A Journey of Discovery: My African Experience

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Mike Salvadore, Travel Agent in Seattle, WA

Mike Salvadore

Seattle, WA Travel Agent
Super Agent

Mike Salvadore

Seattle, WA · 8 Years of Experience

A full-service Travel Leaders Associate Agency
5.0
(228)
99% Recommended
Mike was fantastic. He was knowledgeable of the many travel options and helped us select the perfect trip. After that he responded to our... Read More >
About
Reviews
My Places

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Africa, Botswana, South Africa, Rwanda, Zimbabwe

Interests:

Safari, Luxury, Luxury Hotels, Adventure, Food & Wine

About Me

Gorilla trekking = life changing!
Gorilla trekking = life changing!

I set out on an African adventure, starting in Cape Town, South Africa. I spent days exploring the city's beautiful beaches, vibrant neighborhoods, and iconic Table Mountain. I also took a side trip to Grootbos, a private nature reserve located about two hours from Cape Town, where I stayed in one of the most spectacular hotels I've ever seen.

The next day, I took a ferry to Robben Island, a former prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 18 of his 27 years in prison. The island is now a museum, and I learned about the history of apartheid and Mandela's fight for freedom. It was a profound experience to walk the same halls and cells that Mandela walked, and to learn about his resilience and determination.

I then flew to Zimbabwe, where i spent 6 nights at 2 different safari camps. They were both part of African Bush Camps, and were incredible. I was amazed to see giraffes, zebras, lions, and an amazing number of elephants. I also went on a sunset boat cruise, where I saw hippos and crocodiles. The animals were so close that I felt like I could reach out and touch them.

After an incredible stay in Zimbabwe, I traveled to Zambia to visit Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The falls were even more stunning than I had imagined. The water was so powerful that it felt like it was going to knock me over.

The final leg of my journey took me to Rwanda, where I went gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. I was nervous at first, but I was so glad I did it. It was an amazing experience to spend an hour in the forest with a family of gorillas, observing their behavior and learning about their conservation. The gorillas were so gentle and playful, and it was an incredible feeling to be in their presence. It's something that i'll never forget.

My trip to Africa was an unforgettable experience that I will cherish forever. I saw some of the most amazing animals in the world, learned about different cultures and ways of life, experienced the beauty of nature, gained a new sense of perspective, and learned about the importance of conservation. I am so grateful for the opportunity. I would encourage anyone who has the chance to do so to travel to Africa and experience its natural beauty and wildlife.

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
228 reviews
99% Recommended
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Showing 228 reviews

Total confidence in Mike and 58 Stars Travel
Reviewed By The returning travelers - Edmonds, WA | Traveled to New Zealand ~ Australia & New Zealand
Mike was fantastic. He was knowledgeable of the many travel options and helped us select the perfect trip. After that he responded to our concerns, immediately returning our calls or emails, contacting the tour operator immediately, resolving any of our questions. We have used Mike and the agency at least twice before with the same exceptional experiences
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
44 of 64 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
A stunning trip to Greece!
Reviewed By Donna - Seattle, WA | Traveled to Greece ~ Europe
Mike was knowledgeable, asked us all the right questions, and really understood the Greek Islands. The trip he put together was perfect. I couldn't have been happier and will absolutely work with him again!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
53 of 82 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Island hopping in Greece
Reviewed By Elisabeth - Seattle, WA | Traveled to Greece ~ Europe
I really enjoyed working with Mike. Very nice and professional. Understood exactly what we wanted , destinations, hotels, experiences. Everything worked out great, thanks to good planning, and sending us off with a nice and clear travel program.
Highly recommend 58 Stars Travel. Will definitely use them again.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
56 of 93 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
HIRE AN EXPERT!
Reviewed By Kimberly L - SEATTLE | Traveled to Greece ~ Europe
This summer, I hired a travel agent for the first time in my life, and learned one thing: I will NEVER book another trip by myself. Working with Mike Salvadore was quick, easy, completely painless, and absolutely fabulous! When I called Mike, I was extremely far behind on my travel plans-I was simply stuck. I was traveling to a country that I'd never visited, and I didn't know where to begin.

Mike met with me for a short period of time, and asked me questions about the types of things that my family likes to do on vacation, as well as budget and timing. The next thing I knew, Mike & his team presented a detailed presentation of our trip. This was not an easy trip to book. The trip included flights to several island locations, cars to inland destinations, and local-flavor excursions. One great surprise was the wondrful private tour guide that took us to see the ruins in Delphi and Olympia. Mike also found the MOST fabulous hotels, And most importantly, it was all EASY !
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
52 of 85 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Europe done right!
Reviewed By Rocky - Seattle | Traveled to Europe
super flexible - can tackle all or part of a trip. Really easy to work with for family of 4 that takes 3-4 trips per year. Has amazing depth knowledge of local activities and can fine tune things to really fit your travel style, timing and taste.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
47 of 79 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO

My Places

When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.
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