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The decision of a great friend and I to take our children away during the half-term
break meant finding a lodge in Madikwe that was child friendly but that offered
the comforts that would afford us a break.
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Our two night stay was outstanding. We were overwhelmed by the personalised service,
willingness of management and staff to accommodate us in every possible way to ensure
that we had a wonderful stay. On the second day, our children were entertained in
the river bed making plaster of paris moulds of animal spoor and were taken on a
most informative nature walk by our wonderful and very knowledgeable ranger, Patience,
while we both enjoyed a fabulous massage.
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The meals were cleverly planned to cater to adult and childrens' tastes and were
always well presented and very tasty. We enjoyed the simple, yet stylish accommodation
in luxury family tents. We left on Friday around lunchtime, having had a wonderful
bush experience and vowing to return at the soonest opportunity.
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About 30 kilometres from the Camp, we experienced a flat tyre and another one that
almost resulted in a blow out. We were stranded on the Molatedi road, near a small
trading store. I phoned the Camp and spoke to Carmen, the Camp manager. She immediately
got in her own car with two of the maintenance staff from the Camp and came to our
rescue. In addition to this, she organised for a local farmer and owner of the trading
store to come to assist us. She stayed in cellphone contact with us, reassuring
us that everything would be fine and Johnny, the farmer, arrived on the scene within
10 minutes.
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Carmen then offered to take both tyres to Rustenburg - well over an hour's drive
in each direction from where we were stranded. She also arranged for us to be looked
after at Johnny's lodge. Carmen and her team arrived after dark with the new tyres
and replaced them on our vehicle. By this stage, it was almost 19h00. Carmen phoned
the Camp and arranged to accommodate us (two adults and our 4 children) in the only
available tent. She then drove back with us in convoy to the Camp. We were naturally
anxious about the drive, given our experience. She had arranged for the Camp staff
to make up the beds at short notice. The team then arranged drinks and produced
a delicious meal for us of spaghetti bolognaise and salad, in Little Thakadu as
well as a roaring log fire to welcome us. We were met there and welcomed by our
ranger, Patience, and a team of 4 staff.
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We had a good night's sleep. The following morning, Carmen arranged for one of the
mechanics from the Camp to rotate the tyres and to check them to ensure that we
would be safe for the return journey. We were served warm refreshments and cereals
for breakfast, before packing for our trip. In addition to this, she arranged for
individual lunch packs for each of us to be delivered to the gate before we left
the reserve!
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We were absolutely overwhelmed by the exceptional service and the caring that was
shown towards us. We have never encountered anthing like this before. We will never
forget this amazing experience and Thakadu will be on our lips whenever we recommend
a great bush destination!
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Thank you to all the management and staff for this exceptional service!
Kind regards,
Kim Rey
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Thank you to all the staff @ Thakadu River Camp for making us feel so at home on
our first trip to Africa. The Browne family, baby Freddie included, have all enjoyed
wonderful game drives with Pule and Patrick, lovely food and especially the fabulous
welcoming atmosphere here at Thakadu. All our requirements were met with a smile.
Special thanks to Kedibone for all the babysitting and for our sparkling clean bedroom.
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Love and thanks to you all from
Nicholas, Naralie, Julian, Marcus, & Freddie Browne
PS See you again!
23rd August 2007
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Thank you everybody at Thakadu- we have had a wonderful time in this beautiful place!
Fabulous food, friendly service and the most helpful of rangers - Patience and Thabiso
we will try and remember all that you shared with us in terms of knowledge and experience!
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Debbie, Gordon, Cameran and Kirsty Frame
Plus we saw a Thakadu (Aardvark) on our first game drive - perfect!!
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You have given me and my daughter the most wonderful experience. Ruth, plus the
kitchen staff, have been fantastic with our special diet. Tsholo and Patrick were
excellent guides. Thank you a million times.
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June Smith
Surrey, England
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To all at Thakadu, thank you. Pule thanks to you for the great game drives. To all
at the lodge - wonderful service, rooms, food and location.
And last but certainly not least John Dee - you are our hero. You saved yourself
from the jaws of the lion without even breaking a sweat - we will remember you for
ever.
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Best regards
Leigh, Tracy, Derek and Morne
(Go 2 Africa team)
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