South Africa Tour Company
 

I'm trying to book a trip to South Africa and Botswana with a company called African Safari Group out of Cape Town, South Africa. I found them via the internet. Has anyone used or heard of them? I want to make sure I'm not scammed. It's a lot of money to lose.

Hi Bigdogs,

I have never heard of them and I have been using this forum (and Trip Advisor) since 2008. Do you live in the USA? If you let me know where you live, I can perhaps recommend a US based safari expert you can meet face to face to plan the trip. I now many good ones across the country (and in Canada). Believe it or not, especially for Botswana, it is usually least expensive to book an upscale safari with a US based company. You just need to find the right one and also one that does not mark-up their net buying rates in a ridiculous fashion!

Craig Beal

Thanks Craig

The problem is that I've already paid them a sizable deposit and now I have to pay the remainder. I've checked with the properties they say they have booked for me and it appears I do have reservations at them. There's so much fraud on the internet now, it's made me rethink things. I will need to decide right away. Thanks again

Another suggestion, for which it may also be too late. When you book an expensive trip, buy trip insurance. Usually you have to purchase within two or three weeks of making your first payment. My husband and I have bought insurance many times. Once I did file a claim and received payment in full.

In that case, just insist on paying by CC. That should alleviate most concerns?

Craig Beal