PEDRO & PITUKA ORTEGA HEILBRON - July 2011

Dearest John and Nicci:

We want to thank you for planning such an extraordinary experience for our families.  It not only expanded our horizons to an extraordinary level but it touched our souls profoundly. The intensity of the experience was such that no member of our family will be the same...ever. But then isn’t that what happens when you go to Africa?  

 John, your kindness and your patience with such a big group was a true testament of the impact that having been born in that extraordinary place has had on you.  Your passion and love of the land was transmitted to all.  Even though some were more open than others in expressing their emotions and feelings about their experiences, make no mistake, the impact was deep and eternal for all of us.

And even though we teased about the birds, they were fantastic and Maribel said, while heading back home, that she was going to pay more attention to the many beautiful birds that fly and perch over her garden in El Valle...a country place she has that is about two hours from the city.

I must confess I saw some extraordinary birds with the most extraordinary color combinations.  Thank you for teaching us to look.

Again, thank you for the magic...especially: thank you for Oria!  W O W, what a way to end the journey.

All our love and maisha marefu to both.

Pedro, Pituka, Jaime, Marcela and Miguel...


ALEX ZOOK - 2010




CALLUM LOCKER - 2009

John, It has been an absolute pleasure getting to know you over the past few weeks. You have taught us all a lot about not only the important things to look for in the bush but in life as well. I hope to see you again soon for a hunt and bird spotting. 
Take care 
Callum Locker
P.S. I’ll send you a bottle of Champagne. 


ALEX GARDENER - 2009

We have had a truly exceptional time with John and have been privileged to have had him with us every step of this long and challenging, multifaceted adventure. John’s unfailing good humour, patience and encyclopaedic knowledge  of his profession has humbled me. We are truly his disciples and through him we have met and benefitted from the experience of other wonderful people...
Best wishes - and to the next adventure


NICK ROSENBERG - USA 2009

John, I am not going to be too wordy but, you were great! Your optimist’s outlook is stunning. You made the trip so much better. I will look up to you as an example on how to live my life for years to come. I hold you in the highest of respect, I hope to see you in DC.


FLO DEVERENY - 2009




SOPHIE WALKER - New York, USA 2009

John, I cannot express how thankful I am to have had your company on this safari. You make the bush the most magical and special place in the world...


ALAN & IRENE - 2009

John, What can I add? The main goal of this safari was to expose our children and grandchildren to the magic of East Africa. You have exceeded our most extreme expectations - Thank you so much.


DAVID FISH - 2009




THE BUSHCATS - Perth, Australia 2009

Thank you very much John. The accommodation & game drives were excellent, made even better by your excellent knowledge of the bir


JUDY & JOHN MOSMAN - Mosman, Australia 2009

A wonderful safari. Thank you John, a perfect introduction to Africa. 


PETE & FIONA - Brisbane, Australia 2009

John, 
It wouldn’t have been the same without you. It has been an absolute pleasure to meet you. We have had a stunning safari which you planned for us. An adventure of a lifetime. Next time the “Pitta”. 


FAYE LESSONS - 2009




ALEX ZOOK - 2009

John,
You are a true treat. I have never learned so much in such a short time. Thank you for your excitement and passion, it is most certainly contagious! I just want to let you know how much this trip has meant to me. I will never forget all that I have learned and the wonderful memories created during my time here. Hearing your stories by the camp fire was truly special and I can’t wait for the next time!! Some quotes that continuously popped up during my stay were from William Shakespeare:
1) “This most excellent canopy, the air, look you. This brave o’er hanging firmament, this majestical roof, fretted with gold fire.” - Hamlet (I thought of this every night as I looked at the stars.)
2) “I love this place and could willingly waste my time here.” - As You Like It
Thanks again 


ANDREW & ALI ZOOK - 2009

Dear John (AKA “Zimbabwe”)
You truly are a gifted man with more passion and knowledge of the bush than we have ever imagined! You have touched our hearts and minds forever. Keep that youthful spirit and sparkle in your eyes.! Till we meet again... in the bush of NYC! Asante sana dear friend!


CHRIS ZOOK - 2009

John, 
Thank you for the most profound travel experience of our lives. This has changed each of us in different and lasting ways and expanded our view of the world and what really matters. See you soon back in the African bush under those amazing African skies.


DENISE & DAVID HICKMAN - 2009




DONNA ROBINSON - BOSTON & AMSTERDAM 2009

Dear John,
I must second what Chris said above, and then double it! You are simply amazing - Your stories, your experience and powerful insights. Thank you so much for taking such great care of all of us. I knew we were in the most capable of hands. Thank you, thank you, for the trip of a lifetime. ‘Till we meet again.


CHARLIE & CHERIE - PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA 2009

Dear John, 
Thanks so much for looking after us all so well and giving us the first half of a wonderful African trip. It has been very special to have you with us and we look forward to seeing you in Kenya in a few weeks. 
Love Charlie & Cherie

Dear John, 
Wow what a wonderful trip! This has been one of our best holidays ever & not least because of your presence. Thanks also to Nicci for putting it all together for us. Hope we can do another one together sometime. Look forward to seeing you all again. 
Love Charlie & Cherie





SUE RYAN - FARIFIELD, USA 2009

Mana owns my heart. Thank you 


MICHAEL BURNETT - NORWALK, USA - 2009

Amazing! Perfect! Inspiring! Transforming!


JOEY BURGESS - WIMBLEDON, UK 2009

A continuing love affair with this wonderful place - thank you, thank you to such a hugely special family xx


PHILIP & RIKE STUCKEN - SOUTH AFRICA 2009

Yes, we came home to “Papa”, to John Stevens - now without doubt the doyen of Mana...


JESSICA CHARLESTON - COLCHESTER, UK 2009

Absolutely, unbelievably beautiful! Thank you John!


MANDY CHARLESTON - COLCHESTER, UK 2009

Thank you John, for a wonderful return to Africa. You have been the best guide we could have hoped for, so knowledgeable and so kind!


ROGER & MARION CHRISTOPH - 2008




ED & CATHERINE LA PUMA - NEW YORK 2008

John, Everything I’ve heard is true... you are a legend! We loved the walks, the talks and your company. The rhino experience is forever in our minds and I’m leaving as a birder. Come and visit us in New York - but you must bring Nicci (she’s wonderful). 
With thanks


FIONA & MARTIN CARRUTHERS - COLORADO 2008

Thank you for a breathtaking trip to Zambia. What an enriching experience! Thank you for your patient introduction to the birds, animals and ecosystems... your love for Africa is contagious!
Many, many thanks