Botswana: reviews from our travellers

"I was slightly concerned that the experience of14 nights safari in 6 different camps might become repetitive, especially for my husband as it was my choice of holiday rather than his. I needn't have worried!

We both enjoyed meeting fellow guests of different nationalities and the interesting conversations we had with them.

We were amazed at how close we could get to the wildlife without impacting on it. The off road drives generally provided the best opportunities for this My husband's goal was to see wild dogs and in the event we had 4 excellent sightings ranging from a lone dog to a pack just after a kill. Selinda provided the best of these opportunities.

I wanted to see lions, cheetahs and leopards and had excellent views of these too. We were very impressed with the knowledge of most of the guides who made every effort not just to find game but to explain animal behaviour. Those guides really enhanced the safari experience.

The personal service at the camps with possibly one exception greatly exceeded our expectations.

It was a wonderful holiday which will provide us with many happy memories.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

I don't think you could have done any more!

I was impressed by the speed with which you responded to my medical problem and it inspired great confidence in your company's ability to handle any emergency in such a way that it minimised any interference with our holiday." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 15 on a Botswana safari

"This was our best trip yet with Expert Africa; thank you so much to Megan (along with Chloe) for really listening to and helping crystallise what we had in mind, and for their patience in putting together such a well balanced programme for us." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari

"An outstanding travel experience.

As a rather independent traveler, I rely on travel literature to plan itineraries rather than merely "purchase" a pre established tour such as those offered by Abercrombie and Kent. With regards to Botswana, I read the Bradt Travel Guide authored by Chris McIntyre and found it to be most informative, especially in the descriptions of the various private concession areas and of the myriad of camps within the concessions. Being directly affiliated with Expert Africa led me to contacting your company and I was put in contact with Nick Hobbs.

Over many months, Nick and I had numerous interactions both by email and on occasion by telephone. In all instances, I found Nick to be very responsive and his personal knowledge of Botswana obviously helpful in narrowing down which camps I ultimately selected.

Having completed our holiday, I can report that every required travel reservation/connection---air from Joberg, ground to zambia hotel, scheduled excursions within zambia, ground/boat/air connection to botswana camps was effected without any problem. And the safari camp experiences was consistent with the written or verbal guidance provided by Expert Africa personnel. And, while this was a most expensive holiday, prices quoted by Expert Africa were competitive with other inquiries I made prior to selecting Expert Africa.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Expert Africa literature was very informative and helpful.

A minor suggestion-- while gratuity guidance for guides and camp staff is covered. I would add some guidance re ground transportation personnel --- for example, is a gratuity expected for the people providing the ground transportation from Zambia airport to hotel; or, from Zambia hotel to Botswana border; or, the Mack air porter who takes your bags to the small aircraft at Kasane? ( The cost for the ground/private air is included in the aggregate amount paid to Expert Africa but it is vague whether or not an additional gratuity is ""expected"".)

As a traveler, my preference would be, to specifically state in you literature that a gratuity for these incidental services is not expected (and if necessary, add a few dollars/pounds to your fees to the traveler to cover these incidentals)." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"This was one of the best holidays I have ever had.

I loved it and the children did too it was magical and unforgettable. We have taken a bit of Africa back with us! Can't wait for an excuse to return...." Read full review: 6 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"First, the team member who dealt most with my trip was Chloe Henderson. To be honest, she is the one who made me chose Expert Africa because I was about to go with either &Beyond or Ker & Downey. So, even if I know she left the company, special thanks to her, she was amazing and gave me incredible and valuable advice!

Having said that, our trip was excellent. Botswana/Vic Falls represented 1/3 of our trip (the two others being South Africa and Mozambique) and this was the highlight of our trip.

We will keep an unforgettable souvenir of this week, thank you!!" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"Great - not one single hitch - would recommend Expert Africa without hesitation." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"Expert Africa were amazing. They spend a lot of time with me shaping the trip and advising me of the accommodation options. I found their recommendations spot on and the accommodation they booked was superb with a very individual and varied feel. The majority of the accommodation had a very personalised feel.

Sabina is worthy of particular mention, as she really knew Namibia well and so was able to give accurate and re-assuring advice. She was always courteous and nothing was too much trouble. Expert Africa give superb attention to detail and provide lots of useful information before the trip, which ensures the trip goes smoothly. Any issues, which were limited during or after the trip were dealt with very quickly and efficiently.

I would recommend Expert Africa without reservation.

The website is also very helpful when researching your trip." Read full review: 23 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip

"Safaris are a unique experience, this one in the Okavango Delta was unforgettable: so beautiful landscapes and animals with absolutely lovely lodges with outstanding hosts, guides and services.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No, keep your contact persons as efficient and pleasant to deal with as we experience it with Chloe Henderson (which is not on the list as she left the company)" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 5 on a Botswana safari

"This was our best holiday ever, exceeding our expectations. Expert Africa were really helpful, efficient and friendly.

Botswana and its people are wonderful, and we wish them all success in finding that elusive balance between tourist income and protecting the environment. The vastness, silence and majesty of the landscape were enough of themselves, with the wildlife an added bonus! It was magical and reassuring to see such a huge population of elephants around Linyanti, and the Walking with Elephants experience near Stanley's Camp will stay with us forever.

We were made to feel special throughout the whole holiday, and it was great to have staff who treated us more like valued friends than customers.The "tents" were better than most luxury hotels we've stayed in, and the sun-downers, high tea, campfires, and welcoming dances were excellent. Mack Air flights were a highly enjoyable part of the experience, rather than a way to get from A to B, and gave us a feel for the enormity and diversity of the country.

We're already saving up to visit again.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No, it was perfect." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari

"One we will always remember for the right reasons.

Come back full of different knowledge and experience. When people say oh now you are back you feel like you have never been away I can truly say, I've been away." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari