Reviews of safaris to Central Kalahari Game Reserve

"In total, we spent a month in Africa birding in South Africa and Namibia before our last six nights in Botswana.

Our Botswana experience was a bit of a mixed bag. The two camps we visited - Nxai Pan and Tau Pan - are very nice camps with great staff but are a bit uncomfortable if crowded because of the communal approach to dining. (20 people at a large table shouting at each other.)

We missed one night in the middle of the trip altogether because weather prevented a landing at our second camp and forced us to spend the night at a hotel in Maun.

Overall, a nice but not great experience in Botswana compared to some of our many other African trips.

Overall, Expert Africa does seem to be an "expert" on Africa. This was the second trip that we taken with help from Maruska and we are very pleased with the advice as well as the actual organization of our trips.

Keep up the good work!" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"The trip exceeded our expectations in every way.

Having 3 very distinct geographical regions, starting with the desert, was intentional (to help us absorb a 9 hr time difference), and then to experience the most of Botswana.

Loved each area and camp for very different reasons, but have to give the special mention to Lebala Camp and their staff. This was supposed to be a "once in a lifetime trip" for a milestone birthday........but plans to return to Botswana started before coming home.

Many thanks to Expert Africa for a wonderful introduction." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"what an amazing experience. i have been travelling to africa over the past 20 years and this was, by far, the most incredible experience i have had. the accommodation was all exceptional and the travel seamless. everything to make the trip easy was thought of.

the itinerary was exceptional, allowing us to see different aspects of botswana. we wouldn't have missed any of it. each was different with its own charm. the guides were all very professional and knowledgable. we experienced so much in terms of both flora and fauna.

thanks to tracy at expert africa for making everything so easy.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

no. everything was perfect." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 11 on a Botswana safari

"After our trip to India with Audley Travel, this was our next big expedition. We gave Audley a chance to quote and it was good. But Lucy showed a bit more engagement with us personally.

The trip more than lived up to our expectations. We met lots of lovely people but the icing on the cake was provided by Gee and Zimbou at Lagoon; Mos and AT at Lagoon; and Vasco, Pro and KP at Tau Pan. We shall remember them for ever and please send them our thanks and best wishes for the future." Read full review: 25 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari

"Thank you Megan (Expert Africa) for arranging this fantastic trip, taking into accounts my preferences and for suggesting the right camps based on my previous reviews.

Everything was organised to perfection.

A great combination of places to stay for varied wildlife experiences." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zambia safari

"We have been to Africa before with Expert Africa and we knew what we wanted to see this time.

We then spent a long time with Richard Trillo and his team discussing options and then left it to him to put together an extended trip to hopefully tick all the boxes on our wish list.

ALL BOXES TICKED, this was a fantastic journey through 5 African countries, we have seen and experienced so much, so a VERY BIG THANK YOU to Expert Africa for arranging this for us.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No, just carry on doing what you're doing now - it would be very hard to improve what you're already doing so well." Read full review: 44 nights in Africa; 17 on a Kenya safari

"Trip was absolutely fabulous. We have spent a lot of time in Southern Africa and the game tracking and viewing on this trip was spectacular.

The evenings and the morning game drives were much colder than we had anticipated, especially in the Kalahari Desert, so go prepared with layers of very warm clothes." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 11 on a Botswana safari

"Wonderful. No criticisms all superb" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"This was an amazing trip.

We covered three different terrains and enjoyed the variety that they each provided.

Our guides were very knowledgeable and great at sharing that knowledge.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

I think that it might be a good idea to break the journey on the way out. It might be a little more expensive but it would mean that you would arrive at the destination fresh and ready to go.

After a 24 hour journey we felt a little jaded when we arrived at our first camp." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"The experience was far better than I ever expected.

Most special was the professionalism of guides, trackers and hospitality staff. It is hard to imagine how excellently they provide for an action packed, special individual experience in such a remote area where water, power and stores have to be provided, along with clean sheets, hot showers, three course home cooked meals and an astounding variety of drinks.

The hospitality was warm and genuine, the safaris professionally run with extremely knowledgable guides who were patient with our ignorance and generously shared their love of the bush: THANK YOU POSTER, VINCE, VASCO,KT, BALE AND GOMES.

We cannot wait to get back on another safari

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

The dress code advice was a little deceptive as people dressed as they pleased. Many travellers had small "wheelie bags" which you advised were not permitted. As we travelled from Australia via multiple large airports, the lack of wheelable luggage was a downside so perhaps this needs an update?

HOWEVER, I thought the whole trip was very good value for money despite the high dollar cost, and would recommend it highly to other travellers. I cannot wait to do another trip and would definitely go back to Lagoon and Okavango delta, but would prefer a smaller lodge than Splash.

The organisation at Splash was not as good as the other 2 camps. Staff seemed not yet comfortable with dealing with the larger numbers and the "style" of the lodges with the turnover of guests and numbers of cars going every which way doesn't seem to work as well with the bigger groups, so I would be keen to find out about new Kwara. I would return to Tau Pan in a different season when the waterhole attracted more wildlife.

The food deserves a special compliment: fresh, home made flavours, served imaginatively and I just love the pre-dinner announcement.

FINALLY, I just loved the boat trip at lagoon with the bar service on the bank for sundowners with the hippos. Same as the bar on the floodplain at Splash. Special luxury experiences which I will always remember.

Your staff is amazing. Genuine, friendly, knowledgeable, professional and open to discuss Africa, poachers, politicians, animals and have a joke with the guests. I love them all. Hope to be back soon." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari