Tuesday, 15 January 2008

Camps in the Kruger Park

Thank you for the warm, friendly and very efficient service from the point of contact right through to the follow-up after the trip.
We returned from our trip to the Kruger Park on Saturday, having booked one additional stay-over at Malelane Rest Camp so that we could enjoy Friday as our last day in the camp while the sun was out!

Armed with the confirmations all the check-ins went very smoothly and although it rained or was very overcast at least 60% while we were there and the park had lots of water, lush vegetation and thick bush - we still had some extraordinary sightings.

Leopard still escapes us of the big five, but had plenty Elephant, Buffalo, Lion and Rhino sightings along with a stunning Cheetah sighting. All the grazers had lots of babies and young calves and all the animals look in superb condition. Other highlights were Hyena pups, and the birdlife was incredibly active - seeing many of the Roller and Francolins throughout the park, Fish Eagle, Brown Snake Eagle, Tawny Eagle, Kori Bustard, Buzzard, Vultures, Saddle-billed and other Stork, Ground Hornbill, and for me the crown was a Martial Eagle that swooped across directly overhead the vehicle.

During the stay, the phone lines were down several times/days causing problems for credit card users - but we had fortunately made sure we had sufficient cash for the trip although we were concerned the last few days. We did not have Skukuza and Letaba planned in on the travel, and these are the two camps that have ATM facilities that I am aware of.

We enjoyed each of the camps we stayed in which all have their own charm, Shingwedzi, Mopani, Olifants, Talamati, Satara and Lower Sabie. Mopani got incredibly hot peaking at 43 Deg C while we were there - so we didn't mind the cloud cover at all. Not fantastic lighting for the photographers though!

One thing to remember is that the booking is actually made under SATours and Safaris and not the individuals name. It wasn't a problem, just a tip to perhaps let other clients know.

We are planning the next trip already so we will be in contact again soon. Just have to figure out my travel schedule for 2008 so we know over which period to schedule the trip.

Kind Regards,
Tracy

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Tuesday, 8 January 2008

Nottens Bush Camp in the Sabi Sand

I cannot say enough good things about Nottens! What an amazing place! The hosts (Nikky and Dale) were so warm and inviting, it was like staying with friends! The other guests were equally interesting, two of the groups were repeat guests, one for the second time and one for the fourth. Every detail was perfectly thought out and beautifully executed. The food was beyond delicious. Gift has a superb talent for creative design and organization, and Lee made the most amazing baked goods. The two of them were a perfect team.

Christmas in the bush was magical – they had cleared out a small area and had a central fire, loads of small candles on the ground and suspended from the trees, there was a full moon – we had our sundowners and appetizers were cooked on a small brai. Not only was there no artificial light, there was nothing artificial about the entire experience. The staff work together like a well-oiled machine.

Not to mention!! Our trackers (Joe and Gideon) found EVERYTHING. In two game rides, we covered the big five PLUS cheetah. Seeing leopards was the best Christmas present I have ever ever had.

Basically, I can’t say enough good things about Nottens. We will definitely be back.

And yes, please feel free to use any of my comments! The only drawback might be that everyone will want to go there and Nottens will get so popular we will never be able to get reservations again!

Thank you SO MUCH, Lientjie. You made this possible, so you get the most praise of all!

cheers,

Doree

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