Kingsley Holgate motivated me to open a Bush Camp.
Wednesday 29th June 2005 “Nacole Bush Camp”
Today from this beautiful beach, guarded by ancient twisted grey baobab trees – We launched the “Spirit of Adventure’ – a Swahili Dhow, built to an age old design, born out of a bed of wood chips – Now part of the African Rainbow Expedition – Up the African Rainbow Expedition – Up the east coast of Africa, Distributing mozzie nets to mums and babies / part of the One Net One Life Campaign – All this made possible by the generosity of Rudi & Brenda Franck in allowing us to share this piece of paradise with them. Muinto Obrigado, Asanti sana, Siyabonga! And thanks! – Best wishes as you now open the Bush Camp –
Kingsley Holgate and “African Rainbow” Expedition Team.
With a traditional Calabash filled here on the beach to be carried north to Somalia.
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10 July 2005
We spent eight wonderful days here. Thank you
The rich birdlife is wonderful to watch!
Peter & Tuspid
Pet6ing@yahoo.de
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10 July 2005
0335450311 Simonye Lodge, 5 Broadwood Rd, Umhlanga
We arrived at your incredible spot to join the Holgates on their “one net one life” campaign and experience the warm hearted hospitality from Brenda, Rudi and family that makes one forget that another reality outside of Pemba and this beautiful bay even exists….
Good luck with your endeavors and we look forward to a return visit.
Many Thanks
Barry, Dewald & Maggie
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A beautiful spot & great hospitality.
Zikom Kwambri! We’ll be back
Chris, Sally, Gemma & Gen Walker
walker@globemw.net
Excellent hospitality and good relaxing time better
Auther – pi_m_@Africa Online.net
29th August 2005
Thanks Brenda for a great stay just too short and the diving was amazing. You took good care of us – come visit Mount Mulange – we’re waiting for you!
Carl, Gill, Sacha & Dylan
carl@mountmulanje.org.mw
www.mountmulanje.org.mw
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12 Sept 2005
Thank you so much for your warm hospitality. We loved our time with your.
Donovan & Anne Balme
PO Box 210 Mtunzini, 3867
Zakanaka, Good folks, thanks for a wonderful magic stay. Zen, trees, birds, keep the energy, pioneers.
Cheers
Steve exoticafrica@zol.co.za
Kallie onecarat@icon.co.za
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KZK Expedition (Richard Thomas)
Cape Town SA
info@kzk.co.za
www.kzk.co.za
Best spot in Pemba, so glad we found it! Thanks for a magical stay. We look forward to spreading the word about your special bush camp!
Suggestions: Absolutely awesome spot and your have done magic work here. Beach and water are so beautiful so think you should incorporate them as much as possible.
Possible ideas we had were random hammocks in trees, boardwalks through mangrove forest and deck in the baobab tree.
www.paddlers.co.za
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14 January 2006
Very nice camp site with an amazing area.
Perfect for relaxing because it’s like in free nature and has excellent service too. I will always recommend you! Thank you!
Martin Hagenhoff
Germany
Travel Guide: Ilona Hupe Verlag
24 June 2006
I am writing in Afrikaans because I feel so great that I am at home, here far from my house. Spot on service, being natural. The snorkel was the high light.
Schalk van Heerden.
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Barry van Heerden
vheerb@unisa.ac.za
Met ons aankom op 3 Julie 2006 vanaf Lichinga na 14 ure se reen baie moeg het tons dit moeilik gevind om die kampplek te kry. ‘n Goeie naambord sal baie beteken. Ons het verway om soos n Malawi direk op die strand te kamp, maar ‘n die donker het dit gelyk asof ons weer “in die bos” sou kamp. Dit was aanvanklik ‘n teleurstelling.
Na ‘n gestoei om afgepak en on slaapplekke reg te kry; WAT ‘n verrassing die volgende oggend. Hier is die strand op ons drempel, ‘ pragtige kamp em primitieve maar uitstekende geriewe. Baie dankie ook vir die hup van al die werkers in die kamp.
Brenda, ja voorwad ‘n fantastiese plek en uitendeluk ‘n wonderlike 4 dae se verbly by Pemba in jou kamp. Sal dit beslis aanbeveel by all Suid-Afrikaners wat dit oorweeg om by Pemba te kom duik.
Al die duikes is ons groep het met lief gepraat om die lekker duike wat hulle saam met jou gedoen het, veral die diep duike.
Voorspoed vir alles wat jy nog beplan en ons hoop al jou onderneming word verwesenlik.
Die Stofkol / Natkol Toergroep
Van Pretoria / Suid Afrika.
I had 60 campers here with 4 showers & 4 toilets. We succeed to have max one person in a queue at the ablution blocks by supplying sweet water to each tent.
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26 October 2006
After four year and 80 000km of traveling through Sub Sahara Africa, en-route to Durban RSA, we arrived here from Dar Es Salam in my 1957 Series One Land-Rover.
We have been to many amazing spots, seen many amazing things and met the most amazing people.
I have just added this spot to one of my “secret” places in Africa!
Brenda, you are a gem! Your enthusiasm for life is like a magic potion that makes everyone around you smile!
We loved the diving and snorkeling.
We loved the entertaining walks,
We loved the interesting talks!
You are MAD, but in a nice way!
I will be back, because I will need a bit of your spirit from time to time to keep me sane!
Keep it up, and say hi to the fairies for me!
Cedric Pieterse RSA cedthered@hotmail.com
Maria Ekblad Sweden maiaekblad77@yahoo.se
Uve Walderman Switzerland hairykoala@gmx.net
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21 December 2006
Ever since my Dad (Eric Dry, Balama) have found you’re lovely place, he kept going on about “the Witch and her lovely camp” We are so honored to have met you and to see and stay at this wonderful tranquil place.
We had the best time, thank you always!! We definitely regard these couple of days as the highlight of our honeymoon!
We’ll definitely be back!
Kind regards
Riaan & Rozelle Talma
rozelledry@yahoo.com
2 January 2007
Great getaway! (Apart from the hideaway in Nacoli) only the second time in our lives we saw the “Crab Plover” on your beaches! Thanks for the wonderful visit. Wish you luck and happiness for 2007.
Cheers
Lex and June Phillips
rexphillips@tdm.co.mz
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12 August 2007
Carol Addis
caddis@wam.co.za
A wonderful place, lots of peace & quiet the “Brenda” & Birds are tremendous! Thanks so much Rudi & Brenda – great hosts!
27 December 2007
Louis & Natalie Nell
Natalie.nel@spcorp.com
A fantastic place! A Christmas dinner never to forget – “roast in the rain.” Very hospitable will definitely recommend wishing you further success!
1 March 2008
Andrew Harding and Debbie Craig
andrew@worldalive.co.za
Debbie@worldalive.co.za
Thanks for an adventurous, fun, exciting, spontaneous time with you both. Nacole Jardim (Pemba Dive & Bush Camp) is a fantastic island getaway with plenty of nature & birds to boast. Brenda, your passion & enthusiasm & authenticity is fantastic. You are an inspiration with who you are and what you have created here through “thick and thin.” We’ll done to you both for sticking with it…. So much so we got engage while here, we will definitely recommend this place to others. Wishing you every success with your dreams! Keep finding the magic in life. Never knew we could have this much fun without “baggage”!
Lots of love & hugs
Debbie & Andrew
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26 March 2008
Mark & Carol Swaffiel, Nicola Hawes & Peter Brack
marks@bushways.com
What a wonderful place to end on 2 weeks in N-Moz. After the Hum Drum of Wimbe, sailing around the Archipelago, Nacole was the perfect tonic. Brenda & Rudi, you have created a piece of paradise and hope that you reap the rewards of all your efforts. From the fantastic natural vegetation& birdlife, the activities and the sea plus your incredible enthusiasm you offer a great overall experience to all travelers. We wish you all the best for the future and hope you will contact us should you ever want to come to Botswana (Maun). Thank you for everything!!
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5 April 2008
Thanks for a peaceful, restful, tranquil environment that brings one closer to nature and all mighty God. Your hospitality has been over-the-top and much appreciated. Many thanks Brenda, Rudy, Kai-Uwe and Mirage.
Trevor Ketler
Trevor@ketler.co.za
5 April 2008
Fantastic place, best campsite we’ve been to - great service – lovely hot water!
Area is beautiful with the bush, mangroves & beach with our 14 month old van it was perfect. Thanks Carren, Tom Lusaka, Zambia
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5 April 2008
Thank you Brenda for wonderful hospitality and fantastic camping and diving.
Dawie & Thelani Scholtz
7 April 2008
BIRDING
What a great haven in Pemba!
Superb birding along perfect trails with a great mix of forest/scrub habitat species. I will come back during peak migration period to see even more species in time it will be great to set up a bird observatory to net and ring migrants to maintain a long term Study/Monitoring project.
Thanks very much
Malcolm Wilson
shoebill@mweb.co.za
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31 May 2008
Brenda’s is a place of tranquility for my soul.
Hohn Welus Janputte@gmail.com
31 May 2008
This is the most fantastic place – so pretty and relaxed – well done Brenda & Rudi.
Richard & Warwick Chapman richard@chapman.org.za
warwick@thusa.co.za
31 May 2008
Thank you for everything. You have a beautiful peaceful place of heaven.
Until we meet again.
Tamryn
Tamryn_sherriffs@hotmail.com
Thank you for a wonderful time and for sharing your piece of paradise.
Annelie
anlimuller@yahoo.com
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31 May 2008
AFRICA OUTSIDE EDGE EXPEDITION
Back again – 33 countries following the rim of Africa – Brenda & Rudi. Thanks its good people like you that make adventures like this possible – you’re kind and warm hospitality picked us up – you’re piece of Africa became our home.
Thanks! Again for everything –
Kingsley, Ross, & Gill Holgate
Africa.o@mweb.co.za thanks again.
9 June 2008
Frontier Africa
www.frontierafrica.net
Had a really stunning time, pity its time to move but the road is long ahead, amazing!! And we will return shortly.
I call it “paradise in Pemba.” What a special place you have. Brenda, what a character you are. We have enjoyed you and you stories. Thank you so much for making our time here so special!
Much love from Roy & Suzanne
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12 July 2008
Don’t quite have the words to express our appreciation for such an amazing experience.
Thank you Rudi & Brenda for daring to create such a magnificent environment and the insight and knowledge you shared.
Thank you also to Kai for your vast store of knowledge which we found so interesting.
We thought Cape Town was pretty cool but this proved the ultimate chill pill.
Peter & Hylma Smit
Let’s not forget our little guard dog Scamp – Obrigada
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29 June 2008
Thanks for 2 lovely stay. This is a lovely place with such delightful little (& big) spaces!
Belinda @ Jen (Cape Town)
A big thanks to Brenda and the staff for a great stay in Pemba. The diving was great, along with great insight to the area as well.
Craig Buboltz (PVC Lesotho)
10 August 2008
Thanks for some great diving and for giving us a glimpse of paradise on the Bay.
Stan Anderson (Jhb)
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10 August 2008
To Whom it may Concern
Brenda of Pemba Dive has asked me to give my impressions of an incident that occurred between Brenda and her Instructor, Jak (Jaques?). According to Brenda (I was not to the discussion), Jak wanted me to do a “check-out” dive before doing any deeper dives. I am a PADI Advanced diver with 40 dives logged, my last dives being in Sodwana Bay 3 months ago. Jak could have verified this from my log book, but he didn’t ask for it. Had I been asked to do a “checkout” dive, I would have considered it a waste of time. Jak was over ruled, and I felt that his subsequent behavior was unprofessional. We did not see Jak again after that day.
I completed 5 dives with Brenda during my stay in Pemba, and had a very good experience, She is knowledgeable, professional, entertaining and goes the extra mile for her clients.
Sincerely
Stan Anderson
PADI No. 0904u97432
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20 Augusts 2008
A big thank you to Brenda, family, & staff for making our stay at Pemba so enjoyable.
In our 6 months tour of Southern Africa this is the best campsite we have stayed at. A beautiful setting, superb facilities and lots of lovely extra touches. An the whole development has been done with such care for the natural environment.
We would thoroughly recommend a stay at this place to anyone.
Thanks again,
Kind Regards
Alan & June
Jersey, Chaniel Islands
25 August 2008
5 Italians coming from Niassa by chapas, we arrive in the airport at about 13:30, 2 of us have to change flight and they don’t make it, me and my wife have to extend our 30 days visa and we don’t make it, A friend of our was here on Sunday and did not find a place to sleep, we make a couple of calls but all is full….shit what a bad situation, it all has been so easy till now....
…Then we cal Rudy and he has space. “1/2 hour and I come and pick you up” he says. We wait sadly in the airport…..
…A Jeep comes, ho it’s not him. Another one, no… no….
Then comes a jeep and a guy comes out, long bears, short, I say, it’s him.
Yess!!! It’s him. We hop on the Jeep, pass the airport and we dive out of the world, a paradise, a dream……
…Well, if you are reading this you must be more and realize it yourself. Don’t you??
I do and I’m grateful to my eyes, ears, mind and to the world!!!
Alex
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30 September 2008
Brenda, Rud and your staff,
Thanks a million for an experience of a life time, not only in the camp a very happy, easy and comfortable place to stay, but the outings, with Spinner Dolphins, Whale and calf, Sailfish, Jumping Tuna and common Dolphins, was exceptional – some pretty nice snorkeling too!
We admire you pluck and you get up and go, its been a lovely relaxing experience and Mirage has been lovely. Good luck to you all and many thanks.
Tim & Liz Robertson
TJWROBERTSON@AOL.COM
7 October 2008
Another great stay in Paradise!! Great birding including several “firsts” – Mangrove Kingfisher, Bohms Spinetail to name 2. Great base for tours around and wonderful staff to help out. Rudi & Brenda, as ever, excellent hosts!!
Bruce & Jill Morris
jmn55@supanet.com
5 December 2008
Monster problems crossing boarder (Tanzania) into Mozambique.
Had a perfect rest, really nice Break to continue our Journey to the
Cape for Christmas.
Robert & Raymond Hall – Warrington England a1robbuild@aol.com raymadog@yahoo.co.uk
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23 January 2009
Brenda, Kai, Frans, Calvin
Thanks for staying with you guys!
I had an amazing time lazing on the beach, exploring the mangroves, ocean.
The brilliant BBQ’s and drumming on the beach! You really made me feel welcome and at home! You have got a good team there! Good luck with the rest of the plans. Am sure it will become even more amazing! Hope to be back once there!
Take care always,
Inge
inge.images@gmail.com
Thank you very much! It’s a beautiful place!!!
I enjoyed staying here! Stay well!
Evelyne
Thank you for being so good and keeping us dry or less wet many times.
February 2008
I wanted to let you know what a wonderful experience we had at Pemba dive and Beach Camp. I am a teacher at the International School of Pemba and I brought Year 3,5 and 6 to Pemba Dive and Beach Camp to learn about the trees and plants in our environment as plants was a current science unit for the school.
Brenda welcomed us immediately to the site and was passionate about the topic. She was knowledgeable regarding local vegetation and quickly brought the material down to interest school age children. She had the children feeling, describing and tasting were appropriate. Everyone came back with interesting facts about local trees and plants.
Pemba Dive and Bus Camp has created a beautiful, safe and vibrant ecosystem. They are giving much back to the community through the restoration and protection of local plants. They are teaching the community the importance of protecting trees and plants and demonstrating the usefulness of a varied vegetation.
My classes loved the time at Pemba Dive and Bush Camp and caught Brenda’s excitement about caring for nature and learning from it. We are grateful to her generosity. It made learning about plants come alive!
Thank you, Brenda and Pemba Dive and Bush Camp!
Sarah Arensen
International School of Pemba
saraharensen@yahoo.com
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March 2009
Spent a great 5 nights @ Pemba Dive & Bush Camp. Facilities were good & lots of entertainment!
An extra bonus for me was the diving: Last year (6 months ago) I did my course n Ponta d’Oura. When doing my dives, I battled to equalize, and subsequently burst my eardrum. I explained my story to Brenda and Calvin, & they offered to take me on a brief “refresher” type dive to check if I could sort my ear out. We (Calving & I) did some warm up exercises (for my ears) on the surface and went under – NO PROBLEMS WHATSOEVER. I did another 2 dives (Ponta Said Ali & Dolphin’s Playground) with absolutely no issues with my ear – very awesome! I’m definitely now going to complete my course.
Shot for the help – it’s really appreciated!
Regards
Amy Ebedes (+Luke Murray)
amyebz@gmail.com
P.S. Dolphin’s Playground is incredible!!!
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12 April 2009
The 3 nights spent here conduction the bird-guide training course was a great experience as always.
Mist-netting in the lovely bush on the site produced some 29 species of birds. Added to this was Rudi & Brenda’s wonderful hospitality and seafood on the beach, fantastic crab curry!!! I’ll be back!
Malcolm Wilson
shoebill@mweb.co.za
12 April 2009
Brenda - Impeccable as always! All our trainees here been blown away by your wonderful camp, the hospitality and the knowledge of plants and animals you’re shared with us. Thank you so much for all you’re hard work and enthusiasm.
Rebecca Marques
Quirimbas National Park
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25 April 2009
Had a fantastic week at Pemba Dive & Bush Camp. Great diving, great food and great camping! Recommend the Garden of Eden for any advance divers and swimming with dolphins for those who don’t dive.
Susan Sandars
susieboozey@hotmail.com
8 May 2009
Thank you so much – had an amazing time – such a lovely place you’re got. Will recommend this place to everyone we meet coming here. Very friendly staff and great diving – as above Garden of Eden has fantastic fan coral! Thank you again!
Thank you also for being so helpful with all our trouble! Very kind of you.
Charlotte, Sophie and Victoria
21 May 2009
JANGANO 2009 – Harare – Cairo – Cape Town – Harare
After 5 months traveling in Africa. We thought we’d seen it all. And then we came here. Paradise! Sometimes we wish we could stop time and stay put in one place – this is the place we’d do it! Kids loved every minute of it – so much to do and not enough time to do it. No choice – we’ll have to come back. Thanks for everything!
Gus, Amanda, Jake, Ben, Max
Gus.lebretm@gmail.com
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21 May
JANGANO 2009! Jabbing team -
Nicky Harford, Robert, Max & Alexander Adams. What a brilliantly conceived and perfectly executed Garden of Eden! We had a brilliant time and very much hop to come back! Thanks v much and all the best.
Nicola@comms4change.com
22 May 2009
We loved our trip with Rudi to work at Londo in the boat and the snorkeling was excellent. I think you have a very special spot here and hope you grow from strength to strength.
Sue
Natal Witness
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25 April 2009
After long and arduous traveling, we hit paradise. Not only is the site superb, but the ablutions something to dream about – not to mention The fab. Room service! This is luxury camping and much appreciated after long hard toil. Best of luck to Brenda & Rudi!
Dave & Estelle Durham
durham@hermanus.co.za
2 June 2009
Arriving after a long 1 300 km in bush, what a friendly place and peacefulness. Thanks for your hospitality and all the best. It was almost coming home. Hope to meet again.
Jayne, Ryan, Brynne & Lilo
family@struckout.co.za
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19th June 2009
We love this place – perfect for some rest and respire! Brenda & Rudi seem to have thought of everything so that camping here as been an absolute pleasure. We have been made to feel very welcome by all. Additionally, the diving was great and Calvin has done a good job of giving confidence to a couple of ‘rusty’ amateurs. Thank you for all your kindness – hoping to come back again soon!
Matthew Sheehan, Stephen Murphy.
London. UK
matthew95001@yahoo.com
10th June 2009
Hans Swart – eswart@pamgolding.co.za
Wheel chair friendly. Bathroom & toilets works 100% for wheelchair. Even going down to the beach were easy. Moving around the camp was easy. Thanks so much.
11 July 2009
We had a great time! The campsite is very nice, toilet showers are very clean. The beach is great and all the toys. Kids loved the fireballs. The staff is very friendly and helpful. We come back for sure! Thanks you very much, we wish you all the best.
August, Donja, Bob and Storm
augustdonja@hotmail.com
Bob, I liked playing Achery and seeing the big baobab and swimming in the sea.
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10 July 2009
Many thanks indeed for the lovely stay!
Monigue & Tim timcaro@ucdans.edu
10 July 2009
A lovely stay in a stunning environment. Congratulations on all your conservation efforts. A pleasure to find such a well run camp – staff all helpful and efficient with hot water, drinking water etc. We enjoyed several early morning kayak trips & some lovely walks.
Tony & Rosalind Bush, Cape Town
busha@iafrica.com
23 July 2009
Thanks “Bush Gang” for the excellent week. A real home from home – I’ll defiantly be back. Thanks for the amphitheater a giant fan coral Brenda. It was a real experience.
Cheers
Svend Nielsen – Cape Town snielsen@ptrust.co.za
26 July 2009
Second time around and since of a great stay. Watch out for the ants though!!
Eric & Paulo eric@seaproductstanga.com
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3 August 2009
Your add-on service were much appreciated. Your knowledge of your area/plants/history and you freely sharing it with us, was so great. Snorkeling great but mud-bath out of this world. Take care of yourself!
Mrad & Inge Shahia, Pretoria inge.shahia@gmail.com
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