Feedback from South Africa & Botswana

The following feedback is from a group of 20 passengers for whom I had organized a private trip to South Africa, Zimbabwe abd Botswana.

As far as the trip - it was absolutely amazing!!!! Everyone agreed that it has been a trip of a lifetime and I can't think you enough for organizing our journey. I also want to commend your local office as everything was seamless, the hotels we were booked into - all fantastic; the tours were superb; and all pick-ups, buses, etc. all right on time.

We began with the Cape Milner Hotel in Cape Town - a lovely place with great rooms. Although we started with some rainy days we were able to juggle our schedule and visit a couple of the museums - which were very worthwhile visiting. The sun came out for our Robben Island and Cape Peninsula tour - which were definite highlights. Our stop and lunch at La Petite Ferme on the way to Tulbagh was exceptional. And, although we didn't really get to spend much time in Tulbagh, it was a interesting town to see. Knysna Hollow was again great and with the schedule change we were able to have a free morning and afternoon to just relax - something I think we all needed. Really enjoyed the Featherbed Tour (even in the rain!).

Our next major stop was the Kapama Game Reserve and the Buffalo Camp - an outstanding experience and I think probably the highlight of the trip for everyone. I would not hesitate to recommend that camp - the rooms, the staff, the game drives - all absolutely wonderful and having the entire place to ourselves made it even more special. We all got to see the "Big Five" and countless other animals.

The drive back to Johannesburg was another very interesting trip - seeing the countryside and our guide for this part - Marshall was very informative and gave us a good talk on the country.  We were caught in another downpour while visiting Soweto, but the rain did stop after our dinner and we were able to walk around and see some of the township and learn a bit of its history.

Flying into Victoria Falls and Zimbabwe was as expected - but at least now they give out water while you wait at immigration!!! Since we were late getting there, it was about 4ish when we toured the Falls and subsequently almost had the place to ourselves. The water is at the low point, but still it is a spectacular place.

Again, our transport into Botswana was smooth and we arrived at the Chobe Bush Lodge in Botswana. Our rooms there were superb, but he lodge definitely showed that they are still very newly opened and have a fair number of "service bugs" to work out. The river cruise was very enjoyable and the game drives exciting - although a totally different feel compared to the S.African private game drives.

Twelve of our group were transported back to Vic Falls for their trip home and the 8 of us continued onto the Okavango via small 5 seater airplanes. I must admit the delta is certainly so worthwhile seeing - you feel like you are truly in the heart of Africa! The water, the birds and animals, the amazing scenery and beautiful skies and sunsets were magical. Gunn's Camp was much more basic than the Kapama Lodge, but very comfortable, the food was good and the staff very friendly.

I am hoping to get into Toronto sometime in the next few weeks and will definitely try to stop by and discuss the trip in more detail and bring some photos (if I can get them down to a manageable number!!).

Thanks again for giving all of us a tremendous holiday.

Take care, Jane - Woodstock, ON, October 2014

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