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Ant and Rawana,

"The Adams Family has made it back to the States.... lots of fabulous memories and hopes of getting back to Africa soon! You two are the continent's finest hosts and we can't wait to have you as our guests in our part of the world... "

"..It was so wonderful to spend with time with you both and want to thank you again for such an AMAZING experience in the African bush... as I had dreamed, you helped us create incredible memories that our children will share for generations! ... the two of you are absolutely ADORABLE... but more importantly you are FUN and filled with JOY... what terrific qualities..."

Have a fantastic 2011 and please keep in touch!

Warmest regards- John, Scott, Palmer, Richard, Alexandra and Collins, Tucker and Andy!

John and Scott Adams and family , USA.
December -January 2010/2011

 

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Hi Ant and Rawana

I hope this email finds you fit and well - we certainly are. Having spent four weeks travelling through Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa, I must say that everything went exceptionally well on the trip and everything and I mean everything went exactly to schedule - unbelievable when we had heard all about African time.

You have a beautiful spot in Gonarezhou and your camp was very comfortable and beautifully situated - you won't get much passing traffic dropping in for a chat! The game was initially a little scarce but this improved as the days progressed - every day is so different as you well know.  As you also well know a big factor with viewing game and especially the cat family is the ability to be able to travel off the tracks and follow their spoor etc which became quite evident when talking to other people on safari who were never able to get near the game - this especially applies in Gonarezhou where the wildlife is very unused to traffic and much wilder than many other locations.  Your walking treks obviously overcome this aspect which is the area, I believe with your skills and energy and Rawana's support, you wish to develop - I must say we all thoroughly enjoyed our walks and this concept.

I cannot thank you and Rawana enough for your excellent organisation on our behalf and really everything ran like clockwork - and this is apart from the wonderful time we all had which I'm sure we will remember for a very long time.

If I can be of any assistance for references and any other info for any likely customers from this part of the globe I would only be too happy to oblige. They may contact me direct if you wish.

I hope we will keep in contact in the future and we will be most interested to hear what path and progress your business is taking.  Needless to say if you are ever contemplating a trip to this neck of the woods, be sure to get in contact

Again many thanks from us all.

Andrew Duncan, Melbourne, Australia
September 2010

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Now we are unfortunately back in the ‘real’ world I thought it was time to send a note to you and Rawana to thank you for the most fantastic time we had in Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The itinerary was excellent and we really enjoyed relaxing at Indigo Bay at the end. You were the perfect hosts and undoubtedly the best experience was at your camp with excellent guiding and entertainment from you and Rob combined with Rawana’s superb cooking!

Once again very many thanks..

Dave, Frances and Jamie Finlayson, U.K.
August 2010

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Thank you for such a wonderful trip.  We loved your camp at Gonarezhou - the walks, the fishing, sitting by the camp fire in the evening looking at the stars.  Pamushana scored a real hit with the kids who obviously appreciate a bit of luxury! I know Martin was thrilled to play Leopard Rock and will probably be already boasting about this to his golfing friends. Just trying to adjust to life back at home, and missing the bush, and the tranquility of Rob and Jos'
 camp at Gorongosa...

You took very good care of us and I don't think you could have taught us more about how animals and plants survive together in those wild beautiful places.  Your enthusiasm and knowledge will be the things we will remember most.

Hope you are enjoying a few days break and that your next trip goes well.  It was lovely to spend time with you both, and thank you again, we had a great time.

Martin, Judith, Abigail, Caroline, George and Charlie St.Quinton; U.K.
August 2010

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There is nothing more satisfying than to escape the daily routine and witness the pure joy and genuine love in your family as they experience something new and enjoy the time together.  It’s something that you work for and dream of and every now and then; you feel blessed when you have that perfect moment.  It seems like it all comes together and all of your work and effort seems to be worthwhile.  That “perfect moment” usually comes in an instant – a snapshot of time if you will and I am happy each and every time it happens.  Just imagine how one would feel when that “perfect moment” is sustained joy and happiness for two straight weeks.  Most would say that’s impossible – but they haven’t experienced an adventure with Private Guided Safaris.

I must admit that when Anne suggested the safari in Africa I was totally against it. I thought there were so many other adventures that our family could take that would involve less planning and “no stress”.  I was wrong.  The real value of working with you and your company was that you took care of the planning and logistical details so that I could relax and truly enjoy the experience.  More importantly, you developed the itinerary that was perfect for our family – it had the right mix of safari experiences. We saw the bush country from the most rustic to the most regal of venues.  You put us in a position to not only observe wildlife but to understand its habitat and the impact of human interaction in some of the most remote areas in the world.  We all learned so much from you and Rawana. 

For most of my life, I have enjoyed the outdoors and thought I knew how to appreciate the environment and all that was going on around me.  Little did I know how much I was missing.  You exposed us to a whole new dimension of “nature awareness” and I now have a greater respect for what is going on in “the bush” when I walk in the outdoors.

Your expertise in guiding us was complimented with the superb hospitality that Rawana offered in every bush camp.  You guys are the perfect team and provided an experience for our family that is unmatched in our 20 years of family adventure travel.  The staff and other amenities were superior.  Rawana has a unique ability to sense the energy and attitude of the group. Our meals and tented camp experience were amazing.  Each one off my children commented that this was not like any camping we’ve done before.  It was over the top in every respect. Every member of our family felt a personal connection to both you and Rawana and as a result, they feel as though you are part of our family.

Ant your knowledge of the area politics, the history, the flora, the fauna as well as tracking techniques and “bush” methods was incredible.  But nothing was more memorable than to hear you talk to the animals.  You have a complete repertoire of animal calls that can’t leave our memories.  We constantly try to replicate the sounds and can only laugh at our feeble attempts.  It doesn’t matter because we can enjoy the memories of you calling mongoose, wart hogs, lions, elephants and hyena so we could enjoy seeing the animals from a close distance.  We have a new perspective on the examination of “poop” and want you to know that we think of you every time we see a pile of scat.  Who would believe us??

You and Rawana have a special gift and we are thankful that we have had the opportunity to spend time with you both in the bush.  When we left you in the airport, you said: “tell your friends to come to Zimbabwe – it’s magical”.  That comment has stuck with us all and we believe that our time with you was magical.  In looking back on the trip, we were incredibly fortunate with so many unique animal sightings.  Lions in Gonarezhou, painted hunting dogs in Malilangwe, baboon spider, puff adder and more.  We feel as though we got more out of a two week trip in the bush than many people see in multiple safaris over a 10 year period.  This isn’t just luck – it’s the benefit of having a superb guide who really knows the bush!

Re-entry into the States was difficult.  We were all depressed about leaving you and Rawana and immediately began discussing the next trip – where we need to go and what new adventures you could find for us.  There is no way I could ever thank you enough for the joy that you brought to our family.  You promised a great trip but you delivered a memory that will last a lifetime.  Please know that not a day goes by where at least one of us has the brief day dream around our trip with Private Guided Safaris – that one moment that provides each of us some pleasure, joy and optimism for the coming of a new day.  It’s like a sundowner where we had the time to reflect on a day in the bush and watch those incredible African sunsets – the art of God --- perfection.

You have changed our lives for the better and we are all grateful.  You’ve opened our minds and our eyes to have a greater appreciation for all that nature has to offer.  You’ve taught us the importance of conservation.  And best of all, you’ve given us a new friendship that we will value forever.  We miss you and hope you will come visit us soon.  Our home is open to you at any time.  Please stay in touch and let us know of your adventures.  Zimbabwe is magical and so was our experience with you.

John Barry and Family, Charlotte, USA
July 2010

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Over more than 25 years I have visited the national parks of East and Southern Africa. But over all those years I never met  a person such as Anthony Kaschula, a superb organiser and  guide for our one week hiking safari in the Gonarezhou National Park of Zimbabwe. During our walks we had several close encounters with animals but Ant was always in control of the situation. Besides knowing all the animals and birds by name, and especially  being able to copy all their sounds and whistles, his knowledge about the trees and plants is even more astonishing. After a few days on our hiking tour we were taught so much about the bush live that we felt we could survive on our own.

Anton-Pieter Duffhuis, representative of the East African Wildlife Society, Switzerland,
May 2010

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If you're looking for the real deal, Rawana and Ant are the go-to guys! From knee deep barefooted swamp walks to a lovely sunset game drive. From digging out a three tonne Landcruiser shortly before dark, to enjoying an ice cold Zambezi while catching a Tigerfish.

The variety these two offer is as big and wild as it can possibly get - be impressed and shattered at the same moment as a pack of wild dogs makes a kill right in front of your eyes; get so close to elephants you've never heard your heart pound so loud; listen to Ant imitating animals; get quizzed on bushes and trees; or just sit by the camp fire and laugh your lungs out.

The passion for the bush and the kindness we experienced were overwhelming and made our trip to Zimbabwe unforgettable. We recommend Rawana and Ant to anybody looking for a fun and interesting holiday among friends while feeling safe with a pro guide who defends a tin pot with his life...Thanks again!

Ola Rampf and Greg Thoma, Germany
February 2010

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Anthony is one of the finest wilderness guides world wide.  He has planned
and led several trips for me over the past 10 years.  Most recently, he took
me and my wife on a magical trip through the Zimbabwe low veld (including
Gonarezhou and the Save Valley Conservancy) through the Eastern Highlands of
Zimbabwe, and into Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique.  The experience
exceeded expectations.  We learned so much about the bush and the countries
we visited from Ant.  Traveling with him is like having a private zoologist
and adventure guide in one.  I would go anywhere with Ant and trust him
completely. 

Charles Hanemann, Miami, USA.
September 2009

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Anthony,
I just wrote you a great letter about how much we loved our trip with you and how much I have learned and how the experience has changed my thinking about several things, and I lost it. I don't think I can write it again. Nevertheless, I will be thinking about the trip in so many different ways I am sure for the rest of my life. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Betty (Elizabeth) Roberts, Washington DC
July 2009

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Ant,
I want to let you know how amazing our trip was. Friends keep asking me whether it was what I expected, but honestly, I had no idea what to expect. East Africa blew me away as being an utterly mysterious and magical place that I hope to visit again and again at different points in my life. On the way to the airport I cried because I was so sad for our trip to be over.

It was funny because after we said goodbye to you and arrived at the airport, my mom, Alex, and I were all like sheep without a shepherd! We didn't know what to do with ourselves without you and almost couldn't make it to the bathroom on our own. Somehow we managed to eventually get our bearings.

I've been making myself kinyeji tea in the mornings, which is a nice reminder of the trip and makes me feel like I'm incorporating a little bit of Africa into my everyday life...

...Lastly, I wanted to tell you how fun it was trekking with you the last day, exhausting as it was. The highlight was when you handed me the walking stick to climb the last monumentous stretch up to the lodge, at which point we were both hilariously giddy..."

I hope you're doing well and recovering from our company!

Elinor Roberts, New York City
July 2009

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On behalf of myself (Francis) and Alison & Bob and Joan, we would like to thank you for the four wonderful days you gave us at Sarara camp back in February. We are still talking about you finding the leopards and we will never forget your amazement at the warthogs eating the fresh elephant dung, or our amazement at you squeezing it to demonstrate its water content.

Francis and Alison Grouting, UK
March 2009

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Ant, Thanks for another great trip. Hard to believe we have done two within the last year. Your knowledge, passion and sense of adventure creates a unique experience. I look forward to many future trips as well as having you meet my sons.

Trey Cefalu, Atlanta, Georgia
March 2009

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I would recommend Anthony without any reservation to anyone looking to do safari in Africa. I did both some easy walks with the family in Kenya as well as the trip of a life time: eight days of walking safari in Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe. Anthony makes the difference. On the one hand he is an energetic and driven person who knows what he is doing, paying attention to detail. On the other he seems to know everything about insects, plants, trees and, of course, big game and knows how to tell it.    

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On a scale of 1 to 10 we would have to rate the trip a 40!  Without Ant it would have been a 9.  He met us at the airport and was with us throughout our entire two week trip.  His knowledge of all things "Kenyan" was astounding, and it was like having a college professor on our trip who could answer virtually any question thrown his way.  I couldn't imagine having a nicer, more polite, more attentive, and better informed guide than Ant.  We're already planning our next trip to Africa, and of course Ant will be leading the way.

Stephen Krupnick, Laguna Beach, CA
Marilyn Krupnick, Voorhees, NJ
October 2008

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We had such a wonderful time on our honeymoon - the itinerary was fantastic, but the company and the guiding were the best part.
Thank you so much Ant!  Rawana, thank you for all the logistics and for making the time to come visit us and see us off in Nairobi.
We are still on cloud 9 from the honeymoon and will not only make it back to Africa ourselves, but with the help of these pictures, we'll be sending more people your way!

Seth and Molly Hirschel, New York City
July 2008

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Dear Ant,
Here we are on the great Zambezi River, not rushing from dawn to dusk, - as we are on Ant’s time in Africa. Our story ends here, for now, but it has been a happy time for us.
You have created just the right atmosphere for the chapters in our safari, starting with the thundering opening at Victoria Falls and the most spectacular flight into Shumba. My feelings had been overwhelmed by the movement over the grass, the great wild space and the sense that there are still places left unspoliled.

The way you have been able to tell the story slowly and have animals and birds, people and camps, sundowners in the water and hot campfires unfold has made this place creep into us. …It will draw us back..

Harriet McFadden, German Town, Tennesse  
June 2008

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Anke, Gerhard, Sietske, Stijn and Dirk Moussalt, The Netherlands

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"Nancy and I both greatly enjoyed the trip to Kenya. Your organization skills were very apparent. It was tremendous that you were able to anticipate our every need, it allowed us to relax and enjoy our holiday."

Peter and Nancy Blethen

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"We cannot thank you enough for your wonderful hospitality and the care and attention with which you have looked after us. This has been a terrific and memorable stay and we have learnt so much about the abundant life here on our walks and rides. Thank you and keep the magic going - we'll be back"

Richard, Sarah-Jane, Jemima and Alex Shireff, UK

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References

"Anthony has proved that he is capable of outstanding effort – and ambition – I recommend him as a full license candidate and I firmly believe he will become an outstanding guide, and a tribute to our industry."

Ivan Carter, Professional Guide, Zimbabwe

"My association with Anthony Kaschula began over ten years ago when he was a learner guide in the Mana Pools National Park.

Even at that time, it struck me that here was a young man with great promise; someone who would go a long way in the world of professional guiding. I know Anthony to be enthusiastic, extremely knowledgeable, capable, organized and always well turned-out, which, in my book, is very important!

I consider him one of the top guides of his generation."

John Stevens, Professional Guide, Zimbabwe