Testimonials

I will get myself organized shortly and start the trips’ bird list and tell you all about our adventures and what a great time we had (after we left you) … one holiday we won’t forget in a hurry and so many good memories.
Pat & Nev. Australia

How are you and David? Still enjoying showing the likes of us the joys of South Africa? We still have wonderful memories of the days we spent with you “on Safari” with you both – that was a wonderful experience.
Many thanks with every good wish,
Clarissa.

Marie & Carol were great as you said they would be and the time went too quickly. They certainly were fun to be with as well as knowledable and great hosts - highly recommended to anyone.
Definitely need to go again - especially to see Marie and Carol - perhaps Kruger Park with them.
All in all a fabulous holiday - no complaints - and a great big thank you -
We all looked forward to the break and especially good for Marian - we were not disappointed.
Best wishes and thank you again
Keep well.
Dave, Jill and Marian

Dear Marie, Dear Carol,
Back in snowy cold Europe and back at work. I just wanted to say thank you for this perfect start to our holidays you gave us. All the tips and hints and useful phone nos.
I got my slides back end of last week and started to work on them. At the end it was 42 films! If someday you come to Europe and stop in Vienna I hope we can meet and I can show them to you.
Regards, Andrea

Thank you again for the most enjoyable trip and for your enthusiasm, your
professionalism and your generosity.
We were privileged to have met with you and let me tell you that after the
trip we had with you, I do not have any doubt that your enterprise will be a
success.
My associate is thinking South Africa now and may be you will hear from her
next year!
Hope to hear from you soon, best of everything and "many hugs",
Michelle.

I had always dreamed of going to Africa so when I found out I would be traveling the South Africa for work I was thrilled.  I knew I would be making 2 trips and would have 1 weekend free on each trip so immediately started searching the Internet for South African safaris.  I did extensive research and read many articles on various subjects, what to bring, what to expect and how to arrange a fabulous safari never to be forgotten.  All articles and research concluded the same; the safari operator / guide would either make the safari an experience of a life time or leave you wondering why you even came to Africa.

I contacted Bushcat Safaris, since they advertised that they specialized in the not so young and female travelers.  Since I am over 40, do not want to eat from cans, sleep in a sleeping bag or do with out some of the finer things in life.  I also needed a somewhat ‘custom’ safari to meet my work schedule.  So I sent off e-mail to www.bushcatsafaris.com for an inquiry. My note was promptly answered and I knew I had found a winner.

After a short interview of my preferences, schedules and budget my safari was booked.  Marie and Carol, the operators / guides of Bushcat Safaris, are extremely knowledgeable about the wildlife plants and ecological history of Southern Africa.  They also provided a great deal of information on the history of South Africa and its different population. They explained the diverse customs and cultures that exist in this amazing country.  Along with all of this knowledge transfer they completely pampered me. I was able to choose when to go on drives, when to nap, when to wake, when to eat with excellent recommendation from them on what times are best for animal viewing.  The accommodations they arranged were spectacular and they came completely prepared with my favorite drinks and snacks in the car for the travel to the park and for the game drives. Marie and Carol are 2 of the most wonderful people I have met in my lifetime.  I was so impressed I booked them for second trip and now I am in the midst of planning a family safari this fall 2003.  Both of safaris were lifetime experiences thanks to Bushcat Safaris.
Millie Elms USA

I do so hope you have had another brilliant trip. Really we cannot thank you enough for giving us such an epic time with orgasmic game viewing and fun at every moment! From the minute I met you both at the airport I just knew it was going to be so brilliant. Thank you very much indeed for all you did and for making it so special. I was only sorry that Freddy was on poor form for part of the time and this made us a bit less enthusiastic at times. What a time we had though. I shall never forget it and even though I go through the pictures, they cannot portray really those amazing moments- there were times I almost felt any one of those sightings would have been enough but they just went on and on and on!
You were both excellent company- so many laughs too- I just wish we could have had longer as we were really getting so into it all and it took a day or two to get used to the heat again etc. And it was not too hot really - that was very lucky.
For me the highlights were too numerous to list- all those kingfishers at Lake Panic, the croc trying to catch the jacanas, the elephants, the lions and the amazing mongeeeeeses???? And that bush baby and the serval cats, the hyenas and all the wonderful buck, gnu, the delicious croc and wildebeest meat, the croc bite moment! And that awesome pale chanting goshawk against the azure sky with its red feet and bill .......The rhinos were quite superb-  the tiny leopard tortoise and the hippos in that pool, the mass of birds all dressed in shot-silk, the surreal chameleon, the bushbuck in the camp, the naughty monkeys, the lizards, snakes and the views from the camps- wow! So much- too much.
Snow on arrival at Edinburgh and Fred in flip flops- well I did warn him! We made it- the luggage did not but reappeared at home two days later and unbelievably intact!
I do not know that I will last 18 months before a return and think of the flowers this September! But as so far my work level has fallen badly due to my head being elsewhere...... 
Anyway- You were two stars but you really are the one who made it all happen and for that I will always thank you- an epic trip- stored in the annals of my brain in the file marked - the Most Special. Thank you for everything and please come over here soon because I would love to take you out to the islands- Meeting you has been absolutely wonderful. I feel that I have really made a fabulous new friend very much on the same wave length. Also think of this autumn and any good trips as I am sure I can sneak off again!
Much love,
Polly

Thank you for introducing me
to SA and looking after me so well.
I have shown your excellent video to several friends
and they have been impressed with your expertise.
However, I could also do with your comments, as my
miserable notes are quite inadequate when it comes to
identification, particularly the birds.  Mind you, it
is also quite difficult to identify geographical
features as well!
With love and all good wishes
from Prue

Dear Marie,

Many thanks for your wonderful holiday. I found that the Safari trip organised by Bushcat Safaris provided a highly pleasurable and informative experience. As a first time game watcher, the knowledgeable and practical guidance of Marie was invaluable. The information provided was tailored to the interests and needs of the individual and advice was given to allow travellers to have independent experiences.  Marie, you were a delightful companion and to share your love of South Africa and its’ fauna and flora as well as a lifetimes worth of stories and experiences was a joy.
All of the arrangements made by Bushcats were well suited to my circumstances and the accommodation and travelling provided were of a high standard. Marie was responsive to the needs of her customers at all times and ensured that their preferences were catered for without fuss. All in all, the involvement of Bushcat Safaris made my South African trip, a holiday of a lifetime.
Yours Sincerely,
Sam Gluning

If anyone fancies a personal, well organised safari whilst in JNB, give Bushcat Safaris a call to see if they can help. I had 3 days in Kruger National Park with one of their organisers and had a great time. They would also be interested in a one day safari to Pilansburg or other private reserves, and would drive you there, show you around and bring you home.
Although their web site is aimed at larger, longer safaris, they are more than happy to help us out, if they can.
http://www.bushcatsafaris.com/
Nothing ventured, nothing gained!
Steve Smith

Keith and I have finally got the dvd you prepared for us of our time with you at Pilansberg and Madikwe. It is wonderful and brought back some lovely memories. Many thanks. Hope all is well with you both.
Caroline Pugh.

Dear Marie and carol,
We had such a fantastic time with you guys. To me, the mark of a good holiday is that one returns energized and invigorated, and since returning from Africa, Celina and I have worked harder than ever before! I am always inspired by the energy and hard work we have seen in South Africa from people such as you who are trying to build new things. This has taught me a lot about self-motivation and self-reliance which I have to apply daily in my work. I have been busier than ever and Celina has the self-build project at the adventure playground in full swing. Although nearly six work-filled months have passed since we were with you, I feel the memories are fresh and clear. Over the Easter weekend I watched the video (again!) and went through the photos with my mother.
Kruger Park is visited by thousands of people every year, many of whom travel in large groups by coach with preset itineraries and all that comes with the ‘package’ holiday. Whilst these visitors will certainly enjoy the spectacular scenery and vast array of plant and animal life, they will miss out on something which lies at the heart of the experience.
Kruger Park is a much-loved institution amongst the South African people, an old friend, and to fully appreciate it one must see it through the eyes of those who know it and love it.
Marie and her staff have between them many years of experience and an impressive depth of knowledge which they shared with us with obvious great pleasure. They achieved this whilst still making us feel like equal partners in the adventure. With their encouragement and plenty of useful tips we were able to spot wildlife as part of the ‘team’, and every sighting of plant, bird or animal was met with an infectious enthusiasm and solid information, given in a way that was never intimidating or overwhelming. Whilst we were more than happy to rely on Marie and Carol when it came to planning each day’s routes and activities, they always made sure that we discussed all the plans and tailored the itinerary accordingly, so we were able to enjoy the whole experience at our own pace. It was this – the personal touch, which made the experience so special, and it makes Bushcats the perfect choice for anyone who may be daunted by some aspect of booking a safari. Everything was so easy – booking, travel and accommodation. It was very easy to put ourselves in their hands because they were so thoughtful about our tastes, interests and budget. Not only are they well versed in facts and figures about flora, fauna and geology, they are really good company.  By the end of our four days with them we really felt we were old friends.
The most common worries amongst people booking a safari will always be ‘will I be safe, comfortable, properly equipped?’ , ‘what will the food be like?’, and ‘will it be too strenuous?’, and I can honestly say that Bushcats had it all covered. We haven’t even mentioned the many beautiful animals and birds, the thrill of seeing lions hunting and the magic of a thousand dew-covered spider webs at dawn – this may be part and parcel of any safari, but it makes a huge difference when you’re in the best possible company. We had so much fun and have so many great memories.
Well, I think I’ve covered most things, although there are so many intangible things, like the way we felt when we were together, the fun and friendship… I could keep writing for a lot longer.
Lots of love and thanks to you both,
S&CLxxx

Quotations

You are a find……Travelling with you is like travelling with a friend, not a tour operator.
Sherry. Australia

If I had known that it would be like this, I would have paid double!
Polly. Scotland

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We loved our trip with Marie to South Africa!