We recently completed our African Safari arranged with the help of Susan Veldman with Discover Africa. About one year ago, I began researching African safari trips. I began with Abercrombie and Kent as they are world renowned for their expertise with African safaris. I contacted them on their website and for some reason they did not return my two inquiries for almost two weeks. Meanwhile, I contacted five other companies, some in the states and some in Africa and had multiple conversations with many knowledgeable tour experts and tried to educate myself on where to go, what to see, when to go, etc.

After speaking with Susan and feeling comfortable with her, we began to game plan. I used the Abercrombie tour as a basis for the trip. The end result was building on this with Susan. In fact, adding four days at another camp for less money. I was very concerned with hand-holding as the logistics of the trip was very complex. I also wanted all gratuities taken care ahead of time as that can be uncomfortable. Who to tip, how much? We booked our own flights with Qatar business class and the Q Suites. The airline lives up to its reputation. We flew with a stopover in Doha, Qatar and experienced the number one air lounge in the world (Al Mourjan) which again more than lived up to its reputation.

Nick Safari Experience

We flew into Johannesburg and from there we were under the care of Susan. From there on, everything went on without a hitch. Meet and greets, automobile transfers, baggage handling, inter country flights, including bush flights and helicopter tours were smooth as could be. All gratuities were taken care of and I did not have to worry about that. The camps, food, activities and service at all the camps was spectacular. In Johannesburg, we stayed at the Saxon Hotel…..as did Nelson Mandela, Oprah and the Clintons. From there we flew to Sabi Sands Bush Lodge on the recommendation of Susan. Next was Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero, Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp and Chief’s Camp which I borrowed from Abercrombie.

Each camp had its own flavor in terms of location, geography, design and game drives. Each camp was luxurious in its own way. The wildlife, the food, the accommodations, the guides and trackers, the game drives…..all superb! We arrived home last night tired but thrilled with the experience. I cannot recommend Susan and Discover Africa highly enough. Susan delivered everything we asked for without ANY glitches and maintained daily contact with us throughout the trip. The only way this trip could have been better was if it were free :-). And having said that, I was happy to pay for it. Worth every penny…or Rand!

Safari planned by: Susan Veldman

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