An adventurous, Guest House accommodated tour
circling from Cape Town through Oudtshoorn,
Knysna, Storm River, Hermanus and ending
back in Cape Town along the South African Garden
Route!
Overall operator rating 9.7/10 from 24 trip reviews
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They did a great job setting up our safari - which had very specific time guidelines as I had to fit it into school holidays.
The operator made sure we were picked up at every airport and at every lodge to be taken to the next event. We had the most marvelous time at Camp Dizhana (about 1 1/2 hours north of Maun), where we were given the most comfortable tent and the most individual and professional attention.
I must have exchanged about 30 e-mails with my contact (Tanya) prior to the trip, where she answered my questions, suggested specific activities and lodges or camps, and ultimately came up with an internerary tailored to my needs.
Everything worked our perfectly! I have no problem highly recommending their service.
We took the 14 day Botswana mobile safari (camping only) from J'burg to Victoria Falls. Our guide, Blessed, was very personable, knowledgeable, and hardworking, as was the driver we had for most of the trip, Sage. He basically doubled as another guide. Also, both were very environmentally-conscious, showing a great appreciation for the animals and landscape, and ensuring that we left "only footprints".
In Africa, you have to take what it gives you. For us, the rainy season basically went a month longer than usual, which made it impossible to get to two of our destinations. We missed Kubu Island, but the operator compensated for this by putting us up in a very nice lodge in Maun (the Thamalakane River Lodge). Also, because the roads were flooded and impassable, we were not able to get to the mokoro rides in the Okavongo Delta, but again they compensated with a cruise on the Zambesi that included all food and beverages (including alcohol). That was very generous of them.
The camping and campsites were excellent, as was the food. The lodge we stayed at in Victoria Falls (the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge) exceeded my expectations - very nice. The group of 8 was the right size, and the vehicles were great for the roads and for game viewing. We saw all of the big 5 and just about every other animal we could think of. My favorite Park was Chobe, which is extremely dense with animals. The Chobe River is beautiful and also had a very nice cruise.
After this trip we took another 6 day safari in Kruger with a different outfit, and this one was clearly the better of the two.
this was a terific trip for cost. The guide (Garland) was excetional, the accomodations were good to great, the front office of the agency was always courteous and professional, the itineray was rich, the activites all doable, the group (whild divided) ended up with great cohesion.
it has opend my thinking to a new way to travel-overland journeys. compiments to the operator.
The Safari I experienced through Botswana, Namibia and into SA was very enjoyable indeed.
The lodges I stayed were very comfortable, the people that ran the smaller lodges were very welcoming and kind. the food was plentiful with lots of choices.
I travelled in a group of 8 which was a perfect amount for our size of vehicle as well it was a good size for organizing and group decisions.
And for myself the high light would be all the big animals we were able to observe and photograph. Overall the trip was a wonderful experience with lots of memories and new friends to have for a long time.
I am pleased to say that my safari/holiday was wonderful.
I delt with Nadia for everything except my hotel reservations. She was quite helpful and took care of all my needs. We communicated through emails and I called her once I had arrived in South Africa. The service was second to none.
She booked me with a 5 day walking safari. The safari group consisted of myself and 7 others with 2 guides. I was apprehensive at first traveling alone, but I could not have emagined that I would meet such wonderful people. Also the guides were very knowledgable and went the extra mile to insure that we all had a memerable experience.
The camp was more that i expected and I could not have been more comfortable. Although I have never been on a safari before this trip and have nothing to compare it too I give it a 10 out of 10. I would recomend this package to anyone, weither they are traveling alone or as a family. The 5 to 6 hour hikes in the morning were pleasant and gave me the opportunity to see the small details of the bush, and the afternoon and evening drives were amazing as we were able to get close to lots of game.
Unfortunately we did not see and of the big cats but a 30 minute encounter with a male elephant at less than 20 meters made up for anything I didn't see.
My daughter and I recently completed a 21 day trip from Cape Town to Victoria Falls.
It was an amazing and beautiful experience that exceeded all of our expectations and cannot be easily described. Our 8 travel companions were fantastic, there was not one day when we did not laugh and truly enjoyed ourselves, and we are already making plans for future travel with these newly made friends.
Everything was extremely well organized and things went as planned along our long route, with great selection of campsites and lodges and delicious meals that one could not have imagined could be prepared by a campfire.
Of course, having a great guide is what made a difference. Mike is extremely knowledgeable and has a love for the area that is contagious.
Thumbs up for keeping their groups small, for a well-planned route, for carefully selected sites, and for all the people who work there. Working with them was a pleasure, they were extremely helpful from the minute we started planning our trip, with all our questions, getting birthday’s organized and all their extraordinary efforts in helping us with visas, logistics, etc. We would highly recommend them
The tour I have recently taken part in was absolutely stunning:rich in emotions, colours and sounds which are still in my heart.
A special thank to Amina, who saved my life by promptly warning me the carrier I booked the flight with (by my own), went bankrupt in the meatime, and to Chantel, whose superb "lasagne" I will never forget...
I recently returned from the 14 day Upgraded Botswana Wildlife Breakaway Safari.
We were a great group of 10 - 2 Irish, 5 Americans and 3 Australians and were fortunate to have the services of driver/ guide Mike Miles.
He really made our trip special, sharing his extensive knowledge of the wildlife, customs, history and politics of the countries we visited during the drives and around the campfires as we ate the delicious meals he prepared. He left no stone unturned to maximise our enjoyment of the safari. In the main our lodges were good. The itinerary was well thought out and we saw lots of animals but alas no cheetah, leopard or rhino. A pleasant surprise for me was the amazing variety of birdlife we encountered. The mokoro trip through the Okavango Delta was magical.
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Itinerary
Day 1: Cape Town to Oudtshoorn We depart Cape Town this morning and head out onto Route 62, the longest wine route in the Western Cape. It is an area of magnificent landscapes, towering cliffs and an abundance of trees and indigenous flora, and meanders all the way to Oudtshoorn our first destination. Oudtshoorn is the ostrich capital of the world and this afternoon we visit a show farm to learn about the history and use of these unique birds, as well as their life cycle and how they are farmed. [B]
Accommodation: De Opstaal or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Day 2: Oudtshoorn to Knysna After breakfast we proceed to the impressively beautiful Cango Caves where we embark on a guided tour of the mysterious limestone formations in this subterranean wonderland. We continue our drive over the breathtaking Outeniqua pass which offers stunning views over the Swartberg escarpment and the Indian Ocean, and make our way to the Garden Route town of Knysna. The afternoon is spent on the Featherbed Eco Experience, which includes a return ferry trip on the Knysna Lagoon to the western head followed by a drive up the headland onto the reserve stopping at the spectacular lookout points. (Weather permitting.) This evening why not try out one of the many restaurants Knysna has to offer, and sample the oysters they are famous for. [B]
Accommodation: The Graywood Hotel or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Day 3: Storm River / Tsitsikamma We continue further along the Garden Route to experience the famous Tsitsikamma National Park, where we spend the morning hiking along the winding board walk through the forest to the suspension bridge at Tsitsikamma mouth. The protected and indigenous forest of Tsitsikamma contains the most amazing array of vegetation, such as; woody shrubs, heath, proteas, fynbos, geranium, stinkwood, giant Outeniqua yellowwoods and about 7700 more unique plant species. For the avid bird lovers; you can enjoy possible sightings of African black oyster catchers, orange-breasted sunbirds, Nerina trogans, Knysna Loeris and many other species of fascinating birds. Wildlife sightings range from dolphins and whales to caracal, genet, chacma baboons, dussies, mongooses and even leopards. On the way back a stop can be made at the Bloukrans bridge for those who want to experience the world’s highest bungi jump! [B]
Accommodation: The Graywood Hotel or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Day 4: Knysna to Hermanus This morning we drive along the N2, through the coastal towns of Sedgefield, Wilderness and George and make our way to the Garden Route Game Lodge, where we embark on a game drive in an open Landrover with an experienced game ranger. The game reserve is home to lion, elephant, white rhino, buffalo and cheetah as well as giraffe and numerous antelope species, and hopefully we will get to spot some of these magnificent creatures. We carry on to the town of Hermanus where we spend the night. [B]
Accommodation: Hermanus Lodge on the Green or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar)
Day 5: Cape Town After a hearty breakfast we take a leisurely drive to the Hemel and Aarde Valley were we sample wines at one of the local vineyards. We proceed to the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens which is home to a spectacular variety of Fynbos, where we spend some time enjoying nature in these peaceful surroundings. The last stop for the day is at Stony Point to see the African Penguins. This is one of only three land based colonies in South Africa. We arrive back into Cape Town later this evening. [B]
Highlights: Oudtshoorn, Cango Caves, Ostrich Farm, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park, Hermanus, Wine Tasting, Stony Point Penguins.
Included in the price: Accommodation as per itinerary, all transport in fully equipped vehicle, game drives as mentioned, meals as per itinerary to be taken at lodge restaurants and activities as mentioned in itinerary, park entrance fees, experienced local guide.
Not included in the price: Travel insurance, flights, pre and post tour accommodation, optional activities, all drinks, tips and curios, all personal expenses.
Price per person 2012: 2 - 3 pax: USD 1845 4+ pax: USD 1225 Single supplement: USD 150
