Testimonials

Great organisation, excellent attendee list and excellent location.

I was really impressed by the quality of conference in Zimbabwe. Quality networking, learning content, impressive and memorable social events.

The event was exceptional. Great presentations and great environment. Victoria falls was a good choice for the conference, memorable events and good company. Organisation of the event exceeds all expectations.

Ï have worked with a number of organisations in the Southern African region and the UK and I found working with Exclusive Touch Africa  to be such a pleasure and a truly professional and world class experience.  I had the honour of being included as Master of Ceremonies for African Currency Forum in 2018 as well as a large FORD Australia group conference in 2019 and the organisational skills, smooth running and ultimate professionalism whilst still maintaining that delicate personal touch exhibited by Cheryl , Sid and their team was truly refreshing and dynamic.  Exclusive Touch Africa  insured that all aspects were adequately researched and professionally handled and I would recommend them to anyone planning any size incentive groups.  Cheryl and Sid come to the party with priceless local knowledge and experience,  and have a depth of contacts and back ground support immediately on hand.  I look forward to working with them again in the future.

If you are looking for perfection, innovative itineraries, very personalised service, effective pricing, unique experiences, flexibility and client connectivity then look no further than the incredible team at Exclusive Touch Africa!   Partners with Organisation Unlimited for over twenty years we would not look anywhere else when travelling with an incentive group or FIT clients to any destination in the fabulous Africa.

The Africa Currency Forum held in Victoria Falls in 2018 was undoubtedly the most memorable currency industry event. The quality of the conference was of the highest standard thanks to the idyllic venue and to the meticulous organisation and seamless delivery of the whole event. From arrival to departure, we were spoilt by the perfect hosts and social events that showcased the best of Zimbabwe. There were many unique facets to this event but one that stood out for me was the Master of Ceremony (and his support team) who, in many guises, tirelessly kept the delegates amused throughout the whole three days. Well done to the organisers at Exclusive Touch Africa  for an outstanding effort!

In 2018 our company, Reconnaissance International Ltd, was appointed to organise the African Currency Forum in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. This bi-annual conference attracts between 250 and 325 high ranking delegates from the central or national banks of Africa and from other central banks as well as the industry’s most important bank note printers, security substrate and feature suppliers- from around the world.    We chose Exclusive Touch Africa to act as DMC for the event. In particular they arranged five very different and highly successful social events, all travel within in Victoria Falls for the 300 delegates who attended the five day event, as well as the exhibition build, and advised on all matters. We received outstanding reviews from attendees for this African Currency Forum event. Reconnaissance International organises about 10 global, security based conferences every year, using all continents and in countries both large and small. We always work with a local DMC. Exclusive Touch Africa are one of the very best we have worked with. They are professional, have excellent local knowledge on all aspects of events, are very efficient and yet have the personal touch. Nice people. I highly recommend them

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.

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.

Sid & Cheryl, You devised for us a beautifully constructed itinerary immersing us at the perfect pace in varied and uniquely African experiences. The camps were superb and staffed by delightful and caring people. The guides were extraordinary. I’ve never seen people so competent and eager to make the experience worthwhile for guests. Sid having you with us the entire time felt like having a good friend whose mission in life is to look after you and make sure you enjoy the holiday. Sid, you are great company, confident, knowledgeable and helpful. Africa can present difficulties but between you, Cheryl and Sid, you shielded us from all the hassles and made it a memorable holiday. Little surprising extras kept showing up - the personalised notes advising us of our particular next day’s activities, booking tours, refreshments, problem solving – they all made for a fantastic experience. You both obviously love your work and with your long and deep knowledge of the areas we felt confident in your hands. We would unhesitatingly recommend you to anyone coming to Africa. It’s always good to deal with people who know what they are doing and have a good sense of humour.

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!!

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.

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.

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.

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!".

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

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!

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

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

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!

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. Again, our sincere thanks for making our trip so perfect. You two were the reason it was so fantastic and we truly appreciate it. We loved getting to spend time with your children also!

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 unanymously 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.

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.

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.

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!!!

When I began to plan my family's "African trip of a lifetime" I was directed to ETA by a friend. It was the beginning of a glorious experience for me as well as my family. From our initial contact, and all through the process, Cheryl was like a friend (which I consider her now) with an intuitive feel for what would be exciting, fun and would work for our family. She was amazingly correct! The trip was a spectacular success. I say this with great respect due to the difficult dynamics of keeping two adults and 4 children (2 teenagers) engaged and awed over almost 3 weeks. As plans were adjusted or changed, Cheryl never missed a beat. She was understanding, professional, and thorough. I looked forward to her emails and the instructions on the next steps of our adventure planning. It may seem daunting to some planning a trip like this with 4 children. Cheryl made it a joy. I felt we worked well together yet I know I had little to do with how that came about. It was Cheryl's nature and professionalism that made the process easy and fun. From our transfers after our extremely long flights, to our hotels and guides in South Africa, ETA's representatives were efficient, friendly and effective. It is to be noted that one should not dismiss the friendliness aspect. After a 17 hour flight, to be greeted warmly, with a nice smile, as we were, is awesome. Little did I know that the best was yet to come!! We met Sid in Victoria Falls for our trip to Hwange Zimbabwe. Following Cheryl's emailed advice; we hurried off the plane and were seamlessly ushered through customs by Sid. That would be the first of many such border crossings made simple by Sid. He was to accompany us for the duration of our trip. Sid is a wonderful friend and companion to explore the wonders of Africa with, to show children the awesome spectacle that is Africa. He immediately grasped family dynamics and offered exciting and varying activities to keep all engaged. 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. From the Gorge swing to hanging over Vic Falls I trusted Sid with my children's lives. How the children enjoyed him! From fishing and boating and mokoro rides in the Delta, to an absolutely amazing two days in Vic Falls, to tremendously special treatment and guides in the camps Sid was invaluable. I don't think I could ever thank him or Cheryl enough for our trip. Sid's insight added to every experience we enjoyed. Whether it was a bird, plant, animal, native culture, or just sitting around after dinner Sid added tremendously to our understanding of what we were seeing, hearing or sometimes, smelling! His storytelling and quick wit were something we valued highly. It was heartbreaking to leave Africa at the end of our trip. Feeling like that, while sad, is the ultimate testament to the quality experience ETA provides! I would encourage anyone thinking of such a trip to avail themselves of the expertise, professionalism and most importantly special individuals that make up ETA. You will NOT be sorry you did.

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, Tori

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.