Botswana: reviews from our travellers

"You did a terrific job in finding out our expectations and recommended camps that more than fulfilled our wishes. I can highly recommend you to a friend." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"Our 7-night trip to Botswana over Christmas 2012 was excellent. Expert Africa recommended a very good mix of camps and locations, with good contrasts between the vast Central Kalahari and then two quite different locations in the game-rich Okavango Delta. Camps were very high quality throughout, with a few minor areas for improvement which are covered in individual camp reviews.

We definitely felt we were getting good value for our money in each of these places - not only because of the accommodation and guides, but also because of the exclusivity. We rarely saw another vehicle at any point, and never more than one.

We had some concerns about travelling in December, when Botswana is often hot and wet (and when the wetland areas of the delta can be dry with high grass). These proved unfounded - weather was fine throughout, except one grey day, and not uncomfortably hot at game drive times (apart from one very long drive in the Kalahari). Bush fires in the delta actually meant that the grass was short in many areas and game viewing was excellent. And we were able to take boat and mokoro trips in both locations in the delta.

Huge thanks to all at Expert Africa, especially Megan, for the advice and for the quick responses to endless questions!" Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari

"I went the wrong way, should have done Lebala and Lagoon first as Little Kawara and Kanana really raised the bar. Meg was fantastic all the way through.

I would have preferred a bit more electronic stuff and less paper (same with your brochure which I prefer online as I am a greenie)" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 13 on a Botswana safari

"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