Reviews of safaris to Kwando-Linyanti area

"An outstanding travel experience.

As a rather independent traveler, I rely on travel literature to plan itineraries rather than merely "purchase" a pre established tour such as those offered by Abercrombie and Kent. With regards to Botswana, I read the Bradt Travel Guide authored by Chris McIntyre and found it to be most informative, especially in the descriptions of the various private concession areas and of the myriad of camps within the concessions. Being directly affiliated with Expert Africa led me to contacting your company and I was put in contact with Nick Hobbs.

Over many months, Nick and I had numerous interactions both by email and on occasion by telephone. In all instances, I found Nick to be very responsive and his personal knowledge of Botswana obviously helpful in narrowing down which camps I ultimately selected.

Having completed our holiday, I can report that every required travel reservation/connection---air from Joberg, ground to zambia hotel, scheduled excursions within zambia, ground/boat/air connection to botswana camps was effected without any problem. And the safari camp experiences was consistent with the written or verbal guidance provided by Expert Africa personnel. And, while this was a most expensive holiday, prices quoted by Expert Africa were competitive with other inquiries I made prior to selecting Expert Africa.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Expert Africa literature was very informative and helpful.

A minor suggestion-- while gratuity guidance for guides and camp staff is covered. I would add some guidance re ground transportation personnel --- for example, is a gratuity expected for the people providing the ground transportation from Zambia airport to hotel; or, from Zambia hotel to Botswana border; or, the Mack air porter who takes your bags to the small aircraft at Kasane? ( The cost for the ground/private air is included in the aggregate amount paid to Expert Africa but it is vague whether or not an additional gratuity is ""expected"".)

As a traveler, my preference would be, to specifically state in you literature that a gratuity for these incidental services is not expected (and if necessary, add a few dollars/pounds to your fees to the traveler to cover these incidentals)." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"This was one of the best holidays I have ever had.

I loved it and the children did too it was magical and unforgettable. We have taken a bit of Africa back with us! Can't wait for an excuse to return...." Read full review: 6 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"First, the team member who dealt most with my trip was Chloe Henderson. To be honest, she is the one who made me chose Expert Africa because I was about to go with either &Beyond or Ker & Downey. So, even if I know she left the company, special thanks to her, she was amazing and gave me incredible and valuable advice!

Having said that, our trip was excellent. Botswana/Vic Falls represented 1/3 of our trip (the two others being South Africa and Mozambique) and this was the highlight of our trip.

We will keep an unforgettable souvenir of this week, thank you!!" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"Great - not one single hitch - would recommend Expert Africa without hesitation." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"This was our best holiday ever, exceeding our expectations. Expert Africa were really helpful, efficient and friendly.

Botswana and its people are wonderful, and we wish them all success in finding that elusive balance between tourist income and protecting the environment. The vastness, silence and majesty of the landscape were enough of themselves, with the wildlife an added bonus! It was magical and reassuring to see such a huge population of elephants around Linyanti, and the Walking with Elephants experience near Stanley's Camp will stay with us forever.

We were made to feel special throughout the whole holiday, and it was great to have staff who treated us more like valued friends than customers.The "tents" were better than most luxury hotels we've stayed in, and the sun-downers, high tea, campfires, and welcoming dances were excellent. Mack Air flights were a highly enjoyable part of the experience, rather than a way to get from A to B, and gave us a feel for the enormity and diversity of the country.

We're already saving up to visit again.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No, it was perfect." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari

"One we will always remember for the right reasons.

Come back full of different knowledge and experience. When people say oh now you are back you feel like you have never been away I can truly say, I've been away." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari

"I had the best time of my life. Truly a trip of a lifetime.

I want to credit Nick Hobbs for recommending Little Kwara. Without that camp, I would not have seen lion - which was at the top of my list. That camp was not even on my list, but he said they were great trackers and he was dead on right.

Thank you Nick. I will be forever grateful." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"I would return to Botswana, its brilliant for animal and bird viewing. Its not a cheap destination but you are rewarded with some extraordinary sightings of both the more common and the rarer African wild animals.

I'm particularly keen on Wild Dogs and was not disappointed in the sightings of them around Lebala and Little Kwara.

The staff in all of the camps and indeed all of the people I met in Botswana were helpful and welcoming.

However, I was not impressed by Little Kwara and would not return there. If it had not been for the experience there, I would have considered my trip to be 'very satisfactory'" Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"A great safari experience - but one camp too many....

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Make it clearer that we would be essentially totally out of communication before we left (mobile and internet)" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 12 on a Botswana safari

"Excellent, I am likely to do another safari." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari