Botswana: reviews from our travellers

"Overall we had a wonderful time with Xaranna Camp probably being the best.

The flight times on our return journey left a bit to be desired due to a number of reasons none of which could be attributed to Expert Africa.

It was &Beyond that changed our flights for us and their staff should be commended for the swift action they took to avoid us missing our connection to London.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No - you are doing an excellent job - carry on Expert Africa." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Botswana safari

"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

"Our holiday as a whole was unforgettable. Tracey and Megan both arranged everything very well and we were able to see and do a great deal in quite a short trip, with plenty of variety.

We loved flying in smaIl planes and crossing the Zambezi by boat. It was a pity that our last camp was a bit of a let down but we did have some wonderful game viewing experiences there and it was situated in a beautiful area.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

We would quite like to have more information about the actual costs of staing at different camps, so that we could make more informed decisions about how we want to budget for our holidays." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari

"This trip was our secong in Botswana and we enjoyed it just as much as the first.

There were a few minor hiccups, but this is the middle of a very large country and overall, the accommodation, service, food and staff were excellent. Wilderness Safaris really do have the whole thing under brilliant control and we always recommend them - and Expert Africa - to anyone who is thinking of travelling to Africa. We would not think of using anyone else. Thank you once again for making our stay wonderful!!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No! Just keep up the good work!" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Botswana safari

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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