BushBaby Safaris in Southern Africa

My husband, Jim, and I had been thinking of visiting Southern Africa for many years. When we read the Feature Article by George Anderson, “Spending 20 Fantastic Days in Southern Africa” (Feb. ’13, pg. 46), we knew we had found our trip. We immediately emailed Pierre Duval, who, along with his wife, Karen, own and operate BushBaby Safaris (110 Victoria St., Dundee, KwaZulu-Natal, 3000, South Africa; phone +27 [0] 34 212 3216).

Both Pierre and Karen were very helpful in answering our questions about traveling in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia, and we were able to customize an itinerary. Our 3-week tour, with Pierre as guide, took place Oct. 18-Nov. 7, 2013, and we have never been more pleased by a travel experience.

Pierre’s knowledge of Southern African wildlife, history and current events is encyclopedic and reflects his deep attachment to the region. He had organized our trip so that we were able to observe wildlife almost every day. Most days included two game drives with local guides whose expertise often brought us within a few feet of lions, leopards, elephants and other animals for which Africa is known.

It’s hard to single out a highlight, but, for us, it had to be the “Walking With Lions” experience (with Lion Encounter, Pvt., Ltd., Shop No 8 Bata Building, Livingstone Way, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe; phone 263 [13] 43191) in Zimbabwe, near Victoria Falls. 

There, we were able to walk with and pet two young lionesses. The joy and thrill of being so close to these majestic animals will last a lifetime. 

Birders seeking to add to their life lists will be happy to know that Pierre shares their passion. His ability to quickly identify birds by sight or sound is amazing.

Because of Pierre’s close contacts with lodge operators in the region, every place we stayed provided us with unique experiences. The lodging, food and hospitality were excellent at every location, and WiFi, often free, was available at all of them.

The one place that stood out was Big Cave Camp in the Matobo Hills region of Zimbabwe. The lodge and individual cabins were built into and on the rocky outcroppings for which the area is famous. We were assigned the honeymoon suite, a beautiful room built onto a high rock overlooking the fascinating area below. 

Almost as unforgettable was Ivory Lodge in Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park, where we stayed in thatched huts built on stilts but with all modern conveniences. The AfricaSky guest house in Johannesburg also was enjoyable. It was where we stayed our first and last nights in Africa.

The total cost of our tour was about $17,000, excluding international airfare. We paid by bank transfer. We found the prices of food, drinks and souvenirs very reasonable, and our extra expenses were minimal.

 We cannot praise Pierre and BushBaby Safaris enough. His expertise and professionalism, along with his kindness and sense of humor, insured that our Southern Africa adventure would be the trip of a lifetime.

SUSAN L. HOUSER

State College, PA