We at Cape Diversity have received many guest comments throughout our years of service. Here are just some of the positive feedback and guest comments we received:
Hi Fiona,
How can I say “thank you” enough? Our 3 weeks in Africa was absolutely amazing because of you and the whole Cape Diversity Tours Team. From the expert and professional tour organization to the personal tour of Cape Town…………..all was fantastic. Our entire family of 7 really had a good time.
We really enjoyed our time at Botswana in the Chobe Safari Lodge and later Moremi Crossing. I will always remember the elephants and hippos at both places. Then the two Kruger lodges…………Ngala and Exeter. How could we not love those? Such wonderful game drives and beautiful accomodations.
Finally, the icing on the cake was the best personal tour guide in the world, Willie. He made Cape Town come alive for us………..wine country, city tour, table mountain………..I just can’t say enough good things about the personal touch by Willie. There was absolutely nothing he could not answer and no request he could not fill.
Please feel free to use me as a personal reference for anyone using your services. We are already talking about our “next trip to Africa”.
Hope to see you soon.
Sherry Potter, USA, 30 May 2013
Cape Diversity – Our first trip to Africa has been an amazing experience! Fiona’s planning, your exemplory tour guiding and insight to Cape Town (and beyond!) have contributed immensely to our Great African Experience. We thourougly enjoyed everything about the trip and our time here in South Africa! We certainly enjoyed getting to know you and your family – it was such a delight! Rest assured on our return trip to Africa we will be in touch. We also hope to see you all in Florida soon! Warmest Regards, Karen, Allen and Camilla, USA, May 2013
Hi Fiona,
Ourlast week in Jo’burg has began and now I would like to thank you very much for the arrangements you did for us in Cape Town. Everything has been perfect und I am very much looking forward to work together with you again. Thank you once more and have a nice Sunday.
Erich
Eric Rothaug – Germany, 11 November 2012HI FIONA,
IT WAS GREAT TO FINALLY MEET YOU IN CAPETOWN. WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR ALL THE ARRANGEMENTS MADE. WE HAD A GREAT VACATION AND THANKS TO SUE MELCK, ENJOYED EVERY HOUR. SHE REALLY WENT OUT OF HER WAY TO MEET OUR EVERY NEED. CAPE TOWN AND WHATEVER ELSE WE SAW OF SOUTH AFRICA WILL REMAIN IN OUR MEMORIES FOREVER. YOU SURE LIVE IN A WONDERFUL AREA OF THE WORLD. THANK YOU FOR ALL THE ATTENTION AND THOUGHTFULNESS YOU SHOWERED ON US. WE JUST LOVED THE FRESNAYE AND THE HOSPITALITY. WE HAVE LEARNED FROM OUR PAST EXPERIENCES THAT THE STAFF OF ANY HOTEL, REFLECT THE ATTITUDE OF THE OWNER AND IF THE OWNER WANTS THEM TO BE WONDERFUL TO THE GUESTS, ONLY THEN WILL ALL BE SO GREAT !! THANK YOU ALL FOR A WONDERFUL, UNFORGETTABLE HOLIDAY. CAPE TOWN HAS BEEN ONE OF THE NICEST PLACES WE HAVE VISITED AND WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER IT AND ALL OF YOU. FOND REGARDS FROM VERA AND BEHRAM DADACHANJI
Vera, & Behram Dadachanji – India, 28 Feb 2012Dear Fiona.
Happy new year.
We are now well back in Norway after an unforgettable vacation in South Africa.
Everything was well organized by you!
The transportation by Eastgate was very good.
Arathusa was a fantastic lodge! The athmosphere there was very good and the staff was very kind. The game drives were spectacular and we had a very good ranger and tracker. The food was excellent and the location near by the waterhole was exciting.
Elephant Plains was also very good. It was different from Arathusa and also there the staff, food and game drives were excellent.
We have seen all the big five and we also saw african wild dogs and cheetas. Top value! The way the rangers did the game drives was out of our exspectations…. very good.
An African Villa was absolute excellent!!!!! The owners made it a good place to stay. This place can be recommended to everyone!
Unfortunately Jens got an appendicitis when we were in Cape Town. He was operated at Christian Barnard Memorial Hospital and they were very professional. He got an excellent treatment and the insurance company functioned well.
We are grateful for your planning of our vacation. Thank you.
We will recommend you as vaction planner to our friends in Norway and Denmark. This morning we have minus 10 degrees and beautiful sun. Strange to know that it is the same sun that warmed and sunburned us in South Africa. Best regards
Jens, Lars, Kirsten and Pal – Norway, 12 January 2013Greetings, Fiona! I thought of you every day while we were in South Africa!
We’re home, but our hearts are still in your country. To say our vacation was perfect is an understatement: it was a dream trip. Our three days in Cape Town were rushed, but it was really enough. Your dad is a peach and I so loved his tour for us. Sadly, we weren’t able to go to the top of Table Mountain on our scheduled day due to closure for maintenance. We were able to go to the landing area on the red bus though, so we had a great view from there. We picked up our rental car and drove to Hermanus for the next 5 days. I loved our hotel (Auberge Burgundy), they were very kind to us. And…. we have a new favorite restaurant. It’s the Fisherman’s Cottage, sort of behind the Burgundy. Fabulous food and wine, just a tiny little place. I’ve already reviewed it on Tripadvisor. Matt and I went on a boat to see the great white sharks here, and we both loved it. They were huge and ugly, but I would have been very mad at myself had I not gone out to see them. Well worth doing. I so loved Franschhoek – and next time, it will be for a longer period here. I hope you recommend Klein Oliphanthoek to all your patrons, it was that perfect. It was great fun walking to town, but we were all so content to sit on the porch and enjoy the lavender garden. Loved, loved, loved it here. Linda and Renata are my new best friends. And then there’s Elephant Plains. Holy cow…..was that ever great, Fiona. We had the Elephant Suite, which I’m sure, offered the very best game viewing from our deck. We saw a parade of elephants, Nyala, impalas, and Vervet monkeys on a daily basis. I would have loved an extra day or two here, but we made the best use of the time we did have. We saw the Big 5 a few times, and in addition to that, giraffe, hippos, thousands of zebra and more impalas. Everyone here was extraordinarily kind, most especially Janine. This is another place I hope you recommend to your customers….it was great for first timers like us. All in all, our trip went off without a hitch, and I am in your debt, Fiona. Thank you, thank you for putting up with me. You gave my mother-in-law the trip of a lifetime, one she’ll never, ever forget. I’m happy we were able to do that for her. Fondly,
Holly Dotson – USA, 20 Feb 2012Fiona – I can’t thank you enough for the most wonderful trip of a lifeime! Everything went so smoothly, our accommodations were terific and the time spent in each place was just perfect.The transfers went like clockwork-what an undertaking. I am so thankful I chose you, I would never have been able to put this all together. One more piece of luck- We sayed in Moremi Crossing one night and because a big group cancelled, they moved up to Gunn’s camp (Okavango Delta) for the next 2 nights so we wouldn’t be alone. The rooms were much nicer and the ambiance of a smaller camp was superb. We had our own guide for the whole time and didn’t ned to share, we felt like royalty. The other nice surprise was that Illala Vic Falls was full board and 5 activities which was perfect. As you can see, I can’t say enought. If you’d like me to post somewhere to commend your work please let me know. Again-thank you, thank you. Have a Happy new Year as well.
Helen Lewis – USA, 28 Dec 2011Hi Fiona –
Just wanted to say that we had the most amazing trip! We’re now at a stop over in London before we head to San Francisco.
The best part of the trip was by far the 10 day mobile safari to Botswana with Penduka. We ended up with the owner, Willem, as our host and he was amazing. Great stories, great host, great guide – and we had a great group so everyone got along well. We’re actually now reading a book published about Willem’s grandfather. It’s called The Ivory Trail. We just loved riding on top of their vehicle, which we named the Shrekster. One of the best days in my entire life was when we say cheetahs chasing impalas for breakfast (they did not do the kill – it was very half hearted), hippos, giraffass, lions eating a giraffe kills, wild dogs, buffalos, elephants and nearly every time of antelope (kudus, impalas, elands, etc). Arathusa lodge was good – we saw lions attack a mother leopard and her two cubs and fortunately, they escaped. That was a moment. Everything went off well and as scheduled. Thank you again for your help. We regret that we did not get to see Capetown – it looked so beautiful flying in yesterday. An excuse to come back. Willem spoke very highly of Cape Diversity, by the way. Best, Paul Paul Foster – USA, 12 Sep 2011Hi Fiona, Thank you so much for your email – so great to hear from you. The trip was fantastic, but most importantly, Madikwe was the absolute highlight!! I was looking forward to it and it absolutely did not disappoint, in fact the actual lodge itself and the game drives too absolutely exceeded my expectations. It was spectacular. The lodges are divine, beautifuly set and just lovely really, you couldn’t wish for any thing more. The service was spectacular, again, you couldn’t wish for anything more. Actually my husband Dave said it really well when talking about the staff there, he said “you couldn’t wish for anything because they’d thought of it all before you could even think of it yourself”. It really was first class, from the second you get up in the morning, to your escort to your room in the evening. The game drives were brilliant, we saw everything from leopards in trees, to lionesses with a kill for their 8 babies to eat (amazing!!) to a baby rhino, and everything in between. Being an Aussie girl and only having exposure to animals in zoos before this took things to a whole new level – I can never go to a zoo again!! Loved every second of it! The transfer was excellent too – thank you so much for organising that. I really appreciate you and your teams help in accomodating us, particularly with all the backwards and forwards in the lead up to it, we really do appreciate your guidance and patience, your recommendations were spot on! Thank you so much again – have a great day, Stefani.
Stefani Chinn – USA, 20 May 2011Dearest Willie, You have been an amazing guide, above and beyond expectations. So much detailed information. You are like Wikepedia – just tune in and be online human style. Can’t thank you enough for making all our friends so welcome. You have given us a lifetime of memories. Until next time, Much love, Merran & Duncan – Australia, April 2010
Dear Willie, In all my travels I have never experienced someone as knowledgable and genuinely friendly as you have been. I should have said ‘we’ as Annie is in agreement. You are a credit to your profession and to South Africa. We will remember you with fondness for always.
Ross & Annie McDonald – Australia, April 2010Hi All! How wonderful to hear from you! We traveled home well – no problems whatsoever. Airline connections, customs, and baggage claims were without any hiccups. That alone was an unusual success – plus no one sick, no one injured, no one lost, no one complainitive nor ornery….all icing on the cake! Now we are each trying to readjust to time change, ease back into work life (some with a thud!) We experienced an exceptional trip. As you may have heard, the group members really engaged in learning, asking deep questions, and critical thinking as we sought to “compare and contrast” social, natural, bio and historical diversity. Willie’s ability to respond and expand the directions of thought and stay relative to what we were seeing and doing was the key to such success. Our meals and accommodation far exceeded everyone’s expectations. We have formed new friendships and life changing perspectives. It was exciting to observe the “transformational process” in my colleagues and family guests as they traversed this cumulative experience. I have almost continual flashes of persons we met along the way that invited us, however briefly, into their lives, communities, homes, or places of work. I woke up this morning with thoughts of the flitting sugar birds on the brush in the Cape of Good Hope Reserve…. Warm greetings! Pat
Pat Dignum – USA, Oct 2010Willie, Wow! What a fabulous honeymoon we have had thanks to you! You are quite the walking history book and we thoroughly enjoyed soaking up all of your shared knowledge 🙂 You are incredible! La Petite Ferme was out of this world! If I can get my parents here I will put them up in those cottages for an evening or two. Willie we just adore you. You remind us very much of each of our own wonderful fathers. We will be forever blessed to have shared this glorious time with you! Thank you Thank you! Much love
Jillian & Jared Savage – USA, Sep 2009Thank you so much for the fabulous experience in Cape Town! You exceded our expectations and made our trip a memorable one. we loved the experience at the Cape of Good Hope and at the winery. Amazing views and wonderful wine. We will never forget our lunch with the whales. Wow! Truly amazing! You took care of us from the beginning to the end and filled us with so much knowledge. Thank you. We appreciate it. We will tell all our friends about Cape Town and South Africa and we will definately recommend your services! Thanks again! You are the best! Go Pinotage! 🙂 Kevin & Jamie Stack – Sep 2009
Perfect! A wonderful 14 Day holiday! Cape Diversity Tours – Our Guardian Angels in South Africa. Jim & Karen May – October 2008 Willy – I will forever be grateful to you for providing an amazing once in a lifetime experience. I will remember each and every moment for the rest of my life. I will carry South Africa in my heart forever. Thank you for all your hard work and your beautiful energy. Thank you for being so sweet to me even though I was always 10 minutes late. I look forward to the time we will all be together again. You and Margie are a wonderful team. Be Well. Brittany – USA, July 2008
Thanks so much for the wonderful time you’ve shown us in Cape Town. Every day. From the tour around the Cape to the Green Market, was a fantastic experience. You are without a doubt the most knowledgable and amiable guide we’ve ever had – and we’ve taken many tours before this. Our visit to Africa was made most memorable by our time spent with you. Thank you.
Diana & Emily Guerin – Israel, 04 July 2007Thanks for your beautiful city and your complex country. I especially appreciated that you did not shy away from discussing with us the ‘difficult’ aspect of your country’s recent history.
Charlie Mclean – USA, Sep 2006Thanks again for all your experience, of your beloved “Cape Town”. Much fun, food, wine and more fun.
Merle Anne – USA, Sep 2006Dear Cape Diversity Tours, How can anyone ever thank you enough for our holiday with you. You have gone out of your way and have considered every possibility to make this tour a most memorable experience. You have amazed us. Every day has been wonderfully full of scientific, historical, botanical, cultural and spiritual information…it’s endlessly thrilling.
Barbara & Chris – Canada, 09 April 2005Dear Willie, Do not go to Bethel. See the Movie Sideways! and do not drink Merlot 🙂 Thank you for our Surfing Safari! We love Africa!
Kelly, Sherron, Zach and Jan – Alaska, 27 July 2005Dear Willie, We thank you so much for taking such good care of us and bringing alive the history and natural wonders of your most beautiful country.
Warmly, Susan & Malcolm – USA, 05 June 2004We have thoroughly enjoyed our ten days with you. There was no subject about which you were not knowledgable and your enthusiasm for the country and the people is contagious. We hope this is the beginning of a long term friendship.
Barbara & Hal Kopman – USA, 02 May 2004You planned a beautiful trip. Your recollection of the local history was incredible. Your choices on restaurants – oh yum. Cape of Good Hope was so beautiful. Thank you again for your planning and guiding.
Keith & Cindy – Canada, 01 May 2003
Thank you for being so attentive and knowledgable of the area and we very much enjoyed lunch at the Black Marlin, seeing the penguins and Cape of Good Hope. We enjoyed the wine tour and just seeing so many different areas. Thank you too for stopping at different areas for shopping and your nice suggestions of places that we were able to check out on our own. You truly made our trip to Cape Town enjoyable and we would love to come back again to visit!
Dave & Linda – USA, 08 July 2003
Thank you for your thoughtful attention throughout our week in this area, we have been struck by your broad and deep knowledge of everything from flora and fauna to pre-historic Africa and contemporary issues. We wish you the best and look forward to our next visit to your beautiful country. We hope you enjoy this book, although the chapter on Africa probably won’t be anything you couldn’t have written yourself!Joyce & Meg – USA, 28 Feb 2002
Thanks for a most wonderful and memorable tour of the Cape, Cape Town and the Wine country. I cannot remember when I have had so much fun and have seen so many beautiful things! Willie, you are an amazing man and an excellent tour guide! Your knowledge of history and politics should be a real selling point and a reason why people should want to come to Cape Town and tour with you.
John Coulter – USA, 29 June 2002
Thank you so much, we had such a nice and memorable time and have learned so much about South Africa and Cape Town on your touring. For sure, we will recommend Cape Diversity Tours to other tourists here! Come and visit us when you are in the States.
Willie & Alice Apostol – USA, 09 July 2002