A previously hidden gem of the sports travel industry Black Opal will, I confidently predict, become the new gold standard of the industry. The Team’s years of experience and knowledge shine through constantly resulting in a slick, fun and very informal experience for everyone. I’ve watched cricket in South Africa many times before but never in such welcoming and friendly company. I can’t wait to get out to the West Indies early 2022 with the Black Opal Family!!! 👍👏

We thoroughly enjoyed the Cape Town Test Match with Black Opal. All the arrangements and flights were handled efficiently, we joined a really friendly group of fellow supporters and the travel arrangements to and from the ground each day were impeccable. We watched the enthralling game from a hospitality box next door to the ECB box and all the facilities were first class. Gladstone Small and Jamie Smith as always were excellent hosts. Looking forward to travelling to the Caribbean with Black Opal in March for the Test Series.

I'd initially booked a two week jaunt to South Africa for my Dads 60th and after months of uncertainty we got the call that it couldn't go ahead. Despite this, Black Opal had stayed in touch throughout the entire experience, reassuring us that they would do everything in their power to make it happen. Alas, it was out of their hands. Black Opal quickly arranged an alternative trip to Murrayfield to at least watch the Lions on home soil and what a day it was, we saw all of the players board the buses prior to playing and a stellar 3 course meal with guest speakers. We had great seats and the atmosphere was as good as we could of expected. Black Opal accommodated a payment method they did not previously accept for me to pay for the entire trip and we got great rates for the initial trip to South Africa and the revised trip to Edinburgh. I'd not used a travel operator before, but I can assure you reading this and Black Opal I do not intend to go elsewhere ever again for sports excursions. Special mention to Ben Collis for the initial handling of my enquiry but my utmost thanks and appreciation goes to Kathryn Morris who was instrumental in the handling of our initial trip when it was in limbo and arranging our trip to Edinburgh. I cannot recommend this group enough.

Excellent hosting as always from Gladstone and the team - both at the cricket and the after cricket! Post match day analysis from England MD Ashley Giles while drinking champagne in the garden of the Four Seasons in Jo’burg is just one of many special memories of a great trip.

We have just returned from a great holiday to Pine Cliffs Ocean Suites (so good we stayed an extra week!) Amazing service from Keri and the Black Opal - they assisted throughout the trip with Covid travel advice and updates. I will definitely be using Black Opal for my future travel plans! Martin

Just back from a wonderful break at the Victoria Gran Melia in Palma, organised for us by Black Opal. This was a perfect location overlooking the Harbour with views of the Cathedral, and ideally placed to explore this fascinating City. Everything went smoothly thanks to the care and attention of the Black Opal team, and particularly in the current climate of COVID with all the forms and tests that were necessary. Thank you!

Black Opal is an excellently run travel group. Our interest is in cricket tours and we had a wonderful trip to South Africa and I am looking forward to the West Indies in March. I would recommend the group unreservedly. John Adams

My Dad, Paul, travelled to South Africa on Black Opal’s first cricket tour and had a fantastic time. Brilliant itinerary, so not just a trip for cricket lovers. Spectacular scenery and wildlife on the organised safaris. All travel arrangements were taken care of, both internationally and domestically. Would highly recommend Black Opal. Really looking forward to meeting up with Gladstone and the team on the next tour.

Black Opal were highly attentive and well organised. Keri was very helpful in coordinating all aspects of our trip and we will be happy to use their services again.

Keri, and the Black Opal team, were very helpful in booking flights to help with a charity trip to Ethiopia and Malawi earlier this year. Four surgeons travelled to east Africa for 3 weeks to help mentor local surgeons perform some complex surgery to help young men return to supporting their families, in some of the poorest countries in the world. Black Opal kept us abreast with the constantly changing flight plans in a complex series of journeys, and did this at the least cost to Urolink, our host charity. Although there was a lot of work, there was also some down time, and we hope you enjoy a few images we gathered during our visit to this beautiful part of the world.

My family and I have used Black Opal now for a couple of years and have always found them to be friendly, informative and amazingly helpful. We decided to go away over new year and within a few hours of emailing Keri at Black Opal we had a holiday booked. Keri responded with a variety of destinations, flight times, costs etc - all of which matched our brief perfectly. She made it all so easy from our point of view. Thanks to Black Opal we had a wonderful holiday and have already booked our next trip at Easter through them.

Excellent service from start to finish. Jody helped us with all arrangements and it was great joy to be able to drop her a line if we had questions. Always receiving a quick response and helpful answer. I would definitely recommend using them to book a holiday, they provided support and advice you just can’t get online.

Fantastic service from start to finish. Alex from Black Opal was recommended by a friend and organised such a perfect holiday to the Maldives for myself and my husband that surpassed our expectations. Nothing was too much trouble, she dealt with all queries before and after booking quickly and efficiently and made us feel like her top priority. Thank you Alex, it really was a holiday of a lifetime, and we wouldn't hesitate to recommend you to others.

Superb trip to F1 in Abu Dhabi. Alex was our excellent host for our 4 day trip. Great communication, choice of accommodation and concierge services made this a memorable trip and would highly recommend Black Opal

Jody organised an amazing experience at the Imola F1 Grand Prix with only a weeks notice! From flights, hotel, connections all weekend and to the brilliant hospitality in a Paddock Club suite. It was such a fantastic 3 days, we had so much fun and not an ounce of stress thanks to Jody, Kath and the Black Opal team. More memories to cherish. Thank you!!

We have recently been to a few sporting occasions (rugby and horse racing) with Black Opal and each trip has been outstanding. Kath Morris is a gem: her attention to detail and overall customer service is second to none. I cannot commend their service too highly.

Great customer service. Louise was very professional, patient, efficient and paid great attention to detail in ensuring that our requirements for our holiday were fulfilled. She used her expertise, knowledge and experience to ensure that our travel to Dubai and back went smoothly. Our expectations were fully met and we had a great holiday. We would definitely recommend and will be using Black Opal again.

Hello Jamie Thank you for giving us a fabulous holiday. We have the best memories of a wonderful trip both to Antigua and Nevis. Black Opal are outstanding - all the arrangements made prior to travel and the care taken of us throughout our trip was superb. Please thank all of your team who we came to regard as friends who made this an experience to remember. Would be great to meet up again later in the year - look forward to hearing from you regarding the events you are intending to organise. Please send our best wishes and special thanks to Alex and Martin for all their amazing help. Derek and Sharon

Great organisation from start to finish. Keri gave us lots of different suggestions for our week away and the resort and apartment we chose were fantastic. The private transfer from airport to resort and back was so worth the money and all went exactly to plan. It is great booking with this company as you can rest assured that things will run smoothly. Our flights were delayed a couple of hours each way but this was due to lack of staff at Newcastle Airport Air Traffic Control. A great holiday and we will definitely book with Black Opal again.

We have recently returned from our honeymoon organised by Keri, where we initially went to the Maldives and then onto Italy (including a trip to the F1 Grand Prix and the Amalfi Coast – Ravello and Sorrento). It was without doubt the best holiday we’ve ever been on, complete luxury and a trip that will stay with us for a lifetime. Using Black Opal made things so straightforward: clear guidance on Covid requirements, transfers arranged between places and detailed itineraries. Keri provided amazing service, always responded really quickly and her organisational skills were second to none! Our plans changed a couple of times due to Covid restrictions and Keri was so quick and knowledgeable with any updates. Would really recommend- completely takes the stress out of booking a holiday (don’t know why we haven’t done this sooner…!) and we’ll definitely be booking with Black Opal in the future :)