Reviews of safaris to Kwando-Linyanti area
593 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Kwando-Linyanti.
Mr & Mrs B
Bucks.
""
I visited Botswana and 1 other country between 14 Aug 2008 and 26 Aug 2008
"In fact I would go higher than this if the choices allowed and say that it was truely memorable. The key factors were:
1. The initial conversation with Chris and and Anna to help make our choices.
2. The Expert Africa web site is just brilliant at providing information for making informed choices.
3. The way that Anna coomunicated with us and when necessary made changes to accommodate our preferences.
4. The Lodges did just what it says on the tin.
5. The wildlife was beyond our expectations
6. The Delta and Chobe are a good combination
If I could improve on this the only thing I would need is a trip that geared to the needs of a video enthusiast. Guides that don't talk too much and fellow tourists that can avoide asking questions or chating when I am filming. Not many tourists take video so don't understand how much a microphone can pick up. The only answer is to have a truck to yourslef but at $500 a day at Duba is a bit too much on top of the trip cost.
This was our second trip organised with Expert Africa. My comments above reflect the high satisfaction we have with both the individuals and the company. This was also reflected by others whom we met on this trip who had booked with Expert Africa. We particualrly appreciate the care in making selections geared to what we like doing. The two way communication feels more like a partnership than a traditional customer relationship. You have proved that this standard can be maintained so we would have no hesitation in both coming to you again and recommending others to save themselves a lot of trouble and use Expert Africa." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari
1. The initial conversation with Chris and and Anna to help make our choices.
2. The Expert Africa web site is just brilliant at providing information for making informed choices.
3. The way that Anna coomunicated with us and when necessary made changes to accommodate our preferences.
4. The Lodges did just what it says on the tin.
5. The wildlife was beyond our expectations
6. The Delta and Chobe are a good combination
If I could improve on this the only thing I would need is a trip that geared to the needs of a video enthusiast. Guides that don't talk too much and fellow tourists that can avoide asking questions or chating when I am filming. Not many tourists take video so don't understand how much a microphone can pick up. The only answer is to have a truck to yourslef but at $500 a day at Duba is a bit too much on top of the trip cost.
This was our second trip organised with Expert Africa. My comments above reflect the high satisfaction we have with both the individuals and the company. This was also reflected by others whom we met on this trip who had booked with Expert Africa. We particualrly appreciate the care in making selections geared to what we like doing. The two way communication feels more like a partnership than a traditional customer relationship. You have proved that this standard can be maintained so we would have no hesitation in both coming to you again and recommending others to save themselves a lot of trouble and use Expert Africa." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs S
Jersey
"Wow"
I visited Botswana and 1 other country between 14 Aug 2008 and 27 Aug 2008
"Wonderful. We have had a short game trip in the Kruger many years ago but this exceeded our expectations. Ian used to live in Zambia as a teenager and this was his first visit back there for 45 years. He now wishes he had returned earlier. Gloria had never seen the Victoria Falls and she thought it was fantastic.
We thought Botswana and its people were delightful and would not hesitate to recommend this trip to our friends.
Thank you everyone.
Suggestions for improvement:
No very happy with the way the trip was organised." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari
We thought Botswana and its people were delightful and would not hesitate to recommend this trip to our friends.
Thank you everyone.
Suggestions for improvement:
No very happy with the way the trip was organised." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs I
Henley
"Wonderful"
I visited Botswana and 1 other country between 14 Aug 2008 and 27 Aug 2008
"A most wonderful trip but slightly tainted by a very dissapointing visit to Kings Pool Premier Camp. The pure extravagance and oppulance does not compensate for poor game viewing.
If Wilderness Safaris are moving to towards more and bigger Premier camps I trust they retain some of the Clasics." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari
If Wilderness Safaris are moving to towards more and bigger Premier camps I trust they retain some of the Clasics." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs Delta
Spain
"Fantastic!"
I visited Botswana and 1 other country between 10 Aug 2008 and 23 Aug 2008
"We had a fantastic trip. All the logistics worked out perfectly, our flights from camp to camp were all in the middle of the day so we didn't miss any activities and all the flights except the last one were without any stops and we were the only passengers. The only incident came on the trip back home, when our BA flight from joburg to heathrow had a 4 hour delay, so we missed our connection to Madrid and had to take a later flight. At least they didn't lose our bags!
We really liked the lodges & camps, most of them met or exceeded our expectations, and we will recommend them to friends, except perhaps Jack's Camp, which we didn't like that much: it's too stuffy and snobbish for our taste, the people there need to loosen up a bit. Also, we didn't like that they plan all the activities for you and don't tell you what the plan is when you arrive, it's like they want everything to be a big secret surprise, a bit childish and condescending.
All the rest were fine, our favorite was Duma Tau. I also loved Mapula because of its very relaxed and laid-back atmosphere and its focus on game viewing; my wife also liked it though she found it too rustic and less tidy than the others.
Expert Africa did an excellent job in organizing this trip, keeping us informed of changes (e.g., when NationWide Air went bankrupt and the flight was changed to BA), submitting all the info, etc. I especially liked the "camp availability chart" they sent us so we could figure out how to fit our preferred camps in the itinerary, that was a most useful tool for urs." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari
We really liked the lodges & camps, most of them met or exceeded our expectations, and we will recommend them to friends, except perhaps Jack's Camp, which we didn't like that much: it's too stuffy and snobbish for our taste, the people there need to loosen up a bit. Also, we didn't like that they plan all the activities for you and don't tell you what the plan is when you arrive, it's like they want everything to be a big secret surprise, a bit childish and condescending.
All the rest were fine, our favorite was Duma Tau. I also loved Mapula because of its very relaxed and laid-back atmosphere and its focus on game viewing; my wife also liked it though she found it too rustic and less tidy than the others.
Expert Africa did an excellent job in organizing this trip, keeping us informed of changes (e.g., when NationWide Air went bankrupt and the flight was changed to BA), submitting all the info, etc. I especially liked the "camp availability chart" they sent us so we could figure out how to fit our preferred camps in the itinerary, that was a most useful tool for urs." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Dusky sunbird
UK
"Mission accomplished"
I visited Botswana between 10 Aug 2008 and 20 Aug 2008
"The mark of a top operator is fitting the right trip to the client. This was achieved perfectly. A difficult spec - a mixed party of 8, including youngsters ages 8, 11, 15 and 17 - most of whom had not been to Africa before. We were tight on high season dates too.
Maruska came up with a trip which really fitted the brief, and scored at least 9 out of 10 from the participants.
Particularly excellent was Santantadibe Mobile Camp in the Okavango Delta - all ages (8-51) loved the genuinely African experience, the fact we had it all to ourselves, and the super hosting/guiding of Grant and Daphe. Well done!" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 4 on a Botswana safari
Maruska came up with a trip which really fitted the brief, and scored at least 9 out of 10 from the participants.
Particularly excellent was Santantadibe Mobile Camp in the Okavango Delta - all ages (8-51) loved the genuinely African experience, the fact we had it all to ourselves, and the super hosting/guiding of Grant and Daphe. Well done!" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 4 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs Y
Ponteland
"Flying Chilli Peppers from Newcastle"
I visited Botswana and 1 other country between 8 Aug 2008 and 25 Aug 2008
"An action packed , superb holiday with plenty of opportunities to see landscapes, plants birds and animals and take loads of photos. Perhaps we should have built in a little more relaxation!
I enjoyed working out availiability with Susannah via email as we didn't book holiday until March and some camps were unavailable.
Our experience was that the vast majority of birds and animals were seen on the game drives and very little seen on the water. We realised how vital good guiding is to the whole experience.
Nambia and Botswana guideline booklets were very useful" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari
I enjoyed working out availiability with Susannah via email as we didn't book holiday until March and some camps were unavailable.
Our experience was that the vast majority of birds and animals were seen on the game drives and very little seen on the water. We realised how vital good guiding is to the whole experience.
Nambia and Botswana guideline booklets were very useful" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Ms S
New York
"Overall trip"
I visited Botswana between 5 Aug 2008 and 17 Aug 2008
"Wonderful trip and would definately go back, The Safari company there really do a professional well orgainized trip. I loved the quiteness of it all, Not hundreds of tourists with radios rushing to see kills. The camps were all fabulous (except King's Pool) and each had a different feel but were well managed, and I think you get the level of luxury that you pay for. Even however the less expensive camps were really comfortable.
The people were universally friendly and helpful - what a wonderful country (Botswana). The game veiwing was serene and comprehensive. Only a max of 4 people to a jeep added to the ambiience and ability to be flexible (like staying 1 hour to watch the hyena cubs play).
Food was excellent, although I would have loved to have tried the local cuisine at some point. The guests seemed to be like minded, so we got on pretty well with everyone. We traveled for 9 nights in 4 different camps, and I would actually recommend that 7 nights, max 8 is enough. It also struck me that there is no need to go to more that 3 camps. I
Please note that if I had not been to Kings c Pool, I would have given my trip 5 "paws
Just also like to say that Susannah was very helpful, and knowledgeabloe
Suggestions for improvements:
Not really - it all ran very smoothly and was better than I expected" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari
The people were universally friendly and helpful - what a wonderful country (Botswana). The game veiwing was serene and comprehensive. Only a max of 4 people to a jeep added to the ambiience and ability to be flexible (like staying 1 hour to watch the hyena cubs play).
Food was excellent, although I would have loved to have tried the local cuisine at some point. The guests seemed to be like minded, so we got on pretty well with everyone. We traveled for 9 nights in 4 different camps, and I would actually recommend that 7 nights, max 8 is enough. It also struck me that there is no need to go to more that 3 camps. I
Please note that if I had not been to Kings c Pool, I would have given my trip 5 "paws
Just also like to say that Susannah was very helpful, and knowledgeabloe
Suggestions for improvements:
Not really - it all ran very smoothly and was better than I expected" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Good
Prof & Mrs S
Scotland
"First timers in Botswana"
I visited Botswana between 28 Jul 2008 and 7 Aug 2008
"The trip exceeded our expectations - partly because we did not think our trip to Mala Mala in 1992 could be bettered.
The problem is to combine the reality of searching for wildlife in an uncertain environment with the requirements of people used to very high standards of accommodation etc. It seemed to us that an appropriate balance between the two was achieved. A huge bonus is the friendliness and humour of the Batswana. But the deciding factor for people who are intensely interested in wildlife is the professionalism and knowledge of the guides.
It was a wonderful way to celebrate our Silver wedding anniversary." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari
The problem is to combine the reality of searching for wildlife in an uncertain environment with the requirements of people used to very high standards of accommodation etc. It seemed to us that an appropriate balance between the two was achieved. A huge bonus is the friendliness and humour of the Batswana. But the deciding factor for people who are intensely interested in wildlife is the professionalism and knowledge of the guides.
It was a wonderful way to celebrate our Silver wedding anniversary." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs B
Teddington
"Fantastic African adventure"
I visited Namibia and 2 other countries between 27 Jul 2008 and 25 Aug 2008
"Our holiday was fabulous! It all went very smoothly, and exceeded all our expectations.
It was all tremendous fun - we saw amazing things and met lovely people.
We have lots of wonderful memories and enough stories to last us years!
Suggestions for improvement:
No - you did a fantastic job for us!" Read full review: 29 nights in Africa; 19 on a Namibia trip
It was all tremendous fun - we saw amazing things and met lovely people.
We have lots of wonderful memories and enough stories to last us years!
Suggestions for improvement:
No - you did a fantastic job for us!" Read full review: 29 nights in Africa; 19 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs Hyena
UK
"An unforgetable holiday - we saw everything"
I visited Namibia and 1 other country between 24 Jul 2008 and 14 Aug 2008
"We really enjoyed our holiday and the positives completely outweigh the negatives and I have the photos to prove it.
We would go back to Botswana tomorrow - The Lagoon lodge was a fantastic experience.
Despite my reservations about the car it did not let us down after the puncture episode and was quiet and comfortable to ride in
To view my photos here http://picasaweb.google.com/perces/Namibia2008" Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
We would go back to Botswana tomorrow - The Lagoon lodge was a fantastic experience.
Despite my reservations about the car it did not let us down after the puncture episode and was quiet and comfortable to ride in
To view my photos here http://picasaweb.google.com/perces/Namibia2008" Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
593
reviews of Kwando-Linyanti by travellers since August 2007
Overall rating by our travellers
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Where to stay in Kwando-Linyanti
Our suggestions for safari camps in Kwando-Linyanti area
Lagoon Camp
Within the vast Kwando Reserve, renowned for its wild dogs, Lagoon Camp offers excellent game viewing that focuses on predators.
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.
Savuti Camp
For years the Savuti Channel ran dry, but it's now flowing again and this newly refurbished, 7-room lodge has pride of place to witness the spectacle.
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.
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.
Okavango Explorers
The traditional, tented Okavango Explorers Camp offers a mix of walking, canoeing and game drives led by great guides in a wildlife-rich area.
