Howard Spencer-Wilson
I co-own and manage the African Travel Gateway, where we plan, book and implement tailor-made holidays of all sorts, for all sorts, with all sorts of budgets... Our recipe for client satisfaction? Speed, thoroughness and value for money. With over 20 years experience in planning African travel, we know we offer our clients a seamless planning experience and a once in a lifetime African safari experience!
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"We specialize in 10 Southern & East African countries, namely: South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini, Tanzania, Kenya & Zanzibar. Our activities range from various types of safaris to the more regular tours to cities and non-safari adventures in the region like Cape Town, train journeys, beach holidays, and horseback safaris."
How did you get involved in travel?
"In the early nineties I started out by studying Nature Conservation and working on game farms & game reserves in the Kruger National Park area of South Africa. After a number of years in the lodge industry, I decided to branch out into tour operating. This took me to Cape Town and Johannesburg where I helped set up African Travel Gateway. Eventually winding up back in the Kruger Park region of South Africa from where I manage African Travel Gateway, and continue guiding walking safaris from."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"Being an active trails guide in the Kruger National Park, I am fortunate enough to regularly experience some heart stopping moments on safari. On one particular primitive walking trail, we did a sleep out under the stars along side a river. During the cold night a distant pride of lions made their presence known early in the evening by regulars roars. By midnight the lions had moved to within 70 meters of where we lay and continued with their full throated roaring - ruling out all possibility of sleep, but capturing in everyone's memory a truly unforgettable night!"
Howard's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
This tour takes you from the sights of Cape Town to the lush Overberg, followed by an exceptional safari experience. Enjoy some of South Africa's most sought-after destinations...
Enjoy a majestic eight-day tour of Cape Town and Kruger Park Safari, two of South Africa’s top highlights. You will take in the beauty of the Cape Peninsula, Winelands, and the...
This exciting Southern Africa itinerary offers a perfect mix of self-drive and guided tours. Start in Cape Town, where you can explore the Cape Peninsula, head to the top of...
Luxury itineraries
Discover Namibia's natural wonders on this 14-day luxury safari. Start by driving from the rugged Tiras Mountains to star-studded NamibRand and Sossusvlei's world-famous dunes....
Discover Namibia's deserts, rugged coastline, and wildlife-packed national parks on this week-long sky safari. Explore hulking dunes and never-ending salt pans in Sossusvlei...
Take to the skies on this luxury, five-day Namibia sky safari. Touchdown in the Namib Desert, exploring Sossusvlei's famous salt pan and towering dunes, then fly to the...
Road trip itineraries
Discover Namibia's natural wonders on this 14-day luxury safari. Start by driving from the rugged Tiras Mountains to star-studded NamibRand and Sossusvlei's world-famous dunes....
Veer off Namibia's tourist trail on this two-week adventure safari. You'll track rhinos, discover prehistoric rock paintings, and embark upon a six-night wild camping adventure...
Explore Namibia's wild coastline, deserts, and national parks on this luxury 10-day tour. Start in the Namib Desert, where you'll sip sundowners, stargaze and discover mammoth...
Recent trip reviews for Howard
10 Days in South Africa: Cape Town, Garden Route and Safari
South Africa
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Mar 9 - Mar 16, 2018
Every part of my trip went like clockwork exactly according to plan. Both of the lodges that I went to were very good although Settlers Drift was the best. The rangers and wild life was also excellent.
All my car transfers wore on time with good drivers and my Avis hire car was good and as planned
Hi George,
Thank you so much for your feedback.... It was great to work with you and hope to be of assistance in the near future! Until then take care and make good memories!
Nick & Ruth's SA Trip
South Africa
|
Nov 2 - Nov 23, 2017
Hi Nick & Ruth ... Apologies for the delayed reply ... I am very glad to hear you enjoyed your time in SA .. and your points raised on the previous review have been noted - we always appreciate constructive criticism - thanks for the feedback!
Nick & Ruth's SA Trip
South Africa
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Nov 2 - Nov 23, 2017
Holiday
South Africa
|
Oct 16 - Nov 3, 2017
First time we've booked on the internet. It couldn't have been easier. Great communication.
Howard was very helpful and knowledgeable. Didn't tire of answering even the daftest of my questions. Also very helpful during the holiday, not just before it.
Hi Carl,
It was a great pleasure to be of assistance to you and your wonderful family! All the best to you! Hope to hear from you again in the future... take good care until then!
8-Day Cape Town & Kruger Park Safari
South Africa
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Nov 4 - Nov 8, 2017
We had a tight budget and were exploring different options to see what best fit our interests and budget for our Cape Town & Kruger Park Safari. Howard was extremely patient and helpful with suitable recommendations. Overall, it was a generally fuss free and enjoyable process.
Hi Maria,
You were a star to work with and it would be great to welcome you back to SA again in the future... Take care and wishing you all the best!
Cape Town South Africa
South Africa
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Aug 14 - Aug 23, 2017
I was very impressed with the excursion and hotel bookings. As well as it Guide Ian, with Paradise Touring. He as extremely helpful and knowledgeable about our trip. I would highly recommend Kimkim and Ian for anyone I know traveling to South Africa. Thank you!!
Very easy to work with, and accommodating no matter how many times we asked him to revise our itnerary.
Hi Missy .. so glad you had a good time in SA and was a pleasure working with you! I hope you make it back to Southern Africa again in the future !