Botswana: reviews from our travellers

"We had an absolutely superb trip and our family will treasure our memories forever.

We thought it was a very well balance trip, with organised activities balanced with independent travel. Renting a car was a fabulous way to travel around Namibia with a young family and the trip was very well planned with the travel distances very manageable and clear The detailed organisation by Maruska and Saskia made for a seamless and very enjoyable holiday.

Our time with the Bushmen was one of our highlights so thanks for the suggestion and organisation of this part of our adventure.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

At times it would have been nice to know if we were going to be travelling on gravel or sealed roads and the map provided didn't seem to differentiate between the two." Read full review: 23 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip

"Thoroughly enjoyable, if tiring.

This trip was planned some 18 months ago and was programmed for May 2012, but medical problems arose and it had to be deferred to Nov. Throughout this process we were encouraged by the patience and consideration of Nick who is a great ambassador for your organization

The bulk of the time was spent in Kwando camps, with whom we have stayed before. They have a quality product, but it is not a good look when their guides have to borrow guests binoculars/reference books to identify a particular bird.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

As long as your staff show the same consideration as Nick when problems arise your customer service satisfaction levels should be high." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 13 on a Botswana safari

"Overall a fantastic trip - huge success and really enjoyed by all of our party.

Would reconsider flying from Kasane to Bazaruto via Joburh - this was slow and boring.

Interested to note direct Flights from Capetown into the delta- that might offer interesting options for pre or post safari time.

Mozambique looked great from the Air but we did not feel we could explore much when we got there.
Also felt a bit of a "prisoner " in remote beach lodge - maybe staying on mainland or nearer a town might have worked for us." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 7 on a Mozambique holiday

"Overall the trip was excellent and will remain in memory for a long time. The overall organisation was very good and (Air Botswana notwithstanding) it all ran very smoothly. We had to rejuggle our trip and push it back one month due to passport issues - Wilderness and (especially) Expert Africa were extremely helpful in trying to accomodate our new dates and reshuffling everything - thank you very much to all.

The variety of game viewing exceeded our expectations. The accomodation was good though we preffered the styling of Duma Tau to the more modern Vumbura Plains.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

The brochure is good but very big. Similarly this feedback for is quite long (though I understand you want detailed comments).

It could be highlighted which camps are actually owned by Wilderness as I understand for some of them Wilderness only does the booking. Guests could book a camp thinking it is Wilderness owned (and follows their eco credentials/service etc) but then find it is not - eg apparently Chitabe is not Wilderness owned.

Once again, thanks to Megan for working hard to salvage our trip after our passport problems!" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"Primarily we wanted a varied experience of Botswana and to see the wild dogs, leopards and cheetahs and that is exactly what we got. It was a wonderful trip filled with many happy memories. In particular we were struck by the exceptional friendliness of all the people in Botswana - it was a real pleasure to be there. The guiding in the Kwando camps was of the highest order and nothing was too much trouble.

The only downside was the six people two tier vehicles used at Little Kwara and Nxai Pan. We were very fortunate not to be too affected by this but on another occasion we might not be so lucky. Some of the Kwando staff were apologetic about this situation which can be easily remedied by the senior management. We had little problem with six people in the three tier vehicles at Lagoon when the occasion arose. When you have paid a significant amount for such a holiday you don't want to be cramped into a vehicle for several hours.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No. Nick Hobbs gave us all the information we needed about the flights, the camps and tipping. Thank you very much." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"Good mix of camps and localities. Staff at all levels generally well-trained, friendly, helpful. Food at dinner generally disappointing (with the exception of Batswana beef), although brunches and teas were usually very good, and wines and other drinks were good. We understand the problem of lighting versus insects, but we do like to see what we're eating; Lagoon seemed to have got it nearly right.

Wildlife varied from disappointing to wonderful. Guides/drivers/spotters usually informative and knowledgeable; vehicles varied in comfort and facilities.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Given my comments on the individual camps, it would have been helpful to know that it was sometimes a long (hot) walk to the furthest away rooms. Camp staff were helpful when this proved to be a problem." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 12 on a Botswana safari

"A wonderful holiday with exactly the type of camps and experiences we wanted." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 11 on a Botswana safari

"It was a wonderful holiday seeing all the game life.

Botswana appears to be dominated by lions and elephants. I was grateful to see the pack of wild dogs whilst staying at Lagoon as all other camps said that there were no wild dogs in their vicinity. I saw 39 different lions over the 2 weeks, 5 leopards, 3 Cheetahs, a pack of wild dogs and a good number of Hyena. I only saw leopards at Lagoon and Sandibe.

The trip was very well organised - thank you. All pick ups and transfers worked perfectly , there being no hitches. I would go back tomorrowm if I could afford it." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 13 on a Botswana safari

"We cannot wait to embark on a second safari soonest possible. We would most definitely like to have an experience similar to the one we had with Kwando. The same spirit, not too polished and with emphasis on quality rather than on luxury.

Expert Africa has been attentive to all of our needs and requests. Thanks.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Great job ... keep it that way !!!" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"We take an international trip every year, and this Africa trip, compared to other trips, was very excellent in that it was culturally different from the other trips that we've taken.

We visited Africa primarily for the safaris and it is the safaris that made the trip memorable. Seeing the animals, in their natural habitats, doing what they normally do, without cages, boundaries, restrictions." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari