March 2020 by Patrice Walters
Outdoor Africa's US partner, Toby, designed a perfect itinerary and proficiently coordinated every detail of our trip, rendering it flawless. BEST. TOUR DIRECTOR. EVER.River provided an adventurous, personal, most-fun-ever guided safari that imparted a soul-stirring experience. He had our back every step of the way so that we felt safe, confident and secure. He is an extraordinary young man of great experience, diverse knowledge, passion for the animals and environment, personable, FUN, witty, warm, caring, good looking. Outdoor Africa truly has a gem! BEST. GUIDE. EVER.Whatever your South Africa dream trip includes, Toby can fulfill it. South Africa is both Hayden's and River's homeland and with their connections, they have privileges and access to restricted areas that others do not.Blyde Wildlife Estates is a beautiful and quiet place to stay. Satara Camp, Lower Sabie, Swaziland, and Hilltop Camp have unique, traditional, comfortable accommodations. Royal Thonga in Tembe features GREAT people -- GuGu, Vesi, Caesar, Bongo -- and is luxurious and intimate with only 14 guest chalets.Bruce and Ann, Underberg Guest House (Cape Town), are warm and welcoming. Their guest house is beautiful and luxurious, too. Cape Town's Table Mountain is amazing but you need a Plan B since it's only open weather permitting. Our Plan B was a drive along the coastline to the southernmost point of Africa, visiting the Penguin Colony, and tasting wine at Steenberg Winery.Being a World Heritage site, Victoria Falls is a must-see spectacular destination! Raincoats are recommended but it's a personal choice. Personally, I would forgo it, at least during hot weather, since it's refreshing and you'll dry quickly. Kingdom Hotel provides excellent lodging and is a short walk to the falls. Botswana's Chobe National Park is another great, highly recommended activity that's not too far from Vic Falls.New friends at Africa Sky Guest House in Johannesburg are favorites as well as the guest house itself. Gilbert, the wonderful driver, Leoni at the front desk, Queen and Johanna in the dining room, make it an awesome home away from home!