Press Features & Traveler Testimonials
In the Press: Leading the Way in Luxury Travel to Africa
EXPLORE is honored to be featured in top publications as a leader in luxury African travel and authentic safari experiences. Our commitment to bespoke travel, exceptional service, and meaningful connections continues to earn recognition from the global media.
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Africa Update
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Back to The Source
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The Land of Giants
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Uncommon Grounds
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Where to Go
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Mozambique
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Rhino Rescue Effort in Botswana
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The Experience Makers
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Africa's Ark with Uma Thurman
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T&C Travel 100: Roundtable
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The T&L A List
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Should I Stay or Should I Go
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Viral Fear
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Dog Day
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10 Ultimate Adventures: A Rare Breed
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Top African Safaris
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Botswana: Big Game by Boat
Direct from Our Clients
Authentic Travel Experiences That Speak for Themselves
Our discerning travelers are our greatest ambassadors. Their firsthand insight into luxury safaris, private lodges, and bespoke adventures across Africa and beyond capture the essence of EXPLORE. We’re grateful to our clients for sharing their extraordinary experiences and the moments that make their trips so unforgettable.
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“A cross between Goldie Hawn and Beryl Markham, she is the go-to gal for the most familiar as well as the most out-there safari.”
Richard Story, Former Editor-in-Chief of Departures Magazine
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“Explore is top notch! They find the best lodges and the best guides, and create outstanding, highly-educational safaris for the most discerning traveler. They develop the finest hand-crafted safaris of anyone we know in the US.”
Philip Lovejoy, Retired Deputy Executive Director at Harvard Alumni Association
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“Botswana is one of Africa’s great havens for wildlife and needs to be protected. Explore has shown exceptional commitment in educating its travelers and providing support for conservation through its excellent safaris.”
Peter Seligmann, CEO Conservation International
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“Cherri Briggs has been working with First Peoples Worldwide for well over a decade and contributed her time to helping indigenous people plan how to effectively utilize their natural resources through tourism as a means of development, without compromising their cultural values. Cherri has helped us in Alaska with the Inuit Nation and introduced us to Aboriginal Australia and the San people of the Kalahari in Botswana. Her respect and commitment to indigenous people is admirable and something rarely seen in tourism. You can be sure that if you travel with EXPLORE due respect and adequate contribution is being made to local people.”
Rebecca Adamson, First Peoples Worldwide
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“Explore’s guides are among the best in Africa! Explore has never disappointed us in our innumerable trips throughout the continent over the years. Their guide’s specialties, from birds to reptiles, archaeology to photography, culture to the big mammals, makes for an incomparable experience. Our trips have featured meetings with world-renowned researchers and conservation experts. Explore goes well beyond what your normal tour operator would because of its passion and commitment to Africa.”
Dr. Mabel L. Perkerson, Chapter President, Explorer’s Club, St. Louis
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“What differentiates Cherri Briggs and EXPLORE from the competition is sheer competence, passion, deep knowledge of the area, excellent relationships with the major providers and the ability to understand what the client wants. Cherri spends over 6 months a year in Africa, and is current on developments and has incredibly accurate information of the lodges and the environment and tries to understand what the customer wants. She is right on point with recommendations and understands where the game is, whether you can go off-road to get close up, and what will excite and thrill the customer. She is extremely prompt, always available, values questions and engagement and customizes the trip for each client. Her planning is meticulous and the arrangements have been extraordinary.“
Nick K.
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“We built an itinerary that matched my budget and hit the places I was interested in. Before departure, I received a very detailed booklet describing everything related to the trip—the most comprehensive tome I’ve ever seen for any trip I’ve taken in my life.”
Dan F.
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“The itinerary was perfectly designed by EXPLORE (from start to end). Not one hiccup. I’ve been ruined for future trips.”
Kevin G.
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“This was a trip we had dreamed about for years. I can honestly say that it was more than we imagined. Everything was so much more magical than we thought it would be. Nothing disappointed us in any way.”
Susan & Nick V.
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“Just want to send our gratitude and appreciation for a fantastic trip! It was so memorable, and we would refer anyone to you again with such a rich agenda and meaningful adventure! Thanks for all you did- it was clear you were on top of every moment! You are masterful!”
Susan & David N.
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“I had an amazing trip! I saw and experienced so many things. For me, the trip was smooth and well-organized. Not only were they (my expectations) met, but they were exceeded. A truly unforgettable trip.”
Sherri W.
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“This entire trip blew us away. EXPLORE picked the perfect places and created the perfect itinerary for us. My husband and I both looked at each other constantly and remarked, “this is the best trip we’ve ever taken!” and we travel constantly!”
Lauren M.
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“The trip was fabulous ... beyond our wildest expectations! The camps were lovely, the food over the top and the guides so skilled we couldn't believe it! We were within 20 feet of most every animal on the Savannah. I've never used a travel agent before, but you've turned me into a believer! We would never have had the experiences we did without your skillful booking. Thank you so much for such an amazing trip!!”
Pam & Ed B.
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“I would recommend Cherri and her team to anyone. I went with my family of twelve and then took an additional Safari in Kenya. All the camps we stayed in were superb, each in their own way. Our guide, Sam, thought of everything, besides being an adorable company. The camps were all unique and beautifully maintained. Transfers were effortless. Can’t say enough about this trip of a lifetime. Flawless!”
Delphi H.
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“We built an itinerary that matched my budget and hit the places I was interested in. Before departure, I received a very detailed booklet describing everything related to the trip—the most comprehensive tome I’ve ever seen for any trip I’ve taken in my life.”
Sarah P.
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“My husband and I along with another couple had never been to Africa with very little knowledge of the area. This was a dream vacation and we had very high expectations. All were met with lots for fun extra surprises along the way. Several of the lodges surprised us with special birthday wishes, we also felt we were given the best rooms, guides, and trackers at most of the lodges due to Cherri’s special association with each of them. Special thanks to Cherri for planning our dream trip. We can’t wait to go again! “
Cole J.
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“Oh my gosh…my trip exceeded my expectations on so many levels. Katie listened to what I wanted out of my first safari — elephants, elephants, elephants – and put together an amazing itinerary. Katie and staff answered all of my “first timer” questions with patience and detail. The travel guide I received was complete in every way and left nothing to surprise nor chance. I couldn’t have been happier with my experience with Katie and EXPLORE.”
Melinda B.
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“Cherri and her staff provided us with top notch personal care. They arranged seamless transfers and transportation so that we could focus on the wonders of our journey rather than fretting about the details. I love the fact that Cherri and Richard are so involved in improving the community services for local people. Bravo Cherri! I heartily recommend and endorse!”
Claudia D.

