile on their faces and joyful singing upon reaching each camp. As in most things in life, you get what you pay for. We realized how extremely fortunate we were in choosing Piper & Heath, as we saw a number of examples of poorly led groups during our climb that did not stay together on the mountain resulting in poor accountability and lackluster morale for those unfortunate group members. And the safari portion of our trip was first class. From the transportation via SUV or aircraft to the stay at each lodge, we experienced the kind hospitality of the local Tanzanians and the five-star treatment of each venue. It was truly money well spent. Our guides were full of pertinent information and enthusiastic to share their world with us. It was clearly evident that they possess a keen passion for the work that they do daily. Thanks to Piper & Heath for helping us put together the perfect itinerary. From the strenuous beginning with a Kili climb to the more relaxing trip to the crater and safari in the Serengeti, each piece was perfectly planned and executed. Looking forward to continuing to share our memories with friends about our amazing trip and the service of Piper & Heath. Thank you for a first class, professional, and overall easy experience. We were quite fortunate to find you all!