Exclusive Touch Africa

Dear Cheryl,
Elephant Camp - we both thought it was a truly wonderful place. We had a lovely time and Jonathan, Moses and the team were very hospitable. The food was excellent, the room/tent was beyond expectation and we didn't want to leave. A special mention goes to Jonathan - we really hit it off with him, he is a lovely guy and a great host. We also really enjoyed the activities being the cruise and the heli trip and the walk with Sid around the falls. The lion walk was amazing.
The Hide - again it was a wonderful place, the location by the watering hole was truly spectacular, the transfers very good. We hit it off immediately with some of the guests and had a great laugh with them. The Hide greeting and lunch was lovely, the atmosphere was relaxed and they were very focused on introducing and including everyone which was very good and doesn't happen everywhere - it felt like a family atmosphere. The food and wine was very good and plentiful. The game drives were good and the rangers excellent. We loved these and especially the animals and sunsets which are spectacular with the palms.
Thanks

Dear Cheryl, I just wanted to thank you so much for arranging our trip to Zim and Zam. We had the most amazing time, sadly it was too short, so we will most definitely be back. Simon and I thought that the people in Zim were fabulous - all so helpful and together as a nation. It was fantastic to see the country bonding together and the importance that they place in tourism. I know that Zimbabwe seems to get a bad press, but I honestly feel that this is totally unjustified and have been spreading the word for you back here. The whole trip was seamless from the border crossing to the transfers into Hwange. Hotel transfers normally consists of long boring motorways - we got to count over 100 elephants - I know which I would prefer!! We will definitely be coming back so we need to chat about what to do next. I love the idea of a week in the bush so that we can get to add to our Lion, Hippo, Ele, Kudu, Impala and Giraffe spots. I also can't wait to see Vic Falls in full water, though it does mean that we won't be able to swim in Devil's Pool again which was a serious highlight! I cannot wait to come back to your wonderful country and will remain a firm advocate from here in the UK!! Kindest regards as ever, Tori

When I began to plan my family's "African trip of a lifetime" I was directed to ETA by a friend. It was the beginning of a glorious experience for me as well as my family. From our initial contact, and all through the process, Cheryl was like a friend (which I consider her now) with an intuitive feel for what would be exciting, fun and would work for our family. She was amazingly correct! The trip was a spectacular success. I say this with great respect due to the difficult dynamics of keeping two adults and 4 children (2 teenagers) engaged and awed over almost 3 weeks. As plans were adjusted or changed, Cheryl never missed a beat. She was understanding, professional, and thorough. I looked forward to her emails and the instructions on the next steps of our adventure planning. It may seem daunting to some planning a trip like this with 4 children. Cheryl made it a joy. I felt we worked well together yet I know I had little to do with how that came about. It was Cheryl's nature and professionalism that made the process easy and fun. From our transfers after our extremely long flights, to our hotels and guides in South Africa, ETA's representatives were efficient, friendly and effective. It is to be noted that one should not dismiss the friendliness aspect. After a 17 hour flight, to be greeted warmly, with a nice smile, as we were, is awesome. Little did I know that the best was yet to come!! We met Sid in Victoria Falls for our trip to Hwange Zimbabwe. Following Cheryl's emailed advice; we hurried off the plane and were seamlessly ushered through customs by Sid. That would be the first of many such border crossings made simple by Sid. He was to accompany us for the duration of our trip. Sid is a wonderful friend and companion to explore the wonders of Africa with, to show children the awesome spectacle that is Africa. He immediately grasped family dynamics and offered exciting and varying activities to keep all engaged. I was told I could trust Sid for everything and I soon did. He had and will always have my utmost respect as a person and friend. From the Gorge swing to hanging over Vic Falls I trusted Sid with my children's lives. How the children enjoyed him! From fishing and boating and mokoro rides in the Delta, to an absolutely amazing two days in Vic Falls, to tremendously special treatment and guides in the camps Sid was invaluable. I don't think I could ever thank him or Cheryl enough for our trip. Sid's insight added to every experience we enjoyed. Whether it was a bird, plant, animal, native culture, or just sitting around after dinner Sid added tremendously to our understanding of what we were seeing, hearing or sometimes, smelling! His storytelling and quick wit were something we valued highly. It was heartbreaking to leave Africa at the end of our trip. Feeling like that, while sad, is the ultimate testament to the quality experience ETA provides! I would encourage anyone thinking of such a trip to avail themselves of the expertise, professionalism and most importantly special individuals that make up ETA. You will NOT be sorry you did.

It was the best holiday i have ever had. Everything was planned to perfection. The transition from one game reserve to another was efficient and punctual. Each game park provided a new type of environment which in turn allowed us to experience different wildlife, people and accommodation. Everyone we have spoken to on our travels felt that we have covered so much country, such different types of country and a variety of camps, that you need to also be commended on that aspect of the planning. The parks embraced us as a family and has provided us with a lifetime experience. We saw everything you could possibly want to see and more!! Surreal!! I think about our trip everyday since our return & post holiday depression has really set in!!!

Our trip with Exclusive Touch Africa, was a third trip to Africa and by far far far the best. The camps we stayed in were wonderfully comfortable and the food was always terrific. But we went for the animals and we saw everything! Every day was a thrill and every evening we bubbled with joy. Sid took care of all the details so we only had to relax and enjoy and watch for the next adventure and sighting. We had planned this trip as our last to Africa, but we had such a good time the whole group wants to go again. And we will.

Dear Cheryl and Sid,...how to thank you both for memories of a lifetime?! Our trip fulfilled and went beyond our dreams. Never could we have had such an amazing experience without the both of you. So very many heartfelt thanks for making our dream come true. You both seemed to have a crystal ball and anticipated every need or want we had before we even knew it! So many things to thank you both for I don't know how to begin. All of us, as a family and individually, took a piece of Africa home with us and it will live in each of our hearts forever.

Janice and I met Sid Hayes on our 6th Safari experience - we knew we were in the hands of a "pro". At the conclusion of the trip we met Cheryl, who indicated her desire to work arranging smaller, intimate specialized Safari Trips, as opposed to Corporate clients. This fits our needs to a T. Cheryl has the skills to understand our special needs, and Sid can provide 1st hand advise on the skills of the managers of the Safari Lodges. Sid also motivates the guides and managers of each Lodge to tailor make a unique experience for sophisticated experienced travellers. Cheryl also provides professional advise on activities, shopping, hotel selection and restaurants in Capetown, Victoria Falls and other gateways to Africa. We have exposed more than 50 friends or friends of friends to an Exclusive Touch experience, and unanymously all rate their experience at "the trip of a Lifetime". We have had several couples agree to 2nd and 3rd trips, and virtually all participants in our 9th Safari with 16 people in Sept./ Oct 2010 are waiting for details of the next African Safari with Exclusive Touch. What more can we say, other than to admit we do consider Cheryl and Sid as friends as well as professional gems.

Sid and Cheryl made our African trip absolutely magical. Their knowledge and expertise made a special trip spectacular! From the selection of the camps and local trackers to swimming in the Zambezi by Vic Falls, all was perfection. It's impossible to express how incredible this trip was and all that we saw and did - It was all we had dreamed about and more. We have wanted to do this for a long time and it was well worth the wait. You made it so very special for us. Cheryl, you picked out the greatest places and Sid, you got the very best out of each one!! You make a fabulous team. Again, our sincere thanks for making our trip so perfect. You two were the reason it was so fantastic and we truly appreciate it. We loved getting to spend time with your children also!

I could not imagine a trip to Africa without you both, but then we have mightily spoiled. The places you have booked us into are unbelievable. Not only are they most luxurious and beautiful, but those associated with the "camps" are knowledgeable--fabulous guides--and well trained in the art of serving and caring for guests--excellent dining as well. I know that you have researched each site, usually having been there yourselves. Your services are soooo complete and personal with every detail attended to. We all loved the "flip" itinerary book you did this past trip. And Sid does the best job in arranging for sightings of ALL the animals many times. What's more, you make it all such fun!

Your exemplary attention to detail has made this the most memorable trip we have ever been on!

We've always dreamed of an African Safari – but these ten days have far surpassed our expectations!

Sid – the continuous flow of humour, intellect and passion for your country – THANK YOU, you will linger in our hearts for many sunsets and sunrises!

Sid – you have a very special gift for laughter, expertise on SO many things, a love of life and people! You have our trip to Africa a very full one with your every day responses to my questions and needs – THANK YOU!

Sid – you have a very special gift for laughter, expertise on SO many things, a love of life and people! You have our trip to Africa a very full one with your every day responses to my questions and needs – THANK YOU!

Comment from Holger Jensen about Vic Falls
In spite of all the political problems of Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls remain a favorite destination of our clients. Not that the place is unaffected by the problems, but security is better than in most places in South Africa, and whilst they may have problems supplying certain luxury products, clients enjoy the atmosphere and perhaps even find it interesting to hear about the problems facing the population.
Why he uses ETA
In the early days we made use of some good people at Victoria Falls, but as their little operations grew in size and eventually were swallowed up by other larger companies, service became a distant memory. In fact, Victoria Falls became a problem destination where our guests complained that nothing was functioning. Then I met Cheryl and Sid, and things changed back to the good old days where clients were not a nuisance, but something you welcomed and gave personal attention to. This remains the situation to this very day, and since they took over our local operations at Victoria Falls, we never received another complaint from any clients.
What he likes about the Family Set up of ETA, personalized service and guides
Our aim is to provide a very up market service, and Cheryl and Sid have indeed assisted us in attaining this goal. Whether 06:30 in the morning or seven at night, they will be there to see clients off on various activities, making sure that service providers are on time and deliver a superior product. Many guests make last-minute changes to their itineraries and add services, but such events are always met with a smile and a comment like "no problem at all!".