Small tour group travel adventures to destinations around the world - all personally escorted

 

Namibian Explorer and Wild on Wildlife safari testimonials only

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Namibian Explorer Safari
July 2008

Wild on Wildlife Safari
August 2010

Chalets & Lodges

Brenda and Malcolm
Ashhurst, Manuwatu        New Zealand

 

“Mirrabac’s Southern African adventures have left us with permanent grins, and a persisting wish to return. Rob and Maureen’s adventures are well organised, great value, and stress free, and also fun due to their sense of humour.
The schedules allow plenty of time for obtaining stunning photographic images. In 2008 the spectacular scenery of Namibia left us in awe. This included amazing and varied rock formations, wide plains, world’s highest sand dunes, Atlantic coastline, and the fantastic wildlife of Etosha and Okonjima. Great food and accommodation topped it off.

We left Namibia with a longing to visit South African wildlife parks, so when the ‘Wild on Wildlife 2010 tour’ was announced we didn’t hesitate. We started our wildlife viewing on the first day with a close up session of feeding lions. The 10 days in Kruger Park was unreal. So many magical elephant encounters, majestic kudu, ‘rent a crowd’ impala, rhinos, giraffes, the big cats, and the wonderful array of birdlife. Then there were the hippos, crocs, and buffalo that we hadn’t seen in Namibia. Rob kept us well fed throughout the trip, and it was great to carry on the picnic lunch tradition of Namibia. The well stocked curio stores at each rest camp did very well out of our group!”

Wild on Wildlife Safari
August 2010.

Chalets & Lodges

Marvynne Kalaugher
Auckland, New Zealand

"Thank you so much for one of the best holidays of my life. You are very, very excellent at what you do! The major enjoyment had to be the animal/birdlife - from those wonderful times watching the elephants in their own environment to seeing the adorable baby rhino running along behind 'Mum and Dad'. The leopard was also 'awesome' - why did it choose 'right there' to sit?"

"IT WAS ALL JUST GREAT!"

Wild on Wildlife Safari
August 2010.

Chalets & Lodges

Brian & Jan
Wellington, New Zealand

"Thank you Rob & Maureen for going 'all-out' to give us a great safari. The safari was well organised, went to time, provided an exciting and diverse range of sights and scenery. The comments supplied were concise, to the point and authoratitive. Excellent catering. Having experienced fully knowledgeable guides was a huge asset."

Namibian Explorer Safari
July 2009.

Chalets & Lodges

Liz Calvert
Auckland, New Zealand

"The trip exceeded my expectations. The small group allowed plenty of time for photo stops and the tour director and driver were very knowledgeable and went out of their way to accommodate our every wish. Spectacular scenery and incredible wildlife, combined with excellent accommodation made this a trip of a lifetime."

Liz's adventure hint: "Take plenty of memory cards. Be prepared for extremes of temperatures. Be ready for a great time."

Namibian Explorer Safari
July 2009

Wild on Wildlife Safari
August 2010

Chalets & Lodges

Glenda
Southland, New Zealand

"A most memorable adventure where everyday had its own highlights. Superbly organised and Rob went the extra mile to show us all the wildlife and the Namibian vistas. We were able to relax and be enthralled by it all. Food was great and evening joke time hilarious." - Namibian Explorer 2009

"Wow - wildlife and birds - what a dream to be amid the Big 5 and several others both large and small. We watched it all unfold courtesy of our capable and patient guides, sometimes from the bridges, roads and dams. Trying to anticipate what wonder lie around the next corner kept the adrenalin pumping! The rest camps had their own charm and variety of small wildlife and wonderful lookout points. Loved it all! - Wild on Wildlife 2010

Glenda's adventure hint: "Take note of the 'Kit List' and Rob's safety advice while on tour. Take the best zoom lens you can, even if it's big, it will be worth it. Take plenty of memory cards."

Namibian Explorer Safari
July 2009.

Chalets & Lodges

Pam
Auckland, New Zealand

"My main desire on this Namibian adventure was to see the elephants at the waterhole's and I wasn't disappointed. Sitting and observing the wildlife at the waterhole's was a wonderful experience, especially seeing the different species of animals assembling, ready to take their turn to drink in such a quite and orderly manner.

Apart from the fascinating sights, I appreciate the way Rob molded our small diverse group to amicably share our three weeks together."

Namibian Explorer Safari
June 2008.

Chalets & Lodges

Robin
Auckland, New Zealand

 

"What an adventure! This holiday really delivered - Rob's valuable photography tips meant great photos to capture those memories. You just never know what's around the next corner, really kept the adrenalin pumping. The colours and the light of Namibia are breathtaking!"

Robin's adventure hint: "Less is more when packing. Do yourself a favour and get a good zoom camera and a polarizing filter. If necessary, take a short photography course so that you understand the functions of your camera."

 

Namibian Explorer Safari
June 2008.

Wild on Wildlife safari
August 2011

Chalets & Lodges

Alan & Joyce Ross
Auckland, New Zealand

"This was a fantastic journey of discovery and enlightenment, encouraging us to learn more about this ancient section of the Earth's crust. Visits of Canyon, escarpment and desert complimented by the multitude of animal, bird and occasional insect life are stored in our memories, both cranial and digital. Our group of compatible travellers quickly developed into a warm 'family' full of fun, and we were well led by Rob and our wonderful driver Mark."

Alan & Joyce's adventure hint: "Take a flexible easy care wardrobe, an open mind and be prepared for the unexpected (including meal times)."

Alann and Joyce have also travelled with Mirrabac to:

South Africa - Wild on Wildlife safari in August 2011

 

Wild on Wildlife safari
August 2005

Sue Rainsford
Auckland
New Zealand

 

"It had always been a dream of mine to go to Africa and I was not disappointed. Kruger National Park was truly amazing. The amount of game we saw exceeded all my expectations. I would love to do it all again."

Sue's adventure hint: "I was pleased I took a camera with a reasonable zoom otherwise I would have missed a lot of photographic opportunities."

 

Wild on Wildlife safari
August 2005

Marigold
Whangaparaoa
New Zealand

"Travelling with Rob (Hawkeye) Bickford is a daily adventure. He will travel many extra miles to find the animal you wish to see. Travelling is comfortable and flexible. Rob is an experienced operator who can handle any situation with confidence."

Marigold's adventure hint: "ATM's are a quick and easy way to access money. Take a reliable torch with rechargeable batteries and a re charger for the cell phone."

Namibia to Cape Town safari, July 2005

Robin & Jo Boyle
Takapau
Hawkes Bay
New Zealand

 

"We were very impressed with the detailed pre-departure information regarding the availability of money, internet cafes, etc and the kit list. The sights, both wildlife and landscape were magnificent and we had plenty of time to enjoy and appreciate them."

Robin and Jo's adventure hint: Take some funny stories to tell around at dinner."

 

Namibia Explorer safari, June 2005

Rona
Christchurch
New Zealand

"Rob planned the trip to show a wide variety of Namibia's places of interest. I felt the balance between game reserves and other aspects of the country was excellent. What a good cook and raconteur Rob is!"

Rona's adventure hint: "Take an all purpose plug for baths and basins. It is possible to keep to a small kit bag, but keep the sleeping bag packed separately."

Namibia Explorer safari, June 2005

David and Joan Whittle
Nelson
New Zealand

"The professionalism of Rob and his driver was excellent. The information given on the points of interest gave us a better understanding of the land and the people in the country in which we were travelling. We were also impressed with the knowledge of the animals and birds encountered on the trip. Being part of a small group was also great."

David and Joan's adventure hint: "A camera with at least a 300mm zoom. A universal plug for wash basins and an electrical conversion plug for Southern Africa to be able to recharge batteries for camera etc. Read as much information before you go."

Namibia Explorer safari, June 2005

Kay and Don
Auckland
New Zealand

"The experience certainly reinforced a connection with the extraordinary geographic features of Namibia. The closeness to the natural forms and landscapes gave a casual visitor a better appreciation of their uniqueness and beauty. The relaxed informal attitudes of group members added to the experience long with the competence and excellent organisation of Rob as our guide."

Kay and Don's adventure hint: "Take heed of the kit-list supplied by Mirrabac."

Namibia to Cape Town safari, July 2003

Dave and Kath Fletcher
Waipukurau
Hawkes Bay
New Zealand

"This adventure was completely different from anywhere else we have been. It exceeded our expectations. We will never forget the colours in the rocks and landforms, the cloudless skies, sunrises and sunsets and of course the animals. Great food, excellent driver, comfortable vehicle, lots of fun and extremely well organised."

Dave and Kath's adventure hint: "The water is safe to drink from any tap.

Namibia to Cape Town safari, July 2001

Barry Marsh & Linda Brady
Auckland
New Zealand

"An extremely well thought out tour. Rob himself impressed with his local knowledge, enthusiasm, and the ability to get on (or around) both fellow travellers and locals. For such a large number of kilometres and the few inevitable hiccups, he made the journey easy, flexible and fun. Excellent value for money."

Barry and Linda 's adventure hint: "Don't worry if you are not a photographer - you'll have just as much fun."

Namibia Explorer safari, July 1997

G & C Sinclair
Auckland
New Zealand

"Having travelled extensively, we can truly say our trip through Namibia and South Africa with Rob was just brilliant. The unique animal and bird life, the plants and the scenery are unsurpassed. Rob's organisation and attention to detail made the adventure outstanding."

Namibia Explorer safari, August 1999

Wild on Wildlife safari August 2000

Lynette
Auckland
New Zealand

"I am grateful that you (Rob) spurred me to rise at 5am at the Quiver Tree Forest in Keetmanshoop, Namibia. I won a merit award in the open colour section at the Auckland Royal Easter Show Photography Exhibition with a photo of a Quiver Tree. This award has inspired me and am looking forward to the trip to South African Game Reserves this coming August. I'd like to thank you for all your coaching. The lessons do pay off!"

Lynette has also travelled with Mirrabac to:

South Africa - Wild on Wildlife safari in August 2000

"How are you going to 'top' this safari?" - comment after completing the 'Wild on Wildlife' safari

Namibia Explorer safari,
July 2001

Jon Blomfield
Kohimarama
Auckland
New Zealand

"The itinerary was excellent allowing for relaxed exploration and wildlife study while at the same time providing a comprehensive tour of Namibia."

 

Spectacular Namibia Safari
May 2007.

Bruce
Wellington
New Zealand

"A great itinerary with a good mix of scenery and wildlife, both of which were fantastic. A superbly organised and managed trip that covered a lot of ground while maintaining a relaxed pace. Excellent accommodation and food. A knowledgeable and personable guide and driver."

Bruce's adventure hint: "A good pair of binoculars is invaluable."

 

What you say about another person says a lot about yourself