Reviews of safaris to Kwando-Linyanti area
593 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Kwando-Linyanti.
Ms C
Montana
"My Aug 2021 trip"
I visited Botswana and 2 other countries between 1 Aug 2021 and 24 Aug 2021
"This was my first trip to Africa. It won't be my last. I traveled with 2 friends who had been to southern Africa 3 times previously, one time using Expert Africa. I was extremely impressed with how smoothly the trip went, and how well chosen the itinerary was.
We wanted to see animals of course, but 2 of us are birders, and one is a fisherman. The fisherman had wonderful catches at Kwara and Setari, and the birding was wonderful throughout the trip. And the animal sightings far exceeded my expectations. I want to especially commend the trackers at Kwara and Lagoon, Mike and Ken. I did not expect to see nocturnal animals, but they were able to show us some wonderful creatures, lesser bushbaby, African wildcats, serval, scrub hares, bat-eared foxes (we saw those in the daytime too), small spotted genet. I was really thrilled.
The accomodations were far more luxurious than I had expected, and the food was overall superb. All the travel arrangements worked perfectly.
Maruska Adye-Rowe, who handled this trip for us, was great. The trip was delayed for a year due to covid, and really evolved. She dealt with our changing ideas very well. First it was a shorter trip to Botswana and Victoria Falls, then that got lengthened, then we added the time in Namibia.
Maruska stayed on top of the covid testing situation. On our way, during our layover in NY, Maruska called to tell us the entry requirements for Namibia had changed, and she'd arranged covid testing for us at our hotel at the Johannesburg airport the evening we arrived." Read full review: 23 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari
We wanted to see animals of course, but 2 of us are birders, and one is a fisherman. The fisherman had wonderful catches at Kwara and Setari, and the birding was wonderful throughout the trip. And the animal sightings far exceeded my expectations. I want to especially commend the trackers at Kwara and Lagoon, Mike and Ken. I did not expect to see nocturnal animals, but they were able to show us some wonderful creatures, lesser bushbaby, African wildcats, serval, scrub hares, bat-eared foxes (we saw those in the daytime too), small spotted genet. I was really thrilled.
The accomodations were far more luxurious than I had expected, and the food was overall superb. All the travel arrangements worked perfectly.
Maruska Adye-Rowe, who handled this trip for us, was great. The trip was delayed for a year due to covid, and really evolved. She dealt with our changing ideas very well. First it was a shorter trip to Botswana and Victoria Falls, then that got lengthened, then we added the time in Namibia.
Maruska stayed on top of the covid testing situation. On our way, during our layover in NY, Maruska called to tell us the entry requirements for Namibia had changed, and she'd arranged covid testing for us at our hotel at the Johannesburg airport the evening we arrived." Read full review: 23 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Texas Don & Cindy
USA
"My Jun 2021 trip"
I visited Botswana between 26 Jun 2021 and 13 Jul 2021
"Covid made this trip a real challenge to plan and coordinate. We had international flights that cancelled, countries that closed, then opened, then closed again. There were a few points where we weren't at all sure it would go off.
I believe that if it had not been for the knowledge and attention that Maruska and Expert Africa provided, we would not have made it.
Everything went like clockwork.
The covid testing added a few days to the trip but it was well worth it." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 11 on a Botswana safari
I believe that if it had not been for the knowledge and attention that Maruska and Expert Africa provided, we would not have made it.
Everything went like clockwork.
The covid testing added a few days to the trip but it was well worth it." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 11 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Dr J.
Washington DC
"My Jun 2021 trip"
I visited Botswana between 23 Jun 2021 and 2 Jul 2021
"Our trip was amazing. Finally glad to travel as Covid postponed our 2020 trip.
After having reviewed the camps prior to booking, I was pretty certain that the itinerary provided was going to live up to my expectations.
Megan took over my booking after Richard Ball retired. She was as attentive as he was in getting the information needed prior to travel. Would recommend anyone use her if traveling to Botswana." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari
After having reviewed the camps prior to booking, I was pretty certain that the itinerary provided was going to live up to my expectations.
Megan took over my booking after Richard Ball retired. She was as attentive as he was in getting the information needed prior to travel. Would recommend anyone use her if traveling to Botswana." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr F
Amsterdam
"My May 2021 trip"
I visited Botswana between 14 May 2021 and 29 May 2021
"An impressive journey in a strange period of time. Lots of hurdles to take, endless paperwork and testing but very worth it in the end.
The Botswana people were very happy to welcome us and thanked us multiple times for taking the effort to come to their country in these complicated times.
Once there everything ran smoothly; a well organized trip and a great combination of camps giving a complete picture of Botswana." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a Botswana safari
The Botswana people were very happy to welcome us and thanked us multiple times for taking the effort to come to their country in these complicated times.
Once there everything ran smoothly; a well organized trip and a great combination of camps giving a complete picture of Botswana." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mrs M.
Amsterdam
"My May 2021 trip"
I visited Botswana between 14 May 2021 and 29 May 2021
"Although it took a lot of perseverence at home with all the paperwork, it was well worth the effort. I was impressed by the organisation and very impressed by the warm and friendly nature of the Botswana people. Everywhere they were so happy to see us and welcome-ing and hospitable. Nature is overwhelmingly beautiful and serene and quiet.
My only negative point is the new Jack's Camp. All the camps had the tapestry and furniture like a camp signature, but Jack"s Camp was too big, too overdone and above all too dark! I am sure that I would have preferred the old camp." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a Botswana safari
My only negative point is the new Jack's Camp. All the camps had the tapestry and furniture like a camp signature, but Jack"s Camp was too big, too overdone and above all too dark! I am sure that I would have preferred the old camp." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Ms A
Calgary
"First time....but not the last"
I visited Botswana between 26 Nov 2019 and 5 Dec 2019
"The trip exceeded our expectations in every way.
Having 3 very distinct geographical regions, starting with the desert, was intentional (to help us absorb a 9 hr time difference), and then to experience the most of Botswana.
Loved each area and camp for very different reasons, but have to give the special mention to Lebala Camp and their staff. This was supposed to be a "once in a lifetime trip" for a milestone birthday........but plans to return to Botswana started before coming home.
Many thanks to Expert Africa for a wonderful introduction." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari
Having 3 very distinct geographical regions, starting with the desert, was intentional (to help us absorb a 9 hr time difference), and then to experience the most of Botswana.
Loved each area and camp for very different reasons, but have to give the special mention to Lebala Camp and their staff. This was supposed to be a "once in a lifetime trip" for a milestone birthday........but plans to return to Botswana started before coming home.
Many thanks to Expert Africa for a wonderful introduction." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
M & Mrs G
Harrogate
"My Oct 2019 trip"
I visited Botswana and 1 other country between 26 Oct 2019 and 20 Nov 2019
"After our trip to India with Audley Travel, this was our next big expedition. We gave Audley a chance to quote and it was good. But Lucy showed a bit more engagement with us personally.
The trip more than lived up to our expectations. We met lots of lovely people but the icing on the cake was provided by Gee and Zimbou at Lagoon; Mos and AT at Lagoon; and Vasco, Pro and KP at Tau Pan. We shall remember them for ever and please send them our thanks and best wishes for the future." Read full review: 25 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari
The trip more than lived up to our expectations. We met lots of lovely people but the icing on the cake was provided by Gee and Zimbou at Lagoon; Mos and AT at Lagoon; and Vasco, Pro and KP at Tau Pan. We shall remember them for ever and please send them our thanks and best wishes for the future." Read full review: 25 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Party of 4
Islington
"My Oct-Nov 2019 trip"
I visited Botswana between 24 Oct 2019 and 7 Nov 2019
"Very satisfactory reflects the feedback I have given on all the places where we stayed.
Botswana was very hot and dry and if I were to go back there, I would choose a different, cooler time of the year.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Your service was excellent." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari
Botswana was very hot and dry and if I were to go back there, I would choose a different, cooler time of the year.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Your service was excellent." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs W
Oxon
"Oct 2019 safari"
I visited Botswana between 3 Oct 2019 and 14 Oct 2019
"We had a brilliant time. All the arrangements ran perfectly, the accommodation, food and service was superb. The guiding at all three camps was really excellent, the guides and trackers are all very knowledgable and informative about the wildlife in their areas.They really do make the experience special.
The team member who dealt with our trip was Richard Ball. He spent a lot of time finding camps and flights to suit us. Richard's name isn't in the selection list below, so I put Megan, who helped us when we went in 2017, as there is no option to put Richard's name." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari
The team member who dealt with our trip was Richard Ball. He spent a lot of time finding camps and flights to suit us. Richard's name isn't in the selection list below, so I put Megan, who helped us when we went in 2017, as there is no option to put Richard's name." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Wiljo
Norfolk
"Zimbabwe/Botswana Sept/Oct 2019"
I visited Botswana and 1 other country between 25 Sep 2019 and 23 Oct 2019
"Spectacular! Feel hugely privileged to have seen and experienced all that we did during our time in these 2 countries.
Variety is the spice of life and every day on the trip brought some new highlight, be it a particular wildlife sighting or interaction, a scenic location or an activity. The trip has re-kindled our addiction for Africa and has only served to convince us to seek more! We would happily return to any of the locations we visited and on each occasion, when it was time to move on, we wished we could linger on at each place - a sure sign of our appreciation.
We are especially indebted to Tracy Lederer for her knowledgeable guidance and patience during the planning and booking process. We acknowledge that we were not the easiest clients to deal with but only because of the need to "get it right" for these once in a lifetime trips and Tracy was spot on with her recommendations and reassurances. It was obvious that her advice was informed by her personal experiences of the various locations.
Logistically, pretty much everything went without hitch. (Even a trekking pole which was left at Muchenje somehow found its way back to us at Maun airport on the way home - don't know how, but Tracy located it and engineered its reunion!!). Appreciating the remote locations reinforces our admiration for the efficiency of your operation, working with the local teams.
We would fully recommend your services and would have no hesitation in approaching you ourselves for future trips in Africa. Till next time..." Read full review: 28 nights in Africa; 16 on a Botswana safari
Variety is the spice of life and every day on the trip brought some new highlight, be it a particular wildlife sighting or interaction, a scenic location or an activity. The trip has re-kindled our addiction for Africa and has only served to convince us to seek more! We would happily return to any of the locations we visited and on each occasion, when it was time to move on, we wished we could linger on at each place - a sure sign of our appreciation.
We are especially indebted to Tracy Lederer for her knowledgeable guidance and patience during the planning and booking process. We acknowledge that we were not the easiest clients to deal with but only because of the need to "get it right" for these once in a lifetime trips and Tracy was spot on with her recommendations and reassurances. It was obvious that her advice was informed by her personal experiences of the various locations.
Logistically, pretty much everything went without hitch. (Even a trekking pole which was left at Muchenje somehow found its way back to us at Maun airport on the way home - don't know how, but Tracy located it and engineered its reunion!!). Appreciating the remote locations reinforces our admiration for the efficiency of your operation, working with the local teams.
We would fully recommend your services and would have no hesitation in approaching you ourselves for future trips in Africa. Till next time..." Read full review: 28 nights in Africa; 16 on a Botswana safari
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.
