ON SAFARI
- Botswana
- ZambiaJohn and Diane from Iowa travelled to Zambia and Botswana
Frances, just a short note to say we had a wonderful time in Zambia, at the Falls, and in Botswana at all the camps. We saw far more wildlife in natural situations than we expected. In fact one of the experienced trackers at Lebala said we saw things between lions and cheetah that he had never seen in all his experiences! I took about 2400 pictures and have hundreds that are fantastic. Most importantly, the logistics, the itinerary, the level of service at the camps were all great…your planning was excellent! Thanks for planning a great trip for us!
- South Africa
- ZambiaKate, Andrew and Lexie from Kent travelled to Zambia and South Africa
Hello Frances, thank you so much for putting together the itinerary for our fabulous trip to Zambia and South Africa. It was all marvelous. Standout highlights were Waterberry, Kambaku and Grootbos but it was all great. It’s hard when you’ve already had one wonderful safari holiday to even match or beat that first experience but Kambaku River Sands was amazing and, yes, I did get to see my leopard, up a tree with her impala dinner while a lone hyena circled beneath. We saw the big five but also a mature rock python, hyena pups, one only a few days old, a giraffe suckling and the elephants drinking from the swimming pool. Only the Zimbabwean elephants we saw from the sunset cruise on the banks of the Zambezi could match that. We were lucky with the weather in Cape Town and spent the day at the Kirstenbosch Gardens, Camps Bay and the Waterfront. Grootbos was absolutely fantastic and Lexie enjoyed 3 rides on her own with one of the guides. Many thanks for all your recommendations and help. We hope to plan another trip sometime.
- Zambia
Michael and Margaret from Somerset travelled to Zambia
Hi Frances, just as follow-up to Margaret’s call, thank you once again for devising such a brilliant itinerary as our introduction to Africa and safari. The arrangements worked perfectly, the camps were very welcoming and hospitable, the guides enthusiastic and knowledgeable and the wildlife sightings magical.
- Zambia
Nick, Nicola, Isla & Louisa from Bristol travelled to Zambia
Hi Rob, the trip was great. Old Mondoro was a first class outfit. The guides were great. Marshall was really interesting and knew his stuff. James was excellent as well and worked hard for us. Samora was an eagle-eyed spotter. We saw lots. The camp was perfect – very open indeed. Might spook some but we loved it. Just a case of sitting very still and enjoying the relaxed ellies, warthog, monkeys and impala. One afternoon five elephants came to the inlet – amazing! Camp team was great and food perfect. Michelle and Reon looked after us very well indeed. We were sad to leave and would return in a shot. Tafika was a bit more subdued. The weather was weird – very windy and overcast. It seemed to put everything down so from time to time the South Luangwa National Park seemed empty. However we really enjoyed the walking and our two nights on the trail. Chikoko Tree Camp was fab. We really enjoyed Crocodile Camp as well. Patson and James were great chefs and we ate like kings! We really enjoyed visiting both places. We will be back for more.
- South Africa
- ZambiaGerard, Virginia, Lauren, Oliver & Natalie from Australia travelled to South Africa and Zambia
Hi Rob, just writing to say thank you for once again organising a fantastic African adventure for our family. At Kakuli Bush camp we were met by the very happy and friendly manager and staff. The camp was great. We loved the remoteness, the family tent/chalet, the peacefulness, the walking and the interaction with staff. The fun really began on our first night drive and didn’t stop for our entire stay – leopard vs baboon, the noise of the baboons was deafening and watching them chase the leopard was incredible. The leopard won eventually. We saw two different packs of wild dog (one lot happily munching away on their kill), leopards galore, lions, a huge buffalo herd, giraffe, zebra, hyena, elephant and the list goes on. We all absolutely loved this camp, the staff, the food and especially Julius and Kamisa who were not only great guides but wonderful company. Although sad to leave Kakuli we were looking forward to different adventures at Chongwe River Camp in the Lower Zambezi NP. You were right about the flight in – the sight of the massive Zambezi River was breathtaking. The Albida suite was roomy, private and had a great outlook onto the Zambezi River. The sunset cruise was lovely and started with a sighting of several young male lions lying in the sun on the high river bank. The canoe trip was another outstanding highlight – so peaceful despite the large crocs on the banks and hippos in the water. We enjoyed our stay here very much but found it a bit more “business like” than the more relaxed Kakuli. Thanks again for all your help and advice. I don’t think I’m done with Africa yet so look forward to organising another great trip in the future.
- Zambia
Richard and Jackie from London travelled to South Luangwa, Zambia
Dear Michele, another superb trip – thank you!
- Zambia
Tero and Kati from Finland travelled to South Luangwa, Zambia
Dear Michele, I and Tero want to thank you and the whole team for an unforgettable holiday in South Luangwa. It met all our expectations, and more. There is absolutely nothing to complain about. You knew exactly what we would like. The accommodation was superb. We enjoyed the drives very much, and had so many fantastic sightings. Walking is so great! You see, hear and smell so many different things (as you well know). The guides were excellent, and it is absolutely a good arrangement to have the same ranger the whole time. As for the wildlife, I think we saw everything that can be expected. I can imagine the number of animals you see is greater later in the season, but we don´t feel like we missing anything. The exciting scenes easily make up for the number of animals. We saw several leopards, more than ever before. Saw dogs several times as well, both from a car and on foot (also killing a bushbuck in the galley right in front of our chalet at Mwamba; the scene we could see in the full moon light). A porcupine, a serval, and seven out of nine mongooses they have in SL. First goliath heron and giant kingfisher, too. Thank you again. We will certainly contact you, when it is time for the next trip to Africa.
- Zambia
- ZimbabweRoger, Charlotte and Alexander from Cape Town, travelled to Zimbabwe and Zambia
Dear Michele, just to let you know that “you’ve done it again” and raised the bar; making it even more difficult to find somewhere next time that will come near to providing the same excellent standards and overall enjoyment. The VIP annex at the Victoria Falls was an unquestionable success. The Tongabezi Lodge was an absolute winner on all accounts: service, accommodation, location, food facilities etc. with the Dog House being a perfect choice of rooms. Their attention to detail in respect of every aspect was excellent. Many thanks
- South Africa
- ZambiaMark and Marjorie from Massachusetts travelled to South Africa & Zambia
Rob, as I suspected, the “game” portion of the trip was anti-climatic after seeing the great migration, but we still saw lots of game. Makanyi was great, the staff couldn’t have been nicer, the amenities and service, great. Great choice for the area. Cape Grace was, likewise, a great choice. Certainly one of the nicer hotels we have stayed in. Again, the staff were gracious and helpful. Leeu House was also a good choice though I am not sold on spending two nights in the wine country. Great food but I’m getting to the point, I guess, that we have seen so many “vineyards”, that the novelty has worn off. River Club was just okay–great location, lovely views, a bit tired. Overall, it really was a great trip, Africa really is a special place. Thanks for your help.
- Kenya
- South Africa - ZambiaKristin, Scott, Elodie and Delphine from Michigan travelled to South Africa, Zambia and Kenya
Frances, I just wanted to say thank you to you and your team for all your help with our recent safari vacation. We had a spectacular time and thoroughly enjoyed the entire trip! Kenya was just amazing and my daughters fell in love with the country. The trip to Devil’s Pool was out of this world. Everything was just perfect and we already want to go back. Thanks so much.