Reviews of safaris to Central Kalahari Game Reserve

"This vacation – our fourth in four years with Expert Africa – was definitely the best we have done so far. We achieved in full our two main objectives, ie seeing Africa green from the rains (including a storm in the Kalahari while we were there); and focusing primarily on birds (with copious help from our expert guides, nearly 200 species identified over 12 days including some real rarities). Furthermore, we managed to see more species of mammals than we have on any of our previous three trips despite the more abundant vegetation and the national park restrictions in the Kalahari; and, of course, we had the pleasure of the Victoria Falls.

The high bird count was in part a reflection of the season. But we also felt that we benefitted in that respect – and similarly with mammals – from staying in four very different terroirs during our trip, ie the “mighty Zambezi” just above Vic Falls, Linyanti, the Delta and the Kalahari. And, needless to say, we would not have been anything like as successful without expert guides in all four camps in which we stayed.

Given the amount of moving around we did – more than usual, especially when one includes the day-trip into Zimbabwe – we should also note that the logistics worked throughout with commendable smoothness thanks to a combination of your planning and extremely competent and pleasant people looking after us locally.

In sum, this was a great trip." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari

"Officialdom
With one exception, officialdom was always courteous and polite, if often annoyingly slow.

At the vet fence north of Sehitwa in Botswana, we pulled slowly up to the white stop line on the road in front of the barrier as there were no vehicles in front. A policeman appeared and without explanation demanded a "fine" of 200 pula. He said we should have stopped at a stop sign which was propped up on bricks just a few feet earlier. After a polite stand-off, we left without paying. On discussing this incident at our next lodge, we were told that whilst on the spot fines are legal in Botswana, the amount demanded had been irregular. The consensus of opinion was that this had been a try on.

Suggestions for improvements:

We have been very satisfied, hence our repeat business. Off the cuff, we haven't any suggestions.

Overall
There were occasions when a 4WD vehicle could have been useful (but we don't know the cost).
This was our annual treatment for the 'Africa virus' and it worked very well (actually our eleventh trip to sub-Sahara Africa). Where next?" Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip

"Very very good. Each lodge had some advantages and some disadvantages, but on the whole they were really good. We had no real problems on the trip and some very good experiences (and animal sightings). It was one long safari, but that was really what we had wanted.

The one contact we had with Wilderness Safaris was good too - through the delay at the airport with the car hire, and the fact that we took one wrong turning on the motorway, we were on course to arrive too late in Waterberg. Wilderness had an emergency phone no and she arranged for the Waterberg gate to stay open, so that problem was solved.

We were also very satisfied with the whole procedure between our first enquiry and the actual trip. Maruska was extremely helpful and efficient, patiently giving us detailed answers to any question we had." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip

"We loved our trip! Although I had a pretty good idea of the camps I wanted to stay at, Susannah helped me to select Tau Pan for the desert camp, and I felt that she would have been willing to spend all the time required if I had needed more help with the rest of the trip. All transfers were seamless; we felt that all we had to do was sit back and enjoy, which we did! We can't wait to go back.

I have to put in a plug for the Kwando camps. We did not stay at any Wilderness camps, so we don't have a comparison, but at all three Kwando camps, the guides were enthusiastic, kind and so knowledgeable. They not only knew the mammals, they knew every bird and plant, and would spend as much time as we wanted looking at everything. We also loved having the trackers with us and felt they added a lot to the experience. The trackers and guides work incredibly hard and put in very long hours--they are amazing. We also loved the atmosphere at the Kwando camps--very relaxed, informal, and friendly." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 13 on a Botswana safari

"This is our 4 trip to Africa having previously been to S.Africa, Kenya and Namibia and this was the best. We were guided by Lucy at Expert Africa as to which camps to stay at and she did a great job.

The quality of service was incredible, everyone made you feel special. All the camps were different and had something special to offer. Food was great. As far as we are concerned this was one of our best holidays." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari

"We had a great time.

This was our second trip organised through Expert Africa and once again the service we received was excellent. Everything was very well organised by Expert Africa; Susannah gave us sterling advice that was well tailored to provide exactly what we were looking for. The Kwando camps we visited were outstanding and we would recommend both Expert Africa and Kwando to anyone considering a trip to Botswana.

We would also, by the way, recommend that everyone shoudl consider a trip to Botswana.

Suggestions for improvements:

No. I would just like to thank you again for a great holiday." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari

"We were delighted with our trip.

All went smoothly - Botswana exceeded our expectations and everywhere we felt looked after and taken care of.

Having spent a considerable sum of money, we hoped that we'd feel it was worth it, and it certainly was in terms of uniqueness of experience and sheer enjoyment.

We felt well prepared for our trip and all went to plan - I like the fact you send a complimentary copy of Chris's book and also the Notes to Travellers are really good.

Thank you for a great holiday." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari

"The only words we can use are, What an experience ,what a trip. Can we afford to do it again ?

Suggestions for improvement:

Keep up the good work . We have already recommended you to others." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"The overall experience was better than expected and the trip gave us a further insight into Botswana" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari

"We always enjoy our trips that you organise, but this year, in particular, we felt that it was your influence that got us the choice accommodation sites at the camps and lodges. Especially the Mukwae. We couldn't be so lucky all the time.

We appreciate the time and effort you must put in to find the camps that we would like." Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip