Holiday Reviews
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same trip can have different views!
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Sabi Sands & Kruger safari holiday in South Africa, independent reviews
 Reviewed 16 Aug 2009 by Ro and Ian Lynam |  |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
This was our third holiday in South Africa and our fifth safari experience in Africa, but it was the differences from the normal safari experiences that made it so memorable. Paperbark was a most beautiful and peaceful place to stay and yet there was still lots happening to become involved in. Will and Carol were great hosts who made us feel more like friends than visitors. Vinolia with her lovely smiling face was a delight. Anton was a great guide - very knowledgeable and great fun, and riding on the tracker seat was a first! Our 6 days spent with Gerrie Camacho were amazing and a real privilege. We have never met anyone with so much knowledge; not just about wildlife, but geology, soil, flora etc. He was willing to provide exactly the experience we wanted and we will never forget sitting on the safari vehicle at one o'clock in the morning under a full moon just listening to the sounds of the bush. ("People make noise, nature makes sounds," was one of the things he said to us. How true.) We spent 3 days at Umkumbe bush camp where the hosts Herman and Celeste once again made us feel part of the family. It was totally relaxing and real fun. In fact laughter was a thread running through the whole holiday. Probably the single most memorable part of the holiday must be when were back at Paperbark and went with Will, Anton and Gerrie to move a leopard caught in a cage trap to Moholoholo rehabilitation centre. That gave us a real insight into the work of the Ingwe Leopard Project.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Book it! But don't expect a normal safari experience. Whilst at Paperbark you just go with the flow depending on what work is being done at the time. It's also much colder at night there than when you go into Kruger. This holiday is more about observing and gaining an insight into animal behaviour than 'ticking off' the Big Five. In other words it's real!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Definitely. Will and Carol are creating opportunities for local people to take on increasing responsibilities in the running of Paperbark. The project supports a local school. The conservation and research work is fundamental to the whole experience. Paperbark strives to be as eco-friendly as possible through solar power, local produce etc
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic! So many new experiences even for seasoned safari-goers.
| Reviewed 1 Mar 2009 by Tony Fowles | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Impossible to select one experience – hospitality and expertise from hosts and guides who became friends and enhanced all other aspects of the holiday. We saw, heard and learnt about an enormous variety of insects, birds, herbivores and carnivores including the ‘big five’, as well as vultures and eagles, spiders and butterflies. We tried our hand at ‘camera-trapping, went on game drives and bush walks with guides who shared their enthusiasm and knowledge with us. They identified, explained and interpreted what we saw.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Lots of flexibility in the trip, choices offered to guests, all opportunities to see/hear wildlife should be taken. The trip is excellent for those who want to understand the interdependence of environment and wildlife - from geology to climate, from insects to large predators. Be prepared for early starts and late nights to get the best from the safari – the bush is most alive before the heat of the day and at night.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes – local people employed and good relationships established with them; Paperbark Bush Retreat is nearly carbon neutral, food sourced locally. Ticked all the ‘responsible traveller’ boxes.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic – great people, landscapes, wildlife and learnt so much about the places we visited and the history of this part of South Africa.
| Reviewed 14 Feb 2009 by Ron Price | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Impossible to pick one single memory, but tracking a Leopard for 2 hours at night, watching dwarf mongoose playing for an hour, seeing two male giraffe fighting for the rights to a female, walking in such a pristine environment (Paperbark bush retreat area) where butterfly, dragonfly and all kinds of birdlife seem to fill the air, watching wild dogs (an endangered species) were a few. Overall the one thing that made the holiday so special however, was the dedication and extraordinary knowledge of the people leading the trip.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you want the wildlife experience of a lifetime go on this trip!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Most definitely, local people were employed in all aspects of the trip (guides, service aspects, accommodation etc.). The minimisation of the impact on the environment was integral to the trip.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Absolutely unbeatable. Please note, this review is from a person who does not give praise lightly and was slightly wary about the trip initially when booking it.
| Reviewed 11 Feb 2009 by Michele Ricks | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing the animals in their environment. I don't think I'll ever be able to go to a zoo again!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Nothing out of the ordinary... you'll be outside a lot so bring appropriate clothing, a hat, and sunscreen. Binoculars are a must!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, for the most part. You can't get around the fact that you're driving around and therefore using petrol and emitting carbon fumes. But other than that, I think it was eco-friendly and locals benefited at the lodges, shops and where we went to get souvenirs.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was excellent... exactly what I wanted and hoped it would be! It was perhaps the best holiday I've ever had - the accommodation was lovely, food delicious, company interesting and like-minded, landscape beautiful, and animals amazing. If I never go on another safari I won't feel as though I've missed out on anything.
| Reviewed 13 Nov 2008 by Becky Palmer | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
There were so many memorable and exciting parts to the holiday - far too many to list - probably the most memorable was our first sighting of a leopard - we saw 2 leopard cubs during a game drive. We spent ages watching them as they ate an antelope which their mother had killed. It was fantastic and we got the opportunity to take many special photographs. Our next sighting of a leopard was also fantastic - on another game drive we spent over an hour following the movements of a female leopard. It was amazing - there was just us 2, a guide and driver and we felt so privileged to spend so long observing such a beautiful creature. It was a proper wild experience - not like some of the other game drives/safaris we observed where you queue up amongst many other vehicles for a quick glimpse. Instead we were able to spend so long and had real quality time observing the wildlife. Our holiday was so special that we even got engaged whilst we were there!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Definitely book this holiday!! We couldn't recommend it enough as we had such a great safari experience. The whole trip was organised very well - it was tailormade to fit our timescale and interests. Everyone was so friendly and professional and treated us so well throughout the holiday. The knowledge of the guide and ranger was brilliant - we learnt so much about wildlife, flora, fauna and conservation and they were great company throughout the holiday. The Paperbark Lodge is beautiful - set in a lovely valley and the mountainous scenery was great. The lodge had lots of wildlife and it was extremely relaxing. The owners were great - again good company, offered great hospitality and fantastic home cooked meals - we really couldn't fault anything about the holiday - we loved it. If anyone has any specific interests they should mention this as everyone was only too happy to focus on the wildlife and interests which we wanted to focus on.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Definitely - there is a heavy focus on conservation and the Ingwe Leopard project - we learnt a lot about conservation so not only did it benefit the community, it was also educational for guests. The Paperbark lodge is keen to minimise its impact on the environment - all electricity came from solar panels, all shampoo, soap, shower gel etc is environmentally friendly and we were asked to minimise water where possible. The lodge was beneficial to its workers - the owners were keen to look after them and ensure they have good living conditions etc. Whilst we were there, the owners had discussed that they were even going to help build a garden for their waitress/cleaner so she could grow her own fresh vegetables and salad - they seemed to treat their staff with respect and had care for their welfare, far beyond just paying them a wage.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We would give it a huge 5 stars - it was a great holiday and we could not recommend it enough. If you want a true safari experience, spending quality time with the wildlife, spending time with very knowledgeable and friendly guides and enjoying hospitality at its best then this is the holiday for you!
| Reviewed 14 Sep 2008 by Bob Kunze | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The flora and fauna were tremendous. Nature TV shows capture a relatively small portion of great diversity in plants and animals (beside the big five, cheetah, wild dog, we saw for example 5 species of mongoose and 5 species antelope). And we weren't prepared for the variety and colourfulness of the bird life, especially at the Paperbark Bush Retreat. However, it could not have been as great as it was without the special talents of the people who run the safari. Will and Carol were great people and great hosts, adjusting our safari to suit our needs and interests. For example, we were able to attend an entertaining musical revue put on by Lydenburg high school students and visit a rural primary school. Anton, the ranger at Paperbark, is a wonderfully attentive and knowledgeable naturalist. He took us on bush walks and with Will got us involved in some of the ongoing conservation/research activities at Paperbark (e.g., setting out camera traps and trying to GPS collar mammals such a leopards), Gerrie Camacho, one of South Africa's, if not Africa's most experienced and knowledgeable rangers and zoologists, who was our safari guide. What a privilege to spend a week with him. We couldn't have imagined a more fascinating and personable guide. He was committed to assuring that our safari experience me and exceeded our expectations. This was a highlight of a lifetime, not just this trip.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
This was our first trip to Africa. It took us almost a year to find a "package" that appeared to meet our general desires (not too much travel, hiking/walking as well as in vehicle game viewing, involvement in conservation, some exposure to local cultures, and not too expensive). It was worth the wait. Let Will and Carol know your interests since they take pride in putting together a unique safari.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, very much so. Profits from the safari are used to support conservation activities such as the Ingwe Leopard project. Paperbark Bush Retreat, the base for the safari, is carbon neutral (e.g., electricity is generated by solar power). The delicious food served is locally sourced and organic. Part of the tour operators's social program is to provide assistance to a local farm school, which lacks funding and materials. We visited this school and brought pens and sweets for the children. They sang and recited poems for us. We met with principal who outlined ways in which we could get involved in helping the school and its students in the future. The staff work with local farmers to manage/relocate rather than kill predators such a leopard and brown hyena that on occasion take livestock. Furniture is procured locally from fair trade employers. Local arts and crafts are displayed throughout.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Up there with the best of our holidays. Very enjoyable. And educational.
| Reviewed 30 Jul 2008 by Nigel Rowe | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Being walked in on by a female leopard.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take warm clothes at this time of year for the nights.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Absolutely.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
11/10
| Reviewed 5 Nov 2009 by Ivor Williams | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Learning some bushcraft, hearing a baby rhino squeak, seeing a leopard and white-tailed mongoose bump into one another at 11 pm at night. In fact everyday brought something new and we were awestruck by Gerrie Camacho's
knowledge of every aspect of our safari. An unforgettable experience which coupled with Paperbark gave us a whole extra dimension to a standard safari package.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Probably not the best if you are a first timer on safari and want to see the maximum number of animals but once you've satisfied this urge then this holiday offers a lot more: lovely accommodation at Paperbark, walks, tranquility, learning to track. Still be prepared for early starts (and very late finishes during the safari element of the trip!). Anyone with a desire to learn more of animal conservation will thoroughly enjoy this trip.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Definitely, our trip to the local school with Will was a real eye opener and we were very impressed by all we saw. Will is making a real effort to help the pupils succeed.
Paperbark is as green as it can be, only solar power used, locally sourced food and employment for local people.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
a truly unforgettable holiday during which we never felt like clients, just friends. Wonderfully relaxed atmosphere in which we learnt a lot with highly committed team of conservationists. Thanks to Will, Carol, Anton and Gerrie. We're going back next year!
| Reviewed 25 Aug 2009 by Bonnie Shirley | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It is extremely difficult to pinpoint one most memorable event on this holiday. Everything was wonderful, especially the serval and bushpig sightings and, of course, the leopard that we transported to Maholoholo. Ian and Ro, two others I joined on this holiday, have written a review on this site with which I am in complete agreement, so I will simply emphasize the beauty of the setting and the uniqueness of the holiday. Carol and Will Fox were the ultimate hosts, not overlooking anything. In addition, it was a treat for me to be served tea and biscuits in the morning and to not have to lock my door and to eat by candlelight every night, seemingly small things, but contributing to the overall experience.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared to learn a lot, ask a lot of questions, and contribute in whatever way you can. This will be an experience that you will never forget!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, in many ways, such as the support of the local school (Will Fox has even given money out of his own pocket for petrol for the school bus, in addition to many other things), using wood from non-native tree species for firewood, limiting the use of electricity, etc.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I had an absolutely wonderful time. There is not a single thing that I can find fault with. I would repeat this holiday again in the future, if circumstances permit it!