I am planning a trip to South Africa and Botswana for next fall. Online I came across a company called IExplore. They will plan and give a total price so it will be hard for me to compare them to other companies. There is a fee of $250. if I do not use their service. I am looking for an upscale trip.Has anone ever used this company in Africa? Thank you

You should not have to pay anything to get a quotation.

There are many tour operators that charge a "preparation fee" which, if you book with them, is deducted from the final price.

However, there are as many TO who do not assess such a fee who can plan an itinerary for you to South Africa and Botswana.

I'd tell you to do a search on this board, but I understand this function isn't working very well.

But, I can suggest you contact:

Timeless Africa (US & UK offices)
Go2Africa (SA based)
CCAfrica (US & SA offices)
Fish Eagle Safaris (US based)
Pulse Africa (SA based)

Some may break out costs, most usually don't. Best you settle on an itinerary, where, how many days, accommodations - then compare apples-to-apples.

Hope this gets you started.

I will recommend Eyesonafrica.net

Some good info. Thank you

I second the Eyes on Africa. Nikki did out June trip and it was perfect.

I am now looking into African Travel Inc. based in Calif.

I used Journeys of Distinction. Angela was my contact.

I had a very disappointing experience with Go2Africa. I would never use them again.

Since you have posted this many many times, why don't you tell us about your bad experience so others can learn from it...(??)

I had a very good experience with Go2africa 3 years ago when we visit Namibia in a 12 days self drive,my contact was Janine.

Also had a very good experience with ExpertAfrica base in Uk when we visit Botswana one month ago.

Also contact 3 other companys that gave me a quotation and neither of them asked me a fee.

Good luck.

I have heard great things about Iexplore and if you use Rosemary or Marilyn, they do an awesome job, so contact them directly and see what they say,I do not think that you will be dissapointed, they are very professional and Marilyn has just returnd from a 2 week trip to East Africa, so they do speak fromt he knowledge of having visited the properties.