Nature & Wildlife Travel Agents & Reviews

We had a great trip and Zicasso’s travel agent did a very good job of organizing a variety of activities to enable us to see Costa Rica in a thorough way, but in a short time. 

My only disappointment was the resort in La Fortuna. It was a great place, but we were placed in rooms a mile away from the restaurant, hot springs, and swimming pools. We had to call for a shuttle bus each time we wanted to get out of our rooms and that was frustrating, as well as preventing any spontaneous strolls or time outdoors enjoying the beautiful weather and scenery. We enjoyed all the other planned places and activities. 

I would suggest to our travel company that they include how long each planned activity is expected to last when they publish the itemized itinerary so clients can plan for meals, unscheduled time, and rest periods.

I highly recommend the travel company to other families traveling to Costa Rica! Pura vida!

Our honeymoon was truly tremendous! Our Zicasso agent and I spoke on the phone numerous times and connected via email consistently. She took everything we asked for and put it into the perfect itinerary. All of our transfers were on time, the accommodations were perfect, and everyone we interacted with was so incredibly kind. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience. We would 10,000/10 recommend this company!

Our trip included three couples from Massachusetts. We worked with Zicasso's travel agency to customize a trip to Australia. In general, the trip was excellent. Most of the travel logistics were perfect. All transfers were on time. All of the guides were on time, passionate about Australia, and were very good to excellent. All the hotels were also very good to excellent. The travel app was very helpful for keeping us updated on trip logistics. Most logistics worked out well. Most of the tours arranged were excellent. The fly nets the agency provided were a godsend in Uluru. Seeing Australia's unique wildlife, snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, going to a footy game, walking around cities, meeting indigenous guides, and simply being in Australia is an experience we will never forget. The Great Ocean Road excursion in Melbourne was beautiful, but eight hours in a tour bus was very long. The geographic size of Australia is something visitors have to deal with.

I would have rated the trip five stars except for the following minor issues. We arranged travel between the US and Australia ourselves (not using the agency), which, in hindsight, was a mistake. Therefore, most of the travel headaches we experienced are not included in this review. The one miss they should have caught was informing us that a New Zealand ETA is needed for transiting through Auckland, New Zealand (even though we did not clear New Zealand customs). We were able to apply and get the ETA at the Houston airport just before boarding the plane, but the stress could easily have been avoided had we realized we needed this document before the trip began.

The instructions for where to meet for the backstage tour of the Sydney Opera House were a little off. We were told to meet the tour at 6.45am, downstairs by the information booth. This turned out to be the meeting place for the outside tour. By 6.55am, fighting jetlag and the early hour, we figured the meeting place for the backstage tour was upstairs and, luckily, we made it in time for our 7am tour, which was excellent.

The selection of wineries we visited in Adelaide wasn't ideal. Several did not ship their products to the US, which meant, for practical reasons, we could only purchase a bottle or two. Ideally, we should only visit wineries that ship wine to the States.

Communicating with the agency during the trip was more challenging than we expected. For some reason, we didn't always get their emails or text messages. It wasn't clear how often they checked up on us during our journey. Last year, we arranged a similar trip to Greece and the company we worked with provided us with a mobile phone for the duration of the trip to facilitate communications. They regularly called us to see how the trip was going. In our opinion, this capability and handholding would improve the service this agency provides.

Zicasso matched us with two excellent travel agents who were both professional, responsive, and knowledgeable. We selected this travel company. Our agent, Richelle, worked with us to design an itinerary that transformed our wish list into an incredible African journey. Her prompt responses to our questions or needs were greatly appreciated.

We were attempting to see a lot of South Africa and Namibia in only two weeks. Throughout our trip, the accommodations, transfers, guides, restaurants, flights, and activities that Richelle had arranged or suggested were superb. She helped us create a portal for our trip that served as a source of information, pick-up times, e-tickets, and things like our allergies that restaurants knew ahead of time. Additionally, she was there for us as we were traveling in case we had a problem or question. We can't say enough about her professionalism, patience, and genuine concern that our vacation would be everything we hoped for.

Our itinerary was ambitious, but Richelle's preparation made it possible. First, we spent three days at Marataba. The accommodations, food, and staff were first-rate. Our guide on the safaris was excellent and the variety of game we saw was impressive.

The next part of our trip was in Cape Town. We arrived in a storm that the locals called "the storm of the century". There was extensive damage and some loss of life as well. While the storm certainly curtailed some activities, the following days had brilliant sunshine. We had a great time visiting the V&A Waterfront, a colony of African penguins at Boulders Beach, enjoying the gorgeous coastal scenery along Chapman's Peak Drive, and a too-short visit to the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Our accommodations at the hotel in Sea Point were excellent for location and the professional staff.

After three days in Cape Town, our guide drove us for about an hour to the Cape Winelands. We arranged for two wine tastings in Stellenbosch. The winery was outstanding for the beautiful views and excellent wine. We also saw zebra and impala in the field just in front of the outdoor verandah. We had lunch at a boutique hotel and winery with spectacular views and delicious wine and food. Our accommodations at the hotel in Franschhoek were outstanding. The setting, service, food, and beautiful views were a highlight of our trip. Our room was large and beautifully appointed. An example of their generous hospitality was that all items in the minibar, including a bottle of wine produced at their winery, were gratis. We regretted having to leave after only one night's stay.

Our guide then returned us to the airport in Cape Town for our flight to Walvis Bay, Namibia. We were met by our driver at the airport to transfer us to the hotel in Swakopmund. The hotel was on the Atlantic Ocean and a perfect location to explore the town. The staff was top-notch. Warm, friendly, efficient, willing to help you arrange drivers, restaurant reservations, or figuring out how to work the TV remote.

After three days in Swakopmund, our excellent guide drove us to the lodge in the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve. Once again, the warm hospitality of the staff here and throughout our travels will stay with us for a long time. The lodge is a gateway to the magnificent dunes of Sossusvlei. Our guide was outstanding. He was an excellent driver over some awful roads and sand, and the depth and breadth of his knowledge were impressive. He cooked us a lovely chicken and salad lunch out in the desert. He drove us to Windhoek for our flight back to Johannesburg and our return home. 

There will be many wonderful things to remember about our journey in southern Africa, but Richelle's excellent guidance and the warmth of the African people are what will stay with us the longest.

We’re still not over our trip! Everything was absolutely fantastic. Thank you for organizing such a great experience and making it so effortless for me. I already have family and friends asking who I went through, and I’m guessing some of them will be reaching out to you in the next year.

I do have one small piece of constructive feedback about our camp in the Olifants West Nature Reserve. The staff, lodge, and food were wonderful, but unfortunately, the safari guide fell short. We had just come from the camp in the Thornybush Game Reserve (where we left our hearts—the guide there was truly exceptional, with such a great personality), so the difference stood out even more. At the Olifants West Nature Reserve camp, we saw very few animals and the guide didn’t engage much—he barely spoke, and when he did, it wasn’t very professional or kind, especially toward my son. My son even said the trip might have worked better in reverse, since after Botswana it was hard to adjust to seeing only a few animals a day.

That said, I’m so grateful for how smoothly you planned everything, especially on such short notice. It really was a trip of a lifetime for us.

Thank you again!

Our recent two-week adventure through South Africa and Botswana, meticulously planned by Zicasso's travel partner, was nothing short of extraordinary. Our agent's deep knowledge of the area allowed us to experience the rich culture and breathtaking landscapes in a way we never could have imagined. Her expertise in selecting the best lodgings to suit our needs ensured every accommodation was comfortable, luxurious, and ideally situated. Our travel agent's strong planning and organizational skills made our journey seamless and stress-free, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the experience.

Our travel partner truly went above and beyond to cater to the diverse needs of the three couples traveling together. Her ability to manage our varying interests and preferences was impressive, ensuring everyone had a memorable and personalized experience. When a weather-related issue threatened to disrupt our plans, she swiftly and efficiently resolved the problem, showcasing her exceptional problem-solving skills. This level of service and attention to detail made it the best experience we've ever had with a travel agency. We highly recommend them to anyone seeking an unforgettable travel experience.

My wife and I recently embarked on a breathtaking journey through South America, visiting Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Iguazú Falls in Argentina, and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. We entrusted Zicasso's tour agency with planning our trip and it turned out to be one of the best travel decisions we've ever made.

From the very beginning, the team at the tour company was attentive and responsive, taking the time to understand our preferences and interests. They crafted a personalized itinerary that perfectly balanced adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration.

Buenos Aires: Our adventure began in the vibrant city of Buenos Aires. The agency arranged for a knowledgeable local guide who took us through the historic neighborhoods, tango shows, and culinary delights. The accommodations were centrally located, allowing us to explore the city with ease.

Mendoza: Next, we traveled to Mendoza, where we were immersed in the world of wine. The tour agency organized exclusive vineyard tours and tastings, providing us with a unique insight into the region's winemaking traditions. The picturesque landscapes and charming boutique hotel made our stay unforgettable.

Iguazú Falls: The highlight of our trip was undoubtedly the awe-inspiring Iguazú Falls. The agency ensured we had the best vantage points and arranged for a thrilling boat ride that brought us up close to the cascading waters. Their attention to detail and seamless logistics made this experience truly magical.

Rio de Janeiro: Our journey concluded in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro. The travel company curated a perfect blend of iconic sights like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, along with hidden gems that showcased the city's unique culture. The beachfront hotel provided stunning views and a relaxing end to our adventure.

Throughout the trip, the tour company was always available to assist with any questions or adjustments, ensuring a stress-free experience. Their expertise and dedication to customer satisfaction were evident in every aspect of our journey.

We wholeheartedly recommend this company to anyone seeking a well-organized and memorable travel experience. We look forward to planning our next adventure with them!