Our South African adventure may have started as one more place to check off on our bucket list but turned out to be a truly heart filled experience combining love of land, family, and service to others. Our most important decision was accepting the invitation from Guy and Maureen to be part of this experience. Without hesitation we signed up for what would turn out to be a glimpse of an affirmation of the human spirit, a love of the land, its people, and the daily struggle and sacrifice of many to make a living. The fifteen-hour plane ride could have deterred us as well as previous health issues, but as Dr. Van said, “Go live your life” and we did and did not look back.
We have returned from our trip to South Africa and Zimbabwe. Our accommodations and travel arrangements were excellent in each location, but our safari in Thornybush at Shumbalala Game Lodge was EXCEPTIONAL!
We had a fantastic time. We felt so cared for by being greeted and guided each step of the way, once we reached Johannesburg (especially after doing all the logistics of NYC).
The weather was great, and we hit 100 degrees many times. The camps and staff were first class. We’re so glad we did this big, once-in-a-lifetime trip and we plan on doing many more.
I wanted to reach out to you and express how thankful I am for all your help organizing this wonderful trip! My family, who are experienced travelers, was overwhelmed from the check-in at Twelve Apostles, to the sad departure at Bayethe.
It was the trip of a lifetime. We enjoyed every part of it very much. We generally try to find more inexpensive vacations and do a lot of “drive it yourself” trips. We had been on several cruises and tours from the ships, but this was the first time that we have really gone first class.
This trip was breathtaking, amazing, stunning, astounding, astonishing, awe-inspiring, stupendous, staggering, extraordinary, incredible, unbelievable etc. I mean, the amount of accolades that I could think of, could just go on and on and on.
Thank you so much for the follow up email. Yes the trip was fantastic and exceeded all our expectations! Our guide/driver was super great! We wished the trip was longer.
I just want to write and thank you SO much for planning our trip to Tanzania. Brian and I have travelled to many places in the world but this trip we think tops them all.
I just wanted to take a minute of your time to thank Lion World Travel and yourself for the most entertaining, exciting, educational, and exquisite trip I or my daughter Jackie have ever been on in our lives.
I returned from Tanzania last week, an African safari long the top of my bucket list. To say that the tour arranged by Lion World exceeded my expectations would be an understatement. It was fantastic in every way! I was lucky enough to have my daughter Heather accompany me, and she she (and every single member of the group with whom we traveled) constantly reiterated that.
First of all, let me say that our experiences were amazing, wonderful, outstanding, exceeding our expectations... I don't know the words to describe. Debby uses the word "magical" to describe the Africa holiday.
Mike and I wanted to take a few minutes to express our appreciation for the fabulous trip you put together for us while in Tanzania and Zanzibar. It was absolutely incredible from start to finish! The level of service we received was remarkable, and the accommodations were beautiful.
What an amazing experience!! We had so much fun. Gibbs Farm was absolutely exquisite and we mentioned that we would stay there longer next time so we could enjoy the farm a bit more.
I am so appreciative of all you did to help our trip be so wonderful. I can’t say enough about the locations you picked. Each one was so special in it’s own right.
This trip exceeded the high expectations I had set for it. This is the largest amount of money I've spent on a single week of travel, but I would spend it again in a heartbeat.
So nice to hear from you. We can’t begin to tell you how much we enjoyed our African adventure. Honestly, everything was perfect and far exceeded our high expectations. We absolutely loved South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. Of course, they were all different, but each country had treasures to enjoy.
Simply put our time in Southern Africa was spectacular! While our expectations were high, the experience exceeded those expectations both in what we experienced and how we experienced them.
We had an absolutely fabulous time on the trip! Everything worked out even better than we expected. From the hotels to the flights and transfers we were always very happy.
Sarah and I wanted to express our sincere gratitude to you for organizing our recent safari in northern Tanzania. We will never forget this bucket list trip.
Our trip was absolutely perfect, there were absolutely no glitches and the service was beyond compare! It certainly was a trip of a lifetime and my sons have already deemed it the BEST VACATION EVER and that is an extreme compliment from two young men who have traveled to many places. They are already wanting to go back! We loved the sights, the animals, the people, just everything!
We had an amazing time! We couldn’t have been more pleased with all the accommodations and all of the guides that we had. Our favourite stay was at the Kadizora camp with Greg & Paula.
We had a wonderful time! Everything went off without a hitch. The Commodore Hotel, the location and staff were all fantastic. Our Cape tour as well as the township tour were both excellent!
We had a great time on our trip. Kenya was awesome. The lodges were great and the food was great too. The people were very friendly and wanted to talk about their culture and asked about our lives.
Thank you for checking in with us to see how our trip was. We absolutely fell in love with Africa and are already talking about planning another trip there! Of course, we will be using you and your expertise again.
The trip was awesome and exceeded our expectations. Nature is so wonderful to see in person! We understand now how people could repeatedly go on safaris over and over again. Every day was new excitement. This will not be our only safari.
We're back. Wonderful trip, we saw the Big 5 and everything else that could be expected! Lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, etc, in large numbers and close.
I just wanted to thank you and Lion World Travel for one of the best vacations that Dan and I have ever had. We have both been on extensive travels (140 countries between the two of us), and we both agreed that this trip that you planned for us was amazing from start to finish.
We truly had a trip of a lifetime! We have been on multiple tours before, but were a little apprehensive about a tour with Lion World Travel since we were not having a tour guide with us throughout our trip. We had so many different flights, airport connections, accommodations, etc., we were concerned that all would not go as planned. We even got a new cell phone and International Calling Plan in case we were stranded somewhere and needed to call. But everything did go as planned!
We had a wonderful time on Platinum South Africa, and are so happy that we did it! The weather totally cooperated all the way through with clear sunny days and some of the most spectacular sunsets we've ever seen.
We had an absolutely wonderful time. The weather was perfect for the entire trip. Both Cape Town and safari were amazing in different ways. Cape Town has such stunning scenery. We visited the downtown area and went hiking on Table Mountain and we drove around the penninsula (of course seeing the Cape of Good Hope and the penguins of Boulder Beach). I even visited the botanical gardens. The hotel was wonderful. We had a spectacular room. We did so much hiking and outside stuff that we didn't have time to take advantage of everything the hotel had to offer.
You are a gem! Airline seating was perfect - and over the wing, too. We were met promptly at each airport and escorted quite professionally from package to customs to our next plane or vehicle. The Michelangelo is obscenely beautiful - and a bit much for a six hour layover.
I have been meaning to get back to you since we returned from our trip to Cape Town and Botswana. It was an absolutely fabulous experience. It now ties with our Galapagos trip as our very best!
We're still in awe of the amazing time we had! I'd say that working with Lion World was seamless! We didn't have to lift a finger or worry about a thing.
The trip was truly amazing! My only complaint is that it was too short! The whole package was perfect. We bumped into a few travelers who had the reverse itinerary (i.e., starting at the Delta and moving their way to Victoria Falls), and I have to say that I much prefer our itinerary, as the excitement kept building, and the experience just got better and better.
I hope you are doing well. My mom and I would like to thank you and everyone at Lion World Travel for our amazing trip of lifetime to Kenya and Tanzania.
I can't think of enough good things to say about the safari. It was everything you said it would be and so much more. Saw lots and lots of animals (I think the only big things we missed were a cheetah and a rhino). Plus, there was a little excitement when we had a couple of up-close and personal experiences with an elephant and later, a lioness.
What a trip! We thank you for all you did to make this a very special trip. There was not much we would change and everything came off without a hitch.
Where do I begin? It definitely was a trip of a lifetime. The 12 Apostles Hotel was amazing. The staff went out of their way to accommodate us. The food was fantastic.
It was fantastic! We both enjoyed it very much. I am already planning another trip in a couple of years, and I don't want anyone else but you and Lion World to handle it!
That was the most remarkable trip. Thank you so much for setting it up. We would use you again and again. Everything was top notch. Everyone in our group of ten had nothing but great things to say about your services.
We had hoped one day to go on a safari. When we saw what Lion World Travel had to offer, and the great reviews they got, we decided to book a trip. And we are so glad we did!
We are officially back from our trip and getting back to reality over here in Boston. I just wanted to thank you and give you a little feedback on our trip. In one word: AMAZING.
This trip exceeded our expectations! Everything went smoothly with all travel, transfers, accommodations – the people of South Africa were wonderful as well as the food and excursions.
Ken and I want to tell you how wonderful the trip was. Everything worked out beautifully and we could not be more pleased with the Marataba Safari Lodge.
We had an extraordinary experience in South Africa and Zimbabwe! Many thanks to the entire Lion World team for sending us on the trip of a lifetime. Everything — from the hotels and lodges to the activities included in our package to the service and staff — was beyond first class.
I just wanted to thank you for everything you did. Our trip was fantastic, every detail was perfect. There is absolutely nothing I would have changed, other than extend 1 additional day in Cape Town.
We had the best time ever! It was truly the best vacation we've ever taken. The people were fabulous, service oriented, friendly, accommodating...a pleasure to be around! Everything was just perfect!
We had a wonderful time in South Africa. Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities we have ever visited. Our guides were great with a good knowledge of the history of South Africa.
Thank you for arranging my trip to Cape Town, this was truly an amazing vacation that was also a dream come true, as I did a lot of marching during my college years to "End Apartheid and to Free Mandela".
The trip was absolutely fantastic! Cape Town is so beautiful...so much more than in the pictures. We loved the Table Bay Hotel and the staff, accommodations, food - everything about it was perfect!
Just wanted to touch base and thank you for your help on this trip. It really was amazing. Our biggest regret was only having 2 nights at Victoria Falls River Lodge. We absolutely loved it. It just was so beautiful, so relaxing and the staff were amazing. Can't say enough about it.
We had a fabulous time! Everything worked out perfectly! I have and will recommend you to anyone that asks. We saw all kinds of animals and birds, with photos to prove it!
On behalf of Ralph and I, we would like to thank you for organizing our wonderful African trip. You were always prompt in answering all of our many questions and we appreciated that!
We met some great people (who also booked through Lion World!) and saw so many animals, there is no way a zoo will ever compare now. The weather was great everywhere we went, and ending the trip in Mozambique was probably the best decision of the trip.
We just returned from Africa and wanted to let you know how it was. First, thank you for your efforts. This is the second time we’ve used Lion World and again we’re very pleased with the handling of the trip.
Words cannot describe our fantastic experience in Southern Africa. Cape Town is a great city and we had lots of fun there, the amount of time there was perfect. All transfers went perfectly. Kadizora camp in the Okavango is unbelievable, wonderful experience there, great staff. Elephant Valley has great access to wildlife (day and night).
Finally a moment to write! Bottom line? We had the time of our lives! It filled our senses on so many levels. Such intimate, humbling experiences with nature that truly changed our lives for the better.
The trip was absolutely fantastic! I've been all over the world and this was my best trip yet. The wildlife was stunning, the people and their service were perfection, the accommodations were exemplary. Our driver was an expert in all the fauna and flora of the 5 parks we visited. The Zanzibar resort with scuba diving was the perfect ending.
Our vacation to South Africa was the best trip ever. Every minute of each day was a pleasure and more enjoyable than we expected. Much of the credit for our wonderful time in South Africa goes to you and Lion World. Thanks for working with me and promptly responding to my many email questions. You were a pro to work with.
It was an amazing trip. The Ngorongoro Crater is stunning and the animal life incredible. The Oldupai Gorge side trip was worth it, it fit into the regular itinerary seamlessly, and I learned a lot in the little museum.
The accommodations were wonderful at both Twelve Apostles and Kapama. It was also great to have a small group (we had 8), and a lot of freedom. The rest of our group were wonderful and we enjoyed them a lot. New friends.
The trip was incredible. What most would call a once in a lifetime experience, however, I am already planning my return trip — as soon as the grandkids are old enough to enjoy it! Everything about the trip was near perfect.
We have all safely returned from our adventure in Africa with wonderful and unbelievable memories. We want to send our sincerest thanks to you for excellent planning on our behalf.
The side trips we booked in Cape Town were great! All the guides were well informed, prompt and personable. The Delta was probably our favorite with the off-road touring and the guide 'Fabulous' was incredible! The married couple that manage the camp were delightful and we felt like old friends.
Just a few reactions to the trip, which was fabulous! The activities were terrific choices (cable car, helicopter, Cape of Good Hope tour) and our guides were simply wonderful. The Table Bay Hotel was a dream, with breakfasts to die for!
The vacation was the best possible. I don't know how it could have been any better. Your service was extremely fast in making the arrangements on such short notice.
In November 2014, my husband and I took our honeymoon in South Africa and Mozambique. From the time we decided on this location, Lion World Travel made it easy to organize the honeymoon of a lifetime.
The trip was wonderful. Cape Town is beautiful and we had excellent weather while we were there. The accommodations and service at the 12 Apostles was first rate.
My husband and I can't thank you enough for arranging our fabulous trip to South Africa and Zimbabwe! Every aspect of the trip met or far exceeded our expectations.
How do you say 'marvelous' in Canadian? It was everything we hoped for and more. And the other couples were absolutely delightful. The accommodations were beyond our wildest dreams and the guides were incredible. And all the animals came out on cue....even the freeloading monkeys who dropped in for lunch....literally.
Besides seeing the beautiful country of Africa, we saw amazing wildlife (spotting a leopard on our very first game drive; zebras crossing the Mara with crocodiles taking down three of them; a full pride finishing off a kill; two cheetahs lounging by the side of the road, then surprising an antelope in the grass and chasing it; lions mating – after which I got to hear my roar in the wild (there was some doubt my wish would be realized, but it was!); a newly-birthed hyrax; a day old gazelle etc.)
In short, the trip was AMAZING! I couldn’t have asked for anything more. The accommodations were A+. Our guide, Nicholas, was so knowledgeable and nice. Just great. The rooms, the food. Everything was great. I was not disappointed by the safaris. We saw everything we wanted to see and then some. I have been recommending this trip to my friends. You just can’t beat it. Thank you so much for the smooth booking process, as well.
Yes – our journey was everything we wanted and more. It was so AMAZING! From the moment we arrived to the time we departed we were treated wonderfully by all the staff members - hotel transfers, hotel staff, guides, rangers, trackers, etc. Everyone was so attentive and genuinely kind. Cape Town was beautiful and Kruger was unbelievable!
Our journey to South Africa was indeed everything we had wanted - and so much more. The accommodations, the service and the cuisine at both the 12 Apostles Hotel and the Madikwe Safari Lodge were superb.
I hope this email finds you well. I just wanted to touch base now that we are settled back at home after our honeymoon. You and all of Lion World Travel should know that it was the most AMAZING trip!
We had a beyond amazing time in Kenya! Everybody we encountered was so warm and welcoming. Each lodge felt unique, but they were all wonderful. The services and the food were top notch at each lodge
The trip was AMAZING.....seriously the best vacation I've ever been on! Cape Town was beautiful and we learn SO much history about South Africa. We all enjoyed the tours- only down fall is we wanted to stay another day!
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all that you did to put this trip together for us. I was personally blown away. So many surprises and loved the special attention to detail and service that the hotel, camp, and excursions provided.
It was absolutely fabulous. Marataba is an experience beyond words. The animals speak for themselves but the lodge is extraordinary. Capetown was lovely but Marataba is an impossible act to precede. We will be recommending you and your colleagues without reservation and with the greatest enthusiasm.
We're still getting over the jet lag a little bit, but it was such an amazing trip! Cape Town and Franschhoek were beautiful and lots of fun, but the safari was incredible! We had an awesome time, took lots of great pictures and have the best memories we could have hoped for.
We had an AMAZING time. Easily the best vacation we've ever had. Everything that you arranged - from the hotel transfers, to the guides, hotels, extra trips, etc. - were five stars, and always executed professionally and with the best service possible. We were thrilled by the service provided by yourself, Lion World Travel, and your affiliates in Africa. We won't hesitate to use you again for any future trips to Africa and refer all our friends your way. Do you have a link to your company on tripadvisor? I would love to leave a review.
Of course, the vacation itself was breathtaking - we loved Cape Town and the safari!
Thanks again for everything, Cheryl! You made it so easy for us to enjoy the vacation of a lifetime!
The first-class accommodations through Serena were even better than we hoped for; everyone was kind, helpful and so friendly. Most of all, our guide, Mohammed Abdi was perfect in every way. He was so knowledgeable of the country, plants, birds and of course, the wild life and made every effort to ensure we always had an adventurous game drive.
All I can say is that the entire trip was spectacular, and exceeded all of our expectations. From the 12 Apostles to Madikwe everything went perfectly and the attention to detail and service was spectacular.
I commend you for all of your planning with us, and all of the staff in South Africa in making Terri's dream come true.
Our trip was absolutely fantastic. The schedule was easy going doing at least one safari a day. We were so pleased to see all the animals we expected to see.
We had an amazing time in Africa! We had a lot of highlights on the trip. The top three were definitely safari and seeing a lion make a kill on our very last drive, sitting in Devil’s pool on top of Victoria Falls, and the shark cage dive.
The trip was amazing! Africa definitely changes you for the best and changes your perspective on life.
Definitely a once in a lifetime, but I hope not. Too beautiful and fantastic not to go back. Food and scenery where excellent! Cape Town was spectacular, but so was the Safari portion of the trip. Excellent combination. Will definitely recommend to anyone to go to South Africa and do it through Lion World Travel. It was definitely a smooth transition. Stress free. Can't beat that! Again thank you for all your hard work!
This e-mail is long overdue but I wanted to thank you so very much for your coordination of my trip - without question every hope and dream I had was completely taken over by how EXTRAORDINARY this event was...simply indescribable..from working with you to the morning I realized I had forgotten my malaria medication (what a dummy I was) that you were able to get word to Niarobi and we stopped at a chemist .
Words cannot express what an amazing trip we had to South Africa and Zimbabwe this month. Your company acted with the utmost professionalism - always on-time for transfers, very helpful and very friendly. The accommodations and services provided were world-class. Trip of a lifetime - greatly exceeded all of our expectations. Thank you!
Mary Ellen, Here are some pictures from our trip - an amazing adventure. We had a wonderful time and were very happy with the quality and value of all aspects of the trip. Personally I was a bit skeptical that it really would be a "5 star" trip, but it was.
Many thanks to you and all the staff involved in the trip.
We had a fabulous vacation. Our accommodations were wonderful and the food and service was over the top. I now have a new perspective on the beautiful people of South Africa. They were so open, welcoming, gracious and happy to have us in their country.
Hi Cheryl, I must say this was my best vacation ever and I've been to many places. Thank you so much for the great package. We all loved it. Again thanks for arranging this for us! I have great memories to forever reminisce about.
