Botswana: reviews from our travellers

"We had a real nightmare with the Volcano Ash and had to cancel the first part of our trip to SA. Ann worked tirelessly to sort out options if ourre-scheduled flights to Botswana fell through and I was very impressed tat Kwando agreed to let guests affected by the flight ban to re-book at not extra cost.

Thankfully we made our Botswana leg, but Anna really showed just how good Expert Africa are in a crisis and that is exactly what you want from an agent. Well done EA we will definitely choose you again!" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari

"Everything worked as intended until the volcano caused our flight home to be cancelled. Advice from Susannah about which lodges to visit, and the order in which visit them, was good." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"outstanding trip - botswana has more than lived up to expectations and compares very favourably to other safari's i have been on (south africa/kenya)

the game is superb and the camps/staff outstanding

if going to victoria falls it is more than worthwhile upgrading to royal livingstone

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

as mentioned if staying over in joburg ensure stay is in an onsight airport hotel" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari

"Wonderful experience from planning stage to returning home. The variety of lodges/accomadation suggested by Tracy were superb, possibly our best holiday ever !!.

Car hire; Tracy recommended a 4x4 when pushed, accepted it was possible in a 2 WD, as indeed all brouchers indicate, not just EX AF. I would happily tell anyone that I made a mistake, and a 4x4 is essential. The gravel roads are so variable in quality throughout Namibia some rutted so badly or loosely laid that grounding is unavoidable at 20Kph, the C14,C19, C27 for example, in Etosha water flooding the road -- how deep?, fortunatly we remained dry.
Thanks Tracy for a wonderful trip

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No --- keep up your high standard of good work." Read full review: 31 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip

"All went very smoothly. A few days of hard work in the first week but with a succesful outcome. Full report to follow." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 13 on a Botswana safari

"The trip was great - excellent experience in Tau Camp, lots of wildlife in Okavango and a huge Victoria Falls towards the end of the rainy season.

Looking forward to go back - maybe in a couple of years, possibly to Namibia and Botswana.

A well planned trip - all the bookings and transfers worked like clock work!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

I am looking forward for the update of the excellent guide for Botswana - due this year 2010
maybe in two-three years (when I might visit Namibia) there will be an update for Namibia as well - especially that I am planning to rent a 4WD." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"We were very pleased with the overall selection of camps and the pacing of the holiday generally. We felt that going to the Kalahari first was a good move as it might have seemed a bit low key if we had ended here. The efficiency of the transfer arrangements including help with immigration was outstanding.

The advice regarding the "green season" was good and we have no regrets about going at this time. We only had two occasions when the heavens opened and one of the game drives had to be abandoned. Several times we had spectacular lightning without any rain. Viewing at the Victoria Falls was restricted due to the very high water levels.

It would have been nice to have spent a little time in Maun before flying onwards as it seems to be the centre of the universe as far as the Delta is concerned. The Kwando Safari organisation (including Moremi Air) seemed well organised and we liked their camps. We enjoyed meeting Sue Smart at Kwara.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

The warnings about space in passports for visas etc proved unnecessary. We took wet weather jackets but this was not really necessary as ponchos and umbrellas were provided at all camps." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"We had a thoroughly enjoyable trip to Botswana.

We look forward to returning to Africa soon, perhaps to Lagoon & Lebala or the migration in Tanzania or Kenya." Read full review: 6 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"We were able to select our own itinerary in the Okavango delta, with first Susannah then Lucy Copson taking account of every aspect. Un-anticipated health issues led to on-off-on reservations, which were handled with patience, understanding and efficiency while we negotiated with hospitals and insurers. This provided much re-assurance at a time of some anxiety.

The unexpected closure of Mapula camp (early flood) meant a change of plan, which was handled with exemplary efficiency by Expert Africa and every consideration by Eve at Nxamaseri as we re-scheduled for Kanana. (Eve and Jack at Nxamaseri commented that Expert Africa is the best agency which they deal with.)

We understand that the Botswana government policy of restricting tourist access to the Oakvango delta - which appears to be working - does not exclude Botswana residents from visiting and using less up-market facilities. We could not help being aware of our privileged status, and hope that the country and in particular local communities are able to benefit.

We were impressed with the professional expertise of the three chief guides who cared for us, different personalities as they were. They had excellent English, as well as detailed knowledge to impart on particular species and the ecology of the delta as a whole.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Keep up the good work!" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 14 on a Botswana safari

"We had a great time in general but was a bit surprised at the difference in level between the Kwando camps and Xakanaxa. I would put a 4 star against Xakanaxa and 2/3 for the Kwando camps.

My comments are relevant being in the hotel industry and feel that if the issues are addressed, they can rise to a 4 star." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari