This safari will live long in my memory.

Hi Madi, Once again, your service was first class and I could not fault it. You were clear and very helpful from the outset. I can't think how that could be improved.

All of the arrangements were smooth and easy. As this was my third visit with Wild Wings, I knew more what to expect, so was more than happy with sorting flights and hotel, and with your subsequent arrangements for pick-up, transfer and safari in the Kruger itself.

I was very pleased that the three of us were able to share accommodation (I hope my boys were equally happy), and the accommodation itself was as expected.

A new treat this year was the use of John, the cook, for the first couple of days. This certainly took some of the pressure off Simon, so that food could be eaten sooner after returning from an afternoon drive. It was also interesting to hear from John the extra information he provided both about what went into the food as well as the history/culture behind some of the dishes. I was very impressed with his attention to detail, particularly in relation to Aaron, who was intolerant to gluten. Thank you!

Game drives are always interesting - you can never know for certain what you will see. After all, animals and birds are wild and free and can do as they please - that's part of the enjoyment in tracking them down. A full vehicle for the first couple of days was a new experience for me, and did mean that Simon had to take into account the wishes of a greater number of people, which he did very well. I did suggest that as a company, perhaps you should all try to not do such a good job so that you weren't so popular!!

I think that some of our group were a little tired of safariing or had higher than necessary expectations of the Kruger, as they did not appear altogether enthused at what they were seeing. Certainly, in the second half of our week, it was much more relaxed and there was a more jovial atmosphere - more like what I have experienced before. I don't know what could be done to address this - it's not difficult to find out what the park is like beforehand, and you give us a fairly in-depth explanation of what to expect. Simon always tries to be a friendly and relaxed guide/host, and I can't fault him in this regard. I hope that everyone enjoyed their safari with you, but if they didn't, it won't have been through any lack of effort on Simon or John's parts.

And ultimately, you can't guarantee anything on a game drive. On our first morning, all the guides were remarking how quiet it was, yet on the second morning, there were lots of sightings from exactly where we had been the day before. But we still saw some amazing sights - even in the first couple of days we saw Lion, Rhino, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, Hippo, Crocodile, as well as plenty of the more common animals and plenty of birds. In the second half, we had more amazing sightings, adding more lions, and cheetahs to our sightings and some good animals on the night drive. The boys enjoyed the more relaxed atmosphere (and the extra space) in the second half too.

This safari was all-round excellent and it has left me looking forward to the possibility of returning. I enjoyed breakfast with Simon on the last morning - I always enjoy South African muesli, and I also enjoy Simon's cooked meals, whether in the evening, or in the morning - his egg concoctions are truly amazing.

Madi, you were right. The Kruger in Jan/Feb is quite different to October, much more lush and green, and while some of the sightings prove trickier because of the extra growth of leaves etc, the abundance of wildlife is truly rewarding. This safari will live long in my memory and I thank you, Simon and all the team for making it what it was. Many, many thanks.