Liz and Michael Reid               
Australia
August 2008
Private 8-day safari

Our Kruger Safari was a truly memorable experience and exceeded our expectation with the number of animal sightings and knowledge gained.

We encountered a couple unusual happenings, one with a small group of Impala and another with some Baboons, which added to our experience.

We found in Neil Heron, a person with a vast knowledge of the Kruger, not only in the animal and bird life, but the environment as well.
The service provided was excellent.

Thank you Heron Team. 

Kind regards to you both, 
Liz & Michael

Cruz Family                            
USA
July 2008
5-day Family safari

Neil and Tina

I wanted to reiterate how much we enjoyed ourselves with Neil and Gordon. It was truly an amazing experience and one that we continue to share with friends and family here. Who knows maybe it will result in some more US visitors for you.

Thank you again Tina for being so flexible with us on our scheduling. It was greatly appreciated and really allowed us to have a stress free vacation.

Hope you are both well!

Please tell Gordon hello!
Cruz Family

Mark & Millie Ascerno
USA
July 2008
5-day Small Group safari

Neil, we did not know what a safari was until we met you. The "journey" you guided us through was amazing and life changing. Thank you for your knowledge, wisdom and hypotheses. Though they did not always match our hypotheses, yours were stimulating and forced us to expand on horizons, eg "The smell of money".

We hope we can join you again on another ethic-based safari. We also wish that you fulfil your dreams.
PS.  I just loved it. Thanks for the wonderful...Best...memories

Mark and Millie (Bull Hippo)

Robin & Katie              
USA
July 2008
5-day Small Group safari

Neil, thank you so much for this experience! I couldn’t have asked for a better guide. Thanks to you (and Gordon!!) for the special consideration that you showed my diet (and thanks Tina for the chickpea soup!)

We saw so many amazing animals. I’m so happy that we came. Your care and concern and expertise were top notch. The lionesses were a highlight for me (as a devout cat lover).

Also enjoyed elephants and warthogs and hyenas. The hippo crossing the road was an unexpected treat.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
-- Kathryn Cord

Neil…First of all – I’m so thankful you were our guide because I know deep down that your heart is in the right place! This place has made me completely rethink what I may want to do for a living. Perhaps I’ll move here and help you with your school and play a part in the conservation here @this amazing park.

I will definitely remember Tina, Gordon and your hospitality, care and knowledge! As I embark upon my environmental/conservation/ecological journey, its people like you who give me inspiration to do more and be able to help people and animals.

Much love, peace and RESPECT! – Robin Kurianski

The Mackay and Bashford Families                 
Australia
July 2008
Private Family safari

A journey such as this one is only possible with a guide that knows his wildlife. Neil, we had a fabulous time. Thank you for showing us your Kruger National Park.

We loved the tracks, scats, sounds, plants, wildlife and history.
Thank you, Gordon, for fulfilling the catering!
-- David, Caroline, Ellis and Hilary Mackay

Neil, we all thoroughly enjoyed this safari with you and hope it is the first of many.

Seeing the animals in their natural environment and hearing all your informative info was amazing. Count us in as your next YouTube watcher and look forward to contributing to the educating of South Africa’s youth in the near future (we’ll also tell our other friends to watch too!).

Best of luck in the future and thanks for putting up with our Aussie sense of humour.
- Tony, Margaret and Sophie Bashford

Mary Howes and Family                      
USA
July 2008
Private Family safari

Thanks for the great time, Neil!! I really liked the Kruger and the way you talked about it.
-- Matthew (aged 11).

Neil
This trip was wonderful with the fulfilling interpretations, birds, animals, geology. We learned so much and thanks to Tina and Gordon for their great work before the time and behind the scenes. We hope to be back for more.
-- Jonathan and Mary Howes

Neil
Thanks for partially answering all of my ‘little brown job, three metres behind the brown shrub’ requests without cursing out loud. I appreciate both the information you conveyed and the manner in which you present the material.

Your knowledge, respect and love of this park and its inhabitants are obvious and infectious.
-- Bo Howes

Rich Merritt and family           
USA
July 2008
Private Family safari

Neil, thanks so much for all of the knowledge that you imparted upon us during the safari we took with you. Your knowledge of animal behaviour and biology was unbelievable and enlightening, and your willingness to accommodate us in trying to see as many animals as possible in the short time of the trip was greatly appreciated.

You went way beyond what was agreed upon. I could not have chosen a better guide for a safari and if I choose to do it again in a different part of the Kruger or elsewhere in South Africa, you would be the one I would choose to lead us.

Thanks for a life time experience and you owe something to Tina for all the work she does behind the lines, and to Gordon, who was a great addition to have along!!
Cheers, Rich Merritt, Professor of Entomology, Michigan State University

James and Val Borbone
June 2008
Australia
5-day Small Group safari

At last we get to have a honeymoon and take a dream holiday… but never imagined it would be this good. We have seen more than we ever imagined and felt we learnt so much about Africa, the Kruger and perspectives on life.

The intimacy of the tour was fantastic, the accommodation first rate, we couldn’t have wished for anything better. We must stay in touch and see developments come around that Neil speaks so passionately about.

We hope to be back, the sooner the better.
Ps Gordon is a legend as well!

Roger Hitchner and Family      
USA
June 2008
5-day Small Group safari

Thank you so much for this incredible experience! The trip was so much more than a tour of the Kruger. Thanks for the great food, the conversations and the lessons.
-- Lily Hitchner

This was the trip of a lifetime although I know I will dream of coming back.
Your knowledge and sense of humour made the adventure even more extraordinary, Neil.

Thank you so very much for one of the most memorable times of my life.
-- Gail

Kerry Anderson
United Kingdom
September 2001

Dear Neil,

Thank you for a wonderful trip, I will never forget my time in the Kruger nor I am sure will Tony. Without a doubt it was your amazing knowledge of everything from the wildlife to the plant life and the ecology of the park that made our trip not just a visit to a safari park but a true African bush experience. Your obvious love of the bush and endless enthusiasm were highly infectious (I still can't believe I got up that early - and was happy to do so!), we saw so much by being up and out as soon as the gates were open - entering into the aftermath of the night!

We may not have seen our leopard (saving him till next time!) nor the buffalo but I'm sure we must have had some of the most breathtaking sightings of the remaining "big 5" - I never could have imagined that we would see something as amazing as a pride of lion desperately trying to keep their kill from more and more hyena, right in front of our eyes! The elephant families too were mesmerizing and how you managed to spot our black rhino, I will never know!

I have so many memories it would be impossible to mention them all but I will never forget following our wild dogs hunting, and our poor little chameleon being carried off by a hawk right under our noses, nor the hyena young watching us from their hiding place in a pipe, nor even the trill of the woodlands kingfisher and our first bush meal - how good that T-bone tasted at the end of a long, satisfying day - preceeded of course by a sundowner or 2!

Tony is telling me to mention the drive to The Kruger, which in itself was unforgettable - The Drakensberg Mountains were an amazing sight and a wonderful introduction to what was to follow.

We'll definately be back, not sure when but we will be back. Thank you once again Neil for sharing your vast knowledge of the bush with us and ensuring that we experienced the utmost possible during our stay.

Our very best wishes to both you and Tina,
Kerry and Tony

Reflections on the safari...
sure, but where to begin ?

Because it was all so overwhelming, impressive, great, fantastic, beyond imagination, and at the same time ... (quote) " being in the Kruger, puts everything back into perspective" (unquote).

Neil, it was a magnificent experience that I will never ever forget in my life and I am allready looking forward to a next visit, hopefully in a not too distant future, that hopefully my partner Chris will also be able to attend. Germa and I tell great stories to the guys in the office about you and the whole of the trip, emphasizing (no doubt about that) on the young elephant bull on our 1st day in the Kruger. Also about the other wildlife, the colourful birds and their singing, the jungle sounds, the beatiful trees, the meandering rivers, the sunsets... the bush camps, (of which Lethaba was my personal favourite)... We could go on telling about our experiences for hours and hours.

I had a great time and saw everything that I wanted and more! Neil could answer all of my questions and his knowledge greatly improved my experience – he pointed out so many things that I would have otherwise have missed. I saw some great sights that I will never forget – THANKS! I also have some great photos that I will cherish! Food an overall service was excellent, thanks again.

Dear Neil,

Thank you for the wonderful time my wife and I had on the safari to the Kruger National Park. I am sure we will remember it forever. This is not only because we saw a lot of animals and plants in their natural environment (the special moment has to be the sighting of the baby giraffe) but mainly because of the overall African bush experience. I think I can understand now why you got "infected" by it years ago.

Nela and I especially enjoyed your huge knowledge on the Kruger's flora and fauna. I was particularly impressed with your knowledge on the sounds of the wildlife, animal footprints and birds. I still don't know how you managed to identify some of the birds just by watching them flying (without binoculars) for a few seconds.

An unplanned part of our Kruger's experience was the fire in the national park. The sights that the fire produced during the night with its flames were really breathtaking. Even though fire was going on in the relative proximity of our accommodation and heading toward us, we never felt unsafe or
unprotected.

Finally, let me say that the whole trip was well organised. We really enjoyed staying at the Boulders lodge, especially the fact that we were so close to the animals. We also enjoyed very much the evening braais and conversations with you. Once again, thank you very much for the whole bush experience.

Best wishes,

Nela and Zoran

Hi Neil,

How are you?

Hard to believe that two weeks have passed since we left the Kruger. And what a fantastic time we had! The safari was everything we had hoped for...and more! I feel that I have come away not only with great memories but also spiritually fulfiled. It's that kind of place...

I've also learned a great deal and have come to appreciate how everything fits together in the world around us. I feel privileged to have been able to watch a leopard for 15 minutes at close quarters stalking impala, to track a herd of elephant on foot, to see a crocodile kill, to hear the roar of the lions at night. And what about the hungry Kingfisher, the herd of buffalo, the angry bull elephant, the birdlife, the snakes (sometimes too clsoe for comfort!)...

We have enjoyed every second of our first time experiences of a safari. Our host was very professional with great wisdom and humility he shares his knowledge, insights and skills with us. His love for wildlife was contagious. His sense of spirituality and warmth were greatly appreciated. The accommodations and food were just great. We are very grateful for the knowledge and understanding which we received.

To Neil and Doug, that expert and most obliging team, our warmest thanks. Your organisation has been suberb, and the relaxed and good-humoured atmosphere has given us a memorable and most enjoyable safari! Our best wishes for your continued success! AU revoir, et merci!

A fantastic safari! So well explained, with great passion and patience. All three of us have never experienced such an intense environment of sights, sounds and smells. Doug’s cooking skills on the Barbie were second to none. Neil’s wealth of knowledge on Kruger is out of this world!!
Great time had by all – we will be back.

On safari with Neil and Doug has been a truly wonderful experience. Pre-safari organisation was efficient and their knowledge, enthusiasm and passion for the Kruger has certainly rubbed off on us. The bush did us proud – from 18 lions down to 2 dung beetles rolling sh…t . We have got to return for our elusive leopard. Many thanks for such a memorable journey.

We’ve had the most amazing time. Not only have we seen wonderful animals (the highlight being a leopard at the side of the track) but we’ve also experienced the sights and sounds of the bush. Also really appreciated Neil’s tremendous knowledge of animal interaction – birds, fauna, flora…Doug’s cooking is to die for! We’re already planning our next trip – Words are not enough. Thank you.

Thanks so much for a wonderful trip. Your enthusiasm and knowledge of the bush made the trip. I learned a tremendous amount. I appreciated your efforts to have quite places without the distractions of the modern world. I also appreciated you and Doug’s good humour & warm welcome. You both made me feel right at home. Learning about the natural history of South Africa was ‘lekker’, however getting to know you and Doug and learning about South Africa’s culture was equally as interesting to me.
Keep educating people about the bush – I know that it does the world a lot of good.

What an experience! Neil was a superior guide. He made our safari experience very enjoyable, exciting, and very, importantly educational. We leave with a great deal of knowledge & understanding of the Kruger, and with heartfelt thoughts that may the Kruger never dissapear!
Thanks Neil for all your professionalism, help, expertise and great company. Thanks Doug for all your wonderful meals, all your help and you great company as well.
Neil, the trip was absolutely brilliant – you made the bush come alive for us and I was amazed at your incredible knowledge of the Kruger re: flora and fauna, traking, etc. Also your wonderful manner made it an absolute pleasure to travel with you. To Doug, chef extraordinary – the meals were really great – Thanks mate.

Neil your excellent field guiding during the past 5 days was truly amazing. You have given me an appreciation of Kruger, its wildlife, flora, the ecosystems present and all in the context of South African history and the modern world. The hospitality was excellent and Dougs cooking fabulous!
I will definitely be back for more Bearded Heron adventures. I had a great time. Will keep in touch.

Dear Neil

We had a great time being with youon safari. Neil your passion for animals makes you an enthusiastic guide. A wonderful experience when knowledge is combined with professionalism.

Doug, your creativity in cooking made every meal an adventure too and we just loved it.
The whole trip was a great package of beautiful areas and we enjoyed the scenic lodges in a fairytale scenery in the bush.
Safari rides, morning and afternoon walks made it what you had promised – a lifetime experience. We had a wonderful time and laughed a lot. Thank you for an outstanding holiday.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge so freely. It made the trip a deeper experience knowing what and why animals do things. Doug and you make a great tem.

Great food, good laughs, extra insights – what a wonderful trip. Thank you for the memories.

Dear Neil and Doug

My sfari with the two of you has increased my association with and love for Africa. From the time we pulled out of 5th Avenue Guest House when you announced that for the next 5 days this was our home I felt part of a team – a team with well planned and educated captains. I have learned so much about the animals I saw and there habitat. Your sense of humour and gentle compassion added to the experience. The meals prepared by Doug were superb and I appreciate the recipes. Thank you both for a wonderful experience.

From the time of being picked up by Neil at the airport and the hospitality afforded by Doug and Erica at 5th avenue guest house this has been a trip of a lifetime to be remembered for a lifetime. We are very, very impressed with Neils passion and knowledge of all things Kruger and Dougs culinary expertise and bush recipes.
So….thanks for the memories…Leopard kill, lion kill! Side striped jackal and more. It was very exciting and we felt safe in your care.

We have had a wonderful time learning so much about the animals, plants and structure of the Kruger. Thank you Dougie Wougie for all the lovely meals. We had three near misses in trying to see our illusive leopard – next time maybe? We will be back. Thanks again to you all.

An experience the entire family will remember for the rest of their lives. Well organised and educational throughout. Thank you Neil and the rest of the team for marvellous time over the last few days.

"An amazing trip through the bush. Neil is most impressive with his wide range of knowledge and experience. Everything was taken care of with wonderful style, luxury and professionalism. Neil was so patient with our relentless questions and was willing to stop and talk about every little bird and bug on the side of the road. Doug is definitely a bush chef extraordinaire."