Safari Blog

Hi Brett,

We are finally back at work and wishing we were still on safari!! We had the most amazing time in SA and often reflected on how lucky we were to find your travel company - we originally sent off an internet request to a random African company to send us their brochure, and you ended up arranging the perfect honeymoon for us. The trip definitely exceeded all expectations and we were so grateful for all your experience and assistance - here is a rundown of our trip in case the feedback is useful.....

Arathusa was a great start - the quality of accommodation was very impressive especially as I had understood it was just classed as 'comfortable'. The staff, food and game viewing were also unbeatable. We were glad to have 3 days there given we had quite an epic flight from Australia and needed some time to recover from the jetlag. Definite highlight was watching that amazing waterhole right out front of the lodge and all the incredible animals that come to drink throughout the day. We also had an elephant literally come to our window and then wander around the camp for a while which was pretty amazing.

Africa on Foot was also fantastic - it really suited us to do something a bit more active and just as you promised, Courtenay (but also his offsider, Daniel) were incredibly passionate and knowledgeable which made for a great experience. As it turned out, we were the only 2 people in camp and really appreciated the highly personal service. I think you had 'warned' me that the accommodation was very basic but to be honest, I don't think that was necessary. I was expecting something pretty grotty and run down and discovered a clean, spacious 2 bedroom cottage which was really beautiful - no electricity but we really didn't miss it and had lanterns if required. We were absolutely fine with the change from Arathusa - thought this was the best way to do it because I am not sure I would have wanted to start with the rustic option after our long flight.

And then, when we thought it couldn't get any better - we arrived at Kings. We got upgraded to the honeymoon suite which was absolutely awesome (own plunge pool!) and the whole offering is very luxurious. We didn't like our Kings guide quite as much as the others but he was still good and we saw some great game.

Last stop - Tanamera, what a treat. We felt very at home amongst the gum trees and loved how intimate this place was. We had our only days of cold, rainy weather here and I really can't think of a better spot to curl up alongside the log fire and really relax. After the week of safari we were very happy not to have the 5.30am starts and have a bit less structure in the day. The manager (Darryl or Darren?) was very welcoming and went out of his way to organise activities etc for us.

All in all - I can't speak highly enough for what you organised for us. We often asked ourselves if there was anything we would have changed in terms of length of stay, or the order of the lodges etc but we couldn't find a single flaw. It definitely whet our appetite for Africa - every single person we met raved about Cape Town and the wine country and the Garden Route and.....the list goes on so we are already talking about when and where we could go next year to continue our African Travel Saga - and we will most definitely get back in touch with you to help us out with that.

I feel I have written a whole essay - but really wanted to thank you again for all your assistance and we hope to speak to you soon, Kit and Gerald Georgeos

Guests visited Arathusa, Africa on Foot and Kings Camp