29 independent reviews for Botswana camping safaris
Reviews for Botswana camping safaris
Caroline Perry review 31 Oct 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The journey into the Okavango Delta, seeing so much wildlife .2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
It’s a very full on trip with many hours traveling, very hot be prepared.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Our guide Brian was absolutely wonderful his contribution and a great group of travelers made it a fantastic trip.Brian Read review 17 Sep 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The whole thing!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be aware of the early mornings, and also give yourself an extra day in Johannesburg so that any delays in the flights do not mean you miss the start of the journey (which is what happened to us)3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, very much so. All the guides where "local" , and we where encouraged to shop locally. Also the guides where aware of the impact of plastics etc.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fabulous. Thoroughly recommended.Kim Tanner review 13 Aug 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The proximity to wild animals in their natural environment.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Warm clothes for winter.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We came away more educated and aware of the local people, cultures and environment. Local people were employed throughout the trip. We learnt a great deal from them.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A once in a lifetime opportunity.Jennie White review 6 Aug 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Staying in the camps at Okavango Delta and Moremi National Park, being so close to nature was amazing. The 4 hour safari walk was a particular favourite.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
A camara with a zoom is really great if you want some close ups of the animals. Phone camaras are great but often the zooms are limited. If you go in the winter make sure you have enough layers for the early morning game drives.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we talked to a number of local people who explained how Covid had impacted them and how glad they were to see visitors coming back. Particularly in the okavango delta where the mokoro polers were gathered to take us all to our camp.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I would give it 10 out of 10 without any hesitation. The guides were all very knowledgeable, helpful, humorous and inclusive, the accommodation was great throughout, the food was really tasty and varied, the wildlife was amazing. We thoroughly enjoyed it all :)Ann Taylor review 11 Jun 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Sleeping out in the wilds with elephants and hippos munching next to us and the game drives with such a knowledgeable guide. However it’s hard to say as everything was memorable and exciting!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Just do it! One of the most amazing experiences of my life. Remember that you are part of a team doing this together. Wild camping is all part of the experience.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes to benefited local people and supported conservation. Flying to Africa and around Africa is not the most environmentally friendly vacation but the tour operator was trying to be as environmentally friendly as possible.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Our guides were great, the safari drives incredible. An out of the ordinary vacation which Chris, our guide, always referred to as an adventure. Our group was quite diverse but we all got on well and gelled around ‘The adventure’Anne Browne review 31 May 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
All of it! The game drives were the most exciting so much incredible wildlife to see.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for 'a get up and go safari' . But it's the only way to see so many different habitats and so many animals. A willingness to muck in and help - many hands make light work.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes definitely helped the tribespeople of the Okavango delta. They were lovely and very open to explaining how important our visit and money was to them and their families.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent. Far exceeded my expectations. The guides were superb. So friendly and knowledgable, we knew we were in safe and expert hands.Mahesh Krishnamurthy review 16 Apr 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Camping and the drives.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared to be surprised and be very flexible.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Perfect value for money.Rabia Osman review 16 Jan 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Amazing experience wild camping , Okavango walking Safari’s ,saw the big 5 , lots of young animals …. Was amazing2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Head torch , power banks for phones if using for photos , something warm for early mornings and evenings and a waterproof as well as a pair of long trousers . Also to gave enough money for tips which are very hefty and not included …3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not sure4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Superb vacation if not over priced - if accommodation at the end had been superior, then would have been ok in terms of value for money.Chris Warren review 30 Oct 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
A Leopard walked through the camp 1 night. Also Elephants broke down the fence at night at Victoria Falls Waterfront Hotel.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Pack less clothes than you think, take extra camera/phone batteries as charging is sometimes difficult. Charging power-packs also a problem with a max size group. Take a Shewee or Bottle for nightime. Be prepared for the unexpected.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely all 3!4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
11 out of 10! Especially because of the Guides, Brian & Jame and the wizzo cook-Mello.Louise Siraj review 14 Aug 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The whole trip was filled with memorable moments! It was such a privilege to be guests of the Delta Bushmen in the Okavango and to be on foot for "nature walks" and travel by mokoro along the tranquil channels. Our guides were incredible. The leader, Brian, was exceptional, always well organised and patient and produced incredible meals for us on a campfire and gas ring; Moses was so knowledgeable and a brilliant tracker. Both of them found us incredible and memorable animal experiences which we will treasure for ever! Lister, our camp assistant worked tirelessly and cheerfully to make sure we were comfortable in camp, and baked amazing bread on the fire. The bush camping was amazing (though exhausting). We were a blessed group and had the most wonderful game viewing you can imagine, due in no small part to the skill and instinct of our guides. We cannot praise them highly enough.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for long, bumpy drives. Do bring some warm clothes for the early starts as it is an open vehicle and it can get quite chilly. Setting up and breaking camps frequently is tiring but after a few days you get into a good routine. It helps to have a main bag left in the truck and just have enough stuff for a couple of nights at a time in the tent. Don't take too much stuff, you can wear the same things for a few days. But do take a pair of long trousers for the walking safaris in the Delta.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The trip actively supports the local communities, eg the Delta bushmen directly benefitted from the stay on their land. The Save Our Sausage Tree project is effective at protecting a special part of the landscape. The fixed camps were run by local commmunities. The local guides all had tips paid directly. Botswana has a small population and tourism is an increasingly important part of their economy.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Amazing, incredible and filled with unforgettable experiences. As a couple who are now in our sixties and had not done any adventure travel since before children, we weren't sure how we would cope. Yes, it is tiring, but it is exhilarating and we shared so much with our fellow travelers that will live with us for ever. I am already looking at which one we could do next!Richard Webb review 10 Jul 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
How do you choose between the adrenalin rush of encountering a herd of around 20 elephants on a walking safari in the Okavango, finding yourself encircled by ten lions in Savuti, being looked at straight in the eye by a leopard in Moremi or the absolute peace and serenity of floating in a mokoro watching hippo and elephant.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
When it comes to packing - less is better. You really don't need much in the way of clothes, but in July it did get chilly in the evenings. There were a few concerns in the family about the wild camping toilet facilities, but completely unfounded as they were much cleaner and more hygenic than most public toilets and with some of the best views of any toilets in the world!!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes absolutely. Employing the local mokoro polers and guides in the Okavango Delta, and an incredibly knowledgable local guide for Moremi, Savuti and Chobe. All the local guides / polers are passionate about their environment and made absolutely certain that after we had packed away our campsites, that absolutely no evidence of us having stayed was left behind. Our guides were meticulous in not staying too long at a sighting if close to the animals, and if there was any signs of nervousness or the animals being uncomfortable with our presence, they would drive away. They showed the animals complete respect - and recognised that we were visitors in their environment.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
So many unique and incredible experiences as those described above as well as the wild camping - listening to the calls of hyena and lions at night and waking up in the morning to find their footprints through the campsite and an elephant wandering through the site during the day. The knowledge and professionalism of the guides meant that at no time did we feel in any danger, despite living in such close proximity to the animals. Outstanding - one of the best vacations we have ever had (or as the guides kept reminding us - "it's not a vacation - it's an adventure").Deb Piranian review 15 May 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Spending time on the land, camping and doing game walks. Seeing the morning and evening light. The guides and a good group of fellow travelers. The 3 day trip in the mokoros in the Okavango Delta.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The operator hired local guides to supplement the guide who was with us the whole time. So we gave employment to local people. Good attention to treating the environment as well as possible. Respect for the land.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent trip. The guides made the difference: a wonderful mix of knowledge, great attention to safety without unduly scaring us, humor, warmth, and friendliness.Samantha Bennett review 5 Oct 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Most memorable: Difficult - each area had its moments but I think the area of the Delta, with the polers and Jeremiah was beautiful. Having a shower with a few elephants watching us from 200m away was an experience! That and being pestered by a huge dung beetle flying around my head while in the bushy bushy. Most exciting: Again with the polers, being in our makoro and hearing two hippos grunting and chasing each other in the long grasses next to us. Suddenly the very quiet and calm polers starting shouted and poling frantically! We laughed in the end!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Leave at home your usual habits, open your mind, be prepared for any eventuality and live the experience.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, definitely.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
5 star experience, including changing tyres and pushing the jeep in deep sand and coming out red and dirty! And the help and organisation from the first moment we contacted responsible travel and the operator was also without fault. We felt very secure in our choice from the word go and that continued through the first meeting on the first day, right through to the end. Will definitely recommend this operator to others.Johannah Stretton review 8 Sep 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Camping out in the wild , hearing the hippos splashing in the water outside our camp in the Okovango Delta, the wonderful game drives. It was all wonderful2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
This is a great trip , if you enjoy camping and value being in the wilderness amongst the wildlife rather than the comforts of a lodge then this is the trip for you3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I hope so, we had local guides in the Okavango and we trust that this helps their local economy . We also visited the Khama rhino conservation center which has done good conservation work . Responsible tourism ( which I feel describes this trip ) also supports the African economies and thereby the African peolpe4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Amazing , we all had a wonderful time. Our guides were first class in both their knowledge of the wildlife and environment and on their professionalism.Brendan Murphy review 17 Aug 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Memories are many and varied - Victoria Falls was spectacular. The wildlife - Elephants, Lions, Hippos, Crocodiles and a Leopard to name just a few. Wild camping and the animal noises in the night. The guides (Ali & Jami) were knowledgeable and passionate about Africa. The blood red sunsets are like nothing you have ever seen before. The night sky unaffected by light pollution. The semi organised chaos of the border crossings. The silence in the mokoro canoes going through the Okavango delta. The diverse group of nationalities and ages who bonded very well - the seat rotation policy made sure everybody mixed well.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for long and dusty drives - some in the early morning can be cold so I would recommend bringing a fleece and a buff. Phone cameras are perfectly adequate - others in the group with more professional cameras have shared some truly amazing photos. Definitely would recommend binoculars. Local currency was a minor issue on this trip - Cards are accepted in most towns and at the fixed campsites. US dollars are also widely accepted and easily exchanged. The biggest problem was knowing how much needed to be changed to local currency and i would advise pressing your guides on this matter.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. Shopping was done in local shops en route. Meals were plentiful but nothing was wasted and excess food was given to local people in need. Tips for the polers in the Okavango delta were distributed in front of us and everybody was included. The new school in their village was great to see. The two vehicles used - the "big red elephant" and the open safari jeep were proportionate to the route we took. The parks and reserves seem well managed and wildlife is thriving.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A fabulous vacation. The wildlife on its own would make for a great vacation. The variety of scenery and cultures just adds to it. Full participation in the camp is good fun. Even the odd cold morning, the dust, one grumpy immigration official and the infamous "bushy bushy" helps make for a unique vacation.Michael Thompson review 29 Jul 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing the animals at very very close quarters, led by very knowledgeable guides.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Just do it - it is fabulous.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. We camped for 2 days with the dugout canoe poles and they were effusive about the benefits to their community. All the guides were very environmentally conscientious in everything they did. Lots of the explanations were about ecology and conservation.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Best vacation we have ever had. It was an amazing experienceSara Marques review 20 Jun 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The whole safari experience was simply incredible, game drives were really exciting and we saw a lot of animals in the wild. But the most memorable moment was when we spotted a leopard at a distance and we approached it with the vehicle, everyone was absolutely silent, it was just us and the leopard and all we could hear was cameras shooting and the animal's breath, truly unforgettable! Also loved the fact that we were able to visit Victoria Falls National Park, a real wonder of nature.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be open minded and have group spirit. Our group was a mix of ages and nationalities but everyone was willing to help and interact and we got along very well. When you spend 2 weeks with the same people this is really a big part of your experience. And as our guides used to tell us, anything is possible in Africa, have high expectations and no guarantees, what you see is what you get. Each day was a new and different experience regardless of what we found on the way. Some practical tips: on this trip you should not forget your binoculars, a torch for walking at night and take clothes for hot and cold weather since early mornings and nights are really chilly but during the day it can get very hot.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Since Botswana has very few people and this trip was more safari-oriented, we didn't really contact much with communities. However, I think there were efforts to benefit local people such as choosing local guides and lodges/campings run by locals. We were also asked to support some of the local environmental projects.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent! All the organization, guides, facilities and food lived up to our expectations. Would definitely travel again with this tour operator.Read the operator's response here:
Hi Sara, thank you for the great review, and we are so glad to hear that you had a good trip.
Many thanks
Annaïg Soulabaille review 6 May 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
I can't choose. All was exciting. The scenic view above Okavango delta, Moremi reserve game, Savuti, Chobe and Victoria Falls. Game Walk (in the delta) and all the Game Drives...2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Binoculars are essential !3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Maybe.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
ExcellentRosy Everitt review 21 Dec 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The abundance of wildlife. We saw so much; scores of elephants, hundreds of zebra, loads of giraffes and hippos everywhere not to mention the 100 or more species of birds . We say two wild cat (very rare) and the wild dogs. We enjoyed a few rarer sightings of an elephant chasing a lion, a pair of amorous leopard tortoise, a baby elephant falling over milk drunk (which was adorable) and marvelled at tree dwelling ducks. The peace and beauty of the Okavango Delta is just incredible and pretty humbling. Having stayed in lodges in the past I would say that camping in the wild is by far the best way to safari, although I was a little scared (terrified) the first night.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take extra batteries for your camera (I learnt the hard way). Don't fret about "safari wear". You don't need walking boots, trainers are fine and you just want loose comfy clothes and protection from the sun.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely. We left no trace whatsoever - our footprint was tiny. Food is bought locally (and cooked over open fires!). Guides and polers are all local from surrounding villages. Having grown up in the bush their knowledge and understanding of the environment and animal behaviour is amazing - you are in very safe hands.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Absolutely fantastic experience. Loved every minute of it.John Watterson review 15 Aug 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The highlight was probably when elephants strolled into our camp one afternoon! Camping in the wilderness and being up close to elephants, lions, rhino, giraffe, buffalo and hyena, hippos, leopards and fantastic bird life was wonderful. The expert guides kept us safe and shared their knowledge - and prepared great food every meal. The evening meals and chat round the fireside were very memorable too. Also watching a leopard eating its kill whilst hyena looked on. I could go on!!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Do it! Be prepared to muck in with the washing up etc. Take lots of layers of clothing if going in winter - cold mornings and hot afternoons.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We hope so. We certainly tried to do so - spending at local markts and tipping as much as we could afford. Guides made sure that sites were left in pristine condition.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
At the age of 62 we have no problem in saying that this was our best vacation ever. Like being in the middle of a travel cocumentary - up close and personal with so many beautiful animals (and lovely local people). Awewome, scary at times (how can you be 6 feet from a lion and not be scared?), exhilerating, exhausting. A unique experience we shall treasure for ever.Read the operator's response here:
Hi John,
Thank you for your stirling review of our tour. It certainly brings us joy to know that you enjoyed it so much. Hopefully we will get to welcome you back one day.
Caitlin Phillips review 17 Aug 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The opportunity to sleep in the 'wild' (in parks) and to sit around an open fire at night with just the star filled skies above and noises of wildlife around, was a huge privilege. The boat ride through the delta was one of the most atmospheric and soothing journeys I have had. The night around the fire listening to the songs of the Polers in the Delta was unforgetable. Another particular thrill was a sighting of a female leopard and her cub with their recent kill - that of a baby cheetah - in the Moremi park. The boat ride on the Chobe river was stunning in terms of the number of birds that we saw, and how close we were to elephants and crocodiles. White water rafting at the Victoria falls was pretty thrilling too. There are many more memorable things I could add......2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Think through the group aspect of this vacation. This isn't the vacation to choose if you want private time as a couple/family. In order for the tour group to work well, everyone has to make an effort to interact enough to develop a good group dynamic. Thankfully our group worked well, everyone was considerate and we enjoyed getting to know new people. Also, this is an very 'outdoor' tour with bumpy drives, camping every night - and participating in communal chores. It wouldn't suit someone who needed to shower everyday, or who had physcial health issues (such as back pain or poor mobility). Do make sure that you take something windproof to wear (and tie hair back), several of the drives are in an open sided vehicle which gets very windy (and cold).3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - by using local guides in the Delta and by ensuring that we cleaned up our camps and left nothing behind us (not even apple cores) in the parks. I think that there would be scope to extend the environmental aspects of this tour - perhaps by giving more information on local projects etc.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Wonderful from start to finish. I didn't want it to end.Pamela Young review 20 Jul 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The wild camping in the bush in Botswana was just fantastic with some extremely close encounters with wildlife such as the elephants who came to hoover up the acacia pods between our tents, hornbills hopping around the camp, an eagle owl sitting on a dead tree watching the campfire and tracking on foot and in the open 4WD getting close to lions and leopards, in the mokoros close to hippos and elephants.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Our guides Kalunga, Kenny and Timon the driver/assistant were extremely knowledgeable capable, always professional and inspired confidence-thanks to their skill in tracking and good relations with other guides we had some wonderful opportunities to watch wildlife which might otherwise have remained hidden. The tents feel robust, camp cooking was great, bush shower fun and the bush toilet comfortable and hygenic (though could be a bit scary in the dark). Campfires and the stars with the noises of the African night are very special and the company/nationalities within the group will obviously make a big impact on any individual's experience - the guides are conscious of this and facilitate group dynamics.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The team were fastidious in returning the campsites to the bush -it was extremely hard to imagine these wild sites are used as frequently as they were as they were seemingly pristine- all rubbish removed and ashes buried when we left. Local people were used for the mokoro trip into the delta (shared out on a rota)and guiding on the walking safaris and the boat guide on Chobe River. They all had immense respect for the wildlife and approached as close as possible without stressing the animals. There were opportunities for cultural interaction with the mokoro polers/guides around the camp in a relaxed atmosphere.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Awesome! I would wholeheartedly recommend the wild camping aspect of this trip as an amazing extra dimension to the experience over a lodge or fenced campsite.Stephen McNally review 23 Nov 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Going to sleep in my tent, in the heart of the bush knowing that I was surrounded by all the wild life that I had come to see. You just can't get this fantastic feeling in a lodge or hotel.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
On the camping trips check the expected weather. Your are limited on what you can take so bulky warm clothes when the temperature is never going to get below 20c is a real waste of space. The camping trip is a team activity - engage with the team.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, local people were employed as guides and helpers. When we departed a campsite it was left as if we had never been there. Botswana will benefit from tourism but local inhabitants are clear that this will only continue while the flora and fauna remains as abundant and unspoiled as it is now.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A wonderful experience. Well managed and more fun than I would ever have imagined.Liz Robertson review 22 Sep 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
A lioness came into camp and stole my day bag and ate my camera, binoculars and our passports! Guides were marvellous and kept us safe from her2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Keep your packing to a minimum and separate items into bags for ease of access i.e. underwear in one bag, medicines and pills in another.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes we spent quite a bit of money and obviously people had jobs as a result of tourists. In the longer term we have been singing the praises of both Botswana and Zambia and their efforts anti poaching4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent - saw more game than we could possibly have hoped for and loved Botswana.Read the operator's response here:
Dear Liz
Thank you for your review that we have seen on Responsible Travel.
Firstly I’m glad you had a great time on our tour, and that Botswana was everything you hoped for. It’s a great trip which seems some amazing areas and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Regarding your encounter with the kleptomaniac lioness in camp at Chobe, most importantly I’m pleased to hear the guides kept you safe. Our guides are trained as professional guides, they have years of experience dealing with camping in wild areas and they know best on how to deal with the situation, and they give safety briefings to this effect.
Our guides make sure they do a perimeter check in the morning before the group gets out and about, and we ask clients to advise guides when they are leaving the confines of the camp so they are aware, this is for the safety of the group and so they keep a check on where everyone is in the group. However even if the guides had checked the perimeter of the camp that morning, this was a lioness on the move, so it would have been an unexpected situation regardless, as is the nature of wildlife.
Although I’m sorry to hear of the damage to your equipment, this should make for an interesting story in the future because having a lioness in camp does not happen often at all - most of the time the wildlife is scared of the human noises and smells and they keep away from the camp. However in this case I’m glad the situation was dealt with well, and that you were able to get home after having a damaged passport.
We do provide a suggested packing list in our tour dossier that can be used to help with final packing for the trip, as space is limited and there is a weight limit guideline. Your idea of grouping items into different bags is a great suggestion for future clients.
I would like to respond regarding your impression that your trip did not really benefit local people or conservation, please can I ask you to view our website page which will give you many different ways in which a our company supports conservation and details how your tour benefits local people and communities along the way. I hope this helps to reassure you that we have conservation at our heart and we are serious about Responsible Travel and helping our clients also have an opportunity to be part of this during their tour with us.
Once again, thank you for your feedback and hope that you will consider joining another of our tours in the future.
Thanks and regards
Tamlyn
Justin James review 2 Oct 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The Okavango Delta safari and the Chobe safari2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared to get dirty when in the camps in the middle of nowhere. Bring a good light and plenty of battery power.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not sure about this one as we did a lot of driving and camp fires4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very good you have to be lucky who you end up and with I was lucky.Susan Davies review 17 Aug 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The walking and caneo safari elements and our encouter with the animals was unbelieveable and terrifying at the sametime, but the guides were excellent and got us out safely from some very tricky situations. The actual guides make or break the vacation as much as the animals, we were so lucky they were all brilliant and made the vacation.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Just a couple for people who haven't done this before, there are two airports at Vic falls, I think it was just luck that I booked the right one. Secondly the $300 paid to guides at the beginning is fine, but just need to explain a bit more in the info what it is for, finally again for new people currency requirement/guide would be helpful and at what stops money can be changed.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we tipped heavily locally to push the money around and buying local helps, plus having local guides means alot, it's their home and they explain about their country.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I think the vacation was brilliant. I am a 50 year old women and biologically we constantly assess risk and feel fear, where as my 16 year old daughter felt absolotely no fear at all. This was the same observation throughout the entire group between the age groups. Being in the real wild comes with unavoidable risks, like skiing in a way and I didn't really understand this until I was there. Whilst I am really happy we did it and I will never do a vacation as memorable and extraordinary again, I can't envisage me doing it again because of the 'fear factor' I personally felt, which will not be the same for everybody. Thank you for the experience, the setup was perfect and the organisation excellent and at a price that is doable.Read the operator's response here:
Dear Susan
Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review and let other travelers know about your experience. Thank you for the wonderful feedback and comments and we are so happy that you and your daughter had such a fantastic vacation, even though there were times when you were nervous.
I will be passing your comments onto the rest of the team and the guides.
There is something so magical about seeing wildlife in its natural environment and certainly gives you a new respect for wildlife. This is why we insist on the highest quality guides to take you through this incredible journey.
With regards to the airports, you are correct, there are two airports which give you access to the Victoria Falls and it is wise to check your itinerary carefully when starting or ending a tour to make sure which town your tour starts/ends in to make sure you have the correct airport.
Airport in Victoria Falls Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls International Airport
Airport in Livingstone Zambia: Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport.
Also, thank you for the feedback on the Local Payment element of the tour. When you booked the tour you should have received a detailed itinerary and in that information are details about the local payment. You should also have received the tour dossier which has the same information. If you did not, my sincerest apologies and we will ensure future clients get all of the correct information ahead of traveling. I have included the details of the local payment portion of the this tour that can be found in our documentation.
I will also be looking into the currency section of our dossier to see where we can improve the information.
Once again thank you for your feedback.
Kind regards
Jayne Harley
Marketing Manager
Sunway SafarIs
(This is what is included in the detailed itinerary and Sunway Safaris tour dossier: Local Payment
A local payment is required on this safari and this will be collected by your tour leader on departure. The local payment forms part of your overall tour cost, and must be taken into consideration when booking your safari. It will be used by your tour leaders to pay for some of the operational costs incurred on safari.
Sunway prepays by bank transfer, as many of the tour costs as possible. However, in many cases, a cash payment is the only option: certain of the destinations that we visit, only accept cash. For example entry fees to most national parks, some of the campsites and also local food markets (and even some shops) are only payable in cash. In addition, each Sunway vehicle has a garage card but these are only accepted in South Africa and parts of Namibia, therefore in all other countries, fuel must be paid for in cash. Due to the remoteness of some departure points, having a local payment system enables us to manage tour funds effectively. The efficiency of this system helps keep the overall tour prices down.
For these reasons, it is necessary for Sunway to charge a local payment. It also ensures that a portion of the tour costs goes directly into the country you are visiting, thereby benefiting local communities and contributing to the conservation of the areas we visit. This is all part of Sunway Safaris’ ongoing effort to operate sustainable safaris that make a real difference.)
Mark Ereira review 11 Nov 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The wildlife, glimpses of birds and lions, wild camping, professionalism of guides Swimming in Okavango In the boats through Okavango Speeding through African bush, and the light Victoria Falls, the Zimbabwean side2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be very prepared for very long drives Be prepared for poor group dynamics The five night wild camping without access to camping facilities was a little challenging Take plenty to read, music to listen to3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, certainly in the Okavango the people benefited - they were great, a real treat We took great care to leave no rubbish or signs of us having been camping4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was supposed to be an English speaking tour but unfortunately I was the only native speaker, and a group of five Italians (there were only 9 of us in total) took up plenty of the 'space' and they didn't speak English. This made for slightly miserable sessions around the beautiful camp fire! The guides and the company were great, all camping gear and vehicles were really good quality. Camping food was excellent. There was a lot to see, experience and enjoy. I took a punt going on my own and being in a random group, I had hoped for more engaging group members and was disappointed. Spending two weeks in that scenario was quite a struggle.Read the operator's response here:
Dear Mark
Thank you very much for your feedback. It is of course disappointing that overall you found the tour disappointing due to the group dynamics. We are pleased that you enjoyed everything else and that you speak so highly of our guides. We pride ourselves is having well trained professional guides. Thank you as well for all the positive feedback regarding the highlights, equipment, vehicles and food. Our guides pride themselves are their cooking and are skilled and versatile and we have worked hard over the last 21 years to create high quality affordable tours. Your positive feedback reflects this.
The Botswana Wildside tour is an incredible journey through pristine wildlife areas of Botswana and the wild camping gets you so close to nature – very few things can compare. As you mention, there are no fixed facilities when wild camping, we provide a pit toilet and bucket shower. There is time during the heat of the day to relax in camp and enjoy being out in nature. Having a book to read and maybe some music is good advice. There is time between game drives to quietly read a book or enjoy being in camp while it is quiet and enjoy the birdlife, squirrels or chat to your guides and go through some of their reference books.
As you say, part of the wild camping is leaving the campsite as you found it – as if it didn’t exist. We take in only what we need and take out everything. This is a very important aspect of the tour.
There are some longer days of traveling, but you are covering a large area and you are moving through Game Reserves, National Parks and wilderness areas and so you are permanently surrounded by nature. You will have noted that we split up the longer drives by spending two nights in one place after a longer drive. This gives some time to recuperate.
This tour is usually an inspiring tour and I can see from the aspects that you enjoyed, the highlights and interaction with the local communities in the Delta that you did experience this. For this I am very pleased. I hope you took some wonderful photos and if you would like to share them with us that would be great!
I am sorry that you found the group dynamics so poor. Our English departures are open to be booked by clients from all over the world and usually have a complete mix of clients. Everyone generally speaks English as this is the common language and of the guides also conduct the whole tour in English. The mixed group is also an aspect that most travelers love because they get to meet people from all over the world. It is disappointing and unfortunate that your group was dominated by clients who did not try and interact in English but rather chose to keep to themselves. This happens rarely and again I apologise that this impacted negatively on your experience.
I do hope that you will look to book with us again in the future and you are welcome to ask for the makeup of the group.
If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with the Responsible Travel community.
Kind regards
Jayne Harley
Marketing Manager
Becky Sandford review 13 Oct 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Wild camping and interactions with wildlife!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Do it!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yep. One project in particular which supported a community project to preserve woodland. Otherwise, no obvious direct involvement with community projects, but Botswana tourism seems to benefit the local community in general and this tour was committed to preserving local habitat as untouched as possible.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Indescribably lovely.Read the operator's response here:
Dear Becky
Thank you for your wonderful feedback. This is a truly wonderful tour and gets you so close to nature when you are wild camping, there is little to compare the experience to. I am thrilled you had such a wonderful trip and I hope we see you back with us for more trips to Southern Africa.
Kind regards
Jayne Harley
Colin Pilkington review 29 Apr 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Sunrise over the Okavango Delta. Sunset over the Chobe River. The truly wonderful and magical Okavango boat journey. Softly, silently being punted through the waterways, between the reeds and framed by trees and punctuated by birdsong and and gentle soft water ripples. Victoria Falls - seeing is believing.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don't be scared of the animals! Listen to the guides - they are very knowledgeable and help to bring the whole thing to life. Ask questions. Understand how it all fits together. Warm layers for the cool evenings. Take lots of memory cards for your camera. Don't forget your anti malerials. Go with the flow and enjoy Africa time. Enjoy the camping - it's the best way to be close to it all.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. Local guides are hired. Local food is eaten. Local help is required, trust them, they know, they help and they are rightly proud of their world.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
10 out of 10.Holiday Reviews
You can trust Responsible Travel reviews because, unlike many other schemes, reviews can ONLY be written by people who we have verified have been on the holidays. In addition, we don't run these holidays ourselves - our only interest is giving you the best independent advice.
