Celeste prepared a trip for her guest, Peter Forsyth and friends, to Peermont Metcourt at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg, Simbavati River Lodge in Timbavati Game Reserve, Arathusa Safari Lodge in Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Camp Okavango in Okavango Delta and Camp Moremi in Moremi Game Reserve and Victoria Falls Safari Lodge and Davison’s Camp in Zimbabwe. Peter Forsyth shared the following guest feedback:
“Hi Celeste
I hope all is well – just a short note about the trip
… and a huge thank you for all of the work you did to put together such a wonderful safari holiday covering a diversity of people and cultures
… we are missing the safari massage and safari TV.
Overall, everything went as planned and on schedule with no problems – the food was terrific (and plentiful) at all camps and the ‘staff’ and local people were very friendly – we had some problems at the VFSL (see below) but it did not impact on the trip – game drives were many with the full range of animals/birds in all sorts of situations and moods – all transfers and flights were on schedule: Tambo A/port was chaos but we survived (all 4 experiences) and Wilson, fantastic and it worked! – we thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of the trip and had some amazing experiences.
Simbavati spoilt us – it was a fantastic family atmosphere with friendly interaction between visitors and ‘staff’ – the game drives with Jimmy and Col were great: they really know how to do it best with lots of fun and commentary – we saw the Big 5 plus many more animals/birds in all sorts of situations – the highlight was probably the leopard with 2 cubs feeding on the ground in the evening then in a tree the next evening.
Arathusa had less interaction with ‘staff’ (who were great) with more emphasis on interaction between visitors – again we had great game drives and walks with Roy and Derek: they got us amongst the action and we saw the Big 5 plus more – the highlight was the leopards (x10) including a kill with tree climb on the last evening – also the surprise evening bush boma for dinner under the stars and visiting with a pride of lions feasting on a buffalo.
Okavango and Moremi had great camp atmospheres with very friendly staff – we managed to organise two choir performances at each with Okavango taking the prize – it was a lot of fun.
The Okavango walks with Obed were great and we saw many animals/birds including the Big 1 (elephant) plus had very close and interesting observations of hyena and giraffe – the mokoro/canoe trip on the first evening was great with sundowners in the middle of the lagoon in the sunset: never to be forgotten.
At Moremi we saw the Big 3 (elephant, lion, buffalo) with Coco – we encountered an elephant in musth: which we later saw chasing trucks throughout the park – also the hippos were entertaining.
At Chobe, Connie (tiny and determined), was our guide who showed us the Big 3 (elephant, lion, buffalo) plus many more animals/birds – the highlights were the river cruise which included elephants coming down in the evening dust to drink at the river then some (including littlies) swimming across the river, the lions manoeuvring to hunt a giraffe but gave up, a sea eagle in a frenzy trying to catch a chick in a bush and the boma.
Our border transfer went well but we had a 2 hr delay on the Zimbabwe side of the border waiting for others who were booked on the bus to arrive.
We had some minor problems at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge – they had only booked one double room and there was a hurried search to find another and prepare the reservation documentation: unfortunately our two rooms ended up being at opposite ends of the lodge, restaurant service and food was very ordinary and items that we had paid for or not ordered were on our bill when we went to check out – otherwise we had a good time in the town and on the tours and at the boma – we took a couple of extra tours to walk the bridge and fly around the falls.
The drive to/from Hwange was interesting and the camp was very friendly with good interaction with staff – elephants had invaded the camp on our arrival – Brian showed us the Big 3 (elephant, lion, buffalo) plus lots more including our first cheetah defending a recent kill and roan – the waterhole at the camp had many ‘herds’ of animals visit including eland, sable and wallowing elephants.
Porini with Wilson and Meami was great – the camp was very friendly – we arranged two performances by the Massai staff and they were terrific – we saw the Big 3 (elephant, lion, leopard) but the highlights were a cheetah (mum plus 3 cubs) hunt and kill an impala, a large pride of lions with 3×3 cubs, the trip to the Mara with a couple of crossings and a crocodile kill and massive numbers of zebras, wildebeest and eland plus a leopard.
The Tanzanian safari was fantastic with long days and plenty of scenery and animal situations to view – Japhet was our (exceptional) guide and we spent a lot of time talking and looking at the animals play and/or hunt.
At Tarangire we saw great scenery and the Big 3 (elephant, lion, buffalo) which included two lion kills, elephants frolicking in the marsh, a serval cat plus lots more – also it was mating season for some lions and ostrichs.
At the Serengeti we saw the Big 4 (elephant, lion, leopard, rhino) with 2 lion kills and at last the black rhino – we also saw the amazing hippo pool with little water but a lot of other stuff flying around (I am sure you know what I mean).
The camps at Maramboi and Kati Kati were not as social as others because of the long days with only enough time in the evenings for a shower and dinner before falling into bed: but the food, accommodation and staff were great.
The Tloma Lodge and Rivertrees were amazing places with great food, staff, accommodation and atmosphere.
Our venture into the Crater saw the Big 4 (no leopard) with massive numbers of zebra, wildebeest and hyenas.
Finally some relaxation (sleep ins) at Breezes – we took the spice/city tour – accommodation was upgraded and food and everything was great.
Again, thank you for all of your work!
We wish you all the very best.
Warm regards
Peter F and group”
