Hi Brett
Now we are back in the "real world" again I thought I'd relive my memories of our fab holiday with you and let you know what we thought!
Firstly we were lucky enough to have Camp Shawu all to ourselves for both nights, which was fantastic. Our room was fab, just as I'd imagined so you chose really well! The setting of the lodge right by the dam was brilliant. It was surreal that the animals were so near. The staff were excellent and couldn't do enough for us, our only critism is that we were a bit rushed from our game drives to eat but maybe this was because we were the only guests! Norman our driver was very informative and we saw the big 5 and more.
I admit I didn't realise that Akeru was so far to drive from Shawu but then I didn't ask! Nearly 5 hours later we arrived, only just in time for our game drive and we left early! Akeru was fantastic too. It had a very laid back atmosphere and it was great to meet up with the other guests. Our ranger Kerry was a lovely girl and very knowlegeable. We again saw the big 5 but was a completely different experience, long grass and lots of off - roading and we saw different animals to those at Shawu, where the grass was burned and no off roading! They were a great combination for our 1st safari experience!
The garden route was fantastic, not at all what we'd imagined but the scenery was very diverse, although again I don't think we realized the distances involved. You have to remember that Guernsey is only 25 square miles! The highlight was the Treehouse at the Phantom Forest, idylic, thoroughly recommended, fantastic food, I'd now like one in my garden!!! Both Periwinkle and Abalone were lovely too, the staff were extremely helpful and couldn't do enough for you.
We rounded our fantastic trip off with our visit to Camps Bay to stay with Caley's parents, which was great too. We just made it up Table Mountain in between the clouds, it was spectacular watching them come towards us as we went down in the cable car. Also we went out to the Winelands for a couple of nights, stayed at Lyngrove Winery,near Somerset West, which too was highly recommended, we have even had some of their Sauvignon Blanc from our local supermarket here, re living the moment! We stayed with friends in Franshoek too, what a fab. "village" great shops and Restaurants, we'd recommend Grand Provence, I think that's what it was called, very trendy decor, industrial farm style with fantastic food. You're so lucky with all the wonderful places to eat, and so cheap, we're palnning on coming back!!!
Thanks again for all your help with planning our wonderful holiday, as I said before we'd thoroughly recommend you!!
Kind Regards
Brian and Mandy