Braemar Highland Safaris
Braemar Highland Safaris
Braemar Highland Safaris
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Braemar Highland Safaris
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
32 reviews
Excellent
30
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Luke B
Sheffield, UK109 contributions
Jul 2016 • Family
This tour was a real highlight of our trip to Braemar. Neil took us up Glen Callater in his Mitsubishi 4x4 – it’s fairly old but significantly more comfortable than a Land Rover Defender! The area was teaming with deer and grouse when we were up there, and I’d been the day before on my bike and there were hare and curlews everywhere too. Neil gives an interesting history of the area regardless of the wildlife, and is very interesting himself, in a gruff Scottish way! It’s a lot of money, but not expensive for what you get. Our tour was four hours and was very entertaining.
Written July 13, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FlyingScot912
Long Beach, NY2 contributions
Jun 2016 • Couples
I've heard Neil presenting his Highland Safari program at our Ballater timeshare several times but this year my wife and I decided to go for this unique experience.
The Safari lasted a little more than four hours in a very comfortable 4x4 with an available low ratio gearbox. We set off on a beautiful morning on our trip up to the tops of the mountains behind Braemar, reaching well over 1000 metres at the highest point The views were exceptional. Even in early June there was still snow in some of the corries which added to the dramatic scenery.
Neil seemed to have a story for every turn in the track, I say track for this was most definitely an off road safari, but one taken at a very gentle and comfortable pace. His humour was a delight to enjoy. We were encouraged to ask him to stop whenever a photo was desired and there were plenty of those occasions.
Neil is very well informed about the local history as well as the flora and fauna that might be encountered and immediately started off telling our group of six excited and wondrous adventurers about the time when the present day Braemar was originally two villages separated a roaring mountain stream.
Neil could seemingly spot Red Deer from miles away and would set up his telescope with a handy viewer to share his find with all his guests.
On our trip, as well as finding tiny beautiful flowers on alongside the heather we saw various Red Deer stags and hinds, several grouse, wild ducks, numerous Mountain Hares and various small birds that populate these remote high slopes far removed from human habitation. He tried so hard to find the Sea Eagle or Osprey and Golden Eagle that he had spotted just two days previously but today they evaded us.
A memorable treat was unveiled when just before our return to civilisation he brought out some home-made bannocks, Highland Cheese from Cambus O' May and a wee dram of Famous Grouse for each of us to wash it all down.
This was a series of Experiences;navigating the tracks through the empty hills, the stunning views over scores of miles of mountains, and not leas,t the man himself, whose love of these parts comes across in his earnest desire to share this beauty with as many others as he can. As he says, "its a hobby". His hobby has benefited those travelers willing to try something new.
You will not be disappointed.
The Safari lasted a little more than four hours in a very comfortable 4x4 with an available low ratio gearbox. We set off on a beautiful morning on our trip up to the tops of the mountains behind Braemar, reaching well over 1000 metres at the highest point The views were exceptional. Even in early June there was still snow in some of the corries which added to the dramatic scenery.
Neil seemed to have a story for every turn in the track, I say track for this was most definitely an off road safari, but one taken at a very gentle and comfortable pace. His humour was a delight to enjoy. We were encouraged to ask him to stop whenever a photo was desired and there were plenty of those occasions.
Neil is very well informed about the local history as well as the flora and fauna that might be encountered and immediately started off telling our group of six excited and wondrous adventurers about the time when the present day Braemar was originally two villages separated a roaring mountain stream.
Neil could seemingly spot Red Deer from miles away and would set up his telescope with a handy viewer to share his find with all his guests.
On our trip, as well as finding tiny beautiful flowers on alongside the heather we saw various Red Deer stags and hinds, several grouse, wild ducks, numerous Mountain Hares and various small birds that populate these remote high slopes far removed from human habitation. He tried so hard to find the Sea Eagle or Osprey and Golden Eagle that he had spotted just two days previously but today they evaded us.
A memorable treat was unveiled when just before our return to civilisation he brought out some home-made bannocks, Highland Cheese from Cambus O' May and a wee dram of Famous Grouse for each of us to wash it all down.
This was a series of Experiences;navigating the tracks through the empty hills, the stunning views over scores of miles of mountains, and not leas,t the man himself, whose love of these parts comes across in his earnest desire to share this beauty with as many others as he can. As he says, "its a hobby". His hobby has benefited those travelers willing to try something new.
You will not be disappointed.
Written June 6, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katherine E
3 contributions
Jul 2015 • Friends
Our family surprised us with a tour by Neil of Braemar Highland Safaris near Aberdeen- in fact not far from Balmoral Castle. Neil was an excellent host. His driving is formidable on the Highlands of Scotland's where there are no real roads! He treated us to his experience and local knowledge of the area with sightings of deer, snow rabbits, grouse, Eagles, lochs, highlands, local conservation, fauna and fora.
The mist came down for a time and it had all the hallmarks of a novel set in Scotland. When we thought Neil was going to take us home, he stopped his 4x4 by a mountain stream and got out a wee dram of whiskey, apple slices and oat cakes and got to telling us some stories about the highlands, with a few jokes on the side.
We found Neil to be the real McCoy ( of the Scottish kind!) and a most genuine host and would be happy to recommend his safari to you if you be of a mind to find something a bit different to do in Scotland.
The mist came down for a time and it had all the hallmarks of a novel set in Scotland. When we thought Neil was going to take us home, he stopped his 4x4 by a mountain stream and got out a wee dram of whiskey, apple slices and oat cakes and got to telling us some stories about the highlands, with a few jokes on the side.
We found Neil to be the real McCoy ( of the Scottish kind!) and a most genuine host and would be happy to recommend his safari to you if you be of a mind to find something a bit different to do in Scotland.
Written July 24, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ailsa D
Glasgow, UK7 contributions
Sep 2014 • Couples
Booked a trip on Braemar safari and confirmed the date and time. Miraculously 2 days later the company found it was already fully booked and cancelled my trip. Partners 60th birthday not happy. They basically got a better offer from a bigger group in my opinion, why else would it take 2 full days after accepting my booking to find they were already fully booked. Either that or they are totally incompetent.
Written September 3, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Meg R
Saskatoon, Canada141 contributions
Feb 2015 • Couples
We booked Neil to take my husband and I on a 4hour tour with Neil, to experience the landscape and wildlife of the Cairngorms. Although we were late on arrival, Neil was patiently waiting for us in the town centre. Right from the start, Neil made us feel welcome. His knowledge of culture, history, wildlife, landscape and climate were second to none.
He took us off road to places where we might spot red deer, fallow and roe deer, golden eagles, mountain hare, red and black grouse. Although we weren't able to see it all, we did manage to see herds of stags and hines, mountain hare, and black grouse. The off road drives felt very safe, despite the snowy landscape, and the scenery was simply spectacular. For those of you, who admire nature, this tour is a must.
Furthermore, we were touched when Neil went out of his way, to get a stag antler from his home for my dog. We highly recommend Neil and we would definitely book tours with him again when we are back in Braemar.
He took us off road to places where we might spot red deer, fallow and roe deer, golden eagles, mountain hare, red and black grouse. Although we weren't able to see it all, we did manage to see herds of stags and hines, mountain hare, and black grouse. The off road drives felt very safe, despite the snowy landscape, and the scenery was simply spectacular. For those of you, who admire nature, this tour is a must.
Furthermore, we were touched when Neil went out of his way, to get a stag antler from his home for my dog. We highly recommend Neil and we would definitely book tours with him again when we are back in Braemar.
Written February 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Frank G
Nijmegen, The Netherlands831 contributions
May 2014 • Friends
We, a family of four with adult children, spent a wonderful four hours with our Scottish guide Neil Bain in his 4-wheel drive in the Braemar area of the Cairngorms National Park. Neil was full of stories and infallibly pointed out herds of red deer on the flanks of the hills, wild hare running across the heather fields and grouse flying up at the sight of us. We roamed the area on narrow and sometimes seemingly unscalable roads, wonderful views alternating with breathtaking panoramas. An unforgettable experience. We can recommend Braemar Highland Safaris to everyone.
Written May 10, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elemae
Aberdeen, UK6 contributions
Jul 2016 • Family
Had a fantastic safari with Neil. All the 5 Star reviews say it all - not much else one can add! It last four hours but I don't know where the time went - could happily have driven on much longer. Would be lovely to do it again as the scenery is spectacular.
Written July 31, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Toledojoe
Kissimmee, FL29 contributions
Jun 2016 • Couples
A fantastic tour of the highlands with an expert in a go anywhere four wheel drive. He took us up some hills and down some valleys where a rabbit wouldn't go. We saw all kinds of wildlife including red deer and grouse/ If you go anywhere near there don't miss it
Written July 3, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
951naturelover2016
Rotherham, UK4 contributions
Apr 2016 • Family
We thoroughly enjoyed this outing into the Highlands off the beaten track to truly beautiful scenery. Neil, our guide was a pleasure to spend 4 hours with and his vast knowledge of the area together with gentle story telling whilst allowing us to take everything in truly enhanced the trip. He was very happy to stop for us to take photos and we saw Red Deer, Red and Black Grouse, Oyster Catchers and larks and the highlight a breeding pair of Golden Eagles. His local history knowledge was personal and a sample of local fare half way through was thoughtful and much enjoyed. Would recommend and go again!
Written April 4, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thehungrymole
66 contributions
Nov 2015 • Family
I can't really put in to words how much I loved this safari and I'm not sure what it is about it ... it is obviously beautiful and the creatures are wonderful but there's something more to it that I can't put my finger on. Something you can't capture in a photograph.
Neil is a wonderful guide with unique knowledge of the area and animals. Having done many tours where guides just speak from a script, it's so nice to hear from someone 'real' who clearly loves their environment.
It's a place I could never go on my own so I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity. I cannot recommend this enough.
Neil is a wonderful guide with unique knowledge of the area and animals. Having done many tours where guides just speak from a script, it's so nice to hear from someone 'real' who clearly loves their environment.
It's a place I could never go on my own so I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity. I cannot recommend this enough.
Written November 21, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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