big5 backpackers closing down?

hi there

I phoned big5 backpackers today from the UK to get some info on booking my kruger park tour in august 2007.
They were only too happy to offer advice and say phone 10 days before the time you want to visit so that I could pay 50% of the fee and book a placing. However, I read on another post on this site that this company is closing down. (coming from a source close to the backpackers itself).

does anyone know if this is true? I don't want to book if they are going to take the money and then close down. I was told to be careful with who I booked with as some company's don't have adequate insurance etc.

I've looked at livingstonetrails too and they are not much dearer so depending on your response will decide whether I should follow that company up.

thankyou.

I would recommend that you deal with organisations that are members of SATSA (Southern African Tourism Services Association) as all members have to have the requisite insurances etc. Their website is at www.satsa.com<BR>

hm, I have heard the rumours as well... Did you check www.krugerparkbackpackers.com or www.gecko-bushpackers.co.za (both also situated in Hazyview)?

seb