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Okavango Delta Safari Reserves
Okavango Delta Safari Reserves
Okavango Delta Safari Reserves

Elephant and hippo pathways in the Okavango

Be prepared for a variety of terrain whilst on game drive

Eco-tourism - the mokoro is replaced by fibreglass

Okavango Delta Safari Reserves

Reviews of safaris to Okavango Delta Safari Reserves

1027 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Okavango Delta.

Showing 191-200 of 1027
Duration
Arrival date
Mr & Ms B
Florida, US

"Our Mar-Apr 2022 trip to Namibia and Botswana"

I visited Namibia and 1 other country between 9 Mar 2022 and 13 Apr 2022
"This has been our fifth trip to Southern Africa and the second that we booked with expertafrica. We spent three weeks self-driving in Namibia and then roughly two weeks on a fly-in safari in northern Botswana. Compared to our 2021 trip, this one featured much more landscape (as can be expected of Namibia) and more interactions with humans. That’s not to say that we didn’t see any less wildlife than on previous trips.

I would like to also emphasize that this trip was the first time that we visited this region at the end of the southern summer, i.e. at the very end of the rain season. Previously we had traveled here only in October (3 times) or July (once). We were pleasantly surprised by all the greenery, and we weren’t bothered by mosquitoes in any significant way. However, I should point out that my wife was often bitten by midges, whereas I wasn’t.

Virtually all guidebooks point out that the dry season is the best time to visit Africa in order to get the best wildlife sightings. I readily admit that the tall grass sometimes impedes tracking down predators, however, as my review of the camps in Botswana shows, we were not really short-changed of lion and cheetah sightings. Overall, except perhaps for leopards (only 2 encounters in 5 weeks) the wildlife sightings were as good as in the dry season, and in some aspects they were even better: To us, the animals appeared to be more relaxed or at least less stressed, due to the availability of food and water.

Everybody we talked to said that the region had a good rainy season. However, during our whole stay, we only had one brief shower (during siesta time in Etosha Heights) and one morning game drive in Nxai Pan, during which we had to wear rain gear and protect our cameras.

All ten safari camps are, in our minds, highly recommendable. And, as it turned out repeatedly, we saved the best (Kwara Camp) for last. This is not in any way to diminish the experiences we had at other camps. They all had their special appeal. However, if asked which are the places we are most likely to revisit again, they are Okonjima, NamibRand, Tau Pan and Kwara Camps.

I would like to add a comment about the flights to the various camps in Botswana. All of them took place on time and, most importantly, got us safely from point A to point B. However, I don’t quite understand why the departure times are only given to us the day before. I understand that for the airlines it can be challenging to come up with an economic way of handling these flights, but isn’t it true that virtually all of these trips are booked months in advance? For instance, on our way from Maun to Kwara Camp, we stopped in Xaranna and then Shinde Camps, whereas on our way back to Maun, it was a direct flight of 25 minutes.

Finally, a comment about Covid-19. Entry requirements with regards to corona changed during our trip: While we had to produce a negative PCR test for our first destination Namibia (to the tune of $250 per person) they lifted that requirement one week after we arrived, and Botswana lifted its requirement for the test before we crossed into Botswana. So did South Africa. The US, on the other hand, still requires a negative PCR test, so we did that in Maun one day before our departure back home. However, no one asked us to produce the paperwork!

I would also like to commend the way the camps in Zimbabwe last year handled the seating arrangements during the meals. They provided separate tables for each party rather than having everybody sit together at one or two tables along with the guides. I sense that this is a delicate issue and that it’s really up to company policy and not expertafrica to decide what’s best. With regards to guests sitting together I much prefer the separate tables arrangement, because in our five trips to Africa so far, our experience has been that the vast majority of conversations one has at these occasions amount to not much more than small talk: Where have you been, and where are going from here? Of course, there are exceptions. For instance, we got to know one couple from Switzerland and, on another trip, a couple from the UK that we really liked to talk to, and then we simply asked the camp staff to set up a table for four instead of two.

And with regards to the guides sharing the dinner: Of course, they deserve to have a gourmet dinner just like the guests, but I would say, they can have it in the quiet of the staff quarters, because in my mind, they deserve a well-earned break because they work hard enough already as it is. Again, in our experience, we had virtually all of the stimulating and significant conversations with them during the game drives, the coffee break and the sundowners, but not during dinner time." Read full review: 35 nights in Africa; 19 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr C
Hale

"My Feb 2022 trip"

I visited Botswana between 26 Feb 2022 and 9 Mar 2022
"Difficult to see how it could have been improved" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Drs R
Hampshire

"My Feb 2022 trip - Travelling in C-19 times..."

I visited Botswana between 20 Feb 2022 and 28 Feb 2022
"Travelling in C-19 times and in the rainy season was always going to be at the risk of disruption but we are glad that we came, with camp staff so happy and grateful to see us in what is a lean time for them.

Our goals were not to seek the big five as we have experienced that many times before in other areas. New to Botswana, we were seeking the more unusual animals and also birds, which are often overlooked (if even available) in the rush to see predators. We got a good appreciation of what Botswana has to offer, and saw many smaller animals (steenbok, scrub hare, bat-eared fox, jackals, lion cubs and a hyena cub left alone) as well as about 130 bird species over the two locations.

The value of a travel agent shows its worth when things do not go as planned. Things certainly did no go as planned for us. The problems that we experienced were ALL outside the scope of Expert Africa and yet Tracy helped us all throughout. This was both in the planning stage when our outbound flight was cancelled some weeks before travel, and during the journey itself. Tracy joined ourselves, our VIP meet and greet helper, and the airline staff on WhatsApp when trying to put things back on track after the airline failed to make our connection. From what the airline originally offered, Tracy helped negotiate for us a loss of three days of safari down to just one." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Good
Mr & Mrs H
Kent

"My Feb 2022 trip"

I visited Botswana and 1 other country between 19 Feb 2022 and 1 Mar 2022
"Despite the problems we had with conencting flights and lost luggage ( many thanks to Chris and Lucy for their help on a Sunday - it was much appreciated)

We thoroughly enjoyed the holiday it was amazing to be on safari in the wet season - and it was not too wet!

Plus we had some amazing drives and sightings

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

none other than we already have our next safari booked with yourselves for Zambia in July/August" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr D & Ms P
Dursley

"My Feb 2022 trip"

I visited Botswana between 12 Feb 2022 and 19 Feb 2022
"It's an undoubted privilege to visit and experience the the Linyanti and Moremi wildlife areas and we loved every moment.

It's the Africa we love.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Cannot think anything to add." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Crooks
Bristol

"My Feb 2022 trip"

I visited Botswana between 12 Feb 2022 and 19 Feb 2022
"We really enjoyed our trip. Visiting Botswana in the rainy season was a more positive experience than some had suggested.

The arrangements made by Expert Africa all worked perfectly high was a boon, especially during this time when COVID has made travel a deal more complicated." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Ms A
Calgary

"My Nov 2021 trip"

I visited Botswana between 26 Nov 2021 and 7 Dec 2021
"I left Canada November 24, 2021 for an amazing adventure in Botswana. Can you imagine what's happened since?? Omicron's emergence while I was in the bush, and in camps without cell service or wifi (normally a lovely digital detox), was certainly stressful and problematic.

Canada had left me with few options getting home. Even though Expert Africa had not booked my international flights, Megan worked with my boyfriend at home to try to navigate my changed travel. Wifi isn't an option at Kwando properties, but Expert Africa was able to send me messages at each camp. And I was invited to use the computer at Kwara should I need it. A big, big thank you to all who helped me get home. Although still in quarantine, I am reflecting on this most amazing trip with absolutely no regrets.

This is my second trip to Botswana, and second time with Kwando camps. I feel they are a perfect fit for me. Very nice, yet unpretentious. Focus is on wildlife experiences, and locations are second to none. The model of tracker and guide is not the norm, and is exactly what I am after.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No improvement needed" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 11 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs L
Surrey

"Nov 2021 trip"

I visited Botswana and 1 other country between 22 Nov 2021 and 2 Dec 2021
"Botswana was as amazing as we had imagined...in this ongoing pandemic it was like coming alive again.

Our return to 11 nights in a UK quarantine hotel somewhat detracted from the overall experience but this was no reflection on Botswana or ExpertAfrica.

Maruska's knowledge and patience in planning an itinerary that we would enjoy was invaluable. But her assistance in dealing with the difficulties presented by the Omicron variant, reorganising plans for our return and reassuring our family, was truly appreciated and demonstrated her care and concern.

Many thanks!" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr M
Stockport

"My Nov 2021 trip"

I visited Botswana between 20 Nov 2021 and 28 Nov 2021
"This was a trip of a lifetime with the fantastic animal watching experiences, so our best ever safari trip. The private concessions with no more than two camps made a huge difference to the quality of the experience. Thoroughly recommend them both.

We had issues returning thanks to the UK Government, but the Splash camp did all they could do to support us and so did Tracy many thanks to her for the support throughout our challenges getting back home.

Kwando did not seem overly concerned with one case going missing at Jo'burg, so we left for Lagoon with just the one bag. We pushed and finally got the second back two days later. So always pack clothes for both travellers in separate cases, fortunately we did.

We felt COVID safe at both camps. The PCR testing on the airstrip went smoothly, for our return. The unexpected lateral flow testing we experienced at Nairobi was chaotic. The LFT at Maun was just an inconvenience in very hot conditions.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

None that I can think of." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Gibblewhites
Newark

"My Nov 2021 trip"

I visited Botswana and 1 other country between 7 Nov 2021 and 21 Nov 2021
"My holiday of a lifetime - the best ever. Extremely well organised especially under exceptionally difficult circumstances with COVID to deal with. We had constant communication from Maruska on all the administration that COVID entailed.

Our only hiccup was filling in the UK locator form for our return journey to the UK as we had no WIFI access until J'burg airport. This must be completed before you check in for your flight. Johannesburg Airport is a shambles but we travelled in the early stages of COVID and luckily had plenty of time to sort things out.

We couldn't fault any of the lodges regarding the current situation - everywhere was meticulously clean with all the staff waring masks at all times.

We have been looked after so well by all the Africans, all with a smile on their faces mixed with plenty of singing and dancing!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

We had high expectations for the trip as we usually organise our holidays ourselves. Maruska listened carefully to all our requests and made certain suggestions which definitely improved our journey.

This holiday exceeded those expectations - it will be a lasting memory filled with joy.

Thank you Expert Africa." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Showing 191-200 of 1027
99%
1027 reviews of Okavango Delta by travellers since August 2007
Overall rating by our travellers
988
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Where to stay in Okavango Delta

Our suggestions for safari camps in Okavango Delta Safari Reserves


Kwara Camp

Kwara Camp

Kwara Camp's private reserve boasts land and water activities year-round, with excellent game-viewing opportunities and access to permanent channels of the north-east Okavango Delta.


93% (236 reviews)
Little Vumbura

Little Vumbura

On a secluded island within a private reserve, Little Vumbura combines superb game viewing with a broad diversity of habitats in a truly picturesque setting.


96% (138 reviews)
Shinde Camp

Shinde Camp

With experienced staff and a wealth of activities, Shinde offers a traditional safari in an exceptionally varied and wildlife-rich environment.


94% (105 reviews)
Splash Camp

Splash Camp

Set in the Kwara Reserve, offering superb wildlife viewing year-round, Splash offers both land and water activities led by guides with a particular knack for tracking big game.


96% (103 reviews)
Chitabe Lediba

Chitabe Lediba

Chitabe Lediba, in Botswana's southern Okavango Delta, is a small family friendly safari camp; it offers great dry-land safaris and in our experience consistently delivers good game sightings.


97% (87 reviews)
Kanana

Kanana

In a beautiful part of the Delta, Kanana focuses on fantastic water activities and birding – including exclusive access to an impressive heronry.


95% (78 reviews)
Sandibe Safari Lodge

Sandibe Safari Lodge

The luxurious Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge lies in a private concession in the heart of the Okavango Delta, beside Moremi Game Reserve, with superb big-game viewing.


94% (78 reviews)
Chitabe Camp

Chitabe Camp

In the southern Okavango Delta, the excellent Chitabe Camp concentrates on dry-land safaris in an area that we've found particularly good for wild dog sightings.


96% (69 reviews)
Shinde Footsteps

Shinde Footsteps

Small and simple, but comfortable, Shinde Footsteps focuses on walking safaris as well as game drives; it also runs a special children's programme so is particularly suitable for families.


98% (50 reviews)
Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp

Nxabega Tented Camp

Nxabega offers a selection of both land- and water-based activities, plus very good guiding, food and service, but game viewing can be somewhat erratic.


95% (39 reviews)
Gomoti Plains Camp

Gomoti Plains

Overlooking a tributary of the Gomoti River, Gomoti Plains Camp is a classically designed camp with very comfortable tents in a good game-viewing area.


93% (38 reviews)
Tubu Tree Camp

Tubu Tree Camp

A traditional tented camp with a distinctive tree-house feel, Tubu Tree offers some of the best game viewing in the Jao Reserve.


98% (37 reviews)
Vumbura Plains

Vumbura Plains

Indulgently stylish and luxurious, Vumbura Plains offers superb game viewing and birding on an exceptionally varied private reserve.


96% (37 reviews)
Jacana Camp

Jacana Camp

Jacana Camp is a small safari camp with an informal island feel; it is ideal for water-based activities in the Delta and offers excellent birdwatching.


99% (27 reviews)
Kwetsani Camp

Kwetsani Camp

Deep in the Delta, overlooking a floodplain, Kwetsani Camp is a small, high-end camp with good access to areas for land and water-based activities.


96% (23 reviews)
Duba Explorers Camp

Duba Explorers Camp

Intimate and elegant, Duba Explorers Camp promises a firm safari focus in a remote corner of the Okavango, led by a team who value the highest guiding and hosting standards.


96% (23 reviews)
Mma Dinare

Mma Dinare

Beautifully located in a private concession overlooking the Gomoti River, the traditional Mma Dinare is very well-priced for the Okavango Delta.


96% (21 reviews)
Pom Pom Camp

Pom Pom Camp

Amidst stunning Okavango Delta scenery, Pom Pom offers idyllic mokoro trips in season, great birdwatching, and increasingly good big-game sightings, especially leopards.


94% (20 reviews)
Mapula Lodge

Mapula Lodge

For an affordable yet varied safari encompassing a range of eco-systems, the traditional Mapula Lodge takes a lot of beating.


94% (20 reviews)
Duba Plains Camp

Duba Plains Camp

Duba Plains Camp is a traditional yet luxurious safari camp, best known for the thrilling lion behavior interaction that is often see during the day.


95% (19 reviews)
Baines' Camp

Baines' Camp

Baines' Camp is a well-run, intimate camp in a pretty part of the Okavango, offering a range of activities and the option to spend a morning walking with elephants.


92% (17 reviews)
Stanley's Camp

Stanley's Camp

In a private concession south of Moremi Game Reserve, Stanley's Camp offers 4WD game drives, seasonal water activities and a superb elephant interaction.


93% (16 reviews)
Little Tubu

Little Tubu

Little Tubu is a new, traditional camp with just three tented chalets and a distinctive tree-house feel. The areas around it can be explored by water and land-based activities year round.


100% (14 reviews)
4 Rivers

4 Rivers

4 Rivers is a new camp in a previously in accessible area of the excellent Kwara concession.


100% (11 reviews)
Pelo Camp

Pelo Camp

In a pristine wilderness environment deep in the Okavango Delta, the seasonal Pelo Camp is tented yet comfortable, with activities focusing on excursions by mokoro.


96% (11 reviews)
Rra Dinare

Rra Dinare

Located in a private concession in the southern reaches of the Okavango Delta, overlooking the Gomoti River, Rra Dinare is a traditional-style, well-priced camp.


96% (10 reviews)
Xaranna Okavango Delta Lodge

Xaranna

Xaranna is a plush tented camp amongst the idyllic waterways and islands of the Delta. Each air-conditioned tent has a plunge pool. Water activities and pampering are the focus here.


90% (8 reviews)
Jao Camp

Jao Camp

In a beautiful area with fantastic water activities, Jao combines an idyllic location with high levels of luxury and service, and a top-end spa.


87% (6 reviews)
Seba Camp

Seba Camp

Seba Camp is a luxury camp in a lovely location that offers the full range of water and land safari activities, depending on the time of year. This camp is particularly suitable for families.


90% (6 reviews)
Setari Camp

Setari Camp

Setari Camp stands on an island dotted with palm trees, close to the base of the Okavango’s ‘Panhandle"


100% (5 reviews)
Okavango Explorers Camp

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.


93% (3 reviews)
Abu Camp

Abu Camp

Abu Camp is an exclusive safari camp on the western side of the Botswana's Okavango Delta - offering superb elephant-back safaris and opportunities to walk with them too.


70% (2 reviews)
Kiri Camp

Kiri Camp

Kiri Camp is the latest Okavango offering from the excellent team behind Machaba. In an exciting new location in the heart of the Delta we cannot wait to visit this new camp.


100% (2 reviews)
Karangoma

Karangoma

New for 2024, Karangoma is a classic, tented camp offering walking, canoeing and game drives, in partnership with the local Bukakwe San clan.


100% (2 reviews)
Okavango Delta Walking Safari

Okavango Walking Safari

The Okavango Delta Walking Safari camps in a secluded Okavango Delta Reserve where there are few roads; the ideal location for a walking trail led by an expert guide.


100% (1 review)
Duke’s Camp

Duke’s Camp

On a remote island within a large concession, the romantic Duke's Camp and smaller Duke’s East are nestled among mature trees overlooking wildlife-rich plains and waterways of the Okavango.


100% (1 review)
Sitatunga Private Island Camp

Sitatunga Island Camp

Tucked away in a pristine corner of the Okavango Delta, the exclusive Sitatunga Private Island is a water-based camp offering boating, mokoro trips and fishing.


100% (1 review)
Atzaro Okavango

Atzaro Okavango

With a high level of tasteful luxury promised at Atzaro, we think it will be best suited to travellers seeking a touch of pampering alongside their safari.


No reviews yet
Mokolwane

Mokolwane

Deep in the heart of the Okavango, the simple Mokolwane focuses on wildlife viewing in a large, untouched area.


No reviews yet
Eagle Island Lodge

Eagle Island Lodge

Eagle Island Lodge is a luxurious camp with international-style facilities including air conditioning and intercom in each room; offering water based activities in the Okavango Delta.


No reviews yet
North Island Okavango

North Island Okavango

Deep in quintessentially “Okavango” territory, between deep-water and dry-land habitats, North Island focuses on a luxury safari experience with very good wildlife viewing opportunities.


No reviews yet
Maxa

Maxa

Overlooking the permanent Maxa Lagoon, Maxa is due to open in March 2025.


No reviews yet
Mbamba

Mbamba

Deep within the northern Okavango, the classically styled Mbamba is set to open in a wildlife-rich private concession in April 2025.


No reviews yet
Qorokwe Camp

Qorokwe Camp

Luxurious and contemporary, the relatively new Qorokwe Camp is a gem in the Okavango Delta, offering land- and occasionally water-based activities in a prime wildlife area.


No reviews yet

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