Liselle prepared a trip for her guests jeff & Dolly to Cape Town and Kruger where they stayed at More Quarters Hotel, Arathusa Safari Lodge in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, nThambo Tree Camp in the Klaserie Nature Reserve and Tanda Tula Safari Camp in the Timbavati Reserve. Dolly & Jeff shared the following guest feedback:
“Hi Liselle,
Our trip to South Africa was amazing!!!! Thanks so much for your excellent work arranging all the details for us!!!
Itinerary
Our itinerary worked great for us. Loved Cape Town, and could have enjoyed more days, but our first priority was the bush. Having 11 nights at 3 different locations was perfect. It really allowed us enough time to see everything we had hoped for–and much more. At each of the lodges we saw people go home after 3 days having missed lions or hippos or leopards. Our longer time allowed us to see everything we wanted in a variety of settings. Then the last few days, we twice saw the wild dogs hunting. . .way beyond our expectations!
Time of year
February was a great time to visit. As you had told us, it was warm but not horribly hot. There was a bit of intermittent rain, but it did not stop us from anything. The lush green landscape and the migratory birds were quite a bonus.
Accommodations
More Quarters
More Quarters is such a lovely boutique hotel. They upgraded us to a 2 bedroom suite, making it very spacious. Love the contemporary design and thoughtful details. Hospitality is welcoming and helpful, and the breakfasts were best of the trip! We particularly enjoyed the great neighbourhood.
Safari lodges
All 3 are wonderful, each in its own way. Food is very good and more than plentiful. Rooms are extremely clean and well maintained. Hospitality is warm and well planned. We saw amazing wildlife at all three locations. At Arathusa leopards and lots of other game, big and small. At Nthambo we were glad to have built in an extra day. Tanda Tula showed us the best wildlife experiences.
Arathusa
The setting on the hippo pond provides an excellent spot to enjoy long afternoons. Hippos, birds, and grazing animals give an ongoing show there. Morning and evening drives were very exciting, with wildlife sightings plentiful and impressive. Leopards every day! Air conditioning was a plus.
Nthambo
The appeal here is the warm, intimate hospitality and the charming treehouse units. Our fellow travelers were a great mix of nationalities from all continents, and probably the most fun and adventurous we met. We had very memorable and unique sightings (African Wild Cat, poisonous tree snake) great walks (one with elephants) and our best nocturnal viewings (jackals, lions, owls, chameleon). Chad and Kelly are so hospitable, and wise Isaac is one of our most memorable people.
Tanda Tula
Our most upscale bush camp, the tent was spacious and lovely. Ranger Foreman was incredible. Whether it was Timbavati or Foreman, the wildlife was incredibly plentiful here. From the first drive with 3 male lions surrounding our vehicle to the last evening being in the midst of 28 wild dogs hunting impalas, the experience was often breathtaking. Nyala, warthogs, monkeys and exotic birds were sometimes right in the compound.
Transfers
All services were prompt, professional and very enjoyable. We had nice opportunities to chat with the drivers. The stunning Cape tour was especially well done by Peter of Ilios Travel.
Sun Safaris services
Liselle, great credit to you for getting all the details perfect for us!! We tried to book a southern Africa trip with a few different U.S. Travel agents over a couple of years. They recommended very pricey trips with many elements we did not want. You really paid attention to what we asked for, quickly came up with the perfect itinerary, and made it happen!!
Your detailed tipping guidelines were so helpful!! Many folks we met were unsure of what was considered appropriate, and we shared your notes several times.
We thought this would be a once-over-the-top trip to Africa. But now that we have been home less than 2 weeks we are already thinking about another African adventure. We will certainly be in touch, and will recommend your services to others.
Also thanks to Brett for helping us deal with our balky credit card company over the Christmas holiday!
South Africa
A true highlight of our trip was the warm welcome from South Africans. We so enjoyed meeting a wide variety of locals who were so upbeat, friendly, and open. We arrived home with a great appreciation for your country and will look forward to returning to your part of the world.
Onward!
Dolly & Jeff”
