Testimonials

Thank you for your welcome home email, and apologies for not responding sooner…been a bit tied up with the back-log at work.  Yes, we all had a fantastic time.  Each day seemed to hold its own amazing moment, from seeing a pride of lion with cubs within a couple of metres, a leopard walking alongside the vehicle as we drove along the road, to being between a couple of young lion and a very agitated herd of buffalo!  Of course the elephants are always a joy to watch, as are the hippos and giraffe.  We were so spoilt in all the things we saw, our daily challenge was not just to see the Big 5, but everything else AND their babies…. and we almost did!!

The accommodation was brilliant, the guides were absolutely wonderful, and even the weather was kind to us…so thank you again for putting it all together for us.  It was a great itinerary…Lukuba Island was fantastic….we even considered applying for the position of manager but the new manager there was reluctant to vacate the position!  The villages we encountered as we travelled from one area to another were also really interesting, as well as seeing the Masai living as they have for centuries.  Our guide in the Masai Mara was actually a Masai and he took us to visit his home village on market day…not another tourist in sight….it was a real treat.

So we have lots of photos but haven’t had a chance to go through them properly yet. If I come across any super-amazing ones when I’m editing them, I will definitely send them on to you.

Kind regards.

Margaret Bonnet

Hi Sandie,

We had an absolutely fantastic time in Africa. It's was the best holiday I've ever had in my life and well worth the money spent on it.

The first stop in Victoria Falls Hotel was absolutely awesome...sort of 'unreal' if you know what I mean. The elephant ride was incredible as was the falls, the helicopter flight, and the cruise on the Zambezi river.

We spent a day exploring Victoria Falls township, and catching up with a friend of a friend who works in Victoria Falls pharmacy!

Then hired a taxi who took us to see the 2nd largest tree in Africa, and we visited the hospital (my daughter is a nurse) and toured the local living areas.

Next stop was 'The Hide'. This was an amazing experience and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The owners of The Hide were visiting at the time, and we really enjoyed their company. We made friends with a lovely couple from Switzerland who I am going to keep in touch with.

We saw all the animals, which was 'surreal' and we had to pinch ourselves sometimes to appreciate that we were in Africa. The lions were elusive, but one morning (one of my dreams) I was woken up at 5am by the sound of lions....unbelievable! Then the next evening, I was the only person on the night game drive....and we ran right into them! I spent 20 minutes just observing this pride of wild lions...it was one of the most fantastic moments of my life.

Cape Town was also a fantastic experience. Table mountain was awesome, and we decided to go there on the second day. It was a beautiful fine and warm day, and we were told it had been closed for 4 days due to strong winds and bad weather. We went to Robben island which was a very moving experience to see the cell where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned.

The Victoria and Alfred Wharf complex was wonderful, and we spent quite a lot of time there, exploring, shopping and eating. Meals were very reasonably priced and the seafood was fantastic.
I had my first tattoo, two days before coming home - a ring of Impalas running around my arm. Everyone here at home just loves it.

We went out to Mama Africa's for dinner the night before leaving, and I had the 'game platter'. It consisted of crocodile, kudu, ostrich and warthog sausage. With maize meal and delicious African sauces, I think it was the most beautiful meal I'd ever eaten!!! I've made quite a few black African friends, wonderful people that I will keep in touch with.

All things considered, it was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I've brought home heaps of African items which will adorn my African style lounge room and hallway.

Well I'd better leave this letter there, or it will turn out to be a novel!

Warm regards

Lizzie Sinnamon

Dear John, Hilary, Sandy and co

Happy New Year to you all!!

Emily and I have our feet back on the ground and it is only a week until she recommences her school year. She starts year 11 so the work load will be challenging for her. Our trip was simply fantastic. As usual John all was in place. Our day trip from Jo’berg was great fun. The Maropeng centre was awesome. Emily and I had so much fun trying everything out. The Endangered Species Centre was an amazing experience for both Emily and myself, and Emily wasn’t ready to leave when our time was up. Our time at Trees Too Lodge was also very good. Our driver, Henri, was very professional and pleasant. He couldn’t do enough for us. Unfortunately the weather wasn’t very cooperative and our day trip to Swaziland was a bit of a waste. It was really cold and wet and we could barely see anything for the mist and the rain. The Chimp centre was fantastic. The weather also had an impact on our outing there but they decided to let the chimps out for the 2pm viewing so we did get to do the tour. It was wonderful.

Our day trip to Mozambique was sensational. The tour guide, Felicity, was brilliant. Emily and I had such a fun day with her. All in all our time at Trees Too was fabulous. Then we made it back over to Camp Jabulani and had the whole place to ourselves. We were so spoilt. Jabu has grown so much but still has everyone doing what he wants. He is just gorgeous. Emily did have the honour of being on Jabulani for our elephant safari. We caught up briefly with Rudolph the chef which was very fortuitous because he was leaving that week for his next adventure. He is setting up business in Cape Town. It was so nice to see him though. On our last morning we met and spoke with Lente. It simply topped off a wonderful wonderful trip. She is so lovely, and so passionate about what she is doing. We had a long chat. She had two wild cat kittens that she was hand rearing so Emily and I got to play with them for a while when we were waiting to head off to the airport.

We cannot thank you enough John. You and your team had everything in place and all went according to plan. We were very well looked after by everyone we came into contact with. Emily is still writing her stories and playing with photos and video so we should get together again to show you.

Our regards to you all. Take care.

Love

Kim and Emily and family.

Dear John

From the beginning to the end we cannot complain, groan or in any other way display any discontent. Your suggestions, contacts and organisation went like clockwork, what a professionally put together tour. My family and I are indebted to you for providing us with a truly sensational experience. We took over 7000 photographs and 14 hours of video footage, we had the most wonderful time and will enjoy the memories for decades to come. I think you will have to book us back to Bots again next year!

I know it will sound corny, but if you ever get a customer who is a little skeptical (like me!), feel free to ask them to contact me. I cannot commend you enough, thank you.

Kind regards

Andrew & Family

Dear John

Home at last. Only arrived back in to Perth yesterday as we went to Europe for 2 weeks after our African adventure.

You will be pleased to hear it was all absolutely fantastic for both of us. All of the travel arrangements went 100% smoothly. Every transfer, flight, pick up etc occurred without fault and on time and given the short amount of time you had to organise all of this we were very impressed.

It was the trip combination though that scores 11/10! The Botswana safari was an incredible start to our journey. 5 in our group and we all got on very well. The comfort aspects of this safari made it perfect as it strikes the ideal combination between remote bush camping and the creature comforts of a WC and hot shower each night. Our guide was very knowledgeable and the camp assistants were all really great. We saw and experienced so much more than we thought we would from the very start and our cruise on the Chobe River was an incredible commencement to the safari. The only thing I would have done with the benefit of hindsight is to spend an extra day or so at the end of the Botswana safari on/in the Okavango as opposed to the edge. Perhaps a night or 2 at Chief's Camp or similar, plus a scenic flight, to travellers with a budget enough to afford it, would be a perfect end to the adventure as this trip does not experience the Okavango.

The 3 days we spent at Vic Falls was also well worthwhile. After 8 days in the bush we (James in particular) were ready for a change of scenery and some adrenaline adventure. A swim in Devil's Pool, white water rafting and a bungy jump certainly ticked that box. The hotel you chose was ideally situated for the purpose and the facilities and service were excellent. We both commented at the end of this leg that we think it was ideal that we did the safari first and Vic Falls after and would recommend other travellers to do so if possible.

Then Sabi Sands and Savanna. What can I say. We both had high expectations given the rave reviews you gave both the park and Savanna. Nothing could have prepared us however for the amazing experience we had there. Savanna is truly one of the loveliest places I have ever stayed as much for the staff as the incredible location and lodge. We felt at home within hours of arriving. Our guide, Johnno, was brilliant as was our tracker Lawrence. All at Savanna provided a friendly and professional service second to none. We were quite lucky that Dave and Dee were there at the time and they made our stay even more special with invites to their suite for pre dinner drinks and a very special bush breakfast that took us by surprise.

The game viewing there was so much more than we expected. Within an hour of our first drive we had seen rhino and mating lions. That was just the start of it. We had a truly special 3 days in Sabi Sands and will definitely return again one day.

So, as you may have gathered, we are absolutely thrilled with the trip you put together for us. You lived up to your website promise and created an individual package for James and I that suited both of us and so much more. The variety was great and dealing with Destination Africa could not have been a more satisfying customer service experience. Thank you Sandie and John, I will certainly be recommending you to anyone travelling to Africa. Dave said to say hello by the way John.

Please feel free to publish any/all of the above comments on your website etc if you so desire.

I will certainly be in touch next time I want to visit Africa and feel fairly certain that a Namibia trip will be in the offing next year.

Lianne and James

Dear John

Our holiday to Africa including camps in Sabi Sands, Okavango Delta and Zambia was certainly a trip of a lifetime, a holiday like no other we have ever had. The arrangements were spectacular - everything just "happened"! We saw the "Big 5" each day in Savanna in addition to watching a beautiful female leopard stalking warthogs. Eagle Island Camp in the Okavango Delta was superb - food, staff, facilities,boating and walking , definitely the Delta at its best.

Our favourite camps were however the two in Zambia, Chiawa and Old Mondoro, especially Old Mondoro were a hot shower was dependant on awaiting the herd of elephants leaving the camp to cross the Zambesi River in front of our "tent", even the staff with our hot water contained in a barrel in a wheelbarrow thought that retreat was safer, leaving our hot water at the mercy of the elephants. This holiday contained memories from every day that will never be forgotten in addition to the warmth extended to us by the camp hosts, in particular John and Lana at Old Mondoro, who managed to make our holiday end on the most amazing high!

Amanda & Russell

Hi John,

We're currently in Whistler skiing every day, having a blast. Savanna was the best experience we have had in all our travels. The accomodation, atmosphere, staff & rangers were amazing. I would highly recommend it to anyone. Jabulani was amazing for the elephant riding & cheetah interaction. The accomodation was very nice and the staff & rangers were very helpful, but it lacked the atmosphere of Savanna.

I am glad we did Jabulani, but wouldn't do it again. However, we will definitely do Savanna again. Both were amazing experiences and we are so greatful you organised it all so well for us.

Hope your festive season was great and look forward to being in contact again.

Kind Regards,

Michael & Tara

Dear John

I am writing to thank you for our superbly organized safari to Namibia.

Deirdre, Jan, Max and I thoroughly enjoyed the entire adventure.  The Lodges and experiences you suggested were all outstanding.

I have travelled throughout Africa for close to 40 years in which time I have used many Travel Agents.  I can honestly say that this was the best planned and organized trip that I have ever experienced. 

Thank you,

David

Dear John

It was perfect, everything went well, the only thing I felt was wrong, I was very spoilt at Savanna game park ,and it raised the bar too high for every where else, got some good photos I will send you them later.

Thank you,

Fran

Dear John

We are back from Africa and I really don’t know how I can ever thank you enough.  We truly had the most amazing, wonderful and happy time.  The attention to detail regarding our travel plans was superb.  Travelling as a family with young children is always an adventure, albeit challenging, but when things work so very well it is so enjoyable and happy for everyone.  It was so impressive to turn up for each booking whether it be the car hire or the accommodation and be expected and welcomed so warmly.  I couldn’t give you a negative word on the whole trip.  We were so well looked after.  We all felt safe and comfortable and even the challenge of having the children in separate rooms and areas was not a problem.  They felt safe and comfortable too.  The game parks were just awesome.  I could never have imagined the experience being so incredible.  It far surpassed my expectations.  Camp Jabulani was simply fantastic.  I don’t have enough words to describe how much we all enjoyed the visit there.  It was truly a highlight and one of the most pleasurable experiences. 

Bruce, the children and myself not only enjoyed a family holiday but we enjoyed the whole experience as individuals also.  There was so much on offer to experience so each of us were able to enjoy the trip individually as well as being together as a family.  The fact that you had put everything in place so well made it all the more pleasurable.  The information package given to us on arrival was excellent.

This has been a truly significant experience in my life and comes closely behind my wedding day to my wonderful husband and the birth of our gorgeous children.  I truly cannot thank you enough for putting it together for us.

I look forward to seeing both you and Hilary again soon.  There are lots of photos to see.

Warmest wishes

Kim

Hi John

Deb and I just returned from our 5 week trip to Africa and just wanted to let you know how incredible our trip was.  Botswana was truly incredible.  The safaris we went to were brilliant.  We had so much fun.  The people working at both safari camps were great, the game viewing was awesome, the people we met were so warm and welcoming and the food was out of this world.  The same applied for the 2 safari camps in Sth Africa.  Specifically, the accommodation you put us into at Kapama game reserve (ie Camp Jabalani) was the nicest accommodation we have ever seen or stayed in, and the game viewing in Sabi Sands and the friendliness of all of the staff at Savanna Lodge was unbeatable.

The hotels and bungalows you booked us into along the way in Jo'Burg and Mozambique were also exactly what we were after.

In addition to the top quality lodges you booked us in for, I just wanted to mention that every other aspect of our trip was booked to perfection.  There was always a person waiting for us at our transfer destinations (either when we arrived at airports or looking to leave hotels), everything ran on time, everyone was professional and it allowed us to get the most out of our trip.

I will certainly recommend you to anyone that is looking to book a trip to Africa.

Thanks again and we look forward to using your services once again when we return to Africa (hopefully soon!).

Warmest regards

Michael & Debbie Pollak

Dear John

My wife and I have stayed at Savanna Camp on three separate occasions. Once in 2002 and twice in 2007 and I must say that the experience just keeps getting better. We have made five trips to the African continent and stayed at least 25-30 different tented camps or lodges so we feel quite experienced to state that Savanna Camp is by far the most enjoyable camp we have ever stayed at with our five trips. Apart from some of the most knowledgeable rangers I have the pleasure go game viewing with and the best up close viewing of all the big cats I have ever witnessed, the service provided by all the staff is what makes all the difference at Savanna Camp. Staying at Savanna Camp is like staying with old friends, all of the staff cultivate an aura of casual friendliness with guests in such a subtle way that simply has made our previous visits not only rewarding for the game viewing, but unforgettable due to the social nature that is fostered by the staff.

To add further to attractiveness of Savanna Camp is it is so reasonably priced for the service received. We have stayed at Londolozi Tree Camp & Phinda Vlei Lodges previously where we were swamped in more luxury than we could possibly need and paying approximately two and half times the price for the pleasure than that of Savanna Camp. Whilst Londolozi & Phinda could not be faulted, there was nowhere near the social interaction or enjoyment. The casual but professional nature of Savanna Camp is especially suited to Australians who generally prefer a more casual atmosphere with their stay. I urge you to market your camp even more to the Australian market.

Sincerely

Darren  Yates

Hi John,

We arrived home yesterday after a fantastic months holiday.

Our trip to Tanzania and Zanzibar was absolutely phenominal. Everything went smoothly and we had the best time. We saw the big 6 plus part of the Migration and a Serval Cat and a Tortoise which are fairly rare.

The weak link was Blue Bay...the resort was fabulous and we had a ball. The pick up from the Emerson and Green Hotel was 45 mins late and our transfer to the airport even tho I had got guest relations to confirm our flight and ensure we were down for 11am transfer didn't materialise and we were bundled into a local taxi at 1125 and had the hairiest trip ever to the airport. I am not making a complaint as everything went so smoothly I just felt this let down the efficiency of your operation....both were transfers organised through Blue Bay.

Bruce is back at work and I am catching up on washing/shopping and worst of all...wondering what the hell to cook for dinner....one month of no cooking has left me not wanting to cook again!!

I would just like to thank you and Anita for the wonderful organisation of our trip which meant all we had to do was enjoy it. Our guide "Matthew" was knowledgable and we learned so much from him, in fact all the "handlers/picker uppers etc" were all polite and curteous and we can't thank you enough.

Once again, many thanks and hope you are enjoying the Bay!!

Regards,

Trish and Bruce

Dear John,

I am sorry I have not been in touch before to say thank you for organising a truly fantastic trip for us in Namibia. Everything was absolutely perfect and I have to say it was so clever of you to arrange for the accommodation to get better and better as the adventure proceeded. The first part really was a true adventure and the Skeleton Coast was even more  spectacular than we could have imagined. We have found it so difficult to describe to friends because I know they can not imagine the experience that it was. Having Bertus Schoeman as a guide through the Skeleton Coast made it even more exceptional - what a pilot!. To be honest had we been told what his camps are like, we would probably not have gone, but in hindsight that would have been a huge mistake. It was a trip of a lifetime. Having our own aircraft was a stroke of genius - everything went so smoothly and it made us feel so special every step of the way. Also there was no time wasted anywhere. The people at Tree Tops at Onguma were delightful and they made us very comfortable. It was our first visit to Etosha and we were not disappointed. The amount of water in the Zambezi  and the Chobe rivers made the stay at Ntwala especially enjoyable - a great contrast to our previous visits to the Cobe area, and I have to say catching a 4.5 Kg tigerfish on the Zambezi was exhilarating. The lodge at Okonjima has to be seen to be believed - such luxury. Although the game viewing is not the experience that it is in other parts of Africa it was nonetheless interesting to see the valuable work that is being done by Africat and the very dedicated people working there.

Of course we were very lucky to be able finish off our trip with a few days at Savanna, and in spite of the wonderful time that we had in Namibia we still believe the game viewing at Sabi Sands is second to none.

David and Dee were brilliant people to travel with and we had so much fun I can not begin to tell you. It seems we were laughing all the way. Of course that was made so much easier for us by your planning and organisation which meant there was nothing for us to worry about - or even to have to think about since we knew it was going to be done for us (except for the wretched coats, which David will happily explain).

Thank you again for what was an incredible holiday and wonderful experience. We really do feel we saw the very best of Namibia and in the very best way possible.

Kind regards,

Max and Jan