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EcoVitality
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COMMENTS FROM PREVIOUS SAFARI
CLIENTS
The comments below offer extremely positive
feedback, but even rave reviews cannot mean very much if there is no way
for people to verify them. For this reason, we are including the email
addresses of the authors of these comments and we encourage interested
readers to write them if you want their candid opinions:
The trip was fabulous. It totally exceeded my childhood fantasy of Africa
and its wildlife.
Jane Klueger, Jane_Klueger@dtc.org
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For a novice like me, the tour was a wonderful introduction to African
wildlife. The guides were terrific. I loved the challenge of spotting
animals in the wild.
The night sky in the bush is spectacular, worth the price of the trip. And
seeing the animals in the wild -- especially the elephants, giraffes, and
lions -- is a once in a lifetime thrill.
Norman Cantor, ncantor@kinoy.rutgers.edu
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Namibia was an excellent country for an initial visit to Africa, with
enough varied topography and animals that you could easily come back many
times before absorbing it all.
The animal spotting was incredible! Not only did we see all the major
species, but many times we caught them in circumstances more likely to be
seen on National Geographic than on the average safari. For example, we
watched a 2 month- baby elephant playing in a watering hole and being
helped in and out by the many adults towering over him. And we’ll never
forget tracking some circling vultures and finding a lioness instructing
her two cubs in the etiquette of a fresh kill, including a post- meal
clean up in a nearby watering hole.
We don’t know of too many people who have awakened to the sound of lions
roaring in the night. To hear that roar (and to feel its vibration) is to
hear Africa as it was hundreds of years ago.
Spending a day with the Bushmen was both memorable and unique—the setting
was remote and the last visitors to the village were a team from National
Geographic so we knew this would be a much more authentic view of Bushmen
life and culture than most such visits. We expected the visit to be
instructive and it certainly was—we went tracking with some of the men,
learned what use is made of the local flora and fauna, and watched how the
necessities of day-to-day life are made. (If anyone has made an art of
subsistence living, it must be the Bushmen—there are multiple uses for
almost every item in their environment.) What we hadn’t been anticipating
is how touched we would be by the people themselves. Our initial shyness
was mirrored by theirs, but as the day went on, their warmth and sense of
humor surfaced, and it was difficult to leave at the end of the day.
Finally, our guides were excellent. To have 2 of Namibia’s many heritages
represented—black tribal and German settlers— ensured that we had a more
well-rounded perspective on Namibia’s complex cultural and political
history. As Pete said, Hobby is a god! He was an excellent tracker,
well-informed on environmental issues, and made us feel secure no matter
how remote or rugged the environment. It also didn’t hurt that he was a
great cook. And Roger’s steady good humor (and awful jokes) were always
welcome at the end of the day.
Kathleen Perretti, dockry@sbcglobal.net
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Since I have been to Namibia twice
before and on safari in Africa seven previous times, it is difficult for
me to remember what I already knew and what you told me, but you were
certainly very open to questions that I did have and assisted me in
finding an answer.
I have seen many other Namibian Safari itineraries (and traveled with
two), offered by well-known, up-market providers, and I think that yours
is outstanding in the many varied experiences it offers--hands-on camping
in a truly wild, lightly visited game reserve, cultural encounters, a full
spectrum of wildlife at Etosha waterholes (especially the flood-lit ones),
and meeting Namibians who are dedicating themselves to improving chances
for wildlife to thrive in their country.
Hobby and Rodger were knowledgeable, resourceful, energetic, and flexible
guides as well as delightful friends. We learned about history, geography,
the arts, customs and traditions as well as about wildlife and ecology. As
a vegetarian, I was grateful and very pleased with the variety and quality
of food selections which suited my diet. The quantity was more than
enough, in fact, much more than we are accustomed to eating at home. The
quality was excellent with especially fine dining experiences at Kavita,
Okonjima, and Heinitzburg Castle Hotel. Khaudom was a highlight for me
since I relished the opportunity to explore a truly "wild" place, away
from all the other tourists. Camping there only enhances the experience of
participating in the natural rhythms of the life there. The encounter with
the Bushmen enriched my understanding of the complexity of life in these
dry lands, and their demonstrated talents in both practical and artistic
activities were amazing and fun to watch.
This was my third visit to Etosha and I enjoyed it as much as ever. We
drove to parts of the park I had not previously seen and the wildlife
viewing was equally superb. Although there was not a myriad of
wildlife to be seen, western Etosha offers a different and interesting
landscape, one which I was eager to see. Staying at Kavita was not only a
lovely and relaxing experience, but I think it is important for visitors,
who have come because of their fascination with African wildlife, to see
what concerned and dedicated Namibians are doing to improve wildlife
conservation in their country.
Harriette Frank, lfrank1999@aol.com
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Regarding the Bushman people, I was amazed that we spent a whole day with
them. And the time went quickly. Arno was a very interesting and gracious
guide, always ready with insights, history, and general good cheer.
Namibia is unspoiled, not "touristy." On this tour, I felt guided versus
regimented. The guides made us feel like a family.
Khaudom dinners were special. 4 straight social events (3 hours +) with
cocktails, great "home made" dinners, and after-dinner dessert and drinks
that made you feel like 4 Friday nights with friends.
For total enjoyment, Okonjima/AfriCats was the top. The food was good to
very good, and served very well. The Inn keepers were very attentive, and
the rooms were kept clean and arranged beautifully. Each guided tour was
unique and highly enjoyable. The range of (environments for) cats was
fascinating. Getting within 10-15 yards of a wild cat (who kills for food)
was the absolute highlight!!
For me, Etosha was the highlight regarding viewing animals. I enjoyed the
broad array of animals and their closeness to us. The night viewing at
Okaukeujo (I believe) was more interesting when the two elephants decided
to go into their "silent ballet."
The Heinitzburg Castle was a good end, I found the dining experience
excellent.
Hugo Yepez, hyepez@home.com
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At times, there were more opportunities to photograph animals than I could
absorb. The excitement of suddenly spotting a single unsuspecting animal
or watching various herds adjust to our presence and then go on about
their lives exceeded my expectations. At many times, I felt like an active
participant in their experience rather than a passive spectator at a
distance.
Our guides were very knowledgeable and helpful about everything…Namibia's
history and culture, ecology and wildlife, current political and social
issues, finding animals, etc. They were also quite engaging and in very
little time became familiar with us and adapted to our personalities and
interests. Most importantly, they were constantly focused on our safety,
well being and comfort.
Never having stayed in a tent before, camping in an area as remote and
unpopulated as the Khaudom was the highlight of the trip. Going for the
majority of a week with no other people around reinforced the sense of
being part of Africa rather than simply observing it. The seclusion
created a sense of intimacy among our group, making every evening special.
Although we had fewer animal sightings in the Khaudom and had to work
harder to find them, it was great fun because it was so unpredictable.
Etosha was wonderful for the greater density of animals and expansive
landscapes, but I preferred the remoteness and isolation of the Khaudom.
This was the best trip I have ever taken in more than 20 years of travel.
The excitement and energy from constant discovery made it exotic, while
the structure made it comfortable. Every day offered something new to
challenge my biases and preconceptions. After 2 weeks of ever changing
variety and depth of experiences, I am more awestruck than ever about the
beautiful, fragile complexity of life on earth.
John Hammitt, jmhammitt@yahoo.com
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The whole experience was so different, and great to share with significant
others and friends.
The trip was organized in detail focusing on guest comfort. The guides
were social, informative, and attentive. Food was the best available,
whether local and traditional, or prepared to order. Eating under all the
conditions was fun and an important part of the experience. The
accommodations were intriguingly varied, sometimes exotic and plush, but
always at a level of comfort beyond our expectations as tourists.
Heinitzburg Castle was exquisite and a world class treat on our last day
and night.
The unknown apprehensions of being with animals in the wild with my
limited knowledge was assuaged by my quick realization of the guides'
strengths and the use of common sense. All was interesting, but not
dangerous.
My way of looking at life allowed me to go back in time, especially at the
Bushman village, to a simple, as-needed way of living. The whole time
frame of the trip was non-deadline, more in sync or unison with the daily
habits of the wildlife around us, our basic needs, and the revolution of
earth from night to day.
John Smidt, Smidt7117@aol.com
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What a terrific trip. We really enjoyed ourselves.
It is very difficult to describe how free and unencumbered a trip like
this can allow one to feel. It certainly gave us a better perspective of
life and we are very glad that we got the opportunity to do it and to
share the trip with you.
The trip to the dunes is worth taking the time for. We arrived at
Wolwedans in the late afternoon and were shown to our tent. WoW!! Who
would think that sleeping in a tent, set up on some boards stuck in the
sand, would be such a terrific experience. As usual, we did not expect the
high level of comfort and great food we got. Since we knew we would be
going on a day ride through the park and a sundowner the next day, we
choose to stay at camp our first night and have a private sundowner. We
walked a few hundred yards to a spot that allowed us to watch the sun sink
below the mountains and then cast the purple, yellow and red hues across
the mountains and the dunes. It was spectacular! Since it was the full
moon, we simply turned our backs to the sun and watched the moon come up
through the saddle of two mountains - moonrise and sunset all in less than
10 minutes. With all of the moonlight we never even turned on the lantern.
Our tent faced the east and since we kept the front flap of the tent open
we awoke at first light. Not only did we sleep in the open in the middle
of the dunes, but we also did so in complete comfort and warmth.
All of a sudden you turn a corner or come up over a hill and you are in a
different world. This is what our reaction was at Sossusvlei: mountains
in the background and desert in the foreground when all of a sudden we saw
HUGE sand dunes, mirages, dry riverbeds and (oh yeah) a bus stuck in the
sand. Kent and I climbed up one of the dunes at Sossusvlei itself (there
were a couple of rest stops on the way up). After taking in the view and
recording same for posterity, we ran down the front of the dune. A group
of students were at the top and after our run down, they did the same
thing (there were about 12-15 students). You could see arms, legs and sand
flying all over the place.
Kathy and Kent Lawrence, KLawrence@rcn.com
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These comments were written by Debra McPherson, our
Director of Ecotourism, on her first trip to Namibia. Obviously, Debra may
be a bit biased, but we encourage you to write or call her and let her
explain why she found this safari so extraordinary.
The trip was beyond words. I want to develop a customer satisfaction
survey immediately to capture the comments from my group while they are
still fresh so we can quote them in our marketing efforts - suffice to say
all of them were just blown away by the experience. Every person said
their expectations were far more than exceeded, the trip was worth every
penny and they can't wait to go again. Including me - except I want to go
back next week, for a month or two (half-kidding!) I can no longer live
without Kalahari pod berries to eat, all the animals, and those night
skies.
Hobby and I spent a lot of time talking about Namibia, conservation,
AfriCat and Afri-Leo, tour routes, etc. I also spent a great deal of time
with Rodger, who was equally full of information in different areas. I
drove them both crazy with questions, but everyone seemed to get along
just great and both of them did an excellent job.
The first day camping at Sikareti in the Khaudom, we had a herd of 30-50
elephants visit us: they came right past our camp. A few days later,
Rodger and I came across a leopard in a tree, pulled up close, and
photographed her for about 10 minutes before she decided to be on her way.
It took me hours to calm down...in fact, I probably have not calmed down
yet.
Debra McPherson, 727-593-5878 (Phone & Fax),
tours@ecovitality.org
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