Thanks for arranging such a memorable Botswana safari!

Some wonderful feedback from recent guests to Botswana and Cape Town...

Jamie:

Thanks for arranging such a memorable trip. Every aspect of our journey was exceptional not only as a spectacle of the amazing diversity of African wildlife but in enabling us to gain a deep understanding of the relationship between animal and human natures. It is difficult to choose a favorite lodge since each was entirely appropriate for its environment. Tau Pan was remarkable. The remoteness and pristine nature of the Central Kalahari was a strong contrast from East Africa. We particularly enjoyed a night on a roofless platform under the Magellanic Cloud on a cold, moonless night. Nxamaseri Island in the upper Okavango was a strong contrast with all the water. The birding with Adam, a remarkable birding guide, was fascinating and we were thrilled that he arranged our guide at Tsodillo Hills; a San elder featured in the informational section of the small museum. Kwara was amazing. Tom, our guide, usually worked as a manager and private guide so we were thrilled that he was assigned to look after us. The accommodations were most luxurious. Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero was somewhat more touristy than the other camps but most comfortable and Innocent, our guide, had an uncanny ability to find lions many other guides missed. Victoria Falls was awesome. The hotel was truly unique—remarkably well preserved and comfortable. Due to the location close to the falls I was able to make three trips there. Service was not quite 5 star but our room was spectacular with antique furnishings and a large balcony.

Cape Town offered a relaxing but fascinating contrast to safari lodges. Our room at the V & A had a spectacular view of the harbor and Table Mountain. Dinners at Pot Luck Club and Fyn’s featured food, atmosphere, and service equal to NYC restaurants.

But in addition to the memorable tourist experiences we particularly enjoyed meeting the people of Botswana and Cape Town. Botswana’s people have a remarkable confidence and pride in their culture and their country’s history which they infectiously shared with us. In Cape Town our guides included mostly “Cape Colored” people also proud of their culture and open about the trials they and their families experienced during apartheid. One guide took us to Slave Lodge where she is a docent. Another was a resident of Bo Kaap and invited us for tea in a neighbor’s home. Another provided a fascinating tour of the murals in the Woodstock area. We were also most fortunate to have a guide at the District 6 museum who was born in the area and poignantly recounted how her family were forced to move out. The guide you arranged for us to travel to the Cape was also personable and knowledgeable.

So having gone to East Africa and now Botswana, where should go next? We have heard great reports from visitors to Sabi Sands. How about Namibia? And our son in law claims that among his memorable experiences in Africa is flat water canoeing on the Zambezi.

Thanks again for arranging such a memorable trip.

Peter & Mary