2019 Testimonials
Back from Zambia and everything you set up worked beautifully. We're so grateful to you for helping us with another glorious safari. Thank you so much for having requested Kiki (Nkawai camp manager) as our guide.
Our capable guides Kiki and Willie (Nsefu camp manager) always got us to the right place at the right time. They also made sure leopards and wild dogs (also called “painted wolf” in Zambia) come to see us everyday. Cats and dogs were so easy going, just doing their own business right beside us as if we didn't exist. Have you seen a standing leopard (with two legs)? That's our dear friend Olimba! We got to know her last year. There's no way we could leave Nsefu without seeing Olimba. Nat Geo Wild has followed her for 4 years. We've seen episode one of the film "Africa's Hunters: The Trails of Olimba" (You can see this free film online). Episode 2 is under production. We're so looking forward to seeing it soon.
In addition to our most favorite cats and dogs, a hippo tried to confuse us with its pair of tusks protruding from the mouth (like a warthog). Kiki told us it's a real oldie. A pride of sleeping lions had to stand up immediately and show their respect to some passing elephants. A single impala kept other vehicles' attention for a long time, which we didn't understand. When approaching to her, we saw a piece of fur/skin hanging on the back, probably from a leopard or an unexperienced lion. Look at the golden baboon in early morning sun, the "pelican lake" in pure darkness, and that gorgeous sunset in the salt pan in Nsefu......Words can hardly describe what we've seen in incredible Luangwa Valley. Photography is the story we fail to put into words. Please let some our photos to continue our report. Apologize for making your inbox full. It's hard to decide which one must not go to you.
We wouldn't be surprised we'll go back to South Luangwa. However, we'd like to hold on booking for a while. In this August, Robin Pope offered free Proflight (round trip Lusaka to Mfuwe) for at least 3 nights NEW booking. If they offer something similar again in 2020, we might contact you for our return.
Last but not least, hoping many happy moments will find their way to you, leaving lovely memories you’ll treasure all the year through.
F & H, November 2019
First of all, we really enjoyed our trip and loved the locations and accommodation which you found for us. The travel arrangements all worked out well too. We particularly appreciated the meet and greet arrangements, the one in Lusaka, especially, on the way out he helped us switch to the Proflight check in and on our return flight he moved our luggage, offered us their office to sit in, ensured we had cold water and gave us access to Wi-Fi, which made the longer wait at the airport much more comfortable and hassle free.
The initial car pick up went fine, despite the computers being down which made everything a bit slow and I will be checking my credit card statement to make sure the payments are correct. The car was fine, we liked the height to see the animals better. At times on the rougher tracks, such as the one up to Welgevonden or some of the Kruger dirt roads it was a bit bumpy!
Welgevonden – Nungubane- was a beautiful setting, lovely chalets, great service and delicious food, beautifully presented. The guide was also excellent, the game viewing outstanding and for some of the time we were the only guests, so had very personal game drives. The staff were friendly, the deck amazing and the pool was lovely. Only one aspect bothered us. We haven’t been to many lodges, so it may be usual to heavily promote the sale of alcohol. We enjoy a drink, of course, and did consume some alcohol, but they asked us at every opportunity if we’d like a drink, which was alright but in the end made us feel uncomfortable. Particularly, as it was so hot and it seemed that the mark up on the drinks was rather large to us. We really wanted to be able to enjoy the game drives, which were so good.
Bramasole was also a great venue, we loved the setting and the forest beside it was fascinating and beautiful. We enjoyed the independence, eating out and doing some self-catering and did some wonderful hikes in the area. We were also treated to a couple of spectacular thunder storms and torrential rain, good to observe from inside! In comparison to the other places we stayed, the bathroom looked a little “tired” (the shower fitting was broken, which I did mention to the front desk), but in line with all the places we stayed, the room and bed was very comfortable and the kitchen was well equipped.
Our Kruger trip was fun, the accommodation I had booked was much simpler and we met some nice people, as well as seeing some different animals.
We really liked the La Roca guesthouse, very welcoming, comfortable and it was a good idea to have a meal there. The drive had been hot and quite long through and from the Kruger and we were tired. It was so peaceful and the meal was tasty, as was the breakfast. Finding the airport was straightforward from there too.
In Zambia, the Chundukwa lodge was delightful, a warm welcome, relaxed and the chalets were gorgeous with the open front. The food was also really good and the staff were so friendly and helpful. The package which you had arranged worked perfectly for us, with the drinks and laundry. It was so hot that we appreciated the cold drinks, local beers and cups of tea. In retrospect, we would have been better to purchase the Kaza Visa on arrival at the airport as it allows you to go to and from Zimbabwe, as we discovered that we had to pay again when we went across the border to Zimbawe to see the falls from that side, which were well worth seeing there, as the Zambian side was very dry. This wasn’t made clear at the airport, so we had to pay $50 twice. Interestingly Americans are only charged $30 for their visa and Irish seem to get in free!
Mfue was indeed superb, a thoughtfully designed lodge, great food and very close to the animals. The chalets were lovely, roomy and very comfortable and our guide was very knowledgeable and took trouble to get us to see a lot of animals and birds. Water was plentiful on the tables and you could order other drinks but there was no expectation or pressure to do so. All of the staff were friendly and helpful and keen to make us feel at home and make sure that we had all we needed. It was a very fitting end to our African adventure.
We have many very happy memories that will stay long in our minds. Thank you for all your efforts and your efficiency and we know who to contact when we want to make another trip in your direction. We will also recommend you to others.
Kind regards
NB & JB October 2019
Hi Mandy,
I just wanted to thank you on behalf of my family for organising our trip to the Okavango delta. You done an amazing job and we didn't have any logistical issues at all. All of the accommodation was fantastic and went above and beyond. We absolutely loved it and will be back! It was such a pleasure and so very different to East Africa where we were previously. Thanks again Mandy.
P.S I got my bag Back!
JW, September 2019
We are back and yes, it was a great trip! It started out a little rough…I just want to tell you for future reference…the drive to Nogatsaa Pans Camp was brutal. It was a 3 hour drive on a horrible sandy road…a really rough 3hour drive. The last vehicle got a flat tire and we never knew it as there was no communication between the vehicles, it wasn’t until we missed them at camp that we realized something was wrong. They went out and found them and all ended well…part of the adventure!! But, I would tell you unless they get an air-strip close to camp I would not send anyone to Nogatsaa. That drive was BRUTAL. The camp itself was wonderful!
Linyanti was great, as was Rra Dinare, but I have to tell you we had the most fun at Khwai tented camp and the M’s at Khwai Bush Camp. The staff at these two camps were just the BEST…we had such a great time with them!!! All in all, everyone really enjoyed the trip!! Thank you again for everything.
Also, everyone really enjoyed Witwater and Victoria Falls Hotel.
JH, August 2019
Hi Mandy, We just wanted you to know we had a wonderful holiday in Botswana and all the accommodation and flights, etc worked like clockwork. Batonka Lodge was great - we were very pleased and were able to walk to the town from the lodge. The birding and trip to Zambia were also great. Bakwena Lodge was also very good. The only odd thing was the fact that we ate meals by ourselves.
Pandamatenga was also good. We were there by ourselves most of the time. We had a visit to the village, met the chief and visited the school - the only disappointment was we did not have a pack to give to the school children.
Camp Linyanti was also very good - listening to hippos all night. We were mostly by ourselves here as well which helps when we were so interested in birds. Savuti was very dry but we saw lots of animals. Again mostly by ourselves.
Oddballs was a bit of a disappointment as it was also very dry - but suited Helen as she doesn't like the Mekoro much. The walking was good for a change from bouncing around in the vehicles - and getting some exercise after all our eating.
Khwai was lovely. Our room was recently renovated and such as wonderful outlook. We did a game drive on our last day and we saw the hyena - one last animal for H to get a photo of.
So well done for your organisation. The lodges and camps were all different but we enjoyed them all in different ways and the people were all very friendly.
Thanks again
RB, May 2019
Now we are starting to recover I just wanted to thank you for arranging us the most amazing holiday. The hotels were amazing, sometimes we were the only guests, the staff were all genuinely lovely and even as a picky eating vegetarian the food was great. But most of all the wildlife viewing was truly stunning. We saw 35 mammal species plus many birds, beetles and I loved learning the tracks too. So many highlights, but once again thank you for a truly special holiday to remember.
LG, May 2019
Mandy-
M....and I just returned from out trip to Botswana/Namibia/Zimbabwe that you put together for us. It was a tremendous experience and we want to thank you for setting us up with a great trip. All the accommodations were first rate and all the transfers went smoothly. You and your staff certainly are experts and we will recommend your company to anyone considering a trip to Africa. All the locations you picked for us were great but we have to let you know that the staff at Motswiri Camp (RAW Botswana) were extraordinary. This location turned out to be the highlight of our trip primarily due to the warm and thoughtful (and very professional) people at the camp. The only thing better than all the wildlife and beautiful scenery we saw on our trip was meeting all the wonderful people. Thanks again for all your help.
MW and MG, April 2019
We thank you for the perfect organization of our tour. With the sole exception of Camp Okuti, which we have already reported to you, we were fully satisfied with your great professionalism put at our service.We sincerely hope to be able to work with you again in the near future. We embrace you with esteem and affection. We wish you all the best.
G&R M, March 2019
First and most of all - Thank you so much for organizing and orchestrating what was a fabulous and utterly memorable holiday for us. From the start you were immensely responsive and listened closely to our needs. The two things I queried, you were absolutely right on. Driving was no problem (though we never used the GPS. I guess it would have been useful if we had got stuck.), and we would not have missed the drive south from Planet Baobab into the Makgadikgadi Pans - a real highlight of the visit, at least at this time of year. And you did not miss a beat with any of the logistics. How right you were about Zimbabwe Immigration. Because of your foresight in emailing us the forms, we overtook the queue and went from being nearly last off the plane to first through immigration!
Many thanks once again for everything. I would definitely recommend you to friends, and will be back to you if we ever head in your direction again.
S&S S, February 2019
Mandy, Sorry I haven’t contacted you before, its been a few weeks since we were in Botswana but only 2 weeks since our return. I must thank you for the superb arrangement s you made for our holiday which was as usual of the highest standard and so seamless considering the logistics involved!
You choice of camps was spot on and the new Splash camp was quite a surprise to say the least. And then arriving at Sable Alley was even more spectacular with a view that was quite unique. Before coming to a bit more detail I must say that right from arriving at Johannesburg airport right through to arriving in Cape town it was so easy and totally stress free. African Rock hotel was so restful and as usual the food and hospitality beyond our expectations.
Moremi air met us at Maun and we swapped luggage easily and they met us again on our return from Sable Alley. When we arrived in Cape town your choice of hotel was again great as it was literally 2 minutes from the arrivals. We cannot thank you enough for all your work.
Best Regards, A McG, January 2019
Dear Mandy
Thank for arranging our wonderful trip to Zimbabwe. We where a bit worried before leaving, because of the demonstrations and violence in the streets and also because we heard a lot about the lack of all sorts of necessities. We experienced no problems at all. We saw long rows of cars at petrol stations and half empty shops in Bulawayo. But everything worked perfectly for us.
The people were extremely friendly and service minded, the lodges were all luxurious and the food extraordinary. We had some wonderful game drives with many spectacular sightings.
One small comment is that although Elephant’s Eye is a really wonderful lodge they game drive more or less in the same area as Somalisa, so for gam edrives it would probably have been more interesting to go to a camp in the northwestern part of Hwange.
We have written our review of all 4 camps at Tripadvisor. Thank you for all your help. We have already recommended your services to a couple of friends.
Best Regards, A&P B, January 2019