During our 44 years of marriage Jerold and I have had the privilege of taking several tours which consisted of both large and small groups. We enjoy experiencing new ideas, places and people. When we read about Ntaba’s tour to South African on our Master Gardeners’ Web Site, we were ecstatic. South Africa was a country we some day wanted to visit, but never had the right feeling for the time or the tour group. After visiting with both Stella and Rob Mountain, hearing their melodic voices with such enthusiasm about their country and family in South Africa, Jerold and I decided this was the time.
Our decision to go with Ntaba Tours was more than we had hoped for. The size of the group and itinerary for the trip allowed us the privilege of getting to know some of the South African people. We learned of their heritage, experience their generosity, and enjoyed the happiness they shared with us. Visiting and eating in the homes of some of the people made the trip more special. We had many enjoyable surprises, the food being one. We, as did others, had taken snack bars in case the food was not good. That place in our suitcases was quickly replaced with wonderful hand crafted gifts and treasuries. The South African people are very talented and have learned to use their resources in handcrafting beautiful items out of most any type of materials they can find. Stella and Rob helped us in selecting items that had meaning and significance to the people. They would tell us the history of the craft and about the people who made them. Their knowledge and understanding of their country continued to make us want to return.
At each location we visited Ntaba Tours had guides who were specialist in that area. They were well educated and knowable not only of their area but of South Africa in general. In addition to the guides Stella and Rob were always with us, answering questions and sharing their own knowledge of the South African animals, plants, history and culture. Rob’s mother and dad, who still live outside Cape Town, joined us on part of our tour. His mom made arrangements for the group to attend the most interesting piano concert, “A Hand Full of Keys”.
Stella and Rob selected a wonderful itinerary of beautiful gardens, historical sites, exotic animal, geological sites, entertainment, excellent hotels, wonderful dining experiences, spacious tour buses and excellent guides. All nine people on the tour became like family with Rob and Stella seeing that each person had a wonderful experience in South Africa. That is just the way it was, great!!!!!
Polly Parmer
Master Gardener
Granbury, Texas
September 2005
