Reviews of safaris to Kwando-Linyanti area

"Any limitations with this trip were entirely of our own making. We have been travelling to Botswana for long enough to know what works and what is less to our liking. The planning done for us by Megan was exemplary. It worked like a dream and we were confident that had anything gone wrong it would be 'sorted'.

Overall we had yet another magnificent holiday marred only by a guide who has probably been in situ for too long. The pity is that he is the 'best friend' of our guide at Savuti who was first class. Similar seasonal difficulties but very different outcomes.

We have 4 observations that may help future planning:

a. Wilderness red meat. At the prices they charge they simply cannot continue to serve guests meat that cannot be cut let alone chewed. Can expert Africa please ask them what is going on?

b. Approaching 73 I am the last person to make ageist remarks but at Sandibe we were teamed in the vehicle with a Belgian man accompanied by his 88 year old mother. She was remarkable but had severe mobility problems, especially entering and leaving the vehicle. Perhaps camps should make special arrangements for such guests? I hope so, as I might be using them in the future!

c. Newsletters. We like to browse the Wilderness web site before travel to see what is going on in the camps we are to visit and get a flavour of the state of the annual flood etc. This year, up, to the time we left in mid April, there was not a single Savuti their news reports but unless they are recent they are useless.

d. Room Increases. There have been one or two reports of camps increasing the number of rooms. As old Okavango hands we have been willing to pay premium prices as we have been assured of very low guest numbers and the exclusivity that goes with it. If the Delta is to become as crowded as some other safari destinations it will be difficult to maintain exclusive prices. A number of fellow travellers expressed just this sentiment this time.

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Nothing further to add. We will be contacting you for 2014 very soon!" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari

"After teh 4th visit to Botswana I just can say: I will come back." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 13 on a Botswana safari

"I went the wrong way, should have done Lebala and Lagoon first as Little Kawara and Kanana really raised the bar. Meg was fantastic all the way through.

I would have preferred a bit more electronic stuff and less paper (same with your brochure which I prefer online as I am a greenie)" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 13 on a Botswana safari

"Thoroughly enjoyable, if tiring.

This trip was planned some 18 months ago and was programmed for May 2012, but medical problems arose and it had to be deferred to Nov. Throughout this process we were encouraged by the patience and consideration of Nick who is a great ambassador for your organization

The bulk of the time was spent in Kwando camps, with whom we have stayed before. They have a quality product, but it is not a good look when their guides have to borrow guests binoculars/reference books to identify a particular bird.

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As long as your staff show the same consideration as Nick when problems arise your customer service satisfaction levels should be high." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 13 on a Botswana safari

"Overall the trip was excellent and will remain in memory for a long time. The overall organisation was very good and (Air Botswana notwithstanding) it all ran very smoothly. We had to rejuggle our trip and push it back one month due to passport issues - Wilderness and (especially) Expert Africa were extremely helpful in trying to accomodate our new dates and reshuffling everything - thank you very much to all.

The variety of game viewing exceeded our expectations. The accomodation was good though we preffered the styling of Duma Tau to the more modern Vumbura Plains.

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The brochure is good but very big. Similarly this feedback for is quite long (though I understand you want detailed comments).

It could be highlighted which camps are actually owned by Wilderness as I understand for some of them Wilderness only does the booking. Guests could book a camp thinking it is Wilderness owned (and follows their eco credentials/service etc) but then find it is not - eg apparently Chitabe is not Wilderness owned.

Once again, thanks to Megan for working hard to salvage our trip after our passport problems!" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"Primarily we wanted a varied experience of Botswana and to see the wild dogs, leopards and cheetahs and that is exactly what we got. It was a wonderful trip filled with many happy memories. In particular we were struck by the exceptional friendliness of all the people in Botswana - it was a real pleasure to be there. The guiding in the Kwando camps was of the highest order and nothing was too much trouble.

The only downside was the six people two tier vehicles used at Little Kwara and Nxai Pan. We were very fortunate not to be too affected by this but on another occasion we might not be so lucky. Some of the Kwando staff were apologetic about this situation which can be easily remedied by the senior management. We had little problem with six people in the three tier vehicles at Lagoon when the occasion arose. When you have paid a significant amount for such a holiday you don't want to be cramped into a vehicle for several hours.

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No. Nick Hobbs gave us all the information we needed about the flights, the camps and tipping. Thank you very much." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"Good mix of camps and localities. Staff at all levels generally well-trained, friendly, helpful. Food at dinner generally disappointing (with the exception of Batswana beef), although brunches and teas were usually very good, and wines and other drinks were good. We understand the problem of lighting versus insects, but we do like to see what we're eating; Lagoon seemed to have got it nearly right.

Wildlife varied from disappointing to wonderful. Guides/drivers/spotters usually informative and knowledgeable; vehicles varied in comfort and facilities.

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Given my comments on the individual camps, it would have been helpful to know that it was sometimes a long (hot) walk to the furthest away rooms. Camp staff were helpful when this proved to be a problem." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 12 on a Botswana safari

"It was a wonderful holiday seeing all the game life.

Botswana appears to be dominated by lions and elephants. I was grateful to see the pack of wild dogs whilst staying at Lagoon as all other camps said that there were no wild dogs in their vicinity. I saw 39 different lions over the 2 weeks, 5 leopards, 3 Cheetahs, a pack of wild dogs and a good number of Hyena. I only saw leopards at Lagoon and Sandibe.

The trip was very well organised - thank you. All pick ups and transfers worked perfectly , there being no hitches. I would go back tomorrowm if I could afford it." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 13 on a Botswana safari

"A wonderful holiday with exactly the type of camps and experiences we wanted." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 11 on a Botswana safari

"We cannot wait to embark on a second safari soonest possible. We would most definitely like to have an experience similar to the one we had with Kwando. The same spirit, not too polished and with emphasis on quality rather than on luxury.

Expert Africa has been attentive to all of our needs and requests. Thanks.

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Great job ... keep it that way !!!" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari