On this page, you’ll find a few unsolicited thank you notes and endorsements written by those who have travelled with us to South Asia in recent years.  And a poem written by our friend Lynn, who along with her husband, David, have known Butch since 1992.

We are lucky to spend time on safari with people who appreciate nature as we do.  Often, we discover how much more we have in common.  This adds to our own enjoyment.  Every so often, however, we encounter situations that challenge us.  With each guest, we learn what to do better next time.

Dear Butch and Susi,

Just a note of Thanks and appreciation for allowing Edith Ann and I to be a part of your magnificent mid March Tiger Safari.  We really had a super time and benefitted wholeheartedly from the experience of what Kaziranga and Bandhavgarh have to offer -- animals; Birds; and especially Tigers!

What the two of you offer as a part of your company is amazing and something never experienced by Edith Ann and I before.  You went over board in making all 8 of us Happy Safariers in more ways than one.  All of us were psyched up about your presentation and the good things you did for all of us.  Because of Wild India, this will go down as one of our Best Tours Ever because of your graciousness and common courtesy.

If you ever need a Recommendation, don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Thanks again for everything! 

Sincerely,

Bill + Edith Ann

Thank you note dated April 2012

Hi Susi & Butch,

I have meant to write you much sooner than this but time gets away from me.  I wanted to get these pictures to you.  Not sure if you’re home yet, but thought it was in June.

What a wonderful trip we had!  I have made an album with my pictures & enjoy looking at them & hard to believe we actually got to see those beautiful tigers.  Such a regal animal. 

This is a busy month for me with my grandson’s high school graduation & then our family trip to Turks/Caicos next week.

Again, thank you for showing us such adventure.  (By the way, do we still hold Wild India’s record for most tiger sightings? :- ) )

Sincerely,

Helen

Thank you card dated June 2013

... your five star performance in arranging our trip to India and maximizing our opportunities at getting the most and best photos of the elusive tigers ...

We are both even more aware of how “lucky” we were in first choosing your company and Butch to be our guide and then in listening to your advice in planning our trip.  We are so pleased with all the wonderful photos we got, even though I deleted over 1,200 photos of just tigers, it wouldn’t have been possible without Butch.  He is most unique in so MANY ways and God willing, maybe we can plan that trip we talked about to Sri Lanka with you while we are still able to travel.  Take care and God bless.  

JoMar

Excerpts from emails received August & September 2012

.. It is nice to be home, but I truly had a fabulous time in India. Bandhavgarh is truly a magical place.  I loved the serenity of the park even on the days we did not have any good sightings.  

I truly want to thank you and Butch for a fabulous time.   The food at the lodge was so good and I cannot tell you how honored I felt that the kitchen staff went out of their way for me.

... I am truly thankful to you and everyone that looked out for us on the travels through India.  It made for a safe and comfortable time (even though the heat was a bit high).

Take care and I look forward to keeping in touch for many years to come.  I may even meet up with you again as I am very interested in Kaziranga NP.  I'd love to get back to Bandhavgarh, but I plan to stay away from the big cities

... I don't think many people realize what goes into all the details of a trip.  I had no idea all you had to do until I got there.  I admire both you and Butch and all the dedication you have into your trips and clients. 

Penny

Excerpts from three emails received Summer 2013

We had an amazing experience with Butch Lama and Susi Allison in Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh, India. They arranged a 10-day trip for us, from our landing in Delhi through domestic travel and lodging in King’s Lodge, just outside the park, and back again.

Most of all, they ensured a wonderful stay where, thanks to expert guiding and driving, we saw tigers every day. Butch, one of the most experienced guide naturalists/drivers in the area, and his handpicked team not only know the park well, they have a keen understanding of tiger behaviour and a formidable depth of knowledge about the particular tigers in the park, which allowed us to get ahead of the tigers and film them coming towards us instead of receding into the distance.  Butch was generous with his photographic expertise, too, providing advice in the jeep and an excellent slide show one evening. 

We had great sightings of other mammal, birds, reptiles, and the most amazing dragonflies, and I was able to add several new species to my life lists. Butch, Vijay Singh (park guide) and Sanju Singh (independent safari driver) also provided insights into the human history in the Park, and the area surrounding it. 

Throughout our trip, Susi ensured that everything was looked after and went smoothly – from much-appreciated cushions in the jeep, to setting up a trip to the local village, and leading shopping walks along the main street in Umaria Tala. She takes the time to get to know guests and can arrange extras to suit individual wishlists. She shared insights from her experience living in India and working in the local community. She and Butch are great company in the jeep and at the table – lots of stories, laughs, and fun. 

Wild India Inc.LLC (www.butchlama.com) Is a small company offering excellent value, and catering particularly to the wildlife enthusiast and photographer. All the details of our trip were well taken care of      and the group was small enough that we got to know each other well in a short time – with deep, shared interests in travel, culture, photography and wildlife, the conversations were rich and instructive.

Margy

Written as an endorsement July 2012

Good morning, Susi and Butch,

I hope you know how perfect our tiger/elephant trip was, thanks to you. I'm totally spoiled now for "regular" tours, and it's a little worrisome for Rachel to start with your quality of tour. I think she realizes very well, however, how special you two are.

This is absolutely my most favorite trip yet - with one possible exception, that being, as I think I mentioned to you, our trip to Kenya with our whole family (well, Rachel's family didn't go) to celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2001. Both trips are totally at the top of my list.

I can still see that tiger looking at us -- when you lent me your binoculars, Susi - how I'd focus, and for an instant, see nothing but greenery, then that beautiful face would suddenly appear, like a mirage. Much as I wanted to see tigers in the wild, I really had no idea of how beautiful they are.

I'll send you my travel journal when I get it done. I think Rachel will share hers with me, and I'll probably integrate the two a little.

Thank you, too, for taking us to the school, Butch, and past the clinic, as well as the Tree House tour. Most of all, thank you for getting me on that elephant! That was a bit of a challenge for us both, I think.

Love,

Jeannie

Email from March 2012

Susi and Butch, 

Thank you again for a wonderful few days! Next time I will have to make it more than a few. It was so much fun to share not just your knowledge, but your love of these amazing creatures. I felt very blessed when they chose to visit us. Please do let me know if there's any site where you'd like me to post a review or something. I'll be sure to share photos with you and the ladies when I've had a chance to comb through them, too.

Kim

Email excerpt from March 2012

Susi and Butch,

We are home and starting to get over the jet lag!! Still if you need us do not hesitate to call at 4 AM.   ;-)

Over the last few days we have been sharing with our family and friends some of the wonderful details of the trip. As we recount what took place and when it is hard for us to believe so much was packed into the 21 days.

We told you several times on the trip what a great team the two of you are working together. Susi, your Things To Know Before You Go was our bible for getting ready for the trip and it served us so well. Thanks for all of the attention to detail it did make our trip so enjoyable. We were prepared!!

Fifty Years of being together and to celebrate we choose to visit India for the culture and the tigers. Your tour provided both beyond our expectations. The City of Delhi with hustle of traffic to the back alleys with sights and sounds so foreign to us was our introduction to India. The majesty of the Taj Mahal in Agra exposed us to one of the top wonders of the world. Butch taking time to make sure I got special images and in the right light made photographers day. Sunrises on the Ganges --- I could do 5 in a row and not tire of the sights. I just hope my photography is able to capture the life and excitement of the river bank and the lives along it.

Once we reached Bandhavgarh, Butch switched into high gear and new mode. He was in his element the jungle and tigers he so loves. We quickly understood what to do when he quietly said " hold on". His knowledge of this remote area and the tigers behavior is the key to a successful safari and photo shoot. Time and time again he would hear the right alarm calls and put us in the right place to witness the beautiful animals.  What skill and dedication.

We cannot leave out the fine accommodations you made for us throughout the trip. If it was good enough for Sting at Varanasi it was good enough for us. :). Guides in each location-- knowledgeable -- courteous---and friendly.

Susi and Butch thanks for sharing India with us on this very special occasion. Your professional approach plus personal attention was sincerely appreciated. Look forward to dinner with you upon your return.

All the Best,

Tom  

Email from March 2013