Reviews of Shinde Footsteps
Wildlife sightings and reviews
49 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Shinde Footsteps and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
75% success
38% success
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13% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
88% success
75% success
75% success
25% success
17% success
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"Or all round favourite"
Everyday at siesta time in the camp, there was no siesta! We did tin can shooting which the teenagers loved and one afternoon had a 5 a side football game. Playing football in the heat (and dust) in Botswana, then stopping at half time to wait for a massive elephant to stride through the camp has got to be one of the best memories ever. We were treated to hot bucket showers in the open air before afternoon tea (fit for a king) and on for another game drive.
We especially loved this camp as the guides were such good fun. Nothing was too much trouble and they were very willing to go beyond the call of duty to show us everything to keep the interest. The exclusivity of the camp (just our family) made I feel like the staff were the friends we were on holiday with rather than the actual staff.
The food was fantastic here too. The chef cooks on open fire...how does he produce such wonderful food without an oven?!!" See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
"Amazing experience of 'real' Africa"
I think we were extremely lucky to have Mbaki and Moses supervising the staff and guests - Mbaki was always smiling and joking with the boys and Moses was able to combine his enthusiasm and knowledge of the bush and animals in a very interesting and informative way. Whether it was explaining how the Delta was formed, giving us details of the termite mounds, playing football, or toasting marshmallows on the camp fire, I know the three boys found two new friends. Nothing was too much trouble for any of the staff and we found the standard of meals exceptional.
We found our accommodation to be all that we had expected and the facility of daily laundry was a tremendous help.
On our first morning the wild dogs went through camp but sadly, although we rushed out, we couldn't locate them ... only the remains of their impala kill outside Moses' tent! The second morning the exercise was repeated but this time we were much luckier. We have all seen the dogs before but never have we seen a pure golden alpha female - she was beautiful.
So, all in all, absolutely no criticisms, just 100% praise for such a wonderful three days. My three grandsons voted this camp Number One of the four places we stayed at this holiday which is a recommendation in itself! Thank you to all the staff at Footsteps across the Delta." See all these reviews: 3n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana
"Alone in Footsteps"
Our main purpose in coming to Footsteps was to engage in walking safaris, and we did two, led by Moses. Each lasted only about an hour, and while they were interesting and informative, I thick we would have liked them to be longer. I heard from a guide that we met at Muchenje who used to be based there, that the walks used to be 3-4 hours, which i think is what I expected when we decided to go there. However, the sundowner venue at the end of the first walk was wonderful!
We enjoyed a mokoro trip with Phiefo from Shinde and had some good sightings, including leopards, lions and an eagle owl.
The staff once again put on a show for us on our second and last night and we were then escorted up to the lookout post for a private candlelit dinner for two, with sparkling wine and personal service from Hope. Quite magical! We enjoyed a final tour of the kitchen before we left and marvelled at their ability to cook such lovely meals, launder our clothes and generally keep the camp in such excellent condition with only a gas-fired fridge and a wood fire to help them. Farewell singing as we left, with hits all round.
We loved this simple camp - even the bucket shower! - and were made to feel very welcome by all the staff. Although lacking the luxury of other camps, it was excellent of its type." See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia
"Footsteps across the Delta review"
Moses, our guide, went above and beyond to plan the perfect 3 day stay for us. It was a nice change from the game drives (and no exercise) at other camps to be able to walk and learn about the small details of the bush. We also slept right next to a water hole filled with hippos day and night - to the point where you would hear them walking by at night right outside your tent!
Overall, magical and authentic bush experience. Loved it!" See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana
"a great bush experience"
again, only disappointment was less game than expecting" See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 3n in Namibia
"Footsteps Across the Delta review"
"Footsteps Across the Delta review"
We really enjoyed waking up with an elephant munching close to our tent!
We were somewhat taken aback to discover that we were the only guests there, and that they usually only take one group at a time. It sometimes made it a bit awkward at meals, finding topics to discuss with the guide and manager who ate with us. It also made tipping a more major issue because we were the only people contributing to a fairly large staff. On the plus side, they could tailor things specifically for us and our tastes. And the staff and guides were excellent!" See all these reviews: 19n in Namibia; 4n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe
"A once in a lifetime experience for our kids"
We could plan together with OP the amount of walking and vehicle drives.
I would recommend this camp to be the first in a trip. It would make it even more exciting." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Fun for a change"
The wildlife was very plentiful. If they heard of a popular animal, ie lion, wild dogs, etc, we would walk to a waiting car and they would drive us to it. It appeared the wildlife was more plentiful in the delta than the Linyanti areas with the early rains. I was a little disappointed that our guide commented on how Botswana had too many elephants and did not comment on the poaching crisis which is more prevalent in other countries. It was a missed opportunity to educated others on the illegal ivory trade.
The rooms were very comfortable. The bucket showers worked really well and were just the right temperature." See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana; 2n in South Africa
"A fantastic retro introduction to the Delta!"
The food was five star -- all cooked over an open fire. The staff extremely attentive and friendly. The accommodations were extremely comfortable. And the animals wandered through the camp making for a truly special experience.
We would highly, highly recommend to anyone that wants a real experience with lots of comfort, but doesn't need all the "conveniences" of the developed world." See all these reviews: 7n in Botswana; 3n in Mozambique; 2n in Zambia; 1n in South Africa
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