Dear Gill,

We are back and finally rested.  First and foremast, a huge thank you for all your efforts in arranging for our amazing journey to South Africa, and for your patience, and understanding with all our concerns along the way. 

What started out as a single vacation… turned into five vacations in one.  Graham and Mark were extraordinary guides in introducing us to South Africa and all that is Cape Town.  Graham shared so much knowledge about your history, culture, and present circumstances that made what we experienced meaningful and lasting. The sites and restaurants chosen added to the experience, and we felt each day was new and fresh.  

Our trip to wine country was an entirely different experience where we felt we transported to serenity, and the beauty of God’s creation.  Graham did everything he could to assure Ida found medical help, and that SAVED the TRIP!!!

We experienced the Blue Train for all its elegance and charm, and fully understood that everything was done following the up-track derailment.

Our trip to Johannesburg and Soweto was a one of a kind immersion into your recent history and the power of the peace makers.  We were moved and touched by all we saw. 

What can we say about Londolozi.  At every level it exceeded expectations. Each excursion was its own adventure enhanced by our tracker who showed reverence, understanding, and a true love for all of the wildlife.  Each return became more magical through the hospitality of the staff and the amazing cuisine. 

For Joanne and Elias, the farmhouse, the village, the school in Zambia enabled us to feel fully connected with the amazing villagers, staff, teachers and children who were gracious, hospitable and open that made us want to return.  As promised, despite a whirlwind schedule, we had time to relax and enjoy our vacations.  

Every detail was considered, all your drivers/guides were on time and courteous.  We felt pampered, safe and completely attended to.  It did not happen by accident. It happened due to your extraordinary efforts!!

All the best, and we hope that our friends and family will find their way to you, and that we might schedule another visit somewhere in Africa where you can assist. 

As snow is falling in Chicago, we wish you a wonderful summer, and great holiday season. 

Fondly,

For my 50th birthday, I my dream was to go on a African safari during the summer of 2018.   My cousin I was traveling with suggested that we use Gill to help plan our adventure as she used Gill to help plan her two previous trips to Africa.    I wouldn’t have known were to even start if it wasn’t for Gill.    She created several itineraries after finding out the length of time we were traveling and our budget.    Even though she is another continent, it was so easy to communicate through email and she quickly responded to any of our questions.  Before we left, she sent us excellent packing lists, advice and even answered our photography questions as she is an accomplished wildlife photographer.   Gill gave excellent recommendations and we were so happy with each of the safari lodges we stayed in South Africa, Zambia and Botswana.    We were so impressed how every single transfer went so smoothly and there was always someone there when we arrived to transfer us to our next place.   All the flights and transfers worked like clock work and we felt very safe throughout the trip.   Our trip ended in Cape Town and the wine country where her husband Graham was our guide.   Graham was so knowledgeable, professional and accommodating for this portion of our trip.   We experienced and learned so much more having Graham accompany us than if we were traveling on our own.   Both Gill and Graham truly love Africa and their passion for travel, wildlife and cultures come through with everything they do in their business.    I highly recommend using Africa 2000 to help customize your trip of a lifetime! 

Jean Jaros

Cary, North Carolina

June 2018

Hi Gill & Graham

Just some jotting on our recent trip.

We have recently returned from a wonderful holiday in South Africa, Botswana and Zambia.

We were recommended to Gill & Graham at Africa 200 Tours by friends here in Australia and were a little vague as to the best plans to see and best places to go. Having contacted Gill at length as to our interests, budgets and expectations she put together the most amazing trip we have ever experienced. Far beyond our expectations.

Having Graham as our guide at the Cape was a brilliant start to our holiday. He is a lovely man who is nothing short of a walking encyclopaedia on anything to do with Southern Africa. Our time in Sabi Sands, Botswana & Zambia- and all the logistics of air travel, connections, extra sight seeing and activities went so smooth and seamless we were totally stress free !

We were thrilled at the choice of lodges at each venue. The service, friendliness and knowledge of animals, points of interest etc by our various guided could not be faulted.

Every last little detail of our trip until our departure was meticulously planned for us.

We have no hesitation in recommending Africa 2000 Tours to any prospective South Africa visitors. You will not be disappointed.

Thank you once again Gill & Graham.

Dear Gill and Graham – 2016

I think about my trip every day….it is so true what they say about a trip to Africa.  It is mind-changing.  You both are so lucky to have been born in such  wonderful place…albeit a place of many, many faces and changes.

Your plans, Gill, were so well thought out.  Graham, you were a wonderful guide/companion  to all of us.  I loved Cape Town, the trip to the Cape of Good Hope, the penguins, the restaurants, the hotel…I can not say enough.  The wine country, meeting your friends, the meals, the wine, the wineries, were the best…and you, Graham, were great company. 

All that having been said, I am so crazy about the ‘bush drives’.  After we left you Graham, it was UNBELIEVABLE!!!  (Seeing the animals, being so close, I can’t even describe how it was!  Only you and Gill must know. 

It was a WONDERFUL trip….thank you so very, very much!!!

Best wishes

Dear Gill and Graham – 2016

Our trip was a dream come true. Every where we stayed was better than the last. Your taste in hotels, restaurants, and lodging was excellent.

When I think back on it , you gave us a true taste of Africa. I don’t think any one could have done it better!

 Graham, you are a walking encyclopedia. I don’t think any of us asked you a question you couldn’t answer. Your explanations of all we saw brought it to life and gave us a deeper understanding of where we were. Graham, after leaving you, we made it to Londolozi where we were greeted in style. Met with hot towels and champagne.

The game drives were exciting and fruitful, we saw all the big 5, plus everything else you can think of.

The entire complex was elegant and the food wonderful. We were pampered every minuet. We really hated to leave. Victoria Falls was magnificent. I’m so glad we took the helicopter ride even thought he frightened us when he dropped into the gorge! There is no way to get a full understanding of just how big it is without the ride.

All the places we went were so accommodating, telling us that if there was anything we needed, just ask. We went on boat rides, sundowners almost every night, excursions to villages, etc. You name it and we did it! Gill what you and Graham planned for us was more than even we could imagine. I can’t thank you enough for all you did for us.

You two made us a memorable trip none of will ever forget!

Thank you so very much,

Warmest regards

Dear Gill & Graham – 2016

Good morning Gill ! Jan and I chatted last night trying to come up with concrete suggestions on how you could improve the trip and came up pretty blank. We had talked about the pros and cons of saving Muchenje for last and decided that we would do it the same way. Starting at Nxai Pan was the perfect introduction to the Kwando system. KP was delightful as was her entire staff. We had the pleasure to be guided by a fellow up from Tau Pan named Maus and his incredible one eyed tracker, Shoes. The short “Bush Walk” Shoes and another younger San tracker was a high light among too many to mention but now we now how to make fire, brush our teeth, and set snares for Guinea Fowl.

When we first arrived at Ghoha Hills we were thinking that perhaps we could have skipped this place so far from the waters of Chobe but that soon changed as we enjoyed time with Abram and our guide there. It was also the best food of the trip despite being delighted by every meal prior. 

We can’t thank you enough. Mark and Susan and Jan and I commented throughout our experience on your attention to detail and organizational skills. Alas we did not get to meet you and Graham in Franschhoek but perhaps there will be another opportunity such as Uganda.  

Warmest regards

Dear Gill & Graham – 2016

Returning from our more than three week tour with you –, we are more than pleased to thank you for your professional guide service extended during our visit to South Africa, Botswana and Zambia. You can be assured that if any of our friends or your prospective clients need to have our recommendations for Africa 2000 Tours, we shall respond with enthusiasm and suggest strongly that “they book you sooner rather than later.”

Your service and professionalism extended to Molly and me will always be cherished.  We could not ask for any better tour company to meet our future international travel needs.

With warm personal regards,

Hello Gill and Graham

Colette and I wish to express our thanks for these holidays which will remain in our memories for ever. Everything has been perfect : program was definitely the best we  could expect and the progression you have prepared has proved to be ideal, wildlife observation has been extrordinary and I hope that my pictures will be in line with the actors…

We are just sorry that Gill could not be with us on those occasions : this could be prepared for our next experience with AFRICA 2000 !

We do thank you both for the very kind attentions you had with us day by day and for the very efficient help and support that Graham provided us with.

Please be sure that we shall promote AFRICA 2000 Tours among our friends !

With our warmest thanks

Hello Gill and Graham

we placed an inquiry in International Travel News (ITN) requesting information on a reputable Southern African Safari Tour Company, and we were fortunate enough to get a recommendation for Africa 2000 Tours. I’m glad to return the favor and recommend them to someone.

Gill and Graham Maskell are the owners of Africa 2000 Tours. Gill communicated with us and made the arrangements from the business office, and Graham was our guide for three of the best weeks of our lives.

My wife Judy, and two other couples who are dear friends travelled through Cape Town, the southeast cape, the wine country, and several private wildlife camps in South Africa, Zambia, and Botswana. The Maskells run possibly the best custom tour agency in South Africa. More importantly they are wonderful people whom we now count among our friends

I can’t say enough nice things about them. Hope this helps.

Hello Gill and Graham

we placed an inquiry in International Travel News (ITN) requesting information on a reputable Southern African Safari Tour Company, and we were fortunate enough to get a recommendation for Africa 2000 Tours. I’m glad to return the favor and recommend them to someone.

Gill and Graham Maskell are the owners of Africa 2000 Tours. Gill communicated with us and made the arrangements from the business office, and Graham was our guide for three of the best weeks of our lives.

My wife Judy, and two other couples who are dear friends travelled through Cape Town, the southeast cape, the wine country, and several private wildlife camps in South Africa, Zambia, and Botswana. The Maskells run possibly the best custom tour agency in South Africa. More importantly they are wonderful people whom we now count among our friends

I can’t say enough nice things about them. Hope this helps.

Hello Gill and Graham

Yes, we’re home safe from an absolutely perfect vacation in your beautiful country of So. Africa!  Other than the 34 hours en route home, everything was awesome – in all senses of the word.  We loved Capetown (reminded us of SanFransisco) and did Table Mt., Botanical Gardens, Waterfront shopping, eating, etc. and Chapmans Peak Drive. The hotel and action around the waterfront was great altho. it was a bit rainy and cold one day. Then thru wine country (visited Spiers and the town of Stellenboch) which was beautiful. The LeFranschhoek Hotel was so….quaintly Dutch with beautiful rose gardens, etc. and they were SO nice to us for our anniversary (Thank YOU!) with rose pedals on our bed and champagne at our incredible dinner!! Then quite a drive through the mountains, which we didn’t realize you had – they’re like our Rockies! Loved Ladismith – felt like real first class camping at a farm with incredible food. The Phantom Forest Lodge was unbelieveable – wish we could have stayed longer there – also loved Knysna and took at Catamaran ride out to the Heads on a beautiful day!. Colonial Graham Guest House was quiet and our time there was very brief! Lalibela Game Reserve was beyond our imagination with the service, the room, the animals, etc!!  Thank you for all your work and planning – We were so pleasantly surprised by the incredibly high quality of the service and all our accomodations which made it so relaxing for us.

Now back to reality and diet!! Thank you!!!!

To Whom It May Concern

As experienced FIT travelers of more than 20 years, my husband and have come to expect superb service and personal attention from the guides and travel companies we carefully choose when traveling to our chosen destinations.

In all these years, with all kinds of expectations and surprises, we’ve never, ever had a guide equal to Graham Maskell and a Safari Operator like Africa 2000 Tours.  All through the detailed and precise planning of Gill Maskell.

Graham (her husband) is such a unique blend of skills and experiences, we were always comfortable with his suggestions, and guidance.  He made certain he was fully conversant with the local customs, culture, and folklore of the various peoples we visited, as well as the habits of the animals and the unusual aspects of any plants and vegetation we came across.

He also surprised us by being able to handle those little problems that pop up — like a replacement lens repair for prescription glasses; a bath tub stopper to replace the one that disappeared from the hotel; a camera repair when no camera shop was within miles.

Graham is not only the most skilled guide we’ve ever known, he is a scuba diver; a sailor ; engineer– whatever circumstance might arise in an emergency, Graham has it well in hand,

 Our baggage mysteriously appeared when it should and it vanished into airport security without our ever having to do anything to make this happen — all with a minimum of fuss.

Graham is fun to be with; a great conversationalist; who is there every time you need him, and never there when you need some quiet time.

In the month we were with Graham on a daily basis, he became a true friend whom we trusted, enjoyed and relied on, and always absolutely delightful to be with.

Anyone who may have the joy of a trip with Graham Maskell is sure to have the richest experience anyone could dream for.

We have worked with other travel agents in the past and quickly learned that not all agencies are as customer friendly and service oriented as Africa 2000 Tours. Gill & Graham have arranged several wonderful getaways for us that were all geared to OUR interests to Zimbabwe, Botswana, and within South Africa to the Sabi Sands, Natal Drakensberg, and Zululand. They know of remote, quaint places that we didn’t even read about in the local travel books. Everywhere we have done we have been extremely pleased. You can be assured that you’re not just another faceless tourist. They will treat you special and will organise your getaway with every detail carefully organised. They are truly lovely people. We highly recommend Africa 2000 Tours as your travel broker of choice in Southern Africa

I have been traveling extensively in Southern and Eastern Africa for the past ten years and have over the years used a variety of tour operators and agents. Recently I have used the services of Africa 2000 Tours · Gill & Graham Maskell, exclusively, for the simple reason that I have yet to encounter the operator or agent who provides the same level of dedication, high quality and very personal service.

I am a demanding client, I know what I want and I know from experience what to expect. Nevertheless Gill has proved herself equal to the task of coping with my very specific wishes, while at the same time coming up with interesting suggestions of new places to visit and new things to do.

I can recommend the services of Gill & Graham Maskell of Africa 2000 Tours without the slightest hesitation!

We have been home from our African adventure a month now but the entire thing still remains a beautiful and very fond memory.  Almost a year ago we decided that if we were going to take a vacation to Africa, this might be a good time.  Most other adventures we had done on our own.  Thinking I might need a little help, I looked up a couple websites that I found in a travel magazine.  Africa 2000 happened to be one of those.  After a couple e-mail exchanges with Gill Maskell, I knew we could communicate well and decided to see how much help she could be.  She knew the right questions to ask and the ideas flew back and forth till my little idea of a mini safari turned into 30 days of experiencing Africa beyond any dreams we could have had.  The travel insurance company we went with asked me to check them out a little better with references since they were a very small company.  I did that and was assured they would be able to provide what they had promised.  They provided what they promised with a little surprise of more many times during the trip.  Graham was with us as a guide during most of the trip and we enjoyed not only his company and knowledge but also the luxury of not having to worry about anything.  It was all his responsibility.  We had never experienced this before so of course it was great.  We really had questioned having a guide with us for the entire time but with Graham it was all just super.  After the first day, he seemed much more like a friend we had known forever.  We couldn’t help but notice how the few American tourists we encountered wanted to pick his brain also.  Most all of them had American tour companies make their arrangements.  We strongly suggest that if you are considering Africa as your vacation destination, you let an African company make your arrangements.  They know the best way to make them.  Give Africa 2000 Tours a call and Gill and Graham Maskell will help you decide what you really want to do and see in the best possible way.  We are certainly glad we did.

Dear Graham

Just wanted you to know we all arrived home safe and sound, some earlier than others. We want to thank you so much for seeing to it we had a fabulous experience. I can’t think what else you could have done to make the trip better. It has been very hard to describe to others exactly what feelings/adrenaline rushes, etc. we had. I just say that it is like the Discovery Channel, only in your face. 

Please let us know if you and/or Gill will be out our way again. Would love to reminisce. Sorry we didn’t meet Gill, but trust she wasn’t too overworked in your absence. 

Thanks again

Dear Graham

Just wanted you to know we all arrived home safe and sound, some earlier than others. We want to thank you so much for seeing to it we had a fabulous experience. I can’t think what else you could have done to make the trip better. It has been very hard to describe to others exactly what feelings/adrenaline rushes, etc. we had. I just say that it is like the Discovery Channel, only in your face. 

Please let us know if you and/or Gill will be out our way again. Would love to reminisce. Sorry we didn’t meet Gill, but trust she wasn’t too overworked in your absence. 

Thanks again