Infinito Safaris

Infinito Safaris operates as a specialized travel agency with its US booking office located at 501 Main St, La Porte City, Iowa, connecting American clients with hunting trips in Southern Africa. Founded in 2003 by Charl van Rooyen, the company aims to provide comprehensive safari experiences, leveraging partnerships and owned properties across several African nations, including South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. While many clients report positive outcomes, a detailed analysis of customer feedback reveals a starkly divided picture of the services provided, suggesting that potential travelers should proceed with a high degree of diligence.

Positive Client Experiences and Company Strengths

A significant portion of available feedback for Infinito Safaris is highly positive, with several clients describing their trips as first-rate. Patrons have praised the company for its professionalism, friendly staff, and the quality of the hunting and accommodations. One reviewer noted it was an "awesome experience" from the hunting to the food, specifically recommending the company for anyone planning their first safari holidays in Africa. This suggests that, for many, Infinito Safaris successfully delivers on its core promise of a memorable African adventure.

Another key strength highlighted by clients is the company's ability to create plans for a wide range of budgets. This accessibility makes the prospect of an African hunt seem achievable for a broader audience that might otherwise consider it out of reach. The personal attention from staff is also a recurring theme in positive reviews. A staff member named Dave, who runs the US office, is specifically mentioned for his thoroughness, walking clients through every detail needed to prepare for their international travel. This level of service provides reassurance and builds confidence, particularly for those unfamiliar with the complexities of organizing such a trip.

Further testimonials found on hunting forums echo this sentiment, with hunters expressing excitement and satisfaction with their planned or completed trips. They refer to Charl van Rooyen as an "outstanding safari operator" and note that reports from others who have hunted with him are consistently positive, often showcasing impressive trophies. These accounts paint a picture of a reputable tour operator capable of delivering high-quality, customized vacation packages.

A Significant Account of Negative Allegations

In stark contrast to the glowing reviews, there is an extremely detailed and severe one-star review that raises serious concerns about the company's practices. This account cannot be overlooked, as it alleges a pattern of deception, overcharging, and a failure to deliver on promised services. The client recounts a multi-part trip that included both hunting and a dive trip, where numerous aspects reportedly went wrong.

The issues began with the hunt itself, which was described as "mediocre at best." The client was assigned a Professional Hunter (PH) who allegedly had no prior experience on the specific property. The situation was compounded by the claim that the client felt they were being used to finance the PH's presence for reasons unrelated to their safari, including a purported issue with local police involving the company.

Allegations of Financial Misconduct and Unfulfilled Promises

The negative account extends beyond the hunt to other travel arrangements managed by the agency. The client had booked a seven-day dive trip, which Infinito Safaris insisted on arranging, claiming they could provide better rates and first-class service. A key part of the deal was that owner Charl van Rooyen and his wife would personally accompany the client for a daily fee, providing services like meal preparation and driving. However, just seven days before the trip, this arrangement was allegedly changed without consent. The inexperienced PH was sent as a replacement, and the promised services were not rendered, leading the client to believe they could have organized a better and cheaper trip on their own.

The financial allegations are particularly troubling. The review details an incident involving a boat trip, which was sold to them as an "Exclusive chartered boat" for $250. Upon arrival, they discovered it was a public tour that cost other passengers only $10 per person. The client alleges that Infinito Safaris paid the boat company a fraction of the charged amount and kept the significant difference.

Further discrepancies were reported with a trip to Kruger National Park. The client claims they were given a verbal quote by Charl, but the final price presented in a brochure was four times higher. To make matters worse, they were allegedly charged for three days at the park when they only spent two, with a half-day of travel being billed as a full day inside the park. When the client attempted to address these overcharges and unkept promises, they found the owner to be unreasonable and unwilling to make things right, describing the experience as a "money grab."

What Potential Customers Should Consider

The existence of such diametrically opposed reviews presents a challenge for anyone considering Infinito Safaris for their adventure travel plans. On one hand, the company has a base of satisfied customers who would hunt with them again. On the other, the detailed negative review provides a credible and cautionary tale of significant service failures and financial disputes. The owner, Charl van Rooyen, has even been quoted in Forbes advising travelers that the "biggest mistake is when the extras are unclear," a statement that stands in ironic contrast to the allegations made against his company.

Key Steps Before Booking:

• Get Everything in Writing: The dispute over the Kruger Park pricing highlights the danger of relying on verbal agreements. Potential clients should insist on detailed, itemized quotes for all aspects of their customized travel itineraries, including trophy fees, daily rates, and any add-on excursions or side trips.
• Clarify All Costs: Ask direct questions about what is included and, more importantly, what is not. Inquire about the nature of all booked activities—confirm whether they are private or public tours.
• Vet Your Professional Hunter (PH): The experience of your PH is critical to a successful hunt. Request information about the specific guide who will be assigned to you, including their familiarity with the hunting area.
• Understand the On-the-Ground Operation: While booking may be handled through an office in Iowa, the actual safari is in Africa. Understand who your primary contacts will be during the trip and what recourse you have if services are not rendered as promised.

Ultimately, Infinito Safaris appears to be an organization that can provide exceptional safari tours to exotic destinations, but it also carries documented risks. Travelers must weigh the positive testimonials against the serious allegations and take proactive steps to protect their investment. Clear, contractual communication is essential when planning this type of complex and expensive luxury travel experience.