Reviews of safaris to Okavango Delta Safari Reserves
1005 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Okavango Delta.
"Another great trip"
It is expensive compared to East Africa for example but really suits us - generally quiet without too many people, we enjoy the little planes to fly in and out of camps, the wildlife and birdlife is great. The camp suggestions were good and Lucy and Nick were patient in helping find out availability for various combinations of camp.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Have a better system for passing messages internally.
We called and left messages 3 times which were not returned before we were able to speak to someone about Botswana. We know the team is busy but, if we had been first time callers to Expert Africa, we might not have persevered. It was only the fact that we've had such good experiences in the past with Expert Africa that meant we continued to call!" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 11 on a Botswana safari
"wonderful trip"
"A memorable experience"
The wildlife experience was really fantastic and we loved every minute of the game drives dispite being bounced about. The sundowners were magical.
We met lots of friendly people from many different countries during the trip and made a number of friends.
We were surprised at the working conditions for the staff at the camps. From what we discovered the camp catering staff stayed there for 3 months at a time and then had two weeks off we think. The driver seemed to work 3 months on with one month off. Not sure about the spotter. This may be normal by Botswana standards but some of the women we spoke to had young children so being away from them for 3 months at a time seemed hard.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
The only aspect of the trip that caused any concern, apart from the few comments on the camps, was the matter of tips. Most people we spoke to (from different tour compamies) were uncertain about what was normal or expected.
In these situations a lot depends on how much people depend on tips to make a decent wage and this was not clear. Nearly all the staff were friendly and helpful so if they needed the tips we would be happy to give them. While we would want to reward exceptional service in many counties (South Africa as we found which we went on to after Botswana) tell you in most restaurants that a 10% tip is expected at least.
A bit more definite guidance would have been appreciated. The British find tipping a difficult subject at the best of times!
The only aspect of the trip that caused any concern, apart from the few comments on the camps, was the matter of tips. Most people we spoke to (from different tour compamies) were uncertain about what was normal or expected. In these situations a lot depends on how much people depend on tips to make a decent wage and this was not clear.
Nearly all the staff were friendly and helpful so if they needed the tips we would be happy to give them. While we would want to reward exceptional service in many counties (South Africa as we found which we went on to after Botswana) tell you in most restaurants that a 10% tip is expected at least. A bit more definite guidance would have been appreciated. The British find tipping a difficult subject at the best of times!" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari
"Overview"
Game viewing bit disappointing at Lebala with hindsight but as virgins we still enjoyed it. Rooms and camp very good.
Little Kwara very enjoyable.
Nxabega stood out though, as a superbly-run camp, with a truly wonderful atmosphere. Grant and Dimari really set the benchmark.
Game best at Sandibe but what a miserable dump by comparison to Nx.
The transfer processes worked very well and once we knew the score, we relaxed totally about moving from camp to camp, and this really helped make the whole thing more enjoyable compared to hacking around India or wondering if the planes would fly in South America.
Zimbabwe day trip was worth it although we got stitched up by Zambia immigration, they hadn't given us a multiple-entry, only a double entry visa but this was not clear.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Take note of any unusual situations (eg airstrip down) and set expectations accordingly.
Check game viewing status / concession conditions closer to the off, maybe it would be better to switch (eg Lebala was only worth 2 nights due to so much empty burnt scrub).
Transfer from Livingstone to Lebala took a while; no food on the Proflight transfer, no food opportunities at Livingstone airport (only coffee) or en route (Kasane airport not selling food) so we were starving by the time we got to Lebala; it would have been good to arrange some opportunity to eat or buy food at some point. Maybe include a visit a cafe / restaurant in Kasane town, as there is plenty of time ?" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 11 on a Botswana safari
"Overall feedback"
There was also a problem when we asked over the phone for a quote, but you were under the impression that we were still considering which camps we were interested in and were waiting for us to make the next move." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 4 on a Botswana safari
"A great time to visit Botswana"
Before our trip we poorly understood that rains in Botswana were out of sync with the floods coming from Angola several months later.
The dry season was a great time to see the game, concentrated around the remaining floods in the delta and in Linyanti swamps.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Everything was superb and we will recommend Botswana and Expert Africa to all or friends. We plan to return next year." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari
"Great safari."
1. Tipping. It seemed odd to us to pay between 400-700 dollars pp and day and then be expected to pay another 5-15$ pp and day for the guide and something for the staff.
Of course, everybody emphasizes one does not HAVE to tip, but that does not really make all that much sense. Either tipping is common and therefore expected, i.e. part of a guide's salary - in which case those 5-15$ should simply be added to the bill as a matter of course, and from the outset - or it is not, in which case the practice should be rather discouraged.
2. The song & dance routine upon arrival at the Ker & Downey camps. This is obviously not a serious issue, but rather by the by.
We cringed a little each time we were welcomed by the camp's staff with a welcoming sond and dance routine . Not because the singing and dancing was bad (it wasn't bad at all), but it was a bit too much for us. And we were far from the only one guests who felt that way.
Something for the camps to think about maybe." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari
"My Trip of a Lifetime!"
Lucy organised my trip using her incredbile knowledge and customer service skills. It took a while to finalise the trip but not once did I feel under any pressure. Some of the other companies were very pushy and just seemed to want your booking. All my queries were responded to promptly and I could never have organised such a fantastic experience without her help. Expert Africa are the best travel company I have ever dealt with. If you are thinking of travelling to any of the destinations that EA provide then don't hesitate to put them at the top of your list.
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
The Northern Botswana Mobile Safari can be undertaken in the reverse order I did. My only suggestion is scrap that and keep it from Kasane to Maun only.
The only other very small point is that I asked Lucy about organising a bean bag for the safari. I was told that this was not an option but the Letaka site does offer this. Fortunately one of the couples on the trip had ordered two so they kindly let me use on of them. It would have been a real issue for me not having one." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari
"A wonderful trip"
I would highly recommend Expert Africa to anyone who wants a customized African vacation without having to do the legwork. Things went smoothly" Read full review: 6 nights in Africa; 4 on a Botswana safari
"Fantastic Time!"
Looking foward to going back in future.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
- We think two days at a camp is too short, you just get there and have to leave. I would recommend minimun stay of 3 nigjhts.
- Try and keep the same airline for the flight, we nearly missed our connection due to SA Airways delay and did not get out luggage for 24 hours. We also met a number of people who lost theirs for up to five days due to issues with Air Botswana/South Africa.
- Linyati, mention the bugs as they were really bad!" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari
Where 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
4 Rivers
4 Rivers is a new camp in a previously in accessible area of the excellent Kwara concession.
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.
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.
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 vast private concession, the eclectic Duke’s Camp is nestled among mature trees overlooking wildlife-rich plains 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, Mokolwane promises adventure in a largely 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.
