Reviews of Lagoon Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
287 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Lagoon Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
Wildlife sightings by our travellers
Starting in Jun-2018, 83 of our travellers have recorded their wildlife sightings at Lagoon Camp.
Lion
93% success
Leopard
72% success
Cheetah
60% success
Wild dog
52% success
Elephant
100% success
Giraffe
100% success
Hippo
100% success
Wildebeest
99% success
Zebra
95% success
Buffalo
85% success
Spotted Hyena
62% success
Sable antelope
52% success
Roan antelope
42% success
Brown Hyena
11% success
Pangolin
4% success
Aardvark
3% success
Ms H & Mr S
CA
"Great safari at Lagoon Camp"
2 nights Arrived 4 Sep 2017
"Wonderful camp, wonderful location, wonderful staff, wonderful guiding, wonderful wildlife.
We've done several safaris and I have to say this was one of my favorite experiences. Our guide, Spencer, certainly added to the experience. He is very knowledgeable. But he's also an entertainer. As far as any subject not related to wildlife and the nature of the area, I'm not sure that I believed much of what he said. But he sure was fun. Our tracker, JD, was amazing. He and Spencer worked very well together and JD deserves a lot of the credit for spotting.
Good lion viewing, packs of wild dogs, large herds of buffalo, of course elephants. Tremendous bird viewing. And in many ways it resembled the Masai Mara in numbers and species of animals. And hundreds of carmine bee eaters nesting! We saw them at another camp and were excited to see even greater numbers here." See all these reviews: 14n in Botswana; 5n in South Africa
We've done several safaris and I have to say this was one of my favorite experiences. Our guide, Spencer, certainly added to the experience. He is very knowledgeable. But he's also an entertainer. As far as any subject not related to wildlife and the nature of the area, I'm not sure that I believed much of what he said. But he sure was fun. Our tracker, JD, was amazing. He and Spencer worked very well together and JD deserves a lot of the credit for spotting.
Good lion viewing, packs of wild dogs, large herds of buffalo, of course elephants. Tremendous bird viewing. And in many ways it resembled the Masai Mara in numbers and species of animals. And hundreds of carmine bee eaters nesting! We saw them at another camp and were excited to see even greater numbers here." See all these reviews: 14n in Botswana; 5n in South Africa
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
Dr N
Cork
"Lagoon Camp review"
3 nights Arrived 16 Aug 2017
"The guide at Lagoon camp was informed, up to date, and terrific in accommodating our interest in seeing wild dog.
It made our stay at Lagoon Camp particularly memorable. We saw the pack hunting and witnessed an extraordinary (albeit distressing) scene of three young lions massacring the young pups of the resident wild dog family." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana
It made our stay at Lagoon Camp particularly memorable. We saw the pack hunting and witnessed an extraordinary (albeit distressing) scene of three young lions massacring the young pups of the resident wild dog family." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs T
Cambs.
"What fabulous location and service, loved it"
3 nights Arrived 24 May 2017
"The staff were great, and facilities were up to the same standard as the rest of the camps we visited. This was the largest of our rooms on the trip and was a fabulous size for thatched tented accommodation. The location was once again superb and they even made a special surprise, in-room dinner - with waitress, for our wedding anniversary. We wished we had stayed another night."
See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana; 4n in Namibia; 1n in South Africa
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Ms I
North Berwick
"Lagoon Camp review"
3 nights Arrived 8 Mar 2017
"The volume of wildlife we saw at this camp was at times almost overwhelming. Our guide was excellent, confident and experienced. This was helpful when the Landcruiser starter motor failed twice on an evening drive, once while we were a few yards away from cheetahs and the second time when we were in the middle of a pride of lions at the start of a hunt. I think there were 14 in total. The spotter and guide took it in turns to dash out of the vehicle and effect the quick fix!
It was a great experience overall with a slight problem at the end when the manager took a lot of convincing that we had to speak to Expert Africa about the change in transfer arrangements to our mobile safari. We had to be very assertive to achieve contact and speedy resolution to the problem.
I had one other problem when I was there. During our boat safari, the staff used a coffee table to get guests on and off the boat. As this generated a 2-3 feet drop down onto the coffee table on the way on to the boat, and a 2-3 feet rise on the way out, my already injured knee suffered a set back. A small set of steps would have worked perfectly. Given the age of the client group, I am surprised that the staff thought this was appropriate." See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana
It was a great experience overall with a slight problem at the end when the manager took a lot of convincing that we had to speak to Expert Africa about the change in transfer arrangements to our mobile safari. We had to be very assertive to achieve contact and speedy resolution to the problem.
I had one other problem when I was there. During our boat safari, the staff used a coffee table to get guests on and off the boat. As this generated a 2-3 feet drop down onto the coffee table on the way on to the boat, and a 2-3 feet rise on the way out, my already injured knee suffered a set back. A small set of steps would have worked perfectly. Given the age of the client group, I am surprised that the staff thought this was appropriate." See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr M
Bow
"Abundant Wildlife at Lagoon Camp"
3 nights Arrived 8 Mar 2017
"The abundance and variety of wildlife we observed on the short trip from the airstrip to camp foreshadowed future game drives. We saw more numbers and variety of wildlife at this location than anywhere else on our journey.
As we experienced at other Kwando facilities, Lagoon Camp was luxurious and comfortable with many helpful and friendly staff members.
See comments by Ms I. from North Berwick for additional details on our shared vacation." See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana
As we experienced at other Kwando facilities, Lagoon Camp was luxurious and comfortable with many helpful and friendly staff members.
See comments by Ms I. from North Berwick for additional details on our shared vacation." See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs S
Oxford
"Lagoon Camp Review"
2 nights Arrived 1 Oct 2016
"A lovely camp with a fantastic view over the river which seemed to be full of elephants and hippos for all the time we were there.
The game drives here were great, with particularly wonderful sitings of lions and wild dogs: The guide and tracker worked really really hard to make our experience as memorable as possible.
The rooms were particularly lovely - very spacious and comfortable. The food and service were also good - a highlight being treated to a private dinner in our room one evening.
We stayed here only two nights and had a game driver transfer to the Lebala Camp on leaving (where we also stayed 2 nights). Two nights in both camps with a drive between the two turned out to be absolutely ideal." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana; 4n in Zambia
The game drives here were great, with particularly wonderful sitings of lions and wild dogs: The guide and tracker worked really really hard to make our experience as memorable as possible.
The rooms were particularly lovely - very spacious and comfortable. The food and service were also good - a highlight being treated to a private dinner in our room one evening.
We stayed here only two nights and had a game driver transfer to the Lebala Camp on leaving (where we also stayed 2 nights). Two nights in both camps with a drive between the two turned out to be absolutely ideal." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana; 4n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Good
Mr & Mrs L
Wilts
"Awful."
3 nights Arrived 12 Sep 2016
"Evasive under qualified poorly motivated manager. Overconfident guides whose base knowledge of what we saw was lamentable. Always referring to guide books to answer questions. The staff appeared to run this as a private club rather than for the enjoyment of customers who had paid a grand a head per night for the dubious privilege of being there. If this camp remains on EA's list in the future it will be the last time we book with you."
See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Terrible
Activities:
Poor
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Terrible
Facilities:
Terrible
Mrs L
Basingstoke
"Beautifully situated Lagoon Camp"
2 nights Arrived 8 Sep 2016
"A lovely camp situated on the side of the river with constant comings-and-goings of hippos and dozens of elephants as well as numerous birds.
The staff were charming and friendly, the tents large and well furnished.
We had many fantastic sightings including a large pack of wild dogs with pups and two male lions feeding on a dead elephant. Due to the low level of the river boat rides were impossible but the game drives with our excellent guide, Hopps, and tracker, Justice, were exceptional. Some of the areas visited had been ravaged by fires but the new grass provided excellent food for an unusual selection of antelope." See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana
The staff were charming and friendly, the tents large and well furnished.
We had many fantastic sightings including a large pack of wild dogs with pups and two male lions feeding on a dead elephant. Due to the low level of the river boat rides were impossible but the game drives with our excellent guide, Hopps, and tracker, Justice, were exceptional. Some of the areas visited had been ravaged by fires but the new grass provided excellent food for an unusual selection of antelope." See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr S
Switzerland
"Lagoon review"
2 nights Arrived 7 Sep 2016
"Had an excellent 2 nights/days here. My only regret was that I hadn't booked to stay longer. I would highly recommend that you spend at least 3-4 nights here. The location/aspect of the camp is unbeatable, so relaxing overlooking the lagoon, with its resident hippos and herds of elephant and zebra bathing and grazing close by. There is a great little plunge pool and deck in which to cool down and laze about between game drives too. And a nice library to have some quiet time.
The huge, permanent tents have a lovely terrace overlooking the lagoon, a separate seating area, indoor/outdoor showers, as well as a stand alone bathtub also overlooking the lagoon. Food and service by all the management and staff at camp (Lebo, Kay, etc) was exemplary.
My guide/tracker (Hopps/Justice) were extremely skilful and great company. On the first morning, we tracked wild dog prints for one and a half hours before finally finding a pack of 23 dogs (including 10 puppies). I was totally blown away by the quality of tracking of these guys. They both have extensive experience in this field and it clearly shows.
On my first night, I was actually staying in the camp by myself, which was amazing (though the camp filled up the next day), and gave me the opportunity to have a long chat by the fire with Jake, the very friendly and hospitable camp manager, and also Hopps, who regaled us with stories of previous guiding successes, client antics, and very funny guiding mishaps/close calls over the years. A really fantastic evening. Highly recommend this camp. Again, I really didn't want to leave." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana
The huge, permanent tents have a lovely terrace overlooking the lagoon, a separate seating area, indoor/outdoor showers, as well as a stand alone bathtub also overlooking the lagoon. Food and service by all the management and staff at camp (Lebo, Kay, etc) was exemplary.
My guide/tracker (Hopps/Justice) were extremely skilful and great company. On the first morning, we tracked wild dog prints for one and a half hours before finally finding a pack of 23 dogs (including 10 puppies). I was totally blown away by the quality of tracking of these guys. They both have extensive experience in this field and it clearly shows.
On my first night, I was actually staying in the camp by myself, which was amazing (though the camp filled up the next day), and gave me the opportunity to have a long chat by the fire with Jake, the very friendly and hospitable camp manager, and also Hopps, who regaled us with stories of previous guiding successes, client antics, and very funny guiding mishaps/close calls over the years. A really fantastic evening. Highly recommend this camp. Again, I really didn't want to leave." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Ms A
Cambridgeshire
"Great start to my safari"
2 nights Arrived 4 Sep 2016
"A very enjoyable stay; the highlights being the wild dogs. Within four hours of landing in Botswana I found myself in the thick of the action, alongside the dogs as they first hunted impala and then frantically chased a warthog.
The next morning we spent a relaxed hour watching a flock of around one hundred carmine bee-eaters - two very different but very memorable experiences.
Great room, spacious, clean. The food was mixed, but with several options being offered, there was always something to satisfy my appetite. Service was as I expected, I’ve certainly no complaints, and I think Expert Africa’s description of the camp/service/food is spot on; the service is not as polished as at some other camps I’ve visited, but it didn’t have any detrimental effect on my stay. Most importantly the game drives were excellent.
So overall I would give 4.5 stars, not quite perfection!" See all these reviews: 7n in Botswana; 7n in Zambia; 5n in Tanzania; 1n in South Africa
The next morning we spent a relaxed hour watching a flock of around one hundred carmine bee-eaters - two very different but very memorable experiences.
Great room, spacious, clean. The food was mixed, but with several options being offered, there was always something to satisfy my appetite. Service was as I expected, I’ve certainly no complaints, and I think Expert Africa’s description of the camp/service/food is spot on; the service is not as polished as at some other camps I’ve visited, but it didn’t have any detrimental effect on my stay. Most importantly the game drives were excellent.
So overall I would give 4.5 stars, not quite perfection!" See all these reviews: 7n in Botswana; 7n in Zambia; 5n in Tanzania; 1n in South Africa
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
Holiday styles & special interests in Botswana
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Botswana.
Other lodges in Kwando-Linyanti area
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Lebala Camp
With enthusiastic guides and trackers, Lebala – in a vast private reserve – is particularly well-placed for seeking wild dogs.
Selinda Camp
In an attractive area that is particularly rich in game between June and November, the luxurious Selinda Camp caters particularly well for photographers.
DumaTau
DumaTau, in the private Linyanti Reserve, offers game drives, seasonal boat cruises and walks. Wildlife safaris here are quite seasonal, and are at their best during the height of the dry season, between June and October.
Linyanti Bush Camp
An increasingly rare find in Botswana, Linyanti Bush Camp blends relative simplicity with numerous activities and very good guiding.
Selinda Explorers Camp
The luxurious, traditional tented Selinda Explorers Camp offers a mix of walking, canoeing and game drives led by really top notch guides in a game-rich area.
Savuti Camp
Set above the Savuti Channel, the refurbished seven-room Savuti Camp offers the potential for viewing large herds of elephant and significant lion encounters.
Zarafa Camp
Zarafa is an exclusive camp overlooking the scenic Zibadianja Lagoon within the Selinda Reserve, a particularly game-rich area between June and early November.
Kings Pool
King’s Pool is a top-end luxury safari camp with a price tag to match; the game viewing can be very good during the dry season.
Linyanti Ebony
Independently owned and run, the small Linyanti Ebony sits on the same site as Linyanti Bush Camp, with similarly high standards of guiding, and a strong emphasis on the wildlife experience.
Linyanti Expeditions
Tip-top guiding. In tune with the habitat. Down-to-earth, authentic camp comfort. A place of wilderness safari harmony.
Little DumaTau
Small and sophisticated, Little DumaTau lies adjacent to its larger sibling in the private Linyanti Reserve, overlooking a beautiful lagoon.
