Botswana: reviews from our travellers

"It was superb.... totally exceeded our expectations and we found all the camps perfect. When we contacted EA (we've used them before several times) we started with some limits on our budgets but Maruska came back with a fabulous itinerary that met and exceeded all our needs.

In advance of the trip all questions were quickly and fully answered and we headed off with full confidence for the holiday. We have lots more feedback on the camps themselves but in summary this part of Botswana is beautiful and (especially) the Kwando camps are superb with all the staff a great highlight. What also impressed us was how the choices of camp reflected our priorities around viewing, the guides and being more open and in amongst it all.

This was our 3rd Expert Africa trip (Namibia and Botswana twice before) and ideally we'd always look to EA first before booking anything again - Maruska was excellent throughout.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

None at all!" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari

"A trip of a lifetime. We had a tremendous time from the moment we landed in Johannesburg till the moment we left Cape Town. We do encourage people to visit Johannesburg and we stayed at the Monarch Hotel which was very conveniently located close to the train to the airport, close to the mall and also to restaurants. The people we met were nearly all helpful and kind and we felt that our trip added rather than took from the places we visited. Everything was taken care of other than a couple of things.

All the connections worked out but I would strongly recommend you including in the itineary the addresses of locations after a flight. The flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town did not include Jeanne's bag. We spent quite a lot of time waiting and then talking to the lost baggage people about this. They found the bag in Johannesburg and wanted an address to deliver it to us when it arrived. We didn't have the Acorn House address and they didn't have access to the internet or a phone and nor did I. All I could think of was to go to the driver and find out from him. I made the fatal error of leaving the arrivals area to talk to him and then trying to go back to tell the baggage people what the address was. That caused a real problem and I had go through a ridiculous process to get back to Jeanne even though five people watched me walk out of the arrivals area and refused to let me back without special authorization and being escorted through security.. Please include the address in your documentation.

Under the category of things I wished I'd known was the fact that both lodges in the Delta were open to the elements and quite cold at night. We had been warned by our friends it would be cold in the Etosha area, but didn't think there would be the same issue in Botswana. We adapted, by showering when it was warm out and wearing our warmest clothes to bed but it was a surprise." Read full review: 28 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari

"We had a brilliant time.

All the lodges we stayed at were different and worked very well as a complete package.

We would not hesitate to use Expert Africa again" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"great

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

no" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 12 on a Botswana safari

"Maruska organized a vacation for my husband and me, and her expert knowledge and prompt, informative communications were invaluable, ensuring a painless and memorable experience from planning to booking to actually embarking on our trip.

The fact that our trip was as seamless and amazing as it was is attributable to Maruska--we cannot thank her enough for such an incredible trip!" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 5 on a Botswana safari

"We were very happy with all the arrangements that Expert Africa made for us, although we were disappointed with Little Kwara.

It was unfortunate that we only spent one night at Little Kwara due to my wife's illness and missed all the game drives, as they may well have compensated to some extent for the disappointing accomodation, but who knows!

We would have liked to have been told that Little Kwara was about to close as this probably was the reason it was so rundown, we may then have decided to change to another lodge." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"The trip was a real delight and a privilege.

Botswana and its people are inspiring and the scenery and wildlife experience, spectacular.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

None.

This is our second trip with Expert Africa and probably not our last.we have already recommended EA to others in the UK and abroad." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"This was a wonderful holiday and a great experience. Many thanks to Tracy Lederer for her excellent advice in creating our itinerary.

Victoria Falls was a great way to start the holiday. The Wilderness Safari camps at Little Vumbura and particularly Chitabe Lediba were fantastic, giving us a great combination of water and land based activities. We are big fans of Wilderness Safaris - their camps are obviously not cheap but are truly spectacular.

Chobe was also a good way to relax at the end of the holiday. We have done several safaris before but Botswana is without doubt the most spectacular destination - the wildlife, bird life, scenery and landscapes and the people are wonderful.

We hope to return one day and will definitely use Expert Africa." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"We have always loved the bush and we will always return. The bush restores ones sole. It is always a privilege to be part of an adventure like experiencing Sable Alley.

We rate this camp as one of our better camps we have experienced in Botswana. (We have had the privilege to experienced premier camps etc)

Overall experience; trip as a whole:

Keep up the good work.

As it is always a pleasure dealing with someone who makes you feel that they are in control and they know exactly what you want." Read full review: 4 nights in Africa; 4 on a Botswana safari

"Great trip, everything went so well. No glitches.

The connections and transfers were all seamless. Chobe River crossings between Zambia and Botswana was easy.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

We are so impressed with the trip Lucy put together for us. Even though we just saw a small corner of Africa it was truely amazing.

Lucy really listened to what we wanted to do and made it all happen" Read full review: 6 nights in Africa; 3 on a Botswana safari