FEEDBACK
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Anke Floeth & Sven Kublun, Berlin, November 2019:
“Dear Sandra, back in cold Germany the thoughts are slowly sorting themselves out and I am processing the impressions I gained in Africa. It was a perfectly organized trip - thank you very much for everything ! :-) And it was so nice to get to know you personally. The B&B in Wilderness was great, the transfer services were punctual and extremely service-oriented. Like the safari on Roam, the Eco Camp exceeded our expectations. Branden also managed to make the days there very special. We met so many very nice and impressive people on this trip and every day was a highlight, whether it was a helicopter flight, elephant visit in the Eco Camp or the animal observations, the wish list has become much longer after this holiday ... Kalahari, gorillas, walking safari :-) For the planning I will contact you in time.”
Nicole & Frank Weglage, Frankfurt, October 2019:
“Dear Sandra, we arrived home safe and sound. We had a fantastic time and lots of great encounters with people and animals. All destinations and all advice we got from you were great. We felt very comfortable everywhere, were especially well welcomed everywhere and super supported in choosing the restaurants for the evening or whatever else we can do. Our first safari with Claudia was of course great and special. We experienced a lot there, even between the game drives, and that's what makes Claudia's safari so special. And the fact that we got everything explained in German was a great help for us afterwards in the &beyound, that we could follow the English speaking rangers there as well. All in all a wonderful journey, which still resonates even now. Mentally I am still a little bit in South Africa ... It was nice to meet you and thank you for putting the trip together so well. If we feel like going to Africa again, we will definitely get in touch with you and will recommend you highly. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. best regards, Nicole and Frank"
Winfried Schnurbus, Wiesbaden, August 2019:
“An absolutely unique experience, the tour with elela! Perfectly organized, breathtaking locations, accessible at any time, even from on the road and direct, 100% solution to all questions and problems! We have already been on several safaris, with elela it was the absolute highlight. The selected destinations were not only really worth seeing, they mostly offered a feeling of complete well-being. Personal attention, a lot of creativity. Of course we saw the big five there, of course we got to know the country life, of course our guides like Nunu or Claudia amazing. We enjoyed every second! Many thanks Sandra (elela)! We will be with you again next time! By the way: in August 2019 we were on the road with elela on the east coast/north of South Africa, five people, from St. Lucia to Clive's Safari Lodge at the edge of the Kruger Park.”
Sabine & Jan Schmieder, Nittendorf, April 2019:
“Dear Mrs Claassen, we arrived home safely and left South Africa very sadly. But we are determined to come back. The highlights we always talk about were the meerkats and the eco-camp. Besides the nature experience in the Eco-Camp I also found the whole package wonderful. I also enjoyed the marvellous accommodations, which we certainly would never have found. Simply everything was wonderful. I think your concept of putting together individual tours is brilliant. I thought your suggestions were perfect and I would do the tour again immediately. Unfortunately we had too little time - but that's not your fault. That's why we have to come back. Best regards from Germany, Sabine Schmieder"
Julius Claussen & Nicola Luther, Hamburg, April 2019:
“Hello Sandra, we really enjoyed the trip! We were thrilled with every single accommodation and highlight was of course the Eco Camp. It was really well organized and everything went well. We will still connect you with my parents, who probably want to make the same trip next year. Best regards Nicola”
Michaele Fischer, Vienna, October 2018:
“Dear Sandra, this time I was in Africa for the 3rd time, but I really have to say that my holiday (Ranger Safari at Eco Camp) was an absolute highlight for me. I came as close to the animals as never before! And I was able to get a good insight into the daily life of a ranger. I felt very comfortable, the two rangers Brendan & Stevie answered patiently & engaged every question we asked (and there were many ;-)) and gave us a lot of knowledge. The food was top, the tent was pleasantly spacious. In the beginning the nights were quite cold. After the 12 days in camp I was very unwilling to go home again. All in all an absolutely successful holiday, which I will remember for a long time! A big thank you also to you, the advice and organisation worked out perfectly and I was optimally prepared thanks to your information. You can be sure I will come back - and then of course again via Elela Africa."
Katrina Bracken, Golden, USA, September 2018:
“I want to thank Sandra for an amazing trip to South Africa in September. I contacted Elela Africa for the ECO Safari at Gondwana Game Reserve, but I wasn’t sure what else I wanted to do on my trip. Sandra and I exchanged emails and she got to know a little bit about me and was able to provide some excellent recommendations. The ECO Camp at Gondwana Game Reserve was wonderful. Nestled in the valley completely removed from the city, people and technology and the staff was fantastic. It was great to learn about the conservation efforts at Gondwana and going out and searching for the animals and participating in their research was the best part for me. I highly recommend Sandra and Elela Africa to assist you on your next trip. Sandra had great suggestions and was able to book everything for me. I am looking forward to my next trip 🙂”
Nadja Schott, first guest of our new ranger safari in the Karoo in South Africa, September 2018:
“I was the first happy person to participate in the conservation program. In addition to the daily game drives I was able to do telemetry, bird ringing, plant counting (growth and survival), camera setups, feeding,...I learned a lot about flora and fauna. THANK YOU. First summary: My time could not have been better. The hosts Abigail & Don are very competent and are happy to share their expertise with you. They are very relaxed and the time with them is very pleasant. You can feel that they are very proud of their work. It shows in many details about the reserve, accommodation and food. This reserve is located in the middle of the Karoo. There are not (yet) the typical Big Five, BUT giraffe, buffalo, antelope, turtle, springbok, cheetah and others. The lodge is amazing, again with many small details that will make your time even more enjoyable. The cuisine: Joe and his team have done a great job, regardless of breakfast, lunch or dinner. In summary, I highly recommend the reserve, the hosts and the conservation program."
Family Geymayer, Innsbruck, July 2018:
“Dear Mrs Claassen, back home, I would like to write a few words about our trip. Kruger Park was a great experience, especially because of the great variety of different parks. I am very happy that we were able to visit so many. We also always saw different animals: Elephants in the Kruger National Park or rhinos on the street in the Hluhluwe Park. Just because of the different vegetation and landscape each park is unique and worth seeing! Moving on to the safari with Claudia and Robin: GREAT!!! It was unbeatable Awesome! My youngest daughter didn't want to go home at all, even though we had a spider in our room on day 1. We had a wonderful time with the two of them, really great safaris, right in the middle of the events. We have received a lot of information about the animals, their behaviour and the daily work of a ranger. The dinners with the two in this incredibly beautiful house were something very special! Dear Mrs. Claassen, I would like to thank you again on behalf of my family for your great work, the documents were perfect, everything was very well organized. I have already been asked several times with whom I booked this trip, I have recommended you and especially Claudia and Robin as a travel destination for a safari! Glg Christiane Geymayer”
Kathrin Theiß & Dirk Balbach, Ludwigshafen, May 2018:
“Hello Mrs. Claassen, we had a very nice time in Namibia and returned home with many great experiences and interesting stories. We tracked leopards and cheetahs on our game drives. As a highlight of our trip we spent two days in the Etosha National Park. The two nights in Damaraland with its impressive landscape as well as the rhino and desert elephant tracking were definitely further highlights of our journey. As this was certainly not our last Africa trip, you are welcome to keep us informed about new offers. We remain with kind regards."
Doris, Marianna & Jonas Castro, Berlin, April 2018:
“Dear Mrs Claassen, we had a very wonderful time in South Africa. Everything worked out just the way we wanted it to. The time in Eco Camp was special. A nature experience of a different kind. It was exciting and interesting to be on the road with the rangers and to experience this incredible animal world. Especially my children liked the fact that they could actively participate in the projects. Let's wattle! The care in the camp was top. We enjoyed being served such good food and having Brendan and Stevie as contact persons. Heat, cold, dust, adventurous slopes, comfortable tents, campfires, laughter and conversations with "click" sounds ...awesome! Best regards from Berlin ... Doris”
Familie Schiechtl, Innsbruck, March 2018:
“Hello Mrs. Claassen, we are now back at the airport in Johannesburg and in one hour we are leaving for Europe after a wonderful journey. We have collected many unforgettable impressions and stayed in great places. Outstanding was the Eco Camp, an experience we will never forget. Also the Villa Coloniale was something very special and we enjoyed the time there very much. The penthouse in Jeffrey's Bay really impressed us all. Thank you again for the great advice. We would love to go on a special trip to Africa with you again. Lg and thank you for your efforts and recommendations!"
Inken Kröger and Torge Ruge, Münster, March 2018:
“Dear Mrs. Claassen, ...the stay at Eco Camp was a very special highlight for us, which made a lasting impression on us and which we remember with great pleasure. Our "travel group" consisted of 9 Germans and one American who had studied in Germany, so the ice was broken very quickly. However, only four of us enjoyed the 5-day program. I would underline your recommendation to actually stay 5 days at the camp 100% - this way you also have the chance to really enjoy your stay. While in the beginning there was still the question of how the program differs from conventional Game Reserve stays, the desired "look behind the scenes" gradually became apparent to us through the accompaniment of the individual activities and the extensive explanations by Stevie and Brandon. With their great enthusiasm and palpable passion "for the bush" Stevie and Brandon helped us to learn more about the ecosystem in Gondwana Game Reserve and the diverse nature and species conservation programmes - for us this was a unique, inspiring experience with many insights. Special experiences during the wildlife observation rounded off the 5 days in nature, far away from everyday life, for us so that it was really hard to say goodbye. The organization and equipment at Eco Camp exceeded our expectations and was very good. The tent was excellent - we have never slept better anywhere during our holiday 😉 Furthermore Abo took good care of us and spoiled us with delicious African food. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you once again, both for the inspiring ZDF report that brought our attention to the Eco Camp and for the very pleasant communication and your always quick reaction and answers to questions. In the meantime, I have already looked at the other offers on your homepage with great interest 😉. All in all, we are very happy about this travel experience and can definitely recommend the Eco Camp and booking through Elela Africa. Best regards Inken Kröger”
Jasmin und Roman Bolzern, Rheinfelden, March 2018:
“Thanks to Elela Africa I had a great experience in Gondwana GR last year ("Eco Ranger Safari in South Africa"). Everything was super organised, my questions were always answered quickly and helpfully. That's why I booked my trip this year via Sandra Claassen again. First I went on Kuzikus ("Eco Ranger Safari on a Game Farm in Namibia") and then we added a round trip. It was tiptop on my wishes and further suggestions were made. We had then also a great Guide and would book any time again with Elela Africa."
Evelin und Nico, Flein, March 2018:
“Dear Sandra, we arrived home well, full of wonderful impressions! The absolute highlight was the Eco Camp, which exceeded our expectations by far! We didn't expect so many and close animal encounters and we learned so much from Stevie and Brendan! We were also very satisfied with the rest of the planning and surprised how luxurious it is to travel in South Africa on our budget! We were also happy to meet you personally and thank you for a nice travel planning. We will certainly recommend Elela Africa and the Eco-Camp to others!”
Christiane Stalschus, Weingarten, February 2018:
“Even with only 3 days on eco ranger safari, the stay is an exciting experience. The ranger couple allowed us to very closely participate in some areas of their activities, spoiled with excellent culinary delights, radiated calmness and passion for their nature-orientated profession, which is quickly transferred to one, managed to visit all animals in the short time - lions, rhinos, cheetahs, etc. and convinced us to tear out strange, rampant plants, which we were then also proud of. The organisation of Elela Africa, i.e. by Mrs Claassen, is perfect: pick up from George airport, individual accommodation in the tents, vegetarian meals, return transport to the airport. It would be desirable if there were other similar projects and as I got to know Mrs. Claassen, I am convinced that there are more surprises."
Andreas und Regina Mayer, Vaterstetten, October 2017:
“Dear Sandra, we have experienced many different activities: searching and finding lions, watching a rhino with a sick eye every day, moving camera traps, checking the waterhole, searching and finding cheetahs, checking elephant dung, walking safari with some giraffes, driving a Landrover, watching scorpions at the campfire and enjoying the campfire... Especially the long times we could spend directly in front of the animals were TOP! The food was very good and very much, the care very very nice and attentive. We would definitely recommend the Ranger Safari and have already done so. Thank you again for your advice and support during the booking.”
Stefanie Havlik, Würzburg, August 2017:
“The Ranger Safari is something very special, the organization by Elela Africa professional and friendly. Sandra Claassen from Elela Africa organizes various programs in Eco Camps in South Africa and Namibia and is also helpful, fast and friendly with other plans around Southern Africa. The 5 days at Eco Camp were deeply impressive, the team immediately becomes dear to your heart and the other guests are like-minded - you immediately grow together. To be able to spend the days without rush in a dreamlike nature was something I will never forget. Certainly also an incredible experience for families with children"
Wibke Huthwelker, Rödern, August 2017:
“5 days Eco Camp - an absolutely amazing experience - living in the middle of the bush, in a tent, living with the rangers, like the rangers! Not just a game drive, no, the whole day on the road - in the middle of nature, with the animals. Hours of BEING, without rushing, BEING ONE with everything! Back to the roots - and back - the experiences were so intense, the information so varied, the animals closer than you would ever wish for. I will always carry this in my heart. Then the last day in the lodge: contrast program - luxury pure - dining great! Again another world, completely different. The accommodation in the Huts is simply the best - the people there are so charming. Sandra Claassen from Elela Africa lovingly accompanied me from the booking to the last text message at the airport - I felt good all around! 5 stars are not enough, that's for sure. My first Africa trip was so beautiful, it won't be the last...”
Elisabeth and Achim Theis from Bergshausen, February 2017:
“Dear Sandra, the holiday was awesome and we took home so many beautiful and unforgettable memories. The Eco Camp was the most beautiful. Ranger Brendon is a very fine and lovable person. Because I was sick there for three days, I became even more aware of what is actually important in life. Brendon was totally caring. He has such a damn high knowledge and he does his job with a lot of heart. Also this peace and no mobile phone were just good. In every aspect, every accommodation and every destination, you always beat them to the max. I always thought it couldn't get any better, but you did it. Some things touched me so much like the basket with the beautiful sayings in the morning with all those little hearts on the Orange Farm. It is and was a dream. Sandra thank you with all my heart. Your family Theis"
Rene Scherrer from Switzerland, May 2017:
“I spent 3 weeks with Elela Africa as a temporary ranger on a wild farm in Namibia. It is difficult to put these experiences on Kuzikus into words. Two days catching oryx and ostriches for relocation has been absolutely fantastic. Everything was organized without anything to criticize and to my absolute satisfaction. I can only recommend Elela Africa with a clear conscience and excitement.”
Thomas and Katrin Rahmig from Berlin with us on a rental car trip along the Garden Route, February 2017:
“Our South Africa trip was an unforgettable experience. Thank you very much for that! All the arrangements you made were flawless, there was not a single complication or other cause for dissatisfaction during the entire trip. The fact that one of the two suitcases took a few days longer on the return journey is not on your head and the clotheslines have become filled up anyway... 😉 A really all-round wonderful experience, unfortunately only for a short time. By the way, we have not unpacked our purchased travel guide once. we just followed your information folder. Once again many thanks and best regards to the Cape, Thomas & Katrin Rahmig"
Bernd & Sok-Kheng, Grandma Elfi and children Juna and Kira from Linz on eco ranger safari in South Africa, January 2017:
“We would like to wish you a happy new year and especially thank you for your great recommendations/organization. The guesthouse in Cape Town has been great, they have made a lot of effort and were very friendly, the breakfast was fabulous and the location between all the restaurants was very good. The safari was also great! Thank you so much for the recommendation of your "eco" ranger safari. Only 5 tents, only 9 participants, in a lonely valley in a private game reserve. The activities made it all interesting: We were 6-7 hours a day on safari and saw a lot. We used leaf soap and made tea from fresh bushes. In the evening we sit around the campfire. So for us it was optimal. Just for comparison, the "normal non-eco guests" were about 60-70 people, who were on safari in the morning 90min and in the evening 90min. In between they were taking a sunbath at the pool or sitting at the bar. So thank you again, LG, Bernd & Family”
Stefan Herker from Munich, August 2016 in Namibia:
“Dreamtime in Africa! Your organisation and help dear Sandra, was of inestimable value to me and filled me with anticipation. I enjoyed especially Kuzikus. Some of my experiences there include meeting bushmen, going on a hunt or stalk with the experienced farm owner, outstanding catering and great accommodation in the luxurious lodge or the comfortable bush camp, depending on preferences.
One week was not enough to participate in all the offered activities… I learned lots about the biodiversity of the Kalahari, and my head is still filled with all the wonderful experiences, even after 4 weeks. I am already planning another „Dreamtime“ in 2017 with Sandra and Elela Africa!” 🙂
Eva Schmitt, Frank Drever and Ute Kamps from Nideggen, September 2016:
“Thank you very much for this lovely adventure in paradise! We were allowed to accompany our rangers and to help out with some of their tasks. We gained so many impressions, not just regarding animals, and got to know more about birds and vegetation. We were very impressed with the ‘humane’ and considerate treatment of the animals. Our accommodation was excellent, the chef pampered us with some local cuisine and we enjoyed the informal atmosphere of the camp. We are also going to post on Facebook about our experience. Greetings.”
Sieglinde from Cape Town, October 2016:
“Dear Sandra, I arrived back from the eco camp yesterday. I had the most amazing time. The balance of working hands-on, relaxing and learning about conservation and wildlife spoke to me. The accommodation and food were superb. All in all a great experience!"
Manfred from Rheinfelden, April 2016:
„What a week! During the beginning of autumn, nature awakens and the colours of the vegetation are breathtaking at Gondwana Game Reserve.
First things first, the camp was fantastic! The big tent had a proper bed and bathroom, almost luxurious, I did not expect that. The rangers were simply great. They were friendly and helpful with lots of knowledge; doesn’t matter if it was Stevie, Brandon or Abu.
Our eco ranger training was incredible, I can’t believe what I all learned about nature and conservation, it’s amazing. I could go on and on about Gondwana, but I am afraid my words could never to this wildlife reserve and its ideology justice. You guys are on the right path. And regarding the wildlife, I have only two words: goose-bumps and emotions. I will definitely come again. Thanks to everyone, especially Sandra. Greetings from the black forest, Manny.”
Dirk Balback and Katherin Theiss from Ludwigshafen, April 2016:
“We enjoyed our whole stay at the eco camp and of course the care by the staff on-site. Through all the offered activities, we managed to get a small, but insightful peak behind the scenes of a wildlife reserve.
I am struggling to find the right words to describe this experience, because I am afraid my words could never do this exceptional experience justice. If I had to describe our experience at the eco camp with one word, it would most definitely be: PERFECT!
Thank you very much for taking good care of us and for recommending the Dreamhouse as accommodation in Cape Town, which was the perfect location to get us into holiday mood!"
Connie & Christian Wahl from Freiburg, March 2016:
“ Dear Sandra, we can’t find anything to criticise about this trip! It was an overall outstanding stay, with pleasant company and excellent guides, who were both well-informed and humorous. I would also like to mention Halt, who took care of us at the tented camp and pampered us with his cooking. A great team.
Our favourite memory: the respectful silence during an encounter with two huge lions.”
Family Fischer on a day safari with toddlers, January 2016:
“Dear Sandra, thank you for the recommendation and organisation of yesterday’s safari. The private tour was perfect for us. We were welcomed very warmly and had a great ranger, who made the safari suitable for our children. Our boys got to see lots of different animals and were very impressed and happy. Us parents were too, of course. It was even possible to put the child safety seat into the Jeep. It is safe to say that this Sunday was a complete success! We wish you all the best and are happy to recommend you.”
Family Weng from Franconia, December 2015:
“We had a wonderful stay at the eco camp at Gondwana Game Reserve and wouldn’t want to miss this time for a thing in the world. Especially because of the breathtaking landscape, as we haven’t seen it before. The eco camp would be a regular camp, if it wasn’t for Brandon and his Australian wife Stevie, they are the heart and soul of the camp. Both are very welcoming and attentive and have an impressive knowledge about nature and conservation, which they share with their guests. It was very difficult for us to say our goodbyes.
Our time at the eco camp was very exciting! On the first day, we put up camera traps, the boys were taught how to use a compass and GPS and we enjoyed a cosy evening at the bonfire.
On Tuesday morning, when we were already in the cars and ready to go, Loisl looked back at the camp and said: “The smoke coming from the camp is almost as thick as the smoke from the bonfire last night.” Brandon obviously knew right away that something wasn’t right. The slop behind the camp was ablaze- bushfire! All of us together tried to put out the fire, which was only successful once we got back-up from the main camp. What an excitement! We had truly earned the game drive in the afternoon.
On Wednesday it was back to work for us, we were busy felling wattles all day. Thursday morning we collected the camera traps- one of the cameras had been completely destroyed. Luckily we found the chip. Back at the camp, we analysed the pictures on the chip and noticed that an elephant cow, which had given birth just a couple days before, destroyed the camera. The footage showed the mother and baby very clearly. We probably should have worn gloves while working- something else that we learned on our trip. Sadly, our English- Serbian friends left the next day, but we did an extensive bushwalk.
Many thanks again for all the valuable information! Greetings from Franconia.”
Angelika and Thomas from Berlin, December 2015:
“Thank you Sandra for the amazing experience. The eco camp was very interesting and impressive. I always show the photos of our trip to my friends, whether they want to or not, and tell them all about it, so that the memories will last longer. After Gondwana, we went to De Hoop, which we enjoyed, too, as well as our day in Cape Town. All in all we enjoyed our trip, I felt far away from home- just as it’s supposed to be.”
Sam & Glen Lambert from England, October 2015:
“We had such an incredible time that we extended our stay! A truly unique and unbelievable experience with a fantastic bunch of passionate, fun and enthusiastic conservationists. Learned soooo much but also haven’t had such great fun in a long time. It certainly deserves a lot of attention and we would love to spread the word for this new venture in any way we can!”
Gudrun Helm from Würzburg, September 2015:
“I booked the family program with Elela Africa to have a bonding experience with my three children. The organisation and the team could hardly be any better, the food was amazing. We could be together as family and discover together something new every day, “knitting” us four together, which still feels very good.
We had a marvellous time and we still talk often about our experiences at the Gondwana Game Reserve – far more than about the other two weeks we spend in South Africa! Read the full travel report
Stefanie Vedhuis from the Netherlands, April 2015:
“I wanted to get away from the City (Cape Town) and spend some time in the bush. Never could I have thought that it would be so amazing! It was the combination of wildlife, nature, history, geology, hiking and driving that made the trip so much more than the ordinary safari trip.
I can’t wait to go on the next trip!” Read the full travel report
Karina Voss from Cape Town, April 2015:
“It was a dream come true for me. I have always wanted to walk the Kruger Park to experience the opening of all senses, being to smell, hear, taste, see and feel that I am also a part of nature.
As bonus I got some valuable information about conservation, what it is all about and how it effects the future. How to read and identify the footprint of animals, what a huge number of trees, plants and flowers we have and what wonderful ways nature creates to grow and plant their seeds.
Elela Africa made this dream real and it exceeded all my expectations!” Read the full travel report