Well, where to start?! This has literally been the trip of a lifetime for us and far exceeded our already high expectations!

Firstly, we had no idea that we’d see so much wildlife at such close range. I foolishly thought the mandatory binoculars were to make the animals appear closer. We were within 2/3 metres of lions, elephants and leopards and not much further to cheetahs, zebras, buffalos, various antelopes, wild dogs and almost every other African animal, rhino excluded, (unfortunately).

Highlights? Clinton himself was a highlight. He was our first guide and we nicknamed him Rambo! The standard he set was unsurpassed and we hope Hayley forgives him the damage to his near-new vehicle as we followed a leopard through dense mopane scrubland. The footage I filmed of the leopard emerging from under our vehicle to stalk a guinea fowl is National Geographic standard.

A second amazing experience with Clinton was following African wild dogs. At Moremi we came across a single dog covered in blood, followed him back to his pack and then we chased the pack (about 18 from memory) back to the kill site where there was an unbelievable feeding frenzy with mere ribs of an impala remaining at the end.

Another highlight was following a cheetah and her two very young cubs for over an hour as she searched for food at Shinde. The interactions between the three cheetahs were fascinating and we were thrilled to watch her stalk and chase three reed bucks, unfortunately (or otherwise) missing all three.

At Somalisa we searched and found the same two male lions on two different days with two different kills – firstly a waterbuck, only about a hundred metres from camp, and secondly an ostrich. These male lions are truly impressive beasts.

I could go on, and on! The guides were all extremely knowledgable, good fun and patient as we tried for the perfect camera shot. The accommodation you organised for us and the service was first class. Shinde was easily the best and their staff top notch but mobile tenting was an awesome experience. We’re so glad you persuaded us to face our fears and include this.

Lastly, our special thanks to you, Claire, for arranging all this for us. Everything went seamlessly. Another guide with guests on the Chobe houseboat questioned our movements on departure and we just shrugged and assured him that, although we didn’t know who, someone would be there to meet us. Sure enough, there was a vehicle waiting. You have a well-oiled machine and highly recommend you and African Safaris to any prospective clients.