Travel reviews by Dr. & Mrs. B from Snettisham, Norfolk

africatrip

On this trip, I visited Botswana, Namibia & Zambia between 16-May-2009 and 4-Jun-2009 and I travelled with 1 other person.

This was our first trip to Africa and we had only a vague idea of what to expect. The whole trip was fabulous. All the arrangements worked. All the staff were friendly, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. All the accomodation was lovely. Even the basic camp on Mboma island was a hoot.

Although we are not birdwatchers, the array of birds pointed out by the guides and spotted by us has made us keen twitchers. Binocculrs are a must. Enjoyed all the food, even the more exotic. The night skies were a treat.

We were a bit surprised to find how cool it was in the early mornings and after sunset and found the ponchos and hot water bottles very useful. Loved the daily sundowner routine. Our highlight was coming upon a cheetah in the early morning and following it for 45mts. There was nobdy else around.

The ballon flight was great fun. skillfully managed by pilot and support staff.

Suggestions for improvements:

I think the way we did ie(Livingstone-Chobe-Linyanti-Khwai) was good. Took too many evening clothes and not enough warm clothes. Picking up the luggage at Jo'burg everytime was a bore and it would be nice to be able trust the security enough to not have to do it. The singing and dancing from the staff at the lodges was hugely enjoyable.

We did spend a lot of time travelling after we left Maun and the drive to and from Kulala was tedious and stressful in parts. Would have preferred a day each in Maun and Windhoek and possibly flown to Kulala as other guests did. The river was ok but could have given it a miss. Overall, it was a fantastic experience which we will recommend to friends

I stayed at and have reviewed:

Place	Overall rating
Zambezi Sun, Zambia 17-May-2009 review: Zambezi Sun review	Good
Muchenje Safari Lodge, Botswana 19-May-2009 review: Muchenje Safari Lodge review	Excellent
Linyanti Bush Camp and Linyanti Ebony , Botswana 23-May-2009 review: Linyanti Bush Camp review	Good
Khwai Tented Camp, Botswana 26-May-2009 review: Khwai Tented Camp review	Excellent
Olive Grove, Namibia 30-May-2009 review: Olive Grove review	Excellent
Kulala Desert Lodge, Namibia 31-May-2009 review: Kulala Desert Lodge review	Excellent