Reviews of safaris to Okavango Delta Safari Reserves
1011 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Okavango Delta.
Mr S & Miss McD
UK
"The Leopards of Botswana"
I visited Botswana between 10 Sep 2011 and 22 Sep 2011
"I had the ggod fortune to email Kathy Kays and give her a list of habitats that we wanted to visit and animals we wished to see. Her selection was spot on so we had a truly memorable trip.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
I think that you might tell your visitors to make sure that they take travel pills if they have a problem with small aircraft. In the dry season the updrafts can be quite powerful at times and make for bumpy rides." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 12 on a Botswana safari
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
I think that you might tell your visitors to make sure that they take travel pills if they have a problem with small aircraft. In the dry season the updrafts can be quite powerful at times and make for bumpy rides." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 12 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Lapini Ensemble
UK
"A very good holiday"
I visited Namibia and 2 other countries between 3 Sep 2011 and 18 Sep 2011
"An excellent trip - we enjoyed all the places we stayed & everything went smoothly.
We were really helped by the advice we had from Gwynneth - she was knowledgeable and pragmatic about what we could do and what would be most fun." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 5 on a Namibia trip
We were really helped by the advice we had from Gwynneth - she was knowledgeable and pragmatic about what we could do and what would be most fun." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 5 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs M
Wiltshire
"One of the Best!"
I visited Botswana and 2 other countries between 3 Sep 2011 and 17 Sep 2011
"It was a fantastic trip, we enjoyed every moment (apart from me feeling ill on the little planes!). Tracy suggested Susuwe Island Lodge, Tubu Tree and Baines Camp and they could not have been better suggestions, we were delighted with them. They were all a bit different to each other in style and in slightly different habitats so we saw different things, which is what we wanted.
We had a rather lengthy journey from the Royal Livingstone Hotel to Susuwe. We noticed from the map that there is what appears to be a direct road north of the Zambezi and then over a bridge but we were not taken that way, we assumed that it can't be a very good road. However, we learned when we reached Susuwe that it is a good road, a modern bridge and the journey takes 3 hours door to door. It took us 6 hours.
First, 1 hour drive to the Zambezi, checked out of Zambia, speedboat across the river, checked into Botswana, were driven 10 minutes by a woman who was on her mobile the entiire time then transferred to another vehicle and driver - why? He then drove us all the way to meet the vehicle from Susuwe, but we had to check out of Botswana and into Namibia. The journey took twice as long and presumably because of this cost us twice as much, we had to wait at the various immigration and emmigration posts and got another Botswana stamp in the passport to no useful purpose. We would still have been coming back this way of course to Kasane to fly to Tubu Tree, so going there a different way would have made a round trip which would have been more interesting as well as far more convenient. We would like your comments on this please.
When we were offered to change from San Camp to Jacks Camp because of a photo shoot at San we were told there were "a couple" of other guests at Jacks. There were in fact about 12 other guests which is considerably more than "a couple". We immediately thought we shouldn't have changed as if we had been the only proper guests at San we would have had a guide to ourselves, whereas with so many other guests that was not likely. We thought this was very misleading wording by Uncharted Africa.
However, by accident rather than design we did in fact have a - very good - guide to ourselves so were mollified! We were pleased overall that we changed to Jacks, it was quite an experience. Thank you to Megan who pointed out that I was particularly interested in the meerkats and they arranged 2 visits to them into our schedule so that was lovely, and I adored having them crawling over me!
I was amused to read in the Bradt travel guide that there are no meerkats in the Makgadikgadi park. This is plainly not the case!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari
We had a rather lengthy journey from the Royal Livingstone Hotel to Susuwe. We noticed from the map that there is what appears to be a direct road north of the Zambezi and then over a bridge but we were not taken that way, we assumed that it can't be a very good road. However, we learned when we reached Susuwe that it is a good road, a modern bridge and the journey takes 3 hours door to door. It took us 6 hours.
First, 1 hour drive to the Zambezi, checked out of Zambia, speedboat across the river, checked into Botswana, were driven 10 minutes by a woman who was on her mobile the entiire time then transferred to another vehicle and driver - why? He then drove us all the way to meet the vehicle from Susuwe, but we had to check out of Botswana and into Namibia. The journey took twice as long and presumably because of this cost us twice as much, we had to wait at the various immigration and emmigration posts and got another Botswana stamp in the passport to no useful purpose. We would still have been coming back this way of course to Kasane to fly to Tubu Tree, so going there a different way would have made a round trip which would have been more interesting as well as far more convenient. We would like your comments on this please.
When we were offered to change from San Camp to Jacks Camp because of a photo shoot at San we were told there were "a couple" of other guests at Jacks. There were in fact about 12 other guests which is considerably more than "a couple". We immediately thought we shouldn't have changed as if we had been the only proper guests at San we would have had a guide to ourselves, whereas with so many other guests that was not likely. We thought this was very misleading wording by Uncharted Africa.
However, by accident rather than design we did in fact have a - very good - guide to ourselves so were mollified! We were pleased overall that we changed to Jacks, it was quite an experience. Thank you to Megan who pointed out that I was particularly interested in the meerkats and they arranged 2 visits to them into our schedule so that was lovely, and I adored having them crawling over me!
I was amused to read in the Bradt travel guide that there are no meerkats in the Makgadikgadi park. This is plainly not the case!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs H
Lancs
"Our Botswana Experience"
I visited Botswana between 29 Aug 2011 and 9 Sep 2011
"A memorable trip-equal to our experiences in Zambia last year. (No tsetse flies this year!)
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Cannot think of any thing---Thanks" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Cannot think of any thing---Thanks" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
KR family
SW London
""
I visited Botswana between 19 Aug 2011 and 25 Aug 2011
"Looking forward to returning to Botswanna in the future.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We were given the help that we required. Cannot think of any improvements that are necessary." Read full review: 6 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We were given the help that we required. Cannot think of any improvements that are necessary." Read full review: 6 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr L & Ms S
London
"Whirlwind tour of the Delta"
I visited Botswana between 31 Jul 2011 and 6 Aug 2011
"The whole trip was a big success. We were torn between two camps for 3 nights or three camps for 2 nights each before we went and I am not sure which would be better even with hindsight - maybe just a longer holiday would be the answer.
This was the first time we have been to Africa without either our children and/or friends and being just two has its drawbacks. The possibility of incompatible jeep mates and the relentless socialising with new people (where are you from? which camps are you visiting etc.) was potentially an issue. We are naturally gregarious and generally had good luck with the above but I would bear it in mind in the future given that all the camps seem to go for the single table dining experience.
Your advice on camps seems to have been very good (unless all the camps are this standard) and as the weather warmed up through the week we thought that for perfection we perhaps should have gone one or two weeks later.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:/b
Nothing strikes me. It was all very smooth and professional." Read full review: 6 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari
This was the first time we have been to Africa without either our children and/or friends and being just two has its drawbacks. The possibility of incompatible jeep mates and the relentless socialising with new people (where are you from? which camps are you visiting etc.) was potentially an issue. We are naturally gregarious and generally had good luck with the above but I would bear it in mind in the future given that all the camps seem to go for the single table dining experience.
Your advice on camps seems to have been very good (unless all the camps are this standard) and as the weather warmed up through the week we thought that for perfection we perhaps should have gone one or two weeks later.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:/b
Nothing strikes me. It was all very smooth and professional." Read full review: 6 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs W
Austin
"An incredible experience"
I visited Zambia and 1 other country between 27 Jul 2011 and 11 Aug 2011
"This was my 3rd time to Africa and my husband's first. We were celebrating our 25th anniversary and my dream of seeing Victoria Falls. The trip was a dream come true - for both of us. David couldn't imagine how something as large as an adult elephant could be 'hidden' right next to us. And, the guides, wildlife, camps and staff never disappointed us.
Now I just need to figure out a way to take our 3 children (ages 19/21/23) to Africa to show them why I've always said 'imagine we are the zoo and the animals are us'. They roam freely and still give me such joy!!!!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Maruska was excellent in that she had visited some of the camps we stayed in and had other guests whose comments she shared with us.
She took the time to really listen to our wants and needs to what we were looking for and picked out some really good options and helped us pick the best. I will recommend Expert Africa to friends and family.
Thank you Maruska for a fantastic vacation / 25th wedding anniversary!!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zambia safari
Now I just need to figure out a way to take our 3 children (ages 19/21/23) to Africa to show them why I've always said 'imagine we are the zoo and the animals are us'. They roam freely and still give me such joy!!!!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Maruska was excellent in that she had visited some of the camps we stayed in and had other guests whose comments she shared with us.
She took the time to really listen to our wants and needs to what we were looking for and picked out some really good options and helped us pick the best. I will recommend Expert Africa to friends and family.
Thank you Maruska for a fantastic vacation / 25th wedding anniversary!!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs H
Cambridge
"A truly wonderful African Experience"
I visited Botswana between 26 Jul 2011 and 5 Aug 2011
"This trip was our first to Africa, but hopefully not our last! We were blown away when we arrived at Muchenje and it proved to be an excellent start to our holiday, the wildlife was exceptional, beyond our expectations, helped by Sinka who where possible made photography easy.
Then we were flown to Okuti and if we thought Muchenje was wonderful we were completely overwhelmed at Okuti. The staff were nothing short of brilliant and our guide Aubrey made sure we saw everything. We we sad to leave Okuti but enjoyed our last camp at Kanana because of the great birdlife on the lagoon.
We asked for three different environments and thats what we got and we enjoyed every minute, a fantastically brilliant trip.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
One of our group had some money stolen, and although we cannot prove where it was taken, I would suggest that future customers are made aware of leaving anything in the vehicles, even for a short amount of time. Even this didn't spoil our holiday." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari
Then we were flown to Okuti and if we thought Muchenje was wonderful we were completely overwhelmed at Okuti. The staff were nothing short of brilliant and our guide Aubrey made sure we saw everything. We we sad to leave Okuti but enjoyed our last camp at Kanana because of the great birdlife on the lagoon.
We asked for three different environments and thats what we got and we enjoyed every minute, a fantastically brilliant trip.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
One of our group had some money stolen, and although we cannot prove where it was taken, I would suggest that future customers are made aware of leaving anything in the vehicles, even for a short amount of time. Even this didn't spoil our holiday." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr F & party
Lisbon,
"An experience we will keep for life!"
I visited Botswana and 1 other country between 12 Jul 2011 and 24 Jul 2011
"I was very pleased with the quality of the service of Expert Africa.
Travelling is my passion and even though I normally book everything myself, I feel that I could not have booked this trip in Botswana without Maruska Adye's help. She really was attentive to all my requests and could advise me regarding my time and budget. I also think that even though this was an expensive trip (Botswana is a very expensive country) I got good value for money, which is very important when travelling. I'd like to thank Maruska and Expert Africa for their help and would certainly ask for their help in future visits to Botswana or other countries in Southern Africa.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
It was difficult for me to coordinate flight schedules with the trip and the best rates I was being ofered with Expert Africa. I know that this would be very difficult but it would be easier if you could also help us with international flights.
All in all, the service was excellent! Congratulations!" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 4 on a Botswana safari
Travelling is my passion and even though I normally book everything myself, I feel that I could not have booked this trip in Botswana without Maruska Adye's help. She really was attentive to all my requests and could advise me regarding my time and budget. I also think that even though this was an expensive trip (Botswana is a very expensive country) I got good value for money, which is very important when travelling. I'd like to thank Maruska and Expert Africa for their help and would certainly ask for their help in future visits to Botswana or other countries in Southern Africa.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
It was difficult for me to coordinate flight schedules with the trip and the best rates I was being ofered with Expert Africa. I know that this would be very difficult but it would be easier if you could also help us with international flights.
All in all, the service was excellent! Congratulations!" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 4 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr E
California
"Okavango Delta Dream Vacation"
I visited Botswana between 22 Jun 2011 and 30 Jun 2011
"Our trip was the trip of a lifetime. It more than met all of our expectations, and it was like a dream - a good one. In looking back at the whole thing, everything went almost flawlessly. We did not miss any flights, we were always expected when we arrived, and we felt that our needs were always being met. The items mentioned on the previous items [Ed: see individual reviews, below] did not detract from the magic of the trip, and we never missed any game drives. As I commented to my wife, we never felt bored at any time.
The agent from Wilderness Air who met us at the Maun airport (both times) was extremely helpful and professional. His help was almost essential to our transfer there; he really has to know what he's doing at that airport, which is somewhat chaotic.
On the other hand, we were somewhat confused when we arrived in Johannesburg on the flight from London. They gave instructions towards the end of the flight about whether to go to the transit line, etc. Since we had not checked our bags through, we had to just go through passport control and customs as if we were just going to Johannesburg. We figured it out, and got into the main terminal. Then, we were somewhat clueless about where to go next. A porter came up to us, and asked us where we needed to go. Although we are always cautious about being in unfamiliar airports in other countries, he took us to the right counter for Air Botswana, and we got checked in on time, and to our departure gate. It would have been difficult for us to find the right counter - it was at the very end of many closed counters.
I would recommend that, if possible, some more detailed instructions should be given for navigating the Johannesburg airport. It all went OK, but it was a bit tense. We did better on the way back. The lines were long, but we had plenty of time. Substantial layovers are well advised.
I did check my records. When I went to Botswana, including the Okavango Delta in 1991, the tour operator was Wilderness Safaris. And that was a wonderful trip, too, although the facilities were a lot more primitive.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Your organization did a first-rate job organizing our trip. Although we had no experience with you, I would highly recommend you services. Ms. Adye was excellent." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari
The agent from Wilderness Air who met us at the Maun airport (both times) was extremely helpful and professional. His help was almost essential to our transfer there; he really has to know what he's doing at that airport, which is somewhat chaotic.
On the other hand, we were somewhat confused when we arrived in Johannesburg on the flight from London. They gave instructions towards the end of the flight about whether to go to the transit line, etc. Since we had not checked our bags through, we had to just go through passport control and customs as if we were just going to Johannesburg. We figured it out, and got into the main terminal. Then, we were somewhat clueless about where to go next. A porter came up to us, and asked us where we needed to go. Although we are always cautious about being in unfamiliar airports in other countries, he took us to the right counter for Air Botswana, and we got checked in on time, and to our departure gate. It would have been difficult for us to find the right counter - it was at the very end of many closed counters.
I would recommend that, if possible, some more detailed instructions should be given for navigating the Johannesburg airport. It all went OK, but it was a bit tense. We did better on the way back. The lines were long, but we had plenty of time. Substantial layovers are well advised.
I did check my records. When I went to Botswana, including the Okavango Delta in 1991, the tour operator was Wilderness Safaris. And that was a wonderful trip, too, although the facilities were a lot more primitive.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Your organization did a first-rate job organizing our trip. Although we had no experience with you, I would highly recommend you services. Ms. Adye was excellent." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
1011
reviews of Okavango Delta by travellers since August 2007
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