Reviews of Splash Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
83 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Splash Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Splash Camp review"
The landscape was the most varied of the camps we visited, being set on the edge of the flood plains. There was mopane woodland, dry grasslands, flooded plains that the game trucks had to pass though and the Okavango river system with papyrus beds where we viewed the abundant birdlife from a boat with an elevated platform.
And the game experiences - wow! The first highlight was a lion pride (4 adult females and 4 huge sub-adult males) that took a large adult male giraffe on our first day. For the next 2 days we watched as the pride gradually consumed their kill while protecting it from two other huge male lions; it was amazing to follow that level of lion behaviour. We had several leopard sightings, mostly in trees, and we followed a pair of cheetahs at various times over our stay. We saw several lions on every game drive. An aardwolf peeking out from its den was something we had hoped but not expected to see, along with honey badger and African wild cat.
A boat trip, a makoro ride and night safaris added greatly to the safari experience. Being able to drive after dark is essential so you don't have to stop watching something late afternoon when you are a distance from the camp.
But the highlight of the trip, and the most exciting experience of all our safaris was hunting with a pack of wild dogs. The pack had been sighted on the other side of the reserve, so 3 cars set of from Splash mid-afternoon to find them. We gradually tracked them to an open area where they were resting. After watching them for a short time they suddenly got up and began socialising loudly, the 11 pups asking the 16 adults for food. They set off on the hunt and we followed them in the cars. When they found herds of tsessebi, reedbuck and impala the pace suddenly quickened. The pack split between the herds and accelerated, the cars split and followed them at breakneck speed through the flooded plains.
An incredible experience followed as we rushed to chase the successful hunt and watched as the adults gorged on the impala and ran back to regurgitate the food for the pups. An altogether unbelievable experienced that we haven’t seen before even on film. I am sure it could not have been witnessed at any other safari destination, because of the size of pack, ability to drive after dark, the coordination of brilliant guides and the landscape that made it possible to follow.
Splash was altogether a special camp in a wonderful environment staffed by special people. We loved it." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana
"Splash Camp review"
Our overall exposure to wildlife was incredible and we appreciated having a guide (Josiah) and tracker (Eba). We enjoyed Josiah and Eba who took the time everyday to discover experiences, share their knowledge of wildlife and village culture in the delta. Additionally, only the 2 of us were on the drive and the rest of the time there were a total of 4 people. Upon request, we did experience the boat ride and mokoro, which were very nice diversions.
Our cabin was roomy, excellent and we loved the outdoor shower. The food was exceptional and the staff was friendly, helpful, and regularly performed extra touches. For example, there was an unexpected dinner under the stars one night, and they provided warm blankets and water bottles for the very cold morning rides." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana
"Splash Camp review"
The accommodation was superb." See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana; 4n in Namibia; 3n in Zambia
"Splash Camp review"
The food was great, it's amazing how they can rustle it all up in the middle of nowhere.
Just sitting on the deck of our room in the afternoon, with impala and warthogs snuffling about by our feet and ten different species out at the watering hole, in an everchanging parade, was magical to witness.
We were lucky enough to see a cheetah hunt, wild dogs chasing and a standoff between lions and buffalo. When the guides are excited too, you know you are witnessing something special. There were also lots of babies about - hyena, lion cubs, hippo and elephants." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana
"Splash Camp review"
All team members - camp managers, assistants, chefs, cleaners, etc - are very welcoming, extremely professional, nice, listening and answering any needs you can have. They are also very careful about all safety and security aspects. We saw it as very nice that all team members are made visible - for example, the junior waiters get to present the menu for dinner.
Finally, we were asked multiple times for our open and honest feedback, and we did perceive this as a strong and honest will to improve even further - knowing that the quality of the overall experience is already extremely high!
Wildlife is extremely abundant. We saw countless and extremely varied animals.
It is simply magical to arrive at the Camp and see elephants, giraffes and zebras only a few dozens of meters away, in the plain in front of the main area, after having already seen pelicans, ostrichs, warthogs, etc on the way from the airstrip. And then the safari excursions bring it to a higher level, with extremely knowledgeable guides and trackers. They are able to spot so many animals, as well as perfectly explain the animals habits, ways of life, and how they track them. It is also very pleasant also to be maximum 6 guests in a car, and staying with the same guide, tracker, and guests during the stay. One small potential point for improvement would be that, beyond the obvious stars of the show (lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, hyenas, wild dogs, hyenas, hippos, etc - which we were lucky to see all during our stay), guides potentially spend some more time also on looking for and providing explanations on plants and smaller animals, like birds, reptiles, small rodents, insects, as these are also of interest. We for example got some explanation on termites and their role in the ecosystem and the food chain, which was also great. Same principle of taking more time at a slower pace to see birds during the boat tour would be appreciated. Finally, we had a 30-minute tour on a mokoro, which either should have been longer, in another location; or simply replaced by an additional game drive.
The accommodation at the camp, both common area and bedrooms, is very beautiful, very clean, well organised, and very comfortable. Everything is carefully thought of in the smallest details. And even if some people might regard this as an inconvenient, we loved having no network, allowing for a digital detox and nice discussions with the other guests.
Food was relatively simple dishes, but always nicely presented and tasting good, with many drinks, hot and cold, being available all day long.
Transfers are organised extremely smoothly and in a very efficient manner, allowing to spend the maximum amount of time to enjoy the camp and wildlife.
Finally, one request to Expert Africa: we wished you could have mentioned the baby & mum charity that Splash support before we left home. This would have allowed us to bring some baby items with us, that we no longer need, and would have been useful in Botswana." See all these reviews: 5n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe; 1n in South Africa
"Splash Camp review"
Facilities were fancier than Ilala but not as well-ventilated and in fact when it was windy was much less comfortable and harder to adjust.
It would have been great to have the coffee with wakeup.
Pool was fantastic (same with Ilala).
Meals were family style; that would have been great to be very clear before getting there. They accommodated solo dining but it was quite awkward. After being with people all day it was really a lot to also dine with them. To consolidate the memories it helped me to have some quiet time. Others are different, I know, but options are important.
Also, staff do not get to see their families for 2 months (guides) or 3 months (everyone else) and they are not allowed access wifi (which does exist at camp). That truly is not ok. The divide between us is huge already; compassion is important.
At times I felt a little unsafe -- on the boat ride and once with the elephants in particular; I wished we had been further from a bull who was protecting his family. On the boat ride it was beautiful but that is also the highest mosquito time. I wished that there had been mosquito spray available right on the truck or some other provision." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 1n in Zimbabwe
Regarding concerns about staff spending extended periods away from their families, this setup is common across many industries globally - hospitality, mining, marine, and the military to name a few. This is usually due to the location of the workplace. Typically, staff work on a rotation of 8 to 12 weeks on duty followed by 2 to 4 weeks off. This scheduling accommodates the reality that many staff members face lengthy and sometimes challenging journeys to reach their homes.
Wi-Fi was recently installed at Splash Camp, and initially priority has been given to guest access due to limited band width. However, plans are underway to enhance the internet facilities for staff.
We are looking into the safety concerns raised by this traveller.
"Splash Camp review"
The rooms are spacious with a very good bed. The fan beside the bed was a life saver during the hot nights. From the main building you follow a sandy path to your room. If it's dark you are always accompanied to/from your room by your guide because the camp is not fenced. From your room you cannot see your neighbors, which we liked, because privacy is important to us. The pool is small but clean; although we didn't use it we know how refreshing it can be on hot days. Since you are in a wet part of the wilderness keep in mind that there are a lot of insects.
The food was very tasteful and we admire the creativity of the kitchen. We liked the concept of 1 long table with all the guests; the best way to share experiences, photo's and to get to know people. We also loved the singing and dancing of the staff. The curio shop is small but very complete. The also sell good safari clothes, might you need anything.
There is NO Wifi in the camp. Perfect for a digital detox!" See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia; 5n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Splash Camp review"
Safari guide was just amazing both as a person and as a professional.
As for accommodation we would wish it to be a bit cleaner." See all these reviews: 7n in Kenya; 3n in Rwanda; 3n in Botswana; 3n in Tanzania; 2n in South Africa; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Splash Camp review"
The rooms have a modern twist to them, and are well spaced out, facing onto the lagoon.
The team are delightful, with many familiar faces. The food is of a very high standard.
Game sightings are good, ranging across the whole of the southern part of the concession.
Kwando appear to have taken on board feed back and the guides in Splash and Kwara are now co-operating better so there is less overlap than I have encountered previously." See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana
"Splash Camp review"
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