Travel reviews by Mr A from Saratoga Springs

"The City Lodge was easily accessible from the terminal although improved signage on the location would have made the stroll easier.

The room was very clean and functional. Although we only stayed one evening we would have been very comfortable remaining longer.

The staff who we interfaced were excellent - welcoming, accommodating, and attentive. The breakfast buffet was sumptuous, with sufficient variety to accommodate most any dietary need."

"Our first experience with the "Under Canvas" camping was superb. Our guide, Moses, was extremely knowledgeable, welcoming, very friendly, and an extremely enjoyable traveling companion. He is a true gift to visitors and a tremendous representative for &Beyond and Botswana.

Blue, the camp manager, clearly demonstrated an ability to maintain a camp and staff that were attentive to our needs; with the staff having our tents ready to welcome us following our afternoon tour, with very warm shower and wash water as well as the needed "bush babies" following dinner.

Food was exceptional with varied and plentiful meals. Also, the food provided during our morning break while touring was unexpected, hearty, and very much appreciated. The camp area was very well maintained and the location within the the Chobe Reserve provided us with earlier access and later tours than any tourist who was lodging outside of the park."

"Having experienced "Chobe Under Canvas" the two prior days, the Savute experience was a bit of a disappointment. Our guide, Mork, was knowledgeable and provided us some exciting viewing opportunities. However we were uncomfortable when he chose to travel into the bush to provide us a view of a male lion.

The acting Manager was also the other guide, and the chef (who was very outgoing and talented in food preparation) the first night was apparently substituting for the full-time chef who was present the second night. The facilities were clean but the water provided for showers in the late afternoon was not very warm (making it very challenging to enjoy a shower with the air temperature fairly cold).

Also, the camp was being dismantled the morning of our departure so the dining tent had been removed for our dinner our final night at Savute."

"Mr. Bones - our guide, the MC and overall host was truly amazing. Although the camp was a bit worn, Bones made this stay memorable.

Staff were very attentive and ensured we were extremely well treated. Our activities - ATV drives in the salt pan, guided tours, the Bushmen Walk, meerkat bonding - each held surprises that were amazing.

Overall an experience we would not have wanted to miss."

"Fantastic location and very good service. Being inside the park and with the short walk to Victoria Falls, we were able to conduct multiple trips to the various trails within the Falls area. Staff were very attentive and welcoming.

As an example, when I realized I had left my fleece on the transport to the hotel a staff member - who assisted us with our bags - quickly called the transport driver who returned to the hotel and provided the fleece. The staff in both the restaurant and bar areas warmly greeted us and efficiently served our requested beverages and drinks.

Our only disappointment was the cost of the dinner buffet the one evening we chose to dine in the restaurant. Although there was an abundance and variety of foods, our appetites did not warrant such an expense. Overall a solid recommendation."