Botswana: reviews from our travellers

"The trip as a whole was excellent, there were some really good highlights though some, only a few, bad points.

I would make a mention of the young lady, Wilderness Safaris, at Windhoek Airport how was most helpful, in fact anything to to do with Wilderness Safaris was excellent.

A trip to remember, thank you" Read full review: 25 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip

"We were very much impressed with every aspect of the organisation of our trip. We expected it to be the trip of a lifetime, and it surpassed our expectations.

We found it reassuring to have the knowledge and expertise of Expert Africa's staff behind us, to guide us through a part of the world of which we had little previous experience. The choice of lodges was perfect, and every arrangement that had been made for us went without a hitch. We were particularly grateful for the huge contributions made by Maruska, in the initial planning of the trip, and Tracy, who took over when we were forced to postpone our trip by 12 months, following a family bereavement.

We would not hesitate to use Expert Africa again in the future, nor to recommend them to friends and family." Read full review: 23 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip

"It was a long holiday, covering huge distances and including 3 countries.

We first contacted you with a rough itinerary, which was much improved by Tracy's many suggestions and her acceptance that I was trying to keep costs down for the bulk of the trip. You booked us into 15 different places to stay and all were very acceptable, with most good/excellent." Read full review: 36 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip

"Our safari holiday was brilliant, the camps were all excellent, we saw a lot of wildlife with knowledgable, informative and patient guides. There was plenty of room on the safari vehicles and the coffee breaks and sundowners were wonderful. The staff at all the camps could not have done more to make us welcome and comfortable.

From start to finish, everything ran perfectly - it was an exciting, most memorable holiday." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"A magical experience as always in Africa and especially Botswana.

We would like to go back to Africa again in the future - it's a place that keeps drawing you back.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

I would not book an African holiday with any other company other than Expert Africa. You are simply the best!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"Nearly all the arrangements for our holiday were perfect. In particular we were very pleased that we decided to go for the private guide option, rather than self drive in Namibia, as we would definitely have missed out on a lot, particularly on bird recognition and other aspects of the Namibian culture.

One point of ambiguity arose in that our package stated "local beverages at each establishment(water, beers, ciders, juice, soft drinks, house wines and local spirits)" were included. However, it was not until our arrival at Andersson's Camp that this was clarified and agreed with Ultimate Safaris after we had been purchasing our own drinks for four nights." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"We had much looked forward to our North Botswana and Vic Falls trip, and we found it one of our best and most memorable holidays ever ! Botswana is a truly great safari destination, if you are passionate, as we are, about viewing and photographing wildlife.

The Okavango delta is among the most stunning wild places we have visited on this planet, both from the air and on the ground. The length of our stay (10 nights on safari in total, in 4 different camps) might seem a bit long at first, but we were very pleased with it, as it allowed us to take a more relaxed pace and we didn't mind the odd "non eventful" game drive too much. Indeed, the big five do not hide behind every tree or bush in these huge concessions, and we soon learned that good sightings require skillful guides and trackers, but also a good deal of patience !

We found the way in which our trip was planned, ideal for what we wanted to see during this trip and for our length of stay: i.e. first the Kwando area in north Botswana, followed by the Okavango Delta, and the magnificent Vic Falls at the end.

We were also absolutely delighted with the very smooth organization of our trip: every single aircraft (big or small) or road transfer we took left on time; we were always welcomed by friendly staff upon arrival; rooms/tents were always ready for us upon our arrival... Top marks ! We would like to add a special comment for Mack Air here as well: flights over the Delta were a great experience !

Finally, although in our reviews per camp, we have mentioned some smaller points for improvement where and when we found it as needed, but we honestly can't think of anything that we would have wanted to add to our trip, that would have made it even better than it already was. This trip has made our love for Africa even greater, and we can not wait to return to explore more of this marvelous continent!!

Special thanks to Megan, who was extremely helpful in organizing our trip, and really went out of her way to answer our many questions before departure ! Truly top service !" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari

"Now we have had our holiday I feel I understand what I would do next time.

It was all a wonderful experience. Firstly I must put a word in for Mack Air as there didn't seem to be anywhere to put that. We were concerned and a bit anxious about the small flights but the service and professionalism from the pilots was excellent and made the whole experience fine.

All the places we booked were good, each different and interesting. Of course not having been to Africa before or been on a safari holiday before it is difficult to understand what it is going to be like even though we read all the information and listened to all the advice there is nothing like the experience of actually being there.

In no particular order we felt that the camps in Botswana seemed more geared up to 2 night stays and in fact 2 nights felt perfectly fine though before we went I thought 2 nights might feel a bit tight. In fact sometimes our 3 night stays felt as if the guides were looking for things to do. I loved Botswana, particularly the Okavanga Delta and would go back there.

Though we were a bit concerned about driving ourselves round Namibia as 2 women on our own in our late 50s and 60s, in fact it was very easy. We loved Cape Cross and Walvis Bay, both fine for 1 night stays. I would want to stay 2 nights in Okonjima in the Bush camp, a very pleasant place to stay. It was me who insisted on staying in Okaukeujo and it was fine though I think if I was advising someone else I would suggest somewhere smaller with better food.

I also would not go back to the Zambezi Sun, it was the only place we were disappointed with. Everyone is different but we both realised how important a breakfast and dinner view is for us and a view of the Zambezi rather than corporate hospitality is worth paying for.

We loved South Africa and will probably go back there sometime. All in all we loved it and love Africa, it is like no other place I've ever been to.

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I cant think of anything. My sister and I did talk about how difficult it must be to advise people on where to stay and where to go. You did really well so thank you. The only thing that might have helped us not go to the Zambezi Sun was either us telling you the sort of hotel we usually stay in when we travel or you asking." Read full review: 28 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip

"We thoroughly enjoyed our trip of a lifetime we couldn't have asked for more.

The itinerary was perfect and many thanks to Megan from Expert Africa for her help and knowledge.

My one and only comment on my whole trip would be that our journey home from Abu Dhabi could have been changed and we could have flown back to Manchester which would have been a little easier.

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You are doing an excellent job we had a wonderful holiday with no problems and I am sure if we had you gave us ample telephone numbers and contacts to help us well done Expert Africa.👏👍😃" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 3 on a Botswana safari

"Wild dogs were on the top of our wish list and we saw them on our second game drive. Other great sightings as well: leopard cheetah with cubs, lion with very small cubs and so many other animals.

Stayed at three different camps, all in different terrains making for different habitats. Good food, wonderful people. Relaxing at Quilalea, mozambique rounded of the trip in a fantastic way." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari