“The purpose of this Email is to recommend to you in the highest terms possible the service provided by your Guide, Mrs. Ananda van der Merwe (herein after Ananda) on this trip.”

Grand Tour of South Africa - Fall 2012 We base this upon our travel experiences beginning in 1965 and travelling the better part of each year since 1997. Most of our travel has been independent, but we have taken several small group ( 6 - 12 people) guided tours, including one to Kenya/Tanzania last year. This is the first time we have written a letter supporting a tour. n regards to our primary purpose...we had not realized that a guide could affect the success of a trip so greatly, and our guides have generally been good. One...the game parks and reserves, and the guides provided, were excellant. Being more bush areas it was a less all-encompassing animal experience than the plains of Kenya/Tanzani, where vistas of animals went on and on forever. On the other hand, on this tour we got physically closer to both Rhinos and leopards than we ever got in Kenya/Tanzania. We also even saw the Big Five in the first 1 1/2 hours in Kruger National Park - a record, I'd guess. Game parks - such as the elephant and ostrich ones - were still interesting but necessarily more limited. The 'Birds of Eden' was an exception to this limitation - an amazing place. Two...encounters with tribal groups were good and varied, ranging from very good semi-commercial activities (Matsamo Cultural Village) to the clearly special, unique local one with Justice on his homestead in KwaZulu Natal. Three...In the broader 'minglng sense', we appreciated the opportunities to visit markets and, in Cape Town, have adequate non-guided 'walkabout' time. We'd include being able to buy the occasional dinner on our own (there were always adequate choices available) and - a treat - picking up picnic supplies in supermarkets or ordering takeout sandwiches twice. Four...the geography of South Africa - and Ananda's 'Stetson hat' explanation of it - was more varied and interesting than we had anticipated. The variance of topography and vegetation was a surprise, and goes far beyond 'Tabletop Mountain and the veldt'. The Garden Route is well named and deservedly a highlight of a South African visit. So were the specific gardens visited. Storms River Walk to the suspension bridge was a well-timed and pleasurable independent walk as well as a scenic delight (wild Calla Lilies!!!) And...perhaps not necessary to say... the wine district and tastings...first rate. It was a pleasant surprise to find that on that day tour there were no supplemental charges for the tastings. Should we return to S. Africa we would likely pick up on Ananda's suggestion and spend a few days in the Stellenbosch area before setting out on the road again. Five...our hotels were nicely varied archticturally and generally excellent, as were the included meals. The highlight was Laird's Lodge and - for comparison purposes only - the Royal Swazi Sun the most limited, more a three than a four star. Six...an unanticipated conclusion to share with you. We held concerns about the difficulties that South Africa has been encountering since the end of apartheid. As with everyone in the world, Canadians welcomed the changes of the past decade and a half, but the problems seem huge, and the direction since variable. It was all too easy to let optimism become pessimism and imagine a possible 'Zimbabwe 2' in South Africa's future. Your tour has changed our view. South Africa's wealth, geography and resources are more extensive than we had understood. And we did not realize the capacity of South Africa's people to make the nation successful. Our contacts were limited to a small proportion of the population, but all we met in the travel industry, regardless of circumstance or background, work together cooperatively with similar goals for their country. From Albert (also exceptional)... through Icram... to Van der Merwe South Africa's people may become its biggest asset. We were heartened by what we saw and wish South Africa and its people all the best in the times ahead. Thanks for a marvelous trip, and for providing Ananda who insured such an outcome.

—A.C

“Thank you for all your help. Myescapades is too be commended for an excellent job in arranging this trip of ours. I hope I have the opportunity to use your service again.”

Just a quick note to let you know that our trip was FANTASTIC! South Africa was beautiful beyond words. The people were so friendly, helpful and kind. I never once felt unsafe. The drive and vistas from Capetown to Port Elizabeth were ever changing and breathtaking. Kwandwe’s Melton Manor was probably the most luxurious accommodations I have ever stayed in. The best ranger and tracker imaginable. Food was prepared by a Cordon Bleu chef. South African wines were divine.

—K.A

“It was a great time. A dream come true.”

Egypt - Pharaohs Phollies Tour. The tour guides were wonderful and took good care of us. The accommodations were great and we were upgraded to a cruise ship with a living room and balcony. Wow. Thank you so much for your patience and all your help. It made such a difference. Hope to work with you again in the future. Thanks again. S.B

—S.B

“The most memorable trip we have ever taken. All in all, the entire trip exceeded our expectations.”

We want to thank you for your work and personal attention that contributed to what we agree is the most memorable trip we have ever taken. Botswana Magic was not a physical issue at all. Our main guide there, KD, was outstanding. All in all, the entire trip exceeded our expectations. Not only that, among the very interesting people we met, there are a few that we may keep in touch with in future. We were very pleased with the Matetsi Water Lodge. The food was uniformly excellent, from the camp to the train to the hotels. Remarkable! Thanks again, E & S

—E & S

“We had a grand time on our trip. Everything worked like clock work. We are still flying high about how great the whole trip was.”

We had a grand time on our trip. Everything worked like clock work. The guides and drivers were aboslutely great. We are still flying high about how great the whole trip was. As a special mention: in Jordan, our driver, Jad, supplied us with water every day. That was really great. Creative Travel was excellent as well. We were treated like royaltiy by both companies. All the hotels were great. Dead Sea Spa and Movenpick Tala Bay were phenomenal. The Sheraton in ALexandria was only one that was a bit 'tired'. Corner rooms pretty darn spiffy rooms though. All in all, the hotel choices were excellent. The Marriott was right downtown!!! WOW!! Anyhow, thanks again for organizing this wonderful trip. Sincerely D.S.

—D.S.

“Just wanted to say thanks for everything, all went great.”

Just wanted to say thanks for everything, all went great. The family loved Jock safari, they would recommend that to anyone. The apartment in Dubai was fantastic. No problems at all. Thanks again. Wish you all the best and hope to do more business with you.

—M.R.

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