Reviews of safaris to Okavango Delta Safari Reserves
950 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Okavango Delta.
"My Oct 2017 trip"
I really want to thank Megan for preparing it so well and for all the little attentions paid everywhere for our anniversary.
Thank you specifically for our anniversary celebration at Royal Livingstone that was fantastic.
Already looking forward to our next trip!" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zambia safari
"Another memorable safari"
Out of the whole trip, there was just one unsatisfactory lodge, which was Little Kwara in Botswana. We travelled in late September-early October, which is a very, very hot time of year, and on some of the afternoon drives the animals were still sheltering from the 38 degree afternoon heat.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
One idea would be to give in your advice, and in your camp descriptions, details of where and when you might see some of the rarer animals.
So, for example, we wanted to see eland, sable and roan, but this was not possible at any of our camps, but we had not thought to ask about it specifically before we went." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari
"My Sep 2017 trip"
After listening to my interests, she recommended camps which we felt covered good variety of environments and experiences. I think starting in Hwange and finishing in the Delta was ideal as our Hwange guide was very educational and the wildlife at Kwara particularly superb. If we ended at Hwange we would have felt 3 nights probably sufficient, though were lucky enough for my son to spot a leopard and see a pride of 14 lions in our last 24 hr.
It was also great to have all the arrangements and transportation taken care of." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari
"Extraordinary safari"
"September 2017 trip"
The extremely hospitable staff at the camps couldn't do enough for you and the guides' ability to find the most elusive animals was uncanny. It was fascinating to learn from them some of the skills they use to track the animals.
Parks at Selinda Explorers could find the proverbial needle. The accommodation was luxurious and at the same time relaxed and informal. So many memories which will stay with us.
In later comms, these travellers expanded on the above a little, saying:
To say it was an outstanding trip would be an understatement of epic proportions. We were privileged to be in a country of great beauty and outstandingly hospitable, kind people. My only mistake was booking six days instead of sixty, though possibly my bank manager might have had something to say about it if I had. I think what made the trip so special was the almost constant sensory stimulation. The sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the country were a perpetual delight.
To start with the camps, Chitabe and Selinda Explorers. We had no right to expect the standards of accommodation, hospitality, comfort, food and drink that we experienced. Outstanding in every way.
The game drives were great. We saw such an abundance of wildlife we almost didn't know where to look next. We never tired of it - not even the impala which seemed to appear around every corner. Highlights were the wild dogs, which we could have watched all day, the leopards (with cubs), the huge herds of elephant (around fifty at one watering place), lions lying in the shade of the land rover, young male giraffes 'neck-fighting' and the abundant bird life (we liked the Ground Hornbills). The ability of the guides to find the animals was a wonder to behold.
Our main guides were B.B. and Parks. Parks especially - what a lovely bloke - was uncanny. He used a Tawny Eagle to locate a newly established wild dog den and we even saw it swoop down to pick up a piece of meat that the dogs has lost sight of. Just reward. Both guides could find elusive leopards with uncanny precision. We also spent some time with Tank and Oats, who were great as well.
When we got back to camp, every single member of staff was friendly and attentive and not just made our stay memorable, but actually made us feel welcome and at home. Perhaps special mention for Joe and Freman at Selinda. Can I also thank you for arranging the birthday cake for Vonnie - singing 'Happy Birthday' by candlelight in the middle of the bush was a very memorable moment - as well as the kind note you left for us.
I could go on but I think you have probably got the gist by now, so I'll just finish by saying thank you for organising such an unforgettable trip. I would certainly recommend both Expert Africa and yourself should anybody ask me for advice on organising a trip to Africa. In the meantime, keep up the good work and maybe we'll be in touch in the future.
All the best" Read full review: 6 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari
"Cape Town, Okavanga, Chobe & Vic Falls"
We loved the whole experience of the camps. Pom Pom is beautifully situated on the edge of a loagoon and we had the campfire, the continuous nighttime sound of the crickets and frogs, baboons and jackals with an occasional lions roar. Then Chobe Under Canvas and the wide open vistas of the Chobe with river, grassland and a multitude of animals.
Botswana lived up to our expectations and the game viewing was excellent. We could not realistically have asked for more from Expert Africa and the local operators, the organisation was faultless and the whole trip was great." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari
"Return to the valley 2017"
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Just keep up the good work." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 9 on a Malawi trip
"Our Botswana Adventure"
The only downside was one bag went missing on our journey out and was only located at Joburg airport on our final day.
We are grateful to Lucy from Expert Africa for all her efforts in trying to locate the bag as British Airways seemed completely disinterested in helping.
Overall it was a wonderful and memorable holiday." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari
"Sept 17"
The private camps in Botswana offer the best experiences to be had." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari
"My Sep 2017 trip"
We would however warn anyone with similar plans, that the drive through the Caprivi strip is long and rather boring. We would not chose to do that part of the trip again.
Mundulea was a new highlight . We only wish that we had visited there on earlier trips." Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
Where to stay in Okavango Delta
Our suggestions for safari camps in Okavango Delta Safari Reserves
Kwara Camp
Kwara Camp's private reserve boasts land and water activities year round, with excellent game-viewing opportunities and access to permanent channels of the north-east Okavango Delta.
Little Vumbura
On a secluded island within a private reserve, Little Vumbura combines superb game viewing with a broad diversity of habitats in a truly picturesque setting.
Shinde Camp
With experienced staff and a wealth of activities, Shinde offers a traditional safari in an exceptionally varied and wildlife-rich environment.
Chitabe Lediba
Chitabe Lediba, in Botswana's southern Okavango Delta, is a small family friendly safari camp; it offers great dry-land safaris and in our experience consistently delivers good game sightings.
Splash Camp
Set in the Kwara Reserve, offering superb wildlife viewing year-round, Splash offers both land and water activities led by guides with a particular knack for tracking big game.
Sandibe Safari Lodge
The luxurious Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge lies in a private concession in the heart of the Okavango Delta, beside Moremi Game Reserve, with superb big-game viewing.
Kanana
In a beautiful part of the Delta, Kanana focuses on fantastic water activities and birding – including exclusive access to an impressive heronry.
Chitabe Camp
In the southern Okavango Delta, the excellent Chitabe Camp concentrates on dry-land safaris in an area that we've found particularly good for wild dog sightings.
Shinde Footsteps
Small and very rustic, Footsteps across the Delta focuses on walking safaris; it also runs a special children’s programme so is particularly suitable for families.
Gomoti Plains Camp
Overlooking a tributary of the Gomoti River, Gomoti Plains Camp is a classically designed camp with very comfortable tents in a good game-viewing area.
Tubu Tree Camp
A traditional tented camp with a distinctive tree-house feel, Tubu Tree offers some of the best game viewing in the Jao Reserve.
Nxabega Tented Camp
Nxabega offers a selection of both land- and water-based activities, plus very good guiding, food and service, but game viewing can be somewhat erratic.
Vumbura Plains
Indulgently stylish and luxurious, Vumbura Plains offers superb game viewing and birding on an exceptionally varied private reserve.
Jacana Camp
Jacana Camp is a small safari camp with an informal island feel; it is ideal for water-based activities in the Delta and offers excellent birdwatching.
Kwetsani Camp
Deep in the Delta, overlooking a floodplain, Kwetsani Camp is a small, high-end camp with good access to areas for land and water-based activities.
Mapula Lodge
For an affordable yet varied safari encompassing a range of eco-systems, the traditional Mapula Lodge takes a lot of beating.
Duba Plains Camp
Duba Plains Camp is a traditional safari camp, best known for the thrilling lion and buffalo interaction that is often found here in broad daylight.
Baines' Camp
Baines' Camp is a well-run, intimate camp in a pretty part of the Okavango, offering a range of activities and the option to spend a morning walking with elephants.
Stanley's Camp
In a private concession south of Moremi Game Reserve, Stanley's Camp offers 4WD game drives, seasonal water activities and a superb elephant interaction.
Duba Explorers Camp
Intimate and elegant, Duba Explorers Camp promises a firm safari focus in a remote corner of the Okavango, led by a team who value the highest guiding and hosting standards.
Little Tubu
Little Tubu is a new, traditional camp with just three tented chalets and a distinctive tree-house feel. The areas around it can be explored by water and land-based activities year round.
Pom Pom Camp
Pom Pom Camp lies amidst stunning Okavango Delta scenery. Come for idyllic mokoro trips and great birdwatching, and accept that big-game sightings here are a bonus.
Pelo Camp
In a pristine wilderness environment deep in the Okavango Delta, the seasonal Pelo Camp is tented yet comfortable, with activities focusing on excursions by mokoro.
Mma Dinare
Beautifully located in a private concession overlooking the Gomoti River, the traditional Mma Dinare is very well-priced for the Okavango Delta.
Xaranna
Xaranna is a plush tented camp amongst the idyllic waterways and islands of the Delta. Each air-conditioned tent has a plunge pool. Water activities and pampering are the focus here.
Jao Camp
In a beautiful area with fantastic water activities, Jao combines an idyllic location with high levels of luxury and service, and a top-end spa.
Seba Camp
Seba Camp is a luxury camp in a lovely location that offers the full range of water and land safari activities, depending on the time of year. This camp is particularly suitable for families.
Abu Camp
Abu Camp is an exclusive safari camp on the western side of the Botswana's Okavango Delta - offering superb elephant-back safaris and opportunities to walk with them too.
Rra Dinare
Located in a private concession in the southern reaches of the Okavango Delta, overlooking the Gomoti River, Rra Dinare is a traditional-style, well-priced camp.
Setari Camp
Setari Camp stands on an island dotted with palm trees, close to the base of the Okavango’s ‘Panhandle"
4 Rivers
4 Rivers is a new camp in a previously in accessible area of the excellent Kwara concession.
Duke’s Camp
On a remote island within a vast private concession, the eclectic Duke’s Camp is nestled among mature trees overlooking wildlife-rich plains of the Okavango.
Kiri Camp
Kiri Camp is the latest Okavango offering from the excellent team behind Machaba. In an exciting new location in the heart of the Delta we cannot wait to visit this new camp.
Okavango Walking Safari
The Okavango Delta Walking Safari camps in a secluded Okavango Delta Reserve where there are few roads; the ideal location for a walking trail led by an expert guide.
Atzaro Okavango
With a high level of tasteful luxury promised at Atzaro, we think it will be best suited to travellers seeking a touch of pampering alongside their safari.
Mokolwane
Deep in the heart of the Okavango, Mokolwane promises adventure in a largely untouched area.
Sitatunga Island Camp
Sitatunga Private Island: in this pristine corner of the Okavango Delta, even the name is evocative.
North Island
Deep in quintessentially 'Okavango' territory, between deep-water and dry-land habitats, promises to be a great combination from a team who know all about the best in the Okavango.
Karangoma
New for 2024, Karangoma is a classic, tented camp offering walking, canoeing and game drives, in partnership with the local Bukakwe San clan.
Qorokwe Camp
Luxurious and contemporary, the relatively new Qorokwe Camp is a gem in the Okavango Delta, offering land- and occasionally water-based activities in a prime wildlife area.
Eagle Island Lodge
Eagle Island Lodge is a luxurious camp with international-style facilities including air conditioning and intercom in each room; offering water based activities in the Okavango Delta.
