This was a FABULOUS trip. NO preconceived notions have the slightest handle on what we saw, did, ate, and personally, morally, politically and soulfully experienced.
Our hosts, Dee and Ronnie Pitcher, were engaged, caring, knowledgeable, flexible, fun and had hearts of gold! They were seasoned professionals with an intimate knowledge of African culture, people and places. They purposely didn’t lay out agendas for the next day, allowing us to greet each day with open hearts and minds, wonder and surprise. We spent time with many wonderful South African men and women who loved their country deeply and genuinely wanted to share their culture with us. And, we traveled with an interesting and fun group of people.
Lodging was first rate and more than met expectations. Food was local, stellar and abundant; yet we came home a few pounds lighter.
Our safari days were amazing. They often started well before dawn and we were lucky to be in bed by 11pm. Our bush guides and spotters were experienced, knowledgeable, kind, and exceedingly flexible as they sought to satisfy our need to see things not previously encountered. Pre-dawn bush drives (6 per jeep), mid-day walking safaris, late afternoon, sunset and night spotting drives. The “big five” and the “ugly five”. Cocky cubs and baby elephants stole our hearts! Seeing wild animals up close was breath taking! Cocktails at sunset in the wild bush? – who knew!! Dinners by campfire in the wild and under a starry night sky lent intrigue and wonder. And, thank you for the lovely Mother’s Day Bush Brunch!
The pace was brisk but well peppered with slightly slower paced travels to national parklands that rivaled the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone. We took a breath-taking helicopter ride over Victoria Falls at its highest flow in years and so much more. South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana are beautiful and we left with the desire to return.
Thank you, Dee and Ronnie. Your attention to detail allowed us to lean back in a jeep on a crisp morning, warm afternoon or cool evening, wrapped in a blanket or not, and take time to just BE in an ancient world of uncommon beauty.
Our very best to you both,
Bob and Sharon Olsen
