Reviews of Shinde Footsteps
Wildlife sightings and reviews
50 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Shinde Footsteps and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Footsteps Review - Sqwangwa!"
The tents were very comfortable in camp, with hot water boiled on the fire if you want a bucket shower. Food at the camp was amazing, even forgetting the very basic equipment used to prepare it. The camp itself is superbly located on a lagoon with a lot of walk-in visitors (hippos, elephants, hyenas) to keep everybody company and Hope, in particular, busy chatting away ("What are you doing here?")!
We also had 2 very enjoyable games of football with the staff, one of the highlights of which was surely a surprising slide tackle by Sue on Nancy. And for the record, we still maintain we scored 7 goals in that first match, not 5 as the official stat sheet shows. We were very appreciative of the staff spending time with us on their own personal time, like the first night when they all joined us around the fire for a chat and the final night when they put on an excellent traditional dancing/singing display. Sadly, we never got to hear Congo's full story, though we were told that if you start in the panhandle, then head up a long way, keep walking and walking, then turn left and keep walking, and walking and walking, you would eventually arrive in his village, which only has 10 people, or actually 9, because Congo was with us! Boster (aka Dr Loorve), however, did manage to introduce a new word into human vocabulary, "Sqwangwa" (for those of you unfamiliar with the term, it refers to the metal plate upon which the burning coals of a fire are first placed), which even now makes me laugh when I think of it. And if Moses tries to convince you that his first girlfriend at the age of 12 was a girl from the US, don't believe him.
I cannot recommend this camp highly enough. If you are coming to the Okavango Delta, I highly recommend you spend at least some of your time here. I get the impression it is not that well known given its distance (1.5hrs) from the nearest (Shinde) airstrip. For us, those drives from/to the airstrip, where we saw wild dogs and a leopard, were another game viewing highlight.
A totally amazing 4 days. Didn't want to leave. Sqwangwa!" See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana
"Or all round favourite"
Everyday at siesta time in the camp, there was no siesta! We did tin can shooting which the teenagers loved and one afternoon had a 5 a side football game. Playing football in the heat (and dust) in Botswana, then stopping at half time to wait for a massive elephant to stride through the camp has got to be one of the best memories ever. We were treated to hot bucket showers in the open air before afternoon tea (fit for a king) and on for another game drive.
We especially loved this camp as the guides were such good fun. Nothing was too much trouble and they were very willing to go beyond the call of duty to show us everything to keep the interest. The exclusivity of the camp (just our family) made I feel like the staff were the friends we were on holiday with rather than the actual staff.
The food was fantastic here too. The chef cooks on open fire...how does he produce such wonderful food without an oven?!!" See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
"Amazing experience of 'real' Africa"
I think we were extremely lucky to have Mbaki and Moses supervising the staff and guests - Mbaki was always smiling and joking with the boys and Moses was able to combine his enthusiasm and knowledge of the bush and animals in a very interesting and informative way. Whether it was explaining how the Delta was formed, giving us details of the termite mounds, playing football, or toasting marshmallows on the camp fire, I know the three boys found two new friends. Nothing was too much trouble for any of the staff and we found the standard of meals exceptional.
We found our accommodation to be all that we had expected and the facility of daily laundry was a tremendous help.
On our first morning the wild dogs went through camp but sadly, although we rushed out, we couldn't locate them ... only the remains of their impala kill outside Moses' tent! The second morning the exercise was repeated but this time we were much luckier. We have all seen the dogs before but never have we seen a pure golden alpha female - she was beautiful.
So, all in all, absolutely no criticisms, just 100% praise for such a wonderful three days. My three grandsons voted this camp Number One of the four places we stayed at this holiday which is a recommendation in itself! Thank you to all the staff at Footsteps across the Delta." See all these reviews: 3n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana
"Alone in Footsteps"
Our main purpose in coming to Footsteps was to engage in walking safaris, and we did two, led by Moses. Each lasted only about an hour, and while they were interesting and informative, I thick we would have liked them to be longer. I heard from a guide that we met at Muchenje who used to be based there, that the walks used to be 3-4 hours, which i think is what I expected when we decided to go there. However, the sundowner venue at the end of the first walk was wonderful!
We enjoyed a mokoro trip with Phiefo from Shinde and had some good sightings, including leopards, lions and an eagle owl.
The staff once again put on a show for us on our second and last night and we were then escorted up to the lookout post for a private candlelit dinner for two, with sparkling wine and personal service from Hope. Quite magical! We enjoyed a final tour of the kitchen before we left and marvelled at their ability to cook such lovely meals, launder our clothes and generally keep the camp in such excellent condition with only a gas-fired fridge and a wood fire to help them. Farewell singing as we left, with hits all round.
We loved this simple camp - even the bucket shower! - and were made to feel very welcome by all the staff. Although lacking the luxury of other camps, it was excellent of its type." See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia
"Footsteps across the Delta review"
Moses, our guide, went above and beyond to plan the perfect 3 day stay for us. It was a nice change from the game drives (and no exercise) at other camps to be able to walk and learn about the small details of the bush. We also slept right next to a water hole filled with hippos day and night - to the point where you would hear them walking by at night right outside your tent!
Overall, magical and authentic bush experience. Loved it!" See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana
"a great bush experience"
again, only disappointment was less game than expecting" See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 3n in Namibia
"Footsteps Across the Delta review"
"Footsteps Across the Delta review"
We really enjoyed waking up with an elephant munching close to our tent!
We were somewhat taken aback to discover that we were the only guests there, and that they usually only take one group at a time. It sometimes made it a bit awkward at meals, finding topics to discuss with the guide and manager who ate with us. It also made tipping a more major issue because we were the only people contributing to a fairly large staff. On the plus side, they could tailor things specifically for us and our tastes. And the staff and guides were excellent!" See all these reviews: 19n in Namibia; 4n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe
"A once in a lifetime experience for our kids"
We could plan together with OP the amount of walking and vehicle drives.
I would recommend this camp to be the first in a trip. It would make it even more exciting." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Fun for a change"
The wildlife was very plentiful. If they heard of a popular animal, ie lion, wild dogs, etc, we would walk to a waiting car and they would drive us to it. It appeared the wildlife was more plentiful in the delta than the Linyanti areas with the early rains. I was a little disappointed that our guide commented on how Botswana had too many elephants and did not comment on the poaching crisis which is more prevalent in other countries. It was a missed opportunity to educated others on the illegal ivory trade.
The rooms were very comfortable. The bucket showers worked really well and were just the right temperature." See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana; 2n in South Africa
Holiday styles & special interests in Botswana
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Botswana.
Other lodges in Okavango Delta Safari Reserves
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
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.
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.
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.
Kanana
In a beautiful part of the Delta, Kanana focuses on fantastic water activities and birding – including exclusive access to an impressive heronry.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mma Dinare
Beautifully located in a private concession overlooking the Gomoti River, the traditional Mma Dinare is very well-priced for the Okavango Delta.
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.
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 yet luxurious safari camp, best known for the thrilling lion behavior interaction that is often see during the day.
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.
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.
4 Rivers
4 Rivers is a new camp in a previously in accessible area of the excellent Kwara concession.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Setari Camp
Setari Camp stands on an island dotted with palm trees, close to the base of the Okavango’s ‘Panhandle"
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.
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.
Karangoma
New for 2024, Karangoma is a classic, tented camp offering walking, canoeing and game drives, in partnership with the local Bukakwe San clan.
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.
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.
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.
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, the simple Mokolwane focuses on wildlife viewing in a large, 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 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.
Mbamba
Deep within the northern Okavango, the classically styled Mbamba is set to open in a wildlife-rich private concession in April 2025.
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.
