Reviews of safaris to Chobe National Park
353 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Chobe.
Mrs R
Daventry
"My Jun 2018 trip"
I visited Botswana between 7 Jun 2018 and 19 Jun 2018
Overall trip
Excellent
Ms M & Ms SP
Canada
"My June 2018 trip"
I visited Botswana and 2 other countries between 4 Jun 2018 and 2 Jul 2018
"A trip of a lifetime. We had a tremendous time from the moment we landed in Johannesburg till the moment we left Cape Town. We do encourage people to visit Johannesburg and we stayed at the Monarch Hotel which was very conveniently located close to the train to the airport, close to the mall and also to restaurants. The people we met were nearly all helpful and kind and we felt that our trip added rather than took from the places we visited. Everything was taken care of other than a couple of things.
All the connections worked out but I would strongly recommend you including in the itineary the addresses of locations after a flight. The flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town did not include Jeanne's bag. We spent quite a lot of time waiting and then talking to the lost baggage people about this. They found the bag in Johannesburg and wanted an address to deliver it to us when it arrived. We didn't have the Acorn House address and they didn't have access to the internet or a phone and nor did I. All I could think of was to go to the driver and find out from him. I made the fatal error of leaving the arrivals area to talk to him and then trying to go back to tell the baggage people what the address was. That caused a real problem and I had go through a ridiculous process to get back to Jeanne even though five people watched me walk out of the arrivals area and refused to let me back without special authorization and being escorted through security.. Please include the address in your documentation.
Under the category of things I wished I'd known was the fact that both lodges in the Delta were open to the elements and quite cold at night. We had been warned by our friends it would be cold in the Etosha area, but didn't think there would be the same issue in Botswana. We adapted, by showering when it was warm out and wearing our warmest clothes to bed but it was a surprise." Read full review: 28 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari
All the connections worked out but I would strongly recommend you including in the itineary the addresses of locations after a flight. The flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town did not include Jeanne's bag. We spent quite a lot of time waiting and then talking to the lost baggage people about this. They found the bag in Johannesburg and wanted an address to deliver it to us when it arrived. We didn't have the Acorn House address and they didn't have access to the internet or a phone and nor did I. All I could think of was to go to the driver and find out from him. I made the fatal error of leaving the arrivals area to talk to him and then trying to go back to tell the baggage people what the address was. That caused a real problem and I had go through a ridiculous process to get back to Jeanne even though five people watched me walk out of the arrivals area and refused to let me back without special authorization and being escorted through security.. Please include the address in your documentation.
Under the category of things I wished I'd known was the fact that both lodges in the Delta were open to the elements and quite cold at night. We had been warned by our friends it would be cold in the Etosha area, but didn't think there would be the same issue in Botswana. We adapted, by showering when it was warm out and wearing our warmest clothes to bed but it was a surprise." Read full review: 28 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
D&M Blue Hill
USA
"Zambia and Botswana 2018"
I visited Botswana and 1 other country between 7 May 2018 and 13 May 2018
"Great trip, everything went so well. No glitches.
The connections and transfers were all seamless. Chobe River crossings between Zambia and Botswana was easy.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We are so impressed with the trip Lucy put together for us. Even though we just saw a small corner of Africa it was truely amazing.
Lucy really listened to what we wanted to do and made it all happen" Read full review: 6 nights in Africa; 3 on a Botswana safari
The connections and transfers were all seamless. Chobe River crossings between Zambia and Botswana was easy.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We are so impressed with the trip Lucy put together for us. Even though we just saw a small corner of Africa it was truely amazing.
Lucy really listened to what we wanted to do and made it all happen" Read full review: 6 nights in Africa; 3 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs A
Aboyne
"My May 2018 trip"
I visited Botswana and 1 other country between 3 May 2018 and 15 May 2018
"Megan arranged a wonderful safari for us in Botswana. She listened carefully to our needs and hopes. With her first hand experience of the country she put to a most enjoyable programme with a variety of camps. She was very friendly and extremely efficient replying speedily to our emails.
From our arrival in Maul tour departure from Livingstone the package, including all Border crossings, flowed seamlessly and without difficulty. The various guides who met us organised tickets and visas speedily.
With hindsight two camps were close together but we appreciate that availability and distance may have been a limiting factor. A camp further up into the the delta would have allowed us to compare the wet areas with the dry areas.
In short a great experience. Thank you." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari
From our arrival in Maul tour departure from Livingstone the package, including all Border crossings, flowed seamlessly and without difficulty. The various guides who met us organised tickets and visas speedily.
With hindsight two camps were close together but we appreciate that availability and distance may have been a limiting factor. A camp further up into the the delta would have allowed us to compare the wet areas with the dry areas.
In short a great experience. Thank you." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mrs CH
Guildford
"Terrific trip"
I visited Namibia and 2 other countries between 19 Apr 2018 and 14 May 2018
"We thoroughly enjoyed our trip.
the only part where we were disappointed was with the transfer arrangements between Muchenje Lodge and Victoria Falls but this feedback form does not provide the opportunity to comment." Read full review: 25 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
the only part where we were disappointed was with the transfer arrangements between Muchenje Lodge and Victoria Falls but this feedback form does not provide the opportunity to comment." Read full review: 25 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Wallington
UK
"Windhoek- Caprivi - Livingstone"
I visited Namibia and 2 other countries between 4 Apr 2018 and 18 Apr 2018
"I bought this trip for my wife's 60th birthday and it was an inspired choice. We usually back-pack so this was exceptionally easy - especially the transfer at the Botswana - Zambia border. Note that the driver told me that I couldn't get a KAZA visa at this border crossing, mentioned in the very good Bradt guide you provided. This was not correct and we were issued one when I enquired. Great choice of lodgings and really loved Okajima, River Dance and Garden Lodge.
Josh clearly explained to me the type of trip we were booked on, particularly that we were not including some of the major game parks, so we were very clear on what we would be experiencing and he sent me a new map free of charge when we found a minor mistake on the first one.
I'm impressed with the service by both Expert Africa and your local agents. Your instructions/information are excellent.
Minor points are raised where applicable in the accommodation reviews, but they in no way spoilt our trip.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Other than the points raised above, no." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 8 on a Namibia trip
Josh clearly explained to me the type of trip we were booked on, particularly that we were not including some of the major game parks, so we were very clear on what we would be experiencing and he sent me a new map free of charge when we found a minor mistake on the first one.
I'm impressed with the service by both Expert Africa and your local agents. Your instructions/information are excellent.
Minor points are raised where applicable in the accommodation reviews, but they in no way spoilt our trip.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Other than the points raised above, no." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 8 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Ms V
USA
"My Mar 2018 trip"
I visited Botswana between 18 Mar 2018 and 1 Apr 2018
"Four years age we went to similar camps (also at the end of March) and the wildlife was extraodinary. This year the wildlife was more touch-and-go. At all camps we could drive for several hours and see few animals, and then we would encounter many animals, similar to our 2014 experience. What we were did not realize was that the 2014 trip coincided with exceptional early water, and our 2018 trip was the normal dry period. Kanana was so dry that we could not use the boat, and were able to mokoro only in a single channel. Our 'satisfactory' ranking simply reflects picking the wrong time to visit. If this was our first visit we would have ranked the trip much higher.
Thank you for ensuring that all camps were aware of our food preferences. All camps worked to accomodate them. With the exception of Little Tubu, all camps served vegetarian rather than vegan meals. The meals at Little Tubu were incredibly delicious, and the chef is fantastic.
With the exception of Savute Safari Lodge, we enjoyed the diversity of lodges and experiences. Savute was a poor choice for us for five reasons: disregard for acceptable viewing of wildlife; excessive crowding of vehicles (we knew this was a national park, and anticipated seeing other cars, but not so many and so constantly); so-so guide (our guide sometimes made comments that indicated he was a knowledgeable guide, but he generally said little and rarely shared this knowledge); rodents in our rooms (which were otherwise very nice, and had wonderful porches); and overall a lower quality in food, service, and facilities, compared to our other camps." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Botswana safari
Thank you for ensuring that all camps were aware of our food preferences. All camps worked to accomodate them. With the exception of Little Tubu, all camps served vegetarian rather than vegan meals. The meals at Little Tubu were incredibly delicious, and the chef is fantastic.
With the exception of Savute Safari Lodge, we enjoyed the diversity of lodges and experiences. Savute was a poor choice for us for five reasons: disregard for acceptable viewing of wildlife; excessive crowding of vehicles (we knew this was a national park, and anticipated seeing other cars, but not so many and so constantly); so-so guide (our guide sometimes made comments that indicated he was a knowledgeable guide, but he generally said little and rarely shared this knowledge); rodents in our rooms (which were otherwise very nice, and had wonderful porches); and overall a lower quality in food, service, and facilities, compared to our other camps." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Average
Mrs J
Coventry
"Safari fun"
I visited Botswana between 10 Mar 2018 and 18 Mar 2018
"Our safari adventure was part of a longer trip to Africa and was the highlight.
Having been fortunate enough to go on safari before staying in lodges I wanted an experience to bring me closer to the whole environment and maybe harking back to the original type of safari! The comfortable camping option was perfect! Real beds, a shower, a comfortable toilet ,good food and wine plus lions and hyenas in the camp!
Great!" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 2 on a Botswana safari
Having been fortunate enough to go on safari before staying in lodges I wanted an experience to bring me closer to the whole environment and maybe harking back to the original type of safari! The comfortable camping option was perfect! Real beds, a shower, a comfortable toilet ,good food and wine plus lions and hyenas in the camp!
Great!" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 2 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr J
Coventry
"Our annual adventure to Africa"
I visited Botswana between 21 Jan 2018 and 8 Feb 2018
"Our third trip with Expert Africa and the itinerary that I put together was arranged perfectly. Not a single thing went wrong on our 18 day adventure."
Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 16 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Piotr & Glen
London
"Our trip was absolutely one of the best!"
I visited Namibia and 2 other countries between 24 Nov 2017 and 13 Dec 2017
"The entire trip was excellent and once again we really were so happy with the service and preparation provided by Sabina and her colleagues at Expert Africa.
We also ended the holiday with a self-organised further 3 days in Kruger in South Africa, spending time and seeing incredible animals there too, with our friends from Cape Town, so in its entirety our holiday was by far one of the best we have ever had in this part of the world.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Keep doing the good job.
And - although more on the joking side - perhaps advise in more detail customers who plan to drive in Botswana about the speed limits and how strictly they are checked (and penalised!) by the Botswana police. Also, worth advising that sometimes the speed limit will be reduced from 120 to 60 in a very short distance which almost can make it impossible to get under 60 - I was done for this although doing only 67, had my licence retained (in Gumari) while I drove to the cash machine to extract Pula to pay the fine. And the potholes on Botswana roads - this was something I have never seen before and so worth tipping off the drivers to pay really close attention to them, as they can be really dangerous if you are not careful!" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 6 on a Namibia trip
We also ended the holiday with a self-organised further 3 days in Kruger in South Africa, spending time and seeing incredible animals there too, with our friends from Cape Town, so in its entirety our holiday was by far one of the best we have ever had in this part of the world.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Keep doing the good job.
And - although more on the joking side - perhaps advise in more detail customers who plan to drive in Botswana about the speed limits and how strictly they are checked (and penalised!) by the Botswana police. Also, worth advising that sometimes the speed limit will be reduced from 120 to 60 in a very short distance which almost can make it impossible to get under 60 - I was done for this although doing only 67, had my licence retained (in Gumari) while I drove to the cash machine to extract Pula to pay the fine. And the potholes on Botswana roads - this was something I have never seen before and so worth tipping off the drivers to pay really close attention to them, as they can be really dangerous if you are not careful!" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 6 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
353
reviews of Chobe by travellers since August 2007
Overall rating by our travellers
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Where to stay in Chobe
Our suggestions for safari camps in Chobe National Park
Muchenje Safari Lodge
One of our favourites in the area, Muchenje is a small, welcoming lodge at the quieter, western end of the Chobe Riverfront.
Chobe River Lodge
Overlooking the Chobe River, the intimate Chobe River Lodge is a haven of tranquillity away from the bustle of Kasane.
Savute Safari Lodge
Savute Safari Lodge sits on the banks of the Savuti Channel within Chobe National Park, and offers access to excellent game viewing, especially during the dry season.
Savute Under Canvas
A mobile camp with the comforts of a semi-permanent tented camp, Savute Under Canvas offers guided game drives within the Savuti region of Chobe National Park.
Chobe Under Canvas
This is a typical location for Chobe under Canvas, a small, semi-permanent camp in the Chobe Riverfront area that offers good value for money and high standards of care.
Chobe Safari Lodge
Chobe Safari Lodge is a good value, hotel-style lodge in the heart of Kasane offering game drives, boat cruises and fishing trips.
Chobe Elephant Camp
Located in one of our favorite areas of Chobe National Park, Chobe Elephant Camp is a simple but well-appointed camp with a strong bush feel.
Chobe Game Lodge
Chobe Game Lodge occupies an enviable riverfront location within Chobe National Park and boasts well-earned 'eco' credentials, as well as an excellent all-female guiding team.
Ngoma Safari Lodge
With sweeping views across the floodplains of the Chobe River, Ngoma offers superb food and flexible safari activities.
Chobe Chilwero
On the periphery of Chobe National Park, Chobe Chilwero offers luxurious surroundings and excellent food, which complement superb game viewing on game drives and boat trips.
Camp Kuzuma
Camp Kuzuma sits in the Kazuma Forest Reserve and is an excellent place to see elephant in particular. Away from the busier riverfront area of Chobe National Park this camp offers a luxurious base form which to explore this less visited region of northern Botswana.
Savute Elephant Lodge
Savute Elephant Lodge is a luxurious camp on the banks of the now flowing Savuti Channel. This is a classic big-game area, although its location within Chobe National Park does limit the activities which are possible here.
Elephant Valley Lodge
Elephant Valley Lodge is a lovely camp in a beautiful setting – sit in its hide and watch the wildlife come to drink at the waterhole. Activities focus on boating and drives in Chobe which - although very busy, and a long drive from the lodge – is very rich in wildlife.
