From Keven Seaver, Seaver Photography & Winos to Rhinos

I was part of a group of five who hired Stephen Abelsohn to finalize the details of our trip.  We planned for two years and then began working with Stephen about a year prior to departure.  We interviewed six South Africa travel planners before we began work with Stephen.  Let me say up front, he gave us exceptional value for our money.  In fact, we couldn’t believe how well we traveled for the cost.  It was amazing!

Stephen, as a native South African, has intimate knowledge of the parts of the country we wanted to visit and the activities we each wanted, ranging from wine interests to architecture to safari to townships. At first I thought him a bit too casual and I worried that arrangements were being missed or accommodations standards lowered, even as he kept reassuring me.

Our accommodations were all unique and luxurious 4-5 star bed and breakfast lodges and cottages.  He scored top points from me for correctly assessing our personalities!  Even the safari lodge choices – Muchenje Safari Lodge in Botswana and Nottens in Kruger – were charming and intimate!

On the road, we had contact with him by email and checked in several times.  We had long conversations about each of his guide choices before choosing.  Nothing like a committee to plan a trip!  Each of the guides was top notch and individual.  From guides to drivers, we enjoyed each one of them. 

Ryan van Reenen toured us from Cape Town through the Winelands, with humor and knowledge, sharing his exquisite boutique wineries and superb restaurants with us. Johnnie explored Blyde Canyon and the Panorama Route and taught us about geological formations. 

In Johannesburg, Robin Binckes (Spear of the Nation), perhaps my personal favorite, shared his personal knowledge and role in apartheid and the differences he’s made since the election.  He knew my passion for the struggle history and, part storyteller, part performance artist, gave us insight into the more recent history of South Africa, allowing us to experience the country as a participant. Robin made sure I got what I wanted and consequently our tour was 9 hours long.  (I’ve asked him for walking tours next time I visit!)  Exhausted but sated!

Stephen handled all transportation – vans, drivers, rental car, transfers, flights, etc. – and gave us travel tips prior to departure. In fact, he filled us with invaluable information from start to finish!  And we took notes – lots of them.

We had a credit card skim problem in Cape Town but it was quickly caught by the card company.  Stephen had prepared us with tips about cash, tips and currency exchange so no time or worry held us up.  I found South Africa to be safe and friendly, and I was aware of my environment all the time.

Would I use Stephen Abelsohn again?  You bet!  Will I refer him?  I already have. 

My group, Winos to Rhinos or W2R, kept a blog as we traveled in Africa.  Visit it for more information www.winostorhinos.wordpress.com

Thank you, Stephen, for your exceptional abilities.  I had an incredible trip to your beautiful country.  And I will return.  I didn’t get enough of it!