Testimonials

Dear Bwana Jim:
I now understand why you claim that Africa never really gets out of your mind. Thanks so much for putting together a marvelous adventure, one that literally is life changing. I have thought about it overwhelmingly ever since returning. That says everything about the care, preparation, sense of history and depth you brought to the project: all of it neatly wrapped in a first-rate naturalist’s appreciation for science. I am profoundly grateful for what you brought to this marvelous endeavor. (2007 Tanzania Safari)

Peter Duncan
Retired Director Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

In March 2006 Paul and Nina Schorran traveled with Jim to Tanzania. Traveling with them were their wonderful children: Garrett, Carla, Aven, Joel, Justin, Renee and Leigh -- ages 18 to 6. What a spectacular experience! Carla wrote the following note to Jim upon their return home.

Dear Jim:
I just wanted to send my greatest thanks to you. You don’t know how much this trip meant to all of us. Before we left there were mixed feelings of the amazement to come. After arriving in Africa I realized I had nothing to worry about. From the moment we drove out our driveway the adventure of a lifetime began. Our family could have never done it without you. Seeing how much you enjoy Africa helped us all to see its beauty. You are an amazing person and I’m so glad to have gotten to know you. I hope that we will always be in touch in the future. Thanks 100 times again and again.

Love, Carla

Hi Jim,
Well, it has been more than a month since our return and I still think it was the best vacation I've ever had. So the thrill is lasting even after I have recovered from the jet-lag, washed off all the dirt and paid the bills. Thank you for making the trip so wonderful!!! The group that we travelled with were a big part of what made the trip so enjoyable. But everything else was so well organized and beautifully done. How did they/you manage to make everything come off like clockwork in third world nations?

I really appreciate now the fact that we travelled from the driest area with the least animals to the wettest with the most animals. The animals were, of course the best part of the trip. It now seems a little surreal that we saw so many animals sometimes in such close proximity. The scenery was equally as wonderful. My pictures do not do any of it justice. The camps were great as was the food and the staff.

Sally Finch - San Diego, CA

Jim!
Thank you for your 2003 Newsletter. I participated in a Treks Safari led by you to Tanzania in March of 1997. It was unforgettable. I sometimes play the audio tapes while I'm driving here and there, and I'm instantly taken back to Africa. Everything about it was perfect. Our guides, including you were wonderful; the fantastic animals and other sights - I'd never appreciated an ostrich until I saw a group of them running full tilt across the Serengeti!

Wow! I had never seen the stars shine so brightly and surround me like a bowl right down to the horizon, with the Milky Way a slash of brilliance across the African night.
I could go on and on. The food was superb, the men taking care of us
were so sweet, polite, and attentive. I guess the only thing that could have been improved were the ROADS, but I suppose we had to accept being jiggled to death as part of the "ambience"!

Maria Wortman – Alexandria, VA

Jim Brett: Just a note, now that I have a moment to catch my breath, for a long overdue thank you. I had the most wonderful time on our safari: it was beyond my expectations. There is no way I could possibly imagine to improve on any part of it. You were always so prompt and gracious in returning e-mails, the accommodations wperfect for our experience in the bush (I loved all the conveniences, tastefully decorated tents, luxurious linens, hot water bottles!), the entire staff at each location was so friendly and knowledgeable, the meals filled with new taste experiences, our fellow quests so compatible and fun.

Roger started the ball rolling, Larry and Mara picked it up and included the Coronado group, but you really made it happen in your quiet unassuming, caring way. You were always in control, behind the scenes, knowing who to contact to keep our travels smooth. Your knowledge of the area was impressive: I was happy to be a recipient.

Carolyn Elledge - Coronado, CA

James:
You know that Mara and I have traveled throughout the world many times, but our trip to Botswana and Namibia with you was the best trip we have ever taken. We can’t thank you enough.

Larry Ybarrondo - Jackson, WY