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Holiday to South Africa
Brian and Sandie, 24th January 2014Oyster Box Hotel and Phinda Game Reserve accommodations and surprise dinners on first and last night were fabulous. Also Thonga Beach except for water problems. Food quality was exceptional. All staff everywhere were incredible. Cheetah kill at Phinda, saw all Big 5 and Ranger, Benson and Tracker, Bheki were both excellent. Could say so much more. I am working on a diary of our trip but won't be available for at least another month.
Countries Visited
South Africa
“People are friendly. Rand excellent against Canadian dollar. Country is beautiful.”
Accommodation Visited
The Oyster Box Hotel
“Loved every minute!! Excellent seaview room. All staff was accomodating, very friendly, and just generally "spot on". Brunches were delicious and we definitely did not need anything to eat until dinner. The bar was one of our favourite places, staff, drinks, atmosphere all above excellent. Loved the pool and service. Our only mistake was we did not eat in the hotel every night.”
Phinda Forest Lodge
“Loved every minute!! Amazing! The cabin was exceptional. They "ran a bubble bath" 3 nights and provided sparklng wine on the last night. T-lights were lit and all was lovely. Thoroughly enjoyed all food and when we came back late from our last dinner in the "wild" the Operations Manager opened the bar again for us to have a nightcap in the bar area (after our exciting dinner which was visited by 3 hyenas!). The surprise outdoor special dinners were amazing and cannot say enough good things about our Ranger, Benson and Tracker, Bheki. We witnessed a cheetah kill, charging lead elephant with babies on the trail (Benson kept us safe and I have incredible video), fabulous close up encounters with black and white rhinos and babies, giraffes aplenty, followed a very large leopard as he marked his territory. Dung beetles and birds were wonderful. A water buffalo herd sighting provided super photos. Flat tire on the jeep was fixed in 8 minutes while we enjoyed the giraffes watching us curious humans. The surprise breakfast during our last morning safari was so lovely. Fresh whipping cream, fresh pineapple, bananas, berries and Benson cooking the pancakes was delightful. Needless to say the morning coffee with Amarula on the trail and Sundowners with Gin & Tonics, etc. were also highlights. I will send pictures or if there is a site I can post them to, please let me know.”
Thonga Beach Lodge
“Accommodations were great except they had some water problems. The lodge is so eco friendly with minimally impact on nature. The staff worked hard to correct them. Food, staff, service was all excellent. We of course, totally enjoyed the bar. Loved the whole adventure of eating outside for all meals. Turtle tracking hatchlings (loggerhead and leatherback) was very successful and we also found a female loggerhead turtle nesting and then making her way back to the ocean. Amazing and "in awe". Beach was the best one we have every experienced. Loved every minute.”
