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Where do I start! Firstly Leanne was an absolute gem to deal with. Being in Australia I was a little hesitant dealing with an overseas agent at first but Leanne was so fantastic all my fears were put to rest very quickly. Every email was answered promptly and no question too tedious for her to answer. We organised our entire 3 week trip (half in Botswana & half in Zambia) with Leanne and it didn’t disappoint on any level.
The Botswana Explorer - what a trip! Every expectation was surpassed. The tents had all the comforts of home, comfortable beds, feather pillows, showers, flushing toilets!!! Yet the noises of Botswana were right outside and didn’t we get to experience them. The food was to die for, what was produced for us by the chef using only the open fire was amazing and delicious. August was a great time of year to visit as it was warm but not too hot and the evening/early mornings were cool but not too cold.
What a fantastic time my husband and I had on this tip. A wonderful group (we only had 5 with ages ranging from 16 to 68, we are somewhere in the middle!) to travel with and KD “THE BEST GUIDE IN BOTSWANA”. If by chance you book this trip and KD picks you up at Maun airport know you are in for a treat. He not only has an encyclopaedic knowledge of Botswana & its flora and fauna he is very knowledgeable on almost everything African. There was not one animal, bird, insect or plant we asked about he didn’t know about.
The animals were amazing! - Lions, leopards, elephants, various antelopes, hippo, hyena, zebra, giraffe, warthogs, buffalo, baboons, monkeys vultures, eagles, numerous beautiful birds & storks too many to mention here. Over 1500 photos and 7 hrs of video should give you an idea of the quality of the sightings.
Memories of Leopard and Hyena wandering through camp, each day dawning a brand new experience as no two days were ever the same, the endless blue skies, the exquisite sunsets, the gazillion stars each evening, the awesome company and the campfire chats, these memories will be with us forever. Thank you so much.
I can whole heartily recommend both this trip and the operator.
The tour operator did a first class job in advising and arranging the safari for my son and me. Leanne was professional and prompt in all her correspondence. Her advice on accommodations was honest and correct. More than anything else she believes in customer service. Our bags were lost by British Airways. Leanne knew that we had no phone. She called the airlines and worked on finding our bags that is a customer friendly person.
I have already told my friends that if they ever want to go to Africa they need to contact Leanne
Our guide, Ike Magalakwe, was outstanding. Besides being articulate and pleasant, he was full of information about the region and its animals. He was himself a very good photographer. This resulted in a good exchange of what constitutes excellent animal photos and the best approaches to obtain them. He also continually placed us in excellent positions for good lighting that maximized animals features. On a trip like this safari, this is important.
The accommodation were very good as were the meals. I am sure that we have never camped in such luxury. Having the night background noises of hippos, hyenas and other animals was serenade each evening. The other couple from Sweden, were friendly, compatible companions with many overlapping interests. It was a pleasure to have them in the group.
We enjoyed each game reserve, each was different in its own right. We expected to see many herd animals and lions and were not disappointed . The giraffes, impalas, zebras and other antelope species were abundant. The lions were plentiful. We observed at least a dozen prides &/or young male groups. One thing we were pleasantly surprised to see were a number of leopards and cheetahs.
An unexpected highlight of the trip occurred when we drove to Serondala. At Kasane Ike took us to a local school. Arriving, he had my granddaughter accompany a young man & girl who took her into the school. Ike explained to us that he knew Sara's birthday was the end of July and there was something special for her. The school had a cultural singing & dance group that presented shows at lodges for tourists. . They gave us a private performance on the school grounds and included my granddaughter dressed in the tribal costume. While somewhat hesitant at first, she was thrilled by the experience and participated in dancing and trying to sing.
At the Matesi Water Lodge, there was a second surprise event. When we walked into our cabin, Valaree was greeted with a rose pedals and candle display on the bath area floor. Rose pedals welcomed us and invited her to enjoy a bubble bath. The bath was already drawn and the bubbles rose about half a meter above the tub. Needless to say she enjoyed soaking in their luxury after a week of quick showers..
The Matesi Water Lodge is exceptionally nice. It has a beautiful site overlooking the Zambsi River that makes for a relaxing background to good dining and conversation. We had previously visited Victoria falls on the Zambia side but the view is more extensive from Zimbabwe. Everyone had fun bartering in the market before returning to the Lodge. On the way back to the lodge we again encountered a small groups of male lions and an elephant dominating the track to the lodge.
Again it was a great trip, enjoyed by all. I am sure that our grandchildren will remember it.
Had a fabulous time.Leann could not have been more accommodating as I changed my mind and itinerary on a number of occasions and she even arranged for us to be upgraded to a Honeymoon suite for our stay at Elephant plains which coincided with our Anniversary.
Would highly recommend her services and will use them again on our next trip to southern Africa
First and foremost, our vacation in Africa was superlative, overshadowing all other trips! There's also absolutely no doubt that the planning, bookings and hand-holding were the key to our ultimate enjoyment and satisfaction. Starting with our initial meeting in Joburg, which was most gracious, informative, responsive and helpful.
Joburg Since this was just a transitional accommodation, they were quite acceptable - very clean, courteous and friendly staff and very good breakfast. And the airline travel you booked was well-planned with all necessary documents included in our package. (We had no problems, even with changes in Vic Falls.)
Camp Okavonga EXCELLENT accommodations! The entire staff was extremely hospitable and the en-suite tent accommodations exceeded our expectations. Meals were very tasty, original and plentiful. It was fun to experience some of the indigenous game recipes, although I kept thinking of the shrinking wildlife overall. The walks were exhilarating and educational; the scenery and wildlife were amazing. In retrospect, David and I enjoyed this Camp the most because of the management and staff. Their love for what they do, where they live, each other and Africa was contagious. We just can't say enough good things about Camp Okavonga.
Camp Savute The accommodations were actually more luxurious than Camp Okavonga and we definitely saw more wildlife. Hearing and seeing prowling wild cats was indescribable. The meals were very good and the staff was friendly and accommodating. Our guide was awesome and we were thoroughly satisfied with the excursions.
Victoria Falls I'm so sorry for all the inconvenience we put you through!! David and I were quite satisfied with the accommodations - it's a marvelous, grand hotel. As I recall, Trudi wanted to add the extra night on and then it was Brett and Trudi who changed their minds almost the moment we checked in, wanting to eliminate the extra night's stay. At any rate, it was nice to have time to catch our breadths, re-live the adventures from the two previous camps and plan ahead. The Falls were well worth adding to our trip. While being in Zimbabwe when the economy totally collapsed was an historical adventure, it was so very, very sad to see the horrendous effects on the people. It was heart-breaking.
We were all extremely impressed with the outstanding conservation efforts in Botswana and South Africa; and equally saddened by the lack of conservation and repression in Zimbabwe.
8
Client:
Tracey Menzies - from United Kingdom
Trip:
currently unavailable
Rating:
rating 10/10
Comment:
We have just returned from a fabulous holiday in Namibia. From the moment we were met at Windhoek by Maxwe were confident that we were being looked after by experienced professionals.
Our pilot Nigel was superb - totally professional in his approach to his job but excellent company out with the plane on the various drives etc. We were also fortunate that our fellow travellers (from USA and Germany) along with the other pilot Philip shared a similar sense of humour and our group dynamics worked well.
The highlight of the trip without a doubt was the opportunity to climb the magnificent dunes at Sossessuvlei. The view from the top into Dead Vlei was definitely a "Kodak moment". For me, the safari was what a holiday is all about - a balance between relaxation and activity with someone else having to make decisions about where to go next! Our days were filled from end to end.
I was very impressed withthe camps we stayed at were excellent. All in all, a fabulous trip. This is the most we have EVER spent on a holiday (by a long way) but I definitely feel we had value for money.
The organisational skills and recommendations throughout from Leanne were most helpful and appreciated. She responded quickly and efficiently to any queries we had. We would have no hesitation in recommending them to our friends.
Regards
Tracey
9
Client:
Steve Brynes - from United States
Trip:
currently unavailable
Rating:
rating 10/10
Comment:
I just returned from my trip (a great one) to Botswana yesterday and wanted to tell you what an excellent experience I had.
It was a pleasure dealing with Leanne---she was responsive to my safari needs, prompt and professional in the many messages we exchanged. And it was an added bonus to have her deliver the travel documents at JNB.
I would not hesitate to refer others to Leanne and this safari company.
Best- Steve
10
Client:
Frank, Arlette and Luc - from Belgium
Trip:
currently unavailable
Rating:
rating 10/10
Comment:
We had a great safari in Botswana thanks to the tour operator - Leanne was waiting for us in the airport with all the details and documents for our safari.
Everything was pico bello!!!
Next year we hope to come back to Africa and we will do it the same way. Thanks!
Regards greetings from Belgium, Frank, Arlette and Luc
12Next
Itinerary
This is a completely tailored upmarket package which includes wonderful and interesting areas, quality lodges/hotels within South Africa. The small group travels with a registered tourist guide throughout. A truly magnificent experience is arranged just with one simple request!
DAYS 14 Days and 13 Nights
MIN/MAX PAX Vehicle of appropriate size as per individual tours
DEPARTURE Departure Sunday - OR Tambo International Airport by arrangement
ACCOMMODATION Upper 3 Star hotels and private lodges
FLIGHTS Flights are required between Durban and Port Elizabeth, which are not included in the cost. We can assist with flights where required.
VEHICLE Luxury Sedan / Luxury Microbus / Luxury Mini Coach
DRIVER/GUIDE Services of THETA registered driver/guide throughout tour. Game drives with experienced rangers
LANGUAGES AVAILABLE English – German. Various language guides available on request
VISA / PASSPORT Multiple entry visa’s for South Africa where applicable. For Swaziland entry, passport and visa conditions apply.
Highlights at a Glance Johannesburg • Mpumalanga • Panorama Route • Kruger National Park • Swaziland • Hluhluwe Game Reserve • iSimangaliso Wetland Park • Shakaland • Durban • Port Elizabeth • Garden Route • Cape Town • Cape Peninsula
Added Value Touring Documentation Pack • VIP Card • Vodafone Mobile Phone Rental
I T I N E R A R Y
Day 1 On arrival in Johannesburg, your expert guide will meet and transfer you to your hotel (private basis). Embark on a half day city tour of Johannesburg. Highlights of this half day tour include: Johannesburg city sightseeing, Nelson Mandela Bridge, Newtown and Constitution Hill. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.
Crowne Plaza Rosebank or similar - Bed and Breakfast basis
Day 2 - Mpumalanga - Dullstroom - Lydenburg - Sabie Depart Johannesburg and travel to Mpumalanga, (‘Place where the Sun rises’). Today’s route takes us via the historic towns of Witbank, Dullstroom and Lydenburg. Continue along the Long Tom Pass to the quaint town of Sabie.
Visit the Lone Creek Waterfalls before arriving at your elegant hideaway.
Lone Creek River Lodge (Timber Cottages) or similar - bed and breakfast basis
Day 3 - Kruger National Park After an early morning breakfast, enter the world famous Kruger National Park, unrivalled for its diversity of flora, fauna and bird life, seeking the Big Five. Leave the park and continue to your private game lodge. Arrive in time for afternoon tea, followed by an evening game drive in an open safari vehicle. Return to the lodge for dinner under the stars (weather permitting).
Makalali Private Game Reserve or similar - Dinner, Bed and Breakfast basis + 2 game viewing activities
Day 4 - Panorama Route After an early morning bush walk or game drive and breakfast leave the lodge and travel via the Panorama Route featuring the Blyde River Canyon, the Three Rondawels, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, God’s Window and Mac Mac Waterfalls. Arrive at your overnight destination late afternoon.
Casa do Sol - Bed and Breakfast basis
Day 5 - Kingdom of Swaziland - Ubizane Game Reserve After breakfast enter the Kruger National Park. Exit the park and travel to the Kingdom of Swaziland. The scenic drive winds through the Lebombo Mountains, Mbabane, Manzini and sugar cane areas of Big Bend. Re-enter South Africa near the town of Mkuze and proceed to your hotel in the town of Hluhluwe.
Protea Hotel Hluhluwe or similar - Bed and Breakfast basis
Day 6 - Hluhluwe Game Reserve - St.Lucia - Durban Early morning breakfast followed by a game drive in the closed vehicle in Hluhluwe Game Reserve. Visit iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a World Heritage Site (previously known as The Greater St. Lucia Wetlands Park). Enjoy a river cruise on the estuary. Highlights include prolific wetlands bird life, fish eagles, hippo and crocodiles. Continue south along Indian Ocean coastline, arriving in the bustling city of Durban during the late afternoon. Drop off at your hotel in Durban.
Protea Hotel Umhlanga Ridge or similar - Bed and Breakfast basis
Day 7 - Durban Depart Durban and travel to Eshowe, as well as the authentic Zulu Kraal of Shakaland. Experience the sight of assegai wielding warriors, share the fascinating secrets of Sangomas and witness traditional customs such as tribal dancing, spear making and the beer making ceremony. Traditional Zulu lunch will be served. Please note that this excursion is not included in the package price. For those not taking the tour, enjoy the day at leisure in Durban.
Protea Hotel Umhlanga Ridge or similar - Bed and Breakfast basis
Day 8 -Durban - Port Elizabeth
Morning at leisure. Semi-private transfer to King Shaka International Airport for your flight to Port Elizabeth (flight not included, can be booked by Flight Zone). On arrival at Port Elizabeth Airport, semi-private transfer to your beachfront hotel.
Protea Hotel Marine or similar - Bed and Breakfast basis
Day 9Tsitsikamma - Wilderness
Departing Port Elizabeth, explore the Garden Route. Attractions include the Tsitsikamma Forest area (home to the Knysna Loerie), where photographic opportunities abound. The daring might attempt the suspension bridge spanning the spectacular Storms River. After lunch (not included) continue to the quaint seaside area of Knysna, also known as the Oyster Capital of South Africa. Dinner (not included) is available at one of the nearby restaurants at the Waterfront.
Protea Hotel Knysna Quays or similar - Bed and Breakfast basis
Day 10Plettenberg Bay - Ocean Safari - Monkeyland - Birds Of Eden
TIGK TOUR - Nature’s Beauty and Nostalgia After breakfast you take a walk to the Knysna Waterfront and embark on the Featherbed Nature Reserve ferry. On arrival we take a ‘Unimog’ (tractor driven wagon) ride to the top of the Western Head. An optional hike can be taken through the indigenous Knysna forest to the restaurant area where lunch (not included) is served. Upon returning to Knysna, enjoy an interactive elephant experience. Return to the hotel via a scenic sightseeing drive in the late afternoon. Dinner (not included) is available at one of the many restaurants at the Waterfront.
Protea Hotel Knysna Quays or similar - Bed and Breakfast basis
Day 11Ostrich Farm - Cango Caves - Cango Wildlife Ranch
TIGO TOUR - Klein Karoo Kaleidoscope (Refer to page 56) Experience the stunning views of the Outeniqua Pass as we travel towards the Klein Karoo’s capital - Oudtshoorn. Here we visit the Safari Ostrich Ranch for a guided tour and traditional ostrich lunch (not included). After lunch, visit the Cango Caves, where a guided tour allows us to explore the ancient stalagmites and stalactites. En route back to Knysna, visit endangered animals at the Cango Wildlife Ranch. Dinner (not included) is available at one of the many restaurants at the Waterfront
Protea Hotel Knysna Quays or similar - Bed and Breakfast basis
Day 12Mossel Bay - Route 62 - Wine Tasting - Cape Town
After breakfast, your journey to Cape Town begins, visiting the Diaz Museum in Mossel Bay and then passing Barrydale. Enjoy a wine tasting and typical South African lunch (not included). Continue through the Little Karoo to Montagu, Robertson and Worcester. The adventure ends with drop-off at your hotel in Cape Town.
Protea Hotel Fire and Ice! or similar - Bed and Breakfast basis
Day 13Cape Peninsula - Cape Point - Chapman’s Peak -Simonstown - Winelands
Full day Cape Highlights tour (English Only). This full day tour includes| Camps Bay; Hout Bay; Chapman’s Peak (subject to the road being open); the Cape of Good Hope Reserve; Simonstown; Muizenberg; one wine tasting of South African wines at a local wine estate; the University town of Stellenbosch.
Protea Hotel Fire and Ice! or similar - Bed and Breakfast basis
Day 14Cape Town
Private transfer to Cape Town International Airport for your homebound flight.
Overall, included : • 24 hr back up service whilst guests are on safari • Anticipated weather conditions, so that clients arrive prepared • Personal meet and greet service at Johannesburg International • Personalised and tailor-made itineraries
Package rates:
Valid until 31 October 2011: ZAR 31 080.00 per person sharing ZAR 8 350.00 single supplement
