So far from the wild nature that we had expected. We were very fortunate to be encouraged by a friend to book a trip to safari in Botswana with Capture Africa.

We knew that the glowing way the holiday had been described could not be true, we were right it was very much better. We or at least my wife was rather concerned about tenting, having never camped, whilst the tents were small they were perfect, very comfortable and everything that was needed, particularly as little time is spent in them other than sleeping and the very comfortable beds and mattresses made sure you slept. The food and the presentation of it, was out of this world and all the party enjoyed watching it being cooked on open fires, even many different breads, biscuits and cakes.

The Gibson's knowledge of the history, wildlife and even the stars could not be beaten, all shown and explained with the greatest enthusiasm. Both their game finding and spotting skills were exceptional. Botswana must be “the” place to go on safari with such a variety of desert and water animals and birds. The country is very under populated and the game parks are very controlled regarding the numbers of people in the park at one time.

We have now been on safari with Capture Africa several times and other than in towns or at the gates to the parks have hardly seen anyone during our whole trips. The real joy of a trip with the Gibsons is that you can plan the whole trip as you wish, be your interest, birds, animals, water or desert. Just tell them what you want and they will do the rest.

I cannot recommend them highly enough. My only concern is that they really should remain a well kept secret.

- Nick & Judith Pitts

These are both common birds in Botswana, but Brian enjoyed them and our enthusiasm with us as if he had seen them for the first time too. This sums up “Capture Africa” . This is no “Big Five” chasing, been there got the T shirt outfit. Brian & Hildrene will always stop when asked. It may be to watch a party of Elephant walking down to a waterhole, a family of Lions waking in the dawn light, or another elegant Impala or Kudu, which you may have seen a dozen times that day already. They would never be too uninterested to stop for a chameleon or mantis on a trackside branch or to identify a bird, tree or bush.

Their enthusiasm is endless and their knowledge is genuine. They looked after us so well both on Game Drives and in Camp. The conversation around the campfire was as entertaining and memorable as the wildlife and country we saw by day. It was wonderful to sit under the star strewn African night sky writing up ones notes of the day, drinking a cold beer with the hypnotic musical calls of hundreds of tiny bell frogs and the quiet call of an African Scops Owl in the tree above us, and be amazed at the dinner prepared for us including fresh bread cooked on an open camp fire!

I brought so many memories home I couldn't list them all. Fantastic views of a beautiful chestnut, ink-eyed Pel's Fishing Owl peering from a huge forest tree, days on the river not knowing which bird to look at first, the Pied Kingfishers or the African Fish Eagle that took a fish from right by our boat, the morning we found the lions with a zebra kill, the elephant crossing the river or just standing in a wood smoke scented camp at dawn listening to the African bush wake for another thrilling day……….and I haven't even mentioned the Leopard.

- Ashley Boon

Brian, we were so impressed by your knowledge of the animals and birdlife, as well as their tracks and droppings, and indeed also the flora and fauna. Nothing seemed to be too much trouble to ensure that our needs were looked after, and our fears (nocturnal) were reassured!! And it was all done with much good humour and laughter.

As novice birdwatchers we feel we have learnt an awful lot from you and Ashley-and I must add you were both very patient when repeatedly being asked to identify the same bird or animal.

The attention to detail in your organization was fantastic. The welcoming song by the staff on our arrival at the first camp ,the flying in of emergency supplies of red wine , the tablecloth for the sundowners on the back of the truck, the table decorations and the candlelit final dinner are just a few of the many memories which come to mind.

We will definitely return.

Thanks to you both again.

- Martin & Judith

Brian, we were really impressed with your knowledge, expertise, attention to detail, staff, facilities, and above all your enthusiasm and great sense of humour. The itinerary was perfect, the camp sites were spectacular, and you arranged a different and slightly more unbelievable sighting each day, and then capped by that very atmospheric candle lit outdoor dinner and wonderful singing. You cared for all our needs, worried about presentation (Hildrene’s influence I am told!), anticipated any possible problems (even to the extent of flying in reserve red wine!), and we really enjoyed the whole experience, and thank you profoundly and sincerely.

We would also like to thank JC, Greg, and Bart for their big contributions too. Ashley was a great compliment to your skills and helped enormously in the banter of the group, and it was lovely to meet Martin, Judith, David & Janet - so pleased they allowed us to come along. We have no idea how to thank you adequately, but hope that this letter conveys how much we enjoyed. We shall be back!!!).

Many many thanks, and hope to see you again soon,

- Ross & Carol

The House Boat and Tiger fishing were superb, providing not only some of the best fishing I have ever done but also something truly unique in the form of the house boat itself. You could spend a week on that alone fishing, watching wildlife and having some fantastic fun on the boat. I couldn’t get over the cooking that Greg and Billy produced. Greg seemed like a very likeable Guy and he sure could fish.

The Safari was an experience like no other. I have so many fond memories of the few days that we all spent together on Safari. So much happened in such a short space of time. Let alone from the amazing viewings of Leapord, Lion and everything else we saw, the camping was spectatacular. It is an amazing achievement and an accolade to both of you and your team that you can produce such a terrifically high level of service in the complete wilderness.

One of the biggest accolades I can pay to you both is that throughout the trip the thing I remember the most is everyone’s laughter and smiling faces, a sure sign that everyone was having the time of their lives.

Make sure that when you come over to the UK you get in touch. It would be great to meet up and have the opportunity to extend the hospitality over here, that you showed us in Botswana.

I hope you have a chance to wind down now that the season has ended and that you take a holiday. Once again many thanks for a superb stay, I was most impressed.

- Peter

After Khwai we went to a private camp and from there onto Cape Town but it was the experience in the bush with Brian that is resonating with us. Yours was the most “authentic” experience and we feel blessed that we had the opportunity. Our son Logan (15) has been quoting Brian and I think you're his new idol! Thank you for taking him under your wing and including him.

We arrived back in Hawaii feeling very moved by all we witnessed. Know that Brian and his team far exceeded our expectations (from watching the lionesses stalk the buffalo calf and seeing them in a food coma the next day, to seeing the two lions marking their territory only to finding the 3rd male subsequently wounded, it was all wonderful...Logan was most impressed with his tree rat visitors!

We're already talking about a 2nd trip, only this time we'd spend the bulk of our time in the bush. Where would you recommend as our next stop with Capture Africa??? Thank you so much.

Warm Regards,

- Doreen Trudeau Anderson

We really appreciated the variety of experiences Capture Africa offered, from numerous daytime game drives to night drives and walks where possible. It was hard to keep track of all the different types of animals and birds we saw.

We felt very lucky to have Brian as our guide, as his extensive knowledge and great enthusiasm (not to mention his patience with Kendall-the-photographer’s many requests to stop) immeasurably enhanced our safari. We especially loved our two campsites; they were so peaceful and beautiful, they truly set the stage for spectacular wildlife viewing right from our tents!

We wish you and your staff the best, and hope to see all of you again soon.

Sincerely

- Dianne Kueck & Kendall Gelner