Reviews of safaris to Okavango Delta Safari Reserves
950 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Okavango Delta.
"A very good holiday"
We were really helped by the advice we had from Gwynneth - she was knowledgeable and pragmatic about what we could do and what would be most fun." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 5 on a Namibia trip
"One of the Best!"
We had a rather lengthy journey from the Royal Livingstone Hotel to Susuwe. We noticed from the map that there is what appears to be a direct road north of the Zambezi and then over a bridge but we were not taken that way, we assumed that it can't be a very good road. However, we learned when we reached Susuwe that it is a good road, a modern bridge and the journey takes 3 hours door to door. It took us 6 hours.
First, 1 hour drive to the Zambezi, checked out of Zambia, speedboat across the river, checked into Botswana, were driven 10 minutes by a woman who was on her mobile the entiire time then transferred to another vehicle and driver - why? He then drove us all the way to meet the vehicle from Susuwe, but we had to check out of Botswana and into Namibia. The journey took twice as long and presumably because of this cost us twice as much, we had to wait at the various immigration and emmigration posts and got another Botswana stamp in the passport to no useful purpose. We would still have been coming back this way of course to Kasane to fly to Tubu Tree, so going there a different way would have made a round trip which would have been more interesting as well as far more convenient. We would like your comments on this please.
When we were offered to change from San Camp to Jacks Camp because of a photo shoot at San we were told there were "a couple" of other guests at Jacks. There were in fact about 12 other guests which is considerably more than "a couple". We immediately thought we shouldn't have changed as if we had been the only proper guests at San we would have had a guide to ourselves, whereas with so many other guests that was not likely. We thought this was very misleading wording by Uncharted Africa.
However, by accident rather than design we did in fact have a - very good - guide to ourselves so were mollified! We were pleased overall that we changed to Jacks, it was quite an experience. Thank you to Megan who pointed out that I was particularly interested in the meerkats and they arranged 2 visits to them into our schedule so that was lovely, and I adored having them crawling over me!
I was amused to read in the Bradt travel guide that there are no meerkats in the Makgadikgadi park. This is plainly not the case!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari
"Our Botswana Experience"
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Cannot think of any thing---Thanks" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari
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Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We were given the help that we required. Cannot think of any improvements that are necessary." Read full review: 6 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari
"Whirlwind tour of the Delta"
This was the first time we have been to Africa without either our children and/or friends and being just two has its drawbacks. The possibility of incompatible jeep mates and the relentless socialising with new people (where are you from? which camps are you visiting etc.) was potentially an issue. We are naturally gregarious and generally had good luck with the above but I would bear it in mind in the future given that all the camps seem to go for the single table dining experience.
Your advice on camps seems to have been very good (unless all the camps are this standard) and as the weather warmed up through the week we thought that for perfection we perhaps should have gone one or two weeks later.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:/b
Nothing strikes me. It was all very smooth and professional." Read full review: 6 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari
"An incredible experience"
Now I just need to figure out a way to take our 3 children (ages 19/21/23) to Africa to show them why I've always said 'imagine we are the zoo and the animals are us'. They roam freely and still give me such joy!!!!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Maruska was excellent in that she had visited some of the camps we stayed in and had other guests whose comments she shared with us.
She took the time to really listen to our wants and needs to what we were looking for and picked out some really good options and helped us pick the best. I will recommend Expert Africa to friends and family.
Thank you Maruska for a fantastic vacation / 25th wedding anniversary!!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zambia safari
"A truly wonderful African Experience"
Then we were flown to Okuti and if we thought Muchenje was wonderful we were completely overwhelmed at Okuti. The staff were nothing short of brilliant and our guide Aubrey made sure we saw everything. We we sad to leave Okuti but enjoyed our last camp at Kanana because of the great birdlife on the lagoon.
We asked for three different environments and thats what we got and we enjoyed every minute, a fantastically brilliant trip.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
One of our group had some money stolen, and although we cannot prove where it was taken, I would suggest that future customers are made aware of leaving anything in the vehicles, even for a short amount of time. Even this didn't spoil our holiday." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari
"An experience we will keep for life!"
Travelling is my passion and even though I normally book everything myself, I feel that I could not have booked this trip in Botswana without Maruska Adye's help. She really was attentive to all my requests and could advise me regarding my time and budget. I also think that even though this was an expensive trip (Botswana is a very expensive country) I got good value for money, which is very important when travelling. I'd like to thank Maruska and Expert Africa for their help and would certainly ask for their help in future visits to Botswana or other countries in Southern Africa.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
It was difficult for me to coordinate flight schedules with the trip and the best rates I was being ofered with Expert Africa. I know that this would be very difficult but it would be easier if you could also help us with international flights.
All in all, the service was excellent! Congratulations!" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 4 on a Botswana safari
"Okavango Delta Dream Vacation"
The agent from Wilderness Air who met us at the Maun airport (both times) was extremely helpful and professional. His help was almost essential to our transfer there; he really has to know what he's doing at that airport, which is somewhat chaotic.
On the other hand, we were somewhat confused when we arrived in Johannesburg on the flight from London. They gave instructions towards the end of the flight about whether to go to the transit line, etc. Since we had not checked our bags through, we had to just go through passport control and customs as if we were just going to Johannesburg. We figured it out, and got into the main terminal. Then, we were somewhat clueless about where to go next. A porter came up to us, and asked us where we needed to go. Although we are always cautious about being in unfamiliar airports in other countries, he took us to the right counter for Air Botswana, and we got checked in on time, and to our departure gate. It would have been difficult for us to find the right counter - it was at the very end of many closed counters.
I would recommend that, if possible, some more detailed instructions should be given for navigating the Johannesburg airport. It all went OK, but it was a bit tense. We did better on the way back. The lines were long, but we had plenty of time. Substantial layovers are well advised.
I did check my records. When I went to Botswana, including the Okavango Delta in 1991, the tour operator was Wilderness Safaris. And that was a wonderful trip, too, although the facilities were a lot more primitive.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Your organization did a first-rate job organizing our trip. Although we had no experience with you, I would highly recommend you services. Ms. Adye was excellent." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari
"Botswana Overview"
We are fairly experienced Africa travellers so we knew what we looking for and we got exactly what we asked for in terms of variety of environments and expert guiding etc (despite understandable limitations on camp availability caused by the very short lead-in/booking time).
I felt Nick quickly understood our objectives (specifically in terms of photographic opportunities, but also in terms of camp ambiance etc) and was very efficient in terms of putting options to us and getting confirmations etc.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Not particularly. I was very impressed with the service we received and would be very happy to book again with Expert Africa !" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari
Where to stay in Okavango Delta
Our suggestions for safari camps in Okavango Delta Safari Reserves
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.
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.
Shinde Camp
With experienced staff and a wealth of activities, Shinde offers a traditional safari in an exceptionally varied and wildlife-rich environment.
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.
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.
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.
Kanana
In a beautiful part of the Delta, Kanana focuses on fantastic water activities and birding – including exclusive access to an impressive heronry.
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.
Shinde Footsteps
Small and very rustic, Footsteps across the Delta focuses on walking safaris; it also runs a special children’s programme so is particularly suitable for families.
Gomoti Plains Camp
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.
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.
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.
Vumbura Plains
Indulgently stylish and luxurious, Vumbura Plains offers superb game viewing and birding on an exceptionally varied private reserve.
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.
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.
Mapula Lodge
For an affordable yet varied safari encompassing a range of eco-systems, the traditional Mapula Lodge takes a lot of beating.
Duba Plains Camp
Duba Plains Camp is a traditional safari camp, best known for the thrilling lion and buffalo interaction that is often found here in broad daylight.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pom Pom Camp
Pom Pom Camp lies amidst stunning Okavango Delta scenery. Come for idyllic mokoro trips and great birdwatching, and accept that big-game sightings here are a bonus.
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.
Mma Dinare
Beautifully located in a private concession overlooking the Gomoti River, the traditional Mma Dinare is very well-priced for the Okavango Delta.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Setari Camp
Setari Camp stands on an island dotted with palm trees, close to the base of the Okavango’s ‘Panhandle"
4 Rivers
4 Rivers is a new camp in a previously in accessible area of the excellent Kwara concession.
Duke’s Camp
On a remote island within a vast private concession, the eclectic Duke’s Camp is nestled among mature trees overlooking wildlife-rich plains of the Okavango.
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.
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.
Karangoma
New for 2024, Karangoma is a classic, tented camp offering walking, canoeing and game drives, in partnership with the local Bukakwe San clan.
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.
Mokolwane
Deep in the heart of the Okavango, Mokolwane promises adventure in a largely untouched area.
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.
North Island
Deep in quintessentially 'Okavango' territory, between deep-water and dry-land habitats, promises to be a great combination from a team who know all about the best in the Okavango.
Sitatunga Island Camp
Sitatunga Private Island: in this pristine corner of the Okavango Delta, even the name is evocative.
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.
