Visitors Book

Ernst Schlogelhofer, July '08

My daughter (age 16) and I had a wonderful time with Norman Carr safaris. We spent 6 nights in the remote bush-camps and walked some 100 kilometres in the care of expert guides. The game density is high and we encountered a wide range of animals including lions and leopards. The landscape is varied and we walked along dry river beds, through dense bush, high grass and wide open clearings. It is true that on foot one does not get as close to the animals as in a jeep, but on foot we were part of this mesmerising ecosystem where nothing is lost and everything serves a purpose. The few times we were in a jeep it felt as if the animals looked through us, while on foot, however the animals acknowledged us in many ways, some were curious, some were scared and some communicated to us when we encroached into their territory. Everything became important – where does the wind come from, what do the sounds mean, how old are the droppings, is this spoor fresh? I can’t think of a better way to spend time away from my urban life style and to get back in touch with feelings and sensations that so easily become dormant in the concrete jungle of a big city like London.

The Norman Carr bush camps blend perfectly into the wilderness, the fact that they are temporary and have to be taken down during the rainy season lend a seductive fragility to their atmosphere. The camps proof that there is beauty in simplicity. The staff is so friendly and caring that I felt I am visiting friends. I could not say which of the bush camps was my favourite – they are quite different and their locations and surrounding landscapes determine their characteristics, which is the way it should be.