Word on the street. www.classicencounters.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Travel expands the mind, and highlights the fact that there is no right or wrong, but  merely different, with that comes acceptance and tolerance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Click here to see why these happy clients consulted with African Classic Encounters for their trip of a lifetime.

 

Recent letters from happy travelers

African Classic Encounters, take great pride in the quality of safaris they design for their valued clients. 

The execution of arrangements depend solely on their chosen partners in the industry. 

A journey of a lifetime deserves the very best and the following letters attests to the fact that African Classic Encounters are the leaders in the industry.

         

Knysna Garden Route. www.classicencounters.com

www.classicencounters.com

 
 

A postcard received from South Africa from a couple who  enjoyed a wedding arranged by African Classic Encounters and a honeymoon

"We're having a wonderful time!  Just leaving Grootbos - a wonderful place  - and off to our next adventure! 
Thanks so much!"
Dan & Michelle Clement - New York

 

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"I adored my trip and always recommend South Africa as a destination - thanks again for your arrangements.'
Oonie - Maryland

 

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"Please do not hesitate to give our name as a reference.  We are always singing your praises for a wonderfully planned trip.  I have given your name to several people who are interested in traveling to South Africa."

Peggy Dabney - South Carolina

 

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"Thank you for your kindness and generosity.  And thank you for the memories!"
Dick & Kate  - Wisconsin

 

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Postcard received from clients while traveling in Botswana


"Everything is perfect!  Jacks Camp is the highlight so far!  3 Nights as per your suggestion was just right and we loved the surprises!  Many thanks in putting together such a great trip!"
Rita - North Ridge California

 

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"Thank You! Thank You!

You made our honeymoon an experience never to be forgotten!  My wife thinks I am a genius!
You truly are the most professional  Southern African specialists! 

I am grateful to my friends for recommending your services to me! We will be back for our 1st anniversary next year!"
Ken & Shelley -Santa Barbra  -  CA

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"You were right - fifteen rolls of film were not enough!  We used fourteen rolls alone at Singita!  As you can imagine the trip was fantastic - better than we could ever have hoped.  It has given us memories that will last a lifetime.
From the bush to the Cape, through the winelands and the garden route- South Africa proved to be the perfect honeymoon destination.  Your guidance in helping plan our trip coupled with the beauty and splendor of South Africa and the hospitality of its people melded a perfect wedding into a perfect honeymoon.  Thank you again for everything. Once things have settled down we hope you will come over and help us drink some of the wine we brought back."
Ken & Ellen Greenwald - New York

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A card  - clients made for ACE - BEFORE their departure
You planned our trip, It sounds so great.  We're leaving soon, can hardly wait.
We thought some Hippos we would see, But they eat people, that's not for me 
We hope our gift gives you some joy - even though it is a toy.
This Jungle Joe and Hippo too - we got especially for you. 
You are so nice, we've had such fun - making plans and now we're done.
The trip is near, we hope it is grand - Maybe they'll meet us  with a big brass band. 
We will be sorry when it is through
It's really been fun being friends with you!

Dr. Bob & Bobby Weller - Long Island

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"Thank you so very much for all of your hard work.  Thank you also for the champagne.  Boy, did we drink a lot of champagne!  It seemed everywhere we went, not only did the management know we were on honeymoon, they also tended to stock  our rooms with endless supply of bubbly!  Thanks for your attention to all the finer details!

We had the most fabulous time!  We particularly liked the Blue Mountain lodge, Ellerman House and the SaxonSingita of course was hard to beat! 
All in all it was a fabulous trip and we thank you for your expertise and your excellent suggestions in ensuring we had the trip of a lifetime! We would like to return to South Africa as soon as we can muster the vacation time".
Mark & Whitney - New York

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Arranged travel for Prof. Ed Bergman - University of New York - who received the following remarks from associates he was meeting in South Africa after he forwarded a copy of his itinerary prepared by African Classic Encounters, based on his interest:
 

"Wonderful trip" - Prof. Brij Maharaj - University of Durban-Westville
"Your travel professional did a very good job" Prof. Christopher Vlok, Unisa
"Very interesting schedule for your trip" Prof. F. De Wet - University of Western Cape
"Very interesting itinerary for your visit" Prof. P.A. Pienaar, Unisa
"A wonderful itinerary" Prof. L. Zietsman - University of Stellenbosch

 

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"I knew when I met you at the Food & Wine festival in Aspen that we would have a great association.

 

The winemakers you introduced us to and the South African cuisine was just fantastic! 

 

The night of opera in the wine cellar was the highlight of our trip!   You certainly do know your business!

 

Thanks for setting up the polo match played with the local South African team -  we have not stopped talking about that! 

I cannot thank you enough for creating a journey of a lifetime!"

 

Barbra Krutzeld - Aspen

 

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We would like to thank African Classic Encounters for a wonderful honeymoon. Mala Mala was superb and the right choice for us - thanks Michael for pointing us in the right direction.   The service and the atmosphere, the excellent game viewing at Mala Mala was more than we could wish for.

We will definitely recommend Mala Mala and African Classic Encounters to all our friends in the USA and in Brazil.

 

Andre & Daniella - New York / Brazil

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"I arrived home from my trip a couple of days ago and am still processing all the amazing things I've seen.

I just wanted to thank you for your help with the travel arrangements. Onie and Fred Jacobs of Bagatelle were not only fabulous hosts but exceptionally kind to me as well. I had no idea that you had notified them of the purpose of my trip. I had assumed I would slip away alone at a quiet moment to scatter Dad's ashes. Instead they took me out to the game reserve themselves and even had selected a place for me. This made an enormous difference, particularly since members of my family had opted out of traveling with me.

All else went well. I had a fun adventure on the  tour and enjoyed the Roof of Africa in Windhoek. Should you ever need references for clients, please feel free to have them contact me.

Again, thank you so very much."

 

C. Fletcher - New York

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Tanya,

Jaime and I are in Cape Town and I am e-mailing from the Cape Grace.  We just had dinner at Baia.  It was fantastic.  I had a lobster thermidor and it was phenomenal.  Last night we ate at Five Flies ( we switched our reservations) and the night before we ate at One.Waterfront. 

All I can say is this honeymoon has been AMAZING.  Thank you so much for all of your help and hard work putting everything together.  I don't even know where to begin.  Singita was fantastic.  We saw the big five plus much, much more.  We didn't see a kill (it's very rare as you know) but we did see a leopard feeding on an impala for lunch and lion cubs feeding from their mother. 

Cape Town is superb.  We love the Cape Grace and thank you for upgrading us in a major way.  We went from a Superior Room to the Apartment!  It's a two bedroom suite with a kitchen, living room, dining room and a huge patio overlooking the marina and table mountain!  Amelia is a doll and we are having a great time with her.  We've seen everything from Cape Point, to Table Mountain, the waterfront, the shantytowns and everything in between. 

We're seeing the winelands tomorrow and then heading out to Plettenburg.  We're so excited.  Everything has been extremely smooth from AVIS transfers to meeting Amelia.  The staff at Singita and The Cape Grace are awesome.  It feels like we have a personal concierge.  They are so thoughtful and helpful.  

The staff at Baia knew it was out honeymoon before we walked into the door and gave us table for four decorated with heart and star confetti.  It was adorable. 

 

 Anyway, Jaime and I just wanted to thank you for a job well done on a most amazing adventure.  We're excited for what is in store at the next two locations.  It is a dream honeymoon and we thank you again and speak to you soon. 

Fondly, Jaime and Stu 

New York NY

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Dear Michael,

I want to thank you for putting together such a beautiful trip! The presentation was spectacular! I am still reading this trip book and enjoying the pictures which will soon be a reality. Thanks for all your help and we will let you know all about it when we return!

Randi and Marc Strauss
Long Island

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Sent: Thursday, July 27, 2006 6:23 AM

Subject: Kenya

 

Hello - just got settled in a bit here in Bombay. Africa was the best trip I have ever been on. The land, the people, the animals all combine to make Kenya a great place -  unmatched by any other I have been to.

The service was the best I have ever encountered - especially when I got violently ill in Nairobi the first day there - the hotel sent me a Dr. free of charge and kept calling me in the room to make sure I was ok. Where in the world does that happen???

The people from African Classic Encounters were AMAZING too - my guide Norman and I became fast friends, and even the other people in the trip were a hoot.

Thank you very much for making sure I did this trip - it was life-changing and words and even my pictures can't even do Africa justice!

Eric -

Yardley,  PA

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The best safari ever!  We will never be the same again! Words cannot adequately express the experience. Wonderful is too simplistic a word to describe our safari! 

Africa certainly touches your soul! We will be back with more friends to share this wonderful experience. Thank you so much - what a sterling job you did!

Janet & Patrick

LA

Click here to view a video of their safari

 

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Ted & Linda Cohn from New York, entertains with their trip report as they go along.                       Read>>

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Michael,

We are back! The trip was incredible!
We had relatively few stressful moments and you recommendations were great.
Thank you for all your help and patience during all the planning and booking.

Thanks, again! We will certainly recommend your services to friends and family should they consider Africa for a holiday.


Justin and Lori - New York

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" Belated but heartfelt thanks for all of your painstaking efforts on our behalf.  We had such an incredible trip to South Africa.  There are just too many highlights to share and the pictures...you name the animal and we have a plethora of pictures to accompany each special memory.

Thank you for all that you did to ensure an exhilarating experience for our family."

Mrs. Leventhal - New Jersey

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"The care you took to customize our family vacation with our grandson  based on our requirements was outstanding.  There are not many professionals like you left in the travel industry and we value you expertise. Thanks so much! "   

 Mrs. Effron - NewYork

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"African Classic Encounters is certainly well known and  well respected in South Africa.  Everywhere we went people were acknowledging that we are in good hands being your clients.  We felt special being treated so well on your reputation. Thank you for such a marvelous trip you arranged and yes - indeed you knew exactly what we needed!  Everything worked like clock work just as you said it would.  You run a tight ship with great organization and your attention to detail shows from beginning to end.  We will be returning soon!"

Clifford & Shelley - Pebble Beach. CA

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"Give Tanya the dates you want to travel and then don't bother her, was the message we got from Charlie.  Knowing the high standards and the style Charlie is accustomed to, we dutiful complied.  WOW!   Yes, we knew we could trust Charlie's recommendation without any doubt, what we did not know was the extend our expectations would be exceeded.  What a job you do!  Thanks for calling us whilst in South Africa - what a lovely touch - not to mention your beautiful documentation - we knew that if the documentation  was anything to go by, we were in for a treat! And what a treat it was!  Visit us soon in Hotlanta and share with us our memories."

 Don & Carla - Atlanta

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"You did it again!  We were not sure how you could possibly improve on the first trip you planned for us in - but alas you did!  Your recommendations were spot on like always and the execution flawless.  Please ensure time for us to plan our family reunion in 2007! Thanks seems not enough to convey our appreciation."

Mr. Creekmore - Arkansas 

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"What a country and what a trip!

We have traveled all over the world and stayed at the best places, but South Africa has exceeded our expectations on such a grand scale that we bought an apartment with magnificent views of table mountain and the Atlantic ocean in Cape Town - you are invited! 

Truly a world in one country! Thanks for everything and your advice was invaluable."

 

PJ Epstein  - Chappaqua  - NY

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"You are such a professional! From the time we left JFK to the time we returned, our every wish was taken care of.  It was a pleasure to sit back and enjoy the flawless execution of our complex itinerary with wonderful people meeting us at every turn!

 

Your representative in Cape Town made us cry when we had to leave her behind for our next exciting adventure!  She is a GEM and your professionalism is showcased in your hand picked associates you have chosen to represent African Classic Encounters.

Thank you for such a life changing experience!"

 

Mr. Wisen - El Paso - Texas

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"A magnificent Trip!"

Thank you!

 

R. Holland - Columbine - CO

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"We loved everything!  From the whale watching in Hermanus, to the bungee jumping  and Canopy tour in the Garden Route, walking with baboons, riding elephants, flying in those magnificent thunder machines - (boy what a thrill), hot-air ballooning over the winelands, rafting the rapids in Victoria falls - micro-lighting over the falls - we did it all! 

We want to do it all over again! The kids are already planning a return trip! Your expertise and outstanding planning to allow us to do it all is remarkable.  Thank you for creating lifelong memories for our family - a treasure for years to come!

 

You are the best! "

 

Family O'Connor - Santa Barbara - CA

 

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"We had to travel all the way from Switzerland to find you!  What a find you were!  Our trip was fabulous!

Luxury and excellence every step of the way!  Your selection of villas in the most magnificent parts of the countries we visited surpassed our imagination.

Our family and friends were enthralled with everything. Our guides and butlers were wonderful.  In fact we might entice them to Switzerland. 

We will be back - thanks again!"

 

Family Bouissenous - Gstaad

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"If "custom design" is an art - then you have perfected it.  We could not have asked for anything to be different. You have matched our preferences and interest to the last little detail.  Everyday was a delight and kept us in great anticipation for the next exciting event.  You have a gift and you run a great operation.

Thank you for always being available to take our calls and an even bigger thank you for not sending us to a website for information.  Your time is most appreciated and we realize its value."

 

Tom & Marilyn-Scottsdale AZ

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"Thank you for all that you did to put together  a wonderful action packed trip with a lifetime of memories.

The kids had the time of their lives and prepared them well for going off to college!  Thanks again."

 

Daly Family - MD

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"A wedding should be the most important event in one's life followed by the most memorable honeymoon for lifelong memories. 

 

You have raised the bar in wedding planning and travel planning.  We had the most amazing wedding - how did you manage to execute it all so flawlessly?  Everything was just so perfect and oh! your land is beautiful but its people is its greatest asset.

 

We could tell from the moment we met you and Michael in your lovely office and you served us tea in your china cups that we met special people who took pride in their surroundings and in their profession.  You are a rare breed and we recognized your special qualities that reflected in everything you did.  You are an asset to the travel industry and should be commended.

 

We conceived a baby on our honeymoon and we are going to name it after one of you!

 

Thank you - words do not describe what it meant to us.

 

Jane & Dave - Katonah NY

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Travel Agent's Client

 

Dear Rina

 

I am very pleased to tell you that our trip to South Africa was the most exciting vacation of our lives.  You made a great decision in choosing Michael to plan and arrange this trip.

There was not a slip; everything was precise and exactly on schedule.  At every stop we were greeted and taken on to our destinations without a hitch.

The hotel in Cape Town, Cape Grace and the two lodges: Tswalu and Singita were beyond our expectations.

 

Michael obviously knows Africa very well and I would without hesitation, recommend his expertise.  He has proven to us that he is a Pro.

 

Best Regards

N. Wolf.  - New York

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Dear Michael Jackson - 

This brings enthusiastic thanks from Phil and me for a wonderful African trip. Everything went smoothly and we came back with many happy memories. 

My favorite places were the first and the last!  The Skeleton Coast camp was wonderful - for the setting, the simple but thoughtfully arranged accommodations, the excellent guides, and the overall feeling of a place that is managed with both efficiency and real warmth. 

Chiawa was much the same, on a larger scale - awesomely well organized and giving the impression that each guest's needs and interest were important. 

We did both the guided walk and a canoe trip and found them a good change from game drives. The guides there are uniformly impressive.

The Jo'burg hotel was very good, and we had a good dinner there the night of our return, as our plane didn't leave until late in the evening. 

With our thanks -

Tricia Winterer

Keene, NY

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Hi there  Tanya,

We're back, jetlagged, and still processing all the wonderful things we experienced on our African journey. First, let us thank you for setting up such a flawless trip.  Everything went so smoothly and the lodges were really outstanding.  We chose well, with different environments at each lodge.  The Crater Lodge was amazing, as was the crater itself.  The first glimpse of it takes your breath away. Grumeti was the wildest place we'd ever been, with the hippos serenading us nightly and the lions slaughtering wildebeest about 50 feet away.  The Bateleur Camp was wonderful, with the vistas right off your porch and the warthogs running through the camp at will.  We did take oodles of pictures of which one is attached. 

You certainly were right about not needing any vouchers - your name was good enough! Everyone was there to shepherd us from place to place, something I don't think we could do even in this country! Giraffe Manor was fun, too, and we did get in some neat shopping on that last day.

This is just a quick "thank you" again for your wonderful work.  We showed the beautiful itinerary booklet you gave us to many fellow travelers who were so jealous. We even showed it to a CCAfrica rep we met on one of the flights.  Was he impressed!!  Don't be surprised if you get some new clients as a result. 

We will be in NJ for the Christmas holidays and hope to touch base again with you and Michael then.  Again, many many thanks for all your efforts, patience, and thoughtfulness in making this trip just as memorable as the one to South Africa and Botswana. 

Best........Terry and Betty Meyer

Florida

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Tanya,

I've been meaning to write you. We had an amazing time, and it was all unforgettable from the first day to the last. 

We really appreciate all the attention to detail you paid and it showed.

 

South Africa is a wonderful country and South Africans are wonderful people; we definitely will be going back. We think Jabulani was our favorite - we had a game ranger all to ourselves.

The staff at the Cape Cadogan was great, as was Indigo Bay.

 

The trip on the whole was amazing. Please thank Wendy for us again next time you speak with her.

 

Thank you for the welcome home card and the wine before we left. We really appreciate it.

 

I will be in touch in the next few months to discuss World Cup 2010...

 

Bardia & Melissa - New York

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JOURNEYS OF DISTINCTION