The uncertainty of the last year has shown the importance of travel agents in 2021. With many travel disruptions such as countries closing for travel, accommodation suppliers going out of business, and Covid-19 regulations adding more stress to vacations, the travel agent provides assurance, assistance and 24/7 service to travellers.

Africa is a little more complex as a destination and consulting an expert can really enhance (or in some cases save) your holiday plans.

Still not sure? Here are the reasons it is important to use a Giltedge Africa Travel Expert when travelling to Southern or East Africa:

1. Use our First-Hand, Expert Knowledge

Our travel consultants regularly visit the destinations they sell. Not only that, but they also attend workshops, supplier training sessions and receive up-to-date feedback from their clients. This gives you access to invaluable insider tips. Want to know which safari lodge has the best guides or which beach chalet lies closet to the sea? Easy! Just ask your Giltedge Africa Travel Expert.

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From left to right: Our consultants on a safari educational, supplier presentation & a FAM trip on the Garden Route

2. Saves You Time

As mentioned earlier there’s a lot of information out there; so much so that it can be overwhelming. Try googling “South Africa holiday”; I just did and got 148 million results. Rather than scrolling through lists of hotels, consulting a destination expert who can make sound recommendations matched to your requirements – saving you time and a great deal of frustration too!

3. Tailored to Your Needs

A cookie-cutter package can be great for a fun week in the sun, but nothing can compare to a tailor-made itinerary created by Giltedge. A good consultant will consider each detail – your interest in cuisine or local culture; whether this is a romantic getaway or a family break – then put together a unique break with hand-picked accommodation and hassle-free logistics matched to your tastes, needs and budget.

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Your Giltedge consultant can put together a detailed itinerary with multiple stops and tried-and-tested accommodation.

4. No Extra Costs

Before beginning the consultation process, it’s important to check if the travel agency you have selected charges a service fee. At Giltedge we are transparent about costs. Your consultant will give you a detailed quotation with a clear indication of what is included so your trip won’t be marred by any nasty surprises or hidden costs.

5. Excellent Supplier Relationships

Over the years Giltedge Africa has built up strong relationships with their suppliers, this gives them access to the best available rates and exclusive travel deals. What’s more they may even call in a favour or two: a wonderful surprise on your special occasion or (having been to the property themselves) the chalet with the perfect view.

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Dinner with the best view? We’ve got you sorted.

6. Financial Peace of Mind

Your holiday is a substantial financial investment booked months in advance. In these turbulent times, what happens to your deposit should a lodge or an airline goes out of business? In South Africa reputable operators are bonded by SATSA (South African Tourism Services Association) as is Giltedge, which offers a third party financial guarantee. This travel affiliations allows you to book with peace of mind.

7. Help Should You Need It

Plans can unexpectedly change when you’re winging your way across the world. If you suddenly find yourself stranded at a foreign airport, you want to be able to make one call to someone you know can sort the problem out. With their invaluable business connections to both airlines and hotels, your Giltedge travel consultant is in the best position to jump in and assist should you need it. And with the changing Covid-19 regulations, it’s a good idea to have someone on the ground who can assist should you need an unexpected Covid test.

8. Unbiased Recommendations

The vast majority of travel agencies don’t own any hotels or lodges, so rather than trying to push their own product they’re free to focus on selecting the right places for you. Giltedge consultants are passionate about travel, they want you to have the best experience possible – and a happy client could potentially bring them more repeat or referral business for them too. So everyone wins.

9. Up-to-Date Knowledge

Not only does your travel consultant have access to the latest travel deals, they also know about that fantastic new lodge that has just opened up and is receiving rave reviews. Then there all the other details essential to your plans: changing visa requirements and airline regulations, travel warnings, recommended vaccinations and the best insurance cover for your trip.

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Find out about innovative experiences and new lodge openings, like the Shipwreck Lodge that opened in 2019. 

10. Personal Relationship

While Feefo gives you strangers’ reviews, nothing beats the advice of someone who knows you well. If you’re lucky enough to travel regularly you’ll soon build up a personal relationship with your consultant. On your next trip they might recommend an accommodation or off-the-beaten-track destination that you never even knew existed but, once discovered, soon realise is exactly what you needed.