Simply flawless from beginning to end
If you truly wish to immerse yourself in South Africa and experience its nature in its most profound form, traveling with Daniela and her MaTakaTaka team is an absolute must. Here are the reasons why: The personal video call for preparation was a brilliant idea: the four of us were able to ask all our questions and also express our individual preferences, which Daniela and Susi then thoughtfully incorporated into the itinerary. We benefitted immensely from their local expertise, ensuring that the program was both diverse and well-balanced. The professional travel arrangements made by the MaTakaTaka team prior to our trip left nothing to be desired – rather than worrying about the details, we were able to enjoy the excitement through the app, complete with our travel itinerary and preview of the lodges. Upon our arrival at Johannesburg airport, Daniela was there to greet us, and the adventure began immediately. Her passionate sharing of her extensive knowledge about the flora and fauna made us feel like true explorers. The absolute highlight was the walking safaris. To wander on foot through the wilderness and to be guided here as well personally by Daniela was an indescribable experience. We were able to fully immerse ourselves in the sounds and scents of nature, connecting with it in a way we had never experienced before. These moments will stay with us forever. The accommodations recommended by MaTakaTaka were exceptional, and we were reluctant to skip any of them: Daniela’s warmth was also reflected in the mostly privately-run lodgings. Do you need another reason to travel with MaTakaTaka? If you find yourself particularly captivated by a place and wish to extend your stay, the diligent team behind the scenes is quick to spring into action and fulfill that wish. Wondering if you need a guide? The answer is a resounding YES. Having an expert by your side adds immeasurable value, sparing you the need to handle everything on your own, and allowing you to see so much more than you would without one. Every single day was worth it, and we wouldn’t have wanted to miss Daniela’s expert guidance. Our heartfelt thanks to you, Daniela, and the MaTakaTaka team, for gifting us three unforgettable weeks in South Africa and Botswana! We will certainly return – ons sal terug wees! (That’s Afrikaans and means “we will be back!”)
August 2024
Cora, Brigit, Sarah & Frank
Hamburg (GER), Karlsruhe (GER) & Einsiedeln (CH)
Oh, how beautiful is Namibia…
Thanks to MaTakaTaka we had an unforgettable time.
As a couple whose individual needs are high, we didn´t want to book a pre-packaged tour or go on a tour with a large group. Luckily, Daniela and Team MaTakaTaka were recommended to us! Together with them, we were able to plan the trip exactly according to our wishes and ideas – what a luxury! In retrospect, we can say: the trip could have not been better.
Our highlights were definitely the wildlife encounters in Etosha National Park and the breathtaking sunsets and sunrises. The nature is incredibly beautiful and diverse.
The communication with Daniela and her team went smoothly from the very beginning. They were always helpful, super friendly, and the organization was top-notch! We had a fantastic time and can wholeheartedly recommend MaTakaTaka.
May 2024
Elke and Michael
Unterkirchberg, Germany
In 2019, a dear colleague returned from his trip to South Africa, where he had been on tour with MaTakaTaka. He was so enthusiastic that he couldn’t stop raving about his trip and the amazing experience he had. That same evening, I told my husband the stories my colleague had shared with me and shortly thereafter, we got in touch with Dani and her team.
The safari questionnaire that we filled out and sent back to MaTakaTaka gave them a first impression of our ideas and expectations. After our wishes were taken into account, the detailed planning began, and we received a tailor-made travel itinerary according to what was important to us.
We always said that such a trip is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But already upon our arrival in Hoedspruit our expectations were exceeded from the very first moment and Dani catapulted herself straight into our heart from the moment we met her.
What can I say… Last week, we returned from our third tour, and the planning for 2026 is already underway. We also met Susanne in person two years ago, and we instantly clicked.
During our three journeys with MaTakaTaka, we have experienced gained indescribable impressions, learned a lot, and had unique experiences. Every trip was tailor-made, our wishes were always taken into account, the game drives were incredible, the people warm, and it is hard to believe that there was always room for improvement.
Not only have we caught the “Africa bug” – we have also found a good friend and a person dear to our hearts.
We are already looking forward to our next trip with Dani and to more incredible moments.
MaTakaTaka and South Africa simply belong together.
Markus & Tinka Nüsser
Pulheim, Germany
By a stroke of luck, we were able to fulfil our long-held wish to travel to South Africa in May 2024. Good friends had planned a wonderful trip with Dani and the MaTakaTaka team, with three stops in South Africa and Mozambique (Bush & Beach) and we were spontaneously asked if we wanted to join them.
Not only were we particularly impressed by the land and the people on this journey, but also by Dani’s profound knowledge of everything there is to discover in the bush. It’s not just the Big Five that make the trip worthwhile. Dani’s enthusiasm and passion opened our eyes to such beautiful things, and that will remain truly unforgettable.
In retrospect, it must be said that Dani’s expertise was pivotal and played an essential role for the enjoyment of our trip. And for that we are truly thankful!
We enjoyed the South African adventure so much that we will definitely plan another trip with the MaTakaTaka team soon.
Warm greetings to South Africa from the cathedral city on the banks of the Rhine with our shared motto & triple cheer: beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!
Curt & Melanie Rehfus
Cologne, Germany
Wiesbaden, Germany
March 2024
We received the contact details for MaTakaTaka travel agency through friends. Daniela and her team had planned and accompanied their two trips. They felt so well looked after and so enthusiastic about Africa that they are now planning their third trip with Daniela.
We wanted to go to South Africa. However, we felt totally overwhelmed with the planning in this country, which was completely new and foreign to us.
I got in touch and asked whether self-drive trips could also be planned and organised. No problem!
The contact was so warm and personal right from the start that all our reservations vanished and we got involved in the planning with great enthusiasm.
In the end, they booked all the accommodation, took care of the rental car and helped us with a flight booking that we hadn’t been able to book yet due to the lack of passports.
We were given tips for self-drive travelers in South Africa, an emergency app, information about the internet and cellphone and answers to every conceivable question. Thank you all so much for your patience!
After landing in Hoedspruit, we were warmly welcomed by Daniela herself and taken to our accommodation. We had planned to be accompanied by a guide for the first few days. This allowed us to enjoy a stress-free arrival and discuss everything that was still on our minds. Daniela was able to give us lots of tips from her many years of experience.
On day 2, we were accompanied by Sarina from Daniela’s team on the Panorama Route and on a hike. She gave us a great first impression of South Africa and told us a lot about the fauna and flora of the beautiful Blyde River Canyon.
After that, we continued on our own. All the lodges were perfect, the game drives were a dream, the routes were easy to drive and when we had questions about damage to the rental car, Daniela´s team was immediately on hand with information.
I think you can feel our enthusiasm.
I can 100% recommend the “MaTakaTaka Team” and hope that we can experience beautiful South Africa again with your help one day!
Ralf & Helga
Kerpen, Germany
November 2023
What an incredibly great trip!
Thanks to Daniela and her team we had an unforgettable time in South Africa.
We´ve been wanting to go on a safari for quite some time so we got in contact with Daniela, after she had been recommended by friends.
After telling her our thoughts, ideas and expectations, a tailor-made itinerary was put together and it could not have been better suited for us five travellers.
Our highlights definitely include the encounters with the wild animals in the Kruger National Park as well as the fantastic sunsets we were able to experience.
Communication with Daniela and her team went smoothly right from the start. They were always helpful, super friendly and the organisation was top class!
We had a fantastic time and can wholeheartedly recommend MaTakaTaka.
Jana, Johanna, Laura, Stefan und Markus
Staig, Germany
September 2023
During the preparation for our trip to South Africa we were optimally guided and supported by Daniela and her team. We were able to choose from a wide range of suggestions for travel routes and accommodations which resulted in an individual trip, tailored to our needs. No questions were left unanswered and we always received a swift reply.
At the beginning of March we finally flew via Frankfurt to Johannesburg and on to Phalaborwa to discover the Kruger National Park from there. Daniela already expected us at the small provincial airport of Phalaborwa and gave us a very warm welcome after our long journey. While we were waiting for the luggage, Daniela used the time for a chat with other rangers and guides, to find out about recent animal sightings.
Luggage stowed away, we immediately set out to Kruger National Park.
Inside the park we encountered a seemingly endless expanse and we couldn’t stop being amazed. Roan antelopes, elephants…. and and and…. accompanied us during our first hours.
Well rested, we set off to the north-east to experience unique nature and animal spectacles in the Kruger National Park.
Daniela’s trained eye surprised us again and again, as we always had to “look twice” to discover the animals she had identified.
After having made more and more progress in the park it was particularly impressive to witness the intuition and expertise with which Daniela encountered the elephants, buffalos etc. Even though the herd of elephants was maybe maximum 10m away from our vehicle and eyeing us, we never had a queasy feeling or even fear that the pachyderms would get “too close” to us. We rather had the impression that Daniela could “read” the elephants and anticipate their movements and behaviour.
Daniela showed us places that were so beautiful that one could hardly believe these impressions were reality. On our journey through the Kruger National Park, we made acquaintance with the state camps “Mopani” and “Shingwedzi”, the simplicity of which fitted into the unique landscape and above all did not overshadow the never-ending natural spectacles and experiences.
The highlight of our little safari was definitely the two days and nights at the lodge “Return Africa”. From there we discovered the surroundings partly on foot or with an open safari vehicle. Daniela showed us landscapes in the tri-border area of Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa that we are still dreaming of today and that we will never forget.
We were asked again and again whether we had seen the “Big Five”, which we actually had not. However, during the six days in the company of Daniela we were guests of lovely people in an incomparable country and we were lucky to have met a person whose knowledge and expertise is unique and who is filled with a love for nature and the animal kingdom that cannot be put into words.
Daniela, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for this unforgettable time and that we have gained a friend in you.
Walter & Marion
Ulm, Germany
March 2020
We have been dreaming about a trip to South Africa for a long time.
But where do you start with such a large and diverse country? How do you best divide your available days and your budget? How well and safely can you get from A to B within South Africa? Without any previous experience, planning such a trip is very difficult.
Luckily, we had the MaTakaTaka Team at our side and they put together a dream vacation individually tailored to our expectations.
The first two weeks of our 3.5 week trip were dedicated to an absolutely fantastic road trip. We started in Cape Town, drove down to the Cape of Good Hope, on to “Shark Alley” in front of Gansbaai and along the Garden Route via Plettenberg Bay to Port Elizabeth.
We then drove back through the Karoo and the beautiful wine region with Stellenbosch being the final highlight. The MaTakaTaka Team had booked our accommodations along our route in advance and they were great without exception. Even very last-minute changes to plans during our trip were never a problem. MaTakaTaka was always available, extremely friendly and effortless in realizing our (quite) spontaneous wishes. (Thank you very much Susanne!)
For the next section of our journey we took a domestic flight from Cape Town to Kruger National Park for several days of safari!
Daniela – Ms. MaTakaTaka herself – already expected us at the airport and the adventure began 🙂
Daniela is one of the most lovable and authentic people we have met in a long time. Her love and her enthusiasm for the country, nature and the animal world is extremely contagious and has almost made us city slickers into experts on South African animals and especially bird life.
We will never forget our walks through the wilderness, the surprise elephant to match the sundowners and the hyena babies on the way back.
Daniela and Susanne, we cannot thank you enough. None of this would have been possible without you.
We had the absolute best time!
Vanessa and David Düsselberg
Düsseldorf, Germany
January 2020
Dear MaTakaTaka Team, dear Daniela,
Thank you so much for two weeks filled with wonderful experiences and great insights.
Dear Dani, like promised you showed us the beautiful world which you call home now. Breath-taking sceneries, the big and also small animals, birds and fauna. Your immense knowledge and the way you explained to us the context between flora, fauna, human-animal conflict and tourism was simply mind-blowing.
We have to compliment you to your perfect organization skills and your guidance of the three of us keeping our age in mind all the time.
Thank you very much for all of the above, your biology teacher (filled with pride).
Manfred Sch., your history teacher Hans M. and his wife Christine.
Ulm, Germany
November 2019
When our friends and us decided to go on a safari through South Africa with 4 adults and 4 children aged 8-11, there was great enthusiasm for a unique nature and cultural experience – and no idea where to start with the planning .
Matakataka had been recommended to us by friends – and from the first contact by e-mail to the last minute of the holiday (actually until today) we felt that we were in the very best of hands.
A very pleasant initial chat and an easily understandable questionnaire helped us to get a clear idea about our ideas and preferences. Daniela and her team made thoughtful suggestions with which we could then easily decide on our dream tour.
Thereafter Matakataka took over and organized everything except flight bookings. We could lean back, read up on things and take care of our photo equipment.
Then the time had finally arrived. After we got out of the propeller plane in Phalaborwa, Anna and Dani were already waiting for us with a friendly smile and their two modern VW T6 vans, welcoming us with ice-cold drinks and our welcome packs.
After quenching our thirst the two offered to split our group into a children´s car, led by the fantastic Anna, and an adults´ car. Both groups were very enthusiastic and immediately agreed.
Off we went straight into Kruger National Park – to our first stop, the spacious Baobab Hill House which we had all to ourselves. Once there, we were warmly welcomed in the traditional way by the friendly local staff.
After moving into our beautiful rooms and a short briefing on the house and the course of the next few days, we sat down at the set table and enjoyed our first dinner in Africa. Afterwards we sat around the fire next to the pool on our terrace and listened to the many different exotic noises of the bush for a long time.
The following two weeks were filled with early morning Jeep safaris, visits to watering holes and the daily changing wildlife spots, exciting animal sightings, the very knowledgeable and extremely entertaining company of Anna (now the absolute star among our kids) and Dani – with background stories, explanations, naming of almost all animals and plants on our way (in German and English!), picturesque strolls, bush walks, swimming excursions and trips to Eswatini (Swaziland) and other exotic places worth seeing.
Matakataka had carefully planned and organized everything down to the smallest detail but we were also offered different choices in between. From the perfectly selected accommodations to the food and all the excursions, everything was wonderful. And since Anna is also a photographer, I even received training in wildlife and landscape photography.
When Anna and Dani dropped us at the airport in Durban we felt a little melancholic but fulfilled and thankful and it was clear to us that this would not be our last safari with Matakataka.
Daniela, Anna and our families are still in contact (the children wrote their own bush fairy tale together with Anna during the two weeks, and continued writing afterwards).
Out of 5 stars, Matakataka gets 10. Thank you so so much!
Markus & Carolin K. with Lilja and Amelie Marek & Saskia W. with Nele and Emil
Berlin, Germany
October 2019
FABULOUS
We were in South Africa for the first time in 2016 as a family with 3 children. Daniela and MaTakaTaka were recommended to us and already during the planning stages we felt very well looked after. Full of anticipation we landed in Hoedspruit where a very cheerful Daniela welcomed us. The following 16 days were unforgettable and varied, filled with wonderful animal encounters, enchanting impressions of the country and its people and just a whole lot of fun. This country is fascinating in many ways but we would have probably missed out on a few special treats and “secrets”, mainly on our safaris (with the jeep and on foot!) if it wasn´t for Daniela´s unbelievable knowledge of animals and nature with which she kept enlightening us.
The organization was just perfect and it was a wonderful luxury not having to sit behind the wheel yourself. The African good night stories or a surprise dinner in the bush are just two examples of the very individual and high-quality care. It therefore comes as no surprise that we have been on a tour with MaTakaTaka every year since and that Daniela has become a good friend. One of our tours we did with Anna, also a MaTakaTaka guide and she completely enthralled us as well. Her warm nature and her laughter are just wonderful and on top of that you also get plenty of professional advice for taking photos 😊.
We look forward to our next tours.
Family Kluge
Cologne, Germany
Hello Susanne, Daniela and staff,
Sorry for the delay, I am still trying to adjust from my wonderful vacation. I would like to let you know that we thoroughly enjoyed the trip and are truly impressed with the itinerary and package you put together for us. You all were thorough with the planning and everything went off without incident. All the activities and attractions you had for us were perfect! We truly feel like we got to experience a lot of South Africa in the time we were there. I cannot believe all the activities we did and how diverse the landscapes were from cosmopolitan type feel at the V&A waterfront, hustle and bustle of the city in the city centre (a mini NYC), to natural waterfalls and potholes at Lisbon falls and other spots along the Panoramic route.
We truly enjoyed having you all plan our birthday celebration vacation and loved that you all have employed the most pleasant, down to earth and knowledgeable tour guide, Anna. In addition to the planning, booking and organizing you ladies did, along with your emails and the constant communication we have been in and your responsiveness (which I truly appreciate as I am extremely detailed), having Anna as our guide was the cherry on top!
Thank you for the warm welcome to your beautiful country (along with the handy and thoughtful welcome gifts). I cannot wait to come back. While Tanzania and Ghana are next on my trip to Africa, I know I will be back to SA. We have already had people ask us who booked our trip. And my co-workers are eager for me to return and share our trip and pics.
Sincerely,
Tanisha and family
USA
February 2019
Thanks to MATAKATAKA we got to experience Africa with all our senses – without stress & private! If you are searching for exactly that, we can highly recommend this tour operator! Thanks to Daniela Mates who made this (and much more!) possible for us. We traveled to Africa many times before. But Dani showed & taught us so much in those 18 days of travelling, it exceeded all previous trips! The fact that we could communicate in German with one another, made it even easier for us.
We explored the Pafuri region in the north of Kruger National Park & back through the south and we finished with the Panorama Route. Our personal favorite was the secluded northern part of Kruger. We like to have a good mix of diverse days, sometimes simple, sometimes luxurious which doesn’t mean less attractive. Our guide Dani spoilt us with a traditional South African Braai (BBQ) under the starlit Milky Way with a glass of wine in our hands – just how we imagined Africa to be. Dani showed us animals on our daily game drives which we would have never spotted on our own.
Before the journey we thought about how it might be traveling with a stranger and spending so much time with each other. Would that work out for us? We put the pros and cons of a relaxed, private tour and a self-driving trip together. Fortunately, we choose former. We would have underestimated the long distances between the parks and were glad that Dani was driving, giving us the opportunity for a nap and to relax. So we were well rested and ready for the next adventure once we arrived at the next destination.
Who dares wins, one says: it was our personal sixth in the lottery!
We got to know such an emphatic and humorous human being & appreciated “our” Dani so much! Her job is her passion. Even before we told her our needs and wishes, she had picked up on them already and did her utmost to fulfill them. Her immense knowledge left us in awe and we learnt to appreciate the little things as much as the big ones.
She aroused our interest in the avian creatures which she could name every single one of them! When a bird flew by Dani knew straight away which one it was, even from far away. Stunning!
We enjoyed our trip to the fullest. If necessary Dani solved discrepancies with the lodges or parks upfront. Always with a smile on her face and the right tone she put a smile on everyone’s faces.
South Africa without our guide? Unimaginable!
Andy + Susanna
Buchberg, Switzerland
September 2018
Riding on horseback through the African wilderness, past wild animals, is an experience on its own. But to experience the whole thing with Daniela makes it unforgettable! In December last year I took part in a horse back safari with seven other guests and we all agreed that we couldn’t have wished for a better guide than Daniela! Her cheerfulness, great mood & warmth are contagious and she shares her knowledge & passion for the African bush with incredible joy and generosity. We all learned so much about the bush and the animals we saw e.g. giraffes, zebras and hippos. Daniela is extremely professional and will do anything to see her guests happy. Some days the rain interrupted our trip. However, thanks to Daniela, we were still able to enjoy our vacation: she organized a visit to a traditional village without further ado. Riding close to a rhino can be scary but with Daniela we always felt safe. She always made sure that we all felt comfortable in the situation. Besides our well-being, she was also very concerned about the well-being of our horses and she always made sure that the wild animals did not feel disturbed by us. For all these reasons, the week we were allowed to spend with her was a magical experience and hence the farewell was full of tears… Through Daniela I fell in love with Africa so much that I will already do the next tour with her next September. And I already know now that it will be UNIQUE!
Sophie Marchand
Lyon, France
December 2017
Hello Daniela,
Now that we have arrived at home and processed our impressions of the wonderful
vacation, we would like to thank you again for the very good cooperation and planning of our journey.
As we can see in retrospect, the itinerary, the accommodations and the planned activities were perfect for us.
The welcome and the company of Natali should also be mentioned very positively. She informed us very well about flora and fauna, country and people etc. and introduced us to country-specific things.
Thanks again for everything. We wish you and your team continued success in arranging vacations.
We will recommend you further.
Please send Natali our best regards or forward this mail to her.
Greetings from Germany from
Regina & Hans- Heinrich
Margot & Friedrich
Schwerin, Germany
January 2017
Dear Daniela
On the 1st of November 2016 we landed in Cape Town. We had never seen you before, but when we were greeted warmly by a radiant young woman at the exit of the airport building, the spark flew immediately and we were sure that we would spend three great weeks in South Africa.
We spent the first five days in Cape Town and the surrounding area. We were allowed to explore Table Mountain with you, which showed itself from its most beautiful side in terms of weather. Something very special was of course the drive to the Cape of Good Hope via the famous Chapman’s Peak Drive, the penguin colonies in Simon´s Town as well as the visit to a vineyard and much more. Together with you we were able to explore the historic squares and buildings of the city center as well as the Cape Malay Quarter with its many small colorful houses. We also got to know several very special restaurants where we had wonderful meals and very good wine. A special highlight was also the botanical garden in Kirstenbosch.
From Cape Town we flew to Durban where we continued our fascinating journey directly to Thula Thula Game Reserve. Here we experienced interesting game observations together with you before the journey continued to the next destination, the Forest Lodge in Phinda Private Game Reserve, a wonderful lodge. During our game drives we had the great luck to meet a herd of elephants. Us little people in our safari vehicle stood in the middle of these wonderful and impressive creatures, later we came very close to a cheetah mom with her three cubs. This was also again a very emotional moment for us, we had never seen that before. Actually, the only thing missing on this day was the black rhino, also an animal that we had never seen on previous trips to Africa. But also there the luck was on our side. On the way back to the lodge our tracker spotted two rhinos in the thicket. The driver carefully drove as close as possible without frightening them. There were actually two black rhinos: a mom with her boy. A moving moment.
The next stop was the Rocktail Beach Camp, built directly into the coastal forest above the Indian Ocean. During a detour in the early evening hours up to the sea we could observe sea turtles, which emerged from the water to lay their eggs in the sand. After a stopover in Piet Retief on the guest farm Dusk to Dawn, the three of us reached the small village of Hazyview on the Panorama Route, where we were expected at the beautiful Tanamera Lodge. This place is the ideal starting point for exploring the Panorama Route. We let Daniela tell us a lot of interesting things about the scenic and cultural characteristics of this region and are always amazed about the enormous wealth of knowledge Daniela has to offer. She knows almost every bird by sound and knows about almost every plant. We have never experienced anything like this before. Also in the surroundings of Hazyview we had the opportunity to visit two animal rescue projects with Daniela.
After 16 days we finally reached the Kruger National Park where we went on a game drive with Daniela’s car. On the long drives through the park we again experienced many highlights but also a lot of animal suffering, caused by the big lack of water. Despite the many beautiful experiences we were very much affected by this. We went directly to the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve where we spent two nights in the beautiful Cheetah Plains Game Lodge. The game drives, twice a day, were the highlights of this region. On November 20th we left the reserve again and drove towards Hoedspruit. Here we finished our unique trip at the beautiful Bushriver Lodge, which is located on the banks of the Olifants River.
We felt very comfortable in our lovingly furnished room. We enjoyed the atmosphere of the African bush, which fascinated us again and again. We went on another tour with Daniela through the Moholoholo Rehabilitation Center, where wild animals are cared for and nursed back to life after being injured by poachers, traps or power lines. The goal is to release the animals after their recovery if possible, but many of them will remain in the care of the people. For the first time in my life I could stroke a cheetah, that was an indescribable feeling of happiness.
It was unspeakably difficult for us to leave you Daniela, you have grown so close to our hearts, you were like a daughter for us. We were allowed to experience three unforgettable weeks in South Africa through you and with you. You have tirelessly brought us closer to your adopted country with your great knowledge, we are deeply impressed. At this point we would like to thank you again, Daniela for all the beautiful and interesting things we were able to experience. Also many thanks to Wessel, who cooked for us wonderfully and welcomed us into the lodge as if we were the only guests. And let’s not forget Flippy, who gave us a lot of pleasure with his cheerful, high-spirited manner.
Best wishes
Dora and Michel
Reutlingen, Germany
November 2016
Dear Daniela,
Blown away by this unforgettable adventure & experience we had to say Good Bye to Bushriver Lodge & our fabulous guide Anna.
Thanks to your organization & Anna’s guidance and company, our days were absolutely perfect & clearly exceeded our high expectations.
We still can’t believe, what you guys managed to pack into these 3.5 days!!!
We are truly thankful for everything you have done for us and no doubt: we will recommend you without hesitation!
We hope to enjoy your service & the great hospitality at Bushriver Lodge soon again.
Uli, Daniel, Florian
Munich, Germany
October/November 2016
Dear Daniela,
We had such an incredible time! The lodges were fantastic! Teresa’s & my favorite was the Bushwillow Collection in Hluhluwe. Also absolutely outstanding was Travessia Lodge & Naara Eco Lodge in Mozambique. And even the hotel „The Concierge“ in Durban was special. All in all: the accommodation chosen by you was excellent.
During this 2 weeks we were able to see so many different places and get so many different impressions (which we still have to process) that it is difficult to say, what we liked the most.
But one thing we are all sure of: We definitely enjoyed Wessel’s company! His calm and balanced nature of dealing with people and situations was inspiring!
It seemed like nothing could work him up at all! He explained everything with great patience and calmness and we all felt well looked after & cared for. Thanks again Wessel!
In retrospect it might have been better to skip a stop or another in order to spend more quality time at one place.
Sometimes the distances we had to drive were a little too long but we will know it better for the next time. I am sure this was not the last journey to South Africa. ☺
Once again many thanks for the great organization and Wessel’s outstanding company. We really had a fabulous time!
Greetings to you & Wessel,
Monika, Erich, Sophie & Teresa
Brühl, Germany
July/August 2016
From adventure to friendship!
As a family of five we have always had the dream to fly to South Africa and see wild animals. But prices and large travel groups put us off, because that is not our way of travelling. We love to dive deep into cultures, but it gets difficult in some countries and environments without having someone who knows the ropes. So we were more than lucky when we came across Dani and her travel agency, because it was exactly what we always wanted: personal, affordable and top quality. The travel and booking support could not be more personal. No matter what questions or concerns we had, since we had never been “in the bush” before, Dani had an answer for everything and was able to show us great hospitality even before we arrived. And then as soon as we arrived, within a few hours, it felt like we had been friends for years.
The safaris with her were amazing! There is no tree nor bush nor animal that she doesn’t know or can’t say something about. You feel immediately safe and secure in such a dangerous environment and your hunger for adventure grows. In the Kruger National Park, an area as big as Belgium, people search for days for rare predators like cheetahs, but Dani has a feeling and sense how to get such royalties in front of the lens.
The accommodations she booked for us were as expected: comfortable, friendly, nice, clean and safe. And above all: close to the attractions, such as inside the park and not several hours outside!
All in all, we are super happy to have met Dani as a guide and friend, so happy in fact that we had booked a second trip with her right after departure! And this one exceeded our first one!
Hilken Family
Bremen,Germany
December 2015
In November 2015 we spent some fantastic days with Daniela, Wessel and the MaTakaTaka team!
Actually, we thought we were already “experienced connoisseurs of the African bush” – after all, we are long-time and regular visitors in Southern Africa and spent a considerable number of weeks each year on safari. Besides having a nice time, our expectations to learn a lot of new things were accordingly low.
How wrong we were! The two days we spent together with Daniela in the Hoedspruit area and the Bushriver Lodge were incredible: filled with interesting knowledge and “aha” effects. Daniela drew our attention to the thousands of little details that we had not even noticed before! Like what you can read from tracks, excrements and holes in the ground.
An example: Now, after MaTakaTaka, we see a lion’s track in the sand and can imagine how big the animal was, when it passed by, if it was in a hurry or was strolling leisurely. And we have learned to look even further and interpret the possible reason for the hurry. It is amazing how many stories “the bush” reveals when you explore it with open eyes. And Daniela has opened our eyes.
She is a walking encyclopedia of the fauna and flora of the region – and all this in English and German. There is hardly a second guide who knows all animal names in German.
And above all you can see one thing: she loves the African bush!
Daniela is also a very entertaining person with whom it does not get boring quickly (and knows very funny safari games!).
And then there is also Wessel to mention – the most charming and helpful host you can imagine (and on top of that a great chef in the kitchen).
After our experiences with the MaTakaTaka team we see Africa in a new light. It is now much more colorful, bigger and even more amazing than before. We will surely come back – because it is also extremely addictive.
Thank you!
Michael and Anja,
PS: we were again at Daniela and Wessel’s place the following year, and this time again we were thrilled. Until 2017 then!
Frankfurt, Germany
November 2015
It was our first time to travel to South Africa and we were unsure if this country would unfold itself to us. Thanks to the MaTakaTaka Team we had an unforgettable time in the bush. Daniela managed to carefully take all our wishes and expectations into consideration and then set up a perfect, custom-made itinerary for us. We will certainly come back soon!
Dominik & Anja
Altheim, Germany
October/November 2015
In September/October 2015 two friends of mine and I travelled together to South Africa, Mozambique & Swaziland!
We booked our journey with MaTakaTaka Tours & Safaris which was the BEST and most perfect we could have done.
Daniela was present and helped us- even before our journey started!
Her specifically asked questions & suggestions made it possible to match our wishes and needs 100%.
Where to go in such a vast continent? What would we like to experience within three weeks? What do we have to keep in mind? Which vaccinations do we need, what visa to apply for, what kind of clothing would make sense?
Thousands of questions! And all answered by Dani who provided us with all the details we needed to know!
Finally the journey started!
Once we landed in Johannesburg, we travelled to Mozambique where we stayed for a week in the most beautiful accommodations you can only dream of!
We left the German autumn behind & found ourselves with 30 degrees temperatures.
Dani showed us outstanding beaches and exotic markets, we were riding horses along deserted beaches, snorkeling in the Indian Ocean (I saw corals for the first time ever). We even saw whales far out in the ocean and of course Dani hat her binoculars handy.
We experienced great adventures! Even when our jeep got stuck in deep sand in 40-degree temperature, Dani stayed calm & with her exceptional skills got the jeep out in no time. We had so much fun!!!!
I have a very divided relationship to insects and remember our last night in Mozambique. When we returned to our rooms (a house resting on stilts high above a dam), the house wall and entrance door was covered in insects.
We forgot to switch off the outside lights! For me this was a true nightmare but when traveling with Daniela Mates nothing becomes a nightmare!
She always has a solution, is always helpful, sensible and understanding!!!
She covered me with a towel and guided me, protected from any contact with the insect, safely inside. Since then I am a little bit more relaxed with the one or two insects I encounter in the European summer 🙂 !!!
We spent our second week in the Kruger National Park! A breathtaking adventure none of us will ever forget!
If it is your first time there, one is fascinated by the big animals! The Big Five, giraffes, zebras, crocodiles and hippos, for example! But Dani knows so many more animals. Her passion are birds and it was fascinating to get whole stories about a bird just by hearing his sound.
It was very special for me to see Dani’s respect and love for Mother Nature and her beautiful animals! We also learned when, how and how much mankind should interfere in nature which was very important for me.
No matter what questions you might have about the African Wildlife, you can be sure, Dani knows the answer! And if not, she will read up as long as necessary to provide you with the answer!
In South Africa we also stayed at Bushriver Lodge which become a second home to us. Special thanks to Wessel who spoiled us like crazy at “his” lodge. So much that we extended our stay for one more night!!!
The whole team of Bushriver Lodge and Daniela Mates gave us one of the most unforgettable evenings of our lives: a surprise bush dinner under starlit African sky!
No words and no photo could describe how much this evening meant to us! I know, I do talk for my friends Johanna and Anja as well!
Many thanks dear Bushriver Lodge Team, dear Dani and Wessel for your love and hospitality!!! I could go on for hours to enthuse about our journey with you but one should leave on a high note.
Dear Dani, lovely friend of ours: Anja, Johanna and Angela are deeply thankful for the unforgettable time! We will be back!!! And to you who might be reading this:
If you ever plan to travel to Africa, do it with MaTakaTaka!
You won’t find a better Tour Operator!!!!!!!!!
Angela, Johanna, Anja
Cologne, Germany
September /October 2015
From South Africa, Namibia, Botswana to Zambia,
from the silence of a desert to the beat of a bustling African town,
from an ultimate luxury safari to a true wilderness experience,
from the waves of the ocean to the top of the mountains:
WE CREATE YOUR PERFECT EXPERIENCE!
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