Stephen,

What a wonderful job you did in putting together that "trip of a lifetime" to S. Africa for myself, Susan, and granddaughter, Rachel, 15. We have just returned from a most spectacular trip to S. Africa by way of London.

 Some rain in London-expected-sights great!

 On to Cape Town, where the sights were wonderful and stay too short. Next time need to include a tour of Robben Island and wineries, but we did have wonderful views from Table Mountain. Must press on as Rovos Rail awaits. Two days on Rovos Rail was relaxing, elegant, and the best way to view the terrain in luxury on our way to Pretoria. Food was par excellence!

First safari for animal viewing was Zulu Nyala in the Kwa Zulu Natal area. Many animals to view, and great side trips to St. Lucia Wetlands Park, a World Heritage Site, and on to Hluhluwe/Umflozi Parks for more animal viewing, and Cape Vidal to view the Indian Ocean, as well as more animals. Zulu Nyala was the place where we saw the rhinoceros. They are pretty much in certain protected areas to breed and bring back their numbers.

Victoria Falls was so-o-o spectacular. Raincoats and flip flops were necessary for our private tour of the falls. It is hard to imagine the spray (actually like rain) from the falls until you are there to experience it.

The highlight of safari was on to the Chobe National Park, Selinda Camp, and Moremi Camp in the Okavanga Delta area.

 Camps and animal viewing at its finest! We saw elephants, giraffe, zebra, cape buffalo, too many antelope to mention, birds of all kinds and sizes, wild dogs, lions, cheetah, leopard, hippos, rhino, jackal, mongoose, monkeys, baboons, and oh so many, funny, wart hogs, plus so much more. A ride on the delta was super! Meet and greet was fantastic.

Everything went like clockwork. All meet and greeters were the best, as well as the guides and those running the camps. These people are so friendly, happy, pleasant, and eager to show off their country and its resources and wonders, as well as knowledgeable and helpful.

The camps are run so well, schedules are great, food was excellent, and lodging the best. The only glitch was when arriving back to Chicago where flights were canceled and we finally had to rent a car for a 5 hour drive back home minus luggage, which was delivered 2 days later.

This was the airlines doing or undoing. I do wish we hadn't had to buy another Trip Journal, as we both needed one as we do not live together or even in the same state.

Seeing these sights/animals on TV or in the movies is just not the same as "up close and personal!"

Stephen, thanks for a wonderful trip - we would love to do another in the not too distant future.

Susan and Rachel from Florida and Missouri