Testimonials

“Out here, stories aren’t just told – they’re lived. And nothing speaks louder than the words of those who’ve walked this path before you.”

At Exclusive Touch Africa, we don’t just plan journeys – we craft experiences that stay with you long after the dust has settled on your safari boots. But don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what some of our guests have had to say about their adventures with us. Their stories are a testament to the unforgettable memories, breathtaking moments, and heartfelt connections that define every trip we design.

What Our Guests Are Saying:

I was told I could trust Sid for everything and I soon did. He had and will always have my utmost respect as a person and friend. Sid was invaluable.

Brian Mullin - multi time Repeat guests – USA

Thank you to Cheryl and Sid so much for putting together such a thoughtful and exhilarating experience for our family. It was a wonderful introduction to Africa, and we hope to be back many more time. We would not have changed a thing and we take home so many new family memories that will last a lifetime.”

The Brewster Family – USA

Words can’t describe how perfect our honeymoon in Zimbabwe was. From staying on the stunning Lake Kariba at Changa, the peaceful surroundings at the Hide, to the wild and picturesque world of Davison’s and finishing at the powerful and breathtaking Victoria Falls. Cheryl could not have done more for us and you could feel the love and romance in every part of our holiday. There wasn’t a moment that hadn’t been thought through to make sure we had the most memorable time. We could not fault our trip and know that we will be taking about our honeymoon for the rest of our lives.”

Chantal & Michael Mandalidis – Australia

Africa is the ultimate destination. The wildlife, the bush and the people make it unforgettable. After many trips I’m still totally addicted to this wonderful continent. With Exclusive Touch Africa everything is taken care of down to the finest detail. You do not have to worry about anything, they will have it covered. I can’t recommend Cheryl and Sid enough. Great people.

Edward & Peta Proudford - repeat guests – Australia

We have had the most amazing time. Everyone has been so special and unique, loved every minute of it. Cheryl You really do put together the perfect holiday for us, Thank you.

Tracy & Adrian Wearn Repeat Guests – Australia

Sid – you have a very special gift for laughter, expertise on SO many things, a love of life and people! You gave our trip to Africa a very full one with your every day responses to my questions and needs – THANK YOU!

Wendy & Jack Richards repeat guests USA

I could not imagine a trip to Africa without you both, but then we have mightily spoiled. The places you have booked us into are unbelievable. Not only are they most luxurious and beautiful, but those associated with the "camps" are knowledgeable--fabulous guides--and well trained in the art of serving and caring for guests--excellent dining as well. I know that you have researched each site, usually having been there yourselves. Your services are soooo complete and personal with every detail attended to. We all loved the "flip" itinerary book you did this past trip. And Sid does the best job in arranging for sightings of ALL the animals many times. What's more, you make it all such fun!

Tom & Lyndie Lamson repeat guest USA

Janice and I met Sid Hayes on our 6th Safari experience - we knew we were in the hands of a "pro". At the conclusion of the trip we met Cheryl, who indicated her desire to work arranging smaller, intimate specialized Safari Trips, as opposed to Corporate clients. This fits our needs to a T. Cheryl has the skills to understand our special needs, and Sid can provide 1st hand advise on the skills of the managers of the Safari Lodges. Sid also motivates the guides and managers of each Lodge to tailor make a unique experience for sophisticated experienced travellers. Cheryl also provides professional advise on activities, shopping, hotel selection and restaurants in Capetown, Victoria Falls and other gateways to Africa. We have exposed more than 50 friends or friends of friends to an Exclusive Touch experience, and unanimously all rate their experience at "the trip of a Lifetime". We have had several couples agree to 2nd and 3rd trips, and virtually all participants in our 9th Safari with 16 people in Sept./ Oct 2010 are waiting for details of the next African Safari with Exclusive Touch. What more can we say, other than to admit we do consider Cheryl and Sid as friends as well as professional gems.

Doug & Janice Burke USA Multi time repeat guests USA

We had an absolutely wonderful time - totally memorable. We have done an enormous amount of travelling, and this trip was up there with the top experiences. Everything went so well, everything was wonderful, and the staff so helpful, with excellent guides. Thank you so much for the splendid recommendations and organising."

Les & Vicki Spicer – UK

Sid, WOW! You were on top of every detail throughout out fabulous trip. Your calm and confident attitude always allowed us to let you handle the details and us to focus on the fun! Thank you for your professional expertise and personal touch.

Colleen & Jon Burke USA

Sid – the continuous flow of humour, intellect and passion for your country – THANK YOU, you will linger in our hearts for many sunsets and sunrises

Sharen & Gary Thomas USA

It was the best holiday i have ever had. Everything was planned to perfection. The transition from one game reserve to another was efficient and punctual. Each game park provided a new type of environment which in turn allowed us to experience different wildlife, people and accommodation. Everyone we have spoken to on our travels felt that we have covered so much country, such different types of country and a variety of camps, that you need to also be commended on that aspect of the planning. The parks embraced us as a family and has provided us with a lifetime experience. We saw everything you could possibly want to see and more!! Surreal!! I think about our trip everyday since our return & post holiday depression has really set in!!!

The Boyd Family Australia

It was fantastic. I have travelled around a lot but never in a way where you don’t have to think of anything, lifts flights etc. I definitely took you at you word, turning up at airports without tickets or even the name of our destination. Never a problem or a hitch and always some very nice person waiting to breeze us through, so that was pretty awesome. thank you for facilitating the most incredible holiday, Alice was blown away on so many occasions, as was I. It was utterly fantastic, but the Serengeti was the incredible experience. We had the best time and an unbeatable honeymoon, literally could not have been better. It’s quite interesting, the bit where you’re really in Africa, it can’t be anywhere else, that was the most special. Alice's saying of the trip - God is everywhere, but he lives in Africa.

Felix & Alice St Aubyn

Cheryl and Sid are sensational hosts. We are starting to see them as friends rather than tour organisers and guides. They obviously love their work.

Michael & Gemma Australia

Having left the protective but not invasive shelter of Sid's domain, we can better reflect on how truly great our time with you has been. You were on top of every detail throughout out fabulous trip. Your calm and confident attitude always allowed us to let you handle the details and us to focus on the fun! Thank you for your professional expertise and personal touch.

Bron & Al – Australia

Our trip with Exclusive Touch Africa, was a third trip to Africa and by far far far the best. The camps we stayed in were wonderfully comfortable and the food was always terrific. But we went for the animals and we saw everything! Every day was a thrill and every evening we bubbled with joy. Sid took care of all the details so we only had to relax and enjoy and watch for the next adventure and sighting. We had planned this trip as our last to Africa, but we had such a good time the whole group wants to go again. And we will.

Gay Tracy United States

In spite of all the political problems of Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls remain a favorite destination of our clients. Not that the place is unaffected by the problems, but security is better than in most places in South Africa, and whilst they may have problems supplying certain luxury products, clients enjoy the atmosphere and perhaps even find it interesting to hear about the problems facing the population. Why we use ETA In the early days we made use of some good people at Victoria Falls, but as their little operations grew in size and eventually were swallowed up by other larger companies, service became a distant memory. In fact, Victoria Falls became a problem destination where our guests complained that nothing was functioning. Then I met Cheryl and Sid, and things changed back to the good old days where clients were not a nuisance, but something you welcomed and gave personal attention to. This remains the situation to this very day, and since they took over our local operations at Victoria Falls, we never received another complaint from any clients. What I like about the Family Set up of ETA, personalized service and knowledgeable guides. Our aim is to provide a very up market service, and Cheryl and Sid have indeed assisted us in attaining this goal. Whether 06:30 in the morning or 07.00pm at night, their team will be there to see clients off on various activities, making sure that service providers are on time and deliver a superior product. Many guests make last-minute changes to their itineraries and add services, but such events are always met with a smile and a comment like "no problem at all!".

Holger Jensen Jensen Safaris 25 year partnership with ETA

We've always dreamed of an African Safari – but these ten days have far surpassed our expectations!

Marc & Patti Lister United States

Sid & Cheryl - Your exemplary attention to detail has made this the most memorable trip we have ever been on!

Bob Smail & Sally Bishop Australia

Sid and Cheryl made our African trip absolutely magical. Their knowledge and expertise made a special trip spectacular! From the selection of the camps and local trackers to swimming in the Zambezi by Vic Falls, all was perfection. It's impossible to express how incredible this trip was and all that we saw and did - It was all we had dreamed about and more. We have wanted to do this for a long time and it was well worth the wait. You made it so very special for us. Cheryl, you picked out the greatest places and Sid, you got the very best out of each one!! You make a fabulous team.

Mike & Penny Carr United State

Dear Cheryl and Sid, ... how to thank you both for memories of a lifetime?! Our trip fulfilled and went beyond our dreams. Never could we have had such an amazing experience without the both of you. So very many heartfelt thanks for making our dream come true. You both seemed to have a crystal ball and anticipated every need or want we had before we even knew it! So many things to thank you both for I don't know how to begin. All of us, as a family and individually, took a piece of Africa home with us and it will live in each of our hearts forever.

The Benson Family United States

It was utterly fantastic, but the Serengeti was the incredible experience. We had the best time and an unbeatable honeymoon."

Sid – the continuous flow of humour, intellect and passion for your country – THANK YOU, you will linger in our hearts for many sunsets and sunrises!”

Thank you to Cheryl and Sid so much for putting together such a thoughtful and exhilarating experience for our family. It was a wonderful introduction to Africa, and we hope to be back many more time. We would not have changed a thing and we take home so many new family memories that will last a lifetime.”

The Brewster Family – USA 2025

Words can’t describe how perfect our honeymoon in Zimbabwe was. From staying on the stunning Lake Kariba at Changa, the peaceful surroundings at the Hide, to the wild and picturesque world of Davison’s and finishing at the powerful and breathtaking Victoria Falls. Cheryl could not have done more for us and you could feel the love and romance in every part of our holiday. There wasn’t a moment that hadn’t been thought through to make sure we had the most memorable time. We could not fault our trip and know that we will be taking about our honeymoon for the rest of our lives.”

Chantal & Michael Mandalidis – Australia 2025

We had an absolutely wonderful time - totally memorable. We have done an enormous amount of travelling, and this trip was up there with the top experiences. Everything went so well, everything was wonderful, and the staff so helpful, with excellent guides. The Old Drift was the perfect start to the holiday, and it was so interesting to see the contrast in the three lodge hotels. We are also very glad we did the helicopter trip as it gave such a different view of the falls. All wonderful! - as was lunch in the Lookout Cafe. Thank you so much for the splendid recommendations and organising."

Les & Vicki Spicer – UK 2025

It was fantastic. I have travelled around a lot but never in a way where you don’t have to think of anything, lifts flights etc. I definitely took you at you word, turning up at airports without tickets or even the name of our destination. Never a problem or a hitch and always some very nice person waiting to breeze us through, so that was pretty awesome. thank you for facilitating the most incredible holiday, Alice was blown away on so many occasions, as was I. It was utterly fantastic, but the Serengeti was the incredible experience. We had the best time and an unbeatable honeymoon, literally could not have been better. It’s quite interesting, the bit where you’re really in Africa, it can’t be anywhere else, that was the most special. Alice's saying of the trip - God is everywhere, but he lives in Africa."

Felix & Alice St Aubyn 2020

Well having left the protective but not invasive shelter of Sid's domain, we can better reflect on how truly great our time with you has been. Everything flowed seamlessly, we saw amazing aspects of this vast country, we were entertained with Sid's stories & jokes, & escorted through endless border regulations without hiccup. All in all an awesome experience truly enhanced by the experience & expertise of Sid & Cheryl. Eternally grateful!!"

Bron & Al - AUS 2017

Sid, WOW! You were on top of every detail throughout out fabulous trip. Your calm and confident attitude always allowed us to let you handle the details and us to focus on the fun! Thank you for your professional expertise and personal touch."

Colleen & Jon Burke - USA

I was told I could trust Sid for everything and I soon did. He had and will always have my utmost respect as a person and friend. Sid was invaluable."

Brian Mullen - USA

Cheryl and Sid are sensational hosts. We are starting to see them as friends rather than tour organisers and guides. They obviously love their work."

Michael & Gemma - AUS

I could not imagine a trip to Africa without you both, but then we have mightily spoiled. The places you have booked us into are unbelievable. Not only are they most luxurious and beautiful, but those associated with the "camps" are knowledgeable--fabulous guides--and well trained in the art of serving and caring for guests--excellent dining as well. I know that you have researched each site, usually having been there yourselves. Your services are soooo complete and personal with every detail attended to. We all loved the "flip" itinerary book you did this past trip. And Sid does the best job in arranging for sightings of ALL the animals many times. What's more, you make it all such fun!"

Tom & Lyndie Lamson - USA

It was the best holiday i have ever had. Everything was planned to perfection. The transition from one game reserve to another was efficient and punctual. Each game park provided a new type of environment which in turn allowed us to experience different wildlife, people and accommodation. Everyone we have spoken to on our travels felt that we have covered so much country, such different types of country and a variety of camps, that you need to also be commended on that aspect of the planning. The parks embraced us as a family and has provided us with a lifetime experience. We saw everything you could possibly want to see and more!! Surreal!! I think about our trip everyday since our return & post holiday depression has really set in!!!"

The Boyd Family - AUS

Elephant Camp - we both thought it was a truly wonderful place. We had a lovely time and Jonathan, Moses and the team were very hospitable. The food was excellent, the room/tent was beyond expectation and we didn't want to leave. A special mention goes to Jonathan - we really hit it off with him, he is a lovely guy and a great host. We also really enjoyed the activities being the cruise and the heli trip and the walk with Sid around the falls. The lion walk was amazing."

Aran & Sandra Cox - AUS

Dear Cheryl and Sid, ... how to thank you both for memories of a lifetime?! Our trip fulfilled and went beyond our dreams. Never could we have had such an amazing experience without the both of you. So very many heartfelt thanks for making our dream come true. You both seemed to have a crystal ball and anticipated every need or want we had before we even knew it! So many things to thank you both for I don't know how to begin. All of us, as a family and individually, took a piece of Africa home with us and it will live in each of our hearts forever.

The Benson Family - USA

I just wanted to thank you so much for arranging our trip to Zim and Zam. We had the most amazing time, sadly it was too short, so we will most definitely be back. Simon and I thought that the people in Zim were fabulous - all so helpful and together as a nation. It was fantastic to see the country bonding together and the importance that they place in tourism. I know that Zimbabwe seems to get a bad press, but I honestly feel that this is totally unjustified and have been spreading the word for you back here. The whole trip was seamless from the border crossing to the transfers into Hwange. Hotel transfers normally consists of long boring motorways - we got to count over 100 elephants - I know which I would prefer!! We will definitely be coming back so we need to chat about what to do next. I love the idea of a week in the bush so that we can get to add to our Lion, Hippo, Ele, Kudu, Impala and Giraffe spots. I also can't wait to see Vic Falls in full water, though it does mean that we won't be able to swim in Devil's Pool again which was a serious highlight! I cannot wait to come back to your wonderful country and will remain a firm advocate from here in the UK!! Kindest regards as ever."

Victoria Delaney (Senior Tourist Board Sales Executive at Trip Advisor) - UK

In spite of all the political problems of Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls remain a favorite destination of our clients. Not that the place is unaffected by the problems, but security is better than in most places in South Africa, and whilst they may have problems supplying certain luxury products, clients enjoy the atmosphere and perhaps even find it interesting to hear about the problems facing the population. Why we use ETA In the early days we made use of some good people at Victoria Falls, but as their little operations grew in size and eventually were swallowed up by other larger companies, service became a distant memory. In fact, Victoria Falls became a problem destination where our guests complained that nothing was functioning. Then I met Cheryl and Sid, and things changed back to the good old days where clients were not a nuisance, but something you welcomed and gave personal attention to. This remains the situation to this very day, and since they took over our local operations at Victoria Falls, we never received another complaint from any clients. What he likes about the Family Set up of ETA, personalized service and guides Our aim is to provide a very up market service, and Cheryl and Sid have indeed assisted us in attaining this goal. Whether 06:30 in the morning or seven at night, they will be there to see clients off on various activities, making sure that service providers are on time and deliver a superior product. Many guests make last-minute changes to their itineraries and add services, but such events are always met with a smile and a comment like "no problem at all!"

Holger Jensen - Jensen Safaris