SAFARI AND AFRICA TRAVEL EXPERT

View My Main Profile
Arleta Cosby, Travel Agent in Alexandria, VA

Arleta Cosby

Alexandria, VA Travel Agent
Super Agent

Arleta Cosby

Alexandria, VA · 18 Years of Experience

Cosby Travel Consultants, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
5.0
(46)
100% Recommended
Arleta is a great travel agent! She has helped me plan multiple vacations over the years and I am very pleased with her services. ... Read More >
About
Reviews
Certificates & Awards
My Places
Travel Stories & Media
Client Testimonials

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Africa, South Africa, Zambia, Kenya, Seychelles

Interests:

Safari, Adventure, Animals & Wildlife, Bespoke Travel, Luxury

Suppliers:

African Travel Inc., Abercrombie & Kent, Leading Hotels of The World, Kensington, Big Five Tours & Expeditions

About Me

Safari Travel, The Experience of a Lifetime...

As a young child I dreamed of one day traveling to Africa and going on safari to see the Big Five.  Who wouldn’t want a front row seat to observe lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants and Cape buffalo in their natural habitat?  My introduction to the safari experience was at Sabi Sabi Game Reserve.  On my first game drive, within two hours I saw four of the Big Five.  By the second day, I had encountered the Big Seven to include cheetahs and the African wild dogs.  Rising with the sun to head out on game drives and falling asleep to the sounds of the bush, this is safari life at its best.  Each of my safari experiences have far exceeded my wildest dreams. 

If going on safari has been a childhood dream or a “Bucket List” travel experience for you, allow  me to assist you in turning that lifelong dream into a reality.

 

Safari Travel Ideas:·      

  • Visit the world famous Kruger National Park      
  • Watch millions of wildebeest on the Great Migration       
  • Explore the wildlife haven of Ngorongoro Crater
  • Travel to Chobe National Park where you will find the largest elephant population in the world
  • Hot Air Balloon Safari to see the wildlife of Serengeti
  • Trekking gorillas in Rwanda       
  • Walking safaris in South Luangwa National Park
  • Venture to the unparalleled Okavango Delta

After a fabulous safari experience, a relaxing stay in a gorgeous beach destination is the perfect way to end your vacation.  We offer combination itineraries to the Seychelles, Mozambique, Mauritius, amongst others.  We also arranged extensions to Cape Town, Johannesburg and the spectacular Victoria Falls.  Let me help you connect, see and experience authentic Africa.

As your Travel Advisor, I will craft a tailored-made journey that is focused on your interest, budget and travel style.  Utilizing our global connections with the best lodges, camps, guides, destination management companies and in-country specialist, working with our travel agency ensures the best possible vacation experience.  Our expertise means we can offer insider access through our local connections.

Our agency is a member of International Airlines Travel Agent Network (“IATAN”) and Travel Leaders Network.  I am a Master Cruise Counsellor, Cruise Line International Association (“CLIA”); Charter and Advisory Board Member, Destination Wedding and Honeymoon Specialist Association (“DWHSA”); Member, Adventure Travel Trade Association (“ATTA”) and Professional Ski Instructors of America, Certified Alpine Level II Instructor.  In addition, I am a South African Travel Expert, Kenya Specialist, Luxury Travel Specialist, Adventure Travel Expert and Dive Specialist.

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
46 reviews
100% Recommended
Your trust is our priority. Every review is submitted by verified travelers after they have booked and completed their trips. Learn more about our review guidelines.
Search reviews:

Showing 46 reviews

The Best Travel Agent!
Reviewed By Carla M. - Randallstown, Maryland | Traveled to St. Maarten ~ St. Martin ~ Caribbean
Arleta is a great travel agent! She has helped me plan multiple vacations over the years and I am very pleased with her services. She makes travel planning easy. Arleta provides an invaluable service and I have recommended her to family and friends for vacation planning, because she is excellent at her job.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
24 of 33 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
An Unforgettable Destination Wedding and Honeymoon
Reviewed By Jesse C - Aurora, CO | Traveled to Cancun ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
Arleta was excellent to work with in planning our wedding and honeymoon. She is extremely knowledgeable and everything was planned to perfection. The whole experience exceeded our expectations. Thank you Arleta for an amazing destination wedding and honeymoon!!! We will choose Arleta to plan our next special occasion destination, as we know we will have an outstanding experience!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
25 of 37 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Flawless Vacation to New England States and Canada
Reviewed By Daisy D. - Lithonia, GA | Traveled to Canada
Looking for a travel consultant??? Contact Arleta at Cosby Travel Consultants!! She arranged a vacation for me to the New England States and Canada via Princess Cruise Line. Arleta was accommodating and was a great person to work with in the planning phase of the trip...to the point that no issues arose once on the ship or on land. I had a fun time from beginning to end. I recommend Arleta to plan your next vacation. You will not be disappointed!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
30 of 48 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Passion for Service
Reviewed By Extremely Happy - Maplewood NJ | Traveled to Venice ~ Italy ~ Europe
The trip to Venice and Lake Cuomo was amazing. The hotel selected had a beautiful view, the restaurants visited were recommended by Ms. Cosby and the supplier contacts she met at an Italy Trade show called BIT. The trip exceeded my expectations.
Arleta Cosby responded
"Kenneth, it was great working with you on this customized trip to Italy. We stride to select the best hoteliers and destination specialists in the regions that our clients are traveling to, so that you will have an extraordinary vacation experience."
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
32 of 54 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
The Best Luxury Travel & Safari to Africa
Reviewed By J.C. - Albuquerque, New Mexico | Traveled to Africa
Arleta expertly planned an amazing trip to South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. My customized luxury vacation was flawless. I was very pleased with the accommodations, private tours and transportation. Arleta created a vacation to Africa that included touring Table Mountain and Robben Island; whale watching in Hermanus; driving to the Winelands; visiting the Apartheid Museum; going to the magnificent Victoria Falls, a World Heritage site; and stays at three safari camps. Having an opportunity to interact with elephants and Sylvester, a cheetah at The Elephant Camp was phenomenal. On game drives and river safaris I saw the Big 5 and more. My stay at The Saxon Hotel in Johannesburg was exceptional. A perfect way to end my vacation to Africa. The suite, food and staff were extraordinary. I enjoyed every moment of my Africa adventure! This trip was a once in a lifetime experience and it exceeded my expectations. I appreciate the invaluable professional services provided by Arleta.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
27 of 45 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO

Certifications & Awards

South Africa Specialist
Kenya Specialist
Abercrombie & Kent Africa Specialist
Adventure Travel Expert
Luxury Travel Specialist

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.

My Photo Albums and Videos

The Big 5 in Kruger National Park
View Album
Picnic at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

My Travel Stories

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE

EMBRACING SIMPLICITY ON A SAFARI OF EPIC PROPORTIONS Dreaming of a safari where your only neighbors are elephants and your shower boasts a million-star view? Then trade the endless buffet for a bush breakfast cooked over crackling flames, and the marble bathtub for a steaming cascade from...
Read more

White Rhino in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia

WHITE RHINO IN MOSI-OA-TUNYA NATIONAL PARK

White Rhino in Zambia At Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, ten white rhinos roam under the vigilant protection of a dedicated team of armed guards. Their tireless efforts ensure the safety and preservation of these remarkable creatures, allowing visitors to witness and appreciate their beauty ...
Read more

Dolphins at Mnemba Island in Zanzibar

BUCKET LIST: SWIM AND SNORKEL WITH WILD DOLPHINS

SWIM WITH WILD DOLPHINS IN ZANZIBAR On a recent trip to Zanzibar, I had an opportunity to swim and snorkel with wild dolphins near Mnemba Island.  I have always been fascinated with dolphins and look for them when out in the ocean.  To observe these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat...
Read more

Spotted hyena on a safari game drive.

AFRICAN SAFARI UGLY FIVE

THE UGLY FIVE OF AFRICA When most people think of an African safari, images of the Big Five easily come to mind.  The famous Big 5 game animals are lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and African buffalo. Did you know there is an African Safari Ugly Five?  ...
Read more

Rock-Hewn Churches in Lalibela, Ethiopia

11 ROCK-HEWN CHURCHES IN LALIBELA, ETHIOPIA

ROCK-HEWN CHURCHES IN LALIBELA In a mountainous region in northern Ethiopia in a town called Lalibela, you will find eleven (11) rock-hewn churches.  These medieval monolithic cave churches date back to the 12th and 13th centuries and are...
Read more

Client Testimonials

PHENOMENAL TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
I have been working with Arleta on arranging my business travel and leisure travel for many years and I am very pleased with her services. As a single women traveler, I am concerned about safety and Arleta arranges 5-star accommodations that meet my travel requirements and are well priced. She does an excellent job on my trips! I have recommended Arleta to many of my family and friends and everyone has been impressed and satisfied with her services.
Rachel D., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
A WONDERFUL HONEYMOON
Cosby Travel Consultants helped me plan our honeymoon in Cancun, Mexico. We stayed at the Le Blanc Spa Resort and Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya Heaven and had an amazing honeymoon. We enjoyed both resorts and appreciated Arleta’s help with our travel planning. She also arranged for our ride to and from the airport as well as booked ahead of time things to do along with scheduling tours for us. I would highly recommend this travel agency.
Gloria C., Washington, D.C.
PASSION FOR SERVICE
The trip to Venice and Lake Cuomo was amazing. The hotels selected had a beautiful view, the restaurants visited were recommended by Ms. Cosby and the supplier contacts she met at an Italy Trade show called BIT. The trip exceeded my expectations.
Kenneth S., Maplewood, New Jersey
UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES IN AFRICA WITH FRIENDS
Before finding Arleta Cosby at Cosby Travel Consultants, Alexandria, VA., my trip to South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe with friends might have been a little less exciting. Our trip was tailored which allowed us to see more and visit locations where we might not have with another travel agent, i.e., Ethnic Villages and one of my best experience sleeping in a straw hut at a safari camp. Arleta was very responsive to our many questions and provided answers, timely. She made sure all are well having booked us at the finest hotel within walking distance to city centers, restaurants, and local landmarks. She planned destination travels to and from our hotel for day trips with the most pleasant, knowledgeable and professional chaperone services. Arleta also ensured that we were aware of the local currency requirement on our visits to other cities and countries. Thank You, for making my trip so memorable and unforgettable! I highly recommend Arleta Cosby, Cosby Travel Consultants!
Gloria M., Rising Sun, Maryland
THE BEST CRUISE VACATIONS
I have booked several cruise vacations with Cosby Travel Consultants traveling throughout the Caribbean and Mexico and have been very pleased with their customer service. Arleta is very knowledgeable about the difference cruise lines, destinations and activities offered at each port of call. I appreciate her suggestions, recommendations and insight. Arleta always give us the best service and value for our money. Their services and our vacations have always exceeded our expectations. I highly recommend this travel agency for travel planning.
Denise H., Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
WONDERS OF AFRICA
Arleta Cosby at Cosby Travel Consultants planned an amazing trip to Africa for our group. The accommodations, private tours, private transportation and flights were expertly planned, and the two-week vacation exceeded my expectations. We traveled to South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe and this tailor made luxury vacation gave us an opportunity to have an immersive experience that covered all of the “must see” iconic sites and included “off the beaten” path adventure travel experiences as well. From touring Robben Island; whale watching in Hermanus; visiting the Apartheid Museum; sampling South African wines; seeing the spectacular Victoria Falls; safari drives, feeding elephants and interacting with a beautiful Cheetah name Sylvester, this was a once in a lifetime experience. Thank you, Arleta, for a wonderful introduction to Africa!
Melinda S., Mitchellville, Maryland
AWESOME SKI VACATIONS!
I have been booking my ski vacations with Arleta Cosby at Cosby Travel Consultants for many years and I am very pleased with their professional services. Arleta is easy to work with and very knowledgeable about skiing and ski resorts. All my vacations planned by Arleta have exceeded my expectations. My most recent ski trip was to Copper Mountain in Colorado. The luxury accommodations were great, and the skiing was awesome!
Bruno L., Hedgesville, West Virginia
EXCELLENT TRAVEL ADVISOR
Arleta has arranged numerous luxury vacations for me and my family over the past eleven years. We have traveled extensively in the Caribbean, Mexico and United States. Each trip has been exceptional! For my 50th birthday Arleta recommended Le Blanc Spa Resort in Cancun, Mexico and we had an amazing time. We took a “Buck List” trip to Hawaii for 12 days which included a 7-night cruise aboard Norwegian’s Pride of America and then stayed at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach. This was an incredible once-in-a-life time experience for our family. Every vacation that Arleta has arranged for me and my family has exceeded our expectations. We love the personal attention to detail, the crafted custom itineraries and private tours. We are impressed with her knowledge, professionalism and the special VIP amenities we receive when booking a vacation with Cosby Travel Consultants.
Sam C., Alexandria, Virginia
AMAZING DESTINATION WEDDING AND HONEYMOON
Our destination wedding and honeymoon at Hard Rock Cancun was amazing!!! Working with Arleta on our wedding and honeymoon was easy and stress free. She took care of all of the details and guided us through the process to ensure that our entire experience was flawless. We loved the resort she recommended and the staff at Hard Rock Cancun went above and beyond to make our wedding day special. Our family and friends also enjoyed working with Arleta. This was our best vacation ever! I highly recommend Arleta for destination wedding and travel planning. We can’t wait to book our next vacation with Arleta.
Rick R., Denver, Colorado
BESbswy