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June 2010
Some feedback from us.
Hopefully it will help You for the future.
The service you received from Island-Safari.com staff during the booking process and during your tour.
The service was very good, so we did not need any help during our tour.
The transfers you had.
The transfers where perfectly organised.
Your stay at Savute Safari Lodge : Good service, friendly, wonderfull to stay.
Your stay at Xugana Island Lodge : Good service, very lonely (two nights the only guests), maybe two nights was long enough.
Your stay at Leroo la Tau : Great lodge, very good service, very helpfull, also here two nights the only guests.
Edgard Schroyens
June 2010
The service you received from Island-Safari.com staff during the booking process and during your tour. We dealt with Louise and she was amazing!!! She did everything that she could to help find something that worked for us and that was within our budget. She was excellent considering we were dealing with a time difference and only communicated via email.
The transfers you had. - Excellent! The gentleman that drove us was very friendly and was always on time.
Your stay at Otters Den River Lodge - Excellent! Clean, good food, excellent service
Your stay at Nkorho Bush Lodge – Excellent! Very good service, friendly and cleaned our room often. The guides on the drive were very knowledgeable and always willing to answer questions. Very accommodating with our dietary restrictions.
I would recommend Island Safari’s in a heartbeat to someone else. Thanks!
Ashley Tombia
June 2010
I would be happy to provide feedback. I have about 3 hours to waste here at JNB before my flight, so here goes:
First, I'll just say, that this was one of the better, and definitely most organized/arranged tours I have been on, and I am going on over 90 countries and countless tours, so believe me, I have had many tours to compare. I couldn't be happier about this last tour and will be passing on the good word to friends and families intent on making the same good decision to visit South Africa and utilize your services.
In comparison, I was sitting at the beautiful Chobe Lodge (bar) enjoying the beautiful weather and next to me was a family of 4 Germans. I saw them writing out this long list and being both outgoing and a former resident of Germany, I leaned over and asked them if they were writing out a list of all the things they were planning on doing while here... Well, no- said the 20-something year old with the pen and paper, this is a list of things we are writing to our travel agent that have gone wrong or not as described! To make a long story short, they went to three pages! Everything to accommodations being nothing close to as described to promising wheelchair access (for the father) in some places that didn't have it (absolutely inexcusable that one...) I mean, they understood doing a safari would be hard on the father, though his wheelchair had the German National Flag on the wheel as he was a Para-Olympic athlete, so it's not like he couldn't do anything, but when you tell someone a hotel has access and it doesn't... yikes... (not referring to Chobe) anyway, watching him write out this list and talking to them just made me feel sorry for them, but elated that I chose well...
Okay- in detail of the questions you asked:
The service you received from Island-Safari.com staff during the booking process and during your tour.
I had Michelle and she was the sole reason I went with island Safari over other agencies, end of. Can't say enough about her professionalism and working out every angle and every change I asked about. Top Notch.
The transfers you had.
Never late, always friendly, made border crossing simple as pie. I forgot the name of the woman who met me at JNB, but she was nice, informative and made everything easy for me. Answered every question I had and 10 I didn't know to ask. (just as Michelle did x20!)
Your stay at The Kingdom Hotel
Really enjoyed Victoria Falls and The Kingdom. I was only there one night but the public amenities were really nice. The actual room was nothing special, but no worries, I spent 10 minutes awake in my room! I'm easy, I just ask for a clean bathroom and bed, and they were both provided. The lobby and pool area were very nice and by far, the best part about The Kingdom is the private back-gate pathway to both the border and the Falls. I had to walk around the long way on the way back because a herd of elephants decided they had the right-away.. (apparently, they did!) . Only ate Breakfast there but it was great! Plenty of choices, fruits, omelet bar...
-Small issue- Considering the US dollar is one of their currencies, They probably could have carried a little more small bills like 1s and 5s.
Your stay at Chobe Safari Lodge
The Chobe Safari Lodge exceeded all my expectations, especially the food. I was really nervous, honestly, about the food at both places. Shouldn't have been. Tons of choices, both buffet style and often times menu as well. Always something to choose from freshly cooked (omelet bar in the morning or some grilled meats in the evening...) . never had a bad meal. The room was much different than The Kingdom. I would describe The Kingdom's room as your typical hotel room: desk, bed, bathroom etc.. (not complaining, just that it's what I expected..) The Chobe Safari Lodge was different: Canopy bed, different (not the typical) set-up with the connected bathroom behind the bed. Very clean shower.. It just felt different in the room.
I will say there was only 1.5 things that went wrong during the trip and both were at Chobe, but the .5 was probably not even their fault.. They did forget a 5:30am wake-up call for me one morning when I had a 6am game drive. I just happened to wake up each day at about 6am and that day was no different. Right as I was getting dressed, someone was knocking on my door about the tour. Maybe the phone was broken, maybe they forgot, but I made the tour and nobody was upset for me showing up a few moments late because apparently, they didn't get their wake up calls either.. (oops!)
The .5 didn't bother me in the long run, but may bother others: when I grabbed for my towel coming out of the shower, a large roach or a huge water bug/ beetle thing flew out of the fold and almost landed on me! I'm not too squeamish about bugs, and believe me, I'm in the middle of Chobe, I understand there are bugs and what not out there (there is a bug net draped around the bed, so it's not like I was shocked!), anyway, I didn't take it as the hotel was unclean (nor did I mention it to the reception) - but having one of those damn things flying toward my naked body freaked the shit out of me!
Well, I guess another small annoyance about Chobe was the tiny tvs in the room perched in high corner of the room. Okay, I realize I'm in one of the most beautiful/remote places in Africa, but it was also during the World Cup and I was wanting to see the games at night. I had to sit at the desk to see it.... if anything, they could use a room tv upgrade, but not a deal breaker...
Overall, the place was my favorite because the employees were about the nicest people I have encountered in the entire trip! Always saying hi, always with smiles on their faces, really goes a long way. Every single department was exceptional from the receptionist who had me in stitches on arrival, to the tour guide office (absolutely exceptional tours and service BTW!) and the food service employees. If anything, they asked me how I was doing and making sure everything was alright too much! LOL, that's saying a lot about how they are willing to ensure guests are happy and I definitely was..
anyway- here are a few notes from things you didn't specifically ask about-
The Boma:
I went alone, so I was hesitant, and I am really nervous about eating.. AND I thought the 'show' with everyone in the restaurant playing the drums was going to be super cheesy... but I am very glad I went! The food was by far, the best of the trip, and that's saying alot! the show wasn't that embarrassing, it was actually pretty fun, and I had no trouble combining tables with a few other 1-sies and 2-sies I had met on the plane, also traveling between WC games... I seriously took a plate of about 5-6 things I have never tried before and often never heard of! and there wasn't ONE thing I didn't like, and I used to think I was picky! couldn't believe it. As I write this in the airport, my stomach is now rumbling. Some at the table were vegetarians, and thought this game animal dinner was going to be terrible for them, and they couldn't say enough good things about the food choices.
Organization- all in all, it was the smoothest transfer (saying alot considering I went through 4 countries not including South Africa) and tour I have ever had
***Anyway, if you actually managed to read this far, I thank you again for the absolutely wonderful tour and service. I will be happy to recommend you to any and all friends and family I know are headed this way. (also thanks for knocking an hour off my airport wait time!) sorry about the free flow writing, but I'm sure you can take away what I wanted to say...
By the way, I think I left my Rayban sunglasses (plain black and with case) on the reception desk or the transfer van back to Victoria Falls on the check-out at Chobe Safari Lodge. If you speak with them in the near future, could you please inquire about them. I don't expect them to be found, but would be happy if they were.
Thanks again!
Brad Gwillim
June 2010
We had a fantastic trip to Botswana.
Patricia, who organised our tour provided all the information we needed and answered all our questions quickly and concisely. Her recommendations about the itinerary were excellent.
All transfers worked perfectly, even when our flight from Johannesburg to Maun was delayed for several hours.
In all the lodges we had excellent service, the staff, guides and trackers were very friendly and very professional. We had great experiences on game drives, seeing a large variety of animals and birds. Our guides were able to explain how the ecosystems worked, how the animals interrelated within and between species.
Each of the safari camps offered something different – at each move we didn’t believe it could get any better, but it did!
The only problem we had was the reluctance to provide double beds for two women travelling together – not a huge problem but something that could be looked into and provided if requested (Patricia did ask about this but the request didn’t get to Little Kwarra and Lebala, although they did offer to change the setup after we arrived).
We had a wonderful trip and we will certainly recommend Island-Safari, and Botswana, and Patricia, to friends visiting Africa.
Thank you Patricia for a great experience.
Sue and Yolana Sutherland
June 2010
I just came back home before last night.
It was my great experience while in South Africa, especially Kruger park.
I think that it was good to depend on your company.
Lovely cottage, Beautiful stars, of course lots of animals,
The every people who met in park were very kind.
And I could move to a car of 18-passenger with two people and was comfortable.
I want to depend on island-safari when I go again.
Thank you to Louise and Karen of the guide.
Sincerely yours
Koichi & Yoko Kawashima
June 2010
thank you for asking. Here are my answers. Since English is not my mother language, I'll answer in German.
The service you received from Island-Safari.com staff during the booking process and during your tour.
Der Service war sehr gut. Es wäre noch besser, wenn man alles auf Deutsch abwickeln könnte. Die Infos zu den ATMs haben nicht gestimmt: Es gibt zwar keine ATMs in PomPom, das stimmt. Aber in Kasane gibt es welche und mit unserer Visa-Card konnten wir problemlos Pulas direkt von unserem Girokonto abheben. Zum Glück sind wir nicht dem Rat gefolgt, Dollars in Deutschland zu kaufen.
The transfers you had.
Vorwiegend Perfekt. Aber am letzten Tag in Chobe mussten wir auf die gebuchte Activity (von 6 bis 9 Uhr) verzichten, da die Abreise für 9.30 Uhr geplant war. Das wäre uns zu hektisch gewesen.
Your stay at Chobe Safari Lodge
Zimmer, Essen, Game-Driver, Rezeption und das Personal vom Restaurant waren sehr gut. Ein paar Mitarbeiterinnen von Rezeption/Activities Büro waren schwer zu verstehen.
Your stay at Pom Pom Camp
Am Abend ist es in den Zelten ein wenig kühl aber sonst war es großartig. Es hat uns sehr gefallen, dass die Game-Driver mit uns gegessen haben und dass das Küchen-Personal eine kleine Rede vor dem Abendessen gehalten hat. Es war alles ausgezeichnet, am meisten haben wir den Kontakt zu den Batswana geschätzt.
Alles in allem ein unvergessliches Erlebnis!
Sincerly
Francesca Evans
June 2010
First of all, I hope the country is enjoying the World Cup, and that everything goes smoothly.
Our trip set up by Mandy was exceptional, and Mandy was such a pleasure to work with. I'll be recommending her whenever the subject of safaris in southern Africa comes up.
Everything worked perfectly, and we enjoyed our stays at all three properties. Each of them had their charm.
All transfers were great. I'd just make the comment that the company which drove us from the Victoria Falls airport to the Victoria Falls Hotel seemed more interested in trying to sell us tours than anything else. Natasha was great at both ends of the trip.
What more can I say but how fortunate I was directed to Mandy by a former client of hers.
Our best,
Bruce and Gail Grossetta
June 2010
Having a great time on our stay at Cheetah Inn.
Thank you for all you and your staff have done to this point. Great people that you having working for you.
Thank You/Grazie, Best Regards/Cordiali Saluti
Mike Sammons
June 2010
Words cannot describe the wonderful holiday we have had in Botswana!
It lived up to every expectation and more. We found the lodges and camps to be first class and the game viewing was exceptional, in particular at Lebala, due to the extremely professional guide and tracker we were fortunate to have, Vundi and PD. I fulfilled my dream of seeing the Wild Dogs, a pack of 17 all playing and were just so wonderful to watch, they bring tears to your eyes!! I was very sad to leave our guide and tracker at Lebala, and as usual. made a fool of myself saying 'Good bye'...something David has grown use to now!!
Our hosts at Deception Valley, Adrian and Vanda, were just the loveliest people and knew exactly how to obtain the right balance in camp management, a great couple.
They were great company, and felt you knew them for years in a matter of hours!
When we were in Chobe, David received an email from the lottery with 'exciting news' of win!!!..we were planning what we would do, open a camp in Botswan, do photography full time, I would tell Willie Walsh to....!!!! but it was only £29, so that was that!
We can't thank you enough Mandy for the professional and prompt service you gave us through this whole process of booking this trip. Not to mention the few scary moments we had at the end, you managed to rescue situations and reassure us of our long awaited trip...we thank you for that and appreciate the extra lengths you went to secure our trip.
We are now looking at Zambia!!! I have my eye on a couple of camps, one in South Luanga, and one in Lower Zambezi, Kafue does not hold much appeal, so we want to concentrate on those two locations. We are also keen to do a walking safari at some point at the camps, which we believe Zambia are the pioneers in.
I guess we would be looking at 8nights or so, 3/4 nights in each location unless you could advise us on anything better? As regards time of year, we hear July/August for best game viewing?
It is without doubt that we will book with Island Safaris again, as we received the very highest in customer service and it was a pleasure booking with this travel company. and indeed, we now look forward to planning Zambia 2011!!
I returned to work last week with more chaos of strikes. Working through the strike is hard on the emotions, and does not make me popular with my colleagues should they find out. Alas being on strike does not pay for more African adventures, so I have to switch off from it all and get on with it. With more strikes still threatening for August, it could go on all year, its very depressing.I am trying to switch off from it, and just keep reflecting on the great trip we have had. Of course I am desperate to return there as soon as possible, but there just aren't enough months in the year!!
Hope you enjoy the World Cup, I really hope it goes well for SA, it could boost the country no end. We found the atmosphere in the airport alone to be electric.
We stayed at the Safari Club near Kempton Park when we arrived into JNB, what a gem of a place. My niece visited, so the whole trip from beginning to end was fantastic and went like clockwork!!
Let me know what your advice on Zambia July/August 2011...maybe the strikes will be over then???!!
Best Wishes,
Gina and David Lloyd.
June 2010
Following please find our feedback:
No transfers involved - so no comment.
At Letaka Safaris Northern Highlights Tour we had a wonderful guide - Nkosi and lovely camp staff which we would recommend any time. Food was great, too. Our only concern was the following:
- Too much driving time between camps. Also, to reach the lagune for a boat trip on day 9 the drive took 3 hours (one way) to reach the jetty for our boat ride. Hardly worthwhile for a boat trip of 1 1/2 hrs.
- There was no walking safari whatsoever and this was one of the main reasons to book above safari through you. There are 2 walking safaris mentioned in the itinerary. One consisting of a walk to bushman paintings, which was rather a rock climb of a few minutes than a walking safari. When asking Nkosi about the walks we were informed that there is no walking possible on the terrain we were covering on this safari. This was very disappointing for us.
You might want to be aware of great difficulties to withdraw money from ATM machines in Kasane. We tried 2 different cashflowcards from major Dutch banks at various banks to no avail. Also, no one wants to change any NZ Dollars. Not your fault, of course, but perhaps worthwhile knowing for any future clients.
To summarize: an excellent safari, however for any future safaris we would want to book a tailormade safari incorporating shorter distances, definitely walking and a mokoro trip which really should be incorporated in an Okavango Safari and which was a highlight on our previous safaris.
Kind Regards,
Brigitte and Jan van Kessel
June 2010
we try to answer your mail and to tell you about our level of satisfaction .
The service we received from Island-Safari.com was really very well, the best we never had ; our staff was Mandy, who answer us every time, that mean often, clearly and quickly, and always nice ; it's look like a friend who help us to prepare lovely holidays ; and we did know exactly what we have to do and when, for paiement for example ; so, very, very good .
The transfers were ok ; only one problem when the fly was late at Maun, to come back ; we must say that Mandy help us again, by phone ; may be it should be nice to have somebody at Johanesburg to help us at airport to catch our fly to Paris ; we found somebody in the airport who help us, but because we were lucky to meet him ; now, we must say that it was the end of Island Safari intervention . ( The transfer were worst in Paris . . . )
Macatoo Camp was a lovely camp with very nice people, very good food, very beautiful place and point of view, good horses, a lot of good surprises, etc . . .
Mandy tell us before that it was very nice and it was true .
So, we say you a big THANK YOU for all, especially for Mandy .
Regards
Annie and Bruno Pages
June 2010
I worked with Island Safari as an agent, and I was very happy with the excellent service from Michelle. My clients have also expressed tremendous satisfaction with their arrangements. I definitely look forward to working with Michelle more for future business.
Ajitha Ratnam
June 2010
I appreciate this opportunity to reply.
I had a very high level of satisfaction with all the Island Safari staff and Oddballs staff involved in my trip.
I felt your staff and the staff at oddballs we very accommodating and interested in making my trip go well.
The transfers all went well and have no real issues to speak of.
The only recommendations would be to offer about more consultation on the options for trips.
While, I picked Okavango Delta as my primary choice to come to in this area of Botswana.
I was not aware of some of the surrounding areas that were of interest that may have provided a different opportunity to view more wildlife and flora.
So it might be helpful in future to discuss options. Don’t take this the wrong way, since I was very specific that I want to visit the Delta with your staff.
I am looking to return to visit more wildlife areas of Botswana,,, plus Kruger in South Africa in the future.
So please keep in mind for any special packages or specials.
Regards Sabat,
June 2010
We are very happy of our trip and had a great time.
Meno a Kwena is a wonderful place and we saw a lot of animals.
Oddballs is also a pleasant place but the problem is that you can see very few animals, it's a good place for the Delta that all. If I had to choose again I will go to the north of the Delta much more interesting I think.
People were very nice in the both camps
The transfert was perfect.
The service of Island Safari was perfect too.
Monique Joyeux
June 2010
The service you received from Island-Safari.com staff during the booking process and during your tour. -
Mandy was very helpful, and unbelievably prompt with her responses during the planning of our trip. I highly recommend her!
The transfers you had.
All transfers went smoothly, except Botswana Air. Meet and Greet at Johannesburg Airport was cordial and efficient. All Delta Air flights were on time, or a bit early, and the pilots were polite and did their jobs well. Botswana Air was over two hours late getting us to Maun, but Delta Air was waiting for us and took us right to the plane. On our return to Johannesburg, Botswana Air had equipment problems and we were delayed over two hours but made our connection to the States.
Your stay at The Safari Club SA - Very satisfied
The Safari Club is very convenient to the airport, and reasonably priced. The room was very clean. The room keys are a bit difficult to use! The walls are a bit thin, and one can hear other guests.
Your stay at Lagoon Camp - Very satisfied
Accommodations were very comfortable. The camp staff was very pleasant and really seemed to enjoy singing for the guests before and after dinner. Chasing the wild dogs was incredible! The guides and trackers seem to really enjoy their jobs! We greatly enjoyed the convivial conversation with other guests and staff at the common dinner table. I had expected to see many elephants crossing into Namibia, as in Chobe, but that was not the case. I can't blame Island-Safari for that as I chose the camp!
Your stay at Lebala Camp - Delighted
The new "tents" are very attractive and spacious. Camp staff and manager were very efficient and friendly. I was particularly impressed by all of the guides, who seemed adept at tracking and finding animals to please their guests. A very well run camp in a wonderful location with lots of game! Saw lions, cheetah, and many zebra, giraffe, red lechwe, tsessebe, wildebeest, impala, and birds. Sundowner locations were gorgeous, usually by water, providing for wonderful photos. I usually like to try new camps each visit, but this is a place I would return to.
Your stay at Stanley's Camp- Very satisfied
Unbelievable food, and many staff to cater to any whim! The tents are a bit small compared to those at Kwando camps, but spaced far apart so you don't hear your neighbors. We had to drive a bit to find much game, but did see leopard, lions, and genet. The Elephant Encounter was a once-in-a-lifetime event. Spending time up-close with those ellies was amazing. Rapidly rising water was a problem for vehicles that got stuck frequently.
Little Kwara Camp - Very Satisfied
Very intimate camp with only five tents. Fortunately we really enjoyed the other guests and the camp manager who was also our guide. Rising water made for difficult game drives with many vehicles getting stuck. Lots of game, and large variety, the first day we were there, but they seemed to have vanished overnight! We did get to spend some time with three cheetah brothers, which was a delight. Also saw a large male leopard, and three lion, but none of the Magnificent Seven that are supposed to rule there.
Most of the guests at these four camps were experienced safari-goers, so our dinner conversations were very interesting! A nice group of people!
Thanks to Mandy again for all of her help!
Gail Edwardson
June 2010
Arrived back home last night after a truly wonderful safari. This is to thank you for arranging such a magical trip to Botswana. Having discussed our likes/dislikes with you, your advice on our itinerary proved to be spot on. All the arrangements and transfers went incredibly smoothly, the staff and food at all the camps was great and I haven’t yet mentioned the wonderful game viewing and the splendid solitude at Deception Valley. Many thanks again for a superb holiday, we’d certainly recommend Island- Safari to anyone thinking of such a trip. If you want any more feedback on the various places we stayed, just get in touch.
All the best......
Tony + Sue Etherington
June 2010
My wife and I were extremely pleased with all levels of service of our holiday commencing from Cara at Island-Safari.
All transfers were waiting for us with very pleasant staff.
The accommodation was very good especially the two camps (Oddballs Enclave and Meno A Kwena). The staff, food, service and activities at the camps were excellent and I would thoroughly recommend both camps.
The accommodation and service at Cottage Pie Guest House and Les Chambres Guest House were exceptional with the owners/managers being very welcoming.
Having done the trip there are two changes to accommodation I would suggest. If the price was similar I would recommend Victoria Falls Hotel instead of the Kingdom. (The Kingdom Hotel was excellent though) Also if the price was similar accommodation near to the waterfront area in Knysna.
We have no complaints though with any of the accommodation and we had an excellent holiday. I would thoroughly recommend Isand-Safari to any of our friends interested in booking an African Holiday.
We are also interested in going to Kenya and Tanzania next year so you might pass our details to someone in your office.
Thank you
Steve and Victoria Boyd
Sydney, Austalia.
June 2010
We had a great time and everything was taken care of perfectly. Chobe Safari Lodge was very nice and the transfers to Victoria Falls for our flight home went smoothly. We thank you for the service and arrangements. It is nice to go on a vacation and know it is taken care of and you don't need to worry.
Thanks,
Deb LaForge
June 2010
We would like to THANK YOU for your advices, your help and your suggestions by preparing the wonderful trip that we have done.
It has been an unforgettable experience.
All the lodges were perfect, all the transfers were duly on time !!!
We will certainly recommend Island-Safari to our family and friends and we will get back for another experience with you
Best regards
Philippe & Alexandra Weicker-Quix
June 2010
We got back last week from our Riding Safari.
We had been planning our trip for at least three years and our expectations were high - but those expectations fell way, way short of the reality.........
The Delta is one of the most beautiful, untouched areas of the globe and I felt privileged to experience the scenery, the sunsets and huge varieties of animals in their natural environment.
The horses were magnificent and the guides and grooms were all dedicated and talented and made us feel safe and confident (even when being charged by an elephant!)
The pure luxury and attention to detail was faultless, from the warmest, most comfortable beds I have slept in to the beautifully set dining tables we came across in the middle of the bush whilst out riding, to the red hot showers, to the exquisite cuisine.
John Sobey was a marvellous host, who put the needs and wishes of his guests first and foremost and ensured that everyone had an unforgettable time.
It was, without doubt, the trip of a lifetime - however it may end up being the first in a series of trips of a lifetime to the Macatoo Camp!
Thank you for all your help with the bookings - and in sorting out the many different payments in different currencies from different countries.
Kind regards
Sally Pegg
June 2010
The service you received from Island-Safari.com staff during the booking process and during your tour. Excellent, seamless, all bases covered
The transfers you had. All transfers went very smoothly and our customized request for transfer from Vic Falls to Livingstone to airport was exactly what we needed and driver was an excellent tour
guide.
Your stay at Victoria Falls Hotel - always love it but the property is really getting run down and needs a lot of work
Your stay at Mfuwe Lodge - wouldn't stay there again - food and food service very poor, May 20 it took 55 min to get dinner served and the beef, gravy and green beans were cold - had to beg to get wine
served.
Larry van Dyke
June 2010
Thanks for your follow up email, it is yet another display of the wonderful service we received from Island-Safari.com.
Alison De Bruyn was our contact for the planning of our trip and was absolutely outstanding. She was patient with our extensive questions, very helpful with advice and suggestions and organised everything to perfection. We will recommend Island-Safari to any of our friends wanting to visit Africa and, in particular, Alison for her extremely professional and friendly service.
As for Pondoro, we have already recommended this lodge and game park to Wedding Destinations (weddingdestinations.com.au). I have included below a copy of the information I sent them.
“We were extremely impressed with Pondoro and our “thatched roof villa”, which was a standard room but would probably pass as a deluxe room in many other places. It had a king bed with mosquito net, ensuite and outdoor bathtub, also a private patio and all overlooking the Olifants River. The meals were beautifully cooked, morning tea included on the am safari and sundowner drinks and nibbles provided on the evening safari. The Ranger, Shaun, knew a huge amount and was very generous in sharing his knowledge – in fact he was brilliant. Then there were the animals. We saw everything except hippos and those we could hear but they were hidden in the river reeds. Being so close to the lions and rhinos was a fabulous experience, not to mention all the other animals. The safari was impeccable throughout.
I am actually South African but grew up in Australia. My family have spent a fair bit of time in Kruger and other National Park areas and Balule is definitely one of the best places.
The other thing Pondoro did extremely well was provide a “special” dinner for birthdays and honeymooners. On our first night, for Andrew’s birthday, we were taken to their wine cellar which was in a small room with a private patio, overlooking the river. We were served a candlelit dinner, cake and two of the staff sang for us. It was such a surprise and just fabulous. There were honeymooners staying as well and they were taken to a private table set up by the river with an open fire and candle light to show them the path. Very romantic. This was all at no extra cost. The staff certainly knew how to make the guests feel special.”
“... You asked about the price... it was Rand 1435 per night for two people, in a standard room. All meals, tea, coffee and cordial included. Wine etc was extra. Two safaris a day approx 3 to 4 hours each, plus a guided walk along the river.
For your interest I have included a copy of our itinerary.”
“The only thing I would suggest for anyone going to Pondoro is to take extra snacks. If one doesn’t go on the pm safari then no afternoon tea is provided. Lunch is at 1pm and dinner around 8/8.30pm so it’s a long time between meals.
Also, I highly recommend flying into Hoedspruit, not Nelspruit which is 2.5 hrs drive from Pondoro (or longer if you are stuck with a slow driver like we were).”
Melissa, in a nutshell, we have recommended Pondoro to all our friends in Sth Africa and Australia, and to everyone else we meet such as hair dressers, work colleagues etc, and with it Island-Safari as the agent for itineraries and bookings. Alison is deserving of an employee award for her friendliness and excellent service.
Thanks for arranging such an outstanding holiday.
FYI, We are now thinking of having our wedding and honeymoon on a beach location in Tanzania.
Regards,
Anouk Bedford
June 2010
Have just got back to work following our trip to Southern Africa.
All in all, Patrick and I had a wonderful experience. It was a good mix. Personally my favourite was Pom-Pom Camp and the Okavango Delta. I really loved the peace and serenity, and gentle pace. I loved the size and intimacy of the camp.
The other 2 were hotel experiences which were good. I preferred Mowana to Zambezi Sun if I had to make a choice. Room certainly better, but perhaps general hotel facilities at Zambezi better. How much more expensive would Royal Livingston Sun have been as a matter of interest?
Apart from a glitch re our flight from OR Tambo, the transfers were good. A minor delay in being picked up once across the border in Zambia for transfer to Zambezi Sun (about half hour wait).
Game rides etc were all good.
Would have no problem in recommending your services.
Thanks and regards,
Chris Eedes
June 2010
We filled out the satisfaction survey forms at the lodges and gave everyone and everything the highest marks. That would also apply to the Island-Safari staff.
Thank you for helping with a most enjoyable journey.
all best,
ed wilmsen
June 2010
Our travel included the accommodation booking for two nights at Victoria Falls Hotel, Victoria Falls. The vouchers were emailed and all bookings were in place when we arrived in the hotel. We loved the hotel especially as we have been travelling rather intrepidly through Southern Africa so it was a very welcome retreat for two nights. The staff and service at the Victoria Falls Hotel was wonderful and one day we hope to return!
With thanks
Faye Bland
June 2010
Every thing was great. Only hitches were caused by me - leaving my glasses on Botswana Air plane but got them back next day. All four camps were great. Didn't see much wild life at Delta Camp. Muchenje and Xakanaxa made up for that. We were lucky as we saw a lioness at close quarters with cub, some large herds of Elephant (high light was watching a young elephant drinking from its mouth as it was too young to use its trunk), a herd of about 1000 buffaloe, the usual other wild life including a pack of wild dogs (quite rare) and a cheetah - too far away to get a clear photo but good view with binoculars.
Didn't see much of Victoria falls as the water in the Zambezi was exceptionally high and the spray was heavier than a monsoonal down pour. Great view from the chopper though - that was a real hit with Debbie as it was her first trip in a chopper. On advice from Charmaine, at Chundukwa, we did the half hour flight and skimmed thru the gorges. Well worth the extra money. Unfortunately the video I took (got the front seat next to the pilot) got rewound and taped over. Have heard that you can buy a video from Batoka Helicopters so we might email them.
Will have to, revisit Victoria Falls when there is less water.
Did have a worry at Metcourt - when we booked in I gave the young man on reception my Malaysian Identity Card for ID. Later when I realised I didn't have it I went to reception. There was some one different there and they said that they didn't keep the ids only photocopied them. I noticed that they did have someones passport. Searched our room and on my 3rd trip to reception they found it. This card covers my work permit and is as important as a passport. I was not impressed with them. Every thing else there was fine.
We found Zambia and Botswana more organised than South Africa.
Hope this helps
Regards
Tony Hutchins
May 2010
thank you for (twice) getting me to oddballs. The first 3-night stay was lovely (my son & daughter in law accompanied). Second stay was a 4 night buush camping experience - extraordinary.
Nigel was very helpful and I wd certainly recommend your services. Let me suggest that you consider giving unsuspecting clients a bit of a "things to pack" list, because "luxury camping" is a bit of an oxymoron for Oddballs.
Women generally shd consider packing MOSQUITO REPELLENT (the local stuff is not strong enough for some folks; it left me with mountains of welts); a good flashlight/torch and a camper's headlamp for reading are needed; shampoo & conditioner & body lotion are not supplied, and other toiletries are not readily available (maybe this shd be self evidnt, but i was misled by the "luxury" label, but there was no problem bec. Joyce, the mgr., got it through radioing the Delta air pilot - she is also a gem). Also, women campers might consider getting one of those plastic devices called "Freshette" that enable women to pee standing up (or use it to pee in a bottle so they don't have to exit the tent into the arms of baboons or leopards in the middle of th nnight - a godsend). It wd also help to knnow in advance that there is a solar power system to recharge camera, etc.
i am considering bringing a large group of women campers from Southern California for a Botswana/S. AFrica adventure, including Oddballs or a similar experience, perhaps Landrover camping in the CKGR and other challenging t rips. Will be in touch soon, and would appreciate knowing what else you might have on offer.
With many thanks,
Judy Koffler
May 2010
We had a wonderful trip to Vic falls & Botswana [Muchenje & Xakanaka camps]. Your advice and arrangements were excellent, and all went flawlessly and as specified. Thank you! We will not hesitate to highly recommend your and Island-Safari services. Best wishes,
Colin & Gloria Stokol
May 2010
Regarding the experience of my group Turing their trip I am pleased to send you their feedback to the categories on your mail:
1.- Everything was perfectly coordinated and booked. Claudia was really helpful during the booking process
2.- Every transfer was on schedule and there was always someone waiting for them when they arrived to a new place.
3.- Little Kwara Camp: nice, cozy, familiar, excellent service.
4.- Xakanaxa Camp: just perfect.
5.- Chobe Game Lodge: excellent service, excellent quality and great food.
So in general they had a wonderful experience and we would recommend Island Safaris here in Spain.
Yours sincerely,
Almudena Lopez
May 2010
My experience with Louise and Island Safari was excellent. The two lodges I stayed in were very comfortable and the game drives wonderful. I will definitely recommend your firm to other people I meet who are interested in visiting So. Africa.
Carol Cummings
May 2010
Matt and I had a wonderful time on our trip and we just want to thank you so much for your flexibility and expertise on helping us plan this trip. This will be the vacation that we will remember for a lifetime. There was a different "feel" at each lodge and the way it progressed was amazing. Chunduckwa, then Elephant Valley, then Kwara ... a very nice order to do the safari, I would definitely suggest this for anyone else planning an African safari. Every single member of each staff team at every lodge was most helpful and so excited for our presence. We had a blast with all of our guides and the food was absolutely delicious!!
Thanks again Claudia!
Julia Blandin
May 2010
Thank you for assisting us on our recent holiday in Zimbabwe. We had a fantastic time and I truly appreciate the help that was provided by island Safari.
The service that I received during the booking process from all of your staff was excellent and communication was both prompt and helpful.
The transfers provided were on time and comfortable. I appreciated that transfers could be rescheduled whilst on tour also.
Our stay at the Victoria Falls Hotel was truly memorable. The service was impeccable and the facilities were of the highest calibre.
Thank you once again for helping to create a fantastic holiday. I would recommend Island Safari to my friends and colleagues and look forward to using your services once again for future holidays.
Kind regards,
Gavin Kamara
May 2010
I had a great vacation with my sons and want to recognize Mandy as being very important in this success. She helped me design the trip and promptly answered all questions I had over the next 6 months. The trip was great. A very special thanks to her for insight and promptness.
Our vouchers and transfers worked as you indicated they would. We had absolutely no problems along the way. Our first two days at Oddballs was the ideal time to get the jet lag problem behind us while enjoying a very comfortable low pressure introduction to Botswana.
Our time at oddballs with the help of Joyce and our guides MD and Kalim put us off on the right foot. This is a great introduction to the Botswana personality and knowledge of the bush. We had excellent food prepared and served by wonderful attendants. This specific part of our trip gave us an insight as to what was to come.
Our stays at the other two hotels, Maun Lodge and the one at Livingstone were also clean and comfortable. While discussing the hotels I would like to say thanks for selecting the Balalaika Hotel in Joberg. This was a base from which it was easy and convenient to shopping and go to the Rosebanks shopping area. We really enjoyed this place.
I will not be able to illuminate all of the positive aspects of the Bushways Safari. Our guide, Master, is specifically the one that I would send my friends to. He had a helper, Alan, who took care of the camp and prepared fine meals. But, Master showed a very deep respect for the game and knowledge of their habitat and animal habits. He was a true professor. He had patience beyond belief. He was the truly outstanding item on the whole trip. His courtesy in his very subdued way to other guides and outfitters was a delight to witness.
Thanks again and I do plan to return and most likely do the same trip over.
Frank Griffith
May 2010
I just wanted to take a second to personally thank you for the great work you did by planning our trip. It was simply fantastic, and I think probably the best trip both of us have ever taken. Every transfer and reservation were made perfectly, and we didn't have one issue the entire trip. I also appreciated you linking us up with Andy for the wine tour. If I'm not mistaken, you probably paired us with him on purpose, because of his military background. It was really fun getting to know him throughout that day, trading war stories and what not. Lastly, Tongabezi was an amazing and relaxing experience. They went out of their way to make sure we had an enjoyable and romantic time. They told me they had recieved word that it was a very special occasion, and I appreciate you passing that along. However, regretfully, due to the specialized ring that I got, and how long it took to ship, and then the ash cloud delaying all mail into Europe, I didn't recieve it on time. I know, very frustrating! So, I decided to wait until the conditions are perfect (meaning, that I actually have a ring), so I'll have to plan another trip when we get back from Iraq in a few months. Anyway, I felt guilty because the staff was so helpful and gracious, yet I couldn't even go through with my plan. So thank you for going out of your way to help me out, and please pass my sincere thanks on to the Tongabezi staff as well. I will also write my formal review soon to the inquiry I recently recieved.
Thanks so much,
Craig Buerstatte
May 2010
It was the first time, which we made a safari, and it was also the first time that I passed via a turn operative operator on Internet : I was thus somewhat anxious.
However, throughout the organization of this voyage, Claudia, which had in load our file, knew to reassure us by showing of patience, availability and reactivity. It especially usefully informed us, advised and guided so that this safari marvelously proceeded, without never to have met any problem : all was perfect.
- the transfers (which I feared a little!!!) were organized in time and hour, and always with pleasant and obliging personnel ;
- the quality of the lodges, the services and the food exceeded all our waitings ; we in particular appreciated :
- for Zambezi sun: its establishment near the falls and its architectural style;
- for Kubu Lodge: its framework and its dinners
- for Camp Moremi : its establishment, its side “England old woman”, and her environment
- for Chitabe Lebide: its side intimist.
I will not fail to again call upon the services of your company for our next voyage in Africa.
So long.
Gilles QUIOT
May 2010
Service from Island Safari was very good. Did not need to contact them once booking were made, we had contact details of all the places we stayed. No problem with vouchers or transfers or anything else.
Vilancolous Beach lodge great accommodation and food.
Pom Pom, great camp not 5 star but its great value for money and food is good. Will go back again.
Karel Landman
May 2010
The service that I received from Island-Safari for my recent trip to Botswana was excellent. I want to particularly mention the outstanding support that I received from Elize during the whole process. She was very prompt in answering my questions and guiding me to the right camps based on my preferences and needs.
All the transfers and reservations made by island-safari were perfect and we had no issues whatsoever during the entire trip. Both camps were excellent and I would not hesitate to go back there.
A couple of minor issues:
Kwara camp knew about my diet preference but Lebala camp did not know that I was a vegetarian. There was no big problem because they had a couple of vegetable side dishes and I was fine.
Also, in Lebala, I felt that the guide went a bit too close to the animals. I was never concerned about our safety, but I was concerned that we were putting the animals in a bit of discomfort. I was told that there was a rule that the vehicles had to be a ceratin distance apart from the animals, but we did not observe that in some instances. It is a good rule, if we want to keep the wilderness truly wild.
I will certainly be back asking for your help again in organizing my next safari to southern Africa.
Thanks again
Best regards,
Viji Padmanabhan
May 2010
See below for some feedback. I can say overall I'm really satisfied, I will use Island safari again and will recomend it to friend and family.
Hope it help
Karine Cliche
May 20101
I would like to thank you on behalf of my group for the organization of the trip. They have told me that everything was great (lodges, transfers, food…). They also told me that everyone was really kind and helpful. Everything went as expected and even better.
They would like to recommend Island Safaris to their friends and Spanish Travel Agencies for future trips.
So thanks again and congratulations for the organization.
Kind regards,
Almudena García López
May 2010
The service from Island Safari was great. Elize was a huge help and very pleasant to deal with.
I booked my own transfers but Wild Horizons was a great experience from Kasane to Livingstone.
I was so happy that I booked Oddballs and Santawani together. They were two wonderful (and quite different) experiences. The staff made me feel so at home in both camps and went above and beyond to ensure that I got exactly what I wanted out of the trip.
Thanks again for making this an unforgettable experience.
-Anthony Evegan
May 2010
We thoroughly enjoyed our holiday in Southern Africa. The stay at Chobe Safari Lodge, which we've booked through Island Safari was wonderful. The Lodge is very nice, the Safari activities very enjoyable. The transfer to and from the Lodge worked out very well too. Alltogether you've provided a super service. Thank you very much.
We'd recommend you anytime.
Kind regards
Gabriele Wilson
May 2010
The tour was excellent!!!
Louise helped me so much on my preparations to make me feel secured and arranged. She also follow up very well with everything.
I also wanted to give very high compliments to our guide Clive Carelse. He was excellent and very professional. He made us feel so comfortable in the trip and he's always on time!!!! The tour was very well done and we really appreciated Clive's professionalism.
Thank you so much for making this such a great experience for us. We surely will highly recommend to our friends.
Cheers
Mandy Fung
May 2010
Back in Sweden after a wonderful 5 days´ at Oddballs Enclave between the 6th and the 10th of May, 2010 we would like to express our thanks to you for having provided us with a few days with great experiences; early morning tours with the mokoro, a guide that introduced us to his vast knowledge of the delta by reading our questions before we uttered them, a host that with joviality and smiles saw to all our needs and then cooks that provided meals that could compete with any international restaurant. These days will come back to us in reflections and discussions for many years to come and maybe these memories will trigger the decision to return to the Okavango delta and the Enclave once more.
We posted a postcard addressed to our host (K-tee)and guide (M-pee) at the enclave. As it goes by snail mail it may take its time to get there. However we hope they get the card as we really felt warmed by their hospitality and generosity.
Arvid Löfberg and Birgitta Qvarsell
May 2010
The service you received from Island-Safari.com staff during the booking process and during your tour.
My original contact was Cara but she had a problem and switched me to Louise
I then dealt almost exclusively with Louise who most helpful and efficient. I really appreciate her cooperation and efforts.
I will be grateful if pass on my appreciation to her.
The transfers you had.
Our flights in Namibia were top class due to the friendly and efficient service of our Cessna 210 pilot, Ian Fanner of "Wings over Africa".
Road transfers were generally good and the drivers/guides helpful.
Your stay at Olive Grove Guesthouse Good
Your stay at Canon Lodge Very good
Your stay at Sossusvlei Lodge Very good
Your stay at Hansa Hotel Very good
Your stay at Mowani Mountain Lodge Very good
Your stay at Eagle Tented Camp Very good
Your stay at Victoria & Alfred Hotel Very good
Your stay at Robertson Small Hotel Excellent
Your stay at Phantom Forest Lodge Very good
Your stay at D'Oreale Grande Hotel Very good
Due to a change in itinerary we also stayed at the Kelway Hotel, Port Elizabeth which was not quite up to the standard of the other accommodations.
Chris Ostenfeld
May2010
Thank you for your email and the follow-up.
I am very satisfied with the service from island safaris. The booking process & payment was uncomplicated, the transfers were all good and comfortable, and the stay at Victoria Falls Hotel was excellent.
In summary, I can definitely recommend island safaris to my friends and colleagues.
Many thanks and kind regards,
Arkadius Pichota
May 2010
I am happy to give feedback on my wonderful holiday !
The service that I received during the booking process was EXCELLENT. My e mails were answered very quickly and my questions were regarded as important and the response was always polite, friendly and informative. I really felt that my custom was valued.
The transfers worked like clockwork and I was never kept waiting or worrying about what would happen next. My luggage was swiftly taken from me and I was lead through the formalities of booking-in or boarding aircraft with great skill and pleasantness. I particularly commend the company who met me at Lusaka Airport for my transfer to Nkwali via Mfuwe Airport.
The stay at Nkwali was very special. The accommodation is superb, the programme well organised, the food excellent and the staff were exceptionally welcoming and well trained in every aspect of hospitality. They could teach some big and expensive hotels quite a lot about how guests should be treated ! Everybody in the Camp went to a lot of trouble to make the experience as special as possible.
The Zambezi Sun was comfortable, clean and efficient. I enjoyed my short stay there.
Muchenje was fun ! Again the staff were pleasant and helpful and the Manager, Kathy, was a delighful lady. The accommodation was good and the Game viewing was well organised and the Guides were very knowledgeable. It was just a happy three days.
Kwara was the Camp that I least enjoyed but, basically, it is good. It did not have quite the same level of hospitality and comfort as the first two Camps but the Guides and Trackers made up for any shortfall. They went to extraordinary trouble to find animals and to try and please everyone. Their enthusiasm and dedication were fantastic !
Xakanaxa was very good. The food was excellent and plentiful. The tents were well furnished and comfortable and again the staff were attentive, cheerful and efficient. It was another happy experience. I think that several people there had come back because they enjoyed the place so much on previous holidays.
The Safari Club was fine. I was very cold on the night that I stayed and I did not enjoy eating my dinner on a tray on my knee. However, I believe that will not happen in future as the following day the workmen were there to begin a refurbishment of the computer room to make a new diningroom.
All in all, I would highly recommend your Company to my friends and aquiantances. I would also particularly recommend Nkwali and Muchenji.
My special thanks to Alison for all her help and advice. She was very patient with me and I felt that she understood exactly what I wanted and was sympathetic to my requirements and anxiety. She is a great asset to Island-Safari.
I hope this is helpful
Sincerely
Pat Bradley
May 2010
I have had several trips orgainised by Elize Cavill-Taylor during recent years and have always had superb treatment and assistance from her.
Our recent family trip to Victoria Falls for 4 days has been no exception. She has always answered my e-mails timeously and attended to all my quirks with aplomb. I hope all your agents are as good as her.
The Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is a superb venue. The rustic atmosphere, room locations, staff, food, activities, proximity to all facilities, regular shuttle transport, the waterhole and the views over the Zambezi National Park can be recommoned to all. Such magnificent sunsets.
Thank you Island Safaris for a wonderful experience.
Till next time,
April Bac
May 2010
THANK YOU FOR THE REPLY. WHEN WE RETURN TO bOTSWANNA I WILL WRITE YOU AS OUR TRIP THERE WAS FANTASTIC AND ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF ALL MY WORLD TRAVELS.
JOHN SIFFERT
May 2010
Here is our feedback:
The service you received from Island-Safari.com staff during the booking process and during your tour. Your service was fine and we will happily book through you again.
The transfers you had. The transfers in Johannesburg provided by Outback Lodge were outstanding. We arrived from Australia 1 hour early at 5am and our contact was waiting for us.
Your stay at Outlook Lodge Outlook Lodge was also outstanding . They allowed us to check-in at about 7am. Both the manager Salome and driver Bennett were really helpful.
Your Southern Cross Tour with Shongololo Express We really enjoyed the Shongololo and would like to take the trip from Cape Town to Johannesburg in the next year or so. If a special is offered please email us.
Your stay at Victoria Falls Hotel The Victoria Falls Hotel was great and we will stay there again someday.
Regards
Bob and Maureen Nicolle
May 2010
The service you received from Island-Safari.com staff during the booking process and during your tour. Excellent service we are very pleased
The transfers you had. Worked all right except for return trip plane out of commission and long wait on the trip over. This area should be strengthened, not compatible withthe rest of the package
Your stay at Indigo Bay Lodge Excellent
Ruben Hernandez
May 2010
We were very satisfied of our stay in Oddballs Enclave It ws a very relax time and our guide was super.
The staff was very attentfully and friendly. The food was also more than ok.
The flight was very exciting n our excursions in the Mokoro were fascinating.
We thank you for your kindness
Yolande and Etienne Michiels
May 2010
We just wanted to thank you for organizing a fabulous, unforgettable Africa adventure. We loved each part of it and had the best time ever. As Eric emailed, Andy was fantastic...he was definitely one of the highlights for me! Everything was wonderful and luxourious and we appreciate your planning!
I already want to start planning a trip back... but I'll have to be patient for that one
Thank you!
Kerry Dorfman
May 2010
I would like to thank you for all your assistance with the bookings and the choice of the camps. We really enjoyed our journey. The service of your staff was great. We always felt comfortable.
The transfers between the accomodations were without problems and well organized. Our stay at Kwara Camp was amazing. We really liked, that it was a private consession because of the less people and vehicles. This was real safari feeling. The stay at Elephant Valley Lodge was also wonderful, but especially for us it seemed a little bit more commercial after our first experience. So I would say, if we have to decide next time, we are going to choose only private camps. But that's only a note, we really enjoyed our whole trip.
Our stay at Victoria Falls Hotel was also nice, but we thought, that for younger people the Kingdom Hotel would be better because of hte architecture style.
All in all, we had a wonderful time and I think it wasn't the last time that we did a safari trip, so maybe we will meet again. Thanks for all your help.
Michael Alberti
May 2010
thanks for your email, my stay in Stanley Safari Lodge was terrfic, I have no comments on this. Rick, one of the mangers is a nice and friendly guy
The service was perfect during the booking process as Patricia is a very nice and helpfull lady.
i would recommend Stanley lodge and Island Safari to everyone.
kind regards,
Laurentien Kok
May 2010
It has taken a bit longer to reply to your email due the volcanic ash disruption. We were delayed a week and have only just returned to the U.K.
I was impressed by the service I received from Louise when arranging my trip. She was very helpful and really put herself out. I certainly would recommend Island-Safari to friends and family. Well done Louise.
The transfers arranged for us from Joburg airport to The Safari Club and then from Waterlily Lodge to Vic Falls were excellent.
I really enjoyed our stay at The Safari Club 15 minutes drive from Joburg airport. A peaceful haven after a long trip. My husband and I were made to feel really welcome. Accommodation was really nice. Loved the honesty bar.
Waterlily Lodge. What can I say. It was great. Very rustic. The staff so friendly and willing to help. If you want a quiet inexpensive place to stay in Kasane this is the place to stay. No frills but very good value.
Victoria Falls Hotel was definitely five star luxury. We had a lovely room with a view of Victoria Falls and which overlooked the terrace and gardens. Excellent.
Took Louise's advice and went to the Boma restaurant. That was fun. Thanks for the tip.
Rovos Rail - Definitely a five star trip. If you are looking for a luxury train trip from Victoria Falls to Cape Town, this is it. The staff look after your every need on and off the train. Brilliant.
Thank you.
Aileen Linacre
April 2010
I am back home after a wonderful one week in southern Africa. The arrangements you made were perfect and there were no issues at any point during our stay. I was impressed at how every single detail was taken care of and that we could relax without having to worry about the details. A huge THANK YOU from Anna and I.
Kwara and Lebala were brilliant. Despite the high water levels, we had good sightings and that included lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants and wild dogs apart from the plains game. The camps were well-run and comfortable and the guiding was superb.
I am thinking of coming back to the region in 2012. Whether it is going to be in South Africa, Botswana or Namibia, I will be turning to you for help in planning and reservations.
Take care,
Viji Padmanabhan
April 2010
thanks for your great service, the booking process and the service during the tour was really perfect. We had a wonderful time and the transfers were optimal organised. The Pom Pom Lodge was good, the staff very friendly, but unfortunately there were not so much animals as we eccepted. Our stay at Muchenje Safari Lodge was very good and as offered by Elize as your most favorite Lodge in Chobe we can agree. We can recommand you and if we need an other tour organized, we will come back to you.
With kind regards
Ingrid and August Kastl
April 2010
Thanks again to Claudia who excellently performed all booking procedures!!! Even during the weekends....I really do recommend her service!
Camps Bay Retreat:
Nice ambience and perfect location for spending a weekend closed to all attractions and restaurants. Great view terrace for sundowner
Deluxe accomodations with adequate but not overwhelming cleanliness and comfort (no exchange of towels)
Dinner ambience nice but food was poor (no chance for medium rare eaters...)
Breakfast selection ok
Basse Provence:
Nicely located out of town in the vines. Low price does justify lack of service. You need to carry your bags by yourself. Rooms are ok, pool could be filled with less chlorine.
Tsala Treetop:
Our family suite was with about the best lodges we ever had in Southern Africa. Perfect comfort with fireplace, deluxe bathrooms and view outdoor showers. Extremely friendly service in hotel and kitchen, with great ambience in the main dining hall. Superb breakfast.
It was worth every single Rand we spent! Thanks again Claudia!
Now we are ready for the next trip to Mocambique next year. We will soon contact Claudia!
Thanks again!
Michael Pack
April 2010
The service you received from Island-Safari.com staff during the booking process and during your tour: Very good
The transfers you had:On time
Your stay at The Victoria Falls Hotel: Excellent
Thanks,
Kevin Reeves
April 2010
I thought that Patricia from Island -Safari was very good. She responded to my emails promptly and gave me plenty of options for my trip with no pressure on me. I was very satisfied with the service.
I had a problem with one of my transfers.It was the transfer from Victoria Falls hotel to the Kasene airport on the day my tour started. Falcon was supposed to pick me up at 8:45 for an 11:30 flight. At 9:05 I started getting worried and had the hotel ring them. They said they would be right there and they didn't show up. The hotel rang them several times and they finally showed up around 10 and I got to the Kasene airport at 11. The driver had thought the pickup was from Kasene not Victoria Falls and went there. Falcon had to find a driver to do the job at the last minute. The person they found was very good and also the Operations Manager came to the hotel with him to apologise.
The Victoria Falls hotel was very nice. Another Australia that I met complained that there was no refridgerator in the room and that her husband had medication that needs to be in the fridge. Also no tea or coffee facilities in the room. Staff very nice and Breakfast was fantastic. The buffet dinner was very good and catered to all tastes. The staff was very nice.
The Letaka Tour was fantastic. We had an amazing guide - Joe who could hunt out the lions. He was really knowledgable about birds and mammals and gave us lots of information about Botswana. The food was excellent and they catered very well for a vegetarian who was on the tour. All their staff was lovely . I would definately go on another tour with them.
Regards,
Jeri Levinsky
April 2010
My Mum and I had a wonderful weekend in Victoria Falls and everything went to plan
Many thanks for your input
Kind regards
Lynda Blake
April 2010
The service you received from Island-Safari.com staff during the booking process and during your tour.
Excellent service. We dealt with Claudia and were very happy with everything.
The transfers you had.
Excellent transfers.
Your stay at Kwara Camp
Our stay at Kwara Camp was perfect. The camp is extremely well-managed by Janet and Tusso. Staff are friendly, professional and knowledgeable. Our guides, Disho and Justice, were great. Wonderful game drives. Facilities and food were excellent.
Your stay at Delta Camp
Our stay at Delta Camp was very good. We received a very professional and friendly welcome from Lenna and from our guide Papio. We found the atmosphere at Delta Camp quite different from Kwara: Delta is more a place to relax rather than a place to watch a lot of game at this time of the year (April). The fact that we had to take the mokoro every time we wanted to walk was a bit time-consuming and consequently reduced the time left for walks, which is a bit of a shame. Food was very good although we preferred the slightly less sophisticated but excellent food at Kwara. Delta Camp remains a magical place were to spend a few days. The camp is very well-managed and the staff is great.
Best wishes,
Loic Guyon & Anissa
April 2010
I just wanted to say thanks for all your help with booking the hotels and transfer in Africa. Both Victorica falls hotel and Onguma Bush Camp were great. Had no problems with either hotel or the transfer.
Sam Colquhouin
April 2010
Congrats on a seamless and wonderfull experience everything went exactly to plan on a fairly complex holiday and i will certainly recommend and reuse you services again !!!
Andrew Bruce
April 2010
We are very pleased with the service provided by Michelle during the booking process, she did an excellent job, especially considering our demanding itinerary, which had lots of changes along the way! We had no problems with any of our transfers and the staff where always polite and helpful.
The Zambezi Sun was absolutely lovely, everyone was very friendly, and it was fantastic being so close to the falls. Chobe Safari Lodge was amazing too, absolutely stunning, the views from the terrace were out of this world and we thoroughly enjoyed all the activities that were included, we had a fantastic time and will definately be visiting there again sometime in the near future.
The Cresta Bosele was also fine, the rooms were lovely and the staff were friendly and helpful.
As for the Gaborone Sun, this was a major disappointment with regards to checking in and the staff's poor attitude, in particular an obnoxious lady called Kay Nthomang who worked on reception and was downright rude. It took us two and a half hours to check in on arrival, as they claimed that we had not paid, this turned out that head office had not managed the simple task of tying up our payment with the booking and just decided to cancel it and keep the payment anyway! Their lack of organization & communication is astonishing and the staff could definitely do with a lesson in good manners and customer relations. The experience of Gabarone Sun unfortunately took the sheen off of an otherwise amazing holiday, and we certainly won't ever go back there again. Please feel free to pass this complaint on to Sun International on our behalf.
However, we will definitely be using Island Safari for any future bookings we make in Africa, as we are very pleased with the service we received from you. Hopefully this will be very soon!!
Kind regards
Mr & Mrs Jansen
April 2010
We had a memorable time, an unbelievable experience really.
As you can appreciate I am extremely busy catching up, but a quick note to say the arrangements were fantastic. Our onward journey o'nite in Joburg was excellent, accommodation first class, transfers good etc, on to Zambia no hitches, again transfers worked well and accommodation at Stanley Safari Lodge was the best we have ever experienced, open walled hut with own plunge pool and fire in winter, own personal waiter, activities and meals were first class. Could probably have another night here depending on schedule, to relax and enjoy facility a bit more.
Transfers to Botswana we could not believe how they worked so well, but were perfect. Accommodation at Muchenje Safari Lodge and food and activities were again excellent. Only suggestion would be to book in for min 3 nights as missed a day in travel there and left early on last morning, need min 3 nights to appreciate. Was too rushed fitting in all activities (safaris, all day game drive and boat cruise is awesome) and had beautiful facilities, but could not use and enjoy them.
Could thoroughly recommend the trip to anyone. Just add the extra nights.
Thanks again.
David Widdicombe
April 2010
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you very much indeed for all the help and advice you gave us in relation to our trip which we booked with you to Chobe Safari Lodge, Lagoon Camp and Little Kwara camp last month. In particular, we are so grateful for the help you provided in relation to our booking from Joburg to Kasane on Air Botswana, which we had obtained through Skytours (on-line), but then found out that the confirmed booking we had paid them for was in fact, only waitlisted!!
You came to our rescue by firstly organizing a back-up plan on BA to Vic Falls, but mainly in dealing directly with Air Botswana to confirm our waitlisted tickets. Everything went off very smoothly and there were no further problems. Thank you so much.
We thoroughly enjoyed all the camps, food, wildlife, activities and scenery and will always remember our amazing safari in Chobe and the Delta.
Thanks again for everything you did to help us have such an enjoyable trip.
Regards,
Yvonne & Ern Sammons.
April 2010
We couldn't have been more pleased with how everything worked out for our trip to Botswana. All the the plane transfers, connections, accommodations and food requests were perfect and in place.
Elize was a joy to work with, she was very efficient and arranged everything fabulously. Oddballs Camp in the Delta was magical and exactly what we had hope for from a "wilderness" experience. The staff there was first rate, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable about the region. Our guide MP was an excellent guide and mokoro "driver"!
We appreciated the "green" efforts and willingness to do everything electronically. Again, we couldn't be more satisfied!
Thank you,
Stephen Bergen and Sarah Johnson
April 2010
I sure had a wonderful stay at the Vic Falls. I had initially meant it to be a breakaway. It turned out into a full pleasant holiday.
The transfers were very well coordinated and always on time.
The Zambezi Sun Resort Hotel kept us entertained with live music all evenings, a cherry on top!!
I thank you all for the trouble, and of course a special thanks to Nigel.
Arthur Mooti
April 2010
Oddballs was fantastic. The guide Kitso and the manager matthew were more than attentive, the food was fantastic, the guides were so knowledgeable about the ecology/biology/cultural significance of all of the plant and animal life encountered, and everyone was just so friendly. The booking was not hard, and I appreciate Patricia's being so accomodating and understanding about Peter's flight being cancelled. The transfers were smooth--and I am so glad I booked this trip to oddballs.
Jay Mittal
April 2010
I was going to send some comments to Patricia Ko, your NZ rep.
We had a great holiday. The game lodge experience was a lovely conclusion to our self organised time in South Africa. I have included comments in the body of your email for the specifics.
The service you received from Island-Safari.com staff during the booking process and during your tour. Service was excellent although a bit convoluted through NZ. It was reassuring when we met Patricia Ko in person in NZ before we left – not everyone has this opportunity. There are always potential risks associated with booking through an internet site but thankfully our experiences were all good.
The transfers you had. Transfers from Maun and Kasane also worked well.
Our transfers by Delta Air also worked well. Though watching the petrol gauge on the Pom Pom to Kasane leg was a little disconcerting – it was almost empty!
Transfers by Falcon Safaris worked very well. It was reassuring to have someone walk us through the border crossing into Zimbabwe. We made further bookings through Falcon Safaris for our activities in Victoria Falls. They all worked smoothly. However, I did mention to the Falcon Safaris rep,Edina,who liaised with us that an on-the-spot receipt for the fairly large amount of money that we gave her would have been more reassuring.
Your stay at Pom Pom Camp Our stay at Pom Pom was a highlight. We felt totally indulged – the staff were friendly and attentive. The safari tent was unique; food was terrific; guide and animal trackers were very skilled and professional. Tom and I have travelled extensively and this will be remembered as one our best adventures. Management (relief) were very friendly. Hospitality staff well trained. We saw our only leopard here – in 5 game park visits!
Your stay at Muchenje Safari Lodge The view from the chalet was fabulous. Food especially the steak was excellent. Management was friendly but not as warm as Pom Pom. Having power and internet and washing done was a nice surprise. Game drives were very good – especially the stand off between the lioness, cub and elephant. The only reservation I had was that we had to drive all the way through Chobe national park to get to the lodge and the next day we drove all the way back to go on the river cruise (which we enjoyed). This made the day a very long day. Then on the morning of departure we didn’t have time for the village and school visit. If I were designing the trip for someone else, I would suggest they stay closer to Kasane to access the river cruise. On the morning of departure because of a problem of timing with some other guests, we were transferred part of the way in an open game vehicle which was a bit breezy!
Your stay at Victoria Falls Hotel This is a superb old hotel with a magnificent view. Service and food were excellent. We were so pleased that Patricia talked us into this. We were originally thinking of staying in Livingstone. When we visited Livingstone for a few hours we soon realised that Vic Falls was a far better option. Recommend the helicopter flight during the wet season to get a good look at the falls.
Sorry I have taken so long to respond with comments. Our antivirus program put your email into junk mail! We will have no hesitation in recommending Island Safari to our friends and trip advisor when I get around to it!
Many thanks
Marilyn & Tom Williams
April 2010
It'a a pleasure to give you feedback from our experiences with using Island Safari and the experiences from the trip.
The service when ordering the trip was good, we recieved the necessary information and had our questions answered quickly. The information and intinerary gave a good overview over what to expect, and everything happened as described in the information!
We were impressed by how well everything was organized. We were met at the airport in Maun, escorted to the plain, everything went smoothly and according to plan. The same happened when leaving Oddballs to go to Kesane.
We enjoyed the stay in Oddballs a lot. Good service, good food, very good and friendly guides. A fantastic place I would like to go back to.
The stay in Elephant Valley lodge was nice as well. Good service from the staff, beautiful place, good food. Very serviceminded and competent guide, that gave us great experiences in the Chobe national park.
Thank you so much!
Best wishes from Siri Gammelsæter and family
April 2010
1. Island Safari service was very good. Carien made the bookings and was very prompt and accurate in providing alternatives.
2. The transfers were well organised and the staff were very friendly
3. The Safari Club was fine for the two nights stay. On arrival I was concerned about aircraft noise but this was not a problem. The rooms were very good, spacious and comfortable. We used the bar (reasonable prices) and had supper on one evening. The food was good as was the breakfast. Overall good value for money.
4. Khwai River Lodge was excellent. My wife and I stayed there 3 years back and the standards remain very high. There were only 8 people including the four of us at the camp. We has a wonderful trip in a helicopter for 40 minutes. This was a great and unexepcted inclusion in the cost of the trip. The game viewing was very good given the time of the year. Watch was our guide. We even had to abandon our sundowners as lions joined as uninvited guests! My daughter and I used the massage facilities and we both enjoyed the service. The food was very good, possibly slightly better than three years back. The camp staff and management were very friendly. The accomodation is excellent. We also used the internet facilities.
5. Baines Camp was also excellent. It felt more like the Okavango due to more water in the area. We arrived drenched to our skins in a thunderstorm but we all were in high spirits and met with hot chockolate to drink. The management and staff were very accomodating and friendly. Benson was our guide and he tried very hard to make our stay a success. Game viewing was good but the wet conditions made it difficult driving around. Our vehicle was stuck on two occasions, but other vehicles helped us out. The roads are very bumpy and this would not be suitable for persons with neck or back problems. The camp is magnificent with a real African feel about it. The rooms are very private and large. The food was excellent. It is amazing what can be done in a remote camp. Wireless internet connection is available, if a bit slow. We had a surprise dinner in the bush which we all enjoyed enormously. Being a small camp allows one to feel part of the family. The service was first class. A highlight of our stay was a morning walk with the elephants. This was an amazing experience for all of us. The cost of this additional activity is good value for money and should not be missed. You have the opportunity to walk with "wild" elephants and learn from Doug about these magnificent animals. The morning is finished of by a great picnic lunch in the bush with the elephants joining in.
6. We enjoyed our stay at the Palace at Sun City. The rooms are excellent with great views. We had two meals in the Italian restaurant which were very good. Aftrenoon tea was also very good. The ladies used the beauty parlour and found the staff very friendly and efficient.
Overall the game viewing in late April 2007 was excellent, so on this trip it was not quite so good.This was due to the unusual high, late rains. So going in late April or early May could be better for game viewing. On our next trip we hope to return to Chief's Island and possibly futher north to the panhandle.
Regards
Roy Meade
April 2010
We had a wonderful adventure in Botswana and have absolutely no complaints about any of it. The Safari Club was convenient and comfortable but our stay was very brief there.
The three camps - Xakanaxa Camp, Kwara Camp and Delta Camp were just magic and the care we were given in each could not have been better. The guiding was excellent and all our transfers worked without a hitch. We are already planning to return. Thank you for your great organization.
Margaret and Roger Vines
April 2010
Lebala Camp was just great. We were very fortunate with the wildlife sightings. First day at the camp on our evening game drive we found a pride of Lions comprising of one male, two females and 2 cubs (my first time seeing cubs, they were about 3 months old – very cute and finding them was very exciting). Second day on our morning game drive we were observing a coalition of three male Cheetahs – and as luck would have it we saw our first kill! Third day on a night drive we spotted a Leopard, just sitting at the side of the road (close to camp). Our guide Dutch and our spotter Simon were fantastic and we had a great group of people in our jeep.
The accommodations were luxurious, the staff were all very friendly – just like family, and the food waas fabulous. Would I recommend this place? Most definitely. Would I go back? In a heartbeat.
Esther Pierre
April 2010
We had a great time in the Okavango Delta. For feedback I have nothing but praise. You made our stay easy and very comfortable. We felt like royalty.
Please pass our thanks to the people at Oddballs and Stanley's. There was truly nothing lacking. I do have some great photos taken while in Stanley's camp that I would like to share with the camp's staff if at all possible. Would it be possible to get an email address that I could use for this?
With kind regards
Annelies Verbeek
April 2010
The service from staff was excellent, except for some delay in finalising the small refund.
The transfers were all flawless.
We enjoyed both Stanley's Camp and Lagoon Camp and have no adverse comments.
Bob Charlton
April 2010
thanks for this mail.First of all we wish to thank Claudia for the great job she did and having recomend this tour.
We are used to stay in Afrika for safaris but we can say that these holiday was the best of all, well organised, transfert without any problem or delay.The camps as described and expected.
Thanks for your help and we hope you can help many others. Here in Europe, Belgium we will advice your company (and we have lot of relations who are staying on a regular base in Afrka for safari and:or holidays).
Best regards.
Alex en Magda Verschueren
April 2010
We had a fantastic trip, we found everything to be really welcoming, Cara from Island Safari was great with our bookings and always quick to reply.
The Transfers from Mautourco were very comfortable and on time.
The stay at the shandrani hotel was a great experience and surprisingly organized for such a big resort, we would definitely recommend it to others
Jason Bosch
April 2010
Hi, I've already given extensive feedback to Mandy with some specific suggestion, so please see those. In general we were very happy with all parts of the trip. It was extremely well organised and everything went supersmooth.
Service from island-safari: Excellent. Quick, efficient and forthcoming. Very service minded. Good information in advance about all parts of the trip, except some details on the zimbabwe part, see separate feedback (ref mandy).
Transfers: excellent, nothing to complain about.
Stay at pom pom: Friendly staff, excellent guides. Only thing that annoyed me a bit is that the day we wanted to do mokoro, another group of people from another camp was prioritized. It was strange that the guests of the camp were lower priority than external visitors.
Stay at chobe safari lodge: great accomodations. Not very professional staff. Eg wake up service did not work, and very slow and long waits in the reception.
We will recommend island safari for future guests.
Best regards
Tore Bjolseth
April 2010
We're back in the US and want to take a moment to say, 'thank you!!' for planning a truly fantastic trip to Botswana and Zambia for us. The experiences we enjoyed and the lodges in which we stayed far exceeded our expectations, and every detail of the travel plan was executed perfectly (from bush flights to border transfers).
We even appreciated the very special birthday celebration at Xugana Lodge--a private dinner on the floating deck. Each location and lodge had its own environment and ambiance, making for a rich and diverse set of memories--from sundowners in the Kalahari joined by two, black-maned lions to being in the middle of a 1,000+ zebra migration in Savute (with elephants cavorting in a lagoon, lion cubs & wild dogs relaxing just a few yards from our safari vehicle, and sitting with a family of vervet monkeys nursing and grooming--and so much more--all in between) We really appreciate all of the thought and effort that you gave to our trip. The only regret is that we didn't get to meet you in person in Jo'burg!
Again, thank you so much.
Kimberley Pittman-Schulz & Terry Schulz
March 2010
Everything was exceptional, I had a great time at Oddballs, the staff was very friendly and ready to help and the transfers went smoothly. Thank you very much and hope to organize something with you soon again.
Happy Easter
Diego Gomez Pickering
March 2010
· The service from the staff was excellent. Patricia was very helpful with all sort of advices.
· The transfers worked perfect (on time and so on)
· The stay at Oddballs Camp was very good with a trustful guide, very good food and (during circumstances) comfortable accommodation
Your sincerely
Henrik Jerkrot
March 2010
I am happy to give you feedback regarding our wonderful trip in Africa.
Please see my notes below regarding your questions. I hope this information is helpful. Please let me know if you need more details. Sincerely, Dana Sacchet
The service you received from Island-Safari.com staff during the booking process and during your tour. Louise Eksteen helped us plan our trip with much care. There were a few times where there were some communication lapses, but overall satisfaction is good.
The transfers you had. Transfers were excellent. Our driver to and from Glenburn Lodge was timely and friendly.
Your Kruger Park Safari with Outlook Safaris Robin was an excellent guide for our very short safari trip. We found the meals provided to be pretty bad and did not appreciate being taken to "Wimpys" (fast food chain) for our final lunch on our drive back to the airport.
Your stay at Glenburn Lodge Fantastic. We loved everything about the Lodge, including the wonderful meals and the Spa experience. Would go there again!
March 2010
had intended to email Patricia so perhaps you can forward my response to her.
The service from Patricia has been impeccable. We had no glitches in our travel itinerary at all and all places were wonderful. This is the second time Patricia has worked out a trip for me and I would recommend her highly to any of my friends.
So to answer by dot point:
service during booking and tour was faultless;
transfers were interesting...we sometimes went to another camp for delivery of passengers on way to ours but that was fine by us...pilots were always sociable and good at their job!
Nxai Pan was outstanding and is probably the one we hope to return to most of all. All the camps were A1 but Nxai just had an edge. At this point, I would ask you to forward my recommendations on to Kwala regarding the manager, Phoebe and our guide Donald who were efficient and delightful people. All the staff were to be congratulated on their professional standards and friendliness but Phoebe and Donald were outstanding.
Edo's was different and quite amazing with the unexpected flooding of the waterhole making it into a beautiful lake. The young managers, Korbus and Aleta made our stay so comfortable that their pleasant company was a highlight of our trip. As a teacher, I found the preschool for the San children very inspiring and I hope to support it in some way. Tracking rhinoceros was an exciting part of the deal and a bit different to the other camps.
Pom Pom Camp was as much fun as I remembered from the 2009 and the guides all pretended to remember who I was! They have wicked senses of humour. The leopard we saw in 2009 made an unexpected appearance on the first game drive so I was thrilled. Pom Pom is a very organised camp and obviously a very popular one for good reason.
Lagoon may be getting a bit tired compared to the other camps but the food, hospitality and expertise were of a high standard. For me, the larger boat for exploring the waterways added another dimension to an already spectacular trip.
Please pass on our best regards to everyone concerned with our wonderful trip. Botswana is a fantastic destination.
sincerely,
Jill and Greg McKeon
March 2010
in ref to your booking service, - very good.
Transfers - very good, prompt and comfortable.
Stay at the Royal Livingston - very good accomodation, clean and comfortable. Menu a little limited. grounds beautiful.
regards
Reg Harper,
March 2010
Thank you for enquiring as to my satisfaction with the tour I recently completed.
The trip was unequivocally a great success! Both I and my travelling companion thoroughly enjoyed it and appreciated what Island-Safari had suggested. We have unreservedly recommended the trip to all we have spoken to since our return.
What follows is NOT COMPLAINT but observations that I hope might make future users of the "Botswana Budget Breakaway" trip even more satisfied than we were. I will follow the categories for which you request feedback.
Island-safari service: Excellent. Elize was very helpful and informative as well as friendly in all our dealings with her.
Transfers: Excellent. All on time, efficient and smooth.
Meno A Kwena: Excellent. A great "introduction to Botswana". I felt the one and a quarter days there (two nights) was two short to experience what this camp had to offer. I would have preferred three nights there rather than the rather rushed two.
Oddballs Camp: Also excellent and greatly enjoyed. An observation: during the off-season (low water in the delta) they do not offer the option of three "camp-outs" on Chief's Island. Only one camp-site near the local village is used during low water and the Oddballs staff do not recommend staying at that site for more than one night as one would be traversing a limited area again and again. Your information on this tour could possibly be amended to reflect this.
Elephant Valley Lodge: Not enjoyed as much as Meno A Kwena and Oddballs. Possibly because this lodge is quite a contrast to Oddballs -- much more up-market and because we preferred walking to view birds and game more to driving around in safari vehicles. But I anticipate that other Island-Safari clients might prefer this to the more rustic feel of Oddballs.
Kingdom Hotel: After the Botswana bush camps this hotel was "over the top". It is such a contrast to what has gone before that both I and my friend were put off by it. Our recommendation to Island-Safaris is that you consider either "matching" the accommodation at Victoria Falls to the nature of the accommodation found in Botswana or consider offering a day-trip to the Victoria Falls from Kasane (thus all accommodation would be in Botswana), with the return flight being from Kasane rather than Victoria Falls. [I admit to not knowing what the implications of this would be for the cost of a tour based on these suggestions -- they may be too costly to be realistic].
The above is intended to be helpful and must not be taken as complaint.
Sincerely
Richard Fuggle
March 2010
GOOD DAY!
Everything was really good organize!
The service you received from Michelle and Island-Safari.com staff during the booking process and during your tour – Michelle took care of my trip and answered all my questions I had, she suggest a really good tour and timing, because I was short of my time there.
The transfers you had – I was really surprised, everything was fast and in time. Also everybody were very polite.
Your stay at Victoria Falls Hotel – great place to stay, very good hotel, but next time I would prefer the room witch facing to a waterfalls.
Your stay at Mowana Safari Lodge – I really like this place, the room was good, food was great! Also, very good think was that safaris were included in the price.
Best regards,
Sergey Olevanov
March 2010
In answer to your questions I was extremely satisfied with everything
Kind regards,
Andre Du Preez
March 2010
I booked the trip for my parents. Nigel was exceedingly friendly and helpful - I would call him again any time for another trip.
Even though I have not yet heard the details, it appears that my parents' stay at the Victoria Falls Hotel and the transfers worked very well. They had a fantastic time, so thanks for organizing all this so well!
Please let me know if you have any further questions.
Kind regards
Kristina Gerteiser
March 2010
We had a fantastic time away in South Africa and culminating in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Our 4 day stay at Victoria Falls was memorable and could not have been better, We shall definitely recommend both the country and the hotel to our friends and we have already given the address of Island-Safari to some friends.
The service received from the Island-Safari staff during the booking process was fine. it was convenient being able to pay in £.
We only had contact with one member of staff and a driver at Victoria Falls, who gave good service.
The transfers were good, although the return pick up at the hotel was later than planned and the information hadn't reached us. The hotel reception phoned for information on our behalf.
Our stay at the Victoria Falls hotel was excellent. The room was clean and comfortable, the facilities were OK and the restaurant (Jungle Junction only) was superb. The staff just made the visit perfect. They were all so helpful, friendly and could not do enough. They made our stay even more special and out thanks go to them.
Thank you to you, too.
Judy Yallop
March 2010
Here's my review of our trip to, and my answers below.
Sankuyo Bush Camp
Flying in to the Okavango Delta once again, I didn't know what to expect this time from the bush camp we were staying at or from the Delta.
Being in a Cessna is an uneasy feeling, we finally touched down on the dirt runway after a long 20 minute flight from Maun airport. We waited for our jeep to pick us up and then our adventure began.
Doctor – our guide and camp manager – has a smile you can see coming in from the plane and a big welccoming personality that will liven up even a tired traveller. On first meeting him you feel like you're being welcomed by an old friend. Innocent and Oliver were also our companions on every bush drive and they were good at spotting the animals and knowledgeable about the surroundings, even though they were very quiet.
On arrival at Sankuyo Bush Camp we were greeted by Tsogang, Doctor's wife, with cold towels and welcome drinks. Even though we arrived long before the scheduled lunch time, we were offered a sandwich, which was so good I requested it on another occasion. Then it was off to explore our accommodations.
Our area of the camp comprised of an outdoor toilet (regular toilet bowl with tin tank fenced off with bamboo type sticks. Next to this is the outdoor bucket shower area. At first I was sceptical about having to take a bucket shower, but it wasn't as bad as I feared. You have to fill up the bucket with hot/cold water then hoist it up with rope. Turn the shower knob and you get warm water coming out of a tin shower head. It gets a bit chilly taking a shower in the early morning or at night, but it was different.
On our first bush drive we saw a Leopard! There he was hiding in the bush at the bottom of a tree. After moving about in the grass he jumped up onto the tree, there was also an Impala in the tree, but that was the Leopard's kill. On various other drives we saw lots of Impala, Giraffes, only single bull Elephants – no herds, one Warthog, lots of birds, and returning to the camp at night a Hyena – which we later heard outside our tent.
The owner of the camp and his wife stayed at the camp one night and had dinner with us which made for interesting conversation around the table. There is also a sister camp called Santawani Lodge which is close by. I would highly recommend the Sankuyo experience, the staff are excellent and really go out of their way to make you comfortable. The food was also very tasty.
Esther R. Pierre
March 2010
My husband and I had the most amazing week in Mauritius. Would highly recommend Belle Mare Plage and would like to go back. Everything was well done and thanks to Carien
Kind Regards
Dorrie Simpson
March 2010
Sorry it has taken so long to reply but I have been overseas and also packing up an apartment. The trip was 4th to 9th February.
Our trip was great.
- The service received by Elize, our agent at Island-Safari.com was as good as it always is. elize is efficient, friendly and always there to help. Thanks, Elize.
- Falcon Safaris is always punctual and the drivers are friendly and careful.
- Our stay at tongabezi was really relaxing. We had a gorgeous suite and the butler was excellent.
- We enjoyed our relaxed stay at Thorntree Lodge once we had been moved from the room almost on top of the dining deck. It was unfortunate that we understood the package to be inclusive of drinks when this is not actually the case. It caused a bit of stress at the end. Although we were talking about 5 beers in total for 3 days, it was the misunderstanding as well as the fact that we had not taken up the river cruise or Falls tour which must have saved the lodge quite a bit anyway.
So thanks again for a great time away in Zambia. We look forward to our next trip.
Kind regards,
Veronica Jagoe
March 2010
The service from Elize at Island Safari was excellent. She was quick to resolve all of our queries, and everything was as expected.
Oddballs was also fantastic. Lovely staff, very knowledgeable guide (K-G) and a beautiful place to stay. Food was excellent and the room was very good. I had a great time there. The staff were even thoughtful and kind enough to organise a birthday cake for Rohana on her birthday. Please pass on my thanks and regards to Joyce, Doc, K-G and all of the other staff.
By transfers I assume you mean the light plane flight from Maun with Delta Air - no complaints there either.
Cheers,
Nirangjan Nagarajah
March 2010
I am very happy to answer your questions. We have had a wonderful vacation, and everything has worked perfectly.
Our travel coordinator Mandy was a superb cooperator.
All transfers went smoothly without any problems, and the service was very good.
The Kingdom Hotel was very luxurius, and both the staff and the room were very nice.
Chobe Safari Lodge was also luxurius, and we had some very good safari drives. Besides that, the food was fantastic.
Pom Pom was nice and the staff took very good care of us, and also here we had some very nice experiences.
Meno a Kwena was my favorite camp where we spent some very nice days.
Give my regards to Mandy!!!
Kind regards,
Anna K. Jorgensen
March 2010
We were very satisfied of your services and your recommended reservation,we like to add the Excelsior Manor near Ashton for their Excellency, and many many thanks to Miss CARA for her heartily helps and availability
All the best
Yaacov Segev
February 2010
We thought it was excellent
Booking process excellent
Transfers perfect
Royal Livingstone Hotel very nice but overpriced for food etc. but everybody knows that.
One irritation – the internet access is terrible and expensive
But, we had a wonderful time and would use your services again
Best wishes
Bryan Williams
February 2010
I was very satisfied with the help I received from Island Safari. I dealt with Cara and she was friendly and always got back to me quickly. Also, once reaching Royal Livingstone, I realized what a great deal I got from you guys. We wanted to add on an extra night and they wanted to charge us over $100 extra but we contacted Cara and she organized an extra night for us at our original rate.
Sincerely,
Katie Muller
February 2010
We would like to thank you for the most amazing weekend ever. We really loved the Elephants and the Elephant Sanctuary was stunning. The service and knowledge from our guide Sam rounded everything off for us. I highly recommend it. Thank you so much
Best regards
Michael Wasson
February 2010
Thank you for the opportunity to provide my feedback. Below is my feedback based on the categories that you outlined:
The service you received from Island-Safari.com staff during the booking process and during your tour.
Very good, Mandy was prompt in getting us the information and patient while we made up our mind on the trip. She was a pleasure to deal with.
The transfers you had.
The flights were well organized – We had a great flight back from PomPom to Maun where the pilot let John fly (under his supervision) for his birthday. Apparently the best birthday present ever!
Your stay at Pom Pom Camp
Excellent, our guide ‘Partner’ was fantastic. He was very knowledgeable and had a very effective way of explaining the bush and it’s habitants to us. Linda and Cliff who were on manager rotation that weekend were very pleasant. We thoroughly enjoyed our conversations with Linda.
Sylvia Tello
February 2010
Thank you for the requet for feedback:
1) all transfers worked well although they had us recorded as a party of instead of 2
2) Victoria Fall Hotel was excellent - staff in particular were exceptionally friendly and willing
3) Mowana Lodge was also good and the staff very attentive - we also received a room upgrade which was nice and unexpected. There was a bit of a problem with some aspects of the restaurant food which I advised Mr Muller the general manager about and he was very pleased to receive the comments.
4) I particularly enjoyed the use of the Mowana golf course - the game drives were also excellent.
Hope this helps.
Kind regards
Peter Lever
February 2010
We booked a weekend in Vic Falls last weekend with you and thanks to your professionalism and great deals we had a great weekend! We were received on time by the hotel transfers and picked up also on time. Thank you again! I will definitely recommend your website to anyone who wants to go to Vic Falls.
Regards,
Kumbirai Kowo
February 2010
What we booked with Island-Safari went all perfect,
- very good communication during the organization and booking process with Michelle
- Transfers resp. attention at JNB and Maun airport was as agreed
- Oddballs Camp was what we expected good attention and the excellent kitchen was the big surprise.
All in all we’re happy with your services from A to Z.
Best regards
René Walzthöny
February 2010
The service you received from Island-Safari.com staff during the booking process and during your tour.
Louise was amazing and very helpful all the way through the process.
The transfers you had.
great
Your stay at Horizon Horseback Lodge
also amazing, highly recommend the place... so much so I am heading back there in 6 weeks!
Kristen Halliday
January 2010
The service you received from Island-Safari.com staff during the booking process and during your tour.
I found Cara Lloyd to be extremely helpful, knowledgeable and responsive
The transfers you had
These were all fine and on time
Your stay at Muchenje Safari Lodge Our stay here was fine
Your stay at Delta Camp We found Delta Camp to be excellent. The food was very good and Leonard is an excellent lodge manager.
Michael Moore
Janaury 2010
My parents had a wonderful time with the whole trip, their stay at the Victoria Falls Hotel was very nice, considering the state of the Country.
The service from Island Safari was very good, and Louise very helpful. Unfortunately, they delayed a day, as LAM was late and missed their connection to Vic Falls, but I should have expected that. ( LAM, Late and Maybe)
Everything has been very good, and they are hoping for another trip again, towards the end of the year.
Thank you
Samantha Barotti
January 2010
David and I had a great time on our tours, please see feedback below.
The service you received from Island-Safari.com staff during the booking process and during your tour(Great)
The transfers you had.The service you received from Island-Safari.com staff during the booking process and during your tour. (No problems - Moses at Chobe was particularly nice)
Your stay at Mapula Lodge (FANTASTIC! Would do it again and recommend it to friends)
Your stay at Chobe Marina Lodge (Well, not as great as Mapula, but it was fine for a weekend getaway)
January 2010
The booking was a lot easier that I thought it would be & Cara was very prompt in responding to all questions/requests.
We had a little hiccup in our flight to Nelspruit due to weather but Cara & Hester took care of that issue. Hester & Husband picked us from the airport & onto a nearby hotel for the night. The next morning we were picked up (right on time) and taken to Kruger. Our driver was very friendly & knowledgeable of the area.
The folks at Shishangeni were great! The lodge was beautiful, the food was great and the game rides worked out so incredibly well it’s hard to believe. The people we meet there were very friendly too. On our last full day we were able to see the BIG FIVE all in 1 day. It’s quite the experience to see the animals up close in the wild.
I would highly recommend Island-Safari for anyone interested in a trip to Africa. We had a great time and thanks for making it happen for us!
Yours truly, Gary & Rindy
Gary Greer, RPLS
January 2010
Thank you VERY MUCH!!!!
Especcially for Wendy!!!!
We spent unforgettable time!
And hope we will come back with our friends from RUSSIA and UKRAINE!!!!
We promise that will make big promotion in our countries to all our friends and partners!
High level of service and warm attituide from managers!
Sergey and Volodya
January 2010
Please excuse my delayed answer. We arrived one week ago but we had a lot of work to do after 4 weeks of holiday.
You know: if you are on holiday, the work did not do by itself but is waiting for you …
To start with the conclusions:
South Africa is a wonderful and beautiful country – be happy to live in it!
We had a lot of holidays in different parts of the world - travelling is our hobby – but sure South Africa was one of the best holiday we ever had.
You colleague Melissa Cronje wrote:
> Thank you very much for choosing Island-Safari.com to organise your tour. It was our pleasure in assisting you and > we would kindly appreciate some feedback from you.
> We are particularly interested in your level of satisfaction in the following categories:
> * The service you received fromIsland-Safari.com staff during the booking process and during your tour.
> * The transfers you had.
> * Your stay at The Palace of the Lost City
> * Your stay at The Royal Livingstone Hotel
> Consuming a small amount of your valuable time could you please provide us with the relevant feedback.
> Providing us with the essential information which will enable us to ensure our standards meet our client’s expectations.
Our answer is (to start with the conclusion):
Everything was perfect organised.
South Africa:
The Palace of The Lost City – wonderful place and of course excellent services.
Zambia:
I must appreciate the local guide, Miss Brilliant from Falcon Tours, for organising perfectly the transfers from airport to Royal Livingstone Hotel and vice versa.
The local activities: Helicopter Flight, Jet Boat Ride and Sunset Cruise – African Queen were organised by Miss Brilliant according to our wishes and we are very satisfied with what we had seen.
The hotel Royal Livingstone was a like dream for us. More than that: I never thought to have a zebra grassing in front of my terrace in less than 2 metres.
So here, our special thanks for Louise who perfectly organised everything.
Of course thanks for the Island Safari’s staff that promptly solved the administrative items.
To be honest, at the beginning I thought that it would be difficult to book everything using only e-mails but it worked.
I apologise again, Louise for the many questions and inquires that I sent to you. I admire your professional patience.
Because this vacation was such a success, we think to ask Island Safari to book our next holiday.
We would spend 2 week on Seychelles – Lemuria resort (next (our) winter), but this is only a future plan.
Aida and Dan Petrascu
P.S. Louise we were so busy in the beautiful Cape Town, so much to see, e.g. we were 2 times on the Tafelberg, and after that we met our German group so that we hadn’t had time to call you. Please excuse us – your city is guilty for this!
January 2010
In response:
· The service you received from Island-Safari.com staff during the booking process and during your tour
· Very good, no problems. Service was efficient and fast. We were well informed and kept up to date by Alison.
· The transfers you had.
· Flights in and out of Oddballs were very good.
· Your stay at Oddballs Camp
· Very good. Guides and management were extremely helpful.
· Very good value for money.
· Only area for improvement was the camping – the tents were not up to standard – all of them were not rainproof. This needs to be looked at by Oddballs management.
Thanks.
We enjoyed the trip.
Jonathan James
January 2010
Firstly let me say the service we recieved from Michelle was absolutly fantastic!! Michelle was an absolute pleasure to deal with and nothing was too much for her to organise before and during our tour!! I will highly recommend her to anyone wanting to book a tour such as ours and will definitely use her again without hesitation!!
The transfers between Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and Namibia were all there ready to meet us - all very friendly and helpful. They were very well organised and made it easy to move from one country to the next - helping us through at all the passport controls.
The Victoria Falls Hotel was an eye-opener - the setting of the hotel is absolutly magnificent - but the hotel itself is in dire need of refurbishment!! The management and staff were fantastic and helpful - They were often short of certain items of food and beverages but this is not a reflection of the hotel , but rather the sad state that Zimbabwe is in We never stayed at the Kingdom Hotel but we did visit it - again a beautiful hotel but almost like a ghost town!! We ate supper at the Spur one night - and they couldnt even serve us burgers as they had no mince!! They also never had lettuce, cheese and most of the beverages we asked for - again just the sad state that Zimbabwe is in.
Ntwala Island lodge in Namibia is a fantastic 5 star lodge with beautiful accomodation - this was my third visit to the lodge. The negatives here were that it is an absolute nightmare to visit during the hot summer months as the generator switches off from 11pm - 6am and it becomes almost impossible to have a decent nights sleep as you are literally in a sauna for the night!!
The management of the lodge were also a big dissapointment and the service we got from them is not befitting a lodge of this calibre!! The food was fantastic and all accolades must go to the chefs in the kitchen as well as Robert (one of the staff members) who was so helpful and was probably the only staff member that really served us well!! (Besides the guides who were great with the tiger fishing excursions!!)
Again - a wonderful trip and a BIG thanks to Michelle for organising.
Regards
Viv Metz
January 2010
My apologies! I intended to send you feedback and the time just ran away from me.
Cara dealt with our booking and it was a lovely trip. The transfers to and from the airport went very smoothly and the lady that came to fetch us came back to the hotel on the first afternoon and advised and organised some wonderful activities for us. She was really pleasant. On a whole the tour company were extremely reliable and punctual at all times.
The Elephant Hills must have been magnificent in it's day....it still is - the reception and public areas/gardens/golf course etc are beautiful but the rooms have become a little run down with faulty air conditioners etc....nothing too serious though.
We had a few amusing experiences that could only take place when in Africa such as; there are never enough towels or loungers at the pool (there were only about 8 all together which seemed a bit strange for such a large hotel). Every day the housekeeping staff do a "linen check" in your room as "guests steal the towels and linen"we were told. Every day towels are removed from the bathrooms to be laundered and then it is a major problem to get them replaced. Our towels were replaced at 22.00 one evening after asking for them since noon. I have written to the management of the hotel and suggested that they adopt the policy that so many hotels in Africa and the Middle East do i.e. because of water shortages only towels left on the floor will be washed.
These were all minor things, however, and did not disrupt a lovely holiday.
We had dinner at a few of the other hotels in the area and I would suggest that for a younger client, the Kingdom Hotel would be perfect as it seemed far busier as it is in the middle of the town. The Elephant Hills is fairly remote (however the guest services arranged transport into town very efficiently) and is obviously suited to golfing groups.
The fussier, more upmarket client should definitely stay at the Victoria Falls Hotel...it is magnificent and we had a wonderful meal there.
As a matter of interest, we were told in your travel tips leaflet that only US dollars are accepted. This is not so, and the hotel, restaurants, tour companies and locals were absolutely desperate for Rands.
My only criticism is that our flight to and from the falls was on an AirLink flight, and, while the flight was uneventful and fairly pleasant, in light of the negative publicity regarding Air Link, we were not thrilled to fly with them.
Otherwise, everything was wonderful.
My thanks to Cara and your company,
Kind Regards
Lynne van den Heuvel
January 2010
We had a fabulous time at Oddballs. We were more than happy with the transfers, accommodation. I think we may have been slightly upgraded but we were not privy to any discussion re this - we just became aware that we seemed to be on a different 'package' than others - ie we had to pay for our alcohol and others did not - so we presumed that we had been put in the more 'upmarket' lodge?
Our guide was very good, helpful and very competent, food was also very good and there was plenty of it. Overall we had a very enjoyable stay and would not hesitate to either recommend it to others or return again if possible.
cheers
Felicity Rorke
January 2010
I was very satisfied by my dealings with Island-Safari as evidenced by my unsolicited expression of appreciation sent to Cara on our return to the UK.
SERVICE. Responses to our requests and queries were all timely and useful. Even when Cara was away on business the handover to a colleague was effective.
TRANSFERS. Despite being 3 hours late due to problems at Botswana Air the driver was waiting for us at Kasane [although without a placard as stated in your instructions] and the drivers who drove us in both Botswana and Zim. were friendly, helpful and good, safe drivers. There was a bit of confusion at Chobe Safari Lodge about our departure time to Kasane airport but it was easily resolved.
VICTORIA FALLS HOTEL. The hotel, its setting and the service were excellent. The dinner we had in the Livingstone restaurant was mediocre in terms of the food quality and after all the fuss that was made about dress codes there were lots of people there in jeans T-shirts, trainers etc. which is fine but why have a dress code and then allow it to be ignored? However overall it was a wonderful experience and the staff are first class.
CHOBE SAFARI LODGE. Again the staff are great and the activities we took were brilliant in particular the 'private' river boat trip and the visit to the Namibian village.
If any of our friends are planning a trip to the region we will suggest they contact Island-Safari to see what you can offer,
Best Regards,
Robert Taylor
January 2010
I was thinking about writing to Clauda with some feedback. I am gald that you wrote me.
The service during the booking was very good, Claudia has been very efficient, responsive, and precise.
The transfers wild Horizon was excellent during the first two trips, although I have to complain about the last one, from Vic Falls Hotel to Livingstone airport. They came to pick us up at 9.15, and our flight was at 1.30! So we arrived at the airport almost four hours before the departure, everything was closed, and I can assure you that Livingstone airport is not such a great place to spend 4 hours of you holiday, especially if you have just left the most amazing spot in this region: the vic falls! so we would have rather stayed at the Vic Falls hotel for a couple of hours more.
The safari Club was very good, nice environment, nice bar, very clean, and efficient, and very close to the aiport, we enjoyed.
The Garden Lodge I would not reccomend it, but I think I would not reccomend Bostwana for doing a safari in general: far too many people, it is much more built compared for example South Luangwa in Zambia, where if you meet another car you are lucky! Chobe is packed with hotels and lodges, some are enormous, with 100+ guests, and it feels as if you were in a club med....
The Victoria Falls Hotel was above any expectation, wonderful place, amazing food, great landscape, staff very very professional, and just walking distance to the falls! Perfect, we could not have stayed in a better place.
Hope these comments are helpful.
Best wishes
Giulia Greco
January 2010
...thank you! My guests and I had a great time.
All the arrangements, transfers, flights and accommodation were fab.
Having the camp to ourselves and being upgraded to Oddballs Enclave was brilliant!
Game was a big scarce but I guess it is that time of the season when things disperse a little.
The guides were good and we really enjoyed our sleep-out even if it was close to the village with barking dogs.
Have a great year.
Cheers
Marius Swart
January 2010
I booked for my parents & their friends.
They tell me that all was very good.
You guys were very helpful during the booking stages.
Regards,
Tumi Mokhothu
January 2010
Many thanks for your e mail, I would be happy to give to feedback following my trip to Victoria Falls.
Firstly, may I say the service provided by your office, particularly Louise Eksteen was exceptional. All information was clear and very informative and gave me every confidence in using Island-Safari to arrange my trip.
The transfers both from arrival at Livingstone to Victoria Falls Hotel and then onto the Vic Falls airport on departure were faultless. All the drivers were friendly and gave us information about the country we were in, the area and the history. We had quite a wait at the border for the Zambian driver to collect us but the driver from Zimbabwe stayed with us the entire time and kept us entertained.
The Victoria Falls Hotel itself was everything we had hoped for and more. I cannot fault it. The staff were professional and very welcoming, all staff we met during our stay seemed genuinely happy to help. We were given a bottle of wine on arrival and a room with an amazing view, which I believe was due to the trip being our honeymoon. I think Louise must have informed the hotel of this, which I thank her for, it was a lovely gesture and very much appreciated. The food at the hotel was very good and our evening spent in the Livingstone Room was perfect. The staff even made me a birthday cake and sang happy birthday, which was so nice.
The Falls themselves were spectacular and had we had more time we would have definitely tried some of the activities on offer. Unfortunately, on this occasion, the time got away from us but we have already decided we will re-visit Victoria Falls in the future and for a longer period so we can experience a lot more of this beautiful area. I can categorically state I will not hesitate to contact Island Safari to arrange our next trip.
Many thanks again to Island Safari and Louise for making our trip so special.
Kind Regards
Deborah Parkin
January 2010
I was very satisfied with the level of service I received from Island-Safari.com in the booking process of my trip. I especially appreciated Island-Safari.com's patience during the aggravating process of getting my bank to process my electronic funds transfer correctly--it was truly a nightmare.
There was a bit of a snag on the transfer arrangements when I got back to Jo'burg, but that was arranged by Rovos Rail, not Island-Safari.com. Otherwise, the whole Rovos Rail experience was fabulous! I would not change a thing! I greatly appreciated the drop-off before the next-to-last stop, which gave us a chance to burn off some calories on the 5k walk!
Thank you, and all the best in 2010,
Paula Casillas
January 2010
When we returned from South Africa just before Christmas I promised Mandy I would send her a feed back from our trip to Botswana, and as I have not got around to do so yet, your request, Melissa was very timely.
As to the service we received from your company during the booking period including advice on which camps and areas to visit was - as usual - absolutely fantastic. We couldn't ask for anybody better than Mandy to take care of everything from A to Z, this year as well as last year.
The transfers, both in Joburg and Botswana went as clockwork all the way.
The Mondior Concorde was fine and for one night, just another hotel. As we arrived at 7 in the morning we had the problem that we could only get the room after 3pm in the afternoon as they claimed they had been full the night before and guests were only checking out at the time we arrived, so they had to clean the rooms etc. After a bit of "discussion" etc. with the front office manager, a room magically appeared within half an hour which we spend anyway having some breakfast - so it worked out.
On the return from Botswana we got in to the hotel in the afternoon and there was no problem at all.
As for the camps, Lagoon and Lebala was our own choice ( we were in Kwando's Little Kwara and Songwe Village last year ) and Savuti Safari Lodge was Mandy's recommendation.
In general they were all 3 very good and we were absolutely satisfied with everything. A difference we noticed this year as well as last year, the food in Kwando's camp - although good and enough - is not quite up to the standard of the other camps we have been staying in. Both POM POM and Muthenje last year and Savuti Safari Lodge this year comes out top as far as the food is concerned. Actually too good, it is difficult not to gain a few kg's from eating too much and having too little exercise. A Gym in some of those places would be great ! It is not a complaint about Kwando's camps, just a comparison. It may reflect a little the way the camps are managed, Kwando's camps are a little more "locally" managed whereas the other camps a bit more "international" in there management.
But we enjoyed all the camps and the guides and trekkers were perfect in all 3. Great guys and very knowledgeable.
Where Lagoon and Lebala came out tops compared to Savuti is the off-road driving during the game drives, compared to the on-road restriction inside the National Park in Savuti. This is very understandable, however the off-road driving gives you a complete different possibility to follow the animals when necessary. We saw that in Lebala where we early one morning was following 3 Cheetahs on an early morning kill of a Wildebeest calf, stayed with them for a good hour and a half, witnessed a Hyena attacking the 3 Cheetahs and take over the meal and finish it, while the Cheetahs were staying around to observe what was happening. It was absolutely amazing and was totally off-road.
A similar experience in Savuti where we were following to female lions on a rather long walk back to where they had left 4 3-week old cubs overnight. We could follow them as long as they walked on the roads or near the roads, which they fortunately did for a long time, but when they got to the cubs that was may be about 100 meters from the road, where we couldn't follow them. Fortunately there was a young Botswana film-maker, Brad Bestellink staying at the Savuti Safari Lodge and he was extremely nice in radioing our jeep when he found the lions and later, as he had an off-road permit for filming, he sat just next to the lions and their cubs filming them and came out to show us the film immediately after. He also called us with a Leopard with a 9 month old cub where we spend 3 hours just sitting and watching them both on the ground and in a big tree where they had pulled an Impala up the day before.
But without Brad's help, Savuti would probably have been a bit disappointing in respect of wildlife - may be because of the time of the year. As it turned out, it was fantastic but I guess we were extremely lucky. We were lucky as well with the weather ! We had 18 game drives and on the last we had a light drizzle for about 10 minutes, that was all the rain we had. Most afternoons the rains were around in several places but we were lucky not to get into any of them.
My only - small - complaint is the following. In the information material we received from Mandy, Savuti is highlighted as a location with one of the larger prides of Lions which are regularly killing the elephants. It used to be, granted, but according to the guides that is no longer the case. Probably due to the drying out of the Savuti Channel, the area could no longer support that large group of lions which have split up in a number of much smaller groups, over a much larger area,like the 2 females we saw on their own, and these individual smaller prides are not really powerful enough to hunt the elephants. I had been looking forward to hopefully see that big pride of lions, so it was a bit disappointing to realize they are not there anymore, but as they say...........you can't win them all, right ? But may be you should change that bit of information for future clients.
The good news is though that the water seems to come back into the Savuti Channel after 30 years following last years unusual heavy rainfalls. It used to be around 40 km away from the Savuti Safari Lodge, this year it had come within 4 km from the lodge, so if that will be a permanent change, then the animals will hopefully also start to return ?
Brad Bestellink, I mentioned above, is working for a Durban based film company called Earth-Touch. You should visit their website www.earth-touch.com they are doing some spectacular nature filming from Botswana which should be interesting for your business.
I guess that is a summary of our experiences, we had a great time and not least thanks to Mandy's ( and her colleagues ? ) help to put together another wonderful arrangement.
Best regards
Susy and Mogens
Singapore
January 2010
I'm back to Brazil and writing to thank you very much about all arrangements you did on my trip. Everything went absolutely perfect and me and my group were very happy with the tour.
Since Johannesburg, with Natasha, everyone involved was very friendly with me and my group.
The people on Victoria Falls, Edina (the guide) and Calvim (the driver) from Falcon Safaris, were very friendly and professional. They are very good people. Keep them working with you, you will not regret.
Everybody at Muchenje Lodge were fantastic as well. Please, if you contact them, don't forget to thank again JJ, Presley, Lips and the entire members of the team. They were so nice with us.
Regarding your concern, I am 100% satisfied with the items listed by you. I would like to thank all people involved on planning my tour, they were absolutely fantastic. An special thanks to:
- Patricia, from Island-Safari
- Edna and Calvim, from Victoria Falls
- J.J., Presley and Lips, from Muchenje Lodge
As I wrote to Patricia before, it did worth every dollar spent.
I would like to wish you a Merry Xmas (delayed) and a very happy New Year.
Thanks a lot again.
Luiz Certo
December 2009
Dear Elize,
First of all, apologies for not getting back to you earlier with a feedback on our trip to Botswana. I was simply very busy.
The whole trip was very well organized. All transfers (by air and road) were o.k., in time and with friendly personnel. On our flight with Delta Bush Pilots, Frank was our pilot for 5 out of 6 flights. It felt like seeing a friend again. First half of November was a good time to travel as most of the tourists already left and the wheather was still stable. At the beginning of November, it was hot, so I would not recommend for older people of people with some health issues.
Oddballs:
Very nice camp with friendly people. Our 3 night trip by mokoro was wonderful. We saw lots of animals close by (hippos, elephants, zebras, all kind of antelopes). Our guide did a good job in finding the right relation between bushwalks, mokoro trails and time to relax. We ate a lot of fresh fish from the river something I did not expect.
Fly-in Camps:
We had the same crew in camp 1 and 3 and we were the only guests. For camp 2 (Khwai), we joined another crew which went the other direction and we were together with a Swiss couple (same age as us). The accomodation is basic, but the crew does everything to make it pleasant. In Xaxanka, we saw most animals (big herds). Savute was very dry, so the animals were gone. It was good that there was a shift in the crew mid-term as communication was getting more difficult after a while.
Chobe Lodge:
The lodge itself is nice, but also quite busy. All activites were o.k., some staff seemed tired, as it was getting towards the end of season.
Thorntree River Lodge in Zambia:
Excellent lodge, good cook and very friendly people. We joined the 'Lion Encounter' project next door for a lion walk which was a fabulous experience.
We enjoyed our trip very much. It was an indiviudal experience and this is exactly what we wanted. Thanks for the perfect organization. I will contact you again for our next Africa trip - likely in 2011.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Iris Frings
December 2009
Susy and I have just returned from yet another wonderful holiday in Botswana and South Africa and I just wanted to let you know that everything went absolutely perfect from the first pick-up in Johannesburg airport until we returned the rental car in Cape Town. In addition to all the rest you had arranged very well I also realised that you had taken care of the weather during the entire holiday. Apart from a 5 min drizzle during our last game drive in Savuti, the weather was perfect and not another drop of rain. Well done. I shall send you a bit more feet-back at a later date but as we have both our sons back from London for Christmas with wife and girlfriend, respectively the place is a bit busy - and at times noisy - right now. But that is great. I wish you a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and once again - Thanks for a great arrangement.
With best regards
Susy and Mogens Henningsen
December 2009
The service you received from Island-Safari.com staff during the booking process and during your tour.
Excellent – prompt and efficient
Your stay at Bay Lodge
Nice place but we thought was over priced especially as no sea view. Good service and rooms but expensive.
Your stay at Ocean Eleven Guesthouse
Loved the hotel, location, rooms and excellent value
Your stay at Klein Genot
Fantastic – loved everything
Your stay at Ambassador Hotel
Excellent location, good rooms, good pool area, excellent food – overall very happy
December 2009
We had a great experience with the process that Louise took in preparing for our Safari trip and we were very satisfied with the hospitality and knowledge from the Kapama River Lodge, which made this a memerable experience of a lifetime!!
I would use Island-Safari again if the opportunity arised!!
Sincerely,
Ranell Simmons
December 2009
The service you received from Island-Safari.com staff during the booking process and during your tour.
Mandy was excellent as usual. The person waiting for us at the airport was very nice and we really felt she did her best for us, also she showed our way to Villa Moringa.
Your stay at Villa Moringa Nice.
Your stay at Wolwedans Dune Lodge Very nice accomodation, food and staff
Your stay at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge Excellent accomodations, food was very good.
Your stay at The Safari Hotel We wouldn't go back, the room was old-fashioned, the restaurant we had dinner wasn't nice, was just OK.
Gilda Follietti
December 2009
I willingly give my feedback – in the order of your request:-
· Excellent – Mandy as ever delivered!
· It was great to see a face we knew (from Travellers Friend) when we arrived. The transfer to Fed Air was smooth and leaving our extra baggage with them was a masterstroke. The only hiccup on transfers was the flight from Phinda to Tonga; the small ‘plane we were on developed a mechanical problem at Phinda and the other Fed Air ‘plane there could not be refuelled because of the high temperature! The Phinda people reacted immediately and provided an air conditioned vehicle for a road transfer very promptly. It was a long journey but these things can happen – how they are dealt with is the issue, and the action taken was exemplary; particularly as when I came to settle my account at Tonga there was a credit of ZAR820 “from head office”. I didn’t argue!
· Tonga was a new experience; the accommodation was wonderful and the atmosphere totally relaxing. The only downside (which everyone mentions) is getting there; even without our added problem, it is remote. Kevin and Bev are delightful people and we would return just to see them again. They run Tonga with real TLC.
· At Rhino Post we had super accommodation and a young but charming Guide – Charl. We saw everything we wanted to including a rhino charge on the vehicle which had Charl apprehensive for a moment, I’m sure. Wouldn’t have missed that for the world. The only problem we had was with dinner; the food was not particularly good and generally cold when it arrived. Oddly brunch and afternoon tea (especially) were fine. I suspect there is a weak chef coupled with a distant kitchen. I discussed this with the management team which partly acknowledged the problem. To be frank, I suspect that compared to the TLC style of management at Tonga, the Rhino Lodge style is more autocratic and it comes through to the guests! In summary, we would probably look for somewhere else which is a pity because we enjoyed our time there but food is important to us.
· La Residence – well what can one say? Simply magnificent!
· The Marine – accommodation excellent but food disappointing.
· The Vineyard – our fifth time there and they always deliver in their own style. I’m slightly anxious that they are adding another 32 rooms; they will certainly be stretched to provide the same service levels, I expect.
All in all another super vacation and we thank you all for making it so.
Regards
Chris Bull
December 2009
We had a great time and my experience with Island Safari was smooth and professional. Regarding the points you mentioned:
- The service from Claudia was great. She did a good job of determining what I was looking for in terms of budget, experience, etc. and recommending great options.
- The transfers went smoothly.
- The stay at Oddballs Camp was great. The staff was very friendly and the guides were knowledgeable. The shared areas of the camp were very nice / relaxing and had amazing views of wildlife.
There are two small negatives I’d note:
- Although our stay at Oddballs was excellent, we were the only guests at the time (out of a capacity of 30+) and therefore, had the whole place to ourselves. If there were 20 or so people staying there, I don’t think the experience would have been nearly as good as there wouldn’t be as much room to spread out and relax.
- The Oddballs safari is a walking safari and although this was a very nice experience, it would have been good to have some further information around the pros / cons of walking vs. driving safaris. I think the ideal would be one day of walking and one day of driving.
Hope this helps.
Jake Doty
December 2009
Thank you for your e-mail.
My wife and I had a fantastic time at The Elephant Sanctuary.
Cara handled our reservations at Island-Safari and was fantastic. She contacted me when she said she would, pre-arranged my wife’s dietary requirements with the Sanctuary and made the entire process of booking effortless. I will definitely contact island-safari and Cara for our next trip.
The Sanctuary was fantastic. It really is a once in a lifetime experience. The Staff and service are exceptional and many others could learn a thing or two from them. I truly cannot fault a thing. We were treated like royalty and had staff attending to our every need, always with a smile and respectful politeness.
I would certainly recommend Island-Safari as a holiday planner and The Elephant Sanctuary as a place to visit.
Kind regards
Craig Richardson
December 2009
Thankyou for organising the trip. It was great !
I've written a blog
But to specifically answer your questions.
1. All that was organised by Island worked like clockwork. Very good. Very impressed. Except the fax machine at the accountant's desk which didn't seem to work very well.
2. If I have any complaint at all it was one very minor point that it was not clear from the itinery whether or not we would be met coming back from Maun to Jo'burg. We didn't find anyone so we assumed not !
3. Itinery overall was very good though, especially bits on preparation and tips.
4. Kingdom Ok.....large, clean, efficient. Too big, though compared to all the others. We have lunch at In-da-belly which looked like it was more interesting. Zimbabwe in general very expensive. I think 1 whole day is enough.
5. Elephant Valley Lodge. Excellent. Its location is not an issue. Very well run. The best guide of the trip - Dan - was from there.
6. Oddballs. Good. Fantastic welcome, extremely friendly. Interesting just to walk - less game but more involved. Our guide Kitso was very interesting but not the most charming of people (not that he was rude or unfriendly)
7. Kwara. Excellent. Overall our favourite. The fact they can drive off path and in the night was a big plus.
A very good mix: vic falls, great; chobe - lots of game; oddballs - walking very different; kwara - best overall.
And good to do all that in that order. I would certainly recommend exactly the same itinery with one fewer day in Zim plus a different hotel.
Thanks again - I would be happy to give further references on request. You are welcome to use any of the above or the blog in your marketing material.
Regards
Joel Turnbull
December 2009
Level of satisfaction from 1 to 5.
1º The relation with Alison= 5
2º Transfers all=5
3º Stay at Xakanaxa Camp =5
4º Stay at Muchenje Safari Lodge =3 (Explanation: All staff attention were superb, but the meals on the boat were really bad, and fairly uncomfortable, we had sawed much more better conditions in many other boats around us.
The laundry service, we had to wash ours underpants (not important), the service are doing by hand, incomprehensible with electrical power the hole day ).
On General we had missed to much in both Camps a good barbecue, from the famous Botswana cows.
Yours sincerely.
Florencio Gozalez
December 2009
Thank you for your below message and my apologies for not having replied any sooner, but I only got back home to Copenhagen last night.
Regarding the service that I received during the booking process, I must say that it was truly professional and that the whole process went smoothly without any hickups. As for our stay at Flamingo Bay, well, it was nothing short of perfect! The accomodation, the surroundings, the food, the available activities were all top-notch, but what deserves the highest praise was the level of service that we received from the staff - absolutely impecable! Flamingo Bay is without doubt a serious contender for my eventual honeymoon and I have already recommended it to my friends in Mozambique and South Africa.
I hope the above information is useful. Once again, many thanks for providing us with an unforgettable experience.
Best regards,
Peder Frismark
November 2009
We had a great time in Namibia! There was a person waiting for us at the airport with all the travel documents, including a map with routes marked accordingly to our itinerary! She also offered herself to show us our way to Villa Moringa Guest House!
Wolwedans and Sossuvlei Desert lodges were unbelievable, staff, meals and accommodations equally perfect.
We found really difficult to get used to a standard room at the Safari Hotel after leaving Sossuvlei only 5 hours before... Federico really regretted having asked for a not fancy hotel!
Walking on the red dunes was something that we really wanted to do, thank you for helping with the itinerary!
Best regards,
Gilda and Federico Follietti
November 2009
We had a great holiday!
Mandy was a delight to work with and the trip she put together was wonderful - 3 very different and interesting places. All terrific !
Our only criticism - and it is minor - is that the transfers at Chobe Safari Lodge were awkward. We were not picked up at the airport until we called the lodge and it was difficult getting information about our departure. I suspect they are simply more used to larger groups and it certainly all worked out. It helped when we tried to stop thinking like Canadians - and we enjoyed the days at the lodge itself. The food, river cruises, game drives and our trip to Victoria Falls were all very well done.
The smaller lodges, Savuti and Pom Pom, were simply perfect.
We would, unhesitatingly, recommend Island Safari and want to thank you - especially Mandy - for such a good plan.
With best regards,
Linda Taylor
November 2009
I wish to express my deepest thanks for the perfect organization of my journey. The recommended itinerary was perfectly selected with a tailor made approach to time available. The camps in Botswana were an ideal combination of luxury and access to wildlife, the logistics of transport - to the minute and according to plan, the guides selection was made with carful consideration, in particular I admired Andy Rice invaluable and in depth guidance – he was punctual, helpful, knowledgeable and caring.
Following the route that you sketched I felt save and in goods hands.
Mandy - well done. I appreciate you personal touch and interpersonal communication skills.
Best regards
Krzysztof Pawlisz
November 2009
All documents and vouchers were safely delivered and the ‘Meet and Greet service was great. We transferred to the Safari Lodge with no trouble whatsoever and our onward journey went without hitch. We left our baggae in the Office and were assured of security etc until our return.
The safari club was adequate and we had a restful night and enjoyed the meal they provided in the evening and the transfer to the JNB airport for the flight to Maun.
You are aware that out our transfer via Delta air from Maun to to Kwai River Lodge was somewhat lengthy and uncomfortable and as a result of my email to Mandy was satisfactorily resolved.
Our stay at Kwai River was superb. A lot of luxury and food and drink and hospitality and could not be faulted.
The treansfer from Kwai River to Kwara went without hitch and our stay at Kwara was the highlight of the trip. The camp itself had changed a bit since our last visit in as much as ther seemed to be lacking a bit of ‘’upgarde or repair’’ and gave the impression it was a bit tired looking. That said the game viewing and the general atmosphere was superb and the staff were extremely friendly and helpful.
We saw a wide variety of game and our guide and tracker were truly first calss. The transfer to Xakanaxa was a different experience which we would highly recommend to anyone, the trip by boat revealed elephant, hippo and birdlife we would not have otherwise seen. The game viewing was astounding witnessing a leopard kill in the afternoon.
Finally our transfer back to Maun was uneventful and we eventually arrived back at the Safari Lodge in Johannesberg.
On arrival we found our luggage had been taken from a secure office the day after we left and placed in the internet room which was open to everyone entering the hotel. Guests , staff, visitors, gardeners and casual drivers all had access to our luggage for a week and as a consequence we had money stolen. The Safari club showed no remorse and no interest in helping us obtain a statement for our insurers.
As a result of sending several e-mails with no response, I am returning to Joberg on business in a few weeks and I shall be inviting the police to investigate. I will not recommend this establishment to anyone and have posted a blog on the world cup site as well as the tourist sites pointing out their security.
Notwithstanding the foregoing and In conclusion we had a very good trip and would certainly return to Island Safari to organise our next visit to Southern Africa which we hope will be next year.
ALLAN AND CAROLE MCGOVERN.
November 2009
we really enjoyed the service we received from Island Safari:
-during the booking process Mandy was very flexible, helpful and quick in giving feedback
-transfers were excellent without any incidents
-Safari Club was ok for us, excellent breakfast!
-André is an excellent guide we can absolutely recommend for a tour in Johannesbourg
-Xakanaka Camp - excellent camp with professional service, good food, good game views.
-Mapula Lodge - excellent food, !!excellent game views!!, unique landscape, service is good although overall management is missing
-We did not like the Beach Hotel too much -old furniture, no escalator...
In total we were very satisfied with your service and would recommend it.
Regards
Gertrud Schoenthaler
Novemeber 2009
The service you received from Island-Safari.com staff during the booking process and during your tour. Excellent, would definitely use you again should i need to.
The transfers you had. Fine, arrived promptly,vehicles clean and drivers friendly.
Your stay at Kapama Lodge - beautiful place would definitelty visit again, service was fantastic and greatvalue. Would go back tomorrow if i could.
Your stay at Nkorho Bush Lodge - ok, owner Karen very friendly and helpful but a few complaints re other staff. Internet was not working and prices were 200 ZAR per hour which is crazy! Also were advised that items could be charged at reception and then advised that we would have to buy a charger instead as they had lost theirs - not great service! Also game drives were poor, our driver Jacques was rude and lacked knowledge, i did advise the manager of this and she had a word with him but he did not apologise but ignored us for the rest of the trip. Lodge is pretty and best only when it is sunny, unfortunately we had rain, but great views over waterhole. Limited area for game drives and after 2drives you travelled the sames routes every drive, would have liked a lodge with bigger area to explore.
Kimberley O'Callaghan
November 2009
Everything works properly. I really enjoyed my vacation J
From 0 to 5:
The service you received from Island-Safari.com staff during the booking process and during your tour. 4
The transfers you had. 4
Your stay at Elephant Valley Lodge 4
Your stay at The Kingdom Hotel 3,5
Regards,
Pablo Serrano
November 2009
Hi! We had a great time in Botswana and our trip was more than we ever expected!!!!
1. And i'd like to say a big THANK YOU to Patricia who organized this trip for us!!! She was super patient and organized when returning my many emails inquiring this trip!! She gave me multiple options and also upon hearing bad feedback from lodges we agreed on, she offers to change to better choice for accommodation!!!
2. I think the only other staff i have met with is the meet & greet person we had @ the airport. The whole process was fine, we were picked up at the airport and then walked to the check in counter for our transfer flight to vic falls. he was very helpful!
3. The Victoria Falls Hotel was fine too! breakfast and the room were good. we were v. happy with this hotel. the place was clean, quiet enough and food was good.
however, upon arrival and picked up, we were immediately 'being sold' to join different tours! we were very satisfied with the sundowner cruise. however, the tour we joined (booked before our arrivals, the devils cataract tour) was canceled and we had to join another one - a walk around the falls. our assumption was that not enough people join the tour, and we were told there's not boat that day, without an explanation! the walk was very enjoyable nonetheless.
unfortunately. there was a delayed in our returning from this morning walk but we had a little bit of difficulties pushing back the check out time. it would be better if this was organized upon our changes of morning tour.
4. there were some misunderstanding with our transfer from vic falls to the muchenje lodge. the main reason was the our morning hike was delayed and the timetable was pushed back for 1.5 hrs. we had to sit at the border for half an hour to meet with our transfer from the border to kasane airport!
5. our stay at Muchenje Lodge was excellent!!!!!!!!!!! we love it there, it was comfortable, there is a ceiling fan, the food is good and the guides and drives were very professional! the lodge was clean and well-decorated and even had wifi and phone-reception! we'll definitely recommend this lodge.
6. for our stay in the meno-a-kwena camp, it was a bit of a disappointment. firstly it's because we encountered heavy wind and rain during our stay. upon our arrival, we were told that we will have no activity that day. no explanation again though our itinerary clearly said afternoon activity. we assumed it was because of the wind and rain. we only had a 1.5 hr walk the next morning because it started to rain lightly again.
because we were sort-of stranded at camp, we got to really check it out. we like how the camp is authentic to african safari-tent, it was beautiful on our first night when it stopped raining. however, there were a few problems we had, the tent was a bit too low for my husband's height, 6 feet (ave. men height) and he couldn't stand up straight inside. we were also not very happy with the hygiene of the beds, i had a dozen bites on my arms when i left! breakfast and lunch were not very appetizing as well. one more thing, we understand that laundry was done by hands at this camp and it was difficult to have our clothes dried with the heavy rain. but we had to ask for our clothes back on the morning we left and our damp clothes were left in our tent, without explanation again. and we did feel like the guide was a bit of 'just talk' person. and used the rain as an excuse. he complained that his pants and boots were still wet that evening because of our walk (with only very light rain that we didn't mind having our cameras out the whole time)......
7. kwara camp was most definitely the highlight of our trip! we are 100% happy with this place!!!! the staff are friendly, the tent is spacious, high enough, and best of all VERY CLEAN> they also burn mosquito incense at night. the guide and trekker system for the drives worked perfectly well because we saw 15 different lions, 3 cheetahs , 6 wild-dogs and many more during 6 drives there. food is by far the BEST especially breakfast!!
generally more pictures shown online about these accommodations are highly recommended!
THANK U
Elaine Ho
November 2009
Hi there,
I would like to tell you that booking with Island Safari.com was very efficient. We had no problems.
We were met in Kasarne, promptly and transferred to Ichobezi Safari boat. This was a trip of a life time and such magic. The service on the boat was great, the food good and the people who manned the boat were first class.
I have already mentioned to friends that if they have anything special to celebrate this is the way to go.
Thanking you,
Veronica and Perry Feldman
November 2009
We had a completely fabulous time!! Overall couldn't fault it one bit. We're definitely glad we did the walking safari not the 10 day drive in a bus one, Oddball's camp was great, our guide was brilliant etc.
I'll answer your questions directly
The service you received from Island-Safari.com staff during the booking process and during your tour.
Two things here. Firstly the way you got us in was brilliant. We were looking to book our holiday over the internet, and there's so many options for Africa in general so no idea who or where to book. However we got to your website with the link 'send us an email with the subject line being "Please design me an Itinerary including the Okavango Delta" ' and it was so brilliant and succinct we gave it a go. And ended up booking through you. Great marketing.
Second thing was that Michelle (sorry Michelle!) was a bit random, we had some mistaken vouchers, mistaken quotes etc. In the end she came through with the goods, no problems etc, so no reall issue! But we did head off to Africa feeling just a *little* bit concerned that one of the bits of our Botswana trip was not going to play out perfectly. However it did, perfectly and so must give thanks to Michelle for booking it all and having it go off without a hitch
The transfers you had.
Great. Was met at the airport(s) and shepherded through, possibly unnecessary but welcome nonetheless. All transfers worked brilliantly. The flight into the delta was great.
Your stay at Oddballs Camp
Unbelievable. Great camp, great staff, great food etc. Nothing to say here but what a bloody fantastic trip! Thanks very much!
Phill Convery
November 2009
WE WERE VERY PLEASED WITH THE ORGANIZATION BEFORE THE TOUR AS WELL AS THE SERVICE AND ACCOMPLISHMENT OF THE TOUR. TRANSFER WAS PERFECT AND WE ENJOYED A LOT STAYING AT ODBALLS CAMP!!!!!!!!!!!!
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP!
BEATE & MARKUS EDLEFSEN
November 2009
The service you received from Island-Safari.com staff during the booking process and during your tour.
Very friendly service, Louise was lovely person to work with.
The transfers you had. Good, transfer back to the airport from the Lodge was exceptionally good - fabulous, friendly driver.
Your stay at Chitwa Chitwa Game Lodge In terms of expectations of the lodge, it was was a beautiful setting, perfect honeymoon setting, the management and most of the hosts were great - some put a dampner on the experience - but there are always personality clashes I'm sure. Food was good, most service excellent, management were terrific and we had a lucky trip and saw lots of the wildlife.
Your stay at Metcourt Laurel Hotel We were booked into a smoking twin room, which was not good at all we had to wait to see management and they wouldn't call I-Safari to sort it out, but they did upgrade us to a doublenon-smoking room which was good and were friendly there too. It was a basic hotel that met basic requirements for one night, fine.
Thanks for arranging,
Louise Robinson :)
November 2009
We've just returned from Africa and can't believe how amazing Oddballs' Camp was! Thank you so much for organising the best five days we've had. The flight in, accommodation, camping, guide (Cox was brilliant) and scenery were out of this world and we want to go back! Hearing hippos outside our tent, spotting giraffes and sidestepping elephants is something we'll never forget.
Have a great week and thanks for everything,
Hejira and Phill Convery
November 2009
The service we received from Island Safaris was very good. We were very happy with our short stay in Cape Town and would like to especially thank Louise Eksteen for her excellent level of service and professionalism. She clearly has an excellent understanding of exactly what her clients requirements are and both my wife and I were very impressed with her suggestions and advice regarding our trip.
We will definitely be recommending Island Safaris and in particular Louise Eksteen to all of our friends and family when they are planning a trip to Southern Africa.
The Ambassador Hotel has an excellent location and we were very happy with our sea view! The only small problem with the hotel was the size of the bathroom sink which was very small! Otherwise this was an excellent hotel and we would definitely stay there again.
Best wishes
Valji Varia
October 2009
I am more than happy to give some feedback.
1. Ali was an absolute star in assisting us arrange our honeymoon to Xakanaxa Camp, she went out of her way to make our dream honeymoon come true – so please extend a very big thanks to her.
2. Transfers were awesome, Delta air were extremely professional and Stefan’s flight back was memorable .
3. The team at Xakanaxa were extremely friendly and professional, Lettie our host made us feel so welcome and Metsi was an exceptional guide always going out of his way to ensure that we had a memorable experience and great sightings and his numerous stories are legendary.
Regards
Laurence Hillman
October 2009
1. Service and organization from Island Safari was good (e.g., Claudia). We would book with you again in the future or recommend you to others.
2. Meno A Kweno was great. Tents and staff and guides all super. David the owner being around showed he cared and in the service provided.
3. Muchenje was fantastic. Cabin and staff and guides all super. The manager and the owners being around showed they cared and was evident in the service provided.
4. Mapula was a let down. Guides did their best (game drives only, however there is no "full range of water activities" or walks on offer as was advertised). The cabin was filthy (black filth coating on the floor - 5 steps in light colored socks and they were black on the bottom), and Jane the lady running the place was not in control (she could not get the lights in our neighbours cabin sorted, food was not as good as at the other places), they seemed to run out of bottles of water, etc. You shloud not advertise or book Mapula in same itinerary as Meno a Kweno or Muchenje or you risk customers being disappointed. We would have called you to rebook us for the ramaining days of our stay there except there was no telephone service. A real let down.
5. Metacourt was OK (tiny room but we were just there for the overnight stay).
6. Transfers were all perfectly coordinated.
Except for Mapula, good job.
Sincerely,
Dan Pichler
October 2009
we are back from our trip
it was great, and we did not encountered even a single problem
okavango pom pom camp: great camp, great activities (fishing, safari) only mokoro was a bit boring , more for elderly people
Elephant valley lodge: good if you have the view on the waterhole, as we had. the waterhole was rather empty but it was still possible to see animals, we had great game drive and cruises.
Victoria Falls Hotel: great hotel, super value! people from zimbabwe extremely nice, impressive falls, and the rafting was gorgeous! only minor problem we had is that we queued one hour and a half at the zimbabwe border
safari club in JHB: great for the price, we had a wonderful room. a bit noisy however => good only for one night
casa rex: great staff, lovely location, great view, not the best location however for the people willed to benefit from the beach. we went deep sea fishing and we saw all kinds of sharks, turtles, even a dugong and a whale shark!
benguerra lodge: just as perfect as it is expansive, was a super great end to our trip. incredible beaches, staff (i could have stayed 10 years in this hotel)
NB: during our whole trip we had FANTASTIC food, great transfers
it was a great trip, very well organized, thank you very much Mandy! i ll definitely recommend you.
hope to talk to you soon!
Arnaud Laigre de Grainville
October 2009
The deal with Mandy, was great, very fast and adaptable. The transfers were correct. About the Hotels:
1. Safari Club: very nice and confortable. The only thing was the noise of the airplains.
2. Kingdom Hotel: very nice and confortable also. We really apreciate being so close to the Vic´Falls.
3. Elephant Valley Lodge: very nice, a little bit hot during the day inside the tent, and great to see the free animals near by you living in the lagune. The games were also fantastic.
4. Xakanaxa Fly Camp: the real Botswana animal experience. The guide MAX was realy nice, efficient, kind and professional.
5. Pom Pom Camp:the most luxury staying. Very friendly camp managers. We felt like living at home. No so amazing games as in Moremi and also Chobe, but beatifull landscapes.
The trip had offered more than we espected. We want to come back again to Africa.
Many thanks.
Best regards.
Daniel & Elisa Llamas.
October 2009
Thank you for your email. I was going to email you myself to tell you what a fantastic time we had in the Okavango Delta and how great the staff was.
From the beginning island-safari was a great company to book through. My main contact has been Claudia and she has been excellent at answering my millions of questions. Everytime I sent a new question she responded almost immediately. She really put me at ease especially since we were booking from Canada and its not always so easy to book from so far away. She was always very professional, personable and helpful.
Our transfers were totally smooth. We were met right off the plane by a representative of Delta Air who saw us through the entire process until we were on the plane to Oddballs. The transfer back was equally as smooth.
The staff at Oddballs was fantastic. Joyce was so welcoming and helpful. She made our stay really great. The entire staff was really great. The food, housekeeping/maintenance and ambiance were all fantastic.
We were met right off the plane by our guide Papeo. He took care of us for our entire stay: both at the camp and while we were on the bush trail. He was really terrific...incredibly knowledgable in regards to birds, trees and animals of the area as well as very safe. He was always concerned for our safety and comfort and did a great job of cooking too!
I would definately book with Island Safari again and have already recommended you to numerous people who are interested in travelling in Botswana.
Thank you so much for such an amazing adventure.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Ekroth
October 2009
I would unhesitatingly use your concern for future business. There was not a single hitch with any part of the schedule, and everything was smoothly executed. The initial research and booking process was well handled by your staff, and I was met with efficiency and cordiality.
We loved all the accommodation; all the camps;virtually all aspects.
If I have one comment, it would be this. The fees for Botswana camps are high. We were surprised to find that Xakanaka was as empty as it was, especially because we had had so much difficulty in booking the dates we had wanted in the first place. Then we discovered that our companions at the camp had easily secured accommodation at very short notice. Why had the "foreigners"had so much difficulty getting accommodation when we booked more than a year in advance? If there is one thing that would prevent me from returning to that part of the world, it is the expense attached to the experience. I would seek similar satisfaction with a greater "value factor", especially in these economic times.
Your staff and representatives were professional and wonderful from beginning to end. Of course, the camps were a total delight. Everyone bent over backwards to ensure enchanting experiences.
Thank you....Jon Brian Greis
October 2009
We would like to thank you for arranging our wonderful holiday to Mozambique; it definitely was a special way for Mike to spend his big birthday. All logistics worked well [with exception of Nuarro] All lodges exceeded our expectations {except Nuarro}. Mike had 2 birthday cakes {Nuarro and Lugenda ] and a special lobster dinner at Ibo .A quick summary of our stay is as follows
Lugenda
Long Bumpy flight made memorable when the pilot Dave flew the last 30 mins at low level up the river so we could see elephant, hippo and water buck. We had a great welcome and hospitality from Carri and Andrew. Tent was great, though the elephants came very, very close especially at night. Food good, best breakfasts of the trip. Nick the guide was fantastic and we saw a lot more animals than the expectations he set. Yes they are skittish but we must have seen nearly 200 elephant and over a hundred buffalo. We saw lots of sable as well as the rare Lichtenstein hartebeest and Niassa wildebeest. Unfortunately we saw no cats but enjoyed tracking the animals on foot.
Ibo
Good flight over the Islands. Very friendly welcome from Lizanne and John. The food was excellent, especially our secluded special lobster dinner in the gardens. Island was a fascinating place to look around and we enjoyed the historical tour and the bird watching. The trips to the spit for lunch and snorkelling where memorable We felt like honeymooners in the honey moon suite, but wished the aircon stayed on all night rather than switching of at 11pm.
Medjumbe
Paradise. Vanni and his team looked after us well, all staff very friendly and always willing to help. They laughed at my Swahili but that added to the fun. Food was great and it’s the only place in the world that we have shared a lobster as a bar snack with our pre dinner drinks. Room and facilities great. One day when it was windy on the room side of the Island they put up a private Gazebo on the sheltered side so we didn’t melt or burn in the sun. Steve was great as well. Snorkelling good but they seemed unable to deal with the tide times to allow us to go out fishing by boat
I will send a separate note on Nuarro and I recommend that Island safaris send someone to see the place before you recommend
Once again Mandy thanks for all your help and patience in providing our special holiday
Kind regards
Mike and Marcia Rodgers
October 2009
The service we received from Island Safari was once again faultless. It is the third time we have used you and we always turn to you when booking a safari holiday as the knowledge and response are far superior to any other company that we have liaised with. Louise did a great job. She came up with suggestions exactly along the lines that we were looking for and was able to give info and advice on the lodges and follow up on availability for revised dates when we could not get flights at our end.
We recommended Island Safari to other guests at Kambaku and Arathusa as they said they would check you out on their next safari.
The transfers were all on time and courteous, no problems at all.
Kambaku
Comfortable chalets
Good food (buffet style)
Good game drives with a knowledgeable ranger
There were typically only 6 people on the drives, so only 2 people per row of seats, which was nice, as you get a better view that way.
Good game walk
The staff were all very friendly
Nice bar and pool area for relaxing
They made a birthday cake on someone's birthday - a nice touch.
Arathusa
Very comfortable chalets with HUGE bathrooms.
Good food - table service - always with 2 choices for the evening meal.
Good game drives - knowledgeable ranger
Friendly staff
Nice bar and pool area for relaxing
Great views over the water hole - there was frequent activity there
They also made a birthday cake on someone's birthday!
Pondoro
Comfortable chalets with a rustic feel; the chalets were well spaced out; large private decks.
Very good food, probably the best of the 3 camps - table service.
Good game drives - knowledgeable ranger
There were generally only 6 people per vehicle. They said they try to never put more than 6 guests in a vehicle and more than 6 typically only happens due to the timing of change over of guests.
Exceptionally friendly staff
Nice bar and pool area for relaxing; the photo's in the album in the lounge are amazing!
Views over the river
Another birthday cake for someone!
All 3 camps were very good and I would happily visit any of them again. We thoroughly enjoyed the game drives at all of them. Kambaku was the only one at which we saw the Big 5. Arathusa was very good for leopards; we saw a cheetah, which was fantastic; no lions. Pondoro was very good for lions (no leopards). I realise that game drives vary from day to day and there is no guarantee as to what you will see, but this is just a brief summary of our sightings.
Regards
Nicola London
October 2009
I'm happy to provide feedback on our trip. Here you go:
Island-Safari: We loved working with Claudia. Over the 13 months that we worked on the trip together, Claudia was helpful, timely in responses, knowledgeable and very helpful. We will recommend her to friends & family for planning their africa trip.
Transfers: We only had one or two transfers but they were on-time and helpful with the process.
Ngala: We absolutely loved Ngala, we will all hope to return some day! We felt so at home at the camp, loved the staff and especially loved our tracker and guide (Dyke & Zoop). The food was especially good here.
Sandibe: Traveling to Bostwana is such a unique experience and we loved every minute of it. Sandibe is a special place with a warm, welcoming and wonderful staff.
Metcourt: A perfect hotel to stay at in JNB if for a short period of time like us. The breakfast buffet is awesome! Comfortable rooms and fast internet service in the business center!
Glen Beach: Despite our missing our first night here due to the property manager, we loved the apartment, the view was amazing, had all the amenities a family needs and you can't beat the location! Best in Cape Town.
Thanks,
April Schleede
October 2009
Thanks for getting in touch. We were very happy with the Island Safaris service.
We loved Oddballs - our guide Kitso was great as was the manager Joyce.
Transfers worked well as well and it was good that we had a late transfer out of Oddballs so we could enjoy it for longer. Patricia was also very helpful and patient with our enquiries so all in all we were very happy.
Thank you and please pass on our thanks!
Kind regards
Nikki McAllen
October 2009
Our thanks to you and the Island-Safari staff for organizing this trip for us. The trip was extremely well put together and we would especially like to thank Mandy for the excellent job she did. Having completed the trip, we can now appreciate the planning required to make sure that everything goes smoothly. A single slip and one could end up stranded on a remote airstrip in the middle of the bush.
The transfers went very smoothly. We would like to especially mention Natasha, who met us on arrival at Johannesburg airport and who was extremely nice and helpful. The other transfers went very well also, although we felt that we were brought far too early to Kasane airport for our flight to the Chobe air strip. The three hours we spent here would have been much better spent at Victoria Falls.
The Zambezi Sun Resort hotel is conveniently located, but is otherwise average. The food is below average.
We loved Savuti Camp. The tents were lovely, the most elegant, well equpped and thoughtfully designed of our trip. We understand the camp was rebuilt three years ago. The views from the decks was exceptional because of the flooding of the Savuti channel; we saw a great many hippos and elephants in the channel. The game drives were very good also, and the guide was savvy about photography. The staff in general was friendly and helpful. We would definitely consider returning to this camp.
Kwara was our favourite camp, though the lodging at the other camps was much nicer. The density of animal life was astounding. The guides/trackers were extremely well-informed, the most knowledgeable we encountered, and very good at tracking. The food was the best we had on safari. The staff was good, and we appreciated the fact that they were not forced to dance and perform for us. If we return to Botswana, we will certainly go back to Kwara.
Sandibe is more luxury-oriented (massages, sherry in the rooms) than game-oriented. The lodging itself is beautiful and comfortable, though we wondered about the ecological impact of hairdryers. The camp seems not to have a sufficiency of vehicles or rangers. The afternoon we arrived, the jeep that was to transport us had broken down and there was no other vehicle we could use for a game drive. So everyone was forced to go on a very dull boat trip on the delta, with no commentary from the guide. I understand that boat trips on the delta are a common feature of safaris. We had taken one at Kwara, where we visited a heronry and also received expert guiding on the flora of the delta. The boat trip at Sandibe was a waste of time in comparison. The following day, though, we went on two game drives, one lasting 7.5 hours and other lasting 4 hours. Our guide had superb tracking skills, and we saw a lot of game. Part (though not all) of the length of these trips can be explained by the fact that the game-viewing areas are far from the camp. We are unlikely to return to this camp.
Hope this helps.
Best wishes,
Bharat Trehan
October 2009
It is with pleasure that I give a more detailed feedback about my recent tour to Zambia, Botswana and South Africa. I congratulate you for your excellent organization and flexibility to adapt to my demands. For my future African tours you will be my preferred operator.
1 Island Safari
1.1 Organization of the tour
Excellent organization, with helpful advices, answers to my questions always valuable and rapid. Good and useful information and advices about the tour and the things that we must not forget.
1.2 Transfers
Everyone was there, at the right time. Very nice people, very professional and always with a smile.
2 Zambezi Sun Hotel
Good hotel in a beautiful ground area but, at the time I was there, the only available restaurant for dinner was small for the number of customers. Nice personnel.
3 Muchenji Safari Lodge
Warming and very well located, with beautiful views. Good accommodations. Good choice of activities, with excellent guides and vehicles. Good food.
4 Camp Okuti
Very warming personnel, good tent accommodations (but must be very cold in the winter nights), beautiful place. Excellent cuisine.
5 Walmont Hotel
Good hotel, providing no-cost transfer from / to airport.
6 Michaelangelo Hotel
Good hotel and nice personnel.
Best Regards.
Luciano S. P. Costa
October 2009
We are back , we wanted to thank you , every thing was just perfect and so well organised, we had a wonderful holiday, even beter than we expected, we saw a lot of game and the weather was very nice. Certainly we had the best experience at Moremi, facilities were very basic but it was so real and exciting, also the guide at Moremi was very profesional and friendly. We have no complains , thank you again, we will recomend you for future ocasions, Wish you the best.
Daniel Llamas
October 2009
We enjoyed a lot our hollidays and all your arrangements were perfect .... Congratulations .... You made a excelent job .... If I return toBotswana , for sure i will contact you again !
Take care
Best regards
Francisco Gomes
October 2009
The service you received from Island-Safari.com staff during the booking process and during your tour. EXCELLENT
The transfers you had. WHY A 20 SEATER BUS FOR 4 PEOPLE??? THE BUS WAS A BIT OLD AND RICKERTY
Your stay at Victoria Falls Hotel ABSOLUTELY THE BEST. A GRAND OLD BUILDING WONDERFUL GARDENS AND DELIGHTFUL STAFF. THE MANAGER KARL SNATER HEARD ABOUT BARBRA nee MORTONS ( WHOSE FATHER SIR RALPH MORTON WAS CHIEF JUSTICE IN RHODESIA 1950-1960) 85TH BIRTHDAY AND GAVE US A WONDERFUL DINNER IN THE MAIN DINING ROOM .....WONDERFUL AND THANKS.
Howard Walker
October 2009
Despite our two little issues with Avis and Glen Beach villas - our entire trip was a HUGE success and we owe you a BIG thank you!! Everything from the detailed itinerary, the meet & greets and down to the experience at working with you was amazing and we are truly thankful for your help with our family trip. I will definitely pass the good word on to Dorothy as well. Please let me know if there's a survey or anything I can fill out for a recommendation for you!
I must say, Ngala and Sandibe have to be the BEST camps out there! But I guess everyone says that about their safari experience...we just loved every minute of it.
Thanks again and please let me know if I can ever be of any help to you!
April Schleede & Family
October 2009
I send you my feedback (quickly)
The service you received from Island-Safari.com staff during the booking process and during your tour.
Very good: always quick replies to my email, and always very nice. Good advices for this tour.
The transfers you had.
Everythings were all right
Your stay at Maun Lodge
This is not a real 'lodge' but a hotel. Just a good hotel for transit. Simple rooms. Good restaurant.
Your stay at Delta Camp
Beautiful camp. Staff very nice. Perfect
Your stay at Chobe Safari Lodge
According to me, it’s also more a hotel than a lodge. Good restaurant, good rooms, nice staff, beautiful view. But too much people! This is a very big hotel.
Thanks and regards,
Vincent Guy
October 2009
We had a fantastic time, with the holiday overall exceeding our expectations.
All of the accommodation was of the highest standard including the food and hospitality which we could not fault. In particular, we were upgraded to an executive Suite at Oliver's Lodge, and were given the master suite at Monwana Lodge.
Monwana Lodge in particular was a highlight for us, with a great Ranger and Tracker, plus the overall ambience and peace of the location.
As we had a number of transport and accommodation links we had expected there might have been a problem at one point, but the whole trip went off without a hitch, including the internal flight transfers.
We would both like to thank Cara for her choice of accommodation, but also her overall advice on the makeup of the holiday allowing us to maximise what we wanted to cover without feeling that we were travelling to excess e.g. the overnight stop at Stonecutters was lovely enabling us to cover the Blyde Canyon route fresh the following day.
We will certainly recommend your company to anyone we speak to who is looking to make a trip to South Africa.
Regards
Belinda and Paul Eden
October 2009
I would like to congratulate your company for the excellent organization of my African tour. Everything was perfect, the contact persons were always there at the right time and the hotels and lodges you recommend were superb. Thanks very much.
Best regards.
Luciano S. P. Costa
October 2009
Per your request, below is our feedback. Thank you!
The service you received from Island-Safari.com staff during the booking process and during your tour.
Very positive. Claudia was very flexible and accommodating. I felt like she listened to what we were looking for and tried her best to find accommodations that fit our age, lifestyle and budget.
The transfers you had.
Botswana Air – As expected.
Bush Flights – We had a pilot named Frank foor all but one of our flights. Frank was very personable and accommodated my air sickness. I do think better/stricter guidance needs to be given to travelers related to their luggage. We abided by the rules but most of the passengers that traveled with us did not which could have posed some serious issues.
Bots/Zambia Border – I think the process forr crossing the border between Botswana and Zambia should have been described/explained better in our itinerary materials. It was very unclear that we would drive to the border and go through Botswana customs with one person, cross the river with another person, go through Zambia customs with another person, and then be driven to our lodge by yet another person. All in all we got there fine and it went smoothly but not knowing what we were about to go through and being transferred from one person to the next was a bit unnerving.
Zambia/Johannesburg – We were recommended onnly 2 hours between our flight from Zambia to Johannesburg and Johannesburg to Cape Town. I would strongly suggest a minimum of 3 hours as we almost missed our flight. (The same goes for Cape Town to Johannesburg and Johannesburg to Atlanta, we were recommended a 3 hour layover. I would strongly recommending 4 hours as we did miss our flight on the way home though it was in part due to a weather delay.)
Your stay at Delta Camp
Accommodations - It was fun to stay in a tree house but I was glad we only did it for two nights. Also, after the first night the hot water and electricity did not work properly.
Staff – Very friendly.
Food – Considering we were in the bush we weere quite impressed though I did get sick.
Game – Very disappointing. We saw impala, red lechwe, elephants and hippos.
Guide – Very disappointing. He barely spoke to us, he didn't tell us what was going on and we felt like we went to the same place four times in arrow. I think we would have been more understanding about the lack of game if he explained what was going on. He also didn't have a watch or binoculars so he kept using ours. It also didnt appear like our lodge was in contact with other lodges ... at the other locations they all shared info on where the animals were.
Your stay at Xakanaxa Fly Camp
Accommodations - Not for me but my husband did enjoy sleeping in a tent. The vehicle we had was also very old and got stuck multiple times. Our Guide constantly complained about the vehicle. We also seemed to be very far from the other lodges so we spent a lot of time traveling to and from camp.
Staff – Not much interaction.
Food – Very disappointing. Over cookedd and uneatable. Except they did surprise me with a birthday cake which was very very sweet.
Game – Under the circumstances (see Guide), great. We saw a wider variety of different animals.
Guide – Extremely disorganized, never on timme (no watch), always complained about the vehicle and found most of the animals thanks to other guides/luck. We spent an entire day driving back/forth to the airport to find out about our flights (thankfully we drove by some cool animals), we also wasted time stopping by a lodge for ice to find out the ice machine was broken, we were never woken up when we were suppose to be, and the guide didn't have his own binoculars so he constantly used ours.
Your stay at Savute Elephant Camp
Accommodations - Despite the pool being down for renovations and the noise associated with it (wish we would have known in advance) the accommodations were amazing (almost too nice for being on safari).
Staff – Very friendly and very accommodating
Food – Very good, though for a 5 star lodge I thought the service in the restaurant would have been better. Amongst other things (not serving right to left, taking my plate before my husband was finished, etc), we always had to ask for water and drink refills, even when sitting with the staff!
Game – Not a ton of density (except for elephants of course) but what we did see was amazing … cheetah, leopard, buffalo, jackal, etc.
Guide – Amazing! Gerald was by far the best guide we had. Soo much knowledge and he worked well with the other guides to find what we wanted to see. He was also a very good tracker and explained what he was doing.
Your stay at Chundukwa River Lodge
Accommodations - Better than expected, their website doesn't do a very good job of showing off how nice this place really is.
Staff – Very friendly and helpful with pickiing out things to do
Food – Average, except for the lentil soup wwhich was amazing!
Activities – (1) sunset cruise = average, (2) museum and tour falls = good, but our full day guide wasn't very friendly, (3) village tour = great, very insightful
Your stay at 138 Marine Guesthouse
Accommodations - Very nice
Staff – Friendly but a bit frazzled, recommeendations where very touristy
Food – Very good
Your stay at Auberge Clermont Guesthouse
Accommodations - Nice
Staff – Pleasant but not overly friendly (except for the owners)
Food – Very good
Thank you,
Christie Segura
October 2009
You have no idea how much I enjoyed the two days at Kwara. My guides were General and KB, and two nicer and more knowledgeable people could not be found. Fortunately I was in a party of four with three young people from Europe, who also did not want to waste a minute having a siesta, so we packed many activities into our days and late into the night. Service was excellent, as was the food, and the accommodation was perfect. I have already recommended Island Safari to many people and also Kwara Camp. The camp shop was well stocked and inviting.
What is so beautiful about the camps is that they are not permanent. They are hard to spot from the air, and if the concession changes and they are removed, the bush will recover instantly. It’s extraordinary how luxurious they are, given that every single thing has to be flown in in small planes.
Every dawn and night I had three young male elephants practically brushing past my tent, and one night a leopard hunting impala through camp. I love elephants, and saw many – enough to satisfy even me. We tracked and found a family of six cheetahs, found the hunting dogs, mating lions, birds of every kind, and some rare and lovely animals like a serval, three honey badgers, and many many other things. The mekoro expedition was enlivened by a brush with a resting crocodile. The two guides got us out of trouble fast and expertly. Despite being surrounded by wild things, I never felt at risk, and learned a lot. We walked one morning, and learned about tracks and plants. Most of all, the game were trusting of us, so we could get close and simply watch.
The guides are truly stunning. General speaks 7 languages, for example, and their knowledge of the bush and its ways is remarkable. At night, spotlighting, they recognize the animals by the shape of their eyes in a second.
We went fishing twice, and I caught an 18 kg catfish on a traditional rod made of a red willow with a fixed line and bait. Without General, I could not have lifted this monster into the boat. The other members of the party also caught many fish, but none as big. I did not take a camera, and that was fine, but did ask a fellow traveler to take a photo of the fish for me. I’ll pass it along when she sends it.
The Delta flights were also well organized and utterly fascinating. Driving from the airstrip to camp the first morning I was guided by Steve and Ken, and when I told Steve that the lotus flowers, of which there were many in every water area, were sacred to my beliefs, he stopped and picked one, and then turned it into a lovely necklace for me. The unhurried pace and gentleness of the people were a blessing. I unwound from my fast- paced life, and was revived and refreshed.
It was very hard to leave, and I hope the opportunity arises again for me to return, hopefully for a little longer.
Rileys is undergoing renovations, and was very basic and not very well organized. However, it was okay for the night, and not having internet access for a day was not a major hassle. The airport transfers were a bit on the steep side: it’s about a 15 minute drive. I went out to the University of Botswana Research station in a taxi for Pula 50 each way – a drive of at least half an hour, so 150 per trip in the Riley’s van was a tourist price.
I will be in Botswana again in May and September/October, so please let me know if you have specials during those months.
Thanks to all. This was the best and most memorable nature experience I have ever had. This is what our planet was meant to be, a taste of paradise.
Best,
Cassandra Perry
October 2009
We were extremely pleased with the service from your company once our tour started. Before we started we had a problem as we paid more than the required deposit and that wasn't immediately acknowledges and then after we had paid the full amount, several days earlier than necessary, Michelle either didn't receive notification of our payment or didn't realise that she had and we had a couple of weeks wondering what had happened and why we were not getting final details.
The transfers were excellent -We were picked up as planned at Chanter's Lodge by an extremely nice/well educated driver in a new vehicle, the boat was waiting on the Zambezi as was the driver on the other side -and this level of service was typical of the whole trip.
We loved Chobe Safari Lodge -the fact that it was bigger than most lodges was not a concern as it is so specious, there was no feeling of being crowded, there was more food available than we could possibly eat, the drives were excellent (and no more people in a vehicle than in those of the much more exclusive/expensive lodges, loved the proximity to Kasane - we knew we were going to be in more remote places so walking around a town was enjoyable and the distance to the Park not a problem
Loved Pom Pomp - not as great animal viewing as the lions had left the island and the leopards were elusive but we saw lots, loved the scenery and the mokoro ride, and really appreciated our guide and tracker. Made even nicer as there were only 8 -12 guests while we were there. Also were the only 2 guests on the last day in our vehicle and they personalised a boat/game drive combo for us when we couldn't decide which to take. Of all the places we stayed this was the one that we felt was "ours" -least sense of being in a resort/hotel. Staff always around to help/answer questions/ just visit. I found there was just too much food -and just had yogurt and fruit plate at brunch
Arathusa -also loved - the staff were not as available as Pom Pom -but neither were we paying the same kind of money -excellent value -once again \I had to skip meals /have a salad or fruit instead of the main courses which were outstanding but I'm just not used to eating so much. My husband loved the food in all 3 places. Absolutely exceptional game viewing -best leopard sightings of the season according to our Ranger and we believed him. definitely recommend and would go back
We really appreciated having the contact with island Safar and Michelle when our luggage got left behind in Maun and support to get it to Arathusa. We have done a super positive review of the Safari Club hotel on Trip Advisor as we were so impressed -reasonable rate, service etc.
There is nothing we would change -doing the larger lodge first was a good idea. I'd also like to put in a plug for our accommodation in Livingstone, Chanter's Lodge - for a budget place to stay it would be hard to think of how you can do better -and with the costs of the safari lodges it just makes a longer trip possible.
So - a superb trip- you have our complete recommendation and we let other visitors who asked who we "were with" know who helped us organize - we really enjoyed not being part of a larger tour and having the sense of independence and yet the security of knowing experts had organized and were there if we needed them
Mary Schmid
October 2009
The service you received from Island-Safari.com staff during the booking process and during your tour.- Patricia was great at helping me sort out my itinerary. Especially when it came to coming up with suggestions to get around limited flights and adding people etc.
The transfers you had.- Drivers were great and very knowledgeable about the area etc. On time and very good drivers. I'm always worried about driving in mini buses, but I enjoyed the trip.
Your stay at Moremi Crossing Camp- Moremi Crossing was really nice. Guides were great. Food was good. Everything is new so nothing to complain about. Thoroughly enjoyed the stay.
Your stay at Elephant Valley Lodge- Nice intimate lodge. Again great staff. My only comment is that there is a long drive between the lodge and park on a rough and dusty road. Not something you notice after a few sundowners though... The dining area overlooking the watering hole is really awesome though. Pool is great too. We had the rooms facing the watering hole which was incredible. The rooms facing the pool are missing out though. Three days there would have been enough. We stayed 4, which may have been overkill.
Your stay at Protea Wanderes Hotel- Stay was fine, but Wanderer's lost the reservations and payment info. The check-in check-out process is a bit disorganized. I had to call Island Safaris to sort it out. I only chose it because it is close to my apt. to simplify logistics.
Your stay at Kambaku Lodge- Excellent time at Kambaku. Food is amazing. Guides and trackers were excellent. Owners very nice and made the stay more personal. Not much showed up at the watering hole, but we saw so much during the game drives it didn't matter. Another small and more intimate lodge. Would definitely go back. American guy runs the place so it was very interesting for my family to talk to him about SA since they came from the US
Your stay at West Lodge- Nice place. Fabulous breakfast. The religious stuff in the rooms was a bit odd. Sherry in the rooms is a nice touch.
Your stay at Waterfront Village Apartments. Apartments were amazing! I can't wait to go back there. The patio in the 3 bedroom was almost as big as the flat. Also at a reasonable price. Location can't be beat. The check-in process was a bit time consuming with photos at the security gate etc., which is something I wasn't in the mood for at midnight, but not a big deal if you are staying for a while.
Everywhere we stayed was fabulous and the organization was excellent. There was a bit of confusion on the Moremi air flights when travelling from Moremi Crossing to Kasane, but that was on the lack of organization on the airline side.
Russell Bunnell
October 2009
We had an exceptional holiday, thank you. Below is my feedback
The service you received from Island-Safari.com staff during the booking process and during your tour - excellent
The transfers you had - excellent
Your stay at Mfuwe Lodge – very nice, very friendly staff, lovely setting
Your stay at Chindeni Camp – lovely views and very comfortable accommodation. Great staff, particularly the guide, Peter!
Your stay at Bilimungwe Camp – probably our favourite because of the very active waterhole. Also very accommodating and friendly staff. Both Manda and Mike looked after us very well! Accommodation very simple and could do with a bit of a revamp, but camp is beautifully situated and has a lovely bush atmosphere
Your stay at Kapamba Camp – enjoyable, although not so much game around. Preferred other camps ito game watching during the siesta period. Very competent and friendly staff, though! Would not recommend more than one night here.
The bush walks were very well guided and hugely informative, as were the game drives. All staff were well informed and well spoken!
Stephanie Koch
October 2009
Service we received from Michelle was absolutely amazing and as we have used her in the past we will most certainly use her again on our next travels ! We have already forwarded her details to some friends whom want to travel to Zambia/Botswana !
Wild horizons in Zambia and Botswana is to be highly commended on timely transfers and wonderfully friendly staff ! The guides are well informed and nothing was to much to ask or do for us ! Fantastic !
David Livingstone Safari Lodge is out of this world ! They made our stay very memorable and really went out of their way to make us feel welcome and the staff there never walks around without a smile ! So very nice to see ! They made my mom's birthday a very very special day and one she will never forget !
Chobe Marina was very nice although I have to mention that the staff was not as friendly although this excludes the guides whom were fantastic ! I think they might have been very busy as room servicing only took place late in the afternoons which doesn't work so well as one mostly come back after morning excursions to rest before late afternoon excursions. Never the less was still very very good !
I hope we will have the opportunity to return again one day as still so much to see and do !
Kind Regards
Anne Marie Viljoen
October 2009
Let us start this “debriefing” e mail by thanking you for all your good efforts in making this about four week tour a complete success.
Our thanks go also to your wonderfull correspondent Nature Friends Safaris in general and to Malory and Nico in particular.
We were welcomed at Windhoek Airport by Mister Nico who gave us loads of additional and useful information. He spent quite some time with us explaining things and answering our questions. A good start!
Here we go:
No comments about Bagatelle, only perhaps a little bid too far from Windhoek after the long flight from Brussels and Frankfurt. But got there in due time for the evening activity.
In Canon Lodge we took several interesting excursions.
The Bahnhof Hotel in Aus is of a good standard but misses that special touch that made the other lodges so outstanding. Aus itself is a complete disaster.
Wolvedans Dune Lodge was the experience! The first night we had diner in their wine cellar where a romantic table for two was reserved for us. And in the the cellar we found a wide selection of good South African wines at reasonable prices.
In Kulala Desert Lodge we joined several excursions. The ranger walked us first to Death Vlei. Sossus Vlei was infested by tourists and as such a disappointment.
The Hansa Hotel with their "reward winning restaurant" was first in class! The place to be at when in Swakopmund! Helpful ladies at the reception who booked a full day activity to Walvis Bay and to … Sandwich Harbour. Ever been there Mister Nico?
No comments about Cape Cross Lodge. We remember the warm welcome at the reception from the local manager. Nice room with an Atlantic Ocean view.
Mister Nico advised us to travel from Cape Cross to Mowani via the C35. A good advice Nico! The C35 looks on the map a little bid suspicious but is in fact a very nice road for a careful driver. In Mowani we took the longer excursion looking for the elephants and our ranger found them! The manager had given us a 50% change. We explored Twijfelfontein and the miserable Organ pipes with our own car. No need for a ranger with a land rover.
Travel between Damaraland and Sesfontein is in a long exercise. But a 4x4 would, as people told us, could not have helped. No need for the 4x4 but the advantage from a bigger car comes from the “high clearance”. Sesfontein is a good standard accommodation with a below standard kitchen and can be used as a really outstanding safari operator. The first day we booked a full day activity visiting two Himba villages near Opuwo. The second day the ranger brought us in a full day excursion to Puros. We followed the Hoanib River looking for lions, elephants and giraffe.
Puros is another big experience! It started with the enthusiastic welcome from Mister Pieter, one of the owners. Interesting excursions, interesting accommodation and a superb kitchen. All that in the middle of nowhere.
The Elephant Lodge transferred us back from Puros to Sesfontein via the direct road. This took more than four hours in a land rover and a driver (Mister James) who was born and raised in the area.
In this debriefing letter we want to revert to travelling to Puros. Obviously off limits for a standard car but also off limits for European drivers not accustomed with a 4x4 and not familiar with the road. As Mister Nico explained us in Windhoek: hopelessly. Not even an army tank would have got us through because we would have got lost in the dry riverbed!
Travelling from Sesfontein to the Ongava Lodge was difficult up to Kamanjab where we joined the tar road.
The Ongave Lodge is an above standard Wilderness Safaris outlet. They supplied everything we could have wished for. Interesting game drives in their own reserve. Etosha itself was full of animals and packed with tourists! You will know the feeling.
Okonija is also an above standard lodge and they also supplied everything we could have wished for.
It was a short drive from Okonjima to the Windhoek Airport and to the car delivery station.
We had booked a car from Europcar ourselves and we had been warned during our trip that we would get cheated.
When delivering the car the attendant (a Mister Beno) barely looked at the car but immediately wanted the check the tyre in the boot. It was completely flat and we are convinced that he knew in advance. We didn’t have to use it but the idea that they send us on the road with a flat tyre is disgusting. It was a rather new car and we showed him that the crick had never used but at no avail. We then understood that we had fallen prey to a mafia. The local manager is an impolite brute and referred to a separate slip of paper they had made us sign outside the rental contract. No need to discuss because they got us in their trap. We were told that Johannesburg would decide.
Waiting in front of the Europcar counter we overheard the missery of just arriving guests who had booked a car and were told there was none. We witnessed the argument between the manger and his assistant manager.
This was a disappointment after a fabulous four week tour through beautiful Namibia where we met friendly and always helpful people. Such practices are a shame for the Namibian Tourist Industry and for Namibia as a whole.
Ali, this was our third visit to Southern Africa and the second with you. As previously already hinted we are considering to come back. Let's keep in touch.
Thanks,
Johan and Bernaette Rutten
October 2009
Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you, but I am happy to provide some feedback.
Island-Safari Service:
I learned of IS through a friend who had booked a trip with them earlier in the year. As he couldn't say enough nice things about the agent he worked with (Patricia), I initially tried to email her directly. I sent her several emails over a period of weeks, but she never responded; I found this to be quite frustrating. However, once I emailed the more generic email address and was assigned to Alison, my experience couldn't have been more positive. Alison was incredibly friendly, professional, and put together an itinerary which was perfect for what we wanted. She was honest in telling us which of our ideas would be more expensive than the budget we had proposed, and went well above and beyond my expectations in (successfully) advocating on our behalf to have the singles charge at Oddballs waived. I very much enjoyed my email interactions with her, appreciated her willingness to be a little less formal (which allowed her friendliness and personality to show through), and was very pleased with the way she organized our trip. I would gladly recommend IS, an in particular Alison, to others.
Transfers:
It was a little unclear when/ where we needed to meet with the Delta Air people in Maun, which was easily resolved by calling the offices the morning of our departure into the Delta. It would have been helpful (and a little less stressful) though if we knew clearly when our flight was leaving and where we had to meet prior to our arrival in Maun. Otherwise, the transfers (Maun--> Oddballs and Oddballs--> Maun) were great. We chose to make our own arrangements to get to/ from Maun to where we were staying in Gaborone.
Oddballs:
How can I say enough nice things about Oddballs? While reputed to be a more 'budget' safari, it feels like anything but. Located in an idyllic part of the Delta, the view from the comfortable couches, chairs, and porch of the main building is as glorious as it is tranquil, and is accentuated by the sounds of nearby hippos, frequent visits from elephants and baboons, numerous graceful birds, and stunning African sunsets. We slept in beds complete with sheets and blankets in our raised platform tents, and had towels, clean bathrooms, and plenty of hot water. The food and service were fantastic; I loved the chance to eat with other guests/ staff and the food was easily restaurant-quality. Our guide, Papio, was simply amazing; he could tell everything about seemingly every animal and bird (and we saw plenty of both) from behavior patterns to migration paths to dietary preferences to scientific names. Beyond professional, he took every opportunity to do his best to ensure that we had the maximum best time possible, never once showing any sign of boredom, frustration, or anything other than positivity and upbeat-ness (pretty impressive considering we spent every waking moment of >2 days with him, and then significant portions of another 3). When we were apologetic about asking him to do things that created more work for him (such as back up in the mokoro so we could take a picture of something or see something more closely), he always just brushed it aside and simply repeated his generous response "I am here for you, and you are here for me”- a beautiful description of what was in truth a business relationship, but in a way that invited equal power and further interaction. He also had an incredible sense of humor, possessed humility in a way that was so much a part of him one might easily overlook it, loved to laugh, joke, and learn, and was just a genuinely good human being. And I never once had even the slightest waver of trust in his ability to keep us safe in the wilderness. Finally, I loved that Oddballs gave us the chance to do all mokoro and walking safaris; I did several driving and bigger boat safaris later during my stay in Botswana, and the increased frequency with which one sees game when driving simply can't (in my mind) compare to the feeling of peace, tranquility, and harmony with nature one gets when coming across game on foot or in a mokoro. I would HIGHLY recommend not only Oddballs, but that anyone going there request Papio as their guide.
Hope this helps!
David Carrier
October 2009
I actually gave the 2 nights at Elephant Valley Lodge to my son and daughter in law as a wedding present, they were honeymooning through Botswana
All they said was magic.
Elize was great with all my bookings as I am in Sudan and answered all my questions and more.She went out of her way for me.
Thanks very much.
Barbara Schroder
October 2009
Everything was perfect! I really enjoyed the 'Africa on Foot' experience and would recommend it to others!
Thank you!
Nataliya Novikova
October 2009
enjoyed my stay at Moremi Crossing Camp very much. The staff was very nice and well-trained and the lodge is beautiful. Everything was perfectly organized.
Nontheless I don't think I would choose this way of experiencing the Okavango Delta again.
There was too much time of just doing nothing and hanging around in the lodge. This was very relaxing but I felt I wasted a lot of precious time.
This is a personal view as I prefer more activities during my holidays, but I am sure that other people come to this place in order to relax.
Thanks again and all the best for Moremi Crossing!
Regards
Dietmar Almen
October 2009
We are back home after long but uneventful, even pleasant flights. In our 3 hour stop over on Jo'burg we visited the Air Botswana office and were treated very well and got the maximum refund for our clothes purchases. (And suggested that this info be included in the lost baggage forms we filled in) The person we dealt with was very relieved we were not upset/angry and wanted to know how we were so happy! We ended up hearing about her marital difficulties as she asked us for the secret of our long/happy marriage!
We enjoyed both our road trips in and out of Arathusa -the re routing was unfortunate in that we missed a game drive but the journey from Nelspruit was very scenic. I am sure you will sort out who gets to be paid for the transfer as it wasn't tambouti and SAS were responsible for the mess. Will the prepaid $$$ be transferred from Tambouti to whoever drove us?- and we also felt very badly afterwards that we had not tipped the young man who drove us -his name was Zani (spelling?) and didn't work for Tambouti. He must have thought us very tightfisted but we simply were so happy to be at Arathusa -and there was no luggage so the arrival was v fast -and he;d gone before tTor and I looked at each other and felt badly.
Our stay at Arathusa provided us with the best animal viewing of the holiday -we have unbelievable leopard shots, the best sightings in 3 months according to our Ranger as we saw 6 different cats and followed/watched a mum and 2 cubs as they rested, played and cavorted on the patio of a safari lodge and then posed for us as they groomed/rested first on a rock and then on a termite mound. We would completely recommend Arathusa and didn't feel it was at all expensive .Everyone there was very happy.
We loved Pom Pom - I think I enjoyed it even more than Tor as I loved the birds/landscape etc and felt the way the camp was organised with its tea/coffee/ drinks/bar/ gave it a homey feeling. We were also lucky they were not full -8 -12 guests while we were there. We received really personalised attention on the third day with our own guide and tracker and a combo boat trip/game drive -which makes sense as they obviously make more money from us when you factor in the fly in and out costs. We'd definitely go back.
More importantly I wanted to thank you for your help - knowing you were on the ground to help turned out to be an essential cog in the success of our trip - and Corrie's kindness went far beyond the normal expectations for a hotel manager at The Safari Club.
Please feel free to use us as a reference and we would be happy to provide a comment for your website. If you ever have the opportunity to travel to Canada's west coast we would be thrilled to host you
Mary Schmid
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