Of course the wet and wild weather did not help but other things to consider
1. If you wish to include Addo in the...
Good day, Sue
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback about your experience on our 6 day Garden Route & Addo group adventure tour. We are truly sorry to hear that aspects of the tour did not meet your expectations. As a small, owner run company offering a very personal service, this is very disappointing for the whole team to read, and we truly take every review, good or bad, to heart.
The storms and rainfall experienced during your trip were some of the most severe we have encountered since Earthstompers began operating in 2005, and whilst your group was able to visit all the destinations on our tour itinerary, we understand that the conditions were far from ideal and that attractions like the suspension bridge at Tsitsikamma was not accessable, for visitors' safety. We're sorry that the weather negatively impacted your trip. Like the guests on tour, we are also disappointed when the weather doesn’t cooperate, as our main goal is always to create happy, memorable experiences. Unfortunately, difficult weather can really put a damper on things.
Regarding the itinerary, our Garden Route tours are designed as balanced small group experiences that showcase a wide variety of South Africa’s landscapes, towns, highlights, and adventures, with the Addo safari experience included as one component of the journey. We wish time and budget were never a factor, as you could easily spend much longer exploring the Garden Route region in depth. However, over the past 20 years of operating these tours, we’ve learned that many guests have limited travel time, and that 6 days is generally the maximum amount of time most group tour guests have available for this region. Our scheduled group tours are therefore designed to showcase many highlights and regions within a relatively short period of time. At the same time, we understand that not all travellers are the same, and some guests do prefer a slower pace or longer stays in certain areas. We always aim to be as transparent as possible and provide guests with detailed information before booking. For example, we clearly outline the driving distances and daily itinerary breakdowns on our website.
For guests looking for a more wildlife-focused or experience or more leisure time in destinations, we recommend one of our dedicated safari packages, safari extensions, or private tours. These options allow for greater itinerary flexibility and a slower pace. Many of our group tour guests book a safari extension after their Garden Route experience, where we create a safari-based package for them following their Garden Route experience.
Regarding lunch stops. We appreciate your feedback regarding the lunch stops and are sorry that the style of lunches did not fully match your preference for more on-the-go meals. This can sometimes be a difficult balance to maintain. We always try to accommodate different travel styles, as some guests prefer quick, on-the-go lunches, while others enjoy slowing down and experiencing fresh local food at lunch stops along the route. Many guests see these meal stops as an important part of the overall travel experience. We agree that every day does not require a sit-down lunch stop. Our guides usually offer a combination of sit-down and on-the-go meals as some days are more relaxed than others. It's tricky, to cater for every individual's needs on a group tour with multiple individuals/couples from all over the world.
We are very sorry and disappointed to hear that your experience with Mark was not entirely positive, and we truly appreciate you taking the time to share this feedback with us. We never want any guest to feel unheard, uncomfortable, or frustrated during their travels, and we are sorry that parts of the experience left you feeling this way. While Mark is often highly praised for his knowledge, passion, and enthusiasm, we completely understand that his communication and guiding style did not align with your personal preferences on this occasion. It was also a particularly challenging week weather wise, which added extra pressure and stress for both guests and guides alike. Having personally guided hundreds of guests along the Garden Route myself, I understand how demanding it can be for a guide to drive safely in severe rain, while at the same time organising logistics, communicating with guests, and trying to keep everyone happy. The added pressure (like the difficult weather on this occasion) can sometimes become overwhelming. That said, this should never take away from the overall guest experience, and we do take your comments and feedback seriously. We will be discussing your feedback with Mark internally and using it as a constructive opportunity for reflection and growth.
We genuinely appreciate your feedback, as it helps us continue refining our tours and communication so that guests can choose the experience best suited to their travel style and expectations. We do hope that despite the challenges, there were still moments of beauty and memorable experiences during your time exploring South Africa. We want all our guests to have the best possible time on our tours and it is very disappointing when we don't succeed. Your comments are noted and we will continue to discuss and find ways to improve.
Best Regards,
Hendrik Human-Owner
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