We have two new winners this month. Congratulations to Ron Marsillo and Dan Ewell – they each have $500 gift vouchers coming their way!
Meerkat (experiencing the view of a lifetime) – Ron Marsillo

Ron Marsillo was in the Kalahari desert when he managed the amazing feat of balancing a meerkat on his head in standing position! The meerkat had never seen the vast desert from this height before, and thoroughly appreciated the lift. Ron had been letting the meerkat sit on his lap and climb around,. He starting talking quietly and asked the meerkat if he’d like a better view. He kept chatting and slowly moved to crouching, and finally managed to stand. The guides were thrilled,  they’d never seen this happen before. The meerkat certainly looks as if is enjoying the view too!
Ron was staying at Jack’s Camp at the time. It was one of five camps in a two week itinerary that covered both Botswana and the Victoria Falls. Ron chose this particular photo as his entry because he felt it was a truly unique experience.  A lovely way to picture himself  in Africa, interacting with the wildlife, and not just as a person watching wildlife. And we agree, as soon as you see this image, you think of Botswana’s Kalahari desert, you know Ron was there. Ron told us that this trip went beyond just being a fantastic safari. Especially when gazing up at the stars at night, that feeling of being deeply connected to nature is something that will stay with him for ever.
Rons’ final words — “If you want to experience the “real Africa” you must let Yvette plan your safari for you. She offered us a thoroughly authentic African safari experience. It was fantastic. And I was the Chairman of the Jane Gooddall Institute for many years, so those words mean a lot.”
Leopard & Her Cub – Dan Ewell

Dan was staying at Singita Ebony Lodge, one of three lodges on his family safari itinerary, taken in August 2011. This was their second day, an afternoon game drive, when the guides radioed each other to say a leopard had been spotted in the area. They came upon this beautiful leopard and her cub. Dan, his wife and three children watched the cub chase after birds, and play around like a naughty toddler, as his mother patiently waited for him to catch up. They appeared to be making their way down to a stream for a drink.  Dan and his family tracked the pair slowly for at least half an hour. The leopards were completely at ease with the safari vehicle, they just ignored it.
Dan’s final words — “Yvette and African Portfolio had been recommended to us by friends, as they had done a similar safari with their three children. I had done a lot of research and had a good idea of what I wanted out of this experience. Yvette listened really well to what I suggested, we brainstormed ideas, and then she nudged me in the right direction based on her “real world” experience of all the camps. She made sure we experienced a variety of different camps that I would not have been able to put together on my own, it requires real in depth knowledge. Everything connected flawlessly from camp to camp, it was a perfect safari and a wonderful experience. We have since recommended Yvette and African Portfolio to other friends, and they also thoroughly enjoyed their safari with their four children last year.”