I have just returned from a fantastic trip to Namibia. I must say that both the tour manager and the local guide were both very good, and made the holiday incident and problem-free. A big thank you to both. Could you please let me have Springbok Atlas's email address so I can send a thank you.

However there is a question that puzzles me: on a couple of occasions the number of people on the tour and the optional excursions didn't have any resemblance to those posted on this website. How did this happen?

But I want to say a very big thank you for arranging a great holliday.

Brian

I'm very pleased that you had a great holiday and were so happy with your tour manager. The email address you need to pass on your thanks is tours@springbokatlas.com. I'm sure they'd be delighted to hear your praise, too.

I'm sorry to hear the excursions weren't the ones you expected. I've had a look at the information on the website and it seems to be the same as it is in the brochure, so I can only imagine that something unforeseen happened which made it necessary to alter the programme. I can pass your comments on to customer services and ask them to get in touch with you, if you'd like me to.

Kind regards,

Olly, your new editor

Brian

I've found out that the optional excursion programme was different for your trip because your departure was added belatedly as an extra date. Because of this, it wasn't possible to follow the usual programme.

I hope you enjoyed the alternative programme all the same.

Kind regards,

Olly, your editor

Sorry but it wasn't an added date I booked this trip In Sept 2007. And I was informed that theese excursions are never offered in Namibia.

Brian

What was the departure date for your tour?

Regards,

Olly, your editor

Thank's for your reply, my departure date was the 5 Nov 08

Brian

I've been trying to get an answer for you but I don't really have enough information about your booking and your trip.

I think the best thing would be for you to give our customer services team a ring on 01858 581980. Give them your booking details and tell them which excursions you expected and which ones were actually available. I'm sure they'll be able to explain what happened for you.

Kind regards,

Olly, your editor

I have sent a couple of emails to you,don't know whats happend but obviously you have'nt recieved them.

The first was with regard to the fuel suppliments charged. Owing to the fall of fuel prices will these be reviewed and refunded if paid?

The second was I have booked to go to Lake Garda to the opera on the 30 June 09 can you tell me where the seats are sittuated in the theatre, and if its possible to upgrade them. thanks.

Brian

Sorry for the delay - it took a while to find the answer to your Verona query for you, but I have since responded to your orginal question.

As for your question about fuel prices, I don't think I received this one originally.

You are right that fuel prices are falling, but unfortunately the surcharges we are having to pay to airlines - and the price of fuel - remain very high. Our fares with airlines are fixed at the point we book them so as yet we have seen no benefit from the recent reductions in fuel costs.

I can assure you that we are protecting you and our other customers from almost all of this extra cost, and we have never passed on the full amount of it to our customers. Most airlines are still charging us a surcharge of over £50 for a return journey in Europe and £120 for a return long-haul journey, but our fuel surcharge to customers has never been more than £25. So although prices are falling, there is still a substantial extra cost to be met, which we are bearing the brunt of.

We will continue to monitor the situation, though, and if prices continue to come down we will review this.

Kind regards

Olly, your editor