The Southern Cross

Customer Reviews

• zoe

  · April 25th, 2025
  OVERALL RATING: 10/10 If I could give this more than ten stars, I absolutely would. My journey with Absolute Africa on the Absolute Safari tour was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment we set off in January to the final day in April, every single day brought new adventures, deeper connections, and unforgettable. Johannes and Mo are two incredible individuals that are the heart and soul of the experience. Jo was nothing less than phenomenal. His knowledge, energy, humor, and leadership were consistently on point. He handled every situation with ease, patience, and kindness, always putting the group first. You could feel the passion he had for his work — it was in everything he did, from morning briefings to game drive briefings, helping us understand local culture, navigating group dynamics, and ensuring everyone felt included and cared for. Mo, our driver, was equally amazing. He didn’t just drive — he brought the truck to life. The miles we covered were no small feat, and he handled them all with calm precision and confidence. The way he knew the roads, the towns, the borders, and even the quirks of every campsite — it was impressive. On top of that, Mo was warm, friendly, and incredibly generous with his time and energy. His sense of humor kept spirits high, even on long drive days. Together, Mo and Jo were a dynamic duo. You could tell they loved their jobs, and more than that, they loved giving people the experience of a lifetime. THE ROUTINE: The structure and routine of the tour was incredibly well thought out. It struck a perfect balance between adventure, cultural immersion, relaxation, and social time. Early mornings for game drives or travel days were always well worth it. The schedule kept things moving at an exciting pace, but it never felt rushed or stressful. Johannes made sure we always knew what was happening, where we were headed, and how to prepare and so did Peter. From border crossings to bush camping, from game parks to coastal towns, the itinerary was a masterclass in showcasing the best of Africa — from its landscapes and wildlife to its people, history, and magic. THE TRUCK: What a character the truck was! It wasn’t just transportation — it became our moving home, our fortress, our sanctuary. You quickly bond with it, and it’s hard to explain to anyone who hasn’t done an overland trip like this. It had everything we needed, and more than that, it had personality. Whether we were bouncing through dusty roads or cruising through green valleys, the truck kept us safe, organised, and together. The only thing i’d like to mention is the seats in the first truck could have been a little more comfortable. THE FOOD: Absolutely outstanding. You wouldn’t believe the kinds of meals that came out of the bush kitchen. Johannes and Mo, along with the rotating cook groups, managed to serve up meal after meal of delicious, hearty, nutritious food. Whether it was a curry night, a pasta feast or local specialties the quality was consistent and impressive. Food brings people together — and on this tour, it really did. THE PEOPLE: One of the best parts of the Absolute Safari was the people it attracted. Travelers from around the world with the same adventurous spirit, openness, and respect for the places we were visiting. Jo and Mo did an excellent job fostering a supportive and inclusive group dynamic, which made all the difference. PASSION & DEDICATION: What stands out most about Absolute Africa — and this tour specifically — is the passion. Every day, it was clear that this wasn’t “just a job” for Johannes or Mo. They genuinely cared about giving every single traveler the best possible experience. From planning activities to storytelling around the fire, their enthusiasm was contagious. You could see and feel how much they loved what they do, and it brought the entire journey to life in a way I never expected. FINAL THOUGHTS: I cannot recommend this tour — or Absolute Africa as a company — highly enough. It’s not just a trip. It’s an experience that shifts your perspective, connects you with nature and culture, and introduces you to lifelong friends. If you’re even considering overlanding through Africa, this is the company you want to do it with. And if you’re lucky enough to have Johannes and Mo or Peter and Emias on your team — you’re in for the ride of your life. Thank you Jo and Mo, and thank you Peter and Emias. And a big thank you, Absolute Africa. This was truly one of the greatest adventures of my life.
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• Alice

  · April 15th, 2025
  Amazing experience, ticketed all our boxes- Amazing itinerary, smooth ride thanks to Mo and Jo, we were all well looked after and definitely well fed!
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• Sean

  · April 10th, 2025
  Hands down the best trip of my life. The tour was highlight after highlight, so many different experiences in some of the most insanely beautiful places on the planet, all sorts of wildlife and stunning landscapes. I was on the 54-day tour that joined the 77-day tour when they were about a month in. Loved everyone on the tour, and we had such a range of people from all over the world, and from all ages (had a representative from every decade from 1940s to 2000s!!). I could not recommend Absolute Africa highly enough. Researched quite a bit before booking and nailed the choice with Absolute - best price, variety, flexibility and experiences. Pre-tour all the information was explained clearly and any extra queries I had were answered quickly. On tour - these guys were incredible. Wycliffe, Joseph and Hezron to start with, and then switched to Peter, Steve and Emias. Absolute legends one and all. Looked out for us the whole way, went above and beyond on many occasions to keep us safe and entertained, always with a smile and a positive attitude. Most of the campsites were absolutely wicked - and even the ones that were a bit dated were still better than I thought they would be. The unfenced camping nights (especially in the Okavango) were so much fun and experiences I’ll remember forever. It’s an adventure, not a luxury tour, so there are some long and tiring days, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Budget a bit extra and plan to do as many optionals as possible - all totally worth it. Already planning my next Africa trip and will be with Absolute for sure, and got a few mates keen to tag along after my awesome experience. Thanks to all for the spectacular adventure.
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