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Compliments
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Comments from some of our guests 2003 |
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These
are letters written by guests to Djuma Game Reserve, we thank them for
taking the time to write us. We want our guests to leave Djuma Game Reserve
at the end of their stay rested and happy with a perfect holiday, the
letters below attest to our success.
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Archives
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2003
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| Hi
Mark Just a short note to say thanks to you and to your staff. Natalie and I had a fantastic time at Vuyatela (2nd to 6th December). It was an awesome place to finish our honeymoon. Chris Stamper and Rodney were excellent guides. Chris in particular took time to figure out what we really wanted to see and made a huge effort to ensure we got to see everything. We learnt a lot from him, his knowledge of the bush was exceptional. All in all, it was a fantastic experience. ope you and all your staff have had a fantastic Christmas and New Year. Best wishes for 2004. Regards, David and Natalie UK December 2003 |
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Hi Mark |
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| Dear
Charmian - I just wanted to thank you again for everything and to complement
the lodge on....absolutely everything really. Mark is doing an exceptional
job - I am still dreaming about the kudu skewers. And the other staff, including,
but not limited to - Marietjie, Warren, Nelly, Jimmy, Patrick, Solly, Rodney,
Rain, and Pendrae!! - were so delightful. Graham was the highlight for everyone.
He brought just the right mix of humour and insight and his obvious love
of the bush made him everyone's hero. And I say this knowing from first
hand experience what the other lodges in the Sabi Sand and elsewhere are
like. They are all lovely, but Vuyatela is special. Gretchen USA November 2003 |
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The safari
was definitely the highlight and we were so lucky to see so many animals
- the Big 5 on our first game drive! We also saw two leopards in a chase
and a leopard and cheetah confront each other at the water hole. Jimmy
& Abel were very good guides - it's incredible what they manage to
spot. |
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| Weekend
Bliss Dear Pendrae, Campbell, Charmian, Mark and all responsible for our magical adventure! On behalf of Sanlam and all the guests who joined me this weekend, thank you, thank you thank you! The weekend was a huge success! Not only do I feel good but you have managed to make me look great! It would be unforgivable to omit mentioning my deep appreciation for all the hard work Charmian did for us. It was a pleasure doing business with such an efficient, friendly and reliable person. I was disappointed not to be able to thank her in person. Congratulations on running such a smooth operation. I will be recommending you at every opportunity possible. Thank you again! Diane Kramer South Africa October 2003 |
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| Hi
Pippa, We've just come back from our trip to SA and I just wanted to say that our five-night stay at Vuyatela was the highlight of a fantastic holiday. From the first moment we arrived, we fell in love with the place. I've been around in SA but never stayed in a place so magical as Vuyatela. Having experienced Bush Lodge three years ago, my expectations were very high but they were exceeded in all possible ways. The accommodation doesn't only meet the highest standards one expects from a five star lodge, they add something that one can't find elsewhere. Is it the mosaics?, is it the typical African culture touch?, is it the attention to every single detail? It must be a mix of all these things plus a special something one can't describe. And then I haven't even talked about the Vuyatela staff! You have an incredible group of people there, people that paid attention to our smallest needs and acted upon them as if they were of the biggest importance. You can feel that they are part of the lodges spirit and each of them really shows loving their job at Vuyatela. Although all of them show this dedication, we especially want to thank Mariekie for being a great host, always there to help out and make one feel good. Also Solly and Obrey (our ranger & tracker) excel in their job and made every possible effort to provide us with great sightings! I could go on for hours but bottom line is that you run the most magical place in Sabi Sands and probably in South Africa !! Thank you again for everything, say hello to the staff and feel free to use this on your website. Kyo & Jan Belgium September 2003 |
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| Charmian Jacqui and I just wanted to let you know that we had the most wonderful time at Djuma - the best holiday we've ever had. The staff were fabulous and we saw so much. We loved the atmosphere and the fact that nothing was ever too much trouble. We have mentioned the camp to people since we've been back, and those who are familiar with Djuma have all said that they have also heard that it has a growing reputation - so I thought I would pass that on. Thanks again for your help in arranging our stay - sorry we missed you (I think you were in Mozambique at the time!). All the best Graham & Jacqui Crozier Australia September 2003 |
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| Dear
Pendrae, I have been meaning to write since we returned to say how much we enjoyed our holiday at Djuma. My husband and I dreamt of safaris for about two weeks after our return. The accommodation was great. Loved the beds, concrete everywhere, the sinks, especially the thorn in the loo roll and the soap dishes. Our safaris were fantastic...something we'll remember the rest of our lives. Chris and Difference were our guide and tracker. They were wonderful. Think Chris may be the Jamie Oliver of safaris. He is so passionate about the wild. Difference took us to his village, Dixie, and Utah. What a warm welcome! The people so warm, friendly and happy. Please give our warmest regards to Chris, Difference, Jimmy, Paradise and the women in the kitchen. We had the most wonderful time. I must confess to shedding a couple of tears when we took off. Yours sincerely, Blanche U.K. September 2003 |
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| Thank
you. We would be very happy to receive your newsletter as it will be a great reminder of the wonderful few days we spent at Bush Lodge. Everyone there was so friendly and the hospitality we received was excellent. In particular the lovely birthday card and wine to celebrate my husband's birthday was much appreciated. We would all love to return one day and will never forget the experiences we shared as a family while out on the game drives. Please pass on our thanks to all at Bush Lodge and particularly Kim & Lianne who were such a help when my son had to make arrangements to return home very suddenly. We will be back as soon as we can!! Marilyn & Headley Rossell Jeremy Anna & Gayle U.K. September 2003 |
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| Thank
you so very much for the unbelievable prize for two nights stay at Vuyatela.
Words escape me (which doesn't happen very often!) we had such an amazing
time and enjoyed the luxury of game drives where we saw virtually everything,
the most awesome food and just the stunningly different decor at the lodge.
I can't begin to tell you how special it all was - the staff is in a class
of their own in terms of their genuine and spontaneous service, warmth and
care of the guests. Charles and I will long remember our stay there....... and the great people we met! Thanks Margy South Africa September 2003 |
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| Good
evening from Scotland! My wife and I had the great pleasure of spending a few days at the Bush Lodge last week and, having arrived back home, I wanted to send a quick note. We were so impressed by the quality of accommodation but, even more by the exceptional standard of service from all the staff. I have to mention, especially, Nic de Jongh. His skills, as a guide and overall manner made our holiday complete. I have a feeling that, despite the long flight, we will be back quite soon!! Best wishes, Murray McDonald Scotland June 2003 |
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| Dear
Djuma Game Reserve, This message is intended for Charmian Cooke, with whom I believe I spoke on the phone last week. I wanted to thank you very much for making arrangements to present Lena Georgas with a bottle of champagne while she was staying at the Djuma Bush Lodge. Heard from Lena today, and she was thrilled by the belated birthday present and very much enjoyed the champagne, as did Pieter, I gather. I feel bad that you wouldn't let me pay you for the champagne, however, and if there is any way I can do so, please let me. In any case, I am very appreciative of your help. Just another example of the great people who are involved with Djuma. As I mentioned on the phone, I spent several days at the Bush Lodge in May 2002, and had some of the most memorable experiences of my life. Came to Djuma after spending 10 days in several rather fancy and very expensive bush lodges in Botswana and must say that my experience at the Djuma Bush Lodge was far superior to the anything I saw or did in Botswana. The wonderful people at the Bush Lodge contributed greatly to my unusually fine experience. I certainly plan to return to the Bush Lodge, hopefully soon. Thank you again for your gracious help. Sincerely, James B. Steerman Professor of Drama and Film Poughkeepsie, NY July 2003 |
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| Hey
Mark, HA!! Those pics cracked me up. Thanks for sending them. I can't believe I didn't hold that sign up a bit higher! Hello Africam world here is my chest!!! LOL - I was just dying from laughter. Oh well, it was so much fun for me regardless! We are going to upload our pics from our trip in a day or two and I'll send a few along for the guest gallery. I can't tell you how sad it is to be back, I literally got teary today when I realized that I would be on the afternoon game drive right now if I was still there (and of course I have that cam on right now!). Coming back to reality is quite horrific when you've been in such a wonderful place like Vuyatela.... which is 100% because you all make it so special and fabulous. Pls. thank Pippa again for coming down and chatting/getting the cam pic organized. I will send a more proper "we loved our holiday" note when I send the pics, but wanted to quick say thanks for the africam pics... I'm slogging through my hundreds of scary work email. (sigh) If I just substitute "Chris" instead of "Mark" on the email will I get Chris directly? We'd like to send him a personal thanks as well. Cheers, Esther Philadelphia, USA June 2003 |
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| Dear
Pippa Thank you so much for the wonderful and unforgettable time we had in the bush. It was such a success. I will never forget that first night when we arrived in the bush where you had set up the sundowners, I never expected you and Jurie to be there. I really appreciate it. Even the hippopotamus in the water giving us a show. I have been to ***** before but I can assure you nothing beats the special treatment we received from you and your staff at Galago. Nothing was ever too much effort. You really walked the extra mile with us. The Wine Tasting at Hardekool was a hit. We are so lucky to have a friend who is always willing to share his knowledge of wines with us. We tasted wines from a few continents. I never thought that one could have a wine tasting in the bush but it worked out well. Thank you for organising the food at Hardekool. I must congratulate you on the professional way in which Efraim and Nellie handled the guests. Nellie was a star in the kitchen. She was always in control in her quiet and calm manner. The menus worked out well. Every meal was 5 star. Everything worked according to plan and I could relax because I knew that she had everything under control. Efraim was enjoyed by each and everyone. His knowledge of the bush was exceptional. His sense of humour was the best. He made an effort for the guests to see as much as we could and even more. You have a real star in him. The staff in the kitchen was just as good. The tables always looked a picture. The rooms with even the detail on the toilet paper. Not to mention the pajamas that was put out at night. I have had so many phone calls. This was an experience that nobody will ever forget. Thanks again to you and Jurie for putting in all the effort. I hope you are feeling better. We have all decided that we are going to have a reunion next year. Thanks again for the most memorable time! Elene South Africa June 2003 |
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| Dear
Pippa, First of all, I would like to commend you and Jurie on the spectacular game reserve you, together, have created. I often read the letters and postings on your website, and it is evident that people across the world are in solid agreement ... you run a world-class venue. One like no other. All of the letters mention the same things ... outstanding customer service, exceptional staff, stunning scenery, unique atmosphere ... and the list goes on. You have helped create lasting memories for people all around the world. Congratulations to you, Jurie, Pendrae and Campbell. I had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stay at Vuyatela and bring the new year in with style! A memory that will last a lifetime. The staff at Vuyatela are wonderful. They felt like our friends right from the start. And I have managed to keep in touch with a few of them, which is wonderful. I thought that four days at Djuma would be an adequate amount of time, however, the time went by far too quickly and I was quite sad to leave so soon. I think about Djuma (and the wonderful people there) on a regular basis. What an impression you have made! Well, thank you again for the fantastic memories. I will definitely "come and visit again" ... Warm regards, Claire Trickett Toronto, Canada January 2003 |
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| Dear
Mark, Just a quick thank you for making our "Big Five 0" weekend so successful. Give a special thanks to Graham, Chris, Nicole, Difference, Rain, Jimmy, Helen and all the others. You have made a lot of new friends for your beautiful country! Kind regards, Adriaan Nuhn Netherlands June 2003 |
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| Dear
Mark, On behalf of Evan and I we would like to sincerely thank you and your staff for providing us with one of the most memorable experiences of our lives when we visited you between 7th and 10th April 2003. From the moment we were met by Ryan at Nelspruit airport till the moment we departed, your staff were friendly and welcoming and proved that not even the smallest request was a hassle. We thoroughly enjoyed sharing our meals with all of your staff where we were able to learn more about our surroundings and their experiences. We found our Kaya very comfortable and enjoyed how the surrounding bush seemed to come into every room with us, in particular the shower. It was also great to enjoy the bush from our deck where we felt like part of the wildlife and the only people around for miles. The food was amazing and the various settings available to eat in added to the experience. We will not forget on our first evening driving to a small area lit only by fire light to find it was our dining room for the evening, right in the middle of the bush and only minutes away from where we had seen leopard. We would like to also express our sincere gratitude to Solly who ensured our experience with you was one to remember. Solly went out of his way to find us the "Big 5" and we are glad to say he succeeded. We were also fortunate enough to witness one of the leopards take on 5 wild dogs right under the Landrover which is something we will never forget. Solly had a great understanding of the area and shared his wealth of knowledge with us at every opportunity and for that we are grateful. Since our return home, not a day goes by where we do not mention our time with you and we have advised many family and friends to visit Vuyatela to share in a truly amazing experience. It is hard to put into words what we experienced at Djuma Game Reserve but know that we will return one day soon. Vuyatela is a place I once dreamed about coming to and it was a dream come true. Please pass on our sincere thanks and gratitude to all of your staff and we hope you enjoy the photos we have attached (click here to see photos). Yours Sincerely Nicole Gallagher Australia May 2003 |
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| Hi
Charmian Sorry for the belated email but as usual life has been hectic since we got back. Where is the fresh air, open spaces, bird calls, beautiful sunsets, early morning rises in anticipation of what the day might hold, and most of all no stress but letting the day unfold as it will. Well it just looks like we will have to return. From all of us I would just like to thank you and all the staff at Galago for making our stay so memorable. When you try something new without experiencing it for yourself first you always have some doubts. I can truly say that my family could just not believe what was happening to them from the time we got to Galago to the time we left. You have got staff that gave far more than just doing their jobs and that is not easily found today. But what it did was make our stay even more memorable. What we had been through recently we need something special and you came out tops. From all of us and especially from me a BIG THANK YOU to you and all the staff at Galago and I am sure we will be back. Regards Andy |
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| Hi
Liane, I can't believe we have been home for over a week now - I apologize for the delay in thanking you all for such an outstanding experience. I am truly surprised Tristan ever came home !!! I'm sure you noticed we had an awesome time - long live memories. New cars, diamonds, bigger houses can all be lost in a flash but our memories will surely live on forever, something no one can ever take away from us. We thank you for your hospitality and we have been singing the praises of Djuma ever since we have come back. My appetite has waned on our return, nothing quite matches the cuisine of Bush Lodge. I already long for the excitement of the games drives, somewhat stimulating, with the vibrant characters of Jimmy & Abel - always there to please. Never a dull drive with those two, always ready to provide the next adrenalin rush ! In fact I feel like a " Pack of Screaming Hyeana " coming on right now ! We came to expect the unexpected and of course we were never disappointed............. Djuma is definitely part of our future plans to revisit, so we can once again enjoy the serenity of the African bush, your fine hospitality, lazy hours by the pool, ever anticipating the 0530hrs tea & rusks awakening to another wonderful African dawn. Our stay may have been short but our memories are long.................... Cheers & our best regards to all, Gary, Lucy, Tristan & Guy Taylor Australia May 2003 Click here to see a collage of photographs they made during their stay at Djuma Game Reserve. |
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To: Vuyatela
Lodge - Mark, Solly et al !!! |
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| Dear
Djuma Bush: Just wanted to let you know what a FABULOUS time we had at your lodge. Having travelled a lot and worked in the service industry, we, who have become a bit jaded over time, were VERY impressed. Thank you for a wonderful visit. In case you're interested, we've posted some pictures (and a little game drive movie) on our web site. Have a look and thanks again. Warm regards, Darryl & Brandi Fowler Los Angeles, CA April 2003 Click here to visit their web site. |
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Pippa, The above was written in response to a ceremony Djuma held recently in honour of members of the AfriCam.com community that are no longer with us. The AfriCam.com community is a large international collection of people that appreciate Nature and regularly visit our live cameras. Visit our Live Cam section for more and visit our sister web site, www.africam.com for the live cameras. |
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| Dear
Mark, Nicole, and Pieter: I wanted to share with you the paragraph below from an email I sent to my business colleagues in South Africa, expressing my feelings about all of you. I truly hope we'll get to see you again. Gary Vuyatela was a very, very, very amazing experience. Thank you, Pat, for choosing it! Send everyone there! The way they have the physical set up is very carefully planned to make you feel private, pampered, and yet in Africa, not a hotel. Hard to explain, but if you saw their brochure, you'd understand. The game drives were simply beyond description. Quite different from Chobe. We didn't see big herds of elephants, but the viewing was more knowledgeable, and more in depth. We watched things, big and small, for prolonged periods of time with explanations of behavior from our guide, Pieter, who really knew his stuff. We were within 6 feet of huge bull elephants. We saw lions stalk (two males, five females) impala and then engage in their own bonding behavior within 2 feet of us! We saw lions several times, leopards several times, and two cheetahs, which for me are the most beautiful cats I've ever seen. We saw cape buffalo, wild dog, hyena, spiders, snakes, lots of antelope, baboons, monkeys, etc., etc. Barbara was just so happy with her first experience, and I found it to be Chobe plus, plus. I repeat, however, that the best part was the way they treated us. We'd come back from a game drive to a dinner set outdoors or on the veranda, with lots of candles, lanterns, elegant food and service, great wine and spirits. Here we were very much in the bush and yet experiencing the most elegant of meals. All the staff are extremely competent, friendly, happy folks. Again, thank you for sending us there! You will find me more than willing to return to help out in any way I can, whenever. South Africa is a very special place in my heart. And you guys are very special friends. Gary D. Gentzkow, M.D. USA March 2003 |
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| Hi
Folks, David and I would like to thankyou all for making our stay at the
Bush Lodge an unforgettable experience in fact the highlight of our 4weeks
in SA. It was absolutely fantastic experience. Our photographs are brilliant
especially the ones of the leopard up the tree. We have a set to send to
Jimmy and a disc. The rest of our trip was wonderful with fantastic weather,
so important for us. However, when we arrived home on the 27Feb we discovered
Spring had arrived. Crocus's, primroses and daffodils all blooming in the
garden although the temperatures haven't risen too much.!!! SAD. Often think
of you all at the lodge, rising at 5a.m. - well not all of you - in the
sunshine and living in a stress free environment doing what you all obviously
love doing. I'm off to London again in the morning for 2days. Scary place
at the moment, what will all the terrorist threats and the impending war.
However, that's life, somehow I think you guys have drawn the best deal.
Once again I would like to thankyou you all including Life, Able, Morris,
and the catering staff. I have told all our friends about life in Djuma
Game Reserve, and guess what everyone wants to go.!!!!!!!! Hope to see you
all again someday. Love and best wishes Hilary & David Herron N. Ireland February 2003 |
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Dear Pippa
and Jurie, |
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| Dear
Jimmy, Kim, Abel,...All, What a wonderful visit we all had. And what a rude awakening we came home to: -4C and that is the warmest it has been. We are still trying to adjust our internal clocks and thermometers. And we have been spending hours pouring over phenomenal photos. I don't know what you all could have done to improve our stay and I hope you all know how sad we were to leave. But with Shannon returning to Mozambique, I am sure this will be a regular stop on our visits to her. I will coordinate with Gordon in sending along photos. The video we shot with the lions calling is magnificent hooked up to the stereo speakers - almost like being there. Best wishes to all until the next time. Fondly, Joan E. Brode USA January 2003 |
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| Greetings
to you all! This note of thanks is very ' tardy ' but just wanted to say how much we enjoyed our stay with you all over the New Year Pippa and Jurie - you must be very proud! Thanks also to Liane / Doris and of course Graham and Cha ..... we were really spoilt rotten and had a ball in the process I met with Jackie Arnot of Travel Getaways today who was also singing Djuma's praise's from the rooftops! I told her I could not agree more! Take care and we will try and send some of this fabulous rain we are having up to you! Do a ' rain dance ' backwards or something! Melly and Bruce South Africa January 2003 |
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| Hello
Mark! Greetings from (chilly) Vancouver! Just wanted to thank you and the rest of the superb Vuyatela staff for an absolutely fantastic visit. That was definitely the most memorable New Years' eve I have ever experienced! It was so hard to leave Djuma and return to the suburbs of Jo'burg. And even harder to leave Jo'burg and return home to winter in Canada!! Anyhow, please let all of the Vuyatela staff know how much we enjoyed our visit. You have a wonderful team there, who ensured our stay was absolutely top notch. I am saving my pennies so that I can visit again (and again). Let me know if you're hiring! Ha ha. Take care and keep in touch. Thank you, and all the best for 2003! Warm regards, Claire Trickett Canada January 2003 |
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Djuma Game Reserve |
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P. O. Box 338, Hluvukani, 1363, Mpumalanga, South Africa |
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Tel: (+ 27 13) 735 5118 |
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Fax: (+ 27 13) 735 5070
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Webmaster: |
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