Botswana: reviews from our travellers

"Travelling in C-19 times and in the rainy season was always going to be at the risk of disruption but we are glad that we came, with camp staff so happy and grateful to see us in what is a lean time for them.

Our goals were not to seek the big five as we have experienced that many times before in other areas. New to Botswana, we were seeking the more unusual animals and also birds, which are often overlooked (if even available) in the rush to see predators. We got a good appreciation of what Botswana has to offer, and saw many smaller animals (steenbok, scrub hare, bat-eared fox, jackals, lion cubs and a hyena cub left alone) as well as about 130 bird species over the two locations.

The value of a travel agent shows its worth when things do not go as planned. Things certainly did no go as planned for us. The problems that we experienced were ALL outside the scope of Expert Africa and yet Tracy helped us all throughout. This was both in the planning stage when our outbound flight was cancelled some weeks before travel, and during the journey itself. Tracy joined ourselves, our VIP meet and greet helper, and the airline staff on WhatsApp when trying to put things back on track after the airline failed to make our connection. From what the airline originally offered, Tracy helped negotiate for us a loss of three days of safari down to just one." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"Despite the problems we had with conencting flights and lost luggage ( many thanks to Chris and Lucy for their help on a Sunday - it was much appreciated)

We thoroughly enjoyed the holiday it was amazing to be on safari in the wet season - and it was not too wet!

Plus we had some amazing drives and sightings

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

none other than we already have our next safari booked with yourselves for Zambia in July/August" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari

"It's an undoubted privilege to visit and experience the the Linyanti and Moremi wildlife areas and we loved every moment.

It's the Africa we love.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Cannot think anything to add." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari

"We really enjoyed our trip. Visiting Botswana in the rainy season was a more positive experience than some had suggested.

The arrangements made by Expert Africa all worked perfectly high was a boon, especially during this time when COVID has made travel a deal more complicated." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari

"I left Canada November 24, 2021 for an amazing adventure in Botswana. Can you imagine what's happened since?? Omicron's emergence while I was in the bush, and in camps without cell service or wifi (normally a lovely digital detox), was certainly stressful and problematic.

Canada had left me with few options getting home. Even though Expert Africa had not booked my international flights, Megan worked with my boyfriend at home to try to navigate my changed travel. Wifi isn't an option at Kwando properties, but Expert Africa was able to send me messages at each camp. And I was invited to use the computer at Kwara should I need it. A big, big thank you to all who helped me get home. Although still in quarantine, I am reflecting on this most amazing trip with absolutely no regrets.

This is my second trip to Botswana, and second time with Kwando camps. I feel they are a perfect fit for me. Very nice, yet unpretentious. Focus is on wildlife experiences, and locations are second to none. The model of tracker and guide is not the norm, and is exactly what I am after.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No improvement needed" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 11 on a Botswana safari

"Botswana was as amazing as we had imagined...in this ongoing pandemic it was like coming alive again.

Our return to 11 nights in a UK quarantine hotel somewhat detracted from the overall experience but this was no reflection on Botswana or ExpertAfrica.

Maruska's knowledge and patience in planning an itinerary that we would enjoy was invaluable. But her assistance in dealing with the difficulties presented by the Omicron variant, reorganising plans for our return and reassuring our family, was truly appreciated and demonstrated her care and concern.

Many thanks!" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari

"This was a trip of a lifetime with the fantastic animal watching experiences, so our best ever safari trip. The private concessions with no more than two camps made a huge difference to the quality of the experience. Thoroughly recommend them both.

We had issues returning thanks to the UK Government, but the Splash camp did all they could do to support us and so did Tracy many thanks to her for the support throughout our challenges getting back home.

Kwando did not seem overly concerned with one case going missing at Jo'burg, so we left for Lagoon with just the one bag. We pushed and finally got the second back two days later. So always pack clothes for both travellers in separate cases, fortunately we did.

We felt COVID safe at both camps. The PCR testing on the airstrip went smoothly, for our return. The unexpected lateral flow testing we experienced at Nairobi was chaotic. The LFT at Maun was just an inconvenience in very hot conditions.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

None that I can think of." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"My holiday of a lifetime - the best ever. Extremely well organised especially under exceptionally difficult circumstances with COVID to deal with. We had constant communication from Maruska on all the administration that COVID entailed.

Our only hiccup was filling in the UK locator form for our return journey to the UK as we had no WIFI access until J'burg airport. This must be completed before you check in for your flight. Johannesburg Airport is a shambles but we travelled in the early stages of COVID and luckily had plenty of time to sort things out.

We couldn't fault any of the lodges regarding the current situation - everywhere was meticulously clean with all the staff waring masks at all times.

We have been looked after so well by all the Africans, all with a smile on their faces mixed with plenty of singing and dancing!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

We had high expectations for the trip as we usually organise our holidays ourselves. Maruska listened carefully to all our requests and made certain suggestions which definitely improved our journey.

This holiday exceeded those expectations - it will be a lasting memory filled with joy.

Thank you Expert Africa." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari

"A really excellent trip. We had a fantastic time. We were very lucky to be in an early wave of visitors following the removal of Botswana and S Africa from the UK's red list about a month ago. There were very few other tourists there - which made the trip an even bigger "treat".

The stand out thing about safari on a fly-in/out to a private concession (vs fly drive which we have done previously) is that the guides and trackers are dedicated to finding the best vantage point for viewing game and will go off road to do so. We had some amazing sightings which we simply would not have seen if we had been driving ourselves.

The S African leg of the trip was very different from that in the Botswanan bush but still very enjoyable. The strength of the Rand vs GBP made eating out very affordable." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari

"We had a fantastic trip to Botswana and Namibia. We felt very safe traveling as all camp staff are vaccinated and tested. The guests as well since the airlines won't let you board without a Covid test.

The experience visiting the different parts of the Okavango delta is not to be missed. The amount of animals is amazing.

We also visited two camps in Namibia, our favorite country in Africa. The scenery is out of this world and so varied you never get tired of looking at it.

Expert Africa did a great job helping us plan this trip and Megan was incredibly helpful in working around airline flight cancellations and changes. She also helped us get all of our Covid tests scheduled for country transfers.

This was our second trip with Expert Africa and both went very smoothly.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

I can't think of anything you could do better." Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 12 on a Botswana safari