Testimonials
What our travellers say about us
“John and I have been back for over a month now and when people ask us how our trip was we don’t know what to say. As John says how do you tell people that you had a once in a lifetime experience every single day for three weeks … it was beyond description”.
L & J, Vancouver, BC
“The trip planning was excellent, everything in the itinerary went off without a hitch. The hotels we stayed in and the food we ate was all excellent – with the standout being Rafael’s in Lima…wow! Our guides were amazing and really made the trip for us. Peter in the Cuzco region who was with us all week was so good that everyone felt sad saying goodbye at the end of the trip. I think everything was perfect and we even came across some unplanned things that made it even better!” JM of Toronto – Peru
MOROCCO
“It was a great trip and we had a wonderful time – so thanks for making it such a success! The guide and driver are excellent and made the trip. … they went above the call of duty in terms of a meal at Lahcen’s home, finding us a room at a local Kasbah when a sandstorm removed the plan for the desert tent, and a midnight pickup and dropoff by Rabii. So thanks again for bringing the trip together – we have many memories for a lifetime!” – TAL of Toronto – Morocco
ZAMBIA & SOUTH AFRICA
“The trip was really wonderful. Your selection of camps and lodges was perfect. They were all outstanding. My family had such a good time. We were sorry to leave.” … “Every year I resolve to do Christmas cards and every year I do not. Thank goodness for e-mail. 2015 was a terrific year because of your great effort to make our African travel so special. We will all remember it forever.” JS of London – Zambia & South Africa
TURKEY
“We had an absolutely wonderful holiday and everything went perfectly. Turkey is certainly a beautiful part of the world and the coastline from Marmaris to Bodrum was stunning. We also so enjoyed our two nights in Istanbul and learnt so much about their history – we loved visiting the Hagia Sofia and found it incredible that this church/mosque is now the oldest building in the world still standing! Your people on the ground were also incredible and all the transfers went perfectly according to plan – I honestly can’t compliment everyone enough and it is a holiday we will never forget”– MR of South Africa – Turkey, 50th birthday
GREECE
“We had a FANTASTIC time, I have to say that the team of people you had look after us with respect to travel and transitions were beyond awesome – really friendly and helpful and reliable. We were a little apprehensive that with all the jumping around we did, there was a distinct possibility of something going sideways but everything went so smoothly. We really liked the little coffee break in Vougliameni while we were waiting for our flight to Mykonos. Dimitri the driver was really nice…A highlight of the trip was our hike from Oia to Fira. It was fantastic. We found the place in Imerovigli where we had stayed on our honeymoon, still run by the same George!” – MR of Toronto – Greece
GALAPAGOS, PERU, ECUADOR
“We had such a wonderful trip and it seems that we had 3 separate vacations all in one 3 week period. The Amazon experience was out of this world, then on to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu ( the highlight was the km 104 hike), then on to Galapagos for fantastic snorkelling and hiking. Everything was so good and we felt spoilt with the excellent guides. Thank you!! P.G – Ecuador & Peru
ECUADOR and THE GALAPAGOS CHARTER
“For me the most memorable part of the trip was not the places we have been, the sights we have seen, the hotels we have stayed in, the journeys and expeditions we have made, the dinners we have shared, the people we have met, the fun we have had, those momentous incidents that remain in your mind, the group of separate couples that we are, it was that all these things came together and worked for all of us. That was the magic; that was the beauty.” – MN of Oakville – Galapagos Islands
SOUTH AFRICA
“We would like to thank you all of you at Askari for putting together an amazing trip for our family. It was perfect from the day we left until we returned home. …Everything was outstanding, the accommodations, safari outings, people and the food…boy oh boy, there was a lot of food. Cape Town was also spectacular… and we loved your guide, Steve…we have never been so impressed with a guide as we were with Steve. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts,” DD of Toronto – South Africa
INDIA
We are in Heaven at the Oberoi! Even more fabulous than we remembered – thank you Askari Team. Absolutely over the top fab! Just heading to dinner… So not chatting now… But THANK YOU!! Will be in touch properly soon. ACJ of Toronto – India
ITALY
“Thank you so much for the wonderful March Break trip with my daughters and mother. The quality of guides and hotels exceeded our expectations, everything worked like clockwork as far as travelling from one city to the next, someone was always there to take over. Rome was a larger-than-life experience! Now we can’t wait to spend some more time in southern Italy, and live for some extended time in the Tuscany region/towns.” – SN of Toronto – Italy
SOUTH AMERICA – Patagonia, Atacama & Argentina
“We had a great time on our trip. Everything was organized beautifully and the ground staff meeting us at airports and driving us around we’re punctual, knowledgeable and friendly. We loved the hotels in Santiago, Atacama and Patagonia – each were unique and beautiful. Atacama and Patagonia excursions were excellent as was the food and wine. We’d definitely like to go back again and see more of the region. Askari did a great job and we will definitely work with you again.” – RB of Toronto – Chile & Argentina
INDIA
“Definitely a life-altering experience. I’m sure Fabulo would agree – it’s definitely another SCORE for Askari! As always, the trip went without a single glitch, sour note or delay. ALL your guides were not only knowledgeable and professional but also adorable – which helps.”- PB of Toronto – India
TANZANIA & RWANDA – Gorillas
“We have just returned to Arusha after two fabulous stays in the Serengenti. Both extraordinary & offering contrasting experiences & remarkable game viewing and expert guides. We much appreciate the recommendations & would recommend them to others without hesitation.” AM of Montreal – Tanzania & Rwanda (Gorillas)
“What a fabulous trip. We laughed for two weeks. I would love to know more about life and politics in Zambia too. We still talk about the sundowner. … Thanks for so enthusiastically, competently, and patiently enhancing my life.” – PD of Toronto – Zambia & South Africa
CARIBBEAN
“Our holiday on the Zingara was voted by the family as one of the best. The attention to detail was first class while planning and on board without being fussy. We always felt safe and in excellent, professional hands whichever of the many activities we were engaged in.” – DB of Toronto – British Virgin Islands
SPAIN – Multi-generational Trip to Celebrate Parent’s 50th Wedding Anniversary
“We want to thank you SOOOO much for the wonderful arrangements you made for our outstanding trip to Spain. It was both memorable and eventful for all. There was not one slip up in any of the arrangements, and that is a first. Spain was amazing in every aspect, the house, the biking the cars, the wonderful little towns, etc.” – SM of Toronto – Spain
TANZANIA
Just a quick note (while I’m still awake) to say thank you so much for the trip of a lifetime. We were all “Gobsmacked” by the incredible sights, sounds, smells and tastes of your Tanzania. You chose excellent lodges and every detail was perfectly arranged. Thank you for taking such great care of our family. Every one of us loved our Safari, and, although we are still recovering from jet lag, I just wanted to tell you how much we loved the experience you planned for us. The lodges were unique and special in every way. The people who we met were kind and loving to all of our children and to all of us. It was really a “once in a lifetime experience” and I can’t thank you enough. NJ & LJ of Los Angeles – Tanzania
ZIMBABWE, MOZAMBIQUE, RWANDA & CAPE TOWN
“Loved Nahimba Lodge (Zimbabwe) – great animal experience with the elephants drinking by the pool right beside the dining area! Incredible and unnerving nights with the elephants very active right outside the tents… actually had an elephant reach his trunk over the fence to drink water out of the showerhead while she was showering!” – DP of San Francisco, CA – Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Rwanda, Cape Town
AUSTRALIA
“We had a great time. All good.. Trip was great, lots of fun. Thanks for everything.” PO – Australia
NEW ZEALAND
We made it home safe and sound from our wonderful trip to New Zealand. I can’t thank you enough for organizing one of the best trips we have ever been on. The places we stayed in were first rate/beautiful and beyond our expectations. We were pleasantly surprised that the food was amazing as we never had a bad or disappointing meal. The people and guides were wonderful and so accommodating and of course New Zealand is one of the most beautiful places we have visited. Many thanks again. BS of Toronto – New Zealand
HONG KONG, VIETNAM & CAMBODIA
“The moments? Riding a vespa in Saigon to the night market on a food tour – so cool and fun. In Cambodia – floating on Tonle Sap on the beautiful “Ella” past the floating villages …. The jungle temples of Angkor where there were no other people.. And final nights drinks on the roof of the Caravelle Hotel in Saigon.” ST of Burlington – Hong Kong, Vietnam, & Cambodia
THE GALAPAGOS
“We have been fortunate to have known Muriel first as a Guide on one of our very early B&R trips to Europe and then as an organizer and coordinator of trips for us. She has done everything from creating the idea, to making the plans, to doing everything, but participating physically on these trips. She has a great deal of adventure knowledge, takes a creative and exciting approach to planning trips, and executes to our complete satisfaction. Muriel has set up trips for my immediate family of five up to a group family trip of 18 all the way to chartering and organizing a boat trip of close to 40. The trips have been throughout Europe as well as the Galapagos. We recommend her and trust her completely.” BF of San Francisco – Galapagos
CROATIA
The trip was wonderful! Korcula was a joy… on to Dubrovnik. Love, love, loved it!! What a great climax to the trip. The hotel was spectacular & we were treated like royalty. … You know we travel a lot. The guide in Dubrovnik was the best we have ever had. She was extraordinary! We wanted to take her home with us. She told us “we enhanced her life”, but the truth is she enhanced ours. I am sorry I went on so long, but I am still in the afterglow of the fabulous trip. – ME of Chicago – Croatia
SCOTLAND & IRELAND
“I have tried to think of things that I didn’t like but really had a hard time finding any.
I played golf 4 times, Didn’t get selected for the “Old Course” but played the “New Course” …. I also played in Dublin at Portmarnoch … Played Connemare in Clifton which had spectacular views of the Atlantic. Last and best was Dromoland Castle course. Fabulous!!! ….Your arrangements where terrific, so well done” – B.W. – Scotland and Ireland
SOUTH AFRICA
“We would like to thank all of you at Askari for putting together an amazing trip for our family. It was perfect from the day we left until we returned home. … I fell in love instantly with the surroundings and the people…we spent time with the owner, David discussing the approaches they are taking. I don’t think there was anything at all negative about our time at Makanyi, everything was outstanding, the accommodations, safari outings, people and the food and boy oh boy there was a lot of food. I just thought of one negative thing, I ate too much, but that is my own problem, not Makanyi, although they could learn to make the food less scrumptious so I would stay away from it… We all loved it and felt there could never have been a better spot to have a family vacation. Cape Town was also spectacular…we have never been so impressed with a guide as we were with Steven. This trip was the longest trip we have taken as a family and we saw and did so many different things that we never felt like we wanted to go home, great trip that I would so highly recommend to any family and I will highly recommend Askari to everyone I talk to. Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts.” – DD of Toronto – South Africa
“Africa. 28 days. 3 countries. Absolutely no words to convey our experiences. It was a glorious and breathtaking experience each and every day! People. Places. Personalities. Perfection. 1000 photographs and just as many stories. We have no way to really say thank you and have you truly know how deeply we feel when we say those simple 2 words… This has been an Amazing adventure to date. We are so thrilled with absolutely everything. Your choices and selections have been pure spot on!” VL – Africa
GALAPAGOS CHARTER
“Thank you so much for putting together this trip of a lifetime. It exceeded our expectations in so many ways. The guides were all magnificent, the length of time in each place was perfect and we all felt we got a really good feel for both Peru and Ecuador. Miguel in Peru was so incredible and way far beyond what he probably should have to look after the 14 of us there. If we ever go back I would request him for sure. We felt like royalty on the Athala. They were amazing and made the trip magical. They even set up a dance floor for us one night and Jonathan taught us how to salsa. Two nights they put together celebratory dinners with decorations and special cakes. I can’t say enough about them.” SL & KL – Galapagos
AFRICA
“This has been a fabulous trip!!! Absolutely loved everything and everyone.
What a spectacular country!!! Steve was a real delight!!!” K.D. – Africa
INDIA
“The trip was fabulous. We loved India, so much so that we will definitely be considering another trip, but to southern India!!!” – RS of Detroit – India
ECUADOR and THE GALAPAGOS CHARTER
“We are back from an simply amazing trip! Firstly a huge thank you from us all for organizing our Ecuadorian Adventure. The Galapagos was all we could have dreamed of and more but you were right the trip, to the Cloud Forest and Ibara, riding over the Andes and experiencing New Year’s eve at Zuleta gave us a whole different insight into Ecuador and we loved it” – VB travellers from UK, France and Canada – Ecuador & Galapagos Private Yacht Charter, December 2014
GREECE & CROATIA
“My trip to Greece was perfect in every way; the attention to details was extra-ordinary. It’s not surprising that I did an encore cruise the following summer to Croatia. Since then Muriel has become my “go to” person for all trips real and planned in the indefinite future; I have recommended her to my friends and customers alike. Every single one of them has adored their unique travel adventure. You will too!” E.R. of New York, NY – Greece & Croatia
THE GALAPAGOS & ECUADOR
“Well, I’ve had to have think on our holiday before I could write to you and try to explain our gratitude about what a great itinerary Askari had planned for us. If there was something that was out of whack, it was taken care of immediately. We were treated with the utmost respect, kindness and sort of like celebrities, with transportation waiting for us, bottled water, and snacks (no lack of food on this trip!) and graciousness. Askari’s attention to detail with regards to entrance fees, meals, drivers, guides, the itinerary that filled our days with exceptional excursions, accommodations etc. was without question top notch.” – JL of Toronto – Galapagos
MOZAMBIQUE and BOTSWANA
“What is it about Africa that touches ones soul?The vast landscapes of the Kalahari, the surreal beauty of the sky when a sudden lighting storm comes thundering in, observing the animals in the habitat they belong, the biggest baobab trees, the biggest thorns, the colours of the birds, the sounds of nature, the San people and their authenticity, the cradle of humankind…all of the above and much more, why one needs to return many times to Africa…Thank You Askari, seamless planning and imagination made our vacation to Mozambique and Botswana, most special!” END – Mozambique & Botswana
AFRICA
“Thank you for making our EPIC trip so perfect and so special!! Every piece was flawless and put together with thought and attention. We couldn’t have asked for more!” – SP of San Francisco – Africa
ZAMBIA, BOTSWANA, NAMIBIA, SOUTH AFRICA
“We just got off the plane in Charlottesville! Just wanted to let you know before we left Cape Town last night that the whole trip was so fantastic that I was ready to start at the beginning and do it all over again!” – RO of Raleigh, NC – Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa
ARCTIC & BAFFIN ISLAND
“It was so great – over and above and beyond … it is out there but wow once you are there it is incredible … definitely the most memorable trip experience we have ever had. The kids are talking about it non-stop…” – B & N – Arctic Trip to Baffin Island
CANADA – Quebec
“Wonderful, wonderful trip!! Your itinerary was perfect. We saw an extraordinary amount of whales. We hit a riptide so they were all around, including very young ones. Our guide at Sacacomie, Gaspard Bourque was a real highlight of the trip. Finally, the food everywhere was fantastic but our best meal was in Quebec at Le Continental. I would put it up to any meal we have had in Paris or Chicago … one of the best meals we have ever had, and we are good eaters! We are looking forward to our next trip planned with you.” ME of Chicago – Quebec, Canada
BOSTON, USA
“Our trip to Boston was perfection – thanks to you! Four Seasons, as usual, was fabulous. Great Room, glad only stayed 3 nights. All eating spots amazing; B and G Oysters on Tremont St – have been there many times before, loved it. Panza Restaurant on Hanover street – great! Coppa Boston..loved it!! Island Creek Oyster Bar, La Voile Boston Brasserie – fantastic. Be assured we didn’t just drink and eat our way through Boston, although we did our full share!! We had two hot beautiful days. Took the Boston Harbor Cruise, a two day pass on sightseeing bus tour, walked everywhere, It’s an exciting city. Thanks again Maryann for making it work perfectly for us.” HR & JR of Toronto – Boston, September 2014
AUSTRIA SKIING, PRAGUE & LONDON
We have been meaning to write to thank you for your superlative attention to detail in planning our family trip to Lech, Prague and London. Each segment was outstanding! From the slopes of the Arlberg to our personal guides in Prague and finally to our favourite city – London. There wasn’t a hitch. … We spanned ages between 11 And 76 and the whole trip was as smooth as glass! In fact it is the second time you have guided us in England and Scotland – each trip different and finitely planned. You never miss a trick. Thank you again. JR & HR of Toronto – Austria skiing, Prague & London, Christmas 2015
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