Discover South Africa

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Matthew Rickman, Travel Agent in Oceanside, NY

Matthew Rickman

Oceanside, NY Travel Agent
Super Agent

Matthew Rickman

Oceanside, NY · 3 Years of Experience

LevelUp Travel LLC, an independent agent with Nexion, LLC, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
5.0
(21)
100% Recommended
If I had to describe my two week trip to Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa with Level Up Travel in one word, it would be phenomenal!... Read More >
About
Reviews
My Places
Travel Stories & Media

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

South Africa, Kruger National Park, Krueger National Park, Cape Town, Johannesburg

Interests:

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

About Me

Jabulani Elephant Sanctuary
Jabulani Elephant Sanctuary

Welcome to South Africa, a country that promises an unforgettable journey for every traveler. Experience a rich tapestry of sights and adventures that cater to all tastes and budgets. Discover unparalleled affordability with a range of accommodations, tours, and experiences, from world-renowned luxury lodges to amazing value-for-money options that allow you to explore the country without breaking the bank. Level Up Travel will curate the perfect journey, ensuring you enjoy premium facilities and a diverse range of adventure options tailored to suit every traveler's preferences.

Immerse yourself in the thrill of wildlife encounters at top game-viewing destinations like the legendary Kruger National Park, where the raw beauty of the African wilderness comes to life before your eyes. South Africa is one of the very few places on Earth where you're able to tick off seeing all of the “Big 5” (elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion, and leopard!) in one day and is one of the world's finest Big 5 safari destinations, thanks to its outstanding conservation areas and national parks.

Unwind on some of the world's most exquisite beaches, from the vibrant shores of Cape Town to remote, untouched coastal havens that offer a serene escape from the everyday hustle. Prepare to be awestruck by the diverse scenic wonders of South Africa, from its breathtaking coastlines and majestic mountainscapes to tranquil lakes and cascading waterfalls. All the way along South Africa's Garden Route and KwaZulu-Natal's Indian Ocean coastline, you'll find long stretches of soft, pristine sand touched by waves that become warmer the further north you go. There are even tropical coral reefs, as well as excellent diving and snorkeling spots to discover.

Discover unique culinary delights in South Africa, a food lover's paradise. In Cape Town's ‘gourmet capital’, Cape Winelands, savor award-winning wines and world-class cuisine. On the lush KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, go for a scenic hike in the Drakensberg Mountains.

Cape Town and Johannesburg are bustling 'foodie' hubs, offering craft beer, exceptional coffee, vibrant markets, and diverse restaurants that blend local flavors with global trends, all served with South African warmth.

Delve into the rich tapestry of South Africa's history, where ancient mountains, archaeological marvels, historic battlefields, and iconic landmarks showcase the country's vibrant past and cultural heritage. Given Level Up’s extensive expertise and familiarity with this region, we will help you design a trip of a lifetime!

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
21 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.
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Showing 21 reviews

Best Trip Ever
Reviewed By Dan - New York, New York | Traveled to Victoria Falls ~ Zimbabwe ~ Africa
If I had to describe my two week trip to Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa with Level Up Travel in one word, it would be phenomenal! Matt was incredibly knowledgeable, and did a fantastic job with planning and organizing the trip. Matt asked questions, understood what was a priority for me and offered plenty of alternatives. Thanks to Matt, I had the trip of a lifetime and checked three countries off of my bucket list. I will definitely be using Level Up Travel for all of my future trips!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
A Resounding Success
Reviewed By Glenn - Malaga, Spain | Traveled to Japan ~ East and Southeast Asia
For some time I had been considering a trip to Japan. I specifically wanted to go for a photo project I was working on. I reached out to Level and was contacted by Matt. Matt stayed with from the initial call until the followup after my return home. Matt's attention to detail and personalised service made a two week four city trip absolutely seamless. The accommodations were in fitting locations for what my rather specific needs were and Matt provided me with cultural and logistical information relevant to what I was seeking to accomplish. I am a seasoned traveler but when I started planning this trip I was a bit overwhelmed by all the working parts. Matt stepped in and provided what I needed to make this trip a resounding success. Level exceeded my expectations bringing in the entire journey for the exact price point I could afford. I highly recommend Level to anyone looking for a travel experience tailored to their specific interests and needs.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Hawai’i honeymoon
Reviewed By ADubs - New york | Traveled to Hawaii | USA
Amazing all around. He helped plan everything we needed
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
A Five-Star Travel Experience Thanks to an Incredi
Reviewed By Rae4279 - Bristol, CT | Traveled to Greece | Europe
We recently embarked on a dream trip to Athens and Santorini, and it wouldn’t have been nearly as seamless or magical without the expertise of our phenomenal travel agent, Matthew. From start to finish, He curated an itinerary that balanced history, adventure, relaxation, and breathtaking scenery, ensuring every moment was unforgettable. His attention to detail was impeccable—securing the best flights, arranging smooth transfers, and booking stunning accommodations that perfectly matched our preferences. In Athens, we explored the Acropolis, Parthenon and Temple of Athena Nike, Zeus Temple and hidden local gems thanks to their insider recommendations. And in Santorini? Absolute paradise! He found us hotel with a pool right outside our door and arranged another amazing day tour. Beyond logistics, His personal touch made all the difference. Whether it was adjusting plans on the fly or offering restaurant suggestions that led to some of the best meals of our lives, they were always ju
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Incredible vacation in Italy
Reviewed By Debra J - NY | Traveled to Italy | Europe
We recently returned from an unforgettable trip to Italy that was planned flawlessly by Matt from Level Up Travel. I can’t recommend him highly enough. Matt helped us craft a personalized itinerary that balanced guided experiences with free time. Every detail was taken care of including smooth train travel between cities, transfers, and fantastic accommodations. Some of the major highlights included private guided tours to the Vatican, the Colosseum, and the Roman Forum. Having a knowledgeable guide really enriched the experience and made it more personal and meaningful. In Florence we had the most fun during a hands on pasta making class. We joined small group tours through the beautiful Chianti wine region and stunning Cinque Terre, both of which were well paced and organized. We ended our journey in Venice. Upon our arrival at the train station we were greeted by a personal assistant who escorted us on a private water taxi to our hotel. It was such a magical adventure cruisi
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
2 of 2 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.

My Photo Albums and Videos

Safari in Kruger National Park
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