Reviews of safaris to Kwando-Linyanti area

"Now we have had our holiday I feel I understand what I would do next time.

It was all a wonderful experience. Firstly I must put a word in for Mack Air as there didn't seem to be anywhere to put that. We were concerned and a bit anxious about the small flights but the service and professionalism from the pilots was excellent and made the whole experience fine.

All the places we booked were good, each different and interesting. Of course not having been to Africa before or been on a safari holiday before it is difficult to understand what it is going to be like even though we read all the information and listened to all the advice there is nothing like the experience of actually being there.

In no particular order we felt that the camps in Botswana seemed more geared up to 2 night stays and in fact 2 nights felt perfectly fine though before we went I thought 2 nights might feel a bit tight. In fact sometimes our 3 night stays felt as if the guides were looking for things to do. I loved Botswana, particularly the Okavanga Delta and would go back there.

Though we were a bit concerned about driving ourselves round Namibia as 2 women on our own in our late 50s and 60s, in fact it was very easy. We loved Cape Cross and Walvis Bay, both fine for 1 night stays. I would want to stay 2 nights in Okonjima in the Bush camp, a very pleasant place to stay. It was me who insisted on staying in Okaukeujo and it was fine though I think if I was advising someone else I would suggest somewhere smaller with better food.

I also would not go back to the Zambezi Sun, it was the only place we were disappointed with. Everyone is different but we both realised how important a breakfast and dinner view is for us and a view of the Zambezi rather than corporate hospitality is worth paying for.

We loved South Africa and will probably go back there sometime. All in all we loved it and love Africa, it is like no other place I've ever been to.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

I cant think of anything. My sister and I did talk about how difficult it must be to advise people on where to stay and where to go. You did really well so thank you. The only thing that might have helped us not go to the Zambezi Sun was either us telling you the sort of hotel we usually stay in when we travel or you asking." Read full review: 28 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip

"We had much looked forward to our North Botswana and Vic Falls trip, and we found it one of our best and most memorable holidays ever ! Botswana is a truly great safari destination, if you are passionate, as we are, about viewing and photographing wildlife.

The Okavango delta is among the most stunning wild places we have visited on this planet, both from the air and on the ground. The length of our stay (10 nights on safari in total, in 4 different camps) might seem a bit long at first, but we were very pleased with it, as it allowed us to take a more relaxed pace and we didn't mind the odd "non eventful" game drive too much. Indeed, the big five do not hide behind every tree or bush in these huge concessions, and we soon learned that good sightings require skillful guides and trackers, but also a good deal of patience !

We found the way in which our trip was planned, ideal for what we wanted to see during this trip and for our length of stay: i.e. first the Kwando area in north Botswana, followed by the Okavango Delta, and the magnificent Vic Falls at the end.

We were also absolutely delighted with the very smooth organization of our trip: every single aircraft (big or small) or road transfer we took left on time; we were always welcomed by friendly staff upon arrival; rooms/tents were always ready for us upon our arrival... Top marks ! We would like to add a special comment for Mack Air here as well: flights over the Delta were a great experience !

Finally, although in our reviews per camp, we have mentioned some smaller points for improvement where and when we found it as needed, but we honestly can't think of anything that we would have wanted to add to our trip, that would have made it even better than it already was. This trip has made our love for Africa even greater, and we can not wait to return to explore more of this marvelous continent!!

Special thanks to Megan, who was extremely helpful in organizing our trip, and really went out of her way to answer our many questions before departure ! Truly top service !" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari

"Wild dogs were on the top of our wish list and we saw them on our second game drive. Other great sightings as well: leopard cheetah with cubs, lion with very small cubs and so many other animals.

Stayed at three different camps, all in different terrains making for different habitats. Good food, wonderful people. Relaxing at Quilalea, mozambique rounded of the trip in a fantastic way." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari

"I was slightly concerned that the experience of14 nights safari in 6 different camps might become repetitive, especially for my husband as it was my choice of holiday rather than his. I needn't have worried!

We both enjoyed meeting fellow guests of different nationalities and the interesting conversations we had with them.

We were amazed at how close we could get to the wildlife without impacting on it. The off road drives generally provided the best opportunities for this My husband's goal was to see wild dogs and in the event we had 4 excellent sightings ranging from a lone dog to a pack just after a kill. Selinda provided the best of these opportunities.

I wanted to see lions, cheetahs and leopards and had excellent views of these too. We were very impressed with the knowledge of most of the guides who made every effort not just to find game but to explain animal behaviour. Those guides really enhanced the safari experience.

The personal service at the camps with possibly one exception greatly exceeded our expectations.

It was a wonderful holiday which will provide us with many happy memories.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

I don't think you could have done any more!

I was impressed by the speed with which you responded to my medical problem and it inspired great confidence in your company's ability to handle any emergency in such a way that it minimised any interference with our holiday." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 15 on a Botswana safari

"This was our best trip yet with Expert Africa; thank you so much to Megan (along with Chloe) for really listening to and helping crystallise what we had in mind, and for their patience in putting together such a well balanced programme for us." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari

"An outstanding travel experience.

As a rather independent traveler, I rely on travel literature to plan itineraries rather than merely "purchase" a pre established tour such as those offered by Abercrombie and Kent. With regards to Botswana, I read the Bradt Travel Guide authored by Chris McIntyre and found it to be most informative, especially in the descriptions of the various private concession areas and of the myriad of camps within the concessions. Being directly affiliated with Expert Africa led me to contacting your company and I was put in contact with Nick Hobbs.

Over many months, Nick and I had numerous interactions both by email and on occasion by telephone. In all instances, I found Nick to be very responsive and his personal knowledge of Botswana obviously helpful in narrowing down which camps I ultimately selected.

Having completed our holiday, I can report that every required travel reservation/connection---air from Joberg, ground to zambia hotel, scheduled excursions within zambia, ground/boat/air connection to botswana camps was effected without any problem. And the safari camp experiences was consistent with the written or verbal guidance provided by Expert Africa personnel. And, while this was a most expensive holiday, prices quoted by Expert Africa were competitive with other inquiries I made prior to selecting Expert Africa.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Expert Africa literature was very informative and helpful.

A minor suggestion-- while gratuity guidance for guides and camp staff is covered. I would add some guidance re ground transportation personnel --- for example, is a gratuity expected for the people providing the ground transportation from Zambia airport to hotel; or, from Zambia hotel to Botswana border; or, the Mack air porter who takes your bags to the small aircraft at Kasane? ( The cost for the ground/private air is included in the aggregate amount paid to Expert Africa but it is vague whether or not an additional gratuity is ""expected"".)

As a traveler, my preference would be, to specifically state in you literature that a gratuity for these incidental services is not expected (and if necessary, add a few dollars/pounds to your fees to the traveler to cover these incidentals)." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"This was one of the best holidays I have ever had.

I loved it and the children did too it was magical and unforgettable. We have taken a bit of Africa back with us! Can't wait for an excuse to return...." Read full review: 6 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"First, the team member who dealt most with my trip was Chloe Henderson. To be honest, she is the one who made me chose Expert Africa because I was about to go with either &Beyond or Ker & Downey. So, even if I know she left the company, special thanks to her, she was amazing and gave me incredible and valuable advice!

Having said that, our trip was excellent. Botswana/Vic Falls represented 1/3 of our trip (the two others being South Africa and Mozambique) and this was the highlight of our trip.

We will keep an unforgettable souvenir of this week, thank you!!" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"Great - not one single hitch - would recommend Expert Africa without hesitation." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"This was our best holiday ever, exceeding our expectations. Expert Africa were really helpful, efficient and friendly.

Botswana and its people are wonderful, and we wish them all success in finding that elusive balance between tourist income and protecting the environment. The vastness, silence and majesty of the landscape were enough of themselves, with the wildlife an added bonus! It was magical and reassuring to see such a huge population of elephants around Linyanti, and the Walking with Elephants experience near Stanley's Camp will stay with us forever.

We were made to feel special throughout the whole holiday, and it was great to have staff who treated us more like valued friends than customers.The "tents" were better than most luxury hotels we've stayed in, and the sun-downers, high tea, campfires, and welcoming dances were excellent. Mack Air flights were a highly enjoyable part of the experience, rather than a way to get from A to B, and gave us a feel for the enormity and diversity of the country.

We're already saving up to visit again.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No, it was perfect." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari