Michael and Lauraine Muir were looking to experience a safari for the first time and spent seven nights in South Africa, splitting their stay between two game reserves, the Balule Game Reserve and Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, an incredible spot to celebrate ones wedding anniversary!
To be honest, we didn’t know what to expect being our first safari but were pleasantly surprised beyond expectations. We were taken outside our comfort zone during the game drives (close to wildlife), but eventually came to appreciate what the Rangers were trying to do in terms of getting us up close and personal to the animals to experience indelible moments rather than just photo shoots.
“Overall our first South Africa safari holiday has been an unforgettable success thanks to you guys.”
South Africa Safari Holiday feedback continues : Both Pondoro and Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp were first class in terms of accommodation, food and service. If we had to choose between the two, we would probably say Pondoro had a slight edge as it felt a bit more intimate being family-run compared to Little Bush Camp which had a more commercial feel. We were also lucky to get an excellent ranger/tracker team at Pondoro who helped to make our introductory experience thrilling and exciting. Having said that, the terrain at Little Bush Camp is more forgiving and the lodge has a great customer service team. Our trip ended on a high when we returned to our room on our last night to find it beautifully decorated with lit candles, rose petals etc as a wedding anniversary surprise. We were also very grateful for the carefully prepared breakfast boxes that were given to us for our early morning start the next day.
Overall our first South Africa safari holiday has been an unforgettable success thanks to you guys. You were able to curate an itinerary within our parameters that ticked all the boxes in a short timeframe. All our flights and transfers worked to clockwork as well. Perhaps if we had to mention anything negative, it would be our stopover in Johannesburg. Whilst the room was nice, the Vegas-style atmosphere was not quite our cup of tea. When we arrived at midday, our room was not ready and we had a few hours to kill. In hindsight, we would may have had enough time to experience a half day city tour.
Finally, thank you once again for organising our incredible holiday. We have not stopped talking to our friends and family about it and will highly recommend Encompass Africa. You have proven how a ‘virtual’ travel agent works and one does not need time consuming visits to a shopfront travel agent to organise a trip.
Thanks again.
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