Thornveld Safaris came about in 1996 with an aim to provide the client with un-matched service excellence and to share a passion for this country. Each trip is personally designed and careful attention is shown to even the smallest detail. Founding member, Wayne Madeley, is a nationally registered tour director and has been escorting tourists from many different countries through South Africa since 1988. This valued experience ensures that a high level of professionalism and commitment is shown at all times and forms the foundation of the company.
Thornveld Safaris is a Christian organization and works in close association with Precept Ministries, South Africa.
Precept Ministries
Precept Ministries is a ministry raised up by God for the sole purpose of establishing people in God’s Word as that which produces a reverence for Him. We work hand-in-hand with local churches across denominational lines, as well as seminaries, and missions communities to assist people in discovering Biblical truths for themselves. Inductive Bible study is a unique method of studying that opens up the Scriptures for individuals in deeply challenging and thought provoking ways – regardless of their academic or denominational background.
Accommodation
Accommodation varies throughout the country, ranging from 5 star city establishments to 5 star bush lodges. All facilities in South Africa are graded by the South African Tourism Authorities and carry a star rating.
Thornveld Safaris will attempt to use no less than three star properties. Many country hotels carry three stars but offer superior comfort and service. Hotels are selected for location, facilities and service as well as the odd ‘convenience’ factor. Each hotel offers individual character and embraces its own specific environment.
Vehicles
A range of vehicles are used, depending on the nature of the trip.
For larger groups, up to 40 passengers, luxury motor coaches are used for the general touring and sight seeing. These coaches are air conditioned, have reclining seats, emergency bathroom facilities, refrigerators, TV with video/DVD as well as PA and audio systems. They carry sufficient insurances and are driven by professional, experienced drivers.
For groups up to 14 passengers, smaller vehicles are used. They generally have the same specs as the larger vehicles but without the bathroom facilities.
7 passengers or less get transported in 7 seater minivans. They too are air-conditioned but are driven by a driver/guide.
For game viewing, open ‘land rovers’ are used. These are specially adapted vehicles with open sides and raised seats allowing maximum vision of the surrounds. Depending on the property, they may or may not have roof cover. These vehicles are operated by licensed rangers or field guides.
All attempts are made to ensure that no safari is operated in a large, closed vehicle, unless specified by the client.
All drivers, whether just a driver or a driver/guide, have the required professional driving licenses, and all vehicles carry the required insurances.
Tour directors, tour leaders and guides
All South African trips are taken in the company of a Tour Director. Each person used is correctly qualified and is registered with the relevant Tourism authority. Only personally chosen, experienced people are used as the success of each trip rests in their hands. Where game viewing is concerned, tours are handed over to experienced rangers or field guides, depending on the property.
Occasionally local guides are required where they join the group for a specific period within the duration of a tour, generally ranging from a couple hours to a day.
Thornveld Safaris is dedicated to high levels of professional service and this is expected of the staff employed at all times.
