Reviews of Sable Alley
Wildlife sightings and reviews
31 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Sable Alley and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
90% success
89% success
6% success
70% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
95% success
78% success
75% success
70% success
44% success
31% success
18% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
"Extremely Comfortable Camp"
I loved the tented ‘rooms’ - they were very comfortable and had everything we needed (inc. sherry!). The communal areas were also lovely. The food was good given that we were in the middle of the bush and it was c40C and there was lots of choice. The highlight for me was when we were woken up by elephants crashing through the camp and bumping into our tent.
I also enjoyed sitting out watching/listening to the hippos which live in the waterhole at the camp. We were there at the very end of the dry season but there was still enough water for the hippos.
The game drives were very good and in very new jeeps. On the drives there was no tracker just the driver/guide. Obviously, i don’t know if we would have seen more if we had had a tracker but at our second lodge we did see lots more game and we did have a tracker." See all these reviews: 5n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
4 sightings
Eland
Multiple sightings
Elephant
3 sightings
Giraffe
4 sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Lion
2 sightings
Wild dog
2 sightings
Zebra
4 sightings
"Wonderful wild dogs"
We had a good guide, though not as good as Carl at Gomoti, and we failed to see either of the antelope. But we did have several viewings of three different packs of dogs including one family of 18 at very close range, so tat was a real treat.
The accommodation was excellent and the ambience very good. We had one day of rain when the temperature dropped from 40 to 20, but that'd to the bonus of the Termite Emergence, which was very exciting, so long as you are prepared for clouds of large flying beasties while eating dinner!!" See all these reviews: 8n in Zimbabwe; 7n in Botswana; 7n in South Africa
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings
Wild dog
Multiple sightings
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Luxury on the bush."
The game drives were amazing and the wildlife was in abundence. The photographic opportunities were made better by our guide Ocean's keen interest in photography.
An overall very enjoyable experience." See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Leopard
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Roan antelope
Multiple sightings
Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings
Wild dog
Multiple sightings
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Two Nights in June at Sable Alley"
Saw a leopard mother and daughter working on a "stashed" impala for two days. Saw a lone sable whilst having lunch in the camp and a sable family of three arrived concurrent with us at the airstrip as we were leaving Sable Alley." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia; 7n in Botswana
Elephant
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Leopard
2 sightings
Lion
1 sighting
Sable antelope
2 sightings
Wild dog
1 sighting
Wildebeest
1 sighting
Zebra
10 sightings
"Spectacular Sable Alley"
We very much enjoyed our excellent guide, Zambu. He was a mine of knowledge about the African bush, and managed to make every game drive interesting with his snippets of information. The game viewing lived up to expectations. We had beautiful sightings of leopard, hyena and elephant." See all these reviews: 7n in Botswana
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Leopard
3 sightings
Sable antelope
1 sighting
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Wild dog
1 sighting
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"superb safari and accommodation"
Safari was high quality seeing animals we didn't expect to.
Atmosphere very good." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
6 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
6 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Leopard
3 sightings
Lion
7 sightings
Wildebeest
3 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Wonderful Camp"
We struggled with food at Hyena Pan in terms of availability and quality and by comparison, Sable Alley was substantially improved. The food was table services rather than buffet and the food was of a really good standard. Well prepared, well presented and a joy to eat. We would honestly recommend that Hyena Pan follows a similar approach to serving food to their quests.
As a pure safety note, we would say that our last day was more exciting but could have ended in tragedy. Our truck followed 2 lionesses with 3 cubs and in trying to get as close as possible became stuck in the boggy mud. Luckily a second safari truck was close by to assist but when it arrived neither safari truck had any tow ropes???
Our tourist group was then asked to transfer to the second safari ruck to lighten the load to see whether this would help but unfortunately the safari truck was stuck deep in the mud.
A third safari truck after some 30 minutes arrived with a tow rope and proceed to hand the tow rope over to their colleagues and then drive off??? All of the safari tourists were then asked to stand in the open field unattended in pretty close proximity (circa 30 metres) to the 2 lionesses and their cubs. The safari truck was eventually towed out (circa 20 minutes later) and we then managed to all get back into the trucks and proceed with the safari tours.
In hindsight, we should never had agreed to leave the safari truck and stand in the open fields. This is incredibly dangerous especially with 2 lionesses that could have attacked us at any stage.
We would honestly recommend that all safari trucks carry tow ropes, the staff are trained in how to tow vehicles our of deep mud or perhaps avoid the mud in the first place and that tourists are never allowed to leave the safari trucks and stand in open fields unattended within such close proximity to wild dangerous animals. We would also recommend that the third safari truck should have stayed around to help and not leave tourists vulnerable.
Despite the above adventure – we really did enjoy the camp and our experiences and would recommend this camp." See all these reviews: 4n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
They have replied with a sincere apology for the way the guide handled the situation on the ground and completely understand why these travellers would have felt vulnerable and unsafe. Their philosophy is that it is a requirement of guides to not only be educators and entertainers but to be safety conscious at all times too.
Sable Alley has a team of mechanics in camp with recovery kits on hand and it is the norm for a guide who has trouble with their vehicle to immediately radio for help. This did not happen on this occasion and this incident has been addressed by management, with the guides, to ensure that this does not happen again.
Natural Selection commented that guest safety is their number one priority and an area of their service that should never be compromised. They have sent their sincere apology to our travellers for any unpleasant feelings they may have experienced during this incident.
"Southern Africa Manager"
"Lovely surroundings & safari at 1st rate camp"
We found the camp itself luxurious, staff attentive, the meals superb and our guide 'Shakes' excellent. We did not want for anything.
We especially loved the outdoor shower!" See all these reviews: 7n in Botswana
Eland
1 sighting
Elephant
6 sightings
Giraffe
2 sightings
Hippo
6 sightings
Leopard
3 sightings
Lion
1 sighting
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Zebra
2 sightings
"Sable Alley"
"Sable Alley"
The scout we were assigned was very knowledgeable and experienced. He made sure we saw a variety of wildlife as well as educating and informing us of specific details related to it. The concession around this camp had a large quantity of wildlife and there was very little we did not see. The 'stand-out' feature for this camp is the water hole right in front of the camp that hosts a large (and noisy) hippo pod as well as attracting many other mammals, birds and a reptile. One day a herd of elephant wandered through the camp passing us just feet away." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
3 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
6 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
1 sighting
Wild dog
1 sighting
Wildebeest
1 sighting
Zebra
7 sightings
Holiday styles & special interests in Botswana
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Botswana.
Other lodges in Moremi Game Reserve
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Private Mobile
The Botswana Private Mobile Safari has no fixed location; it's exclusive to your group and comes with a top professional guide. Expect comfortable camping, great food, and a superb wildlife experience wherever you decide to go.
Machaba Camp
Overlooking the Khwai River to Moremi Game Reserve beyond, the classic Machaba Camp combines comfort with excellent game viewing.
Xigera Safari Lodge
Located deep in Botswana's Okavango Delta, Xigera Camp normally focuses on mokoro excursions and motorboat trips, with 4WD game drives when water levels permit.
Xakanaxa
Camp Xakanaxa is a well-established traditional camp beside a huge lagoon within the Moremi Game Reserve, with access to some superb wildlife viewing.
Khwai Lediba
Khwai Lediba offers a traditional African safari experience, with very comfortable tented accommodation, in a fantastic game area north of the Moremi Game Reserve.
Okuti
With an innovative design and good service, Okuti Camp offers game drives and boat trips in a beautiful, game-rich part of Moremi Game Reserve.
Mombo Camp
Mombo is one of Botswana's most exclusive safari camps, set in a beautiful, remote location within the Moremi Game Reserve and with exceptional game densities.
Little Machaba
Overlooking the Khwai River and Moremi Game Reserve beyond, Little Machaba is a classically designed camp with very comfortable tents in a great game-viewing area.
Chief's Camp
Chief's Camp is situated on Chief's Island, within the Okavango Delta's Moremi Game Reserve. Experience one of Botswana's top game-viewing areas by 4WD and mokoro.
Hyena Pan
Fairly rustic, and relatively inexpensive, Hyena Pan overlooks a natural waterhole that attracts an almost constant parade of animals.
Skybeds
Situated in a private reserve close to Moremi Game Reserve, Skybeds offers a simple yet wonderful opportunity to sleep under the stars and watch wildlife from your bed.
Camp Moremi
In one of the best locations for game viewing in Botswana, Camp Moremi sits at the tip of the Mopane Tongue, overlooking Xakanaxa Lagoon.
Little Mombo
One of Botswana's top safari camps, Little Mombo stands on the north side of Chief's Island, in the heart of the Okavango Delta's Moremi Game Reserve.
Little Sable
Little Sable camp is located in the Khwai Private Reserve – which borders the Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe
Tuludi
Tuludi is a brand new luxury camp, within the Khwai Private Reserve, built on a site under giant leadwood trees and overlooking the Okavango Delta floodplains.
Sango Safari Camp
Sango offers comfortable tented accommodation, without some of the frills often found in Botswana's camps, with an area that's scenic and gets excellent, consistent game sightings.
Mokete Camp
New for July 2023, Mokete has 9 luxurious tents, raised on platforms above the surrounding bush and offers an experience of the Kalahari Wilderness.
Khwai River Lodge
Khwai River Lodge is a luxurious and well-equipped safari camp, on the northern edge of Moremi Game Reserve. This area isn't exclusive, but it is beautiful and has excellent game.
Khwai Leadwood
Khwai Leadwood is a luxurious lodge located in the heart of the Khwai Community Concession, offering guests exceptional service, stunning scenery, and unforgettable wildlife experiences.
Monachira
A new lodge in Moremi Game Reserve, with a focus on water-based activities, the family-friendly Monachira will be opening in May 2025.
Tawana
An exclusive new lodge on the banks of the Gomoti River, Tawana has just eight very spacious suites.
