About me:From a young age I knew travel and exploration would be a large part of my life. Growing up in South East England, the forests, riversides and fields were my playground. I have worked in the travel industry my whole career starting at the age of 18 as a young sales apprentice with Thomas Cook to doing what I do now, with a variety of different roles in between. I have always greatly enjoyed my work. I took some time out of this to complete a Degree in Geography focusing on eco tourism and human impacts on the environment. In 2012 I joined Dragoman Overland to run truck expeditions, combining all of my passions together: people, culture, wildlife, bush craft, wild camping, tracking, cooking, geography, off road driving and adventure. I chose Dragoman for their great reputation, their strong responsible travel ethos and also their extensive training program. At Dragoman the leaders are dual role, meaning we do the mechanics on the expedition vehicles as well as drive and lead tours at the same time. I have led successful trips throughout India, Nepal, Pakistan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Turkey and from Cairo to Cape Town through The African Continent. Africa is the great outdoors and this is where I am currently based. If we ever get time and for anyone interested I do a short talk and demo in basic survival, an intro to tracking basics, some basic self defence and sometimes fishing depending on our location. Overlanding is all about the team experience and you get out of it what you put in. It’s a great way to travel. Travelling is my passion. It’s my life. but what I love even more is showing other people what this amazing world has to offer. Follow my adventures on Instagram at ben_sims_adventures
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Share your thoughts on the itinerary, guide, and overall organization of the adventure.
Chinese Silk Route (Kashgar to Xi'an)
Worst experience of my life ????
Eastern Trans Africa (Nairobi to Cairo)
The best holiday i've ever had a wonderful time had a great group of people the weather was lovely and hot and had the best driver by the name of Ben got us all the way in Caprice to Cairo doing my ne…The best holiday i've ever had a wonderful time had a great group of people the weather was lovely and hot and had the best driver by the name of Ben got us all the way in Caprice to Cairo doing my next trip with Dragoman in 2020 Accra to Dakar.
J
Ancient Ethiopia & the Rift Valley (Arba Minch to Gondar)
The trip itinerary and leaders were great but the truck was extremely poor.
J
Namibia & Botswana Wanderer (Victoria Falls to Cape Town)
This was a packed trip with lots of highlights - The Rhino's, several wonderful safaris, and meeting the San people to mention just a few. You will not be bored on this trip! There is a lot of drivin…This was a packed trip with lots of highlights - The Rhino's, several wonderful safaris, and meeting the San people to mention just a few. You will not be bored on this trip! There is a lot of driving to cover the distances but you will come home with wonderful memories. It is a safe and sociable way to experience Africa and highly recommended. We would not attempt this trip on our own, despite being very experienced backpackers - overlanding is the way to go. Ben was a marvellous leader who really helped make the trip. He was very enthusiastic and passed on his love of Africa and nature. Ben was well organised, and we were always well briefed on what great things we were doing the next day. Ben also ran added extra's for us of survival training and self defence training which kept us entertained for days trying to light a fire from sticks! . Ben gave us freedom and clearly loves overloading and valued Dragomans eco ways of working. Thank you Ben for an excellent trip.
P
Namibia & Botswana Wanderer (Cape Town to Victoria Falls)
Fantastic experience overall, great itinerary and variety. It was a trip I always dreamed of and it fully met our expectations. The crew were brilliant led by Ben and although he had not previously do…Fantastic experience overall, great itinerary and variety. It was a trip I always dreamed of and it fully met our expectations. The crew were brilliant led by Ben and although he had not previously done this route he coped admirably with the support of the other members. Having met Ben at the Destinations Travel Show it was a pleasant surprise to be travelling with him. The chef Kingston provided first class food which was a real bonus. Too many highlights to list them but a close encounter with white rhinos was a priviledge as was meeting San bush people and camping out in the Okavango delta with local hosts.
J
Serengeti & Zanzibar Wanderer (Nairobi to Zanzibar)
An evaluation of Ben Sims as trip leader
In June and July, 2018, Ben Sims did an impressive and great job as leader of Dragoman’s 42 day trip from Zanzibar to Cape Town in 7 countries of Africa. …An evaluation of Ben Sims as trip leader
In June and July, 2018, Ben Sims did an impressive and great job as leader of Dragoman’s 42 day trip from Zanzibar to Cape Town in 7 countries of Africa. This was despite being a first-timer on this trip. No doubt his long experience leading other trips served him well here. I once looked into being a trip leader but soon realized how much work it is. Alas, it was way too much for me! Ben has a perfect personality to deal with the diverse personalities which were on this trip. We had ages 18 to 68. The young guys grew a lot while on this trip, guided effectively by Ben. The trip went reasonably well in terms of interpersonal relationships. Disagreements among the travelers over behavior and doing one’s assigned tasks were settled with an amicable final result and with an effective balance of independence vs. involvement by Ben.
Regarding the environment, Ben saw to it that we left no trace and appreciated its beauty.
For example: the stressing of using truck purified water to avoid plastic waste.
Health Security, and Safety: This was very impressive to me, a newcomer to extended travel in Africa in remote areas. Testimony on this was the good health of all with no safety problems. We hand sanitized every time we entered the truck, processed food, and ate. The vehicle and its lockers were well looked after. Locking up was stressed frequently as needed. We were advised on proper dress and comportment when interacting with local people. We were warned of touchy political situations and conversations. I always felt safe.
Much work of a trip leader is done behind the scenes. I know Ben did this work because the results were smooth travel with adaptation to changing situations. Road conditions and border crossings, for example.
Many, many kinds of skills are needed to be a Dragoman trip leader and Ben has them very strongly.
I would look forward to traveling again under his leadership.
James Fullmer, age 68.
Zanzibar, Zambezi & the Falls (Zanzibar to Victoria Falls)
Great trip. Would gladly recommend
G
Serengeti, Zambezi & Vic Falls (Nairobi to Cape Town)
Dragoman are very lucky to have guides like Ben, he is a great ambassador for the company and reflects on the whole organisation as a professional, safe and well run unit. Ben is very committed to his…Dragoman are very lucky to have guides like Ben, he is a great ambassador for the company and reflects on the whole organisation as a professional, safe and well run unit. Ben is very committed to his customers getting the most they can from their experience with him and Dragoman, and I booked another trip with Dragoman in the weeks I returned home (Patagonia April 2019) based on the service, friendliness and professionalism of Ben and the crew he led. Repeat business is a great guide on people's feedback and opinion of a company and I have no problem booking further trips, and recommending Dragoman to friends, because of my experience. Lastly when I am asked how my Africa trip went, the first thing I express is that it exceeded all my expectations, and this was down to Ben. I can't thank him enough, or recommend him highly enough, for my experience on the Cape Town to Nairobi journey.
Serengeti, Zambezi & Vic Falls (Nairobi to Cape Town)
The trip has good and less good sides. We covered a lot of ground and did see a lot of Africa, and we did go to places which are really difficult to get to and are well off the beaten track. We did s…The trip has good and less good sides. We covered a lot of ground and did see a lot of Africa, and we did go to places which are really difficult to get to and are well off the beaten track. We did see the big five and a lot of other wild animals. Ben was very organised and a good guide with a great passion for the trip he is doing. The local guides were very good and added to the value of the trip.
This is a demanding trip with early starts and long drives, cold nights and a very tight time schedule. Perhaps it is covering too much ground and thus not having the time to give a full picture of the country we did visit. Although Ben was did a excelent job, I missed not having a local guide from each of the countries with us all the time, as I had when I traveled the Silk Route.
L
Serengeti & Zanzibar Wanderer (Nairobi to Zanzibar)
Amazing trip! Very well organised and lots of fun, great group and guide! Thanks Drago.
Serengeti, Zambezi & Vic Falls (Cape Town to Nairobi)
The trip was great and it was a good way to see a little bit of Africa. Some of the days were difficult, mostly because of long driving days and few resting days. It would also have been interesting t…The trip was great and it was a good way to see a little bit of Africa. Some of the days were difficult, mostly because of long driving days and few resting days. It would also have been interesting to learn more about the countries we were driving through.
Seeing the animals and getting so close to them was fantastic. Also the places we went to will stay with me. Camping by the rivers, and in the bush + sleeping outside in the desert - all those memories will stay with me. Also having a tour leader like Ben was special, mostly because he has such a passion for his work and knows so much about the places and the animals.
E
Zanzibar, Zambezi & the Falls (Victoria Falls to Zanzibar)
Ben was awesome! Engaging, knowledgeable, and organized.
T
Namibia & Botswana Wanderer (Cape Town to Victoria Falls)
Ben went over and beyond to not just find us activities to do but also teach us survival techniques and how to survive in the bush. Explaining in depth how to different species hunt and gather and mak…Ben went over and beyond to not just find us activities to do but also teach us survival techniques and how to survive in the bush. Explaining in depth how to different species hunt and gather and making us feel safe the whole way.
L
Namibia & Botswana Wanderer (Victoria Falls to Cape Town)
Was a fantastic trip full of exciting daily activities my favourite being the Etosha in Namibia but all the activities were great!!! The food was also fantastic. Our trip leader Ben was brilliant he w…Was a fantastic trip full of exciting daily activities my favourite being the Etosha in Namibia but all the activities were great!!! The food was also fantastic. Our trip leader Ben was brilliant he was very enthusiastic and knowledgable about the Areas and countries we traveled in, he also gave the group a self defence lesson which was very interesting and enjoyable. Great trip!!!!!
L
Zanzibar, Zambezi & the Falls (Victoria Falls to Zanzibar)
Tour was great and unforgettable!
Gorillas, East & Southern Africa Encompassed (Nairobi to Cape Town)
The tour was excellent and the crew the best. Really enjoyed all the activities and the places visited. The tour leader Ben is really good, he is very knowledgeable and make the whole tour and incredi…The tour was excellent and the crew the best. Really enjoyed all the activities and the places visited. The tour leader Ben is really good, he is very knowledgeable and make the whole tour and incredible experience.
Totally recommend the crew to everyone!
Thanks guys!
S
Gorillas, Chimps & Maasai Mara
Great tour, fun instructors
M
Zanzibar & the Cape (Cape Town to Zanzibar)
The trip was just amazing! I had so much fun and overlanding in Africa is the best thing to do. Our tour guide Ben was excellent - he showed us everything and I could ask him for any help anytime! The…The trip was just amazing! I had so much fun and overlanding in Africa is the best thing to do. Our tour guide Ben was excellent - he showed us everything and I could ask him for any help anytime! The driver David was also amazing. He brought us to the camps safely and our cook Denford cooked for us the best food! Also african dishes. He was also amazing. I really enjoyed the trip and I am looking forward to the next one .
Zanzibar, Zambezi & the Falls (Zanzibar to Victoria Falls)
I can only say that the trip was amazing!!! The crew was perfect, the locations unbeliveable and Ben the best guide you can imagine. He teached us about nature and survival. He showed me how to make f…I can only say that the trip was amazing!!! The crew was perfect, the locations unbeliveable and Ben the best guide you can imagine. He teached us about nature and survival. He showed me how to make fire with few sticks, was one of the most fantastic and self-esteem experience of my life. I truly recommend the experience with them, they made it unforgetable.
Zanzibar, Zambezi & the Falls (Victoria Falls to Zanzibar)
Trip was awesome, our guide did a wonderful job giving us the time of our lives! Thanks and cheers for that Ben! ;) Missing the trip still every single day since we are back.
R
Zanzibar, Zambezi & the Falls (Zanzibar to Victoria Falls)
I’ve been in a few overland tours and this really rates amongst the best. Some great bucket list stuff - Victoria Falls, safari, kayaking down the Zambezi up close to wildlife and horse-riding barebac…I’ve been in a few overland tours and this really rates amongst the best. Some great bucket list stuff - Victoria Falls, safari, kayaking down the Zambezi up close to wildlife and horse-riding bareback along a beach at Lake Malawi. However, it was the people that made this trip fantastic for me. Ben (our tour leader) struck the perfect balance so it felt like you were being shown the best bits of places to go by a mate.
R
Gorillas, Chimps & Maasai Mara
Considering how much we did and the sights we visited, the itinerary was well-balanced for an overland tour. Ben was organized and always ready to provide information we needed. Whenever an issues a…Considering how much we did and the sights we visited, the itinerary was well-balanced for an overland tour. Ben was organized and always ready to provide information we needed. Whenever an issues arose, he was there to figure out and resolve the issues. We all learnt to have PMA (positive mental attitude) from him. Overall the experience was memorable for me.
M
Gorillas, East Africa & the Zambezi (Victoria Falls to Nairobi)
Nairobi to Victoria Falls with the Gorillas! This trip was unforgettable and it was all thanks to Ben! Ben was fantastic from start to finish and made me feel safe and welcome from day 1. It was clear…Nairobi to Victoria Falls with the Gorillas! This trip was unforgettable and it was all thanks to Ben! Ben was fantastic from start to finish and made me feel safe and welcome from day 1. It was clear that he had a lot of work to do and he remained calm and organised the entire trip whilst also making sure everybody was having a good time. He dealt with any issue in a highly professional manner and showed everybody what travelling was all about. He was passionate, enthusiastic and knowledgable and I can’t imagine the tour would’ve been much better without him! Massive thank you to Ben :)
J
Serengeti & Zanzibar Wanderer (Zanzibar to Nairobi)
I had an amazing time. I always felt safe and well informed. We did so much in 2 weeks and I did everything I wanted. I was always safe and well looked after and our cook was the best
S
Serengeti & Zanzibar Wanderer (Zanzibar to Nairobi)
This was one of the best trip I’ve ever been on! Great people, great guide, great driver and great chef! It exceeded expectations and everything was professionally run with plenty of activities to do.…This was one of the best trip I’ve ever been on! Great people, great guide, great driver and great chef! It exceeded expectations and everything was professionally run with plenty of activities to do. I just wish I could’ve carried on!
Serengeti & Zanzibar Wanderer (Nairobi to Zanzibar)
Ben was amazing! He kept everything running smooth and efficient and for a group of 20 that's difficult to do. On day 1 he made the whole group feel welcome and helped at every chance he could. Him an…Ben was amazing! He kept everything running smooth and efficient and for a group of 20 that's difficult to do. On day 1 he made the whole group feel welcome and helped at every chance he could. Him and the team made the trip a great experience and I can't wait for my next dragoman adventure. On the safari through the Serengeti we were able to see everything I was hoping for and so much more and having Ben in our truck was great and you could see he was passionate and definitely knew his stuff. Thanks for an amazing trip!!
S
Gorillas, Wildlife & Zanzibar (Nairobi to Zanzibar)
I had the most amazing trip!!!!
Everyday was a highlight!!!!
Z
Gorillas, Chimps & Maasai Mara
Amazing trip together with wonderful crew of Dragoman to experience nature wonders both in Uganda (Crazy rafting in Jinja, Murchison Falls NP, Queen Elizabeth NP and gorillas!!!) and in Kenya (Massai …Amazing trip together with wonderful crew of Dragoman to experience nature wonders both in Uganda (Crazy rafting in Jinja, Murchison Falls NP, Queen Elizabeth NP and gorillas!!!) and in Kenya (Massai Mara and Lake Nakuru!). Overlanding experts Dragoman made this experience even more special and helped to enjoy every bit of the trip! My camera just run out of space for all that wildlife we encountered during our trip!
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Gorillas, Wildlife & Zanzibar (Zanzibar to Nairobi)
I had the best trip!!!
Friends have asked me what the highlight was?
I have to say 'Everyday!!'.
With everyday came a new and exciting experience!!
L
Serengeti & Zanzibar Wanderer (Nairobi to Zanzibar)
Excellent trio with a great guide
Serengeti & Zanzibar Wanderer (Nairobi to Zanzibar)
It was one of the best trips of my life! The locations, food, activities and guide were fantastic! Can't wait to get back out there!
E
Serengeti & Zanzibar Wanderer (Nairobi to Zanzibar)
I can honestly say this tour is a trip of a lifetime! Dragoman and our guide Ben really had thought of everything. The truck is amazing (especially the roof seats) and I loved the outdoors roughing it…I can honestly say this tour is a trip of a lifetime! Dragoman and our guide Ben really had thought of everything. The truck is amazing (especially the roof seats) and I loved the outdoors roughing it element of the trip. I wasn’t expecting much on the food front- but I was so wrong- Denford cooked up a storm every night from locally caught fish and chips to steak and curry’s.
Ben lead the trip with enthusiasm and passion and has definitely passed a love of Africa on to me.
I will 100% be returning next year and cannot rate this tour highly enough.
S
Gorillas, Wildlife & Zanzibar (Nairobi to Zanzibar)
I had the most amazing trip!!
People have asked me my highlight!!
My answer, 'Everyday'!!!!
Everyday bought a new and exciting adventure.
Ben and the rest of the Dragoman crew were awesome!!
Hig…I had the most amazing trip!!
People have asked me my highlight!!
My answer, 'Everyday'!!!!
Everyday bought a new and exciting adventure.
Ben and the rest of the Dragoman crew were awesome!!
Highly recommend!!!!
J
Serengeti, Zambezi & Vic Falls (Cape Town to Nairobi)
Tour is amazing and has been highly recommended to all my friends to do!
Dragoman trucks are so well suited to the style of travel and has everything we needed on board.
The food provided by the cook…Tour is amazing and has been highly recommended to all my friends to do!
Dragoman trucks are so well suited to the style of travel and has everything we needed on board.
The food provided by the cooks was outstanding, a very indulgent 2 months of food!
And the tour leader (Ben) was attentive to everyone's needs and even changed the itinerary slightly so everyone benefitted and had the best experience.
Dragoman is a 10/10 tour group!
K
Gorillas, East Africa & the Zambezi (Nairobi to Victoria Falls)
Ben is an absolutely incredible guide! He is so much fun, extremely attentive and helpful. He worked so hard over my whole trip (I had Ben as a driver for the previous section of my trip too, and he's…Ben is an absolutely incredible guide! He is so much fun, extremely attentive and helpful. He worked so hard over my whole trip (I had Ben as a driver for the previous section of my trip too, and he's a really safe driver even on the most narrow windy roads!), especially as he worked with a local guide so did huge amounts of paperwork every day. He even managed to get us some kitty refunds on all of the sections which was a great addition to my spending money. This work never took him away from the group for long though and he made sure to always be around to answer questions, write quizzes for our long journeys, join in with group activities, set up connect 4 tournaments on the truck, and SO much more. He made great recommendations based on personal experiences, but even on the section of the trip he had not done before he thoroughly researched each part and gave us detailed information on the itinerary and helped us with choosing optional activities. He was not only the most friendly and funny guy on the trip but he also made a huge amount of effort with people of all ages (the youngest of this group being 19 and the oldest in their 70s) to make sure everyone was comfortable and involved. He was also the life and soul of the safaris- dressing up in his most safari-style outfits and kitting himself out with extremely strong torches so we could check out the wildlife around our camps at night, a camera trap so we could see the animals wandering through and radios so we could tell the other safari jeep if we saw anything really cool, which just made the safaris so so fun and entertaining! I would highly recommend Ben to anyone considering a Drago trip around Africa as he's there for the next couple of years and they would have the best time travelling with him. I can't imagine having done a better tour, a huge part of that being down to the excellent work of Ben and his team.
?
Namibia & Botswana Wanderer (Cape Town to Victoria Falls)
I’ve travelled a lot but not like this. It was a totally new experience for me. Ben was a great leader. Full of fun and interesting facts. I would totally do it all again and hope I have the same lead…I’ve travelled a lot but not like this. It was a totally new experience for me. Ben was a great leader. Full of fun and interesting facts. I would totally do it all again and hope I have the same leader and cooker(Kingston)
Serengeti, Zambezi & Vic Falls (Cape Town to Nairobi)
Another amazing trip with Dragoman and Ben!! From start to finish this tour exceeded all expectations and it is certainly the best trip I have ever done.
Ben was our leader and how he maintained such …Another amazing trip with Dragoman and Ben!! From start to finish this tour exceeded all expectations and it is certainly the best trip I have ever done.
Ben was our leader and how he maintained such enthusiasm and dedication for 52days is inspiring - such a hard worker and an absolute asset to Dragoman. Plus he will wow you with his fire skills and survival skills as an added bonus!
I love that Dragoman delves into countries that little bit deeper than other operators and really embraces the true adventure and culture of every country - canoeing and wild camping down the Zambezi was certainly an unforgettable experience. Dancing with a witch doctor, making jewellery with the San people, sleeping on a houseboat in the Okavanga Delta, tracking rhino on foot and hot air ballooning over the Serengeti are just a few of the other amazing activities available on this trip in addition to the fabulous wildlife on offer in an array of national parks across Africa.
Thank you to everybody at Dragoman who helped conduct another 5/5 trip, and especially Ben who works the hardest of all and goes above and beyond to ensure every guest has the best possible trip.
G
Namibia & Botswana Wanderer (Victoria Falls to Cape Town)
Both my wife and I had an opportunity of a lifetime. Meeting Ben at the Destination Travel show at Olympia certainly persuaded us to travel with Dragoman. It was a real delight to join the tour and fi…Both my wife and I had an opportunity of a lifetime. Meeting Ben at the Destination Travel show at Olympia certainly persuaded us to travel with Dragoman. It was a real delight to join the tour and finding that Ben was our guide. The scenery and wildlife exceeded our expectations. The local guides were knowledgeable and enthusiastic about their subjects. We would recommend this trip to anyone who has a thirst for adventure travel.
Zanzibar & the Cape (Cape Town to Zanzibar)
The trip itself was just absolutely stunning! I have never seen so many wild animals and such beautiful landscapes before. Also the african culture and the way the africans live is an inspiration no o…The trip itself was just absolutely stunning! I have never seen so many wild animals and such beautiful landscapes before. Also the african culture and the way the africans live is an inspiration no one should miss. My tourleader Ben was an absolute legend. Never had any issues with booking accommodation our activities. He was always there for me and my group and he could sort literary everything out. He is a hard worker but at the same time one of the funniest and kindest guys I have ever met! Same goes to my co-leader and driver Emma, who was always up for a good story. All in all the trip can only be described as the best time of my life!
Gorillas, Chimps & Maasai Mara
The trip itself was just absolutely stunning! I have never seen so many wild animals and such beautiful landscapes before. Also the african culture and the way the africans live is an inspiration no o…The trip itself was just absolutely stunning! I have never seen so many wild animals and such beautiful landscapes before. Also the african culture and the way the africans live is an inspiration no one should miss.
My tourleader Ben was an absolute legend. Never had any issues with booking accommodation our activities. He was always there for me and my group and he could sort literary everything out. He is a hard worker but at the same time one of the funniest and kindest guys I have ever met! Same goes to my co-leader and driver Emma, who was always up for a good story.
All in all the trip can only be described as the best time of my life!
D
Zanzibar & the Cape (Cape Town to Zanzibar)
If you’re looking to get off the beaten track then Dragoman is definitely the tour operator for you!
Even from the start of the booking process the agents were always there to help out on the phones…If you’re looking to get off the beaten track then Dragoman is definitely the tour operator for you!
Even from the start of the booking process the agents were always there to help out on the phones or via email if you had any questions (so much so that I ended up going to Cape Town earlier as per there guidance, and was such a good bit of guidance as was incredible).
From the welcome meeting Ben showed that he lived and breathed Dragoman. The passion and enthusiasm he showed throughout our journey, made every day exciting (somehow even a big truck day seemed like an adventure). He was so knowledgeable and always had time to answer questions, no matter what time of the day it was! PMA was always high on his agenda and this shone through onto all passengers meaning that every day everyone was so excitied and buzzing for each day! He was informative and always gave you the tools to know what was possible to do in each destination, but not in a handholding way like you might get with other tour operators! Ben was a crucial part of the trip and I think he was one of the main reasons that I ended up adding an extra 17 days onto my journey with Dragoman as I had the best adventure of my life so far! Bens an absolute credit to Dragoman and couldn’t rate him highly enough!
On a side note I went to Africa thinking I would lose weight (oh how wrong I was) because the cooks (The king/Mash LEGENDS) would cook an absolute storm up every day....who thinks of cooking a lasagne on hot coals in the middle of a bush camp on the Zambezi?!?!
Already looking forward to my next adventure with Dragoman and couldn’t thank Ben, Emma, Kingston, Sampson and Mash enough for making it such a good journey!! Until next time!!
?
Zanzibar & the Cape (Zanzibar to Cape Town)
What an adventure! If you’re someone that wants to get off the beaten track and really get to the depths of different countries and see things that no other tour operators are doing, Dragoman is the o…What an adventure! If you’re someone that wants to get off the beaten track and really get to the depths of different countries and see things that no other tour operators are doing, Dragoman is the one for you!
From the start the booking process was easy, agents always available if I needed to call them to ask questions and nothing was too much hassle. Even from the start I got advice, letting me know how much there is to do in Cape Town (which actually made me change my flights and decide to go out earlier).
From the welcome meeting you could tell that Ben lived and breathed Dragoman. The passion and enthusiasm he gave from the offset made you so excited about each and every day (even when he had just driven massive days). He was knowledgable about every aspect and if you needed anything he was always there to help out. He always gave me the tools to know what was available in each destination and what we could do but in a way which wasn’t handholding, which I feel you get from other tour operators. We were always informed in the evening what was happening the day after so we were all clear what time we had to be up for a drive or activity. PMA was always high and couldn’t of asked for a safer, more energised and organised tour leader! I think Ben was one of the reasons I ended up extending my trip up to Zanzibar because I was having such an incredible time and he was at the core of that!
On a side note if you’re going to Africa thinking you’ll lose weight (not gunna lie I thought I was going to) then please know that this is not the case and the cooks on my trips (The King and Mash) were absolutely incredible and they whip up an absolute storm for every single meal.......like who thinks bush camping, let’s make a lasagne?!?!
Already looking forward to booking my next adventure with Dragoman, and can see why people keep going back for more! Thanks Ben and Dragoman, it was an adventure of a lifetime!
L
Namibia & Botswana Wanderer (Cape Town to Victoria Falls)
Amazing Trip topped off by an amazing guide. Very fun, helpful, knowledgeable and skilled. Couldn’t have been a more exhiliating, comfortable and fun experience.
M
Serengeti & Zanzibar Wanderer (Nairobi to Zanzibar)
This trip was absolutely amazing! The best parts of it, in my view, were the safaris in Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Ben was super dedicated, looking after all the members of the group. It was cle…This trip was absolutely amazing! The best parts of it, in my view, were the safaris in Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Ben was super dedicated, looking after all the members of the group. It was clear how much effort he put into ensuring the group would have an unforgettable experience. It really felt like we were in safe and very capable hands!
?
Serengeti & Zanzibar Wanderer (Nairobi to Zanzibar)
The trip was an amazing experience! In my view, the best parts of it were the safaris in Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and South Lwangua. I know it will be difficult to match that in any trip I take in…The trip was an amazing experience! In my view, the best parts of it were the safaris in Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and South Lwangua. I know it will be difficult to match that in any trip I take in the future. Ben and the rest of the crew did a fantastic job in making the trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible. It was really reassuring to know the group was in such capable hands!
Namibia & Botswana Wanderer (Victoria Falls to Cape Town)
Ben did such a great job as a tour leader. He always went above and beyond, always giving us a little bit of background about a place. He was also the expert animal spotter of the group. He managed to…Ben did such a great job as a tour leader. He always went above and beyond, always giving us a little bit of background about a place. He was also the expert animal spotter of the group. He managed to spot a rhino's ear twitching with his eye, which was something I had to spend 5 minutes staring at with binoculars while someone pointed out exactly where it was. He was always willing to lend a hand and knew how to handle conflict within the group. Ben's always about sharing and having great experiences. During some down time on the trip, he provided separate trainings for anyone interested in 72-hour survival and krav maga. Somehow he always managed to stay positive (positive mental attitude always!) depsite the exhausting nature of his work. Definitely one of the best tour guides I've had.
P
Namibia & Botswana Wanderer (Cape Town to Victoria Falls)
A wonderful trip from Victoria Falls to Cape Town with Dragoman. Great itinerary, lots of fun, amazing sights and an excellent tour guide in Ben!
Serengeti & Zanzibar Wanderer (Zanzibar to Nairobi)
Ben was always there when we needed him and always there to advise. The best thing was his love and enthusiasm for Africa, the trip and the 'overland' life
E
Serengeti & Zanzibar Wanderer (Nairobi to Zanzibar)
Ben was amazing and made the trip really special! He went above and beyond to accommodate everyone in the group. The experience definitely wouldn’t of been the same without him! THANK YOU BEN!
Serengeti & Zanzibar Wanderer (Nairobi to Zanzibar)
Good group if people held together expertly by Ben who was also engaging, interested and enthusiastic. The itinerary was almost 100% spot on, the only criticism would be that the prison island tour wa…Good group if people held together expertly by Ben who was also engaging, interested and enthusiastic. The itinerary was almost 100% spot on, the only criticism would be that the prison island tour was a bit rushed due to the length of the journey in the morning. In retrospect it might have better to cancel the trip and have free time / a tour of stone town. It's a minor criticism though and doesn't reflect on Ben's leadership. My lasting memories of the two weeks we spent in Africa with Ben are of incredible wildlife, fascinating local experiences and good chats and laughs.
Serengeti & Zanzibar Wanderer (Zanzibar to Nairobi)
Amazing experience! Ben and the guys made everyday the best possible even on just drive days. The group makes these trips and we all had an amazing time. Couldn't have asked for a better experience
A
Serengeti & Zanzibar Wanderer (Nairobi to Zanzibar)
great experience , great leader and driver managing in trying conditions - very wet, muddy roads. Enjoyed the visits and staying in game parks. Lots of information , tips etc passed onto us . Felt saf…great experience , great leader and driver managing in trying conditions - very wet, muddy roads. Enjoyed the visits and staying in game parks. Lots of information , tips etc passed onto us . Felt safe all the time and Ben's love for his job was reflected in his attitude and willingness to share experiences ew animal sightings etc.
Recommend to everyone
H
Serengeti & Zanzibar Wanderer (Nairobi to Zanzibar)
Ben is the best guy ever and we all had the greatest time of our lives! He did an amazing job and was always reliable and caring and made the perfect tour guide. Would recommend Ben as a guide to anyo…Ben is the best guy ever and we all had the greatest time of our lives! He did an amazing job and was always reliable and caring and made the perfect tour guide. Would recommend Ben as a guide to anyone thinking about booking a tour! He always took the time to help us out whenever with whatever. Great guy!
C
Ethiopian & Kenyan Rift Valley & Wildlife (Addis Ababa to Nairobi)
Ben really made the trip worthwhile with his enthusiasm for the wildlife, culture and adventure that the trip brought. He is a really easy guy to talk to and has a huge amount of knowledge about trave…Ben really made the trip worthwhile with his enthusiasm for the wildlife, culture and adventure that the trip brought. He is a really easy guy to talk to and has a huge amount of knowledge about travelling and most parts of the world through his personal travel. Would recommend the trip I did to anyone starting off travelling or needing to tick some extra places off the list!
J
Gorillas, Chimps & Maasai Mara
I had the experience of a lifetime on my recent tour, the adventures we all experienced as a group were unforgettable, I was fortunate enough to meet new friends from all over the world and not to men…I had the experience of a lifetime on my recent tour, the adventures we all experienced as a group were unforgettable, I was fortunate enough to meet new friends from all over the world and not to mention the wildlife we saw. Ben is an excellent tour guide and every day brought enthusiasm, optimism and a wealth of knowledge to the experience. He handled unexpected situations brilliantly and always remained professional whilst still keen to develop friendships with every person on the truck. Thanks again Ben!
H
Ethiopia, Historic Route & Danakil Depression (Addis Ababa to Gondar)
Ben was awesome. He was knowledgeable about every piece of geography we covered as well as the history and politics of Ethiopia, where we spent 3 weeks with him. He taught us quite a bit about the …Ben was awesome. He was knowledgeable about every piece of geography we covered as well as the history and politics of Ethiopia, where we spent 3 weeks with him. He taught us quite a bit about the politics and philosophy of interacting with the local population and was organized, interesting and interested in us and all the others in our group. An added bonus - he was FUN!
I would highly recommend Ben for any trip you may take with him. You will be in competent hands!
Ethiopia, Historic Route & Danakil Depression (Addis Ababa to Gondar)
Many tough circumstances and our guides managed and did a fantastic job. We enjoyed every moment.
Eastern Trans Africa (Nairobi to Cairo)
Wildlife in Kenya; Samburu village; rock churches of Lalibela; Simien Mountains; Meroe Pyramids in Sudan; Khartoum; Abu Simbel; oasis, pyramids and temples in Egypt; royal tombs at the valley of the k…Wildlife in Kenya; Samburu village; rock churches of Lalibela; Simien Mountains; Meroe Pyramids in Sudan; Khartoum; Abu Simbel; oasis, pyramids and temples in Egypt; royal tombs at the valley of the kings.
Fellow travellers, tour guides, bush camping!!
Ethiopia, Historic Route & Danakil Depression (Addis Ababa to Gondar)
Wildlife. Fellow Travellers. Guides. Injera! ;-)
C
Ancient Ethiopia & the Rift Valley (Gondar to Arba Minch)
Ben and Adam were total stars. We had never done a tour before, always travelled solo, so this was an experiment, but I loved it. Having experienced, personable tour leaders really made the trip.
Ethiopia, Historic Route & Danakil Depression (Addis Ababa to Gondar)
It was the first time we travelled with a tour company. Previously it was independent travel. Fantastic not to have to worry about transport or accommodation. We were provided with enough leisure time…It was the first time we travelled with a tour company. Previously it was independent travel. Fantastic not to have to worry about transport or accommodation. We were provided with enough leisure time to explore on our own. The tour leader was great
J
Ethiopian & Kenyan Rift Valley & Wildlife (Nairobi to Addis Ababa)
this was probably one of the most arduous trips there is on the planet. Everything went fairly well. We had some mishaps but everything was taken care of by our Tour guide ben. It was a nice trip. …this was probably one of the most arduous trips there is on the planet. Everything went fairly well. We had some mishaps but everything was taken care of by our Tour guide ben. It was a nice trip. Thanks John
Golden Triangle
Firstly, I wish to say that I travelled with Ben on a Dragoman trip in India in 2012 and not 2014, but I feel so strong about praising him for his outstanding services as a Tour Leader, that I am goin…Firstly, I wish to say that I travelled with Ben on a Dragoman trip in India in 2012 and not 2014, but I feel so strong about praising him for his outstanding services as a Tour Leader, that I am going to write a review about him anyway. From the moment I joined the truck in Kathmandu, Ben made all of us feel very welcome and put us at ease for what we had ahead of us. India is not the easiest of countries to overland through! Exceedingly calm, yet with nerves of steel, nothing phases Ben. Whatever anybody says, on an overloading trip you are going to face some challenges, whether it is with logistics, transportation or the passengers! No matter what challenges we came cross, Ben overcame all of them with ease, in a calm, polite and professional manner. His driving skills are also to commended. In India, where the horns are going off every 2 seconds, he managed to keep us safe and comfortable throughout our journey, even having to dodge cows (thank goodness he did, as they are considered holy!). Not only was he an amazing Tour Leader, but has also become an incredible friend. His thirst for adventure and particularly wildlife and photography gave all the passengers even a greater experience than normal and if you ever decide to go on an overloading trip with Dragoman, make sure you seek out one of his trips, because you will get the most enthusiastic, professional and great Tour Leader ever. With him about to embark on further journeys around Africa this year, any passengers booking up will have the most amazing time ever being led by Ben on a journey of fun and discovery.
