From our first email Tim was so helpful. Booked and paid online process so smooth. Tezz met us at Durban port and returned us in plenty of time before the ship sailed. At Tala the zebra, giraffe, ostriches and kudu so close you could nearly touch them. Had a yummy lunch and then went to phezulu which was also a great experience. Tezz was a knowledgeable guide and we enjoyed her company. Thanks for a memorable day.
We have just got back from an amazing trip with Tim. We went to Tala private Game Reserve where we saw zebra, wildebeest, impala, hippo, rhino, monkeys and other animals. Tim was so knowledgable and friendly. He went above and beyond to try and find the giraffe which did prove elusive in the end. The Zulu Village was fantastic and, all in all, it was the perfect length trip for us with our 5 year old. Highly recommended!
I am an American citizen from Charlottesville, Virginia. My colleague and I were in Durban for the Southern African Association for Research in Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education (SAARMSTE) conference in January of 2019. Having never been to Africa (and not being an experienced international traveler at all), I was nervous about the trip, but wanted to have an authentic experience at the same time. I found Tim Brown Tours during a routine Google search for safaris leaving from Durban. I am very glad I did - I spent significant time comparing his offerings with other companies in the area (as I assume you are doing if you're reading this). I made the correct choice.
My colleague and I decided to take the one-day safari to the Tala Game Reserve and a Zulu cultural experience because it was not a long drive from Durban. The booking process was very easy, and Tim and his staff were very responsive before and after we booked. They cheerfully answered every question I emailed over. Also, given the ~13.5/1 conversion rate from dollars to RAND, the price was very reasonable. Throughout the booking process I really felt like I was dealing with professionals, and was going to be in good hands.
On the day of our tour Tim himself picked us up in his spacious and clean vehicle. He immediately offered us water, and explained our itinerary. As nervous tourists I can definitely say Tim put us at ease. The ride to the Tala reserve was about 45 minutes, but it went quickly as Tim told us many interesting things about Durban and South Africa, and answered our questions. Although we did not pay for a private tour, we were the only ones on the tour that day - which was awesome. I recommend paying the bit extra to get Tim all to yourself and not taking the risk like we did.
Once at the reserve Tim really shone. He is incredibly knowledgeable about the animal and plant life that lives in South Africa. A real professional with years of relevant experience not only with his company, but in other roles in the industry. His explanations and information were extremely clear, and interesting. He knows the park very, very well. We saw animals within the first moments of arriving. Tim always pulls the car to the side of the road, shuts off the engine, and gives ample time for pictures and viewing. He confirms we are ready to move on before turning the engine back on. He took many pictures himself using our cameras. The roads in the park are very bumpy, Tim did a great job of driving slowly and carefully, and his vehicle is well equipped for the job.
We saw a family of giraffes - we were able to just about go right up to them (they happened to grazing near the visitor's center so we were parked and out of the car in a safe area). Was a highlight. We also saw numerous impalas, ostrich, wildebeest, zebra, bird species, rhino (from a distance), hippo (briefly as they put heads above water), and others with names I cannot remember. There were no other cars/tours in the park when we were there. It was totally silent and peaceful. I'm sure it's not like that every time, but we had a very special day.
After we left the park it was a short drive to the Zulu Cultural Park. Tim continued to give us useful and interesting information. I liked the game reserve more than the cultural park, but it was still interesting and worth seeing. Gorgeous views. We had lunch at a nice restaurant at the center, and there is a gift shop.
Also at the cultural center is a reptile park with numerous crocodiles, snakes, tortoises, and a couple other species. This was very cool to see - scary at times too! Tim was with us every step of the way to give insights and answer questions.
All told, I give my highest recommendation to Tim Brown and his company. It can be unsettling to book a tour with someone/a company that you do not know - especially in a foreign country. That being said, Tim treated us like family, and if I ever return to South Africa and Durban, I will be booking another tour with him.
Thank you, Tim!