Travel reviews by Mr D & Ms B from Toronto

"Imagine our surprise when, having just landed in Maun after the long flight from London, we were met by Brandon from Wilderness Safaris who advised us we would not be going to Chitabe Lediba as planned but were rather en route to Mombo -a significant upgrade we were told. Still a bit mystified, we went happily with the pilot who took pains to point out Chitabe Lediba as we flew over it. A short while later we were being welcomed by the terrific staff at Mombo as if they had been waiting to see us for months.

Mombo is a top of line camp with all mod cons yet still retains an open, friendly and informal atmosphere. The wildlife viewing opportunities are fantastic and the guides (in our case Lebo and Emang) go out of their way to seek out the uncommon. In our case, this was a chance to observe one of the white rhino recently re-introduced to Botswana and a very exciting sunset drive overland in pursuit of a wild dog who was honing in on a herd of impala. Then there was: the leopard ( in camp and another later in a tree with a fresh kill), the lioness with two new cubs not previously seen by the guides, the hippo who ambled past our tent ....etc.

Top marks, and all the better since we had not intended to be there.

Re Chitabe Lediba: during the course of our trip, we did meet other travellers who had been there, all of whom reported highly favourably on the camp and the quality of the wildlife viewing. The ratings above and below are for Mombo:"

"This is a lovely camp whose location is made all the more special by the fact that it can only be accessed by water. We were warmly welcomed by Adelaide, Boyson, and all the staff and for the next three days were totally entranced by the diversity of the wildlife species accessible there.

Our guide Sevara and trainee guide Piet were both friendly and professional. Sevara grew up in the Okavango Delta and was happy to share with us his extensive knowledge of not just the flora and fauna but also the way of life of people who live in this vast area. He is also a very skilled driver of the all terrain vehicle we used, demonstrating impressive get away tactics when we we were driving off track and came close upon a sizable herd of very large elephants and a very upset matriarch, all of whom decided not simply to charge us but to chase us for some distance. The rest of our animal encounters were spectacular but less adrenalin demanding.

The in-camp highlight was the traditional dinner organized by the staff in the boma area and preceded by singing and dancing which all guests were invited to participate in and of course did. Other camps we visited organized a similar activity but the one at Little Vumbura really stood out in terms of the warmth and enthusiasm of the staff."

"From the moment our helicopter touched down near the camp, we knew this would be special and were not disappointed. Since all the activities are water-based, the knowledge and skill of the guide are critical to enjoyment of the landscapes and animal and bird life the camp has to offer. Our guide, Ndebo, grew up in the Delta area and brought both local knowledge and professional experience in seeking out the not frequently seen - e.g., the Pel's fishing owl - and in explaining animal behaviour.

The food was excellent, especially the pounded beef dish that formed part of the boma dinner, and the service was unerringly friendly and attentive. It was July and cold at night and in the morning during our visit. While each camp we stayed at provided the requisite hot water bottles, Xigera ranks at the top for having the hottest ones. The cold did not seem to deter the elephants - each night we drifted off to sleep to the sound of them calmly crunching their way through the palm bushes surrounding our tent.

Top marks too for the quality of the baskets made by Xigera staff. These are serving as excellent mementos of our visit there."

"This was our first thatched camp, which made the lodgings all the more romantic. And, for the first time in nearly 30 years, the Savuti Channel is now flowing, bringing new flora and fauna to this dry-land camp.

Our guide, Goodman, grew up in Kasane, the closest town, and brought extensive local knowledge of the area. In addition, his superior understanding of animal behaviour added a new dimension to our safari experience. This was demonstrated in particular when we became surrounded by a herd of thirsty elephants, and when we tracked a male and female leopard enjoying the fruits of a kill.

Also, Goodman has a great sense of humour - but, if he builds in steak tartare and the faint hope clause into his repertoire, Canada is to be thanked.

Welcoming staff, and good ambience in the camp."

"This was our last camp in our visit to Botswana and one that really started to help us unwind. Gracious and welcoming staff and service; Ella and Ishmael were terrific. And the best food of all the camps - lots of grains, vegetables and fruits - including a very salutary bush lunch on our last day.

Our guide Steve did an admirable job in explaining the welcome changes that are happening in the Selinda area due to its unique geology and high water levels. On safari, we tracked cheetah (no luck) and wild dogs, having the opportunity to observe pack behaviour at rest and in pursuit of a kill.

At night, we were serenaded by hippos.

Lovely camp, beautiful landscape."