Travel reviews by Mrs F & family from GTM

"From our arrival at Shinde airstrip to our departure three days later, this really was an amazing experience. To be greeted on our first morning by hippos 'sloshing' about in the water a few meters away from our tent was a typical example. On further examination we found the spoor of a large bull elephant and baboons that had passed our tent during the night. As I said previously, it was an introduction to what I would call real Africa. We have visited many National Parks in Southern Africa over the last twenty years but I wanted my three grandsons, 16, 12 & 7, to have the experience of camping in the bush. With bucket showers, tented accommodation and campfires at night, we certainly achieved this.

I think we were extremely lucky to have Mbaki and Moses supervising the staff and guests - Mbaki was always smiling and joking with the boys and Moses was able to combine his enthusiasm and knowledge of the bush and animals in a very interesting and informative way. Whether it was explaining how the Delta was formed, giving us details of the termite mounds, playing football, or toasting marshmallows on the camp fire, I know the three boys found two new friends. Nothing was too much trouble for any of the staff and we found the standard of meals exceptional.

We found our accommodation to be all that we had expected and the facility of daily laundry was a tremendous help.

On our first morning the wild dogs went through camp but sadly, although we rushed out, we couldn't locate them ... only the remains of their impala kill outside Moses' tent! The second morning the exercise was repeated but this time we were much luckier. We have all seen the dogs before but never have we seen a pure golden alpha female - she was beautiful.

So, all in all, absolutely no criticisms, just 100% praise for such a wonderful three days. My three grandsons voted this camp Number One of the four places we stayed at this holiday which is a recommendation in itself! Thank you to all the staff at Footsteps across the Delta."

"We were extremely fortunate to be a party of seven - grandparents, parents and three boys (16, 12, & 7) - so we were able to have the entire houseboat to ourselves which made the whole experience wonderful. After an exhausting twelve days on safari followed by the chaos of typical African Passport Control and Immigration in Botswana and Namibia, it was magical to have the peace of the Chobe river and, of course, the gentle giants.

On our arrival on the boat we were welcomed quietly but enthusiastically and introduced to the mainstays of our three day visit - Vincent, Patrick and David. Vincent was the boat manager and was very efficient. Patrick lovingly took care of the three boys and their father when they went fishing on the three evenings. David looked after my husband, my daughter and myself on the six game trips and was very knowledgeable with a great sense of humour.

We saw a tremendous variety of game and birds on the banks of the river - lion, hippos, impala, kudu, buffalo, crocodiles, giraffe, vultures, storks, fish eagles, etc. - but for the three of us it was the antics of the elephants that was so enthralling. We were amazed at how the herds crossed from one side of the river to the other, not a passport in sight, with the matriarch guiding the herd across. On a couple of occasions we watched the tiniest of elephants (only days old according to David) swimming alongside their mothers and then being helped up the bank the other side, when we all breathed a sigh of relief.

However, apart from all the wildlife, we thoroughly enjoyed our accommodation and had no complaints whatsoever. All in all, a great way to chill on our last few days before the long twenty four hour trek home to the U.K."