Okavango River Safaris - Visitors Book

Ian & Sandy Webster - Somerset West Cape Town - September 2012

We were left in such awe after our trip that it has taken us awhile to process everything and write about this incredible safari in the Okavango Delta! We were positively shell-shocked arriving home from paradise and having to step back into the real world after a trip of a lifetime.Thank you Jacques, Mike, Dimpho, Boykie & Daisy for your wonderful organisation, skills, knowledge, talents and your incredible brand of hospitality - we loved every single second of this very unique trip.Thanks must also go to the behind-the-scenes ladies, Kathy & Suzy for the role you play in making this experience unforgettable.How will we ever forget the incredible sunsets, the gin & tonics at midday, a glass of chilled Fairview Sauvignon Blanc with our lunch time picnics on pristine islands, our many swims in the crisp, clear waters, the incredible animals and the birds we saw (abour 15 lifers), the fish eagle encounter (the hippo one too!), the camaraderie & stories around the camp fire at night and the absolutely amazing meals prepared so lovingly by the camp staff. Mike you certainly are a legend ...!You certainly have perfected the mobile water safari in the Delta and we shall be back ...

Norma and Derek Fivaz - Hogsback RSA - July 2012

We're safely home and dry, but with loads of memories that no one can remove from our minds.....

It's unreal that little more than a week ago, we were "swimming with the hippos".

We have enjoyed every minute of our trip with your company, Thank you for making it so special! I have already recommended it to several of our friends. Please convey our sincere thanks to Mike as well, The two of you have really set such a high standard, and have achieved something to be proud of in your company. Well done! Warm greetings from a freezing Hogsback.

Jeff & Kary Smithers - Pietermaritzburg RSA - June 2012

First of all we'd like to thank you both (and your staff) for the wonderful organization of our trip as well as the excellent knowledge and insight that you have of the Delta and all it's inhabitants. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience and have created lots of memories - and some pretty good photo's Mike! We noticed quite a few elephant pictures!!

We especially enjoyed your knowledge of birds Mike and we certainly learned a lot. Although it would have been nice to see some lions or hyenas, etc we really felt that there was so much more to the Delta than that. Altogether it was a very special time for us and we congratulate you on the excellence of your safari and attention to detail.

David and Susan Hall - UK - October 2011

We originally contacted Roger Dugmore Safaris, asking for a 5 day boat safari and had the benefit of Jacques Conradie of Okavango River Safaris and Roger Dugmore combined - two very experienced guides, expert photographers and sharing the British sense of humour. We were very fortunate that this year (Beginning of October 2011) the water levels were high and we were able to go deep into the delta. we are retired Brits living in South Africa and in the last 30 years we have been to many wonderful places - Kruger, Etosha, Okonjima, Wankie (now Hwange), Amboselli, Mlilwane, Kgalhahadi - and enjoyed them all, but the Okavango is unique and this boat safari beat them all. First class camping kit, superb cooking, >70 bird species, close encounters with hippo, lion and elephant (and mating boomslang). Not cheap, but worth every pula! Will gladly correspond with anyone considering this trip - d.hall@sheffield.ac.uk

Annabel Ackroyd - UK - September 2011

Thank you so much for a wonderful introduction to the Okavango. I loved everything about the safari - the locations, the animals, the birds and most of all your excellent organisation of the whole trip. The Delta is so unique and you gave us a great insight into the life and workings of the area. I wouldn't have missed the experience for the world. Most people back in the UK look puzzled when I mention Botswana/Okavango but soon admit they would love to go there. Thanks again for a special trip.

Peter & Kaye Kelsh - Australia - September 2011

Kaye and I had such a wonderful, enjoyable, educational trip with you in the Delta. The staff, OT and KK were wonderful and the food so good. I could not believe the quality of the food that just kept coming from the kitchen. One special highlight was the walks. Mike has a gift and we felt so safe. My event with the so called lion ?? at midnight while on the toilet was something that will never leave me..!!! You guys have so much knowledge that is fantastic. For Mike to give his shirt was toooo good. I will prize it. Thanks for a great trip and we will recommend it and hopefully come back one day..

Geoff and Jill Annesley-Smith - Auckland New Zealand - August 2011

We have travelled to Africa on safari for many years and had hoped that we would be able to visit the Okavango Delta one day. We jumped at the opportunity to join a group of African friends when invited to share a Delta camping trip with Okavango River Safaris. Our experience with Jacques and Mike surpassed all our expectations. The trips by boat and camping on the Delta was outstanding – a once in a lifetime experience – contributed by wonderful companionship and service from Jacques, Mike and their great staff – How such fantastic meals were cooked in such an environment was beyond belief. Our sincere thanks to all for providing such an enjoyable adventure.

Shaun Wustmann& Mandy Lovell - South Africa - August 2011

Visiting the Okavango Delta was truly the most memorable trip of a lifetime and words can barely describe the experience. Special thanks to Mike, OT and Dimpho for the wonderful time we enjoyed in August 2011. Besides the glorious weather and breathtaking views, we had great company, lots of laughs and good times around the fire, most comfortable camps with hot showers with awesome meals and snacks. We will definitely be back, the best way to relax ever!!

Kevin Irene and Mitchell Chalmers - New Zealand - July 2011

What an experience ! The Delta was Africa like we had never seen . Jacques and Mike were great hosts going out of their way to meet our needs . OT Boys and Dimpho worked hard to ensure our camp was comfortable and the food was amazing . We will be back soon and highly recommend this to others.

Tony and Di Unger - Durban - July 2011

Our trip to the Delta was one of the most memorable experiences of our lives. Mike, Jacques, OT, Dimpho and Boys were superb - thank you all for the thoughtful care (with seemingly effortless ease) taken in making this an unforgettable trip. Dodging hippos, keeping a beady eye open for the ellie tht insisted on sharing our island camp with us - tales around the fire - scrumptious meals created with such skill under the circumstances, the magnificent birds, are just some of the stand-out memories for us. Mike and Jacques, your knowledge of and passion for the Delta is inspiring. We certainly hope to be back again before too long. (By the way, Mike, a collective noun for a bunch of hippos is "a bloat of hippos" !!

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GUESTS COMMENTS Ian & Sandy Webster - Somerset West Cape Town - September 2012 We were left in such awe after our trip that it has taken us awhile to process everything and write about this incredible safari in the Okavango Delta! We were positively shell-shocked arriving home from paradise and having to step back into the real world after a trip of a lifetime.Thank you Jacques, Mike, Dimpho, Boykie & Daisy for your wonderful organisation, skills, knowledge, talents and your incredible brand of hospitality - we loved every single second of this very unique trip.Thanks must also go to the behind-the-scenes ladies, Kathy & Suzy for the role you play in making this experience unforgettable.How will we ever forget the incredible sunsets, the gin & tonics at midday, a glass of chilled Fairview Sauvignon Blanc with our lunch time picnics on pristine islands, our many swims in the crisp, clear waters, the incredible animals and the birds we saw (abour 15 lifers), the fish eagle encounter (the hippo one too!), the camaraderie & stories around the camp fire at night and the absolutely amazing meals prepared so lovingly by the camp staff. Mike you certainly are a legend ...!You certainly have perfected the mobile water safari in the Delta and we shall be back ... Norma and Derek Fivaz - Hogsback RSA - July 2012 We're safely home and dry, but with loads of memories that no one can remove from our minds..... It's unreal that little more than a week ago, we were "swimming with the hippos". We have enjoyed every minute of our trip with your company, Thank you for making it so special! I have already recommended it to several of our friends. Please convey our sincere thanks to Mike as well, The two of you have really set such a high standard, and have achieved something to be proud of in your company. Well done! Warm greetings from a freezing Hogsback. Jeff & Kary Smithers - Pietermaritzburg RSA - June 2012 First of all we'd like to thank you both (and your staff) for the wonderful organization of our trip as well as the excellent knowledge and insight that you have of the Delta and all it's inhabitants. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience and have created lots of memories - and some pretty good photo's Mike! We noticed quite a few elephant pictures!! We especially enjoyed your knowledge of birds Mike and we certainly learned a lot. Although it would have been nice to see some lions or hyenas, etc we really felt that there was so much more to the Delta than that. Altogether it was a very special time for us and we congratulate you on the excellence of your safari and attention to detail. David and Susan Hall - UK - October 2011 We originally contacted Roger Dugmore Safaris, asking for a 5 day boat safari and had the benefit of Jacques Conradie of Okavango River Safaris and Roger Dugmore combined - two very experienced guides, expert photographers and sharing the British sense of humour. We were very fortunate that this year (Beginning of October 2011) the water levels were high and we were able to go deep into the delta. we are retired Brits living in South Africa and in the last 30 years we have been to many wonderful places - Kruger, Etosha, Okonjima, Wankie (now Hwange), Amboselli, Mlilwane, Kgalhahadi - and enjoyed them all, but the Okavango is unique and this boat safari beat them all. First class camping kit, superb cooking, >70 bird species, close encounters with hippo, lion and elephant (and mating boomslang). Not cheap, but worth every pula! Will gladly correspond with anyone considering this trip - d.hall@sheffield.ac.uk Annabel Ackroyd - UK - September 2011 Thank you so much for a wonderful introduction to the Okavango. I loved everything about the safari - the locations, the animals, the birds and most of all your excellent organisation of the whole trip. The Delta is so unique and you gave us a great insight into the life and workings of the area. I wouldn't have missed the experience for the world. Most people back in the UK look puzzled when I mention Botswana/Okavango but soon admit they would love to go there. Thanks again for a special trip. Peter & Kaye Kelsh - Australia - September 2011 Kaye and I had such a wonderful, enjoyable, educational trip with you in the Delta. The staff, OT and KK were wonderful and the food so good. I could not believe the quality of the food that just kept coming from the kitchen. One special highlight was the walks. Mike has a gift and we felt so safe. My event with the so called lion ?? at midnight while on the toilet was something that will never leave me..!!! You guys have so much knowledge that is fantastic. For Mike to give his shirt was toooo good. I will prize it. Thanks for a great trip and we will recommend it and hopefully come back one day.. Geoff and Jill Annesley-Smith - Auckland New Zealand - August 2011 We have travelled to Africa on safari for many years and had hoped that we would be able to visit the Okavango Delta one day. We jumped at the opportunity to join a group of African friends when invited to share a Delta camping trip with Okavango River Safaris. Our experience with Jacques and Mike surpassed all our expectations. The trips by boat and camping on the Delta was outstanding – a once in a lifetime experience – contributed by wonderful companionship and service from Jacques, Mike and their great staff – How such fantastic meals were cooked in such an environment was beyond belief. Our sincere thanks to all for providing such an enjoyable adventure. Shaun Wustmann& Mandy Lovell - South Africa - August 2011 Visiting the Okavango Delta was truly the most memorable trip of a lifetime and words can barely describe the experience. Special thanks to Mike, OT and Dimpho for the wonderful time we enjoyed in August 2011. Besides the glorious weather and breathtaking views, we had great company, lots of laughs and good times around the fire, most comfortable camps with hot showers with awesome meals and snacks. We will definitely be back, the best way to relax ever!! Kevin Irene and Mitchell Chalmers - New Zealand - July 2011 What an experience ! The Delta was Africa like we had never seen . Jacques and Mike were great hosts going out of their way to meet our needs . OT Boys and Dimpho worked hard to ensure our camp was comfortable and the food was amazing . We will be back soon and highly recommend this to others. Tony and Di Unger - Durban - July 2011 Our trip to the Delta was one of the most memorable experiences of our lives. Mike, Jacques, OT, Dimpho and Boys were superb - thank you all for the thoughtful care (with seemingly effortless ease) taken in making this an unforgettable trip. Dodging hippos, keeping a beady eye open for the ellie tht insisted on sharing our island camp with us - tales around the fire - scrumptious meals created with such skill under the circumstances, the magnificent birds, are just some of the stand-out memories for us. Mike and Jacques, your knowledge of and passion for the Delta is inspiring. We certainly hope to be back again before too long. (By the way, Mike, a collective noun for a bunch of hippos is "a bloat of hippos" !! Bert & Merle, Eddie & Margot - UK - June 2011 What a unique experience we all had on the Delta. Thank you to Mike, Jacques, OT and Dimpho for a job well done. You run a good operation, your knowledge of and respect for the Delta is amazing. All success in the future. Tony White - UK London - September 2010 This was my fourth visit to the Delta leading a group from the UK, and it was by far the best organised and exciting. Many thanks to Jacques and his team for going that extra mile which gave all the people on the tour an experience they will treasure for the rest of their lives. See you next year, Tony. Mike & Ann Macaulay - Port Elizabeth South Africa - September 2010 An awesome experience. The Delta must be unique and deserves to be one of the seven wonders of the natural world. So utterly unspoilt - the peace, the beauty, the birds, the elies, the trees, endless waterways, islands, reeds and grasses - stunning. And our hosts and their staff couldn't do enough for us. The meals were seriously 5-star. And the beds were comfortable. Thank you all for a truly memorable safari. Michelle Nelson - Durban South Africa - September 2010 I have been to Botswana many times, however the experience with Okavango River Safaris was unique and one of the best trips I have done in Botswana. The staff were fantastic and ensured that everyone had a very special holiday. Everything was run so professionally and this made for an amazing experience. The guides had outstanding knowledge of the Okavango which really added to the experience. Thank you guys for a wonderful safari!!! Hanneke - Pretoria South Africa - August 2010 Trans Okavango - an adventure indeed!! Thank you Jacques, Kay-Kay, Frog & OT - you did an excellent job!! Everything was well organized and we were spoiled for 6 days - 3 course sit down dinners, hot showers, snacks, etc, etc. We had lots of FUN and laughter and I will never forget this trip!! Spectacular sundowners, encounter with an elephant, the sound of hippos & fish eagles - just to mention a few. Words cannot describe the experience of the Okavango - you have to do it yourself!! Corné Duvenage - Johannesburg South Africa - July 2010 A quick note to say a GREAT, BIG thank you for the Okavango Traverse trip we did on the 17^th – 24^th July. It was an absolute pleasure to be able to spend time on the Delta with your knowledgeable, extremely competent and well-run crew and boats. We always felt very well looked-after and that we were in safe hands. The campsites are magnificent and words cannot describe the cooking! I also really appreciated the attention to detail from the camp crew – it is a fairly novel experience to come back from being on the river and to see all the pathways freshly raked! It almost makes you feel guilty to put fresh tracks on them! Laila Darley - Johannesburg South Africa - July 2010 I would like to thank you both from myself and Allan for an amazing trip. We really loved our time and we congratulate you on running a very smooth, comfortable and fun safari. The staff were great and the food exceeded all expectations. Anyway a huge big thank you again. It was a dream come true for me and an absolutely wonderful experience. Carl & Alison Haycock - Durban South Africa - October 2009 Thanks to Mike, Jacques and Team for an awesome trip from start to finish. The trans Okavango must be the ultimate Delta experience and one of the most relaxing breaks that we have ever had. We'll be back for sure. Mark & Linda Calvery - Kwazulu Natal South Africa - July 2009 Spoilt from beginning to end! We seldom left the cocktail position. What a way to see the Delta. Good food, good wine, good company, sealy -posturpeadic swags (bedrolls), courageous Captain, unbelievable scenery. Highly recommended experience. We loved it! Many thanks to Kathy, Jacques & crew. Jay - Canada - June 2009 No words can describe our experience. Mike, we will come back. Keep up the good work of showing the delta to the outside world and teaching nature conservation. Penny & Beverley - Wakkerstroom South Africa - June 2009 Thanks Jacques and Mike for a great trip, well organized with good company, food and camping comforts. A fabulous way of viewing that special Delta. With Best Wishes JG & Wendy Cowper – Johannesburg - April 2009 For me a great holiday is one that leaves you with lots of happy memories. The Okavango Traverse Safari, this is truly a unique experience that cannot be had anywhere else in the world, one that is now indelibly etched in my memory forever. The remoteness, being out there, the luxury, the fun, the stillness, the beauty, the relaxation, the fishing, the partying all wrapped in one – Wow what a holiday. Throw in doing this with really good friends and you get a holiday-highlight that will last a life time in my mind and has me continually wanting to go back and experience more. Mike & Elizabeth - Australia - April 2008 After we contacted Okavango River Safaris they helped us to make a fantastic itinerary which included some of the most spectacular scenery I have ever seen and at a reasonable cost. Mike and Jacques were amazing guides, with years of experience and plenty of enthralling local stories. We had such an amazing trip and will definitely try a get back to do it again! It’s a must if you ever get a chance. I’ve put a link to some photos below. http://www.flickr.com/photos/18627431@N08/sets/72157607705690652/ Also see: www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree Keith & Bronwyn - Wakkerstroom South Africa - July 2008 "Bronwen and I, as well as our friends, all are grateful for the “Okavango Experience". Bronnie is indeed, so awestruck by the week we spent in your company, and have sent e-mails to friends abroad, as well as to our local contacts, who, we believe, will not mind the rough way of camping in style! A big THANK YOU to your personnel, who handled everything concerning our comfort, and security. It was a deeply moving tribute to the wonder , and tranquilly of the Delta environment, that we determined to get our erstwhile friends to join us again on an extended trip." Elena, Elly & Katy - USA - August 2008 Well we just had a magical time on the river with Mike! What a sweetie! Just wonderful and we're already talking about another one for next year. - Elena Katy, Elena, and I had a memorable magical time swimming and fishing and drinking the river water. I hope I go back sometime. Thank-you so much - Elly