“A much belated but heartfelt THANK YOU for putting together for us one of the BEST VACATIONS EVER!  I’m sorry it has taken so long to put my thoughts down in an email to you.  It’s so embarrassing.  I think of this trip often with fond memories.  It was a WOW from beginning to end.  And your responsiveness and patience with us as first time travelers to Africa with so many questions is much appreciated.  

We especially LOVED BOTSWANA and our time in the Okavango Delta at Xugana Island Lodge and in Chobe National Park at Ngoma Safari Lodge.  The staff at both lodges were so warm, friendly, and customer-service orientated, the accommodations were great, and our guides were top notch (as was our guide at Old Drift Lodge near Victoria Falls).  Everyone’s favorite was Xugana — a bit more rustic and the communal meals were a treat — such interesting guests and staff members — eating on the deck overlooking the lake.

A very close second camp — in our book — was Ngoma at Chobe.  More posh.  The abundance of wildlife in Chobe exceeded all of our wildest expectations.  The photo in the email to follow was also taken by my phone — no zoom — over Leslie’s shoulder in the Land Cruiser as the guide whispered, “Don’t move!” Fortunately the lionesse had eaten her fill of Kudu and was walking right past our vehicle to find some shade.

Old Drift was nice We again had an excellent guide.  And, although the wildlife wasn’t nearly as abundant there as in Chobe (yes, we had gotten spoiled!) we have many wonderful memories of our time there, including watching a pack of hyenas for over an hour at sunset through our binoculars.  They had hunkered down in the middle of a dried pan.  One of the pup’s was crying because the mother there would only allow the larger pup to suckle.  The little one’s mother was out hunting and finally arrived home, to a very happy and hungry pup.  

We very much enjoyed our stays at the front end at the Marine in Hermanus, and at the back end at the Pineapple House in Cape Town.   Hermanus during off-season was a restful, lazy way to start the trip and recharge our batteries after the long flight.  Cape Town did not disappoint.

Hopefully we can get something on the books through your for 2026.

I hope you are doing well.  You’re very good at what you do.  I hope to have the pleasure of working with you again.“