AFRICAN SAFARI TESTIMONIALS

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FEEDBACK FROM OUR CLIENTS:

Eyes on Africa are proud of our work and success in planning our clients' African safari vacations, exotic adventures and romantic honeymoons.  The following are just a few of the comments we've received from our clients regarding their Eyes on Africa safari experiences.

We would also be pleased to put you directly in touch with past clients as further referrals at your request.

Sossusvlei, Namibia

Christine Gibson, who served as our personal guide for three plus days in the Cape Town area, not only was able to answer any question we might have, but she seemed to share our enthusiasm for the things we were seeing (and which she had undoubtedly seen an uncountable number of times before we showed up). She also gave us a good sense of the nature of the people of South Africa. Over the course of our trip we found ourselves more and more attracted to the warm, capable and friendly South Africans with whom we came into contact. We managed to get to the Cape of Good Hope in perfect weather (which I understand is very good luck in winter) and Christine cheerfully climbed up and down the trails with us.

The Hermanus whales put on quite a show for us. About 40 of them put on a late afternoon performance (breaching, blowing and so on) while we sat on a cliff overlooking the bay. We found some restaurants there run by families who provide wonderful homemade food and made us feel very welcome. We did our best to encourage them to consider opening a branch in Scottsdale.

In Botswana you arranged for us to visit DumaTau, Tubu Tree and Mombo. You got the order in which we visited the lodges exactly right. The nine days we spent in those lodges will always have a very special place in our memory.

African Wild Dog, Botswana

White Rhino at Mombo camp

We saw every animal we hoped to see and a fair number we were not familiar with before arriving. Ban was our guide at DumaTau, Moyo at Tubu, and Tsile at Mombo. In nine days of nonstop questions about animals, plants, weather patterns and other assorted topics, we didn't stump the guide once. Every drive was its own unique adventure.

But our adventure was so much more than just seeing the animals. We appreciate so much that our guides allowed us to observe the animals' behavior over the course of a morning, afternoon or evening and help us understand how they interact. There were so many separate instances of this that understates things to pick only a few. At DumaTau, we spent the morning watching a pack of wild dogs (very rare animals) interact around their den and protect their pups. At Mombo we tracked another pack of wild dogs through their afternoon hunt, culminating in the take down of an impala just before sunset and the reduction of the impala to just a skeleton within ten to 15 minutes. At Tubu, Moyo drove the Land Rover through formidable terrain to bring us to where a mother leopard and her cub were sharing a zebra kill and later that night Moyo followed a female lion as she progressed through her hunt, becoming aware of the zebra kill and eventually displacing the leopards to take it over.

Tsile at Mombo tracked a mother leopard teaching her cub to hunt; we followed them for about an hour. The ability of the guides to find and track animals is just astonishing. At the first two lodges people who knew Mombo said we would be very fortunate if Tsile turned out to be our guide. He has lots of fans. He more than lived up to his publicity: he was the best of the best. If you had a hand in hooking us up with Tsile, we are even more in your debt.

The three camps were amazing. We were in a state of constant wonderment how they could make us so comfortable in a wilderness so many miles from roads, phones, electricity, etc. At DumaTau, elephants wandered right by our gazebo. At Mombo, a leopard settled in right under our tent floor. The food was great. The enthusiasm and friendliness of the young managers was very welcome and infectious. We appreciate so much the way the rooms are constructed to provide a wonderful sense of privacy and intimacy. We quickly felt like we were living in a sort of private Eden. We became hooked on the outdoor showers where you observe countless animals and the water sparkles in the low humidity warm sunlight.

We loved the many animal sounds that filled the night particularly the up close and personal sounds from the hippos. We also really enjoyed the other guests at these lodges. People from all over the world who also realized their time in Botswana was special and in most cases had the same sense of enthusiasm as we did. From the reports we got from our fellow travelers, Sabi Sands and Singita are also wonderful experiences and in retrospect we wish we had taken your advice and left them in our itinerary.

N. Kinderman, Cape of Good Hope, South Africa

R. & N. Kinderman with Tsile at Mombo camp

Lion cub at Mombo Camp

Leopard at Mombo

The Poorman family at Mombo Camp

The Poorman family at Jack's Camp

Thanks Vanessa for all your help planning the best vacation we've ever had!

In summary: great camps, good variety (Cape Town, Botswana, Vic Falls), great food, nice people and knowledgeable guides.

Wilderness Safaris was great! Having a host made everything seamless!

In the clouds atop Table Mountain, Cape Town

Game drive at Chitabe Camp, Botswana

We have to say that this ranks as our best trip yet to Africa.

Nicky, your help in putting it all together made it all the more enjoyable.  P. and I even made some new friends on this trip in Botswana.

Thanks again and please have anyone thinking of going on their first Safari to call us!

At Stanley's Camp, Botswana

Hi Nicky

Just to let you know we arrived back in the UK at the weekend and what a wonderful time we had in Zambia.  Everything was fantastic except for the heat (upper 30's - 40 deg C), tsetse flies and mosquitos, but hey that's life in Africa eh!!

Nsefu and Chichele in the South Luangwa National Park were great.  What wonderful people and fantastic service.  We had some good game viewing and were made so very welcome.  We had a brilliant time there.

Tongabezi on the Zambezi River was outstanding.  Again the service was tops and we got to do a helicopter and micro-light flight over Victoria Falls, a trip to Livingstone Island where we swam in a large rock pool right next to the main falls which was out of this world, and an hour long elephant back safari then interacted with the elephants. We also did numerous other things like sunset and sunrise river trips, a trip to the Falls, a picnic lunch on an Island and a game drive in the local game reserve (Mosi oa Tunya).

We have some absolutely fantastic memories. Thank you so much for putting together the trip for us.  Everything went smoothly e.g. the transfers and connecting flights and I'm sure if we do anymore trips there I'll be in touch again.

Once again Nicky, thanks for helping to make some things we would never have dreamed of come true.

At the Victoria Falls, Zambia

Hi Vanessa,

The trip was fantastic....   everything went pretty much exactly as planned, with no major hitches, and certainly lived up to our expectations...

The mix of Chitabe / Little Vumbura / and the Mana Pools canoe trail proved to be an excellent combo of environments, wildlife and overall experience.  Of the three, I'd have to say the canoe trail was the most exciting, but each had its' high points.  

First of all, let me say we were most impressed with the professionalism and quality of everyone and everything that had to do with Wilderness Safaris...  From the moment we arrived at JNB to the last bush plane pick up at Chikwenya,  every aspect of the trip was handled with a precision and good spirit that was truly amazing.   The only real hitch in the whole trip was was an Air Botswana foul up on the baggage JNB-Maun, and your people at Maun followed up beautifully, and had the bags in our hands the next afternoon.

Guides at all 3 venues were outstanding, and our our overall feeling at the end of the experience was that we'd received an education more so than an experience. The photographic opportunities were limitless, and I will send you a small sampling of some of our best shots once I whittle down the myriad of digital images.  When you spend the kind of bucks this trip cost, you expect a lot... and  to come out at the other end of the trip wishing you could just go back and experience some more of the same is a tribute to the quality of the trip planning and destination features.  We feel truly privileged to have experienced Africa in such a natural setting, and maybe a disquieting sense that future generations might not have the same opportunities.  We applaud the environmentally sensitive perspectives of Wilderness Safaris and Eyes on Africa, and hold out the hope that, despite the odds, unique ecosystems like the Okavango Delta and the Zambezi can be maintained.

Thank you, Vanessa, for your considerable patience in working with us to put together this once in a lifetime trip, and we will certainly highly recommend your agency to anyone contemplating a trip to southern Africa.  It was a trip we will re-live for years to come......

The Shulls with Newman at Chitabe

Sundowners at Chitabe

The Shulls on the Mana Canoe Trail

Dear Nicky -
I would like to get the Mombo book!  As to our trip, we had a absolutely phenomenal time! For our first safari trip, we could not have asked for more. The Okavango Delta in flood was unbelievable. We saw more animals than I thought possible. We actually saw an elephant right outside our first camp as we arrived from the air strip. He later wandered by the deck of our tent. K. took LOTS of pictures. He will send some to you after he has had a chance to do some editing.

The Namibia portion of the trip went very smoothly. We made our connections with no problems and the Sefofane pilot met us at the Windhoek airport as planned. Namibia was spectacular. We particularly enjoyed Little Kulala and the Sossusvlei dunes and the scenic flight up the Namib Naukluft coast. Damaraland was very scenic and we saw the desert adapted elephants several times. Ongava Lodge was beautiful. We were placed in one of the newer rooms (room 12, room 11 is the other newer room) which was much larger than the older rooms. The newer rooms also have outdoor showers. Room 11 has a better view of the waterhole. I would suggest you tell your guests to request for these rooms if possible. We saw a black rhino at the waterhole and also white rhinos on game drives.

The waterholes at Etosha park was great for seeing large concentration of game although I think seeing the same game in the Okavango was more memorable. Our last game drive at Ongava was particularly memorable. We had alighted from the truck for our last sundowner of the trip and K. was busy taking pictures of fresh lion prints in the sand when the guide realized that we were being observed by a pride of lions not 100 ft from us! We beat a rather hasty retreat back into the truck and then the photos among us proceeded to get some great close up shots of the lions. I think by the time we left Ongava our encounter with the lions was going to become boma legend. Thanks very much for making the Namibia portion of our trip possible. We had almost given up on going to Namibia before we called you. We kept getting told it was not doable.

Dear Nicky -
We are back... thank you for your help in setting up the trip, which was wonderful.  Everyone aged 7 to 79 had a great time.  Arranging private activities for our family was a great idea, and definitely worth whatever it cost, though in general we had full stamina.  The weather was a bit warmer that usual, which was nice. Jao was truly decadent, and DumaTau allowed us to have a bit more sense of the dangers of the bush. Wildlife viewing was excellent, though we did not see cheetah, wild dogs, or a kill.  We did get a lot of lion cubs and a couple of hours with a leopard though, along with what I assume is the usual elephant, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, warthog, impala, lechwe, etc.  We were very impressed with the people, particularly the Botswana.

It turns out my department is forging ties with a hospital in Gabarone, so perhaps I will have another chance to visit Botswana.  In the meantime, we are watching “The Gods Must Be Crazy” again with the kids ...

The Detre's in the Jao Camp wine cellar

The Detre girls with guide Victor at Jao Camp

Nicky - I cannot begin to thank you enough for the wonderful itinerary you planned for our trip to Africa. Everything was perfect. It's hard to say which camp we liked the best--they were all great. But if I had to choose I would say Savuti. People were wonderful in each of the camps and the wildlife incredible. Each camp offered slightly different terrain and different animals. The accommodations at the Grace were a perfect beginning and end.

The new Vumbura was impressive. The staff and guide were wonderful, but the accommodations were a bit over the top for our tastes. This is NOT a complaint as it really was quite luxurious. But for the real taste of Africa, my husband and I preferred the tented camps of Chitabe and Savuti.

Victoria Fall was very nice and yet disappointing that no one was there. There hotel was practically empty and we were two of four on the boat on the river cruise. Wonderful for us, but sad that so few were experiencing this.

We were thinking this would be a one time trip and now we can hardly wait to go back. You did a masterful job in setting this all up and I sincerely thank you. I would strongly recommend you to anyone interested in such an adventure.

At Chitabe Camp, Botswana

Hello Nicky,
The camps were tops.  Well run.  Staff went way beyond the call of duty.  Food was oh so good and plentiful.  I had to pace myself so that I didn't overeat.  Both trip groups were small and we all seemed to get along.  I didn't have to worry about my Dad.  I had a tent to myself.  And the guides again were an unexpected pleasure.  I really liked that I was able to spend so much time with Festus and Linus - unlike in Botswana where our guides changed with the camp.  They were both so organized, they never left me behind once. Both were willing to share what they knew about everything, even when we may not have been politically correct in the asking.  And patience - it was never ending.  Even though I know they treated everyone kindly, I still felt that both of them took extra care of me because I was travelling alone.  

I still greatly admire a guide I met in Kenya and Festus will be right beside David when I need to take some mental time away from Nebraska. Sightings of animals were fewer than Kenya, except in Etosha.  I knew this in advance because of the time of year.  So each sighting was that more pleasurable.  And not having to contend with crowds of people was another plus.  I got to sit in the front seat of the Ranger and in the co-pilot's seat of several planes.  I made the sand roar and waded in quicksand.  This was the best!

Dear Nicky,
Every day was special with no disappointments. All arrangements went without a hitch. Thank you!

The two overnights at the hides in Chitabe will not be forgotten. We were surprised to be greeted by the entire staff and they sang and stayed for a while and talked. It was great!

You are obviously better informed than anyone else we could deal with and after this last trip you proved to have great judgment in helping plan our trip (also great patience!)

Vanessa and Nicky,
Many thanks for all of your assistance with our recent trip to Botswana. The Wilderness Safari camps truly provide the experience of a lifetime.

As you know, we spent two nights at DumaTau and three at Tubu Tree which provided an interesting range of topography.  The weather was perfect and the species both diverse and abundant at both camps. The best of all, however, were our guides, Nandi and Moyo.  Both of them were much better qualified than any biology instructor that I have known.  Their combination of field experience, technical knowledge, teaching skills, sense of humor and their personal commitment to wildlife conservation were the keys to our total enjoyment.

The photos are of the two of us with Nandi at Duma Tau and the leopard who literally posed for the camera at DumaTau.  My caption for the leopard is "If you can't get this one in Nat. Geo., you should stop taking pictures."

Again, thank both of you so much for arranging the Botswana portion of our trip.  We would love to do it again, and again, and again.

On safari in Botswana

Leopard at DumaTau Camp

Dear Nicky,
Having traveled throughout the globe, I can say that Botswana is the most unspoiled ecosystem left on the planet.

My suggestion to those considering an African safari: Listen to the suggested trip ideas from the experts at Eyes on Africa rather than from your friend who visited africa six years ago.
Nicky paid close attention to every detail of our trip and we felt that every request was attended to.  She told us that "Every day of every safari is a unique event for each guest," yet she tries to include experiences allowing everyone to feel that they saw "almost everything."  Her extensive knowledge of the safari experience was fantastic for trip planning ideas.

Nicky, Thank you. I would like to be president of your fan club!

V. Szanto and family, California
On safari in Botswana - December 2004

Hello Nicky & James, Our trip went flawlessly.  It was an incredible experience and far surpassed our expectations. It would be hard to say which lodge or camp was favorite. My opinion: Singita Boulders for most plush & deluxe facility, Royal Malewane for best food, Mombo for most animals, Jao for best birds and water experiences and Kings Pool for the best ambiance in our living quarters.  We totally enjoyed all.

The guides were all excellent as well as the staff at all lodges and camps. As you well know, then there were the animals. The first half hour of our first game drive we witnessed a kill by a Cheetah and her three cubs. The last half hour of our last game drive we witnessed a kill by a pack of wild dogs. The big five and everything else occurred repeatedly throughout the game drives between.

I bought a Panasonic GS-200 3CCD Camcorder for the trip and it was a major asset. I was amazed by the quality of the results, especially from inexperienced users.  B. thinks she's ready to tackle Hollywood with her new found movie making talent. All in all we had no negative experiences. All camps and Vic Falls were wonderful. We really appreciate your efforts in putting the trip together for us.

After they get sick of hearing us talk about this trip, I'm sure all of our friends will be in contact with you for their future trips to Africa. We certainly hope to make more trips back down in the future. Thank you again for all of your help.

R. & B. Hervey, Virgin Islands
Visit to Victoria Falls - 2004

Nicky, Please excuse us for not getting to you sooner. We have been busy telling stories and missing Africa and North Island and mostly figuring out how we will get back as quickly as possible. The trip was fantastic and every last detail was perfect. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

From landing in Joburg and our nights at the Grace and all the camps in between, and our perfect experience on North Island, everything was a dream. We ran into some friends of yours. Suzy from Sefofane had taken over the rest of Matusadona for her 40th birthday party. They were quite a crew to have around for a couple of nights, in fact they took this picture of M. and I at dinner one night. And then Bruce on North Island spoke highly of you as well.

I could keep thanking you over and over, but just take it as such that our trip was the most amazing thing that M. and I have ever done with our time and we credit much of that to you. Thanks, J.

J. & M. Van Alen, South Carolina
Honeymooning on North Island, Seychelles - 2004

Having gone though three tour operators, not always with pleasant results, we feel that with Eyes on Africa we have finally found the experts we have been looking for. Nicky and James, thanks to your advice, meticulous planning and attention to every detail, our last trip was truly memorable.

Nicky, you really addressed all our concerns and answered all our questions promptly. It was reassuring to know that you and James had inspected and stayed in all the camps you recommended. Most importantly, you took the time to talk with us and gain an understanding of which camps would best suit us. James, your advice on cameras, lenses and the types of film to take on our safari certainly helped insure that we returned with the great photographs of all we saw.

We're ready to plan or next safari immediately and we are looking forward to another great trip!

I am feeling rather depressed now... having to come back to the real world and work!  I miss Africa already. You can go ahead and arrange for the next safari for September or October!  The question is which year.

The trip was absolutely wonderful. I had a wonderful time... an experience that I will not forget. It's difficult to relate to people as one has to experience it. The walk to the hide was the best. It was a bit dangerous as the grass was very tall (some parts were taller than us) due to the rains. OT, the guide did exceptionally well in getting us to the hide just before the sun set.  Sleeping at the hide and watching the southern sky full of stars was the best.

Kwetsani was too wet due to the rains and Savuti was good. We did not get to watch the elephants at the hide in Savuti as they were not migrating back yet. They were expected to be there in 2 to 3 weeks due to the rains again.

The whole trip was very well and professionally organized from the moment I touched down. Grace Hotel was superb and so was Victoria Falls Hotel. Even the diamonds at Panda was excellent. Just bought a little.

Will certainly go back again. The question is when. Oh, before I forget, thank you very much for the pleasant surprise... the book on Wild Dogs. It was very thoughtful of you. We did see a pack of 16 wild dogs "feeding" on an impala at Savuti.

I can't tell you what a great job you have done including the folks at Wilderness Safari. The guides and staff at the various camps were exceptionally wonderful as well.

Nicky-

I just wanted to send you a quick note to let you know that we are back safe and sound following an absolutely incredible and perfectly planned trip. Thank you so much for the wonderful planning, great advice, and beautiful coffee table book. We were met every step of the way by professional and very courteous people who all took even better care of us because it was our honeymoon. We can't wait to go back!

If you ever need a reference, please don't hesitate to ask.

Hi Nicky,
Our trip was absolutely fantastic. We had such a wonderful time. Singita was out of this world. It was just heaven, from the room and the lodge to the staff to the food etc. Our guide, Leonard was most congenial and informative. We saw the "Big Five", even a mama leopard and her cub. Of course we saw hippos, even a white rhino, kudus, zebras, an African wild cat and of course a million impala. We met some very interesting people too. We cannot say enough about Singita.

We took some unbelievable videos and digital pictures. It is a trip we will never forget. Thank you so much for putting it all together for us. Please do not hesitate to use us as referrals.
Thanks for your part.

Thank you for answering every little question and concern I had, and for your patience, in planning our Botswana safari.  Everything went very smoothly and all arrangements were perfect.  I will recommend you wholeheartedly whenever possible.  (I hope I get the opportunity to work with you again!  I have Namibia in mind….)  Our trip was awesome – the special moments we experienced will remain with us forever.  When I look at the photos what stands out to me are our big smiles – we were so happy there.  No one thought about home.  Thank you once again for everything.

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