Our Previous Guests
(L/ R) Brent Reed, Jeremy Clarkson, James May, Grant Reed, Richard Hammond
We've had some interesting folks travelling with Letaka Safaris but what we pride ourselves on is the number of guests who return to us time after time. This page lists some comments from guests who have given us permission to use their names and comments on our website. We have also listed links to various sites with articles or trip reports about Letaka Safaris. If you would like personal references you can e-mail us for contact details of people who have been on some of our birding trips. We know we deliver an outstanding service and great value for money! Our record holding return guest is Julia Irving who has done 14 trips with Letaka and continues to return year after year.
Site Links
These are links to third-party sites, some of these are sites belonging to people that have travelled with us whilst others are online articles or profiles of our guides held by other companies or travel agencies.
Vancouver Sun Article on Letaka Safaris (Elaine Yong) - view article
Aardvark Safaris (Top Ten Guides) - view site
Outside Online (Guide Review) - view site
Bob Lewis (April 2008) - view site
Ornitholidays (July 2006) - view site
Telegraph Ariticle (Brian Jackman) - view site
Rich Kuehn & Dean Schuler (2006/7) - view site
Cheesemans Profile on Grant Reed - view site
Comments from Feedback Forms
Guest: Penelope Bowend
Safari: Cheeseman
Guide: Joe Ramsden
Safari Date: March 2011
I have just returned from the three week "Cheeseman" trip in Botswana and I just want to let you know what a wonderful trip it was. Joe Ramsden is absolutely one of the best guides I have ever traveled with. His skills as a guide of natural and a leader of a mixed group such as ours are superb. He must have been born with this gift as I don't think it can be taught. He was helpful to us as a group and as individuals. He never forgot a request - if Joe said he was going to do something you could know he would. His knowledge of wildlife - both the birds and the mammals were amazing and the tale he could tell from the tracks was almost unbelievable. He would follow the tracks and then tell us what was happening - so we'd stop and look at nothing and then all of a sudden there was the mammal he said would appear. He was absolutely wonderful in all ways. Also the camp staff was equally outstanding. Kaiser, Pula, and Life worked so hard to make us comfortable and were always cheerful and fun no matter how hard they worked. They would remember what we liked and were so helpful with everything. And of course the food was outstanding - it was hard to believe it was all cooked over the open fire.
Also I appreciated the good support and help you at the office gave us - from driving out to replace the refrigerator to getting us the room when it was getting too late to set up camp to getting us into the wonderful Nata Sanctuary. I could go on but I think you get the idea. It was a grand trip and I would travel with your company and with Joe again if the opportunity arrived and I certainly would recommend your company to anyone.
Thank you
Penelope Bowen
Guest: Stephen Dean & Louise Baker
Safari: Private
Guide: Grant Reed
Safari Date: June 2008
“Grant’s combination of scientific and academic understanding and field craft, coupled with his enthusiasm and willingness to share information is, in my experience, without equal….the camp was very well run and the staff were very polite and helpful and the meals were fantastic! The pace of this safari has been just right and, in comparison to others we have experienced”
Agent: Kate Pirie - African & Indian Explorations
Guest: John Franklin
Guide: Brent Reed
Safari Date: March 2009
Just to let you know that we had a phone call from Mr Franklin this morning regarding his birding safari with you this month. Well what can I say? He just raved about you guys! He said that this was by far the best holiday he has ever had in Africa. Which is amazing praise indeed bearing in mind he has been to Africa over 20 times. He said Brent was the most phenomenal guide and that Letaka has given them all some unforgettable sights and experiences!
Guest: Jacqueline & David Smith
Safari: Northern Explorer
Guide: Kurt McKenzie
Safari Date: May 2009
“It is clear that a lot of thought has gone into the systems used to facilitate this trip. The attention to details is much appreciated; flowers on the table each night, clean tents and vehicle – the list is extensive”…….”Kurt’s knowledge and ability to tailor the narrative to the situation was without fault.”
Guest: Raewyn Jones
Safari: Northern Explorer
Guide: Joe Ramsden
Safari Date: May 2009
“The variety of countryside, the variety of animals and plants, the beauty of it all. Totally enhanced by the comfort of the trip and camping. Joe was fabulous not only for his knowledge, but also for his company and sense of humour.”
Guest: Mike Lewis
Safari: Livingstone Birding Trail
Guide: Brent Reed
Safari Date: March 2009
“Expertly organized, wonderfully friendly staff and every comfort in camp”…..”for the rest of my life I will carry with me the thrill of laying in my bed in camp with the lions roaring close by after a great day's birding.”
Guest: Stephanie Jones
Safari: Northern Explorer
Guide: Joe Ramsden
Safari Date: May 2009
“The mobile tented safari was a fantastic experience, bringing us so close to the natural rhythms of life and nature in this region. The level of comfort was excellent without losing the feeling of camping. The meals and drinks were beyond expectation served with sophistication that was much appreciated after a day’s drive.”
Guest: Kate Boydell
Safari: Northern Highlights
Guide: Brent Reed
Safari Date: September 2007
“….the entire experience – itinerary, staff, food, company as well as of course the amazing diversity of flora and fauna – vastly exceeded expectations and my expectations were pretty high. The most stand out thing about the trip was the guiding, The combo of humour, organization and sheer encyclopedic knowledge. We could have seen the exact same list of animal and bird life with someone else and got much less from it.”
Guest: Jeanie Money
Safari: Northern Highlights
Guide: Brent Reed
Safari Date: June 2009
“I appreciated the quality of the vehicle and the attention to detail in camp and I thought the support team did a great job with no fuss. Brent is an excellent guide, extremely knowledgeable and very keen to share his encyclopaedic knowledge”
Guest: Arthur Voelcker
Safari: Northern Highlights
Guide: Grant Reed
Safari Date: August 2008
“the quality of service from the team was great – very helpful and kind which made the trip very easy going and fun”…….”The camping was fantastic and I am glad that we spent the majority of time in Moremi, Khwai and Savuti as these were less populated that Chobe.”
