November 2003 – July 2004

It has probably been the worst year financially for African Bundu Safaris, as we have had less clients than normal, more budget safaris and less upmarket clients – and most of the year I was working on my own in the office, so the work-load and stress, gave me less time to concentrate on certain aspects of the business – one being marketing. However, we are phoned almost weekly by the irritating consultants of Ananzi, Braby's and Sunday Times search engines, wanting me to advertise etc with them. Now I am just rude to them, as I have told every single caller that I am not interested. I am listed on their search engines and that is all I need.

At the beginning of 2004, Kalendri resigned from the company and got a job with a pathology lab – which was a blessing – for her and me. She did have her Honours degree in bio-chemistry and battled for over year to find a job in that field. She is very happy there and now studying towards her Masters degree. Gee, I missed her a lot – she was so talented in the office – with websites, spreadsheets, power points etc and so clever – I would only have to ask or tell her something once and if she was not 100% sure, she would figure it out and complete the task with flying colours and in quick time. However, business was very quiet and I would have battled to pay her.

The one disadvantage of being a small company – when there is hardly any business coming in, or just a couple of backpackers wanting a short 4-day Kruger trip, we only make a hundred bucks or so on such trips, and our overheads with 5 websites, internet, rent etc is in the thousands. I pray for more upmarket clients who prefer the 4 or 5 star establishments or people who book a 10 to 21 day safari with us – and we need a few of those a month.

Having established African Bundu Safaris in 1996, it means we are a well established company and safari operator, plus with me having personally guided safaris for the first 6 years, gives me a lot of advantages over the hundreds of other companies that have opened within the last 2 to 4 years: – I have the experience, I have the personal knowledge and I have the skills, to ensure that anyone booking a safari with me, will get quality and excellent value for money. We still and will always get those people who will never understand nor appreciate the amount of time and effort that I personally put into their itinerary, especially for the customised safaris. Although we do have many scheduled safaris, run by reputable colleagues of mine, at no extra cost, our speciality is the tailor-making of a dream vacation – for tourists, many of who have spent years saving for this trip-of-a-lifetime. The best type of clients we have are the repeat clients, who have already done a trip with us, and now are returning – for their 2 nd , 3 rd , 4 th or 5 th – or in the case of Jim and Judith, their 7 th trip with us. The worst type are those who never become clients – they enquire with us and then just ‘suck my brain' for information, itineraries etc – most of these are South Africans, however we do get quite a few from other countries – and then as I have got to the stage of making the provisional bookings, they come up with some excuse why I have to cancel everything. I spend hours and hours on these clients, making long distance phonecalls, working at night etc – in anticipating of securing a nice booking – and then get absolutely squat in return – I wish there was a way I could zap their computer as a ‘punishment!' Thanks to those few past clients, who have referred your friends or colleagues to me… some of them I do not think trust you, as they never return my e-mails, though you did try and forward me the business, I appreciate that very much – thanks J

We have had a fair number of clients from Aramco, in Saudi Arabia – all referrals from one of our first clients who lives and works there – and the next group to arrive was three couples, all work colleagues and friends. Maryann was the co-ordinator and they first went to a friends wildlife lodge in the Madikwe Game Reserve, before flying down to Cape Town and spent a few nights at the V&A Waterfront – enjoying a few tours with Eric to the Winelands and Cape Peninsula, before returning home. As mentioned in the last edition, Nicolas and Sandra arrived from Switzerland and then went off to Kruger National Park on the 4-day camping safari. This is by far one of the most popular camping safaris in South Africa – where the tents are already set-up in the National Park, and the first 2 nights of the safari are spent inside Kruger Park and then the 3 rd night is spent at a private game reserve, before returning to Johannesburg. The itinerary is on our home page of our website. Sybrand and Celeste drove from their wedding in Cape Town, to Mkuze, where they flew with the Zululand Flying Service to Kosi bay and spent a few nights at Kosi Forest Lodge, before being transferred to Sibaya Lake lodge and then on Christmas Day, the Flying Service collected them and flew them back to their car in Mkuze area. What an awesome honeymoon – before the long drive back to Cape Town, to start their married life together.

Silvia and Yahaira arrived in Johannesburg on Christmas Eve and spent the night at one of the local hotels and then on Christmas Day, they departed on the Ultimate Bundu Safari into Kruger Park – to enjoy the 3 night safari. After returning to Johannesburg, they overnighted, before flying to Zimbabwe, where they spent 6 nights at the Sprayview Hotel – enjoying many activities plus the New Year, in Vic Falls.

In the New Year of 2004, the famous Chef from the UK, Colin Capon and his wife, Auriel arrived and we flew them with the Zululand Flying Service from Durban International Airport to Milimani Game Sanctuary, after they had spent time enjoying the Cape and Garden Route. Colin sent me a couple of superb photos of their plane – which we have used quite a lot to show people which plane they might fly in for the ABS Flying Service.

It was at the end of January that Lisa from Italy contacted me, but the communications was rather challenging – and she left the payment and final arrangments for her holiday to a private wildlife lodge, near Addo Elephant park, until she arrived in Cape Town. She had told me that possibly some colleagues of hers, also attending the conference in Cape Town might want to join her. I had quoted her the prices etc – and then I get a phonecall from the reception at the conference and a lady said she had a booking for me for some clients and how much commission would I pay her. Well, long story short, after all was confirmed, this lady was phoning on behalf of Lisa and thus as it was the same trip as Lisa was doing, I had to quote the same price. Thus, I made no profit on this booking as this lady, Jo-Anne, was being very deceitful and actually all she did was fax through a credit card form, on behalf of Lisa. PLEASE people, do NOT use the receptionists or staff at lodges to make bookings with us. We survive off the commissions that the lodges include in their public rates, and if I have to include a commission for a staff member at a hotel or lodge, then I will have to add on 10 to 20%, as this is how much they demand!! Please contact us and book & pay for EVERYTHING before you arrive here in South Africa. Some of these hotel, lodge or conference staff are very greedy and will tell you it won't cost you anything extra to book through them, however, they are robbing me of my livelihood! Do you really want to arrive here on your holiday and then still worry about making bookings and payments? This is your holiday, relax and enjoy it, with everything having been arranged BEFORE you leave home.

Our regular February visitors to Africa, Jim & Judith, flew out from the UK, this time to Lusaka in Zambia. On arrival, they were to spend the night at Chaminuka Lodge – a lovely lodge on the outskirts of the capital city of Zambia, before flying to Luangwa Park the following day. Jim & Judith really do appreciate their holidays and the wildlife and prefer to spend 4 to 7 nights at one establishment, before moving off to the next one. Luckily, they are retired, so they can afford the time. After a week in this wonderful wilderness region and reserve of Zambia, at the Kafunta Lodge, they then flew off to Lake Malawi, where they spent time there, sailing on a large yacht and snorkelling and fishing. Next destination was a long flight to Botswana and to the Kwando region, which is west of Chobe and north of the Okavango Delta – where they spent nearly a week at Lagoon Camp, before meeting the owner of a remote and wonderful lodge on the upper Zambezi, Gavin, who transferred them from after proceeding through the Kazungula border post, to his lodge called Mutemwa. They had an awesome time here with Gavin, Penny and kids, plus staff – and were the only guests there – so went boating, fishing, picnicking and exploring in this western part of Zambia, before having to fly back to Lusaka, to get their connecting BA flight home.

Then we had the great pleasure to organise the awesome safari for the wildlife artist prodigy, Dylan Pierce and his parents. They arrived during our ‘green season' and so we organised some fabulous special rates for them, as they went about enjoying Botswana – staying at Nata Lodge, Deception valley Lodge, Xakanaxa Camp, Lebala Camp and then Impalila Island Lodge before having 3 nights at Songwe Lodge. Dylan was taking photos of the wildlife and surroundings, so that on his return to the USA< he could paint some breathtaking paintings. You need to visit his website, to view some of the paintings he is selling: www.dylanpierce.com Well, after spending time in Zambia at Victoria Falls, they then flew to Port Elizabeth and rented a car to explore the Garden Route – having a fabulous time at the many different attractions along the way, until they arrived in Cape Town for their final 5 nights.

Malcolm and Ann were friends of Nik & Angie, past clients and now good friends, and they arrived in Cape Town, to spend a few nights there, before renting a car through us, and driving up the Garden Route, and then spending time in Addo Elephant Park, Shamwari Private Game Reserve and also Schotia Safaris Game Reserve and then back to Cape Town, through Oudtshoorn.

At the end of February, Mercedes and Siamak from the USA, spent a night before and after their 4-day Kruger Camping safari, in Johannesburg. The scheduled safaris do normally depart between 5.30 and 6.30am from Johannesburg, so that firstly you are not caught in the rush-hour traffic and also so that you arrive in Kruger Park by lunch-time. Most safaris return to Johannesburg between 4 and 6pm, however, as there could always be delays due to traffic or exciting attractions on the way back, we always recommend people spend this night in Johannesburg, and we have such a wide variety of establishments to offer you.

Towards the end of March 2004, a past client Hedrick, referred his parents to us and they arrived in Cape Town and enjoyed a few nights stay at the lovely Table Bay Hotel, visiting Robben Island, the Winelands and Cape Peninsula, before flying to the Sabi Sands and Mala Mala Game reserve, to have some awesome wildlife safaris whilst staying at Kirkmans Camp for 3 nights, before flying back home to the USA.

It was in March as well, that Pieter and his wife, plus another couple, arrived from Canada, to spend time in Zululand. First stop after Durban on their self-drive vacation, was the Hluhluwe Game Reserve for a few nights and then it was off to Milimani Game reserve.

Mireille is a travel agent in the USA, and contacted us to make her holiday arrangements in South Africa – first stop was a four nights in the Kalahari National Park and then down to Cape Town for a few more night. She was so impressed with our service, when there was the big family reunion a few months later, we were involved to make some of the arrangements for their stay in the Cape. You'll read more about Mireille later.

At the end of March, Aoiffe and Ellen who were in Cape Town already, flew to Johannesburg, to participate in the 4-day Kruger Bundu Safari, before returning home to Ireland.

One of the travel agents in Durban booked 4 clients to fly with our ABS Flying Service, from Durban airport, to Amakhosi Game Lodge, landing at the Mkuze Falls Game Reserve airstrip, where they spent 2 nights, before we flew them back to Durban.

In April, Wende and her mother, Janice, flew from the USA to Cape Town, where they spent 3 nights at a lovely guesthouse, with stunning views over Table Bay and the waterfront. They participated in a few popular tours, before collecting a rental car and then driving themselves up the Garden Route, following our recommended route and spending nights in Hermanus and Knysna, before dropping the car off at Port Elizabeth airport and flying to Durban. One of our Durban Guides, Dave, then met them at the airport and they spent the night in Umhlanga Rocks, a lovely seaside holiday part of Durban. They then departed on a guide safari, visiting some awesome destinations in Zululand and Kruger area. First overnight stop was the cultural experience at Simunye Zulu Village and then into Imfolosi-Hluhluwe game reserve for 2 nights, before continuing to Milimani Reserve. They did stop at the Ubombo childrens orphanage, where they donated food and stationery that they brought for the needy children. Dave then bid them farewell on arrival at Honeyguide Camp, where they spent the remaining days of their safari there, before flying to Livingstone in Zambia and enjoying the last nights of their African Safari at the Zambezi Sun Hotel, overlooking the Vic Falls.

Wanda and Bob from Canada contacted us, to organise a wonderful guided safari for them and another couple (friends of theirs) – and so Shiney met them at their friends house in Johannesburg , before departing for the Panoramic Route, spending the night in Sabie town, before continuing to our popular Tshukudu Game Lodge and then to Honeyguide camp – before having a night at the very different Mkhaya Reserve in Swaziland. Mkuze Falls game reserve was next on the itinerary for 2 nights, before one night at Simunye cultural village and then to Durban for the last few nights of their Safari in Africa.

Nicola and Michael flew out from the UK at the end of April and arrived in time to get a connecting flight to Livingstone in Zambia. After a few nights at the luxurious River Club, a few kilometres upstream from the actual Vic Falls, we then flew them via a scenic route over the Falls into Botswana to Lebala Lodge for a few nights of great wildlife safaris and then onwards to Kwetsani Lodge, one of the Wilderness Lodges deep in the Okavango Delta, before flying on to Maun to connect with a road transfer to Leroo-la- Tau lodge, on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans. Their final nights in Botswana were spent here, before a connecting flight to Johannesburg and then one night at the luxury Ilyria House in Pretoria, before boarding one of the worlds best trains, the Blue Train, to Cape Town. They ended their stay at the world famous, Mount Nelson hotel, built on the slopes of Table Mountain.

It was during this trip, that I had a phonecall from Joe, who was on holiday on the Garden Route, from Holland, and they wanted to fly from Durban to spend 3 nights at Amakhosi Lodge in Zululand. So, all last minute arrangements and getting permits and flight plans – to ensure all was organised for the their arrival in Durban the next day, where the Pilot, Dirk, met them and flew them to Amakhosi lodge, where they spent 3 nights, prior to us collecting them again, and flying them to Pietermaritzburg, where they were to meet some friends.

Tai and Andy from the Gold Coast of Australia, arrived in Johannesburg for a short holiday, which included the ever popular 4 day Kruger Camping safari in April. About the same time, we received a booking from Adam and Brett from New Zealand, who also joined one of the regular four day Kruger camping safaris.

It was in May that Dana had to get her ‘African fix' again, and so she returned to our shores from the USA, having previously done a super safari with us and also spent weeks in Knysna, writing one of her books. This time, she simply wanted to spend a week, chilling out, relaxing and getting inspiration and ideas for her next book – and so she spent a week at the famous Oddballs Camp, in Botswana. When she told me what she wanted, it was easy to recommend Oddballs, as I had been there before, so I could talk from first-hand experience.

May is generally a great time to travel in Southern Africa, as the weather is not too hot and not too cold, very little rain – and so gameviewing on safari is good and everyone has a great time. So, one of our favourite clients – Jim & Judith from the UK, decided to return – to get a bit of warmth from the African sun ! Jim & Judith have become regular guests at Beckley House, and love spending a night or two in Johannesburg with Marina and William – two fabulous hosts who make all our clients feel so welcome and at home. First stop was Honeyguide Camp in the Manyaleti Reserve, a provincial government reserve of Limpopo province, adjoining the Kruger National Park. After a week here, they then flew to a new and fantastic lodge in a concession area of northern Kruger Park, called The Outpost. This lodge has to be seen and stayed at, to be able to describe the experience – very different design and superb hosts. The Outpost is ideal for tourists who love wilderness areas, do not enjoy large crowds, enjoy personal attention, like large open spaces, love excellent cuisine and are happy to sit and watch the wildlife rather than rushing around from one sighting to the next – so, basically for repeat tourists with discerning tastes. Almost a week here and then back to Johannesburg to overnight, before a flight to Vilanculos and Benguerra Island, for a week at Marlin Lodge. This last week was not good – the weather turned foul and they had also been allocated a room, not as similar standards to their previous stay here, so very disappointing. I suppose when there is a change in management etc, they did not look up the records to see which room they stayed in a year ago. However, Judith tells me that The Outpost was the highlight of their trip this May!

Ashley and Erin from Canada were out in South Africa and stayed at Ashley's grandmothers house in Johannesburg, before joining the 4-day camping safari to Kruger Park at the end of May.

Every year in May, South Africa hosts the International Tourism Indaba show, and Durban has been lucky for many years to be the host city. I have over the years been involved in some of the tours before and after Indaba, where the foreign journalists and travel agents are shown around to different establishments and areas. This year the ABS Flying Service, flew 3 directors of different travel companies, to Amakhosi Lodge, where they spent 2 nights, before we flew them back to Durban, to connect with their flight to Johannesburg.

Weldon Lee, the professional photographer from the Rocky Mountains in the USA, flew out with a small group of keen photographers, and they arrived in Johannesburg, to spend a night or two at Beckley house, before we flew them on Air Botswana to Chobe, where their Guide Chris, met them. They then went on a photographic safari through Chobe National Park, Savute and Moremi wildlife reserves, snapping away at the wildlife and scenery, with Weldon assisting his clients to take some excellent photographs, and then they went off to Nxai Pan for a couple of nights, before spending a couple of nights on the Delta, camping on an island. Weldon told me afterwards, how cold the trip was – as it is in the Kalahari desert and approaching winter, and also that the Delta trip was not suitable for photographers, as the boats were too low in the water to take great photos of wildlife. So, for his next trips, if a Delta trip is included, it would be best to stay at a lodge and enjoy 4x4 game drives, rather than a boat safari. We do try and explain to most people, that the best method for getting close to wildlife is in a 4x4 vehicle and at the private game reserves. The next best is in a national reserve with a Ranger or Tour guide in a 4x4 – and walking and boat safaris you normally see the least amount of wildlife, close-up – you walk or boat for the experience, not so much for the wildlife.

It was in early June, that Jennifer contacted me, and we arranged an awesome trip for her and boyfriend, Tim. They arrived in Cape Town, from California USA, and spent a few nights there, doing all sorts of tours and activities, before driving the rental car up the Garden Route, through the Eastern Cape and Wild Coast, to arrive in Durban. The car went off rental at Virginia Airport, where I went down to meet them before they flew with ABS Flying Service to Phinda Game reserve in Zululand, for a few nights of majestic wildlife. Then off in our trusty plane again, to Sabi Sabi game reserve, one of the worlds best wildlife lodges situated in the Greater Kruger Park. We organised a 4 night package, split between two different Sabi lodges, before they flew to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, to enjoy 4 nights at Ilala lodge, and to participate in the many activities there. Jennifer put together an awesome photo album website, so you can go and see all the photos and comments of their trip: http://www.thejennifer.com/sagallerynew/ Thanks Jennifer J

During last year, we had a number of overseas & Namibia Travel agents contacting us to make bookings at Tautona Lodge, in Botswana – as the lodge does not have their own website and are very difficult to contact! They are in quite a remote area and the reception staff seem to join and leave quite frequently, so they are constantly training new receptionists, thus making the reservations and administration quite challenging!!

A group of 4 young people from New Zealand were in Johannesburg to enjoy the 4-day Kruger Camping Bundu Safari and Dan, Rebecca, Andy and Jane told me afterwards what a great time they had. Braam and his family and friends live north of Durban in Ballito and they booked a self-drive safari into Botswana with us, staying at a few campsites and also hired a boat to enjoy some fishing at Drotsky's Cabins. We, unfortunately for you, do not do campsite bookings anymore, as there is no commission in the public rates for us, and thus for us to accept your payment and then pay the 2 to 5 different banking changes to send the funds to the campsite owners, means we would be running at a huge loss. So, if you want us to do your campsite bookings, we have a nice admin fee to add on top of the campsite rates, to cover the banking charges, plus to cover our costs of time and labour in handling the reservation – you want, you pay, simple. Note, this is for self-drive tourists on a camping safari only.

That’s all my news folks

Take care and God Bless

Cheers

Dean

Click here to view the previous edition of Dean's Diary

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safari@dbnmail.co.za