Culture & History

Wishing you a very a happy Holiday Season.  You made my end of the year very happy!  Our clients came back with nothing but compliments.  I have been doing their trips/vacation planning for 20 years, this, she stated, was the best ever!
 
It was well organized and everything simply amazing, having her C-Pap at all the hotels and being recognized for their wedding anniversary with rose petals at all the hotels, was above and beyond their expectations, and so much more!  They are even talking about doing it again, with friends. They stated, it was worth the wait, apologized and thank you for working with them when the original trip got cancelled and their deposits restricted.  She wanted to know which other destinations you can do their trip to!
 
Ms. Victoria, you, and your teams were simply fabulous. I cannot thank you enough! Thank you for always making my clients feel like VIPS.  I could not do it without you!
 
Wishing continued success and many blessings upon you and your business. Happy Holidays.

Respectfully,
Daphne Lacy, CAS
Travel Associate, Travel by Ginny

Thank you so much for planning this for me and my cousin we cannot say enough about it. Everything went perfectly and the guides were absolute gems. Michael in Tanzania and James in Nairobi took such good care of us and were so knowledgeable and kind we felt very safe with them. We saw the Big 5 in the first two days in Tanzania among other animals everywhere we were so excited. And all worked in Zanzibar with the tour that guide was excellent as well.
 
Was it you that planned the birthday celebration for us at the Ewejan? I was filming it to send to the girls in the office and then they put the cake down in front of us we were stunned! Such fun, thank you.
Loved the Ololo lodge lunch was great and got a nice tour of the farm there.
 
We are already thinking about the next one definitely want to see the gorillas in Uganda and then another safari. Will be in touch and again thank you for everything.
 
Best regards
Liz Culligan
Sundial Travel

This has been a dream trip for so many people, including myself. I cannot recommend your company to my peers enough for the ease of access and attention to detail. Thanks for also taking me out to lunch and showing me yet another great dining option.
Looking forward to a future trip!
Shane Clarke, Chief Travel Advisor
Countdown To Bliss
Tampa, Florida

You have exceeded my expectations, the trip was fabulous!! I already chatted with Steve Muraco from Outside Agents and posted a raving review on our facebook page (9,000 travel advisors). Everything went so smoothly, the unexpected little perks were wonderful and the guides phenomenal!!
I’m already adding the great migration and gorillas to my hosted list (2 separate trips).
Thank you so much!!

Warm regards, Nancy Bradford
Nomadic Travel Company LLC
Harwich, Massachusetts

Life has been very busy since our return from Kenya. It has taken me a while to write.
Our trip was absolutely wonderful. I dream about it all the time and miss being there.
Salute Africa did an outstanding job. From the moment we stepped out of the airport to the moment we walked back in we were in excellent hands.
The most important part was Jackson, our guide. He was a fountain of knowledge, skilled at finding the perfect spots to find wildlife, and very friendly. By the end of the week he felt like an old friend.
The hotels/resorts exceeded our expectations. The service was top notch and the kitchens did an excellent job of catering to my severe allergy.
The parks were stunning! Each park was special in its own way and each was unique.
We thought it was an added special touch that Salute Africa planned for our last day before our late flight as well. The restaurant they reserved in Nairobi was delicious.
It was a truly incredible experience and words cannot convey my feelings quite right. I don't want to say once in a lifetime because I hope to return some day.
Thank you so much for a wonderful adventure.
Jarskey family

The trip was a hit with all attendees!! They’ve been asking where I am taking them next!
Thank you again for your support and patience.
Your team was amazing!!
I am sure I will be back with more travellers! I’ve already had someone new to ask to book this same trip!

Michi-Marcole
The Urbane Traveler
Memphis, TN

Thank You! I will watch for it. Thank you for all your help in planning this trip. My clients loved it!!! I really couldn't have done without Salute Africa! Enjoy your weekend.

Erika Oldham
"Travel With Erika"
Salt Lake City, Utah

I have to thank you for making me look like a "Rock Star" with my three ladies!  They were in awe of the entire experience.  They are huge social posters. Two posted on Facebook and one created a WhatsApp app with about 35 friends and family where they posted daily about their extraordinary experience.  Salute received some great advertising and promotion from them all. Their videos and photos were exceptional.  I told Jill I only want to sell Victoria's packages!  I believe we had mentioned our other clients who went back in the late Spring and also stated (as did my ladies) that it was a trip of a lifetime!!!

Just wanted to say thank you arranging an amazing trip to Africa!

Every place was beautiful and amazing.

The highlight was Tiger Canyon. The location, hotel, food and service but especially the lions and cheetahs. The guide was so knowledgeable it was very special. They also made Ferris’s 80th very special with Champagne and a cake on a look out at sunset!

Thanks again

"Hi Vicki!!

WOW! WOW! WOW!!! What a trip! Jay and I got back to the states late yesterday! This trip was above everyone's expectations!

You knocked it OUT OF THE PARK!!! THANK YOU!!!!"

Working with Victoria with Salute Africa was a dream. Everything I needed was taken care of with speed and professionalism. Even though we had unusual client interaction, she managed to produce a trip of a lifetime for my client and her 8 guests. She made me look like a rock star. They couldn’t be happier:

"There are not enough words to describe how absolutely AMAZING our trip was Yes, there were some minor kinks, but what you could handle, you handled and you handled it promptly and efficiently. I cannot thank you enough for making my South Africa experience phenomenal."

Marie McDowell

I had the absolute pleasure of working with Victoria on a honeymoon package for my clients. From start to finish she made the entire process seamless. She answered all my questions quickly and offered advice and recommendations that resulted in a magical vacation for my clients and a wonderful booking experience for me. Thank you Victoria and team!

Hi Joan and Victoria

I want to thank you for the most amazing trip. We all had an amazing time and want to return next year. Every last detail and outing was perfect. Our guides and drivers were so kind and personable. I have been letting all our friends know about the attention to detail and professionalism of everyone we encountered.

Thank you thank you!!!

Thank you

Thank you so much for the update. I have been in touch with my clients and they have told me this was a trip of a lifetime for them. They absolutely loved everything said every hotel was absolutely breathtaking, the staff was wonderful the food was amazing and the safaris were to die for.

I can not thank you enough for helping me with this trip for my clients. If it was not for your expertise I do not know where they would have ended up. lol

I look forward to working with you in the future on many more trips to Africa.

With gratitude,
Helaine B Katz,
July 16, 2019

Hi, just wanted to give you some feedback on our recent Africa trip. It was FABULOUS! It exceeded our expectations. We are really glad we went with the private tour plan rather than a big group on a bus. We were met everywhere and escorted to all the important sites.

The South Africa wine country is beautiful and our hotel, La Residence was just great. We had the same guide and driver through the wine country and into Cape Town. The guide was very personable and knowledgeable. Cape Town is truly beautiful and this history of the area is quite interesting as well. Our day-long drive around the Cape of Good Hope was a highlight with beautiful views, sightings of wild baboons and ostrich along the road, a ferry ride out to a seal island, and walk along the Boulders Beach where the African penguins are.

We received an upgrade in our room in Cape Town on arrival - better marina view. We were similarly upgraded at the Victoria Falls Hotel in Zimbabwe to a suite along the back side of the hotel with great views. The falls were at high water season and were very dramatic, lots of mist creating multiple rainbows! The lion walk was unforgettable - we felt quite safe. It was just Brian and I and 2 lions - there were about 6 guides with us managing the lions, one was a videographer who made a lovely video of us on the spot, petting the lions, rubbing their bellies. The helicopter tour over the falls was a good call as well -you appreciate the total geography of the area much better compared to the walking tour where you view segments of the falls from various viewing points.

On to the safari portion of the trip -this probably the most memorable coz unlike any other vacation we have had. The Ker Downey camps in Botswana were very comfortable and I give high marks to the staff who are extremely friendly. We slept comfortably, were treated to good food and drink. But of course, the wildlife was the main attraction. We were able to see dozens of African species, including the elusive predator cats -lions, cheetahs, and a leopard. Also saw a large pod of hippos in the water. At both camps, they treated Brian and I to a romantic dinner since they were aware I had a birthday and our anniversary was the week prior. FANTASTIC!

I would highly recommend this type of African trip to any of your other clients.

Cindy from Connecticut

Though I haven't physically been to the "real" Africa (only Egypt), I visited yesterday via a presentation by tour operator Salute Africa's Victoria Weinstein. What a learning experience. Next hopeful stop: Africa!

Fantastic Company. They aim to Please. 1st Class Traveling. Just ask about your Dream Vacation.

A wonderful boutique company that has the best experiences selling Africa.
You can’t find a better or more caring company.

I am so thankful for Victoria at Salute Africa, I travelled to South Africa for 3 weeks in September for my birthday and Victoria handled all of our accommodations perfectly, including private tours, swimming with sharks, safari’s and the beautiful Victoria’s Falls in Zimbabwe. My favorite was the Chode Water Villas in Namibia. I highly recommend Victoria from Salute Africa to handle all of your travel plans in South Africa. Thank you, Victoria for wowing me and allowing me to cross off a major bucket list vacation!!! Hands down, you’re the best!!!

Allen Tyre

Hi Victoria,

My honeymoon couple that went to Zanzibar LOVED the properties and had an amazing time, so thank you, so much, for your recommendations and help. Best regards,

Carissa Gulyas, Luxury Travel Consultant

Hi Victoria,

They returned from their trip. No complaints and very happy. They thought the Chobe River Villas were really over the top. Allen said that they were the only two on the trip. I did not know that, but it made it very special for them.
You and your staff made me a star – many thanks.

Shirley Matchett

I recently returned from a 2 week trip to Africa with 3 family members which was made easy and all the more enjoyable because of the fine attention to detail, follow-up and excellent customer service provided by Salute Africa. My travelling companions and I did not have to worry about details such as how to get from point A to B, dealing with customs and border crossings, or arriving at airports with sufficient time to meet our arranged flights. If your travel plans include a visit to Africa (and they should!), do not hesitate to call upon the great team at Salute Africa – I certainly will again!

My clients had the trip of a lifetime. They loved every minute. They could not have been happier… Thank you for all your help. I hope to work with you again in the near future.

Victoria, the trip was a huge success! Our client raved about everything. Thanks for your help. She particularly liked all her guides. She wants to go back one day with her husband. You made me look like a hero!!!

My husband and I just returned from our honeymoon in Kenya and Salute Africa provided us with an incredible experience from beginning to end. Our guide, Daniel, was friendly, knowledgeable, and a wonderful driver during our 5-day safari in both Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara. We were able to see the Big 5 and tons of other animals on our game drives. If you plan on travelling to Kenya or Tanzania I highly recommend using Salute Africa to plan your trip!

Dear Victoria,

TOTAL SUCCESS.

Mr/Mrs. Steven Short just departed my Office with lots of Fotos of their Trip. They said it was the BEST Trip EVER. Very impressed with how smoothly it all went and the focus on every detail. Accommodations superb surpassed their expectations. Debra had a wonderful Birthday, thank’s to you. They were amazed at how friendly and helpful everyone was. All the game drives were a total success; they saw so much more than they could ever imagine and learned so much about S. Africa and the Safari experience.

They thank you for a wonderful and well-executed Trip.

Thank you so much Victoria, you are the BEST. Hope to send some more customers your way.

Warm regards,

Edda Rooney

So, Africa was the most amazing, incredible, and spectacular destination I have ever visited. I cannot wait to come back and visit more countries within this fantastic continent. I have told everyone, I have left a piece of my heart in Africa and I know I will be back. That being said… let’s get started on a new trip for my group.

To think I came so close to not going would have been a huge error in my life. Thank you Al for bringing that to my attention when you did.

Where to begin……This trip far surpassed any and all expectations of what I thought Africa was about.

The accommodations were 5* properties. All the modern conveniences with regional architecture, décor, and ambiance. Many offered Spa, massage and other specialty services at reasonable prices. Impeccable service from hospitable staffs that often greeted us with Champagne and snacks on arrival and warm farewells on departures. My favorite was the Chobe Lodge, oh my imagination fulfilled. It was so “Out Of Africa” that I was living a dream. Complete with outdoor dining and reception areas. The entire structure is made from wood, rattan, and thatched roofs. Plants, trees and exotic foliage encased the whole property. Beds enclosed in mosquito netting just topped it off!

Menus were never an issue as we had choices from very plentiful buffets complete with carving stations of local favorites.

A few properties included an evening outdoor show during dinner with traditional music & dancing which everyone enjoyed.

Victoria Weinstein accompanied our group and is extremely hands-on in every respect. Her attentiveness to assure every detail is perfect was so impressive. Always asking if we wanted something other than what was planned, special requests are not an issue. She prides herself on delivering what the client asks for ( within reason of course).

When the weather did not allow us to go to Table Mountain because the Cable car was closed she immediately changed to the next day’s itinerary and off to the Wine lands we went. Fabulous wine tasting in Winery Estates was the day’s plan without hesitation. I can’t praise Victoria enough for showing us what Africa is……wonderful, different, intriguing, wild, beautiful, warm and inviting.

The Safaris were simply an incredible experience….period. To be driving thru the bush in an open Jeep alongside wild animals less than 10 feet away ….I was speechless. We are in their home, they are walking around us like we are not even there…….we must be quiet and only move to take pictures. We see them up close, smell them and almost hear them breathe. It was almost emotional to be so in touch with nature at her finest, in her turf was chillingly wonderful. When we turned around a bush finally spotting a Lion & Lioness after looking for hours we all stopped breathing, literally, you could hear the gasps. I had tears in my eyes and the lady next to me had tears running down her face. They were a few feet from our Jeep and we followed them to the road for minutes which seemed like forever watching every step they took. When they were out of sight we all exhaled.

I could go on & on with details or better yet you can watch my 960 pictures. This was a trip of a lifetime and I am so glad it was my time. To think this destination was not on my “list”…… I would never have known what I missed, a true loss.

In my opinion, I feel this is a perfect destination for A&C. Why? Due to the distance ( 20 hours flying time) not for the average Senior.

A&C would love the 5*property’s-Spa resorts with the finest accommodation’s, facilities, décor, service staff etc.

Africa is different- Exotic- exciting. Very few know someone who’s been there….new territory to travel. The niche market must have the means ( approx. $7k ), the time ( 14 days + ) and the stamina for long walks uneven terrain.

Greetings Victoria, I just concluded a post-trip conversation with Mr. Williams, and he was effusive with praise about his journey. Thank you so very much for ensuring that his holiday in South Africa was absolutely superb !!! Kudos to you and your staff for a job extremely well done. In fact, Mr. Williams and Ms. Heard are very excited about the prospect of making a return visit to South Africa next year to do a safari, Vic Falls and a short trip on either Rovos Rail or the Blue Train. Again, I thank for your patience, professionalism and for delivering an extraordinary vacation experience to my clients. Best regards, Clifford Tyree, Jr. TTS-Tyree Travel Service

Victoria, We had an amazing trip and overall A+ experience. I thought I would critique a few of our experiences (not as a complaint, but just feedback for you). VIP service was excellent and welcomed after a long journey. Michelangelo Hotel, beautiful and excellent service. One of the best breakfasts we’ve ever experienced. Would feel confident recommending it to friends. Could easily spend more time there. Dinner was very good with excellent service. If we ever come again, we would probably stay the right at the airport (I noticed an Intercontinental right there). This would save two 30 minute transfers to and from the city, which given our late arrival, we really didn’t see. We just ate dinner and went to bed, and although we truly enjoyed the hotel, it probably would have saved us some time and money by staying at the airport that first night. … So that is our journey. We thank you for all your hard work and assistance in helping me to check off a major item on my bucket list! Maybe one day I will get back to your beautiful country. The people there are so nice and friendly, always smiling, even though I know they don’t always have it easy. I learned a lot about the culture and politics of your country as well as experiencing the beautiful wildlife your country has at its disposal. To me, safariing is the bomb! I could not get enough of it. I hope I get back there one day. With warmest regards, Margo

Dear NACTA Digest, We just returned from a great adventure to South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana and wanted to share with you the company who made it happen. Victoria Weinstein is the owner of Salute Africa, in Johannesburg, and she did a wonderful customized tour for our group at a good value. We took bids from 3 other well-known companies and Victoria provided equal or greater level of hotels, safari camps, flights, transfers, tours, and included amenities at the lowest comparable price. She was readily available by USA phone, text, or email and responded quickly. We had such a good experience, I wanted to share her contact information with you so that you can get a quote from her when you put together your next trip to South Africa: Name: Salute Africa Owner: Victoria Weinstein Email: gk@daa28-cvps01.hostserv.co.za or soniak@daa28-cvps01.hostserv.co.za URL: www.saluteafrica.co.za Phone: +1 347-201-9441 USA and +2711 783-6440 Africa Mail: Salute Africa, Lower Ground Floor, Block F Pinmill Farm,164 Katherine St Sandton, Johannesburg South Africa. Of course, I am available for your email or phone questions or comments.
All the best, Randell

Dearest Victoria,

How can I begin to thank you for the incredible experience that we had in Africa?  You were absolutely amazing, answering questions and on top of all aspects of the trip.  I wasn’t completely sure how it would go with that many people but you made sure everything went smoothly!

And then the arrangements for the proposal!!  That was such a surprise, obviously!  I didn’t think David had time to purchase a ring yet, so I had no idea.  Our guide Linah was the perfect person for that day!  She was fun, and completely got into the surprise.  When she drove up to the picnic spot, I thought it was set up for someone else, and that I just got to see what it would be like.  I had no suspicions until I saw the bottle of Champagne, and David said “that’s for later!”.  His proposal was so sweet, and we both cried.  Then the lovely ceremony and lunch.  Everyone there, Christina and group, were so excited and fun.  I’m going to put all the photos and movies dropbox and send you a link, but will never be able to convey what a special day that was!  When we returned to Serentgit, they surprised us with singing and more champagne, then at dinner sang again while they brought out the cake.  The staff there really went overboard.

Our group loved Moses, Danny and Egide as guides – they really stood out.  Danny was going to let the group know how to sponsor a boy they met in Rwanda who couldn’t afford school.  Could you send me his number via whatsapp so I can connect them?  He gained a lot of popularity when he showed up with champagne after his group went gorilla trekking.

Here are the comments I just got back from some members:

“Wonderful accommodations. Would have liked to be able to enjoy some of them more. To accommodate that end I would suggest deleting boat ride and Lake Manyara park visit and Giraffe park. Everything else was outstanding.”

“The trip was very fun. I have the following thoughts for slight improvements: The length of the trip was a little too long for working folks. I think one of the stops in either Kenya or Tanzania could be cut out due to redundancy in activity for the safaris. I would vet the camps to avoid buffet only options. Felt we were always on the go with little down time. All that said, the good far outweighs these suggestions. Cathy”

“Overall the trip was fantastic! We did a lot and learned a lot. The food, lodging and transportation were excellent. if I'm being extremely critical, I would suggest ending in Rwanda at the OneandOnly with the Gorilla and Monkey treks and starting In Tanzania and then moving to Kenya simply due to the accommodations and the Gorilla adventure compared to a typical Safari. Maybe cut back in initial Kenya safari on our way to the Cliffs as we didn't have enough time to enjoy the Cliff experience. However, with that said, it was one of the best if not the best trip we've ever taken. Thank you.”

“It sounds cliché, “trip of a lifetime.“ However, clichés exist for a reason. In this case trip of a lifetime is the most perfect expression of this journey. Thank you”

Sending Love,
Shelley