Travelled: August 2022
Destination: Botswana
Itinerary: 6 nights itinerary -  3 nights at Deception Valley Lodge (Central Kalahari) and 3 nights at Pom Pom (Okavango Delta)

Hi Tara, 

Thanks so much for helping to plan our trip.  The journey was fantastic.  Deception Valley Lodge was simply wonderful, and the bushmen experience exceeded our expectations and is a lasting memory for us.  The wildlife at Pom Pom was outstanding and we really enjoyed our stay there as well.  The transfers were seamless and easy, and the kids especially enjoyed taking a helicopter to DVL.  Finally, you were excellent to work with and we really appreciate your flexibility in working with scheduling during the past two years (!) and the recommendation of Pom Pom.  

Thanks!

Chris

Travelled: May 2022
Destination: Namibia
Itinerary: 9 nights self drive itinerary - 1 night at The Utopia Boutique Hotel (Windhoek), 2 nights’ at Namib Desert Lodge Gondwana Collection (Namib-Naukluft National Park), 1 night accommodation at Cornerstone Guesthouse (Swakopmund and Coastal Strip), 2 night’ accommodation at Ai Aiba Rock Painting Lodge (Erongo Mountains), 2 nights’ accommodation at Okaukuejo Resort (Etosha South), 1 night accommodation at Okonjima Plains Camp (Okonjima Nature Reserve). 

Hi Tara!

Thank you for organising our amazing holiday in Namibia! We had the best time and the hotels, locations and activities you organised were just fab-u-lous!

The feedback is as follows:

Windhoek - location and hotel were excellent. The consultant from Chameleon met us and answered all our questions and was very helpful. We especially appreciated the travel pack with the print outs etc. We went to Joe's Beer house ( of course) for dinner and early to bed as were so tired. 

Namib Desert Lodge: very nice lodge with really lovely staff. They were extremely attentive and the cook was especially friendly, always coming out to see how her meal was! It was really great food. The trips to the dunes was fun, albeit a bit windy and rainy!! They said they had never experienced weather like that before so I think it was another first! We also went to the canyon which was very impressive. 

Swakopmund: Lovely B&B, very welcoming and extremely clean. We loved the quad biking and Sandwich harbour tour - super fun and everyone was again lovely and welcoming.

Ai Aiba Painting Lodge : Wow, what a place. Stunning location and also lovely welcome. The guide we had was super nice and informative. We had sundowners and met some lovely people. The highlight was the managers dog arriving from Windhoek and following us everywhere (we are big animal lovers). The lodge was beautiful and very clean. The view from our room amazing!! The San living museum was interesting, however since we were only 2 there I felt a bit awkward as they danced and sang for us !! But it was cool, we got some nice Ostrich bracelets from them. 
And then leaving the next day and the exceptional sighting of the leopard! Wow, it was so cool!!

Etosha : Obviously as its government run its not the nicest of hotels, however it was very clean. The only problem was their toilets didn't flush (just dribbled) so that was a bit annoying. We actually met some friends of my friend in Nabid desert lodge... was so funny its such a small world so we ended up bumping into them a lot along our journey. We met them in Etosha and they had the waterhole chalets and invited us for sundowners - I would have preferred to stay there even if an additional cost as we both didn't really like the hotel room there. But, as you know, most of the time you are out of the room so it doesn't matter that much. I would just maybe highlight that to anyone who asks for a price drop and reasons why it would be better to stay in the waterhole room. The food was not as good as the other places, but it was still tasty. 
The waterhole location was just fabulous. We saw everything there and felt like we didn't even need to go for a game drive! 

Okonjima - This was Michael and I's favourite place. It was just amazing being so close to nature. I was outside having a drink on the porch and Michael said "Jackal", and i turned around and this naughty little Jackal was sneaking up on me. Was funny. Then we came home one night to find 5 Kudu eating the seeds from the tree outside our room. Was just great being so close to nature, and of course, the last sighting of the leopard eating the baboon, with the hyena underneath... and then the baby leopard coming out... omg it was amazing. 
The place was extremely clean, great service again, the Namibians are so welcoming and kind. The food was delicious!

So overall, just wonderful! I will get some nice photos for you and send them over later, I haven't had time to go through the ones on my camera yet. 

I was at work this morning and I told a colleague about the trip and she said oh send me the details, so I emailed her your website and explained the trip I did so you might get a lead with her.. who knows! 

Thanks again and take care

Kathryn 

Travelled: April/May 2022
Destination: Botswana and Zimbabwe
Itinerary: 15 nights itinerary - 10 nights’ private mobile camping safari staying in Khumaga (Makgadikgadi), Third Bridge (Moremi), Khwai (Moremi), Savute and Chobe Riverfront (Chobe National Park), 2 nights' Lazy River Camp (Okavango Delta) and 3 nights’ Batonka Guest Lodge (Victoria Falls)

Hi Tara

Thanks for your email. 

We had a really exceptional trip. From the moment Leablo from Shangana picked us up in Maun right through to Vic Falls Airport two weeks later we didn’t really have to worry about anything. The itinerary was fantastic and the guys were very happy to make changes and be flexible with everything. Mobile safari was an adventure, but it was also some of the most glamorous comfortable camping we have ever done! And the food was just exceptional, we could have been on some private yacht somewhere, but no we were in the middle of the bush! It was great to be able to try lots of local food, many thanks for organising that! I don’t think we will forget having Lions in the camp at Moremi and seeing them passing the tent before watching them feast on last night’s kill for a long time… and that was just one of many amazing sights. I know that we wouldn’t have had the experience we had without the guys from Shangana - their knowledge, passion and determination to give us the best trip possible shone through, and they are a credit to David and Helena.

The only thing we would say is that the safari vehicle was a tad uncomfortable for the longer trips, the combination of the wind when driving at speed and that our feet did not touch the floor made things a little awkward. We saw some vehicles with different seating arrangements and some screening and things for use on the longer driving parts of the trip. Having said that, it really did not detract significantly from what was a fantastic trip! 

Transfers to Vic falls were smooth and efficient and Batonka was a lovely base for our exploration of the falls. The recommendations from the guys there were first rate and they essentially organised the whole itinerary without us having to lift a finger. The walking tour, helicopter ride were both fantastic. We had some great food at The Boma, Dusty Road and a Dinner Cruise as well. We even managed to fit in a trip to the Stanley Livingstone reserve and were able to see a Mother & Son pair of black rhinos - so we did manage to see the Big 5 on the trip!

All in all an exceptional trip. We are very grateful to you for your exceptional service, your speed of response has been fantastic and you always had the information we needed at hand. Without you I am sure we would not have been connected with such fantastic suppliers, so many thanks for that.

We very much hope to return to Southern Africa one day and if we do I will certainly be in touch!

All the best

Rob & Bethany

Travelled: April 2022
Destination: South Africa
Itinerary: 5 nights at Hillwatering Country House, Sabie 

After a period of time in a Bush lodge with early mornings and full days what a wonderful change to head to small town of Sabie and Hillwatering Country Lodge for five nights to relax.

The house is situated in a quiet Sabie neighbourhood with stunning views of the Drakensburg mountains.

We were warmly greeted by our hosts and shown around. Our room was spacious and the large bed really comfortable. Every room has an outside seated area on a veranda, overlooking the beautiful garden which was a delight for us as birders. We spent hours watching the many birds visiting the garden. The large bathroom was impeccable, like everywhere else, and the mini bar was well stocked. Tea and coffee, as well as fresh milk in the fridge, were very welcome and replenished daily.

Breakfast on the veranda was delicious and plentiful with daily choices, and Brett and Sherie were excellent hosts, advising on places to visit locally.
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We highly recommend staying here, and are considering our next. 

Images below ©Brett Greenaway - Owner/Manager of Hillwatering Country House

Travelled: April 2022
Destination: South Africa
Itinerary: 4 nights/5 days privately guided safari with specialist guide Alan McSmith staying at Africa on Foot, Klaserie Game Reserve, Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa. 

Tara, Thank you so much for organising our truly magical privately guided safari with specialist guide Alan McSmith at Africa on Foot, Klaserie Game Reserve.

Africa On Foot describes itself as a ‘rustic lodge’, but it has everything you need for a comfortable stay. The chalets are well maintained and kept very clean. The large bed was very comfortable with lovely linen. Our chalet had an en-suite toilet and outside shower which was exactly what we needed.

Mealtime were always full of stories being shared by guides and the other guests in camp. The quality of the food was excellent and varied, and dietary requirements were met to accommodate the fact that I am gluten intolerant. The guides and staff from the lodge were friendly and professional.
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Having booked the privately guided safari with Alan McSmith our daily safaris were separate from the other guests which meant we were treated to walks and drives with him and Conrad, a local tracker from the lodge multiple times a day. Such a wonderful experience! We thoroughly recommend Alan. He has an amazing depth of knowledge, empathy and understanding of the whole ecosystem of the African bush. His enthusiasm is unbounded and contagious. He was so sensitive to the needs and feelings of the animals we encountered. We saw twenty-two different mammal species and numerous bird species - lionesses with cubs and lots of close-up elephant interactions, where they chose to come to us. when we were stopped in the game vehicle with the engine turned off all of this within the space of just 5 days was incredible.

We hope to have another adventure on safari with Alan McSmith very soon! You listened to our requests and matched us with this perfect itinerary which has left us with lifelong memories. Thank you. 

Travelled: March 2022
Destination: South Africa
Itinerary: 1 night Kruger Shalati, The Train on the Bridge, Kruger National Park (Business trip extension)

Thanks for all your help. It was a very special trip with lots of great game sightings in just 24hours. 
I expect to have many more business meetings in the area so we'll need more accommodation in the future. 

Travelled: December 2019
Destination: Botswana
Itinerary: Self Drive – 16 nights combination of camping and accommodation - 1 night Kwa Nokeng (Martins Drift Border), 2 nights’ Deception Pan Campsite (Central Kalahari), 3 nights’ Oddballs’ Camp (Okavango Delta), 1 night Maun Rest Camp Campsite (Maun), 2 nights Khwai Public Campsite (Khwai) , 1 night Savuti Public Campsite (Savuti) , 1 night Linyanti Public Campsite (Linyanti), 2 nights Chobe Safari Lodge (Kasane, Chobe Riverfront), 2 nights’ Planet Baobab Campsite (Makgadikgadi), 1 night Baobab Bushveld Retreat (Groblersbrug)

Hi Tara
 
Thank you again for your wishes :).
 
Our trip to Botswana was a trip of a lifetime. You provided an excellent service - answered us promptly and with a lot of care, patience and personality (!). The trip was very tailored to what we cared about - a mixture of camping and lodges and we felt as though we were in safe hands!
 
The recommendations on lodges were great and we absolutely loved Oddballs and flying there by a Delta Air. Such a cool, quirky place but with excellent food and lovely staff. Not to mention the FANTASTIC view of the river and non stop animal viewing. Also helps that this was the site of a very special moment for us, our engagement - nevertheless a lovely place. 
 
Tara is brilliant and we are very glad we chose Eight Points as a travel agent. I’ve since recommended her and the service (as well as Oddballs) to a number of other prospective visitors as I really do feel like the service was outstanding.
 
...finally a thank you for the champagne at Oddballs - very sweet and the photo is us drinking it while watching the sunset!!! :)
 
All the best and thank you again.
 
Tanvi and Jack

Travelled: December 2019 – January 2020
Destination: South Africa
Itinerary: 11 nights Ocean View House, Camps Bay, Cape Town (Visiting Cape Town for the England v Proteas Cricket Test) and 3 nights’ Bateleur Safari Camp (Greater Kruger National Park)

Hi Tara
 
Ocean View House
Excellent location, 15 min walk by the sea to bars and restaurants
Great views of the mountain and sea from our room
Very helpful and friendly staff, owners came out at breakfast to chat to all guests
Peaceful gardens, well looked after and shade there if required
Room was very clean and well laid out
Excellent breakfast with all choices available
Only advice I would give is that the honesty bar is in the wrong place, situated in breakfast area which felt odd if we wanted to have a drink
However, all in all an excellent place and wouldn’t hesitate to use again
 
Bateleur Safari Camp
A truly, truly wonderful experience and difficult to put into words when telling friends, absolutely perfect in every aspect from the meet and greet at start to the goodbye at end – could forget about the outside world
Setting was really special, right in the middle of the bush and got the real feeling of being close to nature with all the sounds of animals/birds
Animals wondering through camp and elephants seen feeding from our room
Tented room was also excellent, clean, great layout and outside shower a great experience !
Very friendly staff and superb food
Even though we had seen animals in SA before we hadn’t seen the leopard so made our day – great game viewing and saw Big 5 in 2 days
Tracker and guide were friendly and their knowledge about all nature was second to none.
The bush walking which at first was a bit daunting but was excellent, walking in the bush was surreal
Even the rain/thunderstorms which hammered down for hours and created the river to fill up was an experience
In summary – PERFECT and want to go back again soon!

Trophy motors transfers – both drivers very friendly, helpful and chatty. Transfers on time so worked well
 
In terms of your service, it was excellent and would not hesitate to use you again and recommend you to other people
I gave you what I wanted to do / Stay and you went away and gave me some great picks/ideas using your experience of SA
Very friendly manner throughout
ALL done in a timely manner as well and never had to chase you up, always on hand for questions
 
All the best
Howard/ Sue