"Salute Africa" travel agency

Old Nov 29th, 2016, 09:44 AM
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"Salute Africa" travel agency

Has anyone had any experience with Salute Africa for tours of South Africa? I am in the USA and unable to find any online reviews or comments. I am somewhat hesitant to deal with an unknown operator, especially because they require payment by credit card or wire transfer only.
They appear to have an address in Johannesburg (which looks like an empty lot on Google Earth); they are based in Kiev Ukraine per my own research.
A friend of a friend says they are OK; but I'd like to hear more.
Thanks!
RobertaDrake is offline  
Old Nov 29th, 2016, 01:40 PM
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Hi RobertaDrake,

For me, the obvious question is why do you want to work with this company and how did you find them in the first place?

If you want a company that you can vet a bit easier, I know at least 20 US bases safari specialist agencies that can arrange a safari for you without costing you any more than booking "online" or "direct" (at the places that is possible).

If you write down the metro area where you live, I might even know someone you can meet with face to face.

Cheers,

Craig Beal - owner - Travel Beyond
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Old Nov 29th, 2016, 07:22 PM
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I'm a bit confused. You tagged many countries in your post. Are you only traveling to S Africa (the country), Southern Africa (the region) or all of those you tagged?

You don't need an agent for most trips to S Africa. It's very easy to do on your own. I understand why you might prefer to use an agent for your first trip but if you are uneasy about Salute, which I've never heard off, use another. Many agents ^^ will only do high budget trips so choose wisely and stay in a budget you are comfortable with - don't let them talk you into spending too much! I've done very expensive and very affordable (yes, affordable is very possible!!) S Africa vacations and they've all been great.

Let us know where you'd like to visit or what you'd like to experience and we can help plan a perfect trip in any budget. Then do it yourself or have an agent book it for you.

Personally, I wouldn't use an agent without knowing anything except a friend says they are ok. But, I don't know how else to pay for a trip without a wire transfer or credit card? Why use an agent based in the Ukraine?
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Old Nov 30th, 2016, 07:27 AM
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I don't have any choice about the Salute Africa company. My friend and travel partner works in travel and this is the one selected based on a great price. So I can take it or not take the trip. You seem to agree with my concerns. I just posted because I can find no reviews of Salute Africa online. I would feel better if I could hear from someone who has even heard of them, or better yet travelled with them.
In response to the question, I would be going to all the countries I tagged.
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Old Dec 1st, 2016, 07:43 PM
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https://saluteafrica.co.za/en
I saw your more detailed post also on tripadvisor. If I were you, i'd go with my gut instinct: avoid. Too many red flags.
Expecting pay via cc or wire transfer is per se not bad, but there are too many other issues.
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