Botswana: reviews from our travellers

"This was the first time we have booked a holiday with Expert Africa (Following a recommendation of a friend who knows Africa well). We have travelled to many countries in Africa over the years and have been particularly impressed by the knowledge, quality of service and attention to detail given by the Expert Africa team.

The 'needs analysis' by the team adviser who helped us made prefect recommendation for the camps we visited in Botswana - they could not be improved on furthermore the travel arrangements were well thought through and executed flawlessly.

Clearly an attention to detail does not happen by accident, Expert Africa are to be commended - we will book through Expert Africa again when visiting the continent in future!" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari

"We enjoyed this trip, our thirteenth safari but our first during the green season. We particularly wanted to look for birds in the breeding season and so in breeding plumage and to see the desert 'in bloom'.

We did both, notably seeing weavers, whydahs and widowbirds- little brown jobs for most of the year but now in full plumage. The desert was indeed in flower and we would recommend the experience to all seasoned safari aficionados - not only for the green freshness and the ephemeral flowering plants but the huge range of flowering grasses and the huge numbers of beautiful butterflies, grasshoppers and so on. Sure the game is spread out and not gathered around the waterholes but we saw so many groups of animals fit and well fed and simply enjoying themselves- dogs, lions and elephants playing. A great trip.

The downside was the lack of water in the Delta. The rains failed last year and some areas had consequently been dry for over a year. Vumbura is situated on a permanent river so was less affected and there has been some recent rain this season so water levels there have gone up and we enjoyed good water activities there, however Jacana camp in the Jao concession was completely dried up and has been for over a year. Recent rains have barely touched them and they hope for water again later in the year when the floods from Angola arrive; there have been good rains in Angola apparently.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

We have used Expert Africa on several occasions and returned because you do offer an excellent service." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"We had a wonderful time at Camp Kwara.

Expert Africa gave us great advice to go there in the first place and all the arrangements and services were exactly as promised.

The animal viewing was superb and the staff worked hard to make sure we had a fantastic experience. The new Camp is beautifully finished.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

none at all. I was very impressed with the service I received." Read full review: 5 nights in Africa; 5 on a Botswana safari

"In total, we spent a month in Africa birding in South Africa and Namibia before our last six nights in Botswana.

Our Botswana experience was a bit of a mixed bag. The two camps we visited - Nxai Pan and Tau Pan - are very nice camps with great staff but are a bit uncomfortable if crowded because of the communal approach to dining. (20 people at a large table shouting at each other.)

We missed one night in the middle of the trip altogether because weather prevented a landing at our second camp and forced us to spend the night at a hotel in Maun.

Overall, a nice but not great experience in Botswana compared to some of our many other African trips.

Overall, Expert Africa does seem to be an "expert" on Africa. This was the second trip that we taken with help from Maruska and we are very pleased with the advice as well as the actual organization of our trips.

Keep up the good work!" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"Really enjoyable! Created some lifetime memories!

I got a couple of African Tick bites but that is my own fault for not reapplying repellents" Read full review: 3 nights in Africa; 3 on a Botswana safari

"Maruska was great! She made great suggestions and listened to our needs.

The only lodging that was not great was the one that I suggested (next time, i will take your advise, Maruska made suggestions when lodges were above our price-line and redirected.us. I believe our trip was as great as it was thanks to help from Maruska and Expert Africa!

Thanks so much!" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip

"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

"Enjoyed every aspect of the safari and beach. The logistics worked seamlessly and we returned refreshed and planning our next trip." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 7 on a Mozambique holiday

"Excellent." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 5 on a Botswana safari

"The trip as a whole was fantastic - all arrangements worked like clockwork with every single transfer being on time and with friendly smiling staff - our thanks to Expert Africa.

The combination of Victoria Falls, Okavango Delta and Mana Pools was ideal and we saw a huge variety of wildlife and had some amazing experiences. The lodges were great - with Nyamatusi in Mana Pools being the best - so totally luxurious and in a stunning setting.

Thank you all.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No - it was all great thank you." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 6 on a Zimbabwe safari