PATRICK PIZARRO

    I had always dreamed of going to Africa.  It was always one of those "once-in-a-lifetime" adventures for me; one of those things people wish they get a chance to do before they get too old or whatever.  The only things stopping me were (and they were various): money, as in I never thought I could afford it - experience, as in I'd never hunted before - and maybe a little fear, as in hey, this IS Africa!

Well, this past year, at the ripe old age of 31, I decided to take the obstacles head on during one of my rare moments of true inspiration and determination.  Money was still an object, as I knew that I had to find the absolute best value for my money.  I didn't have money to throw away, so I had to make sure I could find the best quality outfitter for a price I could afford.  After some lengthy research and a couple of queries I had narrowed down my selections to a couple of outfitters, Cruiser Safaris among them.  After browsing their website and then speaking to Bob, I have to admit I was hooked.  Bob was so helpful, informative and friendly.  He practically bent over backward to answer this first-timer's often silly questions.  I truly felt that this was not a job for him, it was a passion.  A hobby for which he was happy to share his knowledge and experience.  I then looked at the website with new eyes and knew I'd made the right choice: their rates were excellent and all inclusive - no hidden fees, they guaranteed plentiful game, their package hunts combined  a great selection of animals.  Needless to say, I'd made my decision and sent my deposit over right away!

The next couple of months seemed to drag on until, all of a sudden, my travel date was upon me and I was bound to Africa for the start of my adventure.  Upon my arrival in Johannesburg, I was greeted by Pieter.  This man would redefine hospitality for me over the next 2 weeks, starting with a genuine smile and firm handshake, that, like Bob, would signal to me a true love for their occupation, and not the "business-as-usual" mentality a first -timer might worry about.  Pieter and his excellent staff provided us with excellent rooms and maid service, excellent food (you have not lived until you've tried Gemsbok fritter!), and excellent hunting.  My PH Hans was the best; he took this nervous rookie out and showed him the wonders of the bush veldt, the natural beauty and grace of the game animals, and the exhilaration of the hunt - whether we got lucky or not.  I learned to enjoy the simple pleasures of just being "out there".

Almost immediately upon my arrival, my introduction to Pieter and his staff, and the course of the following 2 weeks, my fears had been replaced by something that is hard to describe: a feeling that I had taken part in something incredible - that this was so worth it - that my life had, in a small way, been changed - and last but not least, that my dream had come true.  A safari is a deeply personal experience where one can learn a lot about oneself; I truly did, and I know that whosever reads this will agree, or will one day.

Many, many thanks to Cruiser Safaris for making this happen - you have made a loyal lifetime customer out of me - I'm bringing my dad and brother next year!!

Sincerely,

Patrick Pizarro