Travel reviews by Mr & Mrs LS from Hampshire
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
1
Countries visited
2
Lodges stayed in
5
Excursions taken
0
THIRD TIME LUCKY
Botswana and 1 other country between 19 May 2013 and 2 Jun 2013
"When asked we would, and have recommended Expert Africa. Nick, Chris and Megan have all been very responsive, knowledgable and gave considerable guidance and listened quite carefully to our needs and expectations.
As you are very much aware this being our third try, I must admit my expectations were not as high as they were two years ago, thus the joy way that they were exceeded by a significant margin.
The extraordinary Wildlife, both birds and Mammals and the different eco Systems that we encountered them in throughout the journey. The people of Botswana were most helpful, polite, knowledgable and carried a fine sense of humour. They realise that the protection of their lands and wildlife are key to the sustainable Safari trade and defend these traits with great passion. There were some exceptions, which I have mentioned per camp.
The planning was good, now that we have been, we might have more input, should we be going again. I think that the areas need to be visited in a different season to obtain a proper perspective. We did expect a greener, wet time, but Mother Nature stopped the rains in Mid March.
The overall quality of the Camps did vary more than we expected, in that we presumed that they were of equal value/cost. This I believe is more an issue with the management of such as opposed to the actual staff.
All areas
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Face to face meeting prior to and after for follow-up, if possible with contact.
This is not intended as a criticism, as I was going to suggest it and like most got lazy and distracted. Will come up to see you all soon.
Donald and Susan"
As you are very much aware this being our third try, I must admit my expectations were not as high as they were two years ago, thus the joy way that they were exceeded by a significant margin.
The extraordinary Wildlife, both birds and Mammals and the different eco Systems that we encountered them in throughout the journey. The people of Botswana were most helpful, polite, knowledgable and carried a fine sense of humour. They realise that the protection of their lands and wildlife are key to the sustainable Safari trade and defend these traits with great passion. There were some exceptions, which I have mentioned per camp.
The planning was good, now that we have been, we might have more input, should we be going again. I think that the areas need to be visited in a different season to obtain a proper perspective. We did expect a greener, wet time, but Mother Nature stopped the rains in Mid March.
The overall quality of the Camps did vary more than we expected, in that we presumed that they were of equal value/cost. This I believe is more an issue with the management of such as opposed to the actual staff.
All areas
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Face to face meeting prior to and after for follow-up, if possible with contact.
This is not intended as a criticism, as I was going to suggest it and like most got lazy and distracted. Will come up to see you all soon.
Donald and Susan"
Camp Kalahari
"Rustic and Peaceful"
2 nights
Arrived
20 May 2013
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Excellent
Service
Average
Activities
Average
Rooms
Average
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Average
Kwetsani Camp
"Peaceful/Warm environment Eco Mixture lure"
2 nights
Arrived
22 May 2013
"The main lure of the Camp is the diverse eco system which requires both water and land drives. This mixture is most appealing, including the immersion into the environment. Location is tops as were the staff. Again the regular Manager was not on duty but Theresa and Bryan were forever present and interactive both in your needs and being informative. Felt like home and the guest all seemed to mix well as a result.
Again a different eco system with the mixture of water relate and savannah wildlife. The guide G+T was good, however our few exposures to Flo suggested she was better suited to the needs of the clients. Food was good as were the accomadations. The overall facilities seemed to have been recently refurbished and were tops.
The highlite was probably the silent ride in the am in the Mekoro, when the thunderous sound, as if we were approaching rapids, became almost deafening. A herd of up to 200 thundering Red Lechwe were driving across the edge of the wetlands. To experience the small wildlife around your tent under the walkways was always a delight. Our first Leopard, thanks to the skill of G+T was also most spectacular.
We could have spent more time there, primarily due to the variety of the opportunities and the warm hospitality by all the team."
Again a different eco system with the mixture of water relate and savannah wildlife. The guide G+T was good, however our few exposures to Flo suggested she was better suited to the needs of the clients. Food was good as were the accomadations. The overall facilities seemed to have been recently refurbished and were tops.
The highlite was probably the silent ride in the am in the Mekoro, when the thunderous sound, as if we were approaching rapids, became almost deafening. A herd of up to 200 thundering Red Lechwe were driving across the edge of the wetlands. To experience the small wildlife around your tent under the walkways was always a delight. Our first Leopard, thanks to the skill of G+T was also most spectacular.
We could have spent more time there, primarily due to the variety of the opportunities and the warm hospitality by all the team."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Good
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Good
Facilities
Excellent
Chitabe Camp
"Wildlife variety and abundance"
3 nights
Arrived
24 May 2013
"Probably the best overall Camp, yet again the Manager was not forthcoming, or warm. You must remember from whence we have just come. Our guide, Anthony was most enjoyable, able and attentive.
We were made aware of a Lion Pride of seven, who had a successful Buffalo meal on Wednesday. On our first drive we came upon them enjoying the afternoon and experienced forty minutes of magnificently executed strategy to have another kill, a Giraffe. Many may not wish to witness such, however it is natural and the strategy execution and dance and admiring of success by the pride is most interesting. I named them the Magnificent Seven, after the famous movie.
Facilities are excellent and the hot water, tea in room at wake up a must. The availability of Mammal and Bird guides in the room is a plus for those afternoon note taking and relaxing.
The night drives are good, however difficult to post process red lights out of photo's. The animals safety, without doubt, is more important than the photos.
Again, wildlife around the walk ways makes it a never ending opportunity to enjoy. A Wildcat on tour deck at 2400, scouting the area near the Lagoon was a nice surprise.
Disappointed that the expectations of our metal water bottles was not deliverable. Ran Out. A quality Wilderness Safari Group Camp?
Going to forward to us, I will not hold my breath."
We were made aware of a Lion Pride of seven, who had a successful Buffalo meal on Wednesday. On our first drive we came upon them enjoying the afternoon and experienced forty minutes of magnificently executed strategy to have another kill, a Giraffe. Many may not wish to witness such, however it is natural and the strategy execution and dance and admiring of success by the pride is most interesting. I named them the Magnificent Seven, after the famous movie.
Facilities are excellent and the hot water, tea in room at wake up a must. The availability of Mammal and Bird guides in the room is a plus for those afternoon note taking and relaxing.
The night drives are good, however difficult to post process red lights out of photo's. The animals safety, without doubt, is more important than the photos.
Again, wildlife around the walk ways makes it a never ending opportunity to enjoy. A Wildcat on tour deck at 2400, scouting the area near the Lagoon was a nice surprise.
Disappointed that the expectations of our metal water bottles was not deliverable. Ran Out. A quality Wilderness Safari Group Camp?
Going to forward to us, I will not hold my breath."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Good
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Good
Facilities
Excellent
Lagoon Camp
"Disappointment, yet wonderful location and Te"
3 nights
Arrived
27 May 2013
"The reception was not as warm as the past two, albeit some of the staff were very friendly. A bit shy in comparison except for one or two who seemed to poses the sense of humour of many other Botswanains. The service seemed to be, if you wish something, ask as opposed to offering. This was primarily at meals and absence of anyone available during afternoon rest time.
The Tent was superb, albeit the nice elevated walkways were missed. The most comfortable layout, yet no reference books, no hot water or tea. The laundry service was excellent, as it had been before, a welcome attribute as we packed light.
I prefer the single guide vehicle and guidance. Two can cause more discussion, which can possible be less attention by one. There was a great desire by Carlos to find a particular Lion. Too much time spent, albeit there seemed to be a shortage of options at this time of year. He did the best with what he had. Not as good with Photographer needs and positioning. His agenda seemed more important.
No Poncho's or Bush babies on the cold drives.
Wonderful noises of the Wildlife in the evenings, also the Lagoon/River Drive was exceptional, the guide was most informative concerning the area, its environs and wildlife
Two nights may have served, primarily due to shortage of wildlife and services."
The Tent was superb, albeit the nice elevated walkways were missed. The most comfortable layout, yet no reference books, no hot water or tea. The laundry service was excellent, as it had been before, a welcome attribute as we packed light.
I prefer the single guide vehicle and guidance. Two can cause more discussion, which can possible be less attention by one. There was a great desire by Carlos to find a particular Lion. Too much time spent, albeit there seemed to be a shortage of options at this time of year. He did the best with what he had. Not as good with Photographer needs and positioning. His agenda seemed more important.
No Poncho's or Bush babies on the cold drives.
Wonderful noises of the Wildlife in the evenings, also the Lagoon/River Drive was exceptional, the guide was most informative concerning the area, its environs and wildlife
Two nights may have served, primarily due to shortage of wildlife and services."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Excellent
Service
Average
Activities
Average
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Average
Facilities
Good
Ilala Lodge
"Thundersmoke view excellent"
2 nights
Arrived
30 May 2013
"One must take into account the constraints on the country atmosphere in the review. It was a culture shock to arrive after a flight two transfers, one almost screwed up and immigration, to then arrive in a city. Oh how we missed the Bush. The Facitity was very colonial and we had an excellent view.
The service the first day for meals was without doubt the worst experienced. The second night, another trainee assisted us and she was great. The streets were not worth walking. The assistance from Wilderness, Barbara, was most appreciated as they arranged our Helicopter flight and transport. Everyone before and after said, why did you not stay at Victoria Falls Guest House?
The Falls were dramatic, both during the walk and H ride and that is why we went. Been there now, O K."
The service the first day for meals was without doubt the worst experienced. The second night, another trainee assisted us and she was great. The streets were not worth walking. The assistance from Wilderness, Barbara, was most appreciated as they arranged our Helicopter flight and transport. Everyone before and after said, why did you not stay at Victoria Falls Guest House?
The Falls were dramatic, both during the walk and H ride and that is why we went. Been there now, O K."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Good
Service
Poor
Activities
Good
Rooms
Good
Food
Average
Facilities
Good
The eco system is quite unique and fascinating providing a platform for many beautiful birds from the Lilac Breasted Hopper to the Martial Eagle.and mostly smaller mammals. Obviously the Mongoose were a big hit .
The management of Camp was in transition, which was a bit disruptive, however the Chef, Sonya was the best on the trip. Tent was adequate, but extremely cold.The staff were doing the best they could under the circumstances of change.
I would possibly visit again to see this eco system in a different season and sleep on the pans."