Africa 2000 Tours

A trip to Southern Africa for our group of 12 friends, April 29-May 22, 2013, was put together by Gill and Graham of Africa 2000 Tours (P.O. Box 1025, Knysna, 6570, South Africa; phone +27 44 384 1262), an ITN advertiser.

I have traveled extensively in Europe, Australia, New Zealand and other “easy” places, and I was a bit nervous about visiting Africa. As soon as Gill and Graham picked us up at the Cape Town airport, I realized I was in excellent hands. They are efficient, knowledgeable, warm and engaging.

Graham’s easygoing demeanor and witty puns will keep a smile on your face. Gill is the sort of organizer who makes the details flow perfectly while all appears casual and relaxed.

Gill and Graham made all of our arrangements, with bookings at hotels, safari camps and restaurants. We were mostly in South Africa, with two nights each in Botswana and Zambia. Our experiences in the cities and wine country and on safari all were excellent.

Highlights of this trip were visits to Robben Island, the site of much of Nelson Mandela’s imprisonment, at Cape Town; the penguin colony at Boulders Beach; the township of Knysna (a highly recommended personal tour); Notten’s Bush Camp in Sabi Sands National Park; the helicopter ride over Victoria Falls, and Muchenje Safari Lodge at Chobe National Park. 

For our 23-night trip, we paid $6,777 each, not including airfare, the helicopter ride, about 10 dinners, 12 lunches, tips and personal expenditures. As a group, we had sent them funds for the trip via bank wire transfers. All went without a hitch.

I can’t say enough about how the interactions with Gill and Graham added to the overall experience. When we bid them good-bye, we all felt as though we were parting from dear friends. I came home glowing and wanting to go back! 

I would be happy to answer emailed questions about this trip; write to me c/o ITN (editor@intltravelnews.com).

DIANE STEELE

Davis, CA