Testimonials

Our journey through Zimbabwe was nothing short of extraordinary, and it wouldn’t have been the same without our exceptional guide, Andy Smith. Andy’s extensive knowledge and passion for the wildlife and the country illuminated every step of our adventure, enriching our experiences beyond measure. From the captivating beauty of Mana Pools National Park to the shores of Lake Kariba in Matusadona National Park, each destination unfolded a new chapter in our adventure. Traversing the Zambezi River, exploring the bush, and delving into the wonders of Matetsi left us spellbound, while the sheer magnificence of Victoria Falls took our breath away. Encountering majestic lions, towering elephants, and countless crocodiles daily amidst the vibrant landscapes of our African safari was a surreal and humbling experience. The sight of hippos lounging by the water’s edge reminded us of the raw, untamed beauty of the African wilderness. Each encounter with these iconic creatures left an indelible mark on our hearts, etching unforgettable memories of our safari adventure into our minds forever. What made this trip truly remarkable was sharing it with three generations of our family, creating memories that will truly last a lifetime. Even a year later, we find ourselves reminiscing about the moments we shared in Zimbabwe, still captivated by the wildlife and the invaluable insights Andy and the local guides shared with us. In addition, the warmth and hospitality of the Zimbabwean people made our journey even more special. Our journey was not just a vacation; it was an education, an adventure, and a celebration of life. We are forever grateful for the experience and eagerly anticipate the day we can return to this magical country to explore even more and share it with others.

In the words of Andy Smith…Safari On!

We have now been to Africa 5 times with Fausto, and for the last 4 of those trips, Josie prepared our itinerary. Fausto’s love and knowledge of Africa, its people and its beautiful wildlife combined with his incredible kindness to our children made us yearn to return to Africa again and again.

Josie is his equal in terms of planning fantastic trip itineraries. The trips we took, we wanted to see both how people in Africa lived and to learn more about their cultures, the different parts of the continent, as well as get a chance to see a greater diversity of animals than on our previous trips. Our trips have included visits to Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana, Tanzania (including the Serengeti and Zanzibar), Kenya and Rwanda.

Josie did an amazing job of balancing our goals on each of the trips and pacing them perfectly for the range of ages on our trip. We felt that every place we stayed was ideal and her knowledge of each of the regions allowed us to experience the unique highlights of each area.

I cannot speak highly enough about the two of them. All trips were extraordinary and more than met our wildest dreams. If I can offer any further specific information, I am more than happy to do so.

Giving a reference for Fausto and Josie of Africa Bound Safaris is an easy thing to do. My family have just completed a year long adventure around the world; 31 countries with even more guides and ground operators. We have been keeping a list of favorite guides along the way.

All 6 of us have Fausto and Africa Bound Safaris as number 1 amid a field of really tough competitors. The reason for this is simple: Africa is extraordinary and both Fausto and Josie open its doors in an intimate, knowledgable and responsible way. Josie crafted an itinerary that built to a crescendo, all the while keeping an eye on the budget as if it were her own money. Fausto brought Africa’s complicated and inter-related geology, anthropology, zoology and evolutionary biology to life in an accessible and exceedingly effective way.

The kids learned everyday at his side. All four kids cried at our farewell dinner. That says it all. These guys are the best and we have already begun dreaming about our next chance to visit that remarkable continent with them again.

I’m privileged to have an opportunity to recommend Fausto Carbone as guide for any group, organization, or individual visiting Sub-Saharan Africa.

I had the good fortune to travel to Southern Africa this summer with a relatively small group under the auspices of the National Geographic Society. Fausto was our guide.

He proved to be not only deeply knowledgeable of natural history and local cultures but was a superb communicator. Fausto uses an almost encyclopedic understanding of fauna and flora along with a pleasant and, at time very humorous approach, to engage his audience. I can say without hesitation that Fausto was considered by all to be a key linchpin in the trip’s overall success.

Often overlooked is the role a guide plays managing the logistics of the tour. Here again Fausto exceeded expectations and seemed to deal with a complex itinerary and its inevitable surprises with good judgement and quiet efficiency. The National Geographic Society will surely choose Fausto Carbone to lead trips for us in the future.

Fausto, Our trip to Africa has been amazing because of you. You have been an unending fountain of knowledge – I truly cannot believe how much you know about so many different subjects.

You have opened our eyes not only to a new part of the world but also to a new way of understanding. You were incredible with our kids – patient, meeting each one where they were, encouraging and at the same time challenging them to think. Your entire demeanor conveys a refreshing respect for all people, animals, plants & the environment. LR

There are no words to express all you have done for our family. You have made our journey something we will cherish forever. Your incredible knowledge on countless subjects combined with your unwavering patience and kind nature made spending every moment with you a treat. Of course the way you educated our children was something to behold/admire. Of course your kindness to my mom was much appreciated. SR

We had the pleasure of being guided by Fausto on our three-generation family safari in Botswana last summer. We arrived in Africa confident in Josie’s excellent recommendations and impeccable planning for our two weeks in Botswana.

While the individual safari camps provide capable guides, words can hardly convey what traveling with Fausto added to our experience. The depth and breadth of his knowledge of the natural world – from the smallest insect on the ground to the farthest star in the sky – added a dimension to our journey that we would have never had without him.

As if his encyclopedic knowledge of the bush weren’t enough, Fausto is also a charming dinner companion, an expert wrangler of grandchildren and stray lens caps, and an all-around unflappable facilitator. He spared us the typical foreign country travel worries, whether shepherding us over dusty airstrips or through foreign airports. Just as Botswana left an indelible mark in our hearts, so did Fausto. We look forward to future adventures with him.

In July Fausto led 13 of us on a great adventure to Namibia, Botswana and Zambia. We were a family of 11 (six grand daughters, their parents and me, the grandmother) along with two friends.

The trip far exceeded our expectations. Every day had surprises and every day was an incredible learning experience. The attention to detail in the planning by Josie, paid off when the entire two weeks went off without a hitch.

This was my third trip to Africa and before going, I thought, my last. But thanks to Fausto’s guidance and amazing body of knowledge, I feel that I must return. No where is there so much magic in surroundings so simple.

Fausto, you were instrumental in making this one of the best experiences of my life. More than that, though, just know that in these 3 weeks you changed the vector of and enriched the lives of my 3 young boys who I hope one day will make a measurable impact in the world. You have a genuine gift, you stand tall as a human being and we are grateful to know you.

Fausto and Josie, thank you so much for such a wonderful trip. Fausto, thank you for transmitting your passion for this land and its animals in such a contagious way and with such incredible clarity – you are King of your trade. We are so grateful to Josie as well, this trip would no have been possible without her either. Josie, it was perfect down to every detail. I am so humbled by these lands and yearn to return. You have made a mark on us for which I am so thankful.

Fausto, Our days were filled to the brim with knowledge that will take a lifetime to absorb

You opened our eyes to this continent that was so foreign, vast and endlessly mysterious in such a profoundly deep and moving way. You sparked a curiosity in so many way, we will be back to continue our learning – thanks with enormous respect and admiration.

Going to Africa on a walking Safari is an outstanding experience just by itself but walking with Andy Smith is just the Best. I had the pleasure to participate on a walking safari for fourtimes in various arias in Zimbabwe throughout different national parks. I just loved it. Seeing lions on foot, elephants strolling by or baboons who are totally relaxed walking with me were my lifetime moments. I always felt safe. I never felt to be disturbing the animals. Just being there and observing some rare and wonderful sightings in the beautiful land of Sim.

Andi has an intuitive sense of all needs of any of our group members and safety was his first priority. His staff was superb, his organization skills outstanding. You can feel at any moment his love for his country and the true bonding to nature in these remote areas. I would walk with Andy anytime wherever he takes me too.

Both Audrey and I were completely blown away by the whole experience and decided that, out of the many bush holidays we have had, this trip with you, Andy Smith, was the BEST. This was in part due to your incredible knowledge and confidence in the bush, and your total respect for the animals. We were able to feel a part of the environment, not just spectators, which was so important to both of us. There are too many highlights to mention – the whole trip lives on in my memory and bits of it flash up continually, while I am engaged in mundane aspects of life in this overly “safe” country! I know we will relive this trip for a very long time! We were incredibly privileged to have you as our guide, so a million thank you’s from both of us. Thank you again for a truly exciting and memorable trip..

Andrew Smith (Andy) ticks all the boxes of the requirements of an excellent safari guide. His knowledge of the environment and his bush skills, combined with his warm and inviting personality provide the perfect set of conditions for a rewarding and enjoyable bush experience. His respect for the environment and the safety of both the animals and his clients makes you feel comfortable and able to fully enjoy the experience of being in the bush. Mana Pools is one of the greatest natural environments in Africa and your experience there is greatly enhanced when accompanied by man like Andy. A great guide and a great guy in a magical place…it doesn’t get better!

Andy The depth of your knowledge, your communication ability and passion have been magnificent. For me you have opened a door into an amazing African world, where interrelationships and huge time-frames add dimensions I’d only dreamed of before. Thanks-

I have been to the bush with Andy Smith a few times before and was impressed by his approach, knowledge and passion for the bush. We had a group of friends from Australia coming out for their first African adventure in a group including Parents, Granny, a teenager and 2 younger children. Andy catered for all our guiding needs and was great with the younger and nervous members of our party. At the end of the trip they all wanted to stay on for more and the Mana part was the highlight of their 3 week family trip!!!