Read what our some of our past clients have to say about their Wild and Exotic experiences:
AFRICA
Botswana - African Horseback Safaris: "I had the holiday of a lifetime with African Horseback Safaris. The, setting, the people, the animals and the landscape were superb - exactly what I wanted. I enjoyed every minute of it…..We saw elephant every day, zebra (we galloped side by side with them on one occasion), wildebeest, buffalo, giraffe, red letchwe, bushbuck and a just a glimpse of a cheetah, plus birds of every kind…..All your arrangements worked liked clockwork. Everyone was helpful and accommodating and I couldn't have asked for more. Thanks again." Mrs Albion May 2007
Botswana - African Horseback Safaris: "I did indeed have a wonderful time in Botswana. Although its a huge cliche, the only way I can describe it was 'life-changing'. I have heard other people use this phrase and always been very sceptical about how this could be, but now totally understand. Living in such busy, crowded lives as we do, I wondered how I would adjust to being totally cut off from the outside world. By the end of the week I was wondered how I was going to go back to the outside world. The facilities at the camp were faultless. Being a single girl, Pam kindly put me in the tent nearest to the centre of camp (I am assuming this is not a coincidence). Although I had to share on my first night, after that I was lucky enough to have the tent to myself for the rest of the week - although I may have preferred some company when I woke one night to see/hear the elephant outside my tent! Food was great, lots of nice fruit and vegetables - although it was so hot it was sometimes difficult to do justice through lack of appetite. And drinks were on hand at all times. As it is so hot out there at the moment, we were up at 5 and riding from 6 - 10. By 10.30am we were usually back at camp and I would have a vodka and tonic - well - I felt like I'd earned it!! The riding was sublime, even without the wildlife, it would have been fantastic - to be able to gallop without worrying about fences/walls/obstacles - just wide open space after wide open space." Karen Thorpe November 2005
Botswana - Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris: "It was absolutely great thank you!! Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris is a really well run company with a great team/guides, their horses were as well looked after as the guests. The itinerary was a varied and interesting one. The weather was nicely planned and the wild animals weren’t bad either!! Thanks for giving us a great time it was good VFM and the champagne and birthday cake were not forgotten!!" Helen Brand June 2007
Botswana - Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris: "Had a wonderful time, everything ran smoothly and to plan, marvellous experience! Riding was fantastic - actually rode with a herd of zebra and wildebeest - at quite a fast pace! Everybody, without exception, were very helpful and welcoming- highly organised - marvellous food considering the facilities.....Each day seemed to get better. Abundant varied game - every day". Tom McCafferty June 2007
Kenya - Offbeat flying safari: "Absolutely brilliant holiday. Laikipia is the best kept secret ever, saw Leopard, Wild Dog pack, Zorilla, Striped Hyena and a Cheetah hunt as well as a Spitting Cobra and 108 bird species. An outstanding holiday with lovely people everywhere making life very comfortable!" Mr Maurice Avent January 2008
Kenya - Bespoke Itinerary: "We had a fantastic time so thank you for all of your work in putting together a fabulous trip. In terms of feedback – the whole trip worked seamlessly with respect to the flights and transfers, … and the 3 nights of fly camping were exactly what we were looking for – we did loads of walking at both lodges which again is what we were hoping for. Kiwayu was an excellent place to finish (again we were extremely well looked after, the food was delicious and we loved it), the Norfolk was fine and served the purpose but the House of Waine definitely has the edge. All in all it was a great trip and we both loved it, so thank you very much for all of your help and advice." Mr and Mrs Buckley-Sharp August 2007
Kenya - Offbeat Safaris: "It was a magnificent holiday and one which has had a profound effect on me. I had some idea of what it would be like from Ralph and from seeing photos of previous safaris, but it never really tells you what it is like. We loved our weekend at Deloraine and the safari was wonderfully organised." Mrs Edwards October 2007
Kenya - Offbeat Safaris: "We are still coming back down to earth from our trip….but suffice to say for now it was just incredible!!!! Offbeat were brilliant and the whole experience was one we will never forget. We have already recommended the trip to some friends. It exceeded our expectations which were already high so thanks to all involved in a truly unforgettable safari. An experience of a lifetime!" Mr and Mrs Roberts September 2006
Kenya - Offbeat Safaris: "The trip was fabulous. Tristan is a wonderful, safe guide. I have told my friends about it all and hope some of them can join at a future date. Thank you so much for helping me with all the details." Jean Brooks October 2006
Kenya - Offbeat Safaris: "So it was that we began what will probably remain, for us, the great adventure of our lives. We galloped through herds of Wildebeests, dodged Aardvark holes right and left, fended off lionesses in our camp, endured Hippos in the night and rivers full of crocks by day. It was wonderful! Best of all, we never encountered anyone but the graceful Masai in all that time. We would see them walking along the horizon, red and black robes wrapping their bodies and the ever present staff in their hands. These were the tribesmen who kept our camps, cooker our food, washed our boots at the end of each day and did our laundry any time we were in one place for more than one night". Mrs Lorig October 2002
Malawi - Bespoke
Itinerary: "David and Robin were excellent
hosts...The horses were very good and the
scenery magnificent. Finishing with the two days at Likoma Island was an
excellent idea...So a great time, for all participants! And thanks to Alex and
you for making it possible!" Mr Collomb October 2007
South Africa - Bespoke Itinerary: "Both lodges were brilliant and catered perfectly for a family. Good time of year with amazing viewing and not too hot which we really do not like. All the transfers were handled perfectly, very comfortable, no requirement for us to think at all, all in all a perfect holiday. Thank you very much." The Buckle family July 2007
South Africa - Wait a Little Safari: "Thank you, yes, I had a wonderful time; the Fairlawns Hotel was a marvellous start, and a good day in which to relax and get used to being on holiday. Transferred to Wait a Little, met by Philip at the airport, and rode that afternoon. Horses excellent, wildlife varied and fascinating (amazing how close we could get to some of them), riding fun if a bit fast and furious at times! Thought the "two centre" idea worked well, Makalali was a lovely but different environment and all of us enjoyed the night en route at the fly camp. At Wait a Little, Gerti's food was excellent and plentiful (better I think than at Makalali), and all worked very hard to ensure we had a good time. No serious "incidents", although we did get a bit close to a nervous bull elephant at one point... loved galloping alongside the giraffe and zebra. Lots of good memories. Then a few days in Cape Town, sunbathing, visiting the wine region and going down to the Cape of Good Hope...So - would I recommend Wait a Little? - yes, unreservedly, but I would make sure clients understood that you needed a reasonably good level of competence and fitness to cope with the riding - Philip either walks or gallops, not much in between, and he'll gallop for miles.... not for the faint hearted or unfit! Thanks for all your help." Miss Sharpe March 2008
South Africa - Wait a Little Safari: "All went well and we had a great holiday. Wait A Little was, as expected, a very unique experience and I would have no hesitation in recommending it." Mark Jonhston January 2007
Tanzania - Bespoke Itinerary: "I think “stunning success” would not be an overstatement in describing our trip. We both loved Sand Rivers. [Our guide] was a gem. … He was intelligent, spoke good English and had quite a sense of humor. He had an astounding ability to spot game. He also was very knowledgeable about birds and bird calls and enjoyed them. We had wonderful views of 9 wild dogs relaxing in shade during the mid-day heat. The dogs were moving gradually out of the area, so we were lucky to find them. The lodge is, of course, lovely with more than all the comforts of home. It has been very well managed by Sandor and Natasha (who are in the process of changing jobs and will be moving to the outskirts of Nairobi in a month or two). The lakes near the lodge were a constant source of game and birds and were quite scenic. I tried fly fishing for tigers in the Rufiji with no success. I think the water was too cloudy (much cloudier than the Zambezi) for there to be any hope of a fly being seen. You did a superb job assembling the trip and complex itinerary. We have nothing but the highest praise for your recommendations and detail work and are most grateful for all you did. I would be more than delighted to provide recommendations or endorsements for Wild and Exotic. We loved the four lodges where we stayed and would have no hesitation in recommending them to other travellers." Tatnall Starr September 2005
Zambia - Bespoke itinerary: "We had the most fantastic time both at Vintage African Safaris and at Mwambashi River Lodge. Seeing 4 Leopards, 3 large male Lions,numerous other game, catching about 40 tigerfish up to 12 pounds and 2 vundu up to 60lbs all in about 6 days says it all. The area around Mwambashi seems to be most idyllic for all animals, plainsgame and predators alike. I have been on numerous safaris over the years and for pure game viewing this will take some beating. All the best." Mr and Miss Hellyer September 2007
Zambia - Tiger Fishing: "Hello and thank you , I really did have the time of my life in Zambia and I didn't want to come home , the fishing was amazing I had tigers ranging from a couple of pound up to 13 pound and a Vundu catfish of 30 pounds , and the game viewing was amazing at Mwambashi as well. Food at both camps was fantastic as were the hosts and the guides." Mr Craigie October 2005
ARGENTINA
Argentina - Bespoke Itinerary (Honeymoon): "We had a wonderful trip and a fantastic time so many thanks for all your work organising it for us….all in all it could not have been better, we both loved it. A pretty faultless trip, thank you." Mr and Mrs Turcan June 2007
Argentina - Andes Ride: "Feeling totally bereft that it’s all over!! We just had the most amazing time and I honestly can't thank you enough for organizing it all so beautifully. It all seemed to work like clock work, but I know behind the scenes it was eminence. The team was a perfect combination. It really was truly the most fantastic experience, Thank you." Mr and Mrs Bullard February 2007
Argentina - Andes Ride: "WOW......what a fantastic trip we had!! It is quite hard being back. I loved every minute of it.... As a late-comer, I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to visit Pategonia. Your team of Sebastian, Cepi, Ramira and the gauchos were fantastic, not least the horses. I managed to overcome the nerves and feel very annoyed that I have wasted so much time and energy with my fears....Many thanks for giving us such a unique adventure." Sabrina Eddy February 2007
Argentina - Bespoke Itinerary: "We have had simply the most amazing trip around this massive country thanks to you. Salta and Jujuy were perhaps the most incredible....The guide Mariano was perfect. He was really geologically and historically knowledgeable and a very careful driver on impossible roads which made the experience life changing!" Mrs Shearer December 2007
Argentina - Bespoke Itinerary: "El Encuentro gave us a great few days and everyone caught fish in the huge Futaleufu river....good riding there also. Pampa Linda and our epic trek up to Mt Tronador with Sebastian del la Cruz as our very able trek leader was a memorable occasion....and then the final few days at Rio Quillen were really special, the highlight being an 11 hour days in the saddle when we reached the snow line of the volcano, Volcan Lanin, with the most breathtaking views of the Andes from over 2000 metres." Mr and Mrs Crossley February 2007
Argentina - Bespoke Itinerary: "Everything went like a dream. What was most noticeable was that all your ground handlers were both helpful and charming." Ian McMullen February 2007
Argentina - Estancia Huechahue: "The holiday was wonderful thanks. All really great and cannot commend the guys at Huechahue and all Jane’s team highly enough. They were really hard-working and the horse riding - especially given I was a novice - was managed really supportively and with great care and attention. Lovely team, truly cracking food and they were really accommodating on the odd day that we wanted a break from the horse riding. It was the trip of a lifetime. Definitely top 10 at least. So thanks a lot to all at Wild and Exotic for a cracking adventure." Dan Machen November 2006
Argentina - Estancia Huechahue: "The riding was fantastic, and the fishing guide had been set up for me and worked out great. Accommodations and food were just fine, and the size of the group -- 10 people, was an ideal size. I would definitely recommend the ride." Kimberley Griffin November 2005
ECUADOR
Riding with Sally Vergette: "The holiday in Ecuador was a huge success - riding with Sally was magic - she was so efficient and arranged everything quite beautifully and she was so well informed on everything from the wildlife to the culture history etc. she made it a fascinating trip. Also her horses were great and fun to ride. The haciendas were all very comfortable - the best one being San Augustin on our last night which was really special also had the best food!" Mr and Mrs Wilson Wright March 2006
INDIA
Rajasthan - Bespoke Itinerary: "The Indian ride was wonderful, great horses and we were beautifully looked after. The camel fair surpassed all expectations." Mirabel Helme February 2007
Rajasthan - Forts and Palaces ride: "We had the most fabulous time. Bonny is such a character - very colourful and caused huge entertainment as well as being an excellent host. All in all a truly memorable holiday, with delightful people all along the way". Mrs Djivanovic October 2007
JORDAN
Discover Wadi Rum ride: "We had a lovely holiday with great guides, lovely food, fast, kind and caring horses and hospitable Ride Rum host. Everything was arranged perfectly and hotels were lovely". Jane Kotchkina March 2008
KYRGYZSTAN
Kyrgyzstan - With Alexandra Tolstoy: "Alexandra and Shamil created an exciting, imaginative and well coordinated adventure for us in Kyrgyzstan. All credit to the hard work that they both put into this itinerary to make it such an immensely enjoyable experience. The care and consideration of our horses was also noted and appreciated. Our guides, crew and cooks were very professional and friendly and the food was some of the most delicious and creative I've ever encountered on such a long camping trip. I have had the most memorable vacation to date and would enthusiastically recommend this to anyone." Nicola Rickards July 2007
Kyrgyzstan - With Alexandra Tolstoy: "We had a great time in Kyrgyzstan. The weather was pretty hot, which we weren't really prepared for, not enough light clothes, but managed fine .Wonderful scenery, horses were surefooted, and we had a good crowd of comrades. Flights etc. all went to plan…. A great experience thanks for organizing it for us." Margaret Fergusson July 2007
Kyrgyzstan - With Alexandra Tolstoy: "It was one of the best rides I have been on in my list of 15 all over the world. It was not for everyone or those seeking creature comforts. But for fun, beauty and a spectacular insight into a horse culture it was amazing." Richard Strother July 2007
Kyrgyzstan - With Alexandra Tolstoy: "It was a magical time. Everything worked really well and Shamyl and Alexandra were perfect and caring hosts. Wonderful team work and catering excellent considering the incredible logistics. Horses very well chosen." Theresa Tollemarche July 2007
Uzbekistan Extension to the Alexandra Tolstoy ride: "The Uzbek leg of the itinerary, whilst different in many respects, was still accomplished with just as much thought and care and I am certainly very happy that I chose to add that on. It was a privilege and a pleasure to have been able to experience Samarkand and Bukhara under the creative and attentive guide of Alexandra. The local guides who were employed in each city were excellent as was the thoughtful choice of the out of the ordinary and fascinating accommodation that we stayed in. I appreciate that for some people to add this onto their itinerary might be a little difficult in that it makes it into a 3 week vacation, something not everyone would have the luxury of enjoying, however I would also eagerly recommend this cultural leg of the trip to anyone. Thanks also to you and your team for the efforts and assistance in making this such a memorable trip." Nicola Rickards July 2007
