Reviews of safaris to Okavango Delta Safari Reserves
1005 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Okavango Delta.
Mr & Mrs V
Jersey
"A variety of experiences!"
I visited South Africa and 2 other countries between 10 Nov 2011 and 5 Dec 2011
"Time flew past all too quickly! South Africa as expected, although cooler than we would have wished - the electric blankets in Hermanus were most welcome! Botswana, undoubtedly depends on when you visit as far as game viewings are concerned, but based on our experiences we would not return having had better viewing experiences in South Africa, Tanzania and Naminia.
Victoria Falls - the only real problem on our trip. We planned our stay there to include a visit to Zambia, as there is a railway museum in Livingstone we wanted to see. In Botswana there were varying answers as to what Visas would be required. We travelled from Kasane to Victoria Falls with Wilderness.
At the Kazungula Border Post the driver gave us forms to complete and asked for US$ 55 visa fee from each of us. At the immigration counter I asked what Visa we would require as we wished to spend a day in Zambia, and was advised a dual entry Visa. I asked for a dual entry Visa and the Immigration clerk advised I could not have one. I asked why and he replied that such Visas were only issued at his discretion and his discretion was not to give us one. Reasoning did not help and I asked for the head of Immigration - he was at lunch but we waited for his return. I explained the issue, his clerk in the background was laughing throughout, but he said as we by now had the single entry Visa stuck in our passports he could not cancel them. He did however offer to sell us, in addition, dual entry Visas at a cost of US$ 80 each, or whatever. We declined.
I assume that this journey from Kasane to Victoria Falls is operated quite frequently. The driver of the Minibus ( on this occasion Big Boy) should be better informed on the options available beforehand so that such problems do not arise.
Regrettably, this finished our trip on a disappointing note." Read full review: 25 nights in Africa; 13 on a South Africa trip
Victoria Falls - the only real problem on our trip. We planned our stay there to include a visit to Zambia, as there is a railway museum in Livingstone we wanted to see. In Botswana there were varying answers as to what Visas would be required. We travelled from Kasane to Victoria Falls with Wilderness.
At the Kazungula Border Post the driver gave us forms to complete and asked for US$ 55 visa fee from each of us. At the immigration counter I asked what Visa we would require as we wished to spend a day in Zambia, and was advised a dual entry Visa. I asked for a dual entry Visa and the Immigration clerk advised I could not have one. I asked why and he replied that such Visas were only issued at his discretion and his discretion was not to give us one. Reasoning did not help and I asked for the head of Immigration - he was at lunch but we waited for his return. I explained the issue, his clerk in the background was laughing throughout, but he said as we by now had the single entry Visa stuck in our passports he could not cancel them. He did however offer to sell us, in addition, dual entry Visas at a cost of US$ 80 each, or whatever. We declined.
I assume that this journey from Kasane to Victoria Falls is operated quite frequently. The driver of the Minibus ( on this occasion Big Boy) should be better informed on the options available beforehand so that such problems do not arise.
Regrettably, this finished our trip on a disappointing note." Read full review: 25 nights in Africa; 13 on a South Africa trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Ms T & Mr B
France
"Thank you Expert Africa"
I visited Namibia and 1 other country between 6 Nov 2011 and 29 Nov 2011
"Expert Africa did an excellent job of organising our 3 week tour to Namibia and Botswana.
You have certainly done your homework and your knowledge of the various locations is impressive. Usually, we book our own trips, but, given the complexity of things in this area, we were happy to let you do it.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
You are already doing a great job. We felt we were dealing with a small friendly company which really listened to us, unlike Abercrombie and Kent a few years ago - that experience just about put us off travel agents for ever." Read full review: 23 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
You have certainly done your homework and your knowledge of the various locations is impressive. Usually, we book our own trips, but, given the complexity of things in this area, we were happy to let you do it.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
You are already doing a great job. We felt we were dealing with a small friendly company which really listened to us, unlike Abercrombie and Kent a few years ago - that experience just about put us off travel agents for ever." Read full review: 23 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs W
Chorley
"Memorable holiday in a lovely country"
I visited Botswana and 1 other country between 1 Nov 2011 and 20 Nov 2011
"Thank you for making this such a memorable holiday. Yours was the best holiday brochure we have ever received.
The people of Botswana were an absolute pleasure - so friendly, helpful, courteous, and they have a lovely sense of humour.
We would like to visit again at a different time of year.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We have no hesitation in recommending your company." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 16 on a Botswana safari
The people of Botswana were an absolute pleasure - so friendly, helpful, courteous, and they have a lovely sense of humour.
We would like to visit again at a different time of year.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We have no hesitation in recommending your company." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 16 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Miss K
Kent
"Happy punter"
I visited Botswana between 31 Oct 2011 and 7 Nov 2011
"Despite the various problems, I will definitely be going back.
Lucy booked the trip for me and I would apply the same high rating to her." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari
Lucy booked the trip for me and I would apply the same high rating to her." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr O & Ms L
Singapore
"Southern Africa Trip"
I visited Botswana and 2 other countries between 30 Oct 2011 and 20 Nov 2011
"The somewhat complex 3 week itinerary worked very well, and surprisingly, we experienced no delays. The combination of 1 week in Namibia and 2 weeks in Botswana, worked, as expected, very well, and Expert Africa did a very good job with all the arrangements.
The transfer from Lebala to Livingstone by plane, bus, speedboat, bus in around 3 hours was truly impressive. Botswana is not a cheap destination, and more suitable for the seasoned Africa travelers who have already experienced South Africa and East Africa, and who can also appreciate the smaller creatures on safari, as the big game density can be low at times.
But overall our trip exceeded our expectations with Lagoon camp and Sossus Dune Camp being some of the high lights. The private guide we had in Namibia was exceptionally good, his name was Sebastiaan." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 11 on a Botswana safari
The transfer from Lebala to Livingstone by plane, bus, speedboat, bus in around 3 hours was truly impressive. Botswana is not a cheap destination, and more suitable for the seasoned Africa travelers who have already experienced South Africa and East Africa, and who can also appreciate the smaller creatures on safari, as the big game density can be low at times.
But overall our trip exceeded our expectations with Lagoon camp and Sossus Dune Camp being some of the high lights. The private guide we had in Namibia was exceptionally good, his name was Sebastiaan." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 11 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr J of WC2
UK
"BOTSWANA & MOZAMBIQUE"
I visited Botswana and 2 other countries between 22 Oct 2011 and 2 Nov 2011
"As ever a wonderfull trip, would like to explore more of Mozambique on the mainland next time! Good hosts and excellent accomodation and game viewing."
Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 5 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr C. W.
London, UK
"Excellent game viewing"
I visited Botswana between 19 Oct 2011 and 29 Oct 2011
"It was difficult for us , having been to Botswana many years before and many times to come to grip with the new order...ie Camps run by big Organizations and with a clear division between camp management and game viewing.
We were used to Lloyd Wilmot at Savuti , Gavin Blair , Randall at Abus , Michael Lorentz,Phil OShaugnessy at Chobe Chilwero , Tim Braybrooke etc etc.These were owner run camps with a love of the bush and their camps.All with a sense of adventure and discovery . This is no longer the case.
Camps are now run by the camp staff and the game drives ( your real pleasure zone ) run by independent guides ( sometimes free lance guides )
I think this is a real shame but I understand that the market is possibly looking for this experience and we are the odd ones out.I cannot help feeling that camps like Abus will not survive . In 1994 it was smaller , simpler , more beautifull and offered an extraorindary elephant experience. This is not the case now at all.
CL and LK were very good given this new order and we really had excellent viewing. I think the guides should be aware that these are phtographic safaris and so positioning is a good idea. All guides should have a basic training in this . The upside on client satisfaction is bound to be huge at very little expense.
The food was good and well managed . The wine was dreadfull. I think a little effort on this would not go amiss especially as it is currently out of sink with all the rest of the camp.
The staff at the camps were generally excellent ( 9/10 )" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari
We were used to Lloyd Wilmot at Savuti , Gavin Blair , Randall at Abus , Michael Lorentz,Phil OShaugnessy at Chobe Chilwero , Tim Braybrooke etc etc.These were owner run camps with a love of the bush and their camps.All with a sense of adventure and discovery . This is no longer the case.
Camps are now run by the camp staff and the game drives ( your real pleasure zone ) run by independent guides ( sometimes free lance guides )
I think this is a real shame but I understand that the market is possibly looking for this experience and we are the odd ones out.I cannot help feeling that camps like Abus will not survive . In 1994 it was smaller , simpler , more beautifull and offered an extraorindary elephant experience. This is not the case now at all.
CL and LK were very good given this new order and we really had excellent viewing. I think the guides should be aware that these are phtographic safaris and so positioning is a good idea. All guides should have a basic training in this . The upside on client satisfaction is bound to be huge at very little expense.
The food was good and well managed . The wine was dreadfull. I think a little effort on this would not go amiss especially as it is currently out of sink with all the rest of the camp.
The staff at the camps were generally excellent ( 9/10 )" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Good
Mr & Mrs S
Nevada
"Botswana safari"
I visited Botswana and 2 other countries between 13 Oct 2011 and 27 Oct 2011
"Excellent. We plan on returning as soon as possible.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
none at this time." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
none at this time." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs K
Guildford
"This trip was up there with the best !"
I visited Namibia and 1 other country between 7 Oct 2011 and 27 Oct 2011
"We were impressed that arrangements worked well, especially in the way we were met and greeted. Wilderness Safari flights and pilots were all of a high standard and on time. The lodges mostly exceeded our expectations; we enjoyed excellent game viewing and met some fun people.
The management and the staff whom we met were all very welcoming, friendly, enthusiastic and efficient.
In short, we had an awesome trip ! Thank you." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip
The management and the staff whom we met were all very welcoming, friendly, enthusiastic and efficient.
In short, we had an awesome trip ! Thank you." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs J
Hampshire
"An unforgettable and great experience"
I visited Botswana and 1 other country between 3 Oct 2011 and 20 Oct 2011
"We highly recommend a trip with Expert Africa to Botswana.
The whole experience was fantastic and we have no negative comments to make on anything we did. The planning and arrangements for the trip went smoothly and we were very happy with the mix of camps we visited and the varied scenary.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
This was our second trip with Expert Africa and we can't wait to go again. Both the trip organisation/execution and the service was exemplary." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 13 on a Botswana safari
The whole experience was fantastic and we have no negative comments to make on anything we did. The planning and arrangements for the trip went smoothly and we were very happy with the mix of camps we visited and the varied scenary.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
This was our second trip with Expert Africa and we can't wait to go again. Both the trip organisation/execution and the service was exemplary." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 13 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
1005
reviews of Okavango Delta by travellers since August 2007
Overall rating by our travellers
Filter by month
Where to stay in Okavango Delta
Our suggestions for safari camps in Okavango Delta Safari Reserves