Botswana: reviews from our travellers

"The trip was wonderful from start to finish and thank you to Maruska for her brilliant organisation and in depth knowledge of the region.

The combination of Zambia with Namibia worked very well, as we were able to spend time in one of the prime game viewing areas of Africa as well as have the freedom to see things for ourselves once we had the use of our vehicle. We will be back as soon as we can!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

The only suggestion we would have for improving our itinerary would be to spend 2 days driving across Etosha national park rather than one, and staying in the intermediate camp. This would allow more time for game viewing while making the transit on what were quite rough roads.

On the other hand, the gravel road to Waterberg plateau was much better than expected and only took about 20 minutes to transit.

Overall, we were very glad that we had upgraded from a standard car to a SUV." Read full review: 23 nights in Africa; 8 on a Namibia trip

"It was a special trip - not the cheapest, but something we'd always wanted to do, and it didn't disappoint." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"Our itinerary was so well thought out. Driving times in the Self -Drive part were manageable. Definitely a key point. The folder with notes for travellers was priceless. It really contributed to the success of our excellent holiday. It was most appreciated to have all the bases covered in such exacting detail.

Maruska really helped walk us through the initial planning stages, pointing out practicalities in her most diplomatic way. Her suggestions always held true, yet she listened to our ideas as well. She showed great patience and carefully dealt with our concerns. Her knowledge and expertise enabled us to experience a great adventure.

It was truly a unique experience. We were so very fortunate to have had Maruska as our contact.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

At this time, I can't think of any way our experience could be improved upon." Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip

"We talked to a number of travel agencies when we decided to go to Namibia and Botswana. Expert Africa was clearly the most knowledgeable and helpful so it was easy for us to choose to use your services. We spoke to Maruska a number of times and she was able to answer all of our questions and help us make informed decisions. The materials she sent and your website resources were extremely informative and helpful.

This was a great trip and exceeded our expectations, especially the wildlife viewing opportunities. All of the lodges were very good and more luxurious than we are used to. We only gave a few "Excellent" ratings on our survey responses so we could single out the truly outstanding lodges and activities.

When we started planning this trip, we realized that it was going to be an expensive holiday: certainly more expensive than any of our other vacations. After returning home from a wonderful 3 weeks in Namibia and Botswana, we feel that it was money well spent.

Thank you for helping us to have the trip of a lifetime.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

There's nothing that you can do about this, but you might want to warn other travellers about the long wait time when arriving at Windhoek airport. It took well over an hour to clear Customs and Immigration. It would have been even longer but they moved a few of the older passengers (including us) to the front of the line. The staff were generally unwelcoming and unhelpful - not sure if this was an isolated incident or general practice. This was such a contrast to everyone else we met during our stay in Namibia." Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip

"I can't say enough about how well this trip was arranged. Everything came off without a hitch.

No delays, no misunderstandings, no confusion about anything.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

This was a comprehensive, professional job from start to finish. Megan understood exactly what we were looking for in a trip and delivered exactly what we hoped for on all fronts.

I travel for a living and know how things can sometimes go wrong. But everything was simply perfect." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari

"Maruska, thank you so much for all your work and patience too!!! Everything went perfectly. There were no hiccups or problems of any kind.

The game viewing was better than I had hoped as we were lucky enough to see lion, leopard and cheetah at all three camps! Though observing the dogs was not a high priority for us, it turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip. Eleven nights at three camps was perfect as we departed content but fatigued too!!!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Just keep doing what you are doing and give Maruska a raise!!!" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 11 on a Botswana safari

"Absolutely wonderful, a real once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 14 on a Botswana safari

"Africa - what a wonderful place. Expert Africa lived up to their reputation once again. We will definitely be back! Holiday of a lifetime!!!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Although it may be difficult to advise journey times we do feel that this would be very useful in ensuring people can make the most out of their day. Fo example if there are any major roadworks happening this info would be invaluable. Also if info on times of activites could be given in advance this may prevent guests missing out. Eg we only just made it in time to Africat for first activity." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip

"Overall very positive, most enjoyable and memorable trip. Some exceptional animal and bird sightings - eg leopard with young one.

The only negative points were the transfer from Kasane airport to Chobe Game Lodge, our stay at Lianshulu, and the stopover at Ghanzi, which we felt was unnecessary and not particularly enjoyable (though we did get to see another side of Botswana!)" Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip

"Very, very good trip. Met and exceeded all of our expectations.

One comment. When trips have been organised, even though we were taken to the locations by the organisers, the people meeting us at the trip required vouchers. The documents that we had were enough for them and we had a few furrowed brows. So there is. Need for a voucher for each trip.

The transfer from Zambezi Sun to Botswana was a bit of a worry as we had heard from anybody about the pick up time. the hotel had to phone Munchenje. We we got back to our rom at 11:00pm there was a message waiting from the transfer company.

All trips organised were fantastic. all highly recommended, white water rafting, micro light flights." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 4 on a Botswana safari