Botswana: reviews from our travellers

"Oh dear - I've written all this once. Just went back on feedback to form to untick the 'happy to share with other travellers' and have lost what I originally wrote! Here goes again..

This was an amazing experience for both of us. We were particularly pleased with the small number of people at each camp which gave a feeling of private game viewing and we particularly enjoyed the walking safaris at Linyanti. I was concerned that 2 weeks might be too long but, with the variety of camps chosen (with Megan's help and the Bradt Guide) we never tired.

We think that 3 nights in one place is beter than 2 nights. Without exception all camps were excellent. Staff attentive, food plentiful (too plentiful!); guides good. Comfortable beds and linen - with award for best hot water bottle going to Camp Kalahari. Food was very western (delicious soups) and some people commented that they would like to try local cuisine - that said, we understand the reason why camps stick to western food.

We would suggest that clear guidelines be given on tipping. The Bradt Guide seems a little out of date with what others were paying. Not knowing what staff and guides earn as basic wage, it's difficult, but can't help thinking that $20 pp/per day for guide and same amount for staff is a lot when you consider how many guests pass through a camp in a week. Some nationalities are more accustomed to tipping than others so clear (lower) guidelines would be good so that we know in advance how much to take and there is no awkwardness. Baines was the only camp to provide guidance on tipping in their in-room brochure but even that wasn't clear as to if it was pp or per member of staff.

We mistakenly left our Bradt Guide at Little Kwara. If you could send another, that would be very much appreciated Megan.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

We thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and were pleased to meet other Expert Africa travellers on the same trip - both of who had booked through NZ I believe due to time difference. Have already passed on your details to others so that's the best compliment. Thank you Megan. I know Nick (husband) enjoyed poring over the Bradt Guide and discussing various options with you. Can't think of any other suggestions but will let you know if we do!" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 11 on a Botswana safari

"The best trip of our life.

Maruska listened to what we thought we wanted and she delivered. Every detail was covered, we had no worries or gaps. It was a memorable trip and we hope to be back, with Expert Africa, (and Maruska) of course!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"Our trip to Botswana and the Victoria Falls has been fantastic. We have looked to travel to Botswana for a long time - and we were not disappointed. The standard of the camps was very good; the wildlife was fabulous; and the Falls are stunning in full flood.

We (like everyone) have our favourite camps, and the places that we would love to go back to one day - and the help and advice that we received from Megan and Nick at Expert Africa has been excellent.

To anyone who is thinking about whether or not to go to Botswana, we would highly recommend it. This was our 11th Wildlife Watching holiday (our 7th trip into Africa), and we have had wildlife encounters here that we have not experienced anywhere else, and at very close quarters.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

It might be worth adding in a suggested tip allowance for the Trackers in Botswana. We had a tracker on every Game Drive in addition to our Driver/Guide - and they are not included in the general staff tips.

It would perhaps be helpful to include a suggestion within the notes that travellers make sure they pack their bags prior to going out for the morning game drive on the day they are departing the camp, as flight times change - often without much warning!

In Zimbabwe, the additional taxes are currently all included in the International Ticket Price, so we did not need to pay anything extra when we departed." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari

"Thank you for organising a great holiday which all four of us enjoyed.

Suggestion - We would have liked to stay overnight in Maun to have a little experience of a Botswana town. May I also suggest a little phonetic crib sheet for speaking a little Setswana. It may be me but I found they usually did not understand my effotrts

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

I think I would have liked a little more direction about camps. It was our first time in Botswana and I did not realise that I chose three camps very close in area. If /when we go again I would chose camps in more different areas. I certainly would have liked say 2 nights on the Chobe waterfront and perhaps 2 nights to have a chance to see Rhinos. However these are quibbles becasue we saw a vast range of animals in their natural habitats including good viewing of leopard, cheetahs and wild dogs. Thank you for all the work your team did" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"The whole trip was fabulous. Despite hating cold weather I had no trouble layering up to get out every morning and afternoon to explore the bush some more. The people we met were also interesting because of this common interest to explore. I have always wanted to do this but never fully realized how magical it would be.

Maruska was a great help in setting everything up perfectly and advising that our orlginal idea to track for three weeks would be just too exhausting. We met another couple from Colorado at Little Kwara who had also been delighted with Maruska's service." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Botswana safari

"The trip as a whole was great. Despite some issues we had a great time." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari

"So much of this trip was a bit of magic.

From climbing dunes to watching sunrise over the red dunes to watching a group of lions surround our vehicle and literally ROAR at us to watching Cheetahs stalk and kill, to sleeping under the stars, driving for hours on roads and being in this amazing wilderness and not seeing another car for hours and not to forget all the wonderful people we met. Some proprieters of lodges, guests and employees.

Not all of the trip was perfect, but all in all we had an amazing time." Read full review: 26 nights in Africa; 14 on a Botswana safari

"The trip as a whole was very well organised. We came to Expert Africa after I had contacted several other companies who had their ideas about what we should do and did not listen to us and our requests. We did have several revisions of the itinerary but Nick was very patient and helpful throughout.

We were very impressed by the high level of organisation of all the trips we went on and in particular how the 2 companies we were travelling with contacted each other so that we went seamlessly from one part of the country to the other. Flights between locations in Botswana were impressively efficient and on time.

The whole trip went extremely well and met our expectations. i think it might be worth pointing out to travellers who come direct from Botswana to the Uk that they will be travelling for over 24 hours (in our case Kwai- Maun- Johannesburg- London) and to suggest the option of an overnight stay in Jhb." Read full review: 45 nights in Africa; 1 on a Botswana safari

"It was although expensive it was good value.

The organisation of the trip was spot on and logistics were superb." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"This was the perfectly orchestrated trip, introducing us to southern Africa. Maruska's ability to listen and plan an experience for complete strangers is uncanny.

Her recommendations assured us of perfect days, every day. To be met at a remote airfield, an hour late, by a jeep who dropped us at a waiting boat at the side of the river, met at the other side and taken to a hotel, all by kind, proud, and efficient staff is an amazing feat. It never occurred to us to be worried - we just accepted each step as part of our wonderful journey.

Looking back it could have been a series of mishaps - but it was perfect! Graeme never wants to travel anywhere else because we enjoyed sights and experiences we never imagined - endless desert, rich delta, the power and beauty of the animals, the kind and gentle people, and moving music. Thank you for the gift!" Read full review: 24 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip