Reviews of safaris to Okavango Delta Safari Reserves
1025 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Okavango Delta.
"My May 2013 trip"
I was so close to giving up on the idea of a safari as I couldn't summon up the courage to fly in a light aircraft and camp in a dome tent with wild animals so close by on the other side. Then thankfully, Expert Africa came up with the idea of travelling overland from Maun to Xakanaxa and staying in a lodge and then going on to Little Kwara by boat.
The service from Expert Africa has been absolutely first class (I almost never have cause to give such high praise for service and it is not given out lightly). I raised many questions before having the courage to book this holiday and all were answered honestly, very promptly and without impatience. The almost 24 hour service was useful for me as I live in Australia. I only wish I could experience this level of service more often in my life, I know this sounds like an ad, but credit where credit is due.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Regarding the quotation: It did seem very expensive but we normally travel on a budget and I normally get several quotes before making a booking. On this occasion I didn't. It was also more difficult to compare prices because we paid in sterling and we live in in Australia and normally use AUD.
I have also dealt with Gwynneth and Megan and give them the same high rating as Maruska. The excellent communication between the London and New Zealand offices was seamless." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari
"THIRD TIME LUCKY"
As you are very much aware this being our third try, I must admit my expectations were not as high as they were two years ago, thus the joy way that they were exceeded by a significant margin.
The extraordinary Wildlife, both birds and Mammals and the different eco Systems that we encountered them in throughout the journey. The people of Botswana were most helpful, polite, knowledgable and carried a fine sense of humour. They realise that the protection of their lands and wildlife are key to the sustainable Safari trade and defend these traits with great passion. There were some exceptions, which I have mentioned per camp.
The planning was good, now that we have been, we might have more input, should we be going again. I think that the areas need to be visited in a different season to obtain a proper perspective. We did expect a greener, wet time, but Mother Nature stopped the rains in Mid March.
The overall quality of the Camps did vary more than we expected, in that we presumed that they were of equal value/cost. This I believe is more an issue with the management of such as opposed to the actual staff.
All areas
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Face to face meeting prior to and after for follow-up, if possible with contact.
This is not intended as a criticism, as I was going to suggest it and like most got lazy and distracted. Will come up to see you all soon.
Donald and Susan" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari
"We got bitten by the Africa bug!"
Not only the safaris were awesome but we met fantastic people and fell in love with the country. It was very sad when the holiday came to an end but we consider ourselves extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to go. It has been one of our best holidays and we will never forget it!!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Thank you Megan for having organised an amazing holiday for us! We went in occasion of our 10th wedding anniversary and in all the years to come we will always remember what a fantastic time we have had and how special our celebration has been." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari
"An amazing holiday"
Despite a short delay in Maun which was dealt with quickly and efficiently by Beverly of Mac Air, everything went according to plan thanks to Megan's help and advice. The game drives, lodges and even the wildlife far exceeded our expectations." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari
"Take care that you get what you want."
We travelled with Wilderness safaris - our second time - but I feel their objectives and ours were not entirely matched. I would take great care to ensure you get what you want.
A couple of minor gripes first. I know Expert Africa passed on our dietary (veggie) requirements but when we reached our first (not Wilderness) camp these were not quite correct. On passing back through Maun the next day we spoke to Wilderness direct and while these requirements reached the first camp they did not reach camps 2, 3 and 4. Camp 5 had them but I think only through the feedback given at camp 4. The camps mostly got it once told but on one transfer between camps we were given a meat sandwich on leaving and a meat salad on arriving.
As per my Khalahari Plains feedback there were flight problems and once delayed, because they have pre allocated your guide, activities did get very slightly compromised. This leads onto my major concern.
In the 2 years since our last visit the emphasis of Wilderness seems to have changed. They seem more focused on providing luxury rooms and slick appearances than on providing a true wilderness experience. Out of the 100 or so guests we met probably less than 10% were repeat visitors. They seem all out on attracting rich 1st time bucket list guests. The type of guests who are often more into the quality of the rooms and service rather than on the quality of the activities.
During our 15 days we spend 8 days in the company of very nice people who were on their first ever safari and at their first ever camp. This included the 3 days each at Little Vumbura and Chitabe.
The allocation of guests to guides is sorted before you get to camp. It needs to be more flexible. When we checked into Chitabe we had been 10 days on this trip (and 14 days on a previous). The camp management knew this. Yet they still put us with a couple of elderly sisters on their first ever camp. As much as they were very nice people our objectives and requirements were different. This should have been patently obvious (it was to the guide).
We knew, after 3 weeks in total on safari the differences between a Kudo and an Impala and a lapwing and a roller, While the guide did an admirable job of trying to manage the disparate needs of the guests it never quite worked. On our first morning at Chitabe we were half an hour late setting off because the ladies had not brushed their teeth or brought their kit for the morning drive.
After 6 days at LV and Chitabe we were bristling with frustration at the basic mismatching of guests' experiences.
(The day after we left Chitabe we understand their was an incident in our "old" truck where 2 people wanted to leave lions in the process of killing a buffalo whereas 2 wanted to watch the whole process. That should be sorted in the allocation process rather than leave some guests unfulfilled and some gusts traumatised.)
Would I travel with Wilderness again. Possibly but I would look at other companies too. If I were to go again I would be much more demanding and want:
1) A sensible allocation of guests - a sensible matching of experience. I recognise that it might not be possible to avoid first timers but experienced visitors should not be matched with people at their first ever camp.
2) If you want to occasionally go out all day (and not just morning and evening) say so before you go so that this is built in. Repeat what you want when you get to each camp.
3) Clarify whether you want to watch a kill in all its detail - its not likely to happen but if it does its a bit late to sort out conflict.
It just seems to me that Wilderness are becoming more focused on providing a 5 star "hotel" service rather than their core activities." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 16 on a Botswana safari
"8 days and 3 Botswana camps"
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Your website gave us the best safari planning information available anywhere ... until we began speaking directly with your staff [Megan, Claire and Nick] who are clearly "expert" on Africa." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari
"My May 2013 trip"
We will be going back to Africa and it will be Maruska we will calling to design our trip." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 11 on a Botswana safari
"The Okehampton 6 trip to Botswana - May 2013"
"Another great trip to Botswana"
Megan and Nick were really helpful throughout the booking process and were very good to alert us early when they heard about building works going on at one of the camps we were visiting. They were able to get the reassurance from Wilderness Safaris that the works would not disrupt guests and this really comforted us.
Overall, a great trip which Mum and I will remember forever (especially sitting in the dark in the landrover at Chitabe looking at the southern sky filled to the brim with stars and listening to the frogs singing all round us). Can't wait to go back." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari
"My Apr 2013 trip"
Looking for inspiration on where to travel next?
Visit our trip chooser to explore your options and find inspiration for your perfect African adventure
Inspire meWhere to stay in Okavango Delta
Our suggestions for safari camps in Okavango Delta Safari Reserves
Kwara Camp
Kwara Camp's private reserve boasts land and water activities year-round, with excellent game-viewing opportunities and access to permanent channels of the north-east Okavango Delta.
Little Vumbura
On a secluded island within a private reserve, Little Vumbura combines superb game viewing with a broad diversity of habitats in a truly picturesque setting.
Shinde Camp
With experienced staff and a wealth of activities, Shinde offers a traditional safari in an exceptionally varied and wildlife-rich environment.
Splash Camp
Set in the Kwara Reserve, offering superb wildlife viewing year-round, Splash offers both land and water activities led by guides with a particular knack for tracking big game.
Chitabe Lediba
Chitabe Lediba, in Botswana's southern Okavango Delta, is a small family friendly safari camp; it offers great dry-land safaris and in our experience consistently delivers good game sightings.
Kanana
In a beautiful part of the Delta, Kanana focuses on fantastic water activities and birding – including exclusive access to an impressive heronry.
Sandibe Safari Lodge
The luxurious Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge lies in a private concession in the heart of the Okavango Delta, beside Moremi Game Reserve, with superb big-game viewing.
Chitabe Camp
In the southern Okavango Delta, the excellent Chitabe Camp concentrates on dry-land safaris in an area that we've found particularly good for wild dog sightings.
Shinde Footsteps
Small and simple, but comfortable, Shinde Footsteps focuses on walking safaris as well as game drives; it also runs a special children's programme so is particularly suitable for families.
Gomoti Plains
Overlooking a tributary of the Gomoti River, Gomoti Plains Camp is a classically designed camp with very comfortable tents in a good game-viewing area.
Nxabega Tented Camp
Nxabega offers a selection of both land- and water-based activities, plus very good guiding, food and service, but game viewing can be somewhat erratic.
Tubu Tree Camp
A traditional tented camp with a distinctive tree-house feel, Tubu Tree offers some of the best game viewing in the Jao Reserve.
Vumbura Plains
Indulgently stylish and luxurious, Vumbura Plains offers superb game viewing and birding on an exceptionally varied private reserve.
Jacana Camp
Jacana Camp is a small safari camp with an informal island feel; it is ideal for water-based activities in the Delta and offers excellent birdwatching.
Kwetsani Camp
Deep in the Delta, overlooking a floodplain, Kwetsani Camp is a small, high-end camp with good access to areas for land and water-based activities.
Duba Explorers Camp
Intimate and elegant, Duba Explorers Camp promises a firm safari focus in a remote corner of the Okavango, led by a team who value the highest guiding and hosting standards.
Mma Dinare
Beautifully located in a private concession overlooking the Gomoti River, the traditional Mma Dinare is very well-priced for the Okavango Delta.
Pom Pom Camp
Amidst stunning Okavango Delta scenery, Pom Pom offers idyllic mokoro trips in season, great birdwatching, and increasingly good big-game sightings, especially leopards.
Mapula Lodge
For an affordable yet varied safari encompassing a range of eco-systems, the traditional Mapula Lodge takes a lot of beating.
Duba Plains Camp
Duba Plains Camp is a traditional yet luxurious safari camp, best known for the thrilling lion behavior interaction that is often see during the day.
Baines' Camp
Baines' Camp is a well-run, intimate camp in a pretty part of the Okavango, offering a range of activities and the option to spend a morning walking with elephants.
Stanley's Camp
In a private concession south of Moremi Game Reserve, Stanley's Camp offers 4WD game drives, seasonal water activities and a superb elephant interaction.
Little Tubu
Little Tubu is a new, traditional camp with just three tented chalets and a distinctive tree-house feel. The areas around it can be explored by water and land-based activities year round.
4 Rivers
4 Rivers is a new camp in a previously in accessible area of the excellent Kwara concession.
Pelo Camp
In a pristine wilderness environment deep in the Okavango Delta, the seasonal Pelo Camp is tented yet comfortable, with activities focusing on excursions by mokoro.
Rra Dinare
Located in a private concession in the southern reaches of the Okavango Delta, overlooking the Gomoti River, Rra Dinare is a traditional-style, well-priced camp.
Xaranna
Xaranna is a plush tented camp amongst the idyllic waterways and islands of the Delta. Each air-conditioned tent has a plunge pool. Water activities and pampering are the focus here.
Jao Camp
In a beautiful area with fantastic water activities, Jao combines an idyllic location with high levels of luxury and service, and a top-end spa.
Seba Camp
Seba Camp is a luxury camp in a lovely location that offers the full range of water and land safari activities, depending on the time of year. This camp is particularly suitable for families.
Setari Camp
Setari Camp stands on an island dotted with palm trees, close to the base of the Okavango’s ‘Panhandle"
Okavango Explorers
The traditional, tented Okavango Explorers Camp offers a mix of walking, canoeing and game drives led by great guides in a wildlife-rich area.
Abu Camp
Abu Camp is an exclusive safari camp on the western side of the Botswana's Okavango Delta - offering superb elephant-back safaris and opportunities to walk with them too.
Kiri Camp
Kiri Camp is the latest Okavango offering from the excellent team behind Machaba. In an exciting new location in the heart of the Delta we cannot wait to visit this new camp.
Karangoma
New for 2024, Karangoma is a classic, tented camp offering walking, canoeing and game drives, in partnership with the local Bukakwe San clan.
Okavango Walking Safari
The Okavango Delta Walking Safari camps in a secluded Okavango Delta Reserve where there are few roads; the ideal location for a walking trail led by an expert guide.
Duke’s Camp
On a remote island within a large concession, the romantic Duke's Camp and smaller Duke’s East are nestled among mature trees overlooking wildlife-rich plains and waterways of the Okavango.
Sitatunga Island Camp
Tucked away in a pristine corner of the Okavango Delta, the exclusive Sitatunga Private Island is a water-based camp offering boating, mokoro trips and fishing.
Atzaro Okavango
With a high level of tasteful luxury promised at Atzaro, we think it will be best suited to travellers seeking a touch of pampering alongside their safari.
Mokolwane
Deep in the heart of the Okavango, the simple Mokolwane focuses on wildlife viewing in a large, untouched area.
Eagle Island Lodge
Eagle Island Lodge is a luxurious camp with international-style facilities including air conditioning and intercom in each room; offering water based activities in the Okavango Delta.
North Island Okavango
Deep in quintessentially “Okavango” territory, between deep-water and dry-land habitats, North Island focuses on a luxury safari experience with very good wildlife viewing opportunities.
Mbamba
Deep within the northern Okavango, the classically styled Mbamba is set to open in a wildlife-rich private concession in April 2025.
Qorokwe Camp
Luxurious and contemporary, the relatively new Qorokwe Camp is a gem in the Okavango Delta, offering land- and occasionally water-based activities in a prime wildlife area.
