A game park safari is on the bucket list of so many, as it was ours. This was our first visit to South Africa and it certainly wont be our last (we hope). We placed our trust in our travel agent who booked the Xanatseni Private Camp for us for a 4 night stay and he chose a winner as far as we are concerned. We were met at the little Hoedspruit airport by a staff member and taken to the lodge (extra cost but reasonable). Although not top of the price range we found the lodge and our villa to be absolutely delightful. All facilities mentioned on the website were great and since the lodge is small and intimate we felt very much at home right from the start. Our villa was so beautifully presented, spotlessly clean and, in a modest way, quite luxurious. Very comfortable, modern and bright with an outdoor patio overlooking the grounds and plain. The shower was wonderful, hot and strong and a bath was there for those who want to soak and relax. All this was very much appreciated however the highlight was our Safari, guide and tracker. ALL the staff were wonderful but, of course, we spent more time with Dean and Sydney than the others therefore getting to know and appreciate their passion for their work. Whether or not we had spotted animals, the drives themselves would have been spectacular in their own right. The ‘boys’ prepared morning coffees and afternoon drinks during the drives and we saw the most stunning sunrise and sunsets and we FELT Africa. Amazing. But we did see animals and plenty of them. Sydney and Dean found the Big Five within our first 36 hours. Some of that was luck but much of it was incredible knowledge. They not only found a plethora of animals but Dean’s knowledge was endless and he explained about the flora and fauna in detail with an enthusiastic passion. An incredible man, an incredible country all enjoyed from a wonderful lodge. Highly, highly recommended.
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