Botswana: reviews from our travellers

"The trip was exceptional...we had heard that Botswana had a great reputation for sightings, and although we travelled in the wet season, and our expectations were dampened, it only rained once and that was at night.. most days were sunny and/or partly cloudy.

We were overwhelmed by the variety and number of sightings, the people in the camps, the facilities.

We are not enthusiastic birders, but the number and variety of birds actually excited us!

As a keen photographer, this trip exceeded expectations!

Literally there was nothing that put a damper on the experience!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

This was our third experience with Expert Africa, which says it all... we have already given Lucy's contact info to a friend" Read full review: 6 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"This time we wanted to experience the rainy season in Botswana and that was exactly what happened.

EA prepared us very well and provided everything we needed to have a memorable trip. In fact, we recommended EA to fellow travellers who were less fortunate in their preparations.

We started planning our next EA trip on the plane home." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari

"Thank you for the organisation of my holiday.

As always, everything went smoothly, a very pleasant experience." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari

"The camps were a mixed bag, with ra dinare by far the best. We were extraordinarily lucky in that on every drive except one we had the vehicle to ourselves. Thank you, Anton, for your efforts on that matter.

The weather was not the best, with two rainstorms, and sundry other rains. Resulting very long grass in places affected viewing. We both had stomach bugs at intervals, which did not help. but was not too serious. The camps dealt with it well.

As regards PomPom, if I were at all involved with Expert Africa, I would consider removing this camp from the website. It is tired, dispirited, and is saved only by the good game viewing in the surrounds

As regards Splash, there was such a dirth of game to watch, that I think this area should be avoided at this time of year

However, the ra dinare experience was wonderful on all fronts. A lovely place, well run, good guiding and nothing to grumble about." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Botswana safari

"A first visit to Botswana in green season and generally a success - we knew that the viewing may be more challenging at this time of year, but the trade off is lush greens, flowers and fewer vehicles on the sightings.

It was great to see Botswana in a different light, albeit we never got any rain and moody skies! Climate change makes the seasonal rains far more unpredictable.

On the downside, low season meant fewer camp mates, and chatting around the table is part of the fun of safari, plus last minute camp changes due to maintenance was not something we had expected nor want again - a free upgrade is not always a positive.

Great service from Lucy and the Expert Africa team once again." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 11 on a Botswana safari

"Overall, this is the most amazing experience I've had in my life. Small issues in camp were just that- small. Nothing could have prepared me for seeing these animals in person, and I just felt so grateful to be there and to see all of these amazing things. Botswana sunsets are like no other, and I cannot wait to return. Have an open mind, and bear in mind that bush luxury is not the same as 5 star hotel luxury- but you don't come here for the hotels, you come for the animals." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"Botswana was a very different experience than my previous trip to Tanzania. Upon reflection, I liked it better. There were fewer vehicles around so the experience of the landscape and the animals felt very private. And at the same time, the trip was in no way "roughing it in the bush".

The camps were wonderful and comfortable, and the food was very good. Of particular note was the delicious homemade breads, cakes and muffins.

If I have any suggestions, it would be that there is an opportunity for expansion that could be explored. I had some mobility issues on this trip so was probably paying more attention than normally I might. And I should be clear that the staff accommodated my limitations brilliantly! I had been to Africa before and was confident I could get in and out of the vehicles and walk to the cabins/tents. However, the vehicles were much different--higher and without open sides. I certainly had difficulty getting in and out. (The staff found a step stool at the first two camps, which worked.) At the third camp, the vehicle had a flip down ladder, which was much more stable and allowed easy access. At two of the camps, the rugs, although lovely, did not lie flat, creating a trip hazard. At Splash, the antelope rug was between the bath and the bathroom and the staff removed it for my stay. And all of the cabins were at quite a distance from the lodge.

I think that if the company looked at what they offered through the lens of a person with some (not major) mobility issues, they may be able to market to this group, who may not normally think they could go on a safari. I would suggest that anyone who can step into a bathtub can get into the vehicles, if there is a stepstool provided or there is a flip down ladder. There could be a question about mobility when booking and those people could be booked in the nearer cabins. And the facilities should look for trip hazards and other challenges such as low or very heavy chairs.

With those minor tweaks, the trips would work for individuals with some mobility issues." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"This was a great trip. The arrangements worked perfectly and as planned. the three camps we visited were different in terms of location, of course, but all maintained the Kwando reputation for great guiding, excellent food and extremely friendly and knowledgeable staff." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"Our trip was amazing.

Other than getting soaked through on one game drive at Shinde, it is hard to imagine how it could have gone better.

Everything happened on time and as it should. I can't think of a single person who wasn't helpful or better.

We traveled with our children and each place we stayed was great for them as well as us. We wanted a variety of experiences, but with a certain level of comfort and we were not left wanting. Really, an outstanding experience!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"It was very memorable.

Will be looking to go back to Botswana!" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari