Botswana: reviews from our travellers

"Given this is Africa and I'm used to setting expectations on organisation accordingly, the fact that this trip was flawless in its organiasation is even more incredible.

Almost all the hotels were fabulous and we invariably had the best rooms - not sure if that's because we booked early or wheather its Expert Africa's influence but definately no complaints here.

The trip was exactly what we asked for and although it was a year in the planning, Sabina took time to understand our needs and organised a trip that met them and worked well. Things like picking up the car in Namibia and organising a taxi across the Botswana border worked well and saved us money.

Being able to explain what we were after and then for her to make suggestions and evolve the trip accordingly definately worked well and we now have some ideas for our next trip. Will definatley look to use Expert Africa again if possible.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Very impressed with everything - just wish you did Uganda and Angola as these are two countries I'm keen to visit." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip

"We explored going to Africa with numerous outfitters and specifically selected Expert Africa because of Megan and how she explained the variety of experiences! She was attentive, patient and friendly! She explained each experience in detail and catered to exactly what we wanted for this trip. Her detailing was on point- she was accurate in her depictions of each activity. And, they lived up to her high praises. She held our hand through packing and preparing for the trip as well!

The book provided and pamphlet were all extremely useful in preparing and learning about the trip!" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari

"The trip was fantastic! Our adviser Maruska Adye really understood the experiences we wanted and our budget. Spending time in both countries was wonderful." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 7 on a Namibia trip

"This was the most amazing trip. We saw so much wildlife the highlights being the cheetah the sable and the baby elephant giraffe hippo and lion cubs. We experienced being very close to lions and a little too close to elephants. My only disappointment was not seeing the wild dogs but they had moved out of the area and also not seeing a leopard. Our guides did everything they could to find the leopard and we did spend time tracking but if they don’t want to be found then no amount of searching will get that sighting." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari

"This was a very enjoyable bucket list trip. It was thoughtfully planned, and everything went smoothly.

My special thanks to Maruska for sharing her breadth of detailed knowledge, for considerable patience, good listening, clear communication, good recommendations, and kind encouragement." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari

"We had the most amazing family holiday - so many unforgettable moments. Maruska was efficient and helpful from the planning stages through to the completion of our journey. She stepped up to help immensely when our bags had been lost between Kilimanjaro and Joburg Airports. She stepped in and got the Wilderness Safari folks to help follow up with the airport and airlines which was a huge relief for us as we were "off grid" for several days following their loss and felt very stressed about what to do next. Overall - we were thrilled with our time in Africa and thank Expert Africa team for helping to plan such a great trip.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Converting NZD to USD to pay for the trip was daunting - felt hugely expensive. Yes, we requested and planned a high end experience and were aware of the costs, but we definitely felt a big hit to the wallet. When you factor in that we were also giving healthy tips (as suggested, and we felt like with the great service we should do at least the "minimum") on top of the high room rate at each camp ... we felt it even more. Next time we might consider a mix of high vs medium range camps to save some money. Again, not to take away from an incredible trip planned together with Maruska ... thanks" Read full review: 33 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"Lucy was a great resource and very helpful in providing detailed information on the different parks and areas. We had a couple of zoom session and we worked together on setting up an itinerary.

Excellent trip from start to finish. Everything went like clockwork with no issues. We had our best sightings on this trip and managed to see wild dogs which was a lot of fun.

Very happy with the experience." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zimbabwe safari

"I am extremely happy with the service Expert Africa have provided for our trip to Shinde. I would gladly book again with them for my next trip. Megan was exceptional with answering all my questions re airport arrivals and transfers." Read full review: 3 nights in Africa; 3 on a Botswana safari

"Our safari in Botswana was incredible from start to finish. Maruska really listened to my initial inquiries, helped us figure out if Botswana was the right destination for us, and then worked to find three different camps that would give us a variety of experiences and locales. I felt like Maruska understood what we were looking for in the trip & personalized her recommendations. That made all the difference!

From the moment we landed at the Maun airport until the moment we returned there, someone was always watching out for us. When one member of our party became ill, the camp contacted Maruska. With Expert Africa on our side, we knew we were in good hands. Fortunately, he recovered quickly, but it was worth every penny to know Expert Africa would have taken care of us if things had gone differently.

Meanwhile, the Botswana safari was everything we hoped for and more. Despite everything going on in the wilderness, because there are not many people, there is a serenity to the experience -- a pace of taking what comes next, of being immersed in the balance of nature's day-to-day existence. We awoke to lions roaring, watched a mother leopard supervise her cub, followed wild dogs on a hunt, shared a watering hole with herd after herd of elephants, and so much more. But it's the overall experience that has stayed with me the most -- just the being there, a visitor is another world.

Thank you to Expert Africa and Maruska for an incredible trip!

I've already recommended Expert Africa and Maruska to two friends! Thank you so much for everything." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari

"An amazing trip and we are already trying to book a similar trip again next year.

We also met another couple who also booked with Expert Africa (Lucy) and had nothing but praise.

Overall, everything worked out fantastic.

Only negative is cost of BA airfare buying through Expert Africa, to get the ABTA cover. And then BA wanting quite a bit extra to book seats." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari