Happy Guests!

"I had 2 epic south African experiences with this company. They plan everything for you including food preferences, help with ticket reservations as well. They go the extra mile to make sure you got what you need to have fun and be happy. We ate in several exotic restaurants and explored private places only Close Encounter knows. We were treated like royalty in anywhere we eat and shop and do activities. Liam and Franza were our tour coordinators on my second trip, they did such fantastic job and photo ops. They are so full of LIFE! They make it look so easy to take care of the 7 crazy monkeys in the group. I love them and miss them already. Janice ... I can’t thank you enough ..."

Jenne Velasco
​August 2019

"Most amazing trip of my life! I went to South Africa with Close Encounters for my 50th birthday and I can say that this small intimate company makes you feel so welcome and offers safety along with knowledge of their country. The hotels were wonderful and the safari drives unforgettable!! If you wish to see this side of the world don’t hesitate to contact Janice, she will build a custom trip with you or provide an itinerary that fits your dreams and your budget!"

​Kelly Sweeny, San Diego
January 2019

Great travel company - tailored the entire trip to the interests and needs of our group, with great attention to detail and a wonderful time had by all. Everything was taken care of, flexibility built in, and memories for a lifetime for my whole family. Thank you Close Encounters!

Tracy Lai
​July 2018

"I can’t say enough about what a great trip I had in June to South Africa. If anyone would like a chance of a life time and a place like nothing else in the world it is Africa. Janice Leicester was great at completely organizing the trip and with her brother Alan which was the driver and cook I couldn’t have asked for more. The variety of our trip, from learning about the apartheid, going to a great day spa, seeing the country and of course wonderful safaris. Our accommodation were nothing but the best and the food was incredible. This should be on your bucket list and it was extremely affordable so don’t miss out. I will be going back soon."

Gretchen Vosburgh
June 2017

"I met Janice on a Bahama dive trip in 2009. Janice invited me to one of her many African trips. My first  trip with Janice was  to Namibia in 2011. The journey was so rewarding, I made two other trips to Africa with Janice and her travel group. In fact, I have been on eight trips with Janice since 2009; three trips to Africa, several dive trips, and a hike around Mont Blanc. I enjoy traveling with Janice because she does extensive research on the trips and pays attention to details from eating establishments, safety concerns, extra excursions, and keeping the cost affordable. I will continue to travel with Janice. I know the trips will be well organized, affordable, adventurous and fun."

Lori Marquette, Lake Tahoe

"I am a frequent traveler, always wanting to explore a different location and always looking for the real experience. I appreciate the help of an expert. Close Encounters, with Janice Leicester at the helm is exactly that! Every trip is 100% customized to your groups needs and activities. All experiences are created to interact and understand the local culture and cuisine in a safe and respectful manner. The activities highlight the best the area has to offer. The very affordable trips are "all inclusive", which makes it easy for everyone! I have gone on several trips with Close Encounters and have never been disappointed."

Deb and Steve Baehrens, San Diego

"Close Encounters is by far the best choice for anyone looking to make a trip to South Africa. I've been on three trips with Janice and company and had an unbelievable experience every time. The amount of detail put into trips with Close Encounters to ensure that everyone is safe and gets to experience the most out of the trip is unparalleled. Whether you're interested in discovering you new favorite animal (I absolutely fell in love with elephants on my first trip), throwing spears with the Zulus, surfing in Cape Town, Great White Shark diving, hiking or just simply enjoying sundowners, Close Encounters is 100% the right choice for you! The Safari experiences and Rangers that are co-ordinated on these trips, are hands down the best you could ask for while keeping the trip affordable. Being able to travel with South Africans gives you extra insight and ensures you have the best time getting to soak in all this wonderful country has to offer. You will not regret booking a trip with Close Encounters!"
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Kristin, San Diego

"My husband and I went last year on a 4 week trip to Africa with Janice. It was the most amazing experience of our lives and we look forward to repeat trips with her (we are signed up to go again this September). Every location that we stayed at was exceptional. The accommodations and guides were some of the best that we ever encountered in all our years of travel. To be able to travel with someone who has such knowledge of the area is invaluable. This was one of the most economical trips for the level of service that we received. I would highly recommend a trip to Africa and there is no one else I would rather have plan that than Janice."

Pauline and Tony Bianchi, San Diego

"Absolutely one of the greatest adventures you will ever experience in your life!  A safari to South Africa with Janice is an experience you will never forget.  She is very concerned that YOU are having a good time and she does everything the right way so you will have an amazing time. The food is fabulous, the accommodations excellent and the game drives, oh my!  The excitement of wondering what is around the next bend, seeing your first lion, rhino and elephant in the wild….it’s just amazing!  No words can describe what you are about to experience. You will remember this adventure for the rest of your life!  When are we going again?"

Mary Lyn Dobberteen

 'We took 4 trips organized by Janice Leicester. The trips were well organized from start to finish. Janice kept us posted at all stages of planning . We felt we always knew what to do next to get ready for the trip i.e. flights, immunizations or anything that would facilitate our travel experience. Our airport experiences at our destinations were always as anticipated. Our accommodations were very clean and comfortable and pleasurable. It was a treat to see where we would spend our nights. From South African safari locations to walking the red dunes of Namibia at sunrise to hiking Mt Blanc to white water rafting on the Zambezi to the paradise on the Chobe, Janice never disappointed. It would be a treat to see what surprises she still has in store !!!"

Deirdre Brennan

​"When you travel with Close Encounters you are going with a local. Janice and Alan will customize any trip to suit your desires, giving you true African experiences you may not believe are possible. Don't over pay for mediocre experiences! I've traveled with them on numerous occasions and they never disappoint."

Robin Greene, San Diego

"I went to Namibia, in Africa with Janice and can’t say enough about her!  She organized and led the whole trip and was doing it by friends and "word of mouth".  It was reasonable and a blast.  My bucket list is to do South Africa with her one of these days.  She has now set up a website, which I am forwarding to you.  If you or anyone you know has considered going, please share this site with them.  Her groups are small enough that she can customize the trip, so most anyone can go.  Life is short…go for it!!"