An Africa Safari was one of our “Bucket List” adventures. As such, it needed to be exceptional. Our initial research focused on large tour companies with their safari/vacation packages. All such tours had one or two activities/events that did not interest us yet we would be required to participate. It looked like we would need to develop, plan and book our own tour, which was not an appealing thought. At this point, we discovered Zicasso.
Through Zicasso and their process to connect clients with tour/travel agencies, we chose Sikeleli Africa Safaris (Danni) to help us develop and plan our trip.
We will admit this process was scary from the perspective that we did not know either companies before discovering Zicasso through the internet, never met face to face with anyone from either companies and relied on their websites’ testimonials and other testimonials we could find on other sites to move forward with them. We were in Canada communicating only by email and telephone to Danni in Zimbabwe or South Africa. By the second phone call with Danni we knew this would work. The end result: choosing Sikeleli turned out to be a great decision.
It was not easy planning this trip because there is so much you can do and developing the right logistics involved many considerations. Danni was very patient with us, asked us a lot of questions about what we wanted to see and experience and, as importantly, what we did not want. She answered all our questions and repeatedly told us that, from the moment we landed in Cape Town to the moment we left Johannesburg to return home, we would never be alone and would be well taken care of. That statement was absolutely “bang on!”
We were fortunate to be able to meet with Danni twice during our vacation. What a knowledgeable, energic, bubbly and confident individual! She stayed on top of our trip and could be counted on to address any misstep that might occur. Fortunately, none did.
All transfers between/within airports, accommodations and outings were smoothly handled.
Our Cape Town accommodations were at the Clarendon, Bantry Bay. What a lovely boutique hotel – great rooms, great meals and great personal service from friendly and dedicated staff. We toured Cape Town, wineries and the coastline with Ryan from Cape Fusion Tours. The scenery was fantastic, the wines and food were delicious, and Ryan was very personable, knowledgeable and tweaked our tour as he learned who we were and what we like. We had a great time in Cape Town.
Then came the most important part – the safari. Danni recommended Londolozi Private Game Reserve. We had 8 amazing safari drives with Melvin (ranger) and Milton (tracker). We got up close and personal with a cheetah and her two cubs, a lioness and her four cubs, a leopard and her two cubs, a mature male lion, a hyena den with eight cubs, and much more. To witness these predatory animals, behave as they normally do, while we were so close to them, was an incredible experience. Back at the camp, the accommodations were 5-star and private. The meals and service were as exceptional as they had been in Cape Town.
It was a very sad day when we had to say goodbye and leave Londolozi.
Thank you, Danni at Sikeleli Africa Safaris!! You made our dream safari vacation come true.
