7 independent reviews for Namibia and Botswana camping safari

Reviews for Namibia and Botswana camping safari

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review 4 Jun 2023

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

Everything on our NB21 camping safari was amazing. So many incredible experiences, it is hard to pick one. Also all of the people on the trip were so wonderful especially our guides Ali and Sipho.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

Pack lightly but make sure you bring warm clothes and perhaps a sleeping bag liner for the cold desert evenings.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

We were sp apprecitive that this organization supports so many efforts. Also our guides were really great at helping us know who needed what. For example, in Spitzkoppe were filled up our extra bottles and gave tje people who were collecting water extra.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

I have been on many trips all over the world and I feel that this trip is probably the most memorable.

review 8 Nov 2019

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

There was something special nearly every day, but for me the most thrilling experience was lying in the tent at night when we were camping in the Okavango Delta listening to elephants feeding round the campsite.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

Be aware that this trip covers huge distances, so some days involve a lot of traveling. Also, don't underestimate the heat (40C plus).

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Yes - I felt that the operator made an effort to do the right thing.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

This was one of the best vacations I've been on. It was extremely well organised - not what I'd expected from other trips in Africa - and the guides were first-rate. They really went the extra mile to make sure that everybody had a good time.

review 18 Dec 2018

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

The Okavango delta, but to be honest it was all such an utterly amazing experience it's really hard to pick out one special bit.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

Relax, chill,it's impossible to plan everything on a trip like this to the nth degree and that's fine. Be prepared to share in the running of camp, washing up etc. US dollars seem to be the most useful all round currency Be prepared for some seriously hot days in Nov/Dec Do not pack too much, you really won't need it and there are shops all along the way And lastly don't think about it - just do it, your life will be richer for this experience

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

I was really encouraged to see just how much our vacation helped support the local tribes (the bushmen, the Cwando village, the Okavango delta Mezeppi people and also the local business, even the man how made the t-shirts and trained up local people to do printing). Our guides were very careful about reducing our environmental impact and we were told about/able to support conservation projects.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

I travel a lot but this is the most memorable, amazing, life changing experience I have ever had. I honestly cannot find a single fault with the way the operator managed this incredible trip. The locations and experiences were just awesome, the guides were truly wonderful, the people we met were just lovely, the food was delicious. The thrill and excitement of hearing hippos honking in the creek all night outside your tent, falling asleep in marvelous desert landscapes below a million stars, watching the sun rise over the highest sand dunes in the world, cruising, driving and even walking past families of elephants, crocs, zebra, giraffe etc, whilst eagles circle overhead... I really don't have words to describe how it felt. A five star rating isn't nearly enough for this vacation/adventure. Thank you so much Brian and Carina - you are simply amazing

review 25 Aug 2018

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

The 'wild camping in the Okovango was wonderful....two days and two nights of solitude, with only the sounds of the hippos in the water nearby, an unidentified grunt or three, and an almost full moon....superb, and the locals who did absolutely everything they could for us in our camp, sheer bliss.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

We couldn't recommend this trip more highly, if you want the unexpected adventure, because there always IS something completely unexpected, then this trip is for you, more than a vacation.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Neither of us particularly liked the vibe of Swakopmund....reminiscent of Apartheid South Africa, locks on business doors the size of one's fist etc. but the reality is, that sentiment still exists. A very clean, neat, European style and 'white' town with the sad reality on the outskirts. However, this certainly wasn't a refelction on any of the rest of our journey. In the Delta the team of locals that so graciously took care of us clearly enjoyed their interaction with their visitors, and the compulsory payment made by all of us for their care is a huge benefit to their lifestyle. Our guides were very sensitive about food waste, and any leftovers were always bagged and given to village kids or their mums. Conservation of the natural environment, no littering, no direct contact with any of the wildlife, all dutifully adhered to. Great respect!

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

Brilliant, a 21 day experience that passed soooo fast! Way too much fun to be legal.

review 30 Oct 2017

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

Dune 45

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

If a single traveler go for the single supplement.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Some.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

High. The guides, Adolph an d Victor were terrific, my fellow travelers fun to be with, and we saw a lot of cool “stuff “. On the down side, a bit too much traveling on most days.

review 30 Oct 2016

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

We went on the Cape Town to Victoria Falls Camping trip. Every destination exceeded my expectations. The scenery and wildlife was fantastic. We saw everything from penguins to black rhinos. Wonderful geology, sand dunes, waterfalls, salt pans and National Parks such as Etosha.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

Be prepared to get up early and there are some long journeys. Spend a few days in Cape Town before the trip and go to Hermanus to see they Right whales.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Local guides were used when visiting the bushmen and the Okavango Delta.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

Brilliant.

review 27 Oct 2015

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

The huge variety of places, parks and terrains we visited. Camping enabled us to stay in the national parks, so we didn't have as much traveling as the accommodated group on the same tour. The tour guides were superb.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

You will not regret it! Arrange your own airport transfer directly with the hotel in Livingstone, it's much cheaper than what the vacation providers charge.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Yes it supported local people, and we left each campsite and lunch spot without any evidence we'd been there. But using nearly 5000km worth of diesel may not have been good for the environment, but how else can you travel around?

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

It was tremendous!

Read the operator's response here:

Dear John Thank you so much for leaving your review on the Namibia Botswana Desert & Delta tour. I am so pleased you had such a wonderful tour and memorable experience and that you have taken the time to share your experience. I will pass your comments onto the whole team. As you mention, airport transfers can be booked through us or yourself and this is completely up to the discretion of the traveling. Our rate is dictated by the rate the transfer company we use. With regards to the distance travelled on this tour. On average we carry 10 people per tour on this trip which then equates to only 500km per person. This means that group travel has a much smaller environmental impact than a self-drive. This tour really does have a huge amount of variety and is a firm favourite with clients. Once again thank you and we hope you choose to travel with us again. Kind regards Jayne Harley Marketing Manager

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