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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
Jenny Van Zant
The Netherlands
January 2002 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.
Mathew Bourne
Turkey
August 2002 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.
Zoren Kaplan
Yugoslavia
September 2002 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
Jon Duckworth
United Kingdom
October 2002 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!)...
Leslie and Danaletchmee
Canada
November 2002 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.
Robin Cherry and Mireille Heyraud
France
November 2002 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!
Liz Manson and Caroline Savage
Scotland
January 2003 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.
Joakim Franson and Christina Cudworth
United Kingdom
January 2003 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.
Judy
slessar & Wendy
Deakin
United Kingdom
February 2003 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.
Paul Wetzel
USA
April 2003 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.
Garry and Gail Begley
Australia
June 2003 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.
Michele John
Perth – Australia
August 2003 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.
Eva Gergely
Austria
September 2003 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.
Sheila Kelly
USA
October 2003 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.
Barbara Knaub
USA
October 2003 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.
Ian and Rachel Cameron
Canada
November 2003 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.
Powlesland Family
United Kingdom
Dcember 2003 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.
Hatcher family
United Kingdom
December 2003 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.
The Wong Family
USA
January 2004 "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."
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