Travel reviews by Prof E from Grahamstown
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
1
Countries visited
2
Lodges stayed in
4
Excursions taken
0
Family Trip to the Delta and VicFalls
Botswana and 1 other country between 19 Mar 2016 and 29 Mar 2016
"We had such a super trip! Having just spent a week at Kruger Park, I was worried the kids would be 'safari-ed" out, but it turns out that each location had a special charm and offered us something new and exciting.
Though we 'saw' a sleeping lion in Kruger, we saw a whole pride of lions walk by our car in Chobe. Thought we 'saw' a leopard in Kruger, we saw a leopard in a tree trying to protect a kill from hyenas underneath. We loved the sounds of the Delta - the natural heartbeat of birds and frogs and so on that greeted us every morning and night. We loved the service of our lodges -- we felt very taken care of.
Mostly, I really appreciated that all the logistics were so smooth -- the pick-ups (and, in particular, border transfers) were on time and professional. The shuttle services (Wilderness safaris, African Odyssey, etc) were excellent. Having meals and inclusive private safaris added to the trip cost, of course, but were essential for traveling with a family and making it care-free.
Our favorite part of the trip was assuredly Machaba Camp -- my youngest son (age 3) hit it off with our guide (Moreri) and we are still missing him! Mostly, they were so accommodating with times and meals, that we relaxed into our vacation in a very real way. Thanks for making all these logistics so smooth!!!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Honestly, it was excellent and I would recommend your services again -- worth the pennies to have all those logistics sorted out. We had a great time!
I might just add two small things - I might have missed the part about Ilala being in USD, and USD prices. Since we were coming from South Africa, this obviously seemed more pricey to us than we were expecting (and the only part of our trip that was not all-inclusive) and we could only get USD from the ATMs. Not a huge problem, but might be good to have included that in the trip info (perhaps I missed it - if so, sorry).
Also, we were essentially bribed at the VFAirport...the guys asked us if we wanted to upgrade to business class for $200 and when I agreed, he said it had to be in cash. Ugh -- by this point, he had already booked the tickets so we had no real choice, but it was clear I was not going to be getting a receipt for that one. I am sure he saw our American passports. I felt very duped, but since everyone else had been so honest and helpful our entire trip (and since the VFA airport is so beautifully new and professional!), this took me by surprise. Folks should be on the lookout for scams like this (especially as Americans).
Otherwise, super duper trip!!! Happy to answer any other questions."
Though we 'saw' a sleeping lion in Kruger, we saw a whole pride of lions walk by our car in Chobe. Thought we 'saw' a leopard in Kruger, we saw a leopard in a tree trying to protect a kill from hyenas underneath. We loved the sounds of the Delta - the natural heartbeat of birds and frogs and so on that greeted us every morning and night. We loved the service of our lodges -- we felt very taken care of.
Mostly, I really appreciated that all the logistics were so smooth -- the pick-ups (and, in particular, border transfers) were on time and professional. The shuttle services (Wilderness safaris, African Odyssey, etc) were excellent. Having meals and inclusive private safaris added to the trip cost, of course, but were essential for traveling with a family and making it care-free.
Our favorite part of the trip was assuredly Machaba Camp -- my youngest son (age 3) hit it off with our guide (Moreri) and we are still missing him! Mostly, they were so accommodating with times and meals, that we relaxed into our vacation in a very real way. Thanks for making all these logistics so smooth!!!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Honestly, it was excellent and I would recommend your services again -- worth the pennies to have all those logistics sorted out. We had a great time!
I might just add two small things - I might have missed the part about Ilala being in USD, and USD prices. Since we were coming from South Africa, this obviously seemed more pricey to us than we were expecting (and the only part of our trip that was not all-inclusive) and we could only get USD from the ATMs. Not a huge problem, but might be good to have included that in the trip info (perhaps I missed it - if so, sorry).
Also, we were essentially bribed at the VFAirport...the guys asked us if we wanted to upgrade to business class for $200 and when I agreed, he said it had to be in cash. Ugh -- by this point, he had already booked the tickets so we had no real choice, but it was clear I was not going to be getting a receipt for that one. I am sure he saw our American passports. I felt very duped, but since everyone else had been so honest and helpful our entire trip (and since the VFA airport is so beautifully new and professional!), this took me by surprise. Folks should be on the lookout for scams like this (especially as Americans).
Otherwise, super duper trip!!! Happy to answer any other questions."
Arranged By Lucy Copson
Machaba Camp
"Loved Machaba"
3 nights
Arrived
19 Mar 2016
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Chobe Game Lodge
"Chobe Game Lodge"
2 nights
Arrived
22 Mar 2016
"We enjoyed our game drive very much (and saw lions!) and the facilities/rooms were excellent. Having adjoining rooms for our family worked out well and the pool was super.
Despite trying to accommodate our youngest child, it was clear there was little experience with this, and we felt constantly 'on guard' that we would disrupt their expectations. There was no child menu - and very few vegetarian options at meal times (we all had pasta and red sauce for our final meal). My oldest daughter fell at the pool and cut and bruised herself pretty badly but several staff just stood around until we asked for some help.
However, despite the somewhat stiff ambience, there were a few staff who stood out as excellent, including our guide."
Despite trying to accommodate our youngest child, it was clear there was little experience with this, and we felt constantly 'on guard' that we would disrupt their expectations. There was no child menu - and very few vegetarian options at meal times (we all had pasta and red sauce for our final meal). My oldest daughter fell at the pool and cut and bruised herself pretty badly but several staff just stood around until we asked for some help.
However, despite the somewhat stiff ambience, there were a few staff who stood out as excellent, including our guide."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Good
Service
Good
Activities
Good
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Good
Facilities
Excellent
Own Arrangements (Not currently featured by Expert Africa)
"Bidvest Car Rental"
2 nights
Arrived
24 Mar 2016
"They met us at the airport and were on time.
Unfortunately, although we had confirmed via email that our reservation was a 4WD, we were presented with a 2WD, which was not sufficient for where we were going. Luckily it didn't rain and we were OK.
It was unfortunate that they didn't have a 4WD in stock (busy Easter weekend). Otherwise, the trip went really well."
Unfortunately, although we had confirmed via email that our reservation was a 4WD, we were presented with a 2WD, which was not sufficient for where we were going. Luckily it didn't rain and we were OK.
It was unfortunate that they didn't have a 4WD in stock (busy Easter weekend). Otherwise, the trip went really well."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Not currently featured by Expert Africa
Ilala Lodge
"Lovely stay at Ilala"
3 nights
Arrived
26 Mar 2016
"Ilala was excellent. The service was super and very accommodating, especially for the children. The pool was in great condition and my kids loved it. The quality of the food was outstanding!
The location was perfect -- being able to walk to the Falls was great. There is not much else to "do" in Victoria Falls, but we didn't even need to leave. One should be aware that prices are all in USD throughout, so it was expensive. The sundowner cruise was very nice -- high quality boat, nice staff, ample food and beverage.
We also did a tandem zipline with Wild Horizons, which was super fun."
The location was perfect -- being able to walk to the Falls was great. There is not much else to "do" in Victoria Falls, but we didn't even need to leave. One should be aware that prices are all in USD throughout, so it was expensive. The sundowner cruise was very nice -- high quality boat, nice staff, ample food and beverage.
We also did a tandem zipline with Wild Horizons, which was super fun."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
As a family of five, our choices were limited, but we couldn't have been happier with Machaba. We had the elegance of 'glamping' but the convenience of family in the family tent. It was superbly designed and provided enough space and privacy for us all. The meals were superb and we felt very taken care of as vegetarians.
My children loved our guide (we all did) and we had the best luck with animals (leopard kill, hyenas, etc). The best part was the service of the staff, who were - to a one - excellent."