Travel reviews by Mr & Mrs L from Middlesex

"Kanana is a great introduction to safari in the Okovango Delta. Although primarily a water based activity camp, there is also ample scope for game drives with plenty of game on offer. The birding is particularly good - even in the dry season (we saw over 100 species in 3 days). Birds had begun to arrive at the spectacular heronry (pelicans, various storks, herons) by mid-July. This involved an interesting short (30 min) motor-boat journey.

On the drives we saw a pride of lionesses (5) hunting by night. The same pride also passed through the camp (unseen by us). Plenty of elephants - including a night time visit which kept awake some honeymooners in tent 8 at the end of the camp (much to the entertainment of staff and guests the next morning).

The tents were all you could want from a smart hotel room - but with far better views (over the lagoon) and sound effects (frogs, hippos and elephants).

The general areas were comfortable and relaxed. Dining together was jolly and convivial, facilitated by the charming friendly staff who ate with us. Singing and dancing was part of the experience - it never seemed forced or contrived.

The food at the camp, prepared under the supervision of Bea, was first rate. Plentiful, varied, and delicious. The nibbles to accompany the sundowners showed great attention to detail and thoughtfulness.

We had the same guide throughout (Bimen) who was excellent: knowledgeable and good company.

Overall the management was efficient and charming and this created probably the most relaxed and chilled atmosphere of the camps we visited."

"Little Vumbura is on an island which makes it an exceptionally beautiful location among the reeds. There is a speed boat journey through a channel to reach it which due to exceptional flood conditions (highest in 30 years) took about 15 minutes (longer than usual apparently), although that afforded some great views of wading elephants (we gave way to them). Coming back at dusk you needed sunglasses as protection against swarms of small insects.

A highlight was the arrival of two young bull elephants which we watched approach the camp and then take up browsing rights alongside the walkway to the communal area thus delaying tea!

The guiding was excellent (as throughout our time in Botswana). We saw a leopard in a tree by day - and Sam went to great lengths to help us find whatever we asked for (a particular treat was coming across a pair of secretary birds after searching for owls).

Little Vumbura's position in the reeds gave it its own particular character. The management staff were, as usual, professional, helpful and friendly - we particularly enjoyed the knowledgeable company of Ryan, and One for whom nothing was too much trouble. The boma braai was great fun and the singing wasthe best we heard on the trip."

"An amazing place to end a trip.

Sheer luxury in the bush - but without ever feeling that this lodge had lost touch with its purpose of providing a real safari adventure. Zarafa has a strong emphasis on the environment with solar panels providing the majority of the electricity. But this was in all respects an A* experience.

Tess and Stuart are young but committed, expert (naturalists by training) and delightful hosts.

The camp is well-run; nothing seems to be too much trouble and there is greater flexibility here, given the small number of tents, to do whatever you like, whenever you like. The facilities are outstanding with indoor shower and bath plus a dramatic outside shower (sourced from a Parisian house of ill-repute!) overlooking the lagoon: the nearest to safely bathing with hippos you could ask for. A particularly nice touch is the loan of a camera with 100-400mm lens plus CD download to take home.

Chef Comfort deserves the first Botswana Michelin star - unbeatable quality and presentation. The lodge site gives you dining with incredible views over the lagoon where hippos and elephants frolick. We even saw wild dogs from the deck. Some of the game viewing was superb (although on occasion we did have to search which may have been a result of the exceptional flood waters). Steve, our guide, was enthusiastic and eagle-eyed."