Barry & Catherine's Travels with Martin Meyer Safaris

Over the years we have been blessed to have guests turn into friends and become a part of our Safari Family. Barry and Catherine are two such guests. Having travelled with us a number of times over the years, it always excites us when they want to come back to Africa again.


Barry & Catherine travelled with Martin on a Privately Guided Safari Sojourn in June 2023 and this is their feedback along with some of  Catherine's exceptional images that she captured on safari.


You can see more of Catherine's images here : https://www.catherinedugganphotography.com/

Cheetah Cubs backlit

In planning our third visit to Africa with Martin Meyer, we asked Martin and Antje Meyer to create a trip that encompassed the most important landscapes and animals that we had not yet seen during our other highly personalized safaris. Though their careful planning, they enabled us to see the animals in entirely new ways: as portraits, as pairs, as groups of animals, all interacting with one another, or with us! We will never forget our first day on safari when six leopards appeared, and one waited for us upon our arrival back at camp.


The opportunity that Martin provided for us to see a dozen female lions drinking from a pond a stone's throw away was nothing short of a miracle, as was our proximity to a herd of cape buffaloes, along with long-viewing times with a rhinoceros, elephants and leopards, each with new offspring.


Nothing could be more memorable than discovering that a bull elephant was parading down the hill, directly toward us, leaving no space for us into which we could disappear. Not only did Martin give us a quick set of instructions regarding how we should respond, but he gave us the opportunity of a lifetime to be within 2 feet of this giant's tusk as he walked past us, and the most amazing part of this is that neither one of us was frightened or worried because Martin were there, and our trust in him was, and certainly remains, complete. 

 

Martin husbanded us through so many airports terminal, landing strips, waiting rooms and safari camps, that we could never have had this experience without his very gentle, knowing and attentive leadership. It was also obvious that the heartfelt responsiveness of the people who received us at the camps was a reflection not only of their cultural kindness and welcoming nature but was surely a sign of their affection and respect for Martin.


Trip #4 now in the planning stages. With Martin...of course.

 

 Barry Siegel

Leopard in a Tree in The Timbavati

Where did they Go and What Did they See?

In the heart of Southern Africa, Barry and Catherine embarked on a safari adventure that would weave a tapestry of unforgettable moments across diverse landscapes.


Fairlawns Boutique Hotel: A Tranquil Prelude

Their journey kicked off at the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel in Johannesburg, a serene refuge where luxury met respite. Nestled amidst manicured gardens, the hotel provided a sanctuary for recovery and rejuvenation after the rigors of international travel. Barry and Catherine, enveloped in the comfort of the accommodations and the soothing ambiance, prepared to embark on the wild adventure that lay ahead.


Tubu Tree Lodge in Botswana: Into the Heart of the Wilderness

Leaving the city behind, the couple ventured into the untamed wilderness of Botswana, finding themselves at Tubu Tree Lodge. Here, the landscape spoke in whispers of ancient tales, and each rustle in the bushes held the promise of wildlife encounters. Over three enchanting nights, Barry and Catherine marveled at the sight of leopards prowling, wild dogs on the hunt, majestic elephants in their natural habitat, and the commanding presence of lions. Their journey through the Botswana wilderness was documented not just in words but also in vivid photographs capturing the raw beauty of the region.


Kings Camp in Timbavati Private Nature Reserve: Majestic Encounters

Moving south, their safari took them to the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, and Kings Camp awaited with promises of majestic encounters. Under Martin's guidance, the couple witnessed the spectacle of the big five, from the regal lions to a daring leopard climbing a tree right beside their safari vehicle. The pride of 18 lions added a crescendo to their wildlife symphony. The intimate connection with nature was palpable, and every moment became a chapter in their unfolding adventure.


Morukuru Madikwe: Wide Open Spaces and Rarer Species

The journey continued to Morukuru Madikwe, a haven offering not just wide-open spaces but also the allure of rarer wildlife species. Four nights in this expansive wilderness allowed Barry and Catherine to delve into the tranquility of the surroundings and witness the captivating behavior of elusive creatures.


The Motse in the Green Kalahari: Journey's End

Their expedition culminated in the spectacular Green Kalahari at The Motse, where the desert landscape painted a different yet equally mesmerizing backdrop. Tswalu lets you reconnect with the richness of the earth. It offers an escape to a place that’s governed by the ancient rhythms of the seasons, rather than the clock and the calendar. 


Throughout their odyssey, Martin Meyer's expert guidance wove a thread of continuity, turning each destination into a chapter of a personalized and extraordinary safari story. Barry and Catherine's journey was not just a sequence of locations but a narrative of connection—with nature, with wildlife, and with the captivating spirit of Southern Africa.


If this sounds like the kind of adventure that you would love to experience, get in touch with one of our Journey Designers today to start the planning process with a 1 hour complimentary safari consultation!

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