Reviews of safaris to Central Kalahari Game Reserve

"An impressive journey in a strange period of time. Lots of hurdles to take, endless paperwork and testing but very worth it in the end.

The Botswana people were very happy to welcome us and thanked us multiple times for taking the effort to come to their country in these complicated times.

Once there everything ran smoothly; a well organized trip and a great combination of camps giving a complete picture of Botswana." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a Botswana safari

"Although it took a lot of perseverence at home with all the paperwork, it was well worth the effort. I was impressed by the organisation and very impressed by the warm and friendly nature of the Botswana people. Everywhere they were so happy to see us and welcome-ing and hospitable. Nature is overwhelmingly beautiful and serene and quiet.
My only negative point is the new Jack's Camp. All the camps had the tapestry and furniture like a camp signature, but Jack"s Camp was too big, too overdone and above all too dark! I am sure that I would have preferred the old camp." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a Botswana safari

"We enjoyed this trip, our thirteenth safari but our first during the green season. We particularly wanted to look for birds in the breeding season and so in breeding plumage and to see the desert 'in bloom'.

We did both, notably seeing weavers, whydahs and widowbirds- little brown jobs for most of the year but now in full plumage. The desert was indeed in flower and we would recommend the experience to all seasoned safari aficionados - not only for the green freshness and the ephemeral flowering plants but the huge range of flowering grasses and the huge numbers of beautiful butterflies, grasshoppers and so on. Sure the game is spread out and not gathered around the waterholes but we saw so many groups of animals fit and well fed and simply enjoying themselves- dogs, lions and elephants playing. A great trip.

The downside was the lack of water in the Delta. The rains failed last year and some areas had consequently been dry for over a year. Vumbura is situated on a permanent river so was less affected and there has been some recent rain this season so water levels there have gone up and we enjoyed good water activities there, however Jacana camp in the Jao concession was completely dried up and has been for over a year. Recent rains have barely touched them and they hope for water again later in the year when the floods from Angola arrive; there have been good rains in Angola apparently.

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We have used Expert Africa on several occasions and returned because you do offer an excellent service." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"In total, we spent a month in Africa birding in South Africa and Namibia before our last six nights in Botswana.

Our Botswana experience was a bit of a mixed bag. The two camps we visited - Nxai Pan and Tau Pan - are very nice camps with great staff but are a bit uncomfortable if crowded because of the communal approach to dining. (20 people at a large table shouting at each other.)

We missed one night in the middle of the trip altogether because weather prevented a landing at our second camp and forced us to spend the night at a hotel in Maun.

Overall, a nice but not great experience in Botswana compared to some of our many other African trips.

Overall, Expert Africa does seem to be an "expert" on Africa. This was the second trip that we taken with help from Maruska and we are very pleased with the advice as well as the actual organization of our trips.

Keep up the good work!" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"The trip exceeded our expectations in every way.

Having 3 very distinct geographical regions, starting with the desert, was intentional (to help us absorb a 9 hr time difference), and then to experience the most of Botswana.

Loved each area and camp for very different reasons, but have to give the special mention to Lebala Camp and their staff. This was supposed to be a "once in a lifetime trip" for a milestone birthday........but plans to return to Botswana started before coming home.

Many thanks to Expert Africa for a wonderful introduction." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"what an amazing experience. i have been travelling to africa over the past 20 years and this was, by far, the most incredible experience i have had. the accommodation was all exceptional and the travel seamless. everything to make the trip easy was thought of.

the itinerary was exceptional, allowing us to see different aspects of botswana. we wouldn't have missed any of it. each was different with its own charm. the guides were all very professional and knowledgable. we experienced so much in terms of both flora and fauna.

thanks to tracy at expert africa for making everything so easy.

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no. everything was perfect." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 11 on a Botswana safari

"After our trip to India with Audley Travel, this was our next big expedition. We gave Audley a chance to quote and it was good. But Lucy showed a bit more engagement with us personally.

The trip more than lived up to our expectations. We met lots of lovely people but the icing on the cake was provided by Gee and Zimbou at Lagoon; Mos and AT at Lagoon; and Vasco, Pro and KP at Tau Pan. We shall remember them for ever and please send them our thanks and best wishes for the future." Read full review: 25 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari

"Thank you Megan (Expert Africa) for arranging this fantastic trip, taking into accounts my preferences and for suggesting the right camps based on my previous reviews.

Everything was organised to perfection.

A great combination of places to stay for varied wildlife experiences." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zambia safari

"We have been to Africa before with Expert Africa and we knew what we wanted to see this time.

We then spent a long time with Richard Trillo and his team discussing options and then left it to him to put together an extended trip to hopefully tick all the boxes on our wish list.

ALL BOXES TICKED, this was a fantastic journey through 5 African countries, we have seen and experienced so much, so a VERY BIG THANK YOU to Expert Africa for arranging this for us.

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No, just carry on doing what you're doing now - it would be very hard to improve what you're already doing so well." Read full review: 44 nights in Africa; 17 on a Kenya safari

"Trip was absolutely fabulous. We have spent a lot of time in Southern Africa and the game tracking and viewing on this trip was spectacular.

The evenings and the morning game drives were much colder than we had anticipated, especially in the Kalahari Desert, so go prepared with layers of very warm clothes." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 11 on a Botswana safari