Botswana: reviews from our travellers

"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!

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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.

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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.

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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

"We had a wonderful time. Other than small observations made in the feedback, we couldn't fault the trip.

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The only observation I can make is that it was a bit of a shock going from Xaranna (top luxury boutique style accomodation) to Little Kwara (more rustic African experience). It made Little Kwara seem very basic, when in fact it was lovely in its own right.

Overall, we were delighted with our trip and thank you to you and your staff for making everything run so seemlessly." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari

"Before going out to these places, I had very high expectation. Nothing and nobody changed my opinion. I have once again seen what I wanted to see and achieved just what I wanted.

South Luangwa, still the best, Northern Botswana a close second. Very happy and I hope to produce a Dvd that will be sent to all the lodges and camps concerned, last year's Dvd has already been shown and went down rather well. It has been a pleasure to go and stay at these magical places, where the animals, the birds, the grasses and inland seas humble me. Africa beckons, please go and see for yourselves.

Thankyou to everyone that contributed in making this another special trip to 'minha' Africa.

Ashante sana.

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The bush camps that Norman Carr safaris operate can be a great selling point, Kapani lodge is already perfect." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"This vacation – our fourth in four years with Expert Africa – was definitely the best we have done so far. We achieved in full our two main objectives, ie seeing Africa green from the rains (including a storm in the Kalahari while we were there); and focusing primarily on birds (with copious help from our expert guides, nearly 200 species identified over 12 days including some real rarities). Furthermore, we managed to see more species of mammals than we have on any of our previous three trips despite the more abundant vegetation and the national park restrictions in the Kalahari; and, of course, we had the pleasure of the Victoria Falls.

The high bird count was in part a reflection of the season. But we also felt that we benefitted in that respect – and similarly with mammals – from staying in four very different terroirs during our trip, ie the “mighty Zambezi” just above Vic Falls, Linyanti, the Delta and the Kalahari. And, needless to say, we would not have been anything like as successful without expert guides in all four camps in which we stayed.

Given the amount of moving around we did – more than usual, especially when one includes the day-trip into Zimbabwe – we should also note that the logistics worked throughout with commendable smoothness thanks to a combination of your planning and extremely competent and pleasant people looking after us locally.

In sum, this was a great trip." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari

"FANTASTIC!!

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I thought you were one of the best travel agents I have dealt with and would unhesitatingly recommend you.

All the arragements you made worked perfectly and the camps were as you had described them to me, if not better. This was a very expensive trip but I certainly feel I got value for money." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari