Zambezi Safari Testimonials

Hello Liz --

Thanks for the email. I had been meaning to email you since we arrived back home in the States Saturday afternoon. I wanted to THANK YOU for all of your assistance with our travels to Zimbabwe. Even though we have been there many times in years past, considering the current political issues, it meant so much to me to have your reassurance prior to our arrival. I was pleasantly surprised by your willingness to reach beyond just booking the overnight trip to Victoria Falls to you actually taking an interest in my family and our travel situation. It was truly my pleasure to work with you!

I must also say that my brother and his friend absolutely LOVED every activity that you booked for them in Victoria Falls. They also both noted that the hotel you recommended was the nicest hotel either of them had ever seen. They had a fantastic time in Vic Falls and definitely plan on returning in the future!  They said that everything went off without a hitch and I would without a doubt refer any future travelers to you and your company for help with their bookings.

Thanks again for EVERYTHING! Do not hesitate to use my comments re: Victoria Falls on your website. I would certainly recommend your services to anyone in the future!

Please keep in touch and let me know if you hear of any news on your end with the current situation in Zimbabwe. The entire country is in our daily thoughts and prayers!

Keri

Hi Char for Liz,

Our trip was really spectacular. We enjoyed it all ---- except the Waterfront. It was a bit too simple/minimal for us. Other than that we had a wonderful time. I would like to pass on a new B&B we found - completely by accident. In J’burg it is Viva lodge - owned and operated by Ockie Peens and his wife Cynthia. Very clean, quiet and very affordable.

Thanks to Liz for a great itinerary and many, many memories.

Jan

Dear Liz,

Apologies for the delay in our response but we have only just returned from South Africa.

I really can't express how happy we were with our experiences with you and Char personally, Zambezi Safari and Travel and Muchenje Lodge. Thank you so much for your prompt replies, and fantastic organisation of our trip. Everything went absolutely to plan, and the lodge was even better than hoped for - we were lucky enough to see wild dog, leopard, lion, kudu, roan, giraffe, hippo, buffalo and of course the highlight, absolutely hundreds of elephants up close and personal. My family and friends who travelled out to visit us from Australia and the UK had the most amazing time - it was their first trip to Africa and they all left promising to return - in fact not even wanting to leave! My husband and I have been on safari before, as we live in Zambia, but we were even amazed at how many animals we were able to see, the amazing service from all the staff members and wonderful atmosphere at Muchenje, and how well all of you at Zambezi Safari and Travel coordinated our trip. We will definitely keep in touch and will be using your company for any future safaris!

Liz, thanks again for all your hard work and please let me know if I can give you any more references or information on Muchenje for your website or newsletter.

Cheers,

Regan and Chucky

Hello Liz,

After a short stop in Frankfurt we returned to Portland late Friday. 40 days away and much catching up to do but the first item I needed to deal with was to thank you for all your help, input and patience. I really appreciated your quick return e-mails, your answers to my many questions and all the information you passed along. I enjoyed working with you and went off to Africa well prepared with everything in place.

I was my hope not to just take a safari but to see some of the countryside, visit towns and cities and to be able to see daily life. We had a great balance -- freedom to wander on our own, drives by ourselves, an excellent guide and support staff while on safari and we lucked out having two pleasant couples that shared our interests as we toured Botswana. Both my husband and I were concerned about the length of the safari and the tent arrangements. However after a day or so we got into the routine. I have to comment on the food. As a serious foodie and cook, I couldn't believe the meals that Chris turned out. Well balanced, beautifully presented and very tasty and all cooked over a wood fire.

The small guest lodges were just to our liking. An Africa Villa was delightful. The lodges in Namibia were well placed; we enjoyed staying in the individual huts. Guides in Zimbabwe and Zambia give us complete tours. As a former teacher, I appreciated learning about history of the area. We found African people friendly and helpful. We had a great time.

I certainly would recommend you and your company and would be happy to answer any questions that might come up by someone considering an African trip.

Many, many thanks

Reena

Hi Liz
Alex and I are home safely after a great trip. I will try to write in the
next couple of days to describe briefly our experiences. And you can publish anything you wish. The trip that you organized was basically briliant (British and SA slang I picked up).
For now, thank you very much.
More later.
Barry

Hi Liz,
Yes thank you we have arrived back - tired but safe and sound.

Thank you for all your help in advising, booking and then ensuring that the logistics of our trip occurred smoothly.

Everything was well organised and the logistics went to plan. We had a wonderful trip and the Game Lodge was a highlight.

I am happy for you to quote me on your website and I recommend your services to anyone looking to travel to southern Africa where intimate knowledge of the locations coupled with the knowledge of how to organise the logistics is key to experiencing all that Africa offers whilst also ensuring trouble free holiday.

Thank you for all your help

Kind Regards,

Kevin

Hi Liz,
 
We had a fantastic time in Southern Africa...many great memories and absolutely heaps of photos!!! The girls have gained so much knowledge about the wildlife - they can tell you all sorts of facts about most of the animals we saw...and we did in fact see all but the Leopard!!
 
A lot of people ask what our favourite place was, but it's really hard to narrow it down to just one as every place holds great memories for us.  I must say the bush camp in Madikwe was awesome! But Chobe was wonderful also. Victoria Falls was brilliant, although I think 2 nights would have been enough. The weather wasn't the kindest to us there, and there are limited things you can do with younger children. It was fun to watch people bungy though!...Craziness!!
 
So we thank you for your efforts in helping to put much of it together for us. We will be returning again one day, in the opposite season.
 
Again, thanks Liz!!
 
Regards,
Donna Gibson and family

Hi Liz,

We got home last Thurs. night, and I am just catching up on e-mails. I wanted to give you input before I forget what I wanted to tell you. First and most importantly, we had an awesome trip. It exceeded our expectations.  Everything you and Char did was efficient and organized, so all went perfectly smoothly. We were met everywhere we were to be, and all transfers went as planned.

After our 3 days of travel, we arrived at Kafunta for our 10 day safari. I don't think this is a place you regularly book, so we wanted to let you know how much we liked it. We spent four nights total at the main camp, Kafunta, 1 night at Wilderness Camp, 3 nights at Buffalo Camp and 2 nights at Bush Camp. The main camp had very nice accommodations and an excellent staff. Wilderness Camp, Buffalo Camp and Bush Camp were much more rustic, but the service was still excellent. At the main camp we did vehicle safaris, and at the other camps, except Wilderness where we did a night vehicle safari, we did walking safaris. We enjoyed the walking safaris the best, and, although Buffalo Camp was a long drive that was our favorite location. We had the same guide the entire trip, and he was phenomenal. His name is Josepaht. He is a fountain of knowledge, and he made everything exciting. Even with the walking safaris he helped us get close to the animals. We would definitely recommend the Kafunta organization.

We enjoyed the activities you had planned for us at Victoria Falls, but wished we had spent the money and stayed perhaps at Zambezi Sun, where we could have walked around when we had free time. Where we were, we couldn't even take a walk.

The last part of our trip at Gunn's Camp went very well. We stayed at the A level accommodations, which were roomy tents. The food was very good. It was not a luxury camp and was described very well in the information you sent us. We had one guide for the two of us for all 3 days. He took us each time on a mokoro ride to an island, and we did walking safaris. He was quite a quiet man, but when we asked questions, he knew the information. One time he wanted to take us back to camp quite early, but when we asked to walk more, he was polite and we continued. Interestingly enough at the luxury camp, Kafunta, when we did walking safaris, we had the guide, a man with a rifle and a water carrier. At Gunn's we just had the guide. We went out a total of five times and did see many animals. The one thing about all the walking safaris is that sometimes you see very few animals. I think if you only spent one or two nights at Gunn's, you might see very little. With the 3 night stay, we saw a huge variety of animals. The only information that we did not have about Gunn's was the number of activities that were included. I think you need to share that with clients.

We were both extremely satisfied with your services, Liz and would recommend both you and Zambezi to anyone planning an African trip.  From dealing with you, I'm sure you want to do everything to keep your clients satisfied, and that is why I tried to give you a detailed summary of our experiences. We especially appreciated all the answers to our many queries before the trip, and the efficiency of all the logistics in Africa.  Thank you for helping make our trip so wonderful.

If you ever want to use us as a reference for clients, we will be more than glad to have people contact us.

Rita and (Bob) Lane

Hi Liz
 
We just came back to Hong Kong from our South Africa trip this morning. 
 
I just wanted to thank you for arranging the Vic Falls trip for us, it was just wonderful!!! While a couple of our friends recommended the Vic Falls Hotel to us, we are really happy that we stayed at the Safari Lodge instead. It is such a special hotel and the view from the hotel is just so amazing. The tours you've arranged for us were excellent and the tour guides were all friendly and helpful. All the arrangements were smooth and efficient. Nick and I just had such a memorable time! 
 
Thank you again and keep up the good work!!
 
Happy New Year :)
 
Vicky

Liz,
We have arrived home safe and had a simply wonderful time. Thank you for putting everything together for us.
 
The guides from Dabula Safari, especially TK, were great. TK was waiting for us at the airport and was so friendly and courteous. On the ride to the hotel he offered us the opportunity to add some activities as he noted that we had some free time. This was wonderful as earlier on our holiday in South Africa, when we mentioned that we were travelling to Victoria Falls, everyone told us to go white water rafting. I was dismayed because I thought since our itinerary was planned that it would not be possible to add the rafting.  TK, and the staff at Dabula, changed the timing of some things and we spent a half day rafting. It was unbelievable.
 
Words cannot describe the Victoria Falls Hotel, we felt like Royalty, were treated extremely well and the grounds of the Hotel are simply beautiful. The staff, the food, the grounds and the view are second to none and it was a wonderful way to conclude our holiday.
 
We would also recommend touring the falls from the Zambia side in addition to the Zimbabwe side. Although the walk from the hotel is possible, transportation from the hotel to the entrance to the Zambian side of the Falls would be advisable. But in general, the Zambian side offers amazing views and give you a perspective of the Zimbabwe side that you can't appreciate while in Zimbabwe.
 
One thing that we weren't able to do, but it seemed very exciting was breakfast/lunch on Livingstone Island at the top of the Falls. Apparently, during the low water season, you can walk along the top of the Falls from Zambia to the island and enjoy breakfast or lunch. It must be quite a sight from the edge of the Falls and something we won't miss on our return trip.
 
Thanks for the tip to bring US money in small denominations - we didn't do a great job of this and struggled to find change for tips, etc. - even from the hotel bank. Next time, we'll know to follow every bit of your advice!
 
 
Again, thank you so very much for arranging this.  From day one, you were nothing but helpful and always prompt in replying to our questions. You also made it so very easy to adjust things when we needed to change the dates and move the trip up 3 months. Liz I will definitely keep your information for our next trip and pass it along to anyone I know that is travelling to Africa.
 
It has been a pleasure to work with you on this.
 
If you would like us to expand on anything, please don't hesitate to ask. Take care and have a happy 2008.
 
Larry & Elena

Hi Liz,

Well we've been back 2 weeks already (as we spent a week in Paris) and I have to tell you after having travelled extensively over much of the world that Zambia and Botswana were my personal favourite trips.

We had an outstanding time and my husband in particular wanted me to thank you for the particular order in which we travelled - it became better with each passing day and I don't think we would have enjoyed Livingstone as much had we started in South Luangwa.

Thanks again for everything.

Thanks,

Debra Slater

Hi Liz

We had a great time. All the camps were very nice and well run and the guides were very knowledgeable. We think we are returning in Oct 09 and will be in touch

Take Care

Terry

Dear Liz

Just returned to the UK from a wonderful holiday. Everything went very smoothly.

Also we are thinking of going to South Africa next year and wondered whether your company make arrangement for South African tours. Cape Town, Garden Route then Battlefields, Rorkes Drift, Isandwle & Kruger National Parks.

Len & Lynda Spendiff

Hello Liz....

Well, we made it back safely and, of course, everything went just as you said it would and I worried needlessly about our safety! We were so very well taken care of wherever we went that I felt, undeservedly, like a queen! There was a representative from our lodge at every stop and we were never alone. Even when we went across the border from Zambia to Botswana and changed hands five times, I felt completely safe and taken care of. Everything was completely seamless and like clockwork. Ironically, the only glitches took place at the Minneapolis airport -- one of the biggest and most "modern" in the world!! Jeesch! 

Wildlife Camp, while the most basic in accommodations, was very comfortable and was my most favorite because of the people. They were so friendly and treated us like family. Patsy even let me use her own laptop to email my kids when I was missing them! Billy, our guide, took us to his village, their clinic and even into his own home. By the time we left, I knew everyone's name and had learned so much about the animals, plants, people, culture -- and even the African handshake! It was amazing. The South Luangwa Park was unbelievable. The animals are RIGHT THERE, so close!! Not at all what I expected! It was great! I'll never again be able to go to a zoo, I think!

Mfuwe Lodge was nice because it was right in the park and the accommodations were just lovely. The dining was quite gourmet and staff very professional.

Thorntree Lodge was very lovely and we loved riding the elephants and seeing Vic Falls. They have new managers apparently - Lindsey and Nevin - and we felt a little uncomfortable around Lindsey though. She is a bit abrupt and crass, even referring to previous elderly guests as "bitches." If given a choice again, I would definitely go to Livingstone again, but probably not to Thorntree because of Lindsey. The rest of the staff was great, though.

Muchenje was absolutely gorgeous, posh and had a fabulous view over the Caprivi Plains. Kathy is just what one might dream up as a perfect manager - welcoming, friendly, organized and almost grandmotherly. She, too, let me use her own computer to email my kids. The staff was fabulous and it was a wonderful place to stay. It was nice to see Chobe and see all the herds of animals which was different than South Luangwa.

Chaminuka, although huge and modern, was perhaps a bit too big - we were a bit lost as to the routine sometimes but people were very friendly and helpful when you asked for help. It was great to be so close to the airport though and for the 20 or so hours we were there it worked out just fine.

I was clear to us (and Mom and I even commented a few times,) that you definitely knew what you were doing when you booked our trip. The sequence of lodges, the choices, everything. You are obviously very good at what you do and answered all of my many questions patiently. I would most certainly refer any of my friends or family to you if they were looking to take a similar trip!

Thanks again for everything!
Eva Bergman

Dear Liz,

Just wanted to write you a quick note after our travel to RSA and Zimbabwe to see the Kruger and Vic Falls. Everything ran smoothly as planned and we felt was well organized and as per the planned itinerary. Also found the personnel very professional, dedicated and warm and willing to please.

As I said, everything was very well prepared and we really enjoyed our stay, so would like to thank you for organizing this for us.

If we ever plan another safari or travel to Africa, we will count on you.

Kind regards,
Laura

Dear Liz,

Everything was fine. We left Namibia on Sunday.

We had a wonderful trip in Namibia and we really enjoyed the trip and all the arrangements were fine.

Thanks again and hope to organize soon another trip.

Andrea

Hi Liz,

Well, having been back from our wonderful holiday for two weeks our feet are firmly back on the ground!!

We had such a great time and we can't wait to go back. We were in Zambia nine years ago and loved it then---of course now everything is a little more organised and it's obvious the people are embracing tourism with huge enthusiasm---marvellous (lets hope they don't overdevelop though).

The service your team provided was great; all went very smoothly and as I said all staff were so welcoming.

Thank you for recommending the Zambezi sun, we LOVED the fact that we were so near the falls and could wander down whenever we felt like it, once or twice we went in our swimsuits and walked over knife edge bridge---the falls were so full it is so exciting! Also the fact that the five star Royal Livingstone is right next door was a huge bonus---to be able to wander along the river bank and have tea or sundowners and book it to our room bill was so convenient---I cannot think of anywhere nicer to sip champagne as the sun goes down over the Zambezi!!

I am so glad we booked for five nights too although it adds a bit on the budget; there is so much to do and see I would hate to feel rushed and we still didn't get into Chobe, we did do microlight, elephant, river cruise and walked over the bridge to Zimbabwe and had lunch at Vic Falls hotel!

Once again we were very happy at the Zambezi Sun and thought over all for us Brits it was good value, maybe soon a bit of refurbishment would not go a miss in the bedrooms, but that is not to say we encountered anything really worth complaining about! We weren't in there for long enough to worry!!!

SO THANKS AGAIN to you and all the team---oh and I must mention our little bonus on leaving---they didn't collect our USD 25 exit fee---so another glass of champagne to enjoy!!

Best wishes
Julia Gadenne

Dear Liz,

At present we are in Johannesburg and will be flying out tomorrow night at 20:50 to Madrid. Then a 10 hour layover in Madrid and fly out of Madrid at 17:00 for NYC and on to Denver. Quite a schedule.

We had a wonderful time in Vic Falls. Your helpfulness made it even better. There is no doubt that we will use Zambezi Safari and Travel the next time we go to Vic Falls and vicinity. Thanks for all you hard work for us. I can't imagine how you could improve on perfect.

Sincerely,
BJ, Bill, George and Charlene

Hello Liz,

Thanks for the e-mail. I just got home from my African vacation last evening and am now in the  process of answering copious e-mails.  My sisters, daughter and I had a most wonderful time in Zambia; the Vic Falls are amazing and the accommodation really good for Africa. Everything was clean and tidy and the people we met were great. We arranged a tour of the falls and that too was a good idea. All the guides knew their history and facts and were most gracious at all times. I am pleased to tell you that in choosing the breakfast Zambezi river cruise was the best choice. We had the boat to ourselves and the skipper and server were great. The evening cruise was noisy with many drunks (we were sitting on the patio when they arrived back in the evening); we all sighed with relief that we were not on that boat!

Again thanks for all the help you gave me, it is most appreciated and I shall definitely recommend you to family and friends.

Cheers,
Audrey Wilson

Hello Liz,

We had a superb holiday thank you. We even survived the white water rafting which did take place as planned although that was the last day for the season that they were going to do it. Thank you for your note that it might be off.

Susuwe Lodge was magical and we had the place to ourselves so enjoyed very personal service.

We did it the right way round to have the glossy luxury of the Royal Livingstone following our days in the bush.

I'm not sure what kind of constructive feedback to give you, it all worked so well.

We do wish we had had more time at each place. Even though it was out of season at Susuwe, the atmosphere was so relaxed and we enjoyed Elephant, Hippos and the most amazing bird life all at very close range.
Also in Livingstone, I don't think we realized the extent of activities available or the fact that Livingstone itself looks quite interesting and deserves a bit more time. The hotel was beautiful and the massage beside the river unbeatable.

All in all, an unforgettable holiday.

Thank you for making all the arrangements and paying such close attention to the details.

Hopefully we'll travel with you again very soon.

Best wishes
Su & David Bishop

Hi Liz,

I did arrive safely though a little tired because of very long air flights.
Many thanks for carefully organized trip. Everything went smooth except for microlight flight which was canceled due to bad weather. People were nice and supportive. As I understand now, you managed to fill very short period of time with the most entertaining activities and have chosen the nicest places for me to visit. I wish I had more time to enjoy the magnificent views and plentiful animals.

Sincerely,
Roman Tatusov

Hello to Liz.

First of all - thank you. Everything was terrific - well organized and exceptional. The logistics were seemless - with just a few little hiccups - this was to be expected.

Needless to say we had an incredible time - an amazing journey - the rafting on both rivers was truly unbelieveable - major league and the safaris were eye opening experiences.

All six of us were touched in so many ways - we all feel changed after the experience and want to come back to Africa in a few years time.

We would probably do it again next year except for the cost! We need to save a few bucks and then come back - for a much longer time focusing on people, game and ancient dwellings/civilizations.

Mountain Travel Sobek have a hiking/4x4 trip across Africa which might be of interest, however before we start work on that type of trip we will be back to you and Zambezi Travel.

Please feel free to use me as a reference at any time. The Gillams and Fogel/Applebaum are of the same opinion.

We all concluded that this trip was indeed, a trip of a life time - the best vacation - travel experience - challenge we all have ever taken. And we want more!!!

So thank you Liz for making it a truly amazing trip/experience.

Again, we had a fabulous time and we'll be back.

Best regards,
Tim, Viv, Keith, Murielle, Marlene and Neil.

p.s. Neil made headlines on the Zambezi. Our raft flipped - 4 times and the second flip Neil went out and lost his bathing suit trying to get back into the raft. 
It was tangled around his feet and the video man got him with his backside fulled exposed as we tried pulling him back into the raft. 
We had trouble - not so much from the rocking and rolling of the raft, rather from laughing too hard!! Anyway, Neil took it all in good stride and now his backside is famous - and our Zambezi rafting video is now X rated!!!