Kathleen Kirby
Trip Review: Dream of a lifetime - definitely created my « rocking chair » memories to treasure.
Most Memorable Moment: Sunset ride in the Mokoro - it was so peaceful and serene among the reeds. We also saw the most beautiful birds I have ever seen. Thank you for an amazing adventure, one I will always cherish.
Advice For Future Clients: Open your mind and heart.
Catherine Milian
Trip Review: We had the most perfect, magical vacation. Anouk made everything simple, professional and user friendly.
Most Memorable Moment: We were fortunate to see an epic crossing of the wildebeest.
Advice For Future Clients: Pack light.
Laura Moore
Most Memorable Moment: This may sound rather mundane, because there were so many special moments, but I think my favorite, because it was my first real “Africa animal experience”, was at Bomani Tented Lodge, coming across a pool of many hippos, with all their wonderful noises and snorting, right at sunset. We went on to have many more hippo experiences, including some tromping around our tent our last our night at Khwai Lediba. But I think, because it was my first time seeing hippos in the wild, is imprinted on my memory-it made me so happy to be in Africa!
Advice For Future Clients: Take the warm clothes recommendations seriously! It was only 40 degrees, so doesn't sound so bad, but when you are barreling down dirt roads at sunrise, it is COLD! Blankets and bush babies were heaven… Also, as others have said, enjoy every minute. It (country, people, special skies, smells, and of course animals) is a special experience that is difficult to put into words. Take some time to put down your camera to take it all in.
Suzanne Clayton
Trip Review: Lodges, service, safari rangers, tents/rooms, location, transportation, food all top notch! Loved our trip! Was magical and amazing!
Most Memorable Moment: Seeing the migrations multiple times, 2 leopards with multiple sightings of each, and brother lion sightings, took a Dhow in Zanzibar for a 1/2 day to snorkel, hang on a sandbar and see large starfish.
Advice For Future Clients: Pack light. Light khaki seemed to be the favorite color would bring more of this next time. Denim or light non safari jacket for cool evenings. 2 pairs of Convertible pants only for safari. We zipped off our pant legs every day - was cold in morning and warm in afternoon in the car. Puff jacket was a good call for cold locations like near Ngorongoro crater area which is higher elevation. Bathing suit to swim. We swam most days. Small pocket flashlight. Go Zanzibar after to chill.
Erin Regan
Trip Review: Our trip was magical from start to finish thanks to the itinerary accommodations Victoria planned for us.
Most Memorable Moment: Too hard to choose -- but every day in Savanna and Virunga were spectacular.
Advice For Future Clients: GO!!
Patti Staubs
Trip Review: Everything was perfectly coordinated and every detail was perfect.
Most Memorable Moment: I wanted to absorb each and every second more -- it was the most amazing trip I have ever taken and I am sad that it is over.
Advice For Future Clients: Be prepared that the days start early...trust your guide. They know what they are doing and they are very well equipped to handle whatever arises. Enjoy every precious moment.
Susana King
Trip Review: Everything ran like clockwork. People were super friendly and nice. Food was great.
Most Memorable Moment: Being in the middle of an elephant herd in the Okavango. Elephants are very quiet and can totally sneak up on you even though they are giant.
Advice For Future Clients: Pack less.
Esat Sezer
Trip Review: Thank you to Yvette for organizing this trip for us. It was flawless with no issues as one could expect. Our guide in Cape Town and the Lodge we stayed in Kruger were all great. Clearly you and your team exceeded our expectations.
Most Memorable Moment: The ignorance of wild animals of us and how they see humans as not a threat was very surprising.
Advice For Future Clients: I suggest Kruger highly. Big 5 and more are all there and with right guidance accessible.
Phyllis Taylor
Trip Review: There are not enough words to express how epic, impactful and perfect this trip was.
Most Memorable Moment: So many! Hunting with the Wild painted wolves will always be a stand out. We followed then on the hunt. Watched them devour the kill then “Ran” with them to the den and watched and listen to them feed the mommas and puppies - we were in tears and our faces wore huge smiles the whole time; maybe not while they ate the whole impala.
Advice For Future Clients: Set your budget. Then set what you wish to see. Then GO with an agents help. Don’t wait. Life is short!
Mark Doms
Trip Review: Overall, the trip was great. The logistics went very smoothly, exceptional given the number of camps and cities we transited. The quality of the camps and activities exceeded expectations.
Advice For Future Clients: Getting from the last camp, in the Lower Zambezi National Park, to my front door took 39 hours. That simply reflects a couple of drives and 4 flights -- I got home at the expected time. I could see suggesting to clients that they may prefer their last lodge be close to J-Berg or Capetown (or some other largish city) so that the transit home involves fewer transit points so as to reduce the risk of a problem and also so the trip home wouldn't be as exhausting. In the grand scheme of things, this is a very minor suggestion!
Robert Doms
Most Memorable Moment: Seeing two leopards interact in Sabi Sands, with one of them subsequently capturing and killing a warthog. Pretty amazing! A male lion trying to eat a pangolin was a close second.
David Laliberte
Trip Review: The trip was awesome dogs, dogs, dogs.
Jennifer Butts
Trip Review: It was very well planned.
Most Memorable Moment: The most memorable moment was the day we saw lions for the first time.
Advice For Future Clients: Really think about what you pack. Don't overpack, but realize that laundry service is expensive. (Notten's was included.)
William Gottis
Trip Review: Stellar service, great accommodations, good food and friendly people. Not to mention the primate trekking and tours. We love working with Victoria. That is one of the reasons we decided to work again with African Portfolio. Victoria understands us as clients and ensures we are well-taken care of.
Most Memorable Moment: The gorilla treks were the best!
Advice For Future Clients: Try to do more than one gorilla trek.
Marc Milowsky
Most Memorable Moment: Game viewing in Leopard Hills was the best. Helicopter transit was very special.
Advice For Future Clients: Find a malaria drug with the least side effects.
