Safari Blog

Hello Brett,

A quick hello to let you know we arrived home safe and sound but very tired! ( 27hours to Vancouver from Savanna Camp). Just wanted to let you know that we had a wonderful trip, and that the package you put together for us was terrific! For a first time trip to Africa, it gave us a great overview. The accommodations were great, the connections all worked out, Steven Muller was great, and the camps were way beyond our expectations!

I will recommend your services to any of my friends that would like to visit South Africa. Thank-you for organizing the Lounge at the Joberg airport, much appreciated. Thank-you for such a wonderful African experience!

Cheers,
Byron and Leslie Thorson

The Thorson's and Garfinkle's stayed at Xigera, The River Club, VA Hotel, The Franschhoek, Phantom Forest, Kings Camp and Savanna Tented Lodge

I recently assisted in arranging an educational for a journalist from Northen Ireland, in conjunction with Classic Retreats, to Samara Private Game Reserve, and Blaauwbosch Game Reserve.

Juliet:

Just a note to say that we had the most magical time at both reserves and to thank yourselves and Brett for making the arrangements.

I am now working my way through interviews with Andrew McNaughton - a retired Karoo farmer whom we met at dinner at Samara - and the Head Ranger there, Les Slabbert, both of whom were enormously helpful, and knowledgeable. I also got a detailed and fascinating interview with Craig Cullingworth.

When I have got my head around all this during the next few days I'll come back to you about making arrangements re an interview with Mr Tompkins.

Regards and thanks.
George Hamilton

Hi Brett

Had an excellent time at Notten's thank you. The staff had all worked there for a very long time and it was a real family business.

I had a lovely room overlooking the plain in front of the lodge.  

On the first night I was there I was the only 'official' guest however, there were 4 friends of David Notten's visiting them. 2 of them were ex rangers so it was very interesting. One of them owns part of the company 'Eco Training' which looks very interesting. He gave me their brochure in case I'm interested in it in the future.

I only saw 1 male lion but saw a female leopard, briefly, and a male leopard (photo attached). Unfortunately when we saw the male leopard it was raining and getting dark so the photos weren't great but it was still really good to see him.  

All the other game viewings were really good too. The ranger had worked there for 21 years so really knew his stuff!

The food was really good and I had a massage in my room. I definitely prefer these smaller lodges where you are looked after very well. David Notten and his wife, Mia, were very friendly.

The only down side to it was not nearly getting there. That was a real nightmare. Did you hear anything from SAA about it? (Basically SAA just changed their scheduled without advising us - Brett).

Kind regards Caley

During the bush walk you will have the opportunity to take a closer look at animal tracks, birds, different types of grasses and trees, as well as any smaller details of the bush that might fascinate you.

The daily bush walk takes place after breakfast. Your ranger will confirm the time with you during breakfast. Please take note that you will be accompanied by either your ranger or tracker.

Please take note of the following:

Guests are not allowed to leave the camp and walk alone. For safety reasons, most camps unfortunately do not allow children aged 16 and under, to go on the bush walk. Should you wish, we could organize a ranger or tracker to take the children on a mini bush walk inside the camp area. Guests over the age of 60 would be required to provide a medical certificate stating that they are in good health and fit to go on a bush walk. Please also ensure that you bring closed shoes, neutral coloured clothing, a hat, sunscreen as well as insect repellent. The ranger/tracker will use their discretion concerning anything that could pose a threat or jeopardise the safety of guests, these include the degree of fitness, agility and physical restrictions.

Zambian Airways announced its biggest and best programme of flights yet!

Highlights of the new schedule include:

NEW! Livingstone to Johannesburg direct 4 times a week
NEW! Ndola to Dar es Salaam direct services NEW! Ndola connection to British Airways London flights
NEW! Lusaka to Mfuwe on 737 direct off British Airways 3 times a week
MORE! Livingstone 3 times a day
MORE! Ndola to Johannesburg 5 times a week
MORE! Dar es Salaam 5 times a week

On the three days a week that British Airways flies to Lusaka, Zambian Airways will provide a convenient connection to Mfuwe in the speed and comfort of their 737 jets.

And, in another first, there will be a direct early morning connection from both Livingstone and Ndola to Lusaka to connect to the British Airways flight to London. The overnight stop in Lusaka will be a thing of the past.

In the other direction there will also be a direct connection from British Airways to both Livingstone and Ndola.  

Hi Brett

We have only just returned to Australia. Thank you for booking Motswari for us. We had the most wonderful stay there! From the warm and friendly welcome to the really comfortable rooms, the delicious food presented with such pride to the enthusiasm of the ranger and his tracker, all details making a happy and carefree stay were attended to. Motswari fits so beautifully into the surrounding bush and Steve and Kathy do an excellent job providing a good ambience. We have been to the greater Kruger many times but each experience is different and this will go down as one of the best as we had wonderful game viewings and memorable evenings around the fire in the boma.

King regards
Jenny