Botswana: reviews from our travellers

"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

"This was our second visit to Namibia with Expert Africa.

It was a well-planned itinerary and we found that although the distances looked vast on the map, they were feasible. A fascinating trip.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Mrs. V felt that provision of hairdryers where possible would have made the trip even better." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip

"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

"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

"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

"We really enjoyed our trip and all aspects (except those listed in the box below) went smoothly. The folder that contained all the vouchers and key information together was useful.

With hindsight we should have booked accommodation with AC throughout the trip because if you go out early it is valuable to have somewhere cool enough to rest in the heat of the day before going out again in the afternoon. We probably should have worked this out for ourselves but I hadn't expected to want to be in much at midday and had not appreciated how hot tents can get!

We would definitely recommend Namibia at this time of year to any wildlife enthusiasts and your advice helped us to make the most of it." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip

"The only reason for the rating of Fairly Satisfactory is the flights on SAA and the problem with Mack Air aircraft, otherwise everything was very satisfactory indeed.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Not really; we will be happy to use the Company again when the time comes." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari