Lower Zambezi, Kafue, Okavango Delta

Dear Liz,
I want to thank you for all the arrangements you made on our behalf, everything went perfectly and we had a wonderful holiday, we think the best of our three visits to Africa.

Our favourite camp would have been Mwambashi, both for the camp itself and the game. I got a great video of a leopard killing an impala and eventually carrying it up a tree. The camp manager, Ryan ? brought in his TV so that the others could all see it replayed.

The Busanga Bush Camp was certainly different with dirt floors and a bucket shower system but Craig and Janine were great hosts, the game viewing good (more leopard) and the food excellent.

I probably didn't read the Camp Okavango details correctly and although the camp is luxurious, there are no drives, only walking and very little game. My wife had injured her knee and couldn't walk. 

The management arranged our transfer to Moremi by boat and we had an excellent three days there at no extra cost. Another great camp and friendly management.  We will certainly pass on our satisfaction to our local travel agent and suggest she might make use of your services. 

Thanks once again,
Gordon and Desma S
Australia FDZ30

Victoria Falls

Hi Nikki,
Just got back. We had a great time. It is my third time rafting the Zambezi and I always forget how brutal the climb out is! The rafting was excellent but I do have some comments to make. 

First, there was not enough water brought on the rafts. I managed to get one gulp in the morning and one in the afternoon plus one cup of squash at lunch. The entire group was out of water by the 12th rapid and we were very dehydrated. Needless to say, this made the climb out more difficult and potentially more dangerous for anyone suffering mild heat exhaustion. It really would take no extra effort to drag two jugs per raft in the water to ensure there is enough water for everyone. The other comment is about the end of the day. 

Last time I went (1997) we returned to Vic Falls immediately after rafting. This time there was a bbq on the Zambian side, which was nice, but it meant being a captive audience for a few more hours than we wanted.  The guy serving drinks at the bbq wanted 800 zim dollars for a 250ml bottle of water! And this was after a day with too little water. 

I thought it was much better the old way where we returned to VF and just showed up later at a bar in Vic Falls to see the video. This way we had the freedom to shower, change and do whatever we want before getting together in the evening. 
Other than that, it was brilliant.

Thank you,
Douglas G
UK HFJ49

Victoria Falls rafting trip

To Nikki i'm back from my holiday and wanted to say thank you very much for organsing the rafting for us at Vic Falls on 2nd October, at such short notice. We really enjoyed it.
Many thanks, take care
Jonathan W & Jo C
UK HFJ45

Zimbabwe and Zambia

Thank you so much for a wonderful trip. Everything worked out perfectly. We had the best vacation. It was so nice to have everything work out smoothly. We will be recommending you to all our friends.

Thanks again.
Marina F
USA FFG13

Victoria Falls

Dear Delene,
We very much enjoyed our white rafting trip, the company Shearwater were very professional & safety was excellent. 

Regards,
Paul B
UK DFH22

Just Checking in...

Hi, Nikki!
It's hard to believe we've been back more than a month already. The excitement of the bushcamp experience is still with all 4 of us --Ronnie, Alfred, Reg, and me!! I had intended to contact you earlier, but , well, Life.

Your work in helping us plan the trip was key to our enjoyment. THANKS!!!!

We are trying to figure out how/if/when we can do that trip again. In the meantime, we're sorting through photos and reliving everything. The Herberts and Reg and I are promising each other that we'll get together to share photos and rehash the trip. A couple of weeks ago, we were all at a birthday party, and spent most of the evening as a foursome, talking about the trip. It was a little rude, but no one else there could appreciate what we had experienced.

Thanks, again. Hope all is well with you and your family. Before our trip, I was more aware of what was going on in Zimbabwe, but now I don't have a sense of what's happening. Stay safe!!

Dianne H
USA

Botswana and Zimbabwe 

We arrived home after 4 weeks in Africa, 1 1/2 of which were "Spirit of Botswana". Without doubt one of the best and most enjoyable trips of our lives. 

In Botswana, camp Semitsi was probably the high light of the whole trip with wonderful location and people and an outstanding wildlife experience. Okuti was excellent with first class attention to detail and great people. 

Our guide James was just exceptional. Elephant Valley Lodge was, while still good, just a bit "less good". We think they are undergoing some management changes (perhaps ownership) and it showed. 

Biggest problem is the location with a full 30 minute rough road drive to get to the gate of the park. I don't want to be too negative but I get the impression that it was more expensive than Okuti and it shouldn't be.

We were really offended by the US$30 to get into Zim. and even more offended by the same amount to get out! This on top of the US$20 to see the falls. 

If we felt the money was going to do some good we wouldn't have minded so much but we get the distinct feeling that money is already in a nice safe Swiss bank account. 

I think you should take Zim off your itineraries untill Bobby has gone to wherever despots go. Probably the south of France! At least warn people about the outrageous charges and the bizzare currency situation, I had to make a quick run into Zambia just to get enough US$ to pay his crazy exit fee!( sorry to rant) Ilala Lodge and it's staff however were wonderful.

Most impressed by the organisation of the trip, people and planes just showed up on time every time and, apart from gratuities, everything really was included.

We made a life list of 10 things we want to do, and Africa was #1. Trouble is it's back on the top of the list!

Thanks Liz.
Tom and Kay G 

Okavango and Victoria Falls

Hi there. I just woke up from 2 days of sleeping, and am now getting ready to go to Germany on Saturday. It never ends!!!

Anyway, I had an absolutely fabulous time. Chobe Game Lodge in Botswana was great. 
I did all my activities, my favorite being the 2-hour boat excursion, the accomodations were wonderful and the food was to die for. I ate way too much, of course. 

The Islands of Siankaba were like being in a luxury hotel, but on an island. The tented accomodatations were nicer than most of the luxury hotels I've stayed in around the world. 
And the food--- that was another story. Terrific is all I can say. 

Bonnie and Simon were excellent hosts, and got me out to all my activities, including the white water rafting, the museum, fishing, nature walks, a village visit, shopping and a little gambling. The only thing I would have changed was flying into Livingstone instead of Vic Falls, which would have saved me the visa and departure fees, as well as the very busy border crossings. 
I did not even know there was an airport there, but that seems to be a better choice.

So, on a scale of 1-10, I give it a 10+. Thank you again for putting this together for me. Everything ran smoothly, and each place was great. 

I am already thinking about the next trip where I want to head into the Okavango delta. I need to get over that small plane thing first, but it will be worth it.

Take care, and tell the powers that be at your company that everything was wonderful and I would both use and recommend you and your company for trips to that area of Africa!!!

Take care,
Kim A
Germany HFC24

Zambezi Valley - Zimbabwe

Hi Nikki!
I returned Friday night, with my daughter-in-law picking me up from the airport. I spent two days in Joberg at the end of the trip, visiting Pretoria and Joberg on guided tours with Atlas Tours. Their staff was friendly and knowledgeable.

I had a wonderful time and appreciate everything that you did to help Kathi and me. 
I am going to recommend you to Americans who wish to travel to Africa, and have already recommended you to a Mary D, whose friend is planning a trip in the near future.
Hope you have an enjoyable season. I will always have many happy memories of our trip.

Thanks again,
Jan H

Mana Pools, Lower Zambezi 

Liz
We enjoyed our trip very much, had no problems, and wish to thank everyone at Canoe Safaris, especially the canoe guides.

One comment that we failed to speak to Kyle (sp?) about was hygiene. Although we stayed healthy, we both agree that the level of sanitation could be improved.  Before-meals handwashing routines for us and the guides and after-meals dishwashing routines could be improved, and a personal wash-water recepticle should be provided to each participant (a plastic bowl would do) for cleaning-up in the morning and during the day.

Also, we would have loved to be able to buy Zambezi canoe safari t-shirts like the guides had, to take home as souvenirs.

Thank you for a great trip.
Steve F and Maren K
USA FDD8

Victoria Falls

Dear Liz
I would like to thankyou very much for organising all of the excursions in advance for me , everything went perfectly , everything ran exactly to schedule and the guides were of the highest order. 

The hotel 's activity centre were'nt happy as I didn't use them to book these trips but we both felt that our trips were better because we had the personal touch from all of the guides.

I work in the travel industry myself so hopefully I can send some more business your way as I will certainly recommend your company to potential clients and customers when they come into my shop

thanks again
Jane and Chris F

South Luangwa, Zambia

Hi Liz,
Hope all is well. Gordon and Desma S arrived today and I really have to write to you with their comments.

They said that they chose their trip off the web and wrote to other companies too, but they said that you were extremely efficient in replying and that is why they chose you guys. 

You offered them an itinerary that suited exactly what they were looking for. They said that you always answered them within 24 hours with all the questions that they threw at you and were never phased by some questions that they thought you could have maybe laughed at!! (this got me thinking!!)

Their words were that you were an absolute pleasure to work with and they were extremely happy with the way that you handled everything.

Absolutely fantastic comments and I was really excited for you!!

Most of the time people only write to complain, so really wanted to pass in their comments as they were very pleased with the company as a whole and especially for your involvement.
Thanks also from our side. Our lives are much easier when clients arrive prepared and ready and knowing what to expect!

Bye for now
Al
The Bushcamp Company

Livingstone, Zambia

Liz - 
Everything was just great. We had cordial, well-informed and professional guides every step of the way. Thanks for making our visit a wonderful memory. 
Carl & Laura P
USA FFH15

Lower Zambezi canoe safari

A friend and I just returned from a safari in Zambia. We canoed down the lower Zambezi with Cuthberth Hyamunda and Boniface Inaprbao (sp?)for 3 days at the end of August. 

We had a fantastic time! "CB" and "Bonni" were terrific guides: knowledgeable and accomodating. It was the best. Kudos to your staff and especially CB and Bonni. We'll do it again if we can.

Best regards, Kathleen B

Safari Completed

Dear All:
I write to compliment your company and especially Nikki Hinde on the excellent safaris that my partner, Jan H and I completed. 

Nikki was the best! She was the reason that we booked with Zambezi Safari and Travel Co. 
She was responsive and accomodating and answered all our queries promptly and efficiently. 
Not only did she provide all the anwers to our questions, she accomodated me on arrival in Harare and managed to solve any remaining problems that I presented to her.

We are now planning our next safari with Nikki for next year. Thanks for the excellent service.
Best regards, 
Kathi B
USA

Zimbabwe and Zambia

Hi Liz
Well, we are back on dry land, and safe and sound in Johannesburg. We had a wonderful time on our canoe safari, and would love to go back and do the stretch of the river that we didn't do this time. 

The weather was good, but with some wind that caused the rowing to be a bit harder than we would have liked. Charles, our guide, was really professional, and his knowledge of the river is admirable. We felt very safe in his hands, and he looked after us with great hospitality.

Thank you very much for the dinner voucher for the night that we arrived, that was much appreciated. We had no problems with any of the arrangements that you had made for us, and everything went smoothly. Thank you for all your help.

One little point of discord: We were picked up in Lusaka on time, by a very friendly and helpful driver. However, we had to drive all the way from Lusaka to Kariba on the back of an open truck (the Land Cruisers they use for sightseeing in the parks). 

This was a four and a half hour journey, for which we paid US$50 per person, which I consider a lot of money. For that price, I expected to at least be transported inside a vehicle, and not on the back of an open truck.  I think that you should investigate other ways of transport for your clients, because this is very expensive for what you get. 

For our transport back to Lusaka, we were taken in a combi, which was more acceptable, and only took three and a half hours. By the way, as the journey from Lusaka to Kariba took such a long time, we arrived after the Bureau de Change had already closed, which is what I had feared would happen even before we left. 

This left us in a bit of a dilemma regarding currency, as we could not buy any Zim dollars in SA. Luckily the hotel management went out of their way to help us, and phoned the guy from the Bureau de Change at his home, in order to come and help us.

All in all however, we had a wonderful holiday. Once again, thank you very much for arranging it for us. We thoroughly enjoyed it, and, barring the political situation does not get worse, would love to visit Zimbabwe again.

Also, thank you for all the advice that you gave us along the way.
Regards
Susan W
South Africa FFG33

A Wonderful Experience – Luangwa, Zambia and Victoria Falls

Hi,Nikki!
Al, Ronnie, Reg and I returned to New York yesterday morning at 7:00am.
We absolutely loved the Bushcamps. Thank you so much for arranging that stay for us. We especially liked the order in which you booked us into the camps, going from less rustic to more rustic. 

We were really ready to handle Kuyenda by the time we arrived there.
Al got his wish to see a leopard. We had three; one in Chindeni and two at Kuyenda (both during the same night drive!) Andy and all of his staff are really great.

The trip to Tengengnenge was great, too. We all found art to purchase. Even at the dry season levels, we found Vic Falls to be spectacular. It was worth the extra travel time.

We enjoyed both Baobab and Lokuthula. Even after 8 nights in the bushcamps, we were still excited to spot warthogs and impala at Lokuthula.

Thanks, again, for everything.
Dianne H
USA

Luangwa Valley, Zambia

Liz,
just to let you know that we're now back in the UK, and all in one piece after an excellent holiday. I think it all pretty much went according to plan, and the Luangwa, and Robin, lived up to expectations. 

One small complaint - it rained one afternoon - in the Luangwa, in August! Not a lot, but even so.....

Thanks for your patience, and making the organisation work for us. Maybe in another six years we'll be back!

Andy M
UK TB262

Zambian Praise

We had an amazing eight days in South Luangwa, staying at Kuyenda for 4 nights, Chamilandu for 2 nights and Chendeni for 2 nights.

Phil is a fantastic guide with a passion for the Park and an encyclopaedic knowledge of everything there. He knew it all; trees, plants, animals, birds, dung and tracks. The walks and drives we went on with him have left us with many vivid memories.

The hostess at Kuyenda, Catherine, was charming and great company. She's very modest about her artistic skills and draws stunning wildlife pictures.

We are now the proud owners of a Catherine van Someren original, which will take pride of place on our wall.

Kuyenda was a magical grotto, which was hidden from view: the arrival at dark made it even more exciting. The charming huts were beautifully decorated, but the roof-less bathrooms took some getting used to!!

The next camp, Chamilandu, was also stunning, with fantastic views across the river. Chris was filled with energy and loved telling the tale of the leopard and the impala. We, however, could only se an impala leg hanging from a branch, but he assured us it was all there the day before. His most
spectacular achievements were catching a 3m python that was on zebra plain and skilfully removing frogs from chalet 3. Steve Erwin eat your heart out (the pictures are in the post!).

Another fantastic hostess, Debra, was really good fun to be around, always checked that everything was ok and made great efforts to please all. The tales of flat dogs and Chris' 'band' were very comical!

Chendeni was, yet again, incredible. Tents with four poster beds and rocking chairs, overlooking a huge lagoon. Debs was very well travelled and had lots of knowledge about her surroundings. We loved hearing her stories of overland trips and malaria outbreaks, whilst eating dinner on the beach with hippos and crocodiles.

The hostess Kerri was great fun with an unusual past. How many can say they had a hippo and an impala for pets and their friend had a giraffe? She also took us on night drives, which weren't always fruitful, but we had fun doing the spotlight!

The food and service was outstanding and impeccable at every camp. Who would have thought you could have four course gourmet meals in the middle of the African bush?! All the other staff were friendly, polite and efficient. They made our stay seamless.

Alison was an amazing help in retrieving our lost luggage, a spectacular feat, given the locations. The loan of clothes and toiletries was very kind and much appreciated. Also, thanks to Andy for lending us his binoculars. 

We were very sad to leave and hope to be able to return some day. Thanks for giving us some unforgettable, magical memories.

Joe, Pam, Helen, Lizzie and Joe K

Zimbabwe and Botswana

Greetings Jenny,
Just thought I'd let you know how our tour of Zimbabwe and Botswana went.

We very much enjoyed our stay, especially at the Safari Lodge. We were treated very well indeed. We were upgraded to a suite with a 'spa which we especially enjoyed after a day spent 'White Water Rafting". That exercise was one of the best things we did during our entire trip.

A couple of hiccups. No one met us at the airport..had wrong time of arrival in the system apparently. Plus the Safari Lodge Travel organizer forgot to notify the white Rafting people we were going, but luckily someone at reception got concerned because we'd been waiting for 3/4 of
an hour out front so they rang up and organized our transport. So that was resolved satisfactorily.

So all in all our tour went well, and we were happy with your company's organization and professional attitude.

We will certainly contact you again should we decide to return to that area of Africa.
Regards
June Z

FUN in VIC FALLS

Hi Trish,
Just wanted to let you know how much fun I had at Hunters Lodge and Vic Falls. This is such a great country and great people. Am already trying to plan my next trip for the summer time. Will definitely be contacting you again. thanks again!

Elephant ride was fun and so was sunset cruise with Lucas.
Aloha,
Angela R 
Hawaii PFB15

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Last updated 14 January, 2005