29 independent reviews for Namibia and Botswana safari holiday
Reviews for Namibia and Botswana safari holiday
Ian Hildred review 29 Oct 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The whole experience was amazing, though we have always wanted to visit the Okavango....and it didn't disappoint!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
It's full on...not a relaxing sit by the pool, but an immersive full on experience that you will need to throw yourself into.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes indeed. Locallyowned accomadation and interaction with local groups to explore their areas.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Everything we were looking for.Julie Daly review 5 Oct 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The game drives, definitely the walking safari in the Okovango delta and the Chobe river cruise.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don't over pack. You need half of what you intend to bring.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes we visited game parks where the locals part owned and all the places we visited employed local people. Also our guides were African.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Best vacation of my life.John Broome review 23 Jul 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Without doubt the natural landscapes and wildlife parks of Namibia were the most memorable. The distances between them might be vast (+6 hours per day travel time on average) but there was still plenty to see between the major destinations. Namibia feels wilder than Botswana with the latter being very much on the tourists' beaten path and Chobe almost a Disneyland and a little artificial.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for the long distances, the early starts and spending no more than a night in most places. Also despite the novelty of 'glamping' in canvas rooms, they are bloody cold at night and in the morning and the shower water is either cold or tepid at best. However once you hit the tourist circuit in Chobe and Vic Falls this is no longer a problem. Also 90% of places have really poor wifi. I appreciate that people shouldnt come to Africa expecting 5G wifi yet it was odd that the poorest place (Zimbabwe) had the best wifi. I suspect its not a priority for lodges and resorts in Namibia so they dont invest in it.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
On the whole yes but I have one concern. Does Responsible Travel audit what the drivers and guides are paid versus the local equivalents or South African equivalents? I understand most if not all of Sunway's guides and drivers are Zimbabwean and I have it on good authority that no South African would work for what they are paid. Therefore are the drivers and guides being exploited because they cannot get a residency permit for SA unless they are employed by a SA based company? I think this would be worth looking into and clarifying one way or the other.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A great experience and very glad we did it. Our guide and driver were excellent and both went above and beyond to keep everyone happy. We had one verydifficult experience when we hit a sandstorm on the way out of Swapomund. It was one of the worst in years and the vehicle was damaged. However the boys kept their cool and got us safely through it. I highly recommend this tour for those who want to experience the wonders of the natural landscape as well as wildlife.Read the operator's response here:
Dear John,
Thank you for your kind review of your Southern Circle tour of Namibia and Botswana. We appreciate your feedback as it helps us to improve the product and keeps us on our toes. I saw pictures of the sandstorm. That is not something experienced on tour often. I am glad that Alois and Allen got the group safely through the storm. We appreciate the hard work the guides do on tour.
I would like to clear a misconception have regarding the payment of Zimbabwe guides contracted to us.
We employ guides from 7 different Southern African countries. While the core of our guides are from South Africa and Zimbabwe, we have guides from Malawi, Botswana, Zambia, and Namibia that work for us.
All guides are paid according to a sliding scale that accounts for a number of factors. These include length of time working for us, level of qualifications from a level 1 guides license up to a level 4 qualified trails guide or the equivalent professional license from Botswana, Zimbabwe or Namibia, and guide performance ratings which includes a range of factors. All guide rates are reviewed annually.
Our language guides that lead tours in German and French demand a higher rate than all of the other guides due to their increased skill set.
Of the 10 longest serving guides at, 7 of them are South African. Of the 20 highest paid English-speaking guides, these include 11 from Zimbabwe and Zambia, and the remainder from South Africa. Of our two highest paid guides for standard tours, one is South African and the other is Zimbabwean. So it is fairly evenly spread. Our longest standing guide is South African having been with us for over 20 years.
As with most professions, guides that are starting out on their guiding journey, earn less. But as they gain experience, qualifications and tour performance increases their income grows. We steadfastly stand by paying our guides a living wage and supporting them, their families and their communities, no matter which country they come from.
We are very happy that you had a good experience on tour with us, and that you highly recommend the tour. There is lots more to see in Southern Africa and we look forward to having you travel with us again in the future.
Kind regards
Shaun Waring-Jones
Co-Founder
Chris Tsielepi review 12 Sep 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Desert Elephants2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Make sure you are fit and able to travel long distances on extremely challenging roads3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Claire Blezard review 1 Dec 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Being on a boat off the coast of Namibia watching whales in the company of friendly seals and pelicans on the boat!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take a cushion for the seat and neck rest on the truck. Journeys can be long and roads rough.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. Lodges were embedded in their environment and often run on solar power.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Five stars. I could have spent the rest of my life on the truck traveling around Africa.Steven Holloway review 24 Nov 2021
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Every day was different, varied and exciting. So, impossible to order them. Fish river canyon, Sossusvlei, the Okavango, Chobe, Vic falls, all amazing.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don't hesitate, book it now.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, well selected accommodation and excursions.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Totally amazing.Anthony Stringer review 28 Nov 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Every day was another adventure. We loved seeing all of the animals and birds and the landscapes were spectacular. Some of the places that we stayed were fantastic, the tree house and desert venues were amazing. Taking the canoes through the Okavanga Delta was magical and camping the wild with elephants visiting during the night to eat the surrounding trees and bushes was an experience never to be forgotten.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Read the itinerary carefully. We took the recommended amount of clothing and it really is all that you need. It can get really hot in the safari truck in the afternoon, the aircon worked fine in the morning but windows needed to be open during the afternoon heat. The roads vary in condition, some are good tarmac, some with huge potholes, some just dirt roads and some sand roads. You will be spending 21 days with a group of people you have not met before, be prepared to compromise. Set the ground rules early about where you will sit in the bus, we did a clockwise rotation so everyone sat in a different set of seats each day, saves arguments. Be prepared to help out with food preperation and clearing up, many hands make light work. Some days are very very long and hot, covering many many miles. Drink loads of water. Take snacks on the bus.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definately, our guides were incredibly informative of the country, people, animals and we all learnt a huge amount about the way people and animals lived in the different countries we visited. They were welcomed wherever we went and had obviously built up a huge amount of respect and friendship with the different people we met. They were very respectful of the different tribes and their cultures and explained everything to us before we met people.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We had a wonderful African Adventure and would give it 10/10 and more! Our guides Maxwell and Bryan were amazing and really made our vacation a fantastic experience. Every evening they advised us what we would be doing the next day. Their knowledge of the animals, birds, cultures, countries, history and more was fantastic. They were always the first up and the last to go to bed. They provided good, fresh and healthy meals. We felt completely safe every hour of the trip with them. Maxwell was an amazing driver and navigated the difficult roads in an expert and safe way. The places we visited and the people we met will remain in our memories forever. A wonderful experience.Chris Edwards review 4 Nov 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
It was not a vacation it was an adventure2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Remember Africa is not for sissies3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It deffinetly puts first world problems into perspective and raised awareness4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
FantasticJane McLaughlin review 1 Nov 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Every part! The Victoria Falls (though they were dry on the Zambian side) . Staying in a lodge on the Zambezi river , the Etosha National Park, The Namib desert, camping in the Okavango Delta. Seeing the big African animals and birds in their natural environment. The guides were great, and the practical organisation for the most part went as planned.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Read the information on the operators website carefully. It is detailed, but spell out clearly that this is a long journey, (approx 3000 miles travelled). Some of the days in the truck are long and hot, so be prepared. Also be prepared to help out with preparing food, washing up, carrying shopping, camping equipment. Being involved with the group is part of the experience.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We had opportunities to buy crafts from local communities. In the towns there were shops selling crafts made by local village women groups. It was possible to barter in some places but as the cost of most things was negligible in reality , don't try too hard! Tourism does have an environmental impact, but for countries like Namibia, Botswana and Zambia, it is a vital part of their economy. Visiting wildlife national parks creates income for them to sustain the natural environment and protect declining species.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
As someone who had not visited sub-saharan Africa before, this 3 week trip was a wonderful experience. I saw and learnt such a lot. I highly recommend it.Valerie Balban review 28 Oct 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Our great guides Farai and Kalunga. Being so close to the amazing wildlife. The very different landscapes we travelled through.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared to join in and although you get very hot and dusty - it is worth it.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I think it did - much of the accommodation was run by local people and we often had local guides. We were encouraged not to waste water, a very precious commodity and always to take our litter with us.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The whole trip was great and the days very varied.Rosalind Martin review 6 Aug 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Having the guide/driver share their passion for the countries we visited and their people. Also sharing their in depth knowledge about the wildlife. Food the guides cooked was delicious ! Great variety of safari, river cruises, desert, delta and village life. Be prepared for early starts and some long days.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
No problem at all using ATMs throughout the trip and guides made sure we had frequent access and told us when we would need cash. Also could often pay for meals etc on credit card. Don't underestimate how much you will need for tipping. Its also a great way to give directly to communities. Can use local currency for tipping local guides. Only needed US$ cash for any land boarder visas and tipping Sunway guides at end.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes tipping our local guides was very beneficial The Sausage Tree Conservation project ( ie funding fiberglass canoes ) provided local villages with jobs in tourism as well as protecting the trees. Also choosing activities that support local ventures such as bike tours (rather than just rafting and scenic flights etc) puts cash into the local communities at grass root.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Great ! Covered a huge area and a wide range of experiences. A group of 12 is ideal rather than larger numbers. Only disappointment was not having accommodation inside Etosha National Park to see the waterholes at sunset/night. Instead we travelled 3/4hour outside the park to a farm stay ( which was lovely !).Carole Thomas review 7 Feb 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Very difficult to choose. We were very lucky in seeing all of the "Big 5" - including lions with their recent kills very close to the track in Etosha National Park, and elephants bathing in the river within metres of our boat in Chobe National Park. But it was also really interesting visiting a local village in Namibia and learning about their history, current way of life and aspirations for the future.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for some early starts and long days, but also for some incredible experiences. Ask lots of questions - our tour leaders, as well as numerous local guides, were very knowledgeable and keen to share that knowledge with us. This is a wonderful trip if you're happy to muck in, share the chores with your fellow travelers and the tour leaders, and be open to new experiences.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely. Many of the lodges were owned by, or largely staffed by, local people. Leftover food was shared with local people, and our tour leaders gave large containers of water to people in Namibia, where rainfall was lower than normal for January. The tour company are actively involved in environmental projects, and encourage those on their tours to participate. Visiting game parks and areas such as the Okavango Delta that are focused on conservation contributes to conservation efforts.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Exceeded all our expectations. The itinerary was excellent, our tour leaders Ishmael and Norman were wonderful - professional, knowledgeable, friendly, and with great senses of humour, and the accommodation was varied and generally great. Sleeping in a bamboo tree-house with a deck overlooking the river and listening to the hippos as you fall asleep takes some beating.Clare Price review 9 Oct 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The wonderful variety of wildlife and the magnificent beauty of the Namib desert2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for the heat and dust and long days traveling, but it is all worth it3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. Our guides were extremely good at making sure we left no trace of our presence at lunch and night stops; they distributed our leftover food (nothing was thrown away) and on one occasion we refilled our empty water bottles and took them to a village that had no water; and our programme involved a number of activities which directly involved the local people.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Wonderful!Danila Mansfield review 17 Jun 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
So much to choose from! Victoria Falls, game viewings in Etosha, walking with the San in the Kalahari, Okavango Delta. So many fantastic memories!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Pack less than you think, you really don't need it! Don't forget the right kind of travel adaptors, so you can charge your camera battery. If you're thinking about booking, don't think too long, just do it!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I think so. We stayed in local places, shopped very locally, were given some opportunities to support conservation (SOS). I would have liked to see a large drinking water supply on the bus, so we could refill reuseable bottles, instead of buying single use plastic bottles. Although many of us did buy large multi- litre bottles, single use plastic is still a huge issue.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Truly excellent! There was a good mixed group of people, but overall our guides, Jeff & Tawanda, really made the trip as good as it was. They worked hard, were up first, and to bed last. Always cheerful and smiling, full of information about the regions we were traveling through, the animals and people. They were an excellent team, and clearly have an enormous knowledge and love of the area!Ian Timmins review 6 Nov 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Viewing wild animals in their natural environment.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
This tour involves considerable time traveling, around 3,000 miles over the 3-weeks and due to the long hours on the road also included many early morning starts.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The vacation benefited local people who were employed/owned accommodation. Environmental impact more difficult, we travelled 3,000 miles in a large petrol fuelled vehicle which in itself does not benefit the environment.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I enjoyed the vacation and felt it was good value for money.William Green review 9 May 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
To see a family member waving an empty 5L water bottle at us as we entered the long road to the Brandenburg Lodges, with the rest of the family sitting under a leafless tree in in the heat of the evening was disturbing, especially to find, when we arrived at the lodges, two swimming pools and excellent accommodation. On our return, the next day. under the suggestion of Chris, one of the guides we gave the same family about eight 5L water bottles that we had filled at the Brandenburg bore hole. We also gave them our supplies of cakes and biscuits and fruit. The children said words to the effect 'Thank you, may the Lord be with you'.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be aware that some of the distances are long, doubly so when the condition of the roads is taken into consideration. They become very long in time terms. Two of the activities need a good level of fitness, one being climbing the sand dunes and the other the walk up the dry river bed. Take `instant` camera', what you want to photograph may not hang around long enough for you to make any adjustments. If your major objective is to see the `Big 5, you need to be lucky and have the right weather conditions.There had been a lot of rain before we arrived creating too many water holes so the predators didn't know which ones to go to.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I hope so and I think we did. Hopefully with our purchase of local goods and services, particularly if the providers were staffed and owned by locals. This should encourage locals to protect what we had come to see. We certainly left no trace of where we had been.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Worthwhile. It would have been better if all the clients had received the briefing notes (and/or read and complied with them) Four of them, the Czech`s either hadn`t received them or hadn`t read them or chose not to take any notice of them. They had aircraft hold cases(23k?) rucksacks and shoulder bags plus camera band binocular bags. They made little effort to help with any aspect of food preparation or clearing up but were usually at the front of the queue for eating. That annoyed some of us. I will go again, perhaps to a different location at a different time of the year to complete my sightings of the Big 5.Ollie Millington review 15 Apr 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Rainstorm in the desert. Climbing Dune 25 and Safari cruise in Nata.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Check it is an English tour and not bilingual- 2 languages slows everything down.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?
Itinerary good. Guides knowledgeable. Bilingual aspect impacted on enjoyment. Safety concerns as only one driver who drove for far too long in my option.Richard Humphrys review 27 Jul 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Difficult to say - it was all very varied and exciting. We enjoyed the whole experience but particularly enjoyed the Chobe River trip, because we saw such a variety of wildlife at close quarters. The plane trip over the Okavango Delta was also a highlight because it gave a wonderful overview of the area.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
If you travel at the same time of year that we did (July), remember that it is not only the dry season, but also winter in that part of the world. So although the days are warm, dry and sunny, the nights and early mornings can be very cold. At those times it is important to wear several layers of clothing, including a fleece (or two). A woolly hat and gloves are also useful. As far as currency is concerned, South African Rand seems to be most useful, as it is usable in Namibia and Zambia and easily exchanged for Botswana Pula.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Certainly the money we spent on local handicrafts, etc. must have benefited local people to some extent; all lodges must provide employment for local people and particularly the Dqae Qare San Lodge is run by the local San bushmen. I doubt that traveling to Africa by plane and traveling around in a truck reduced environmental impacts, but the lodges at which we stayed all seemed concerned to keep their environmental impact low. The income from tourism must have a beneficial effect on conservation, because it will act as an incentive to preserve the national parks.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
This vacation was very much an adventure. The early starts and long distances travelled made it tiring at times, but the sheer scope and variety of the trip made it very worthwhile. We had never been to any part of Africa before, but now we feel that we have seen a sizeable portion of the continent, its people and wildlife. The necessity for the group to help with meal preparation and washing up helped foster a team spirit. Our two guides were very experienced and provided excellent and friendly leadership.Patricia (Pat) Ruble review 8 May 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The Okavango Delta was incredible, but so was Victoria Falls, Etosha game drives, Dune 45 - and of course the quad biking! All of it was terrific!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Bring a 400mm plus lens for the animal game drives.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. In the Delta we only left our own footprints - everything we carried in, we carried out with us.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I absolutely loved every minute of it! Our tour operator does a great job, our guides were terrific - professional, knowledgeable and fun to be around.Laura McCrea review 23 Sep 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
So many memorable parts! Victoria Falls, Etosha National Park, Namib deserts, Sossusvlei, Okavango Delta, Chobe.... what a wonderfully diverse collection of geographic experiences.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be aware that the best part is how much you get to see and the worst part is that you do a lot of traveling to see them.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Because you're in a group and not driving your own car the carbon footprint is smaller.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
One of our best yet for the shear diversity of ecosystems.Kay Emblen-Perry review 21 Aug 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The guides - Shadreck and Fanwell from the vacation provider were excellent - organised, knowledgeable and above all fun. We spent three weeks laughing. Their willingness to share their knowledge of Africa and stories told around the campfires made the areas we visited come alive. The flight over the Okavango Delta at 150 metres with no doors on the helicopter - the view of the animals was amazing.The cruise in Chobe The Victoria FallsWalvis Bay with thousands of flamingoes, pelicans and Dolphins Seeing lions and cheeters in Etosha. The list is endless.....2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don't think too much about whether to go...just book it. Pack half the luggage you think you need. Enjoy everything!!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. We had the opportunity to visit local villages, learn about their lives and contribute financially to their communities. Wild camping in the Okavango Delta was expertly managed with no lasting environmental impact made. The vacation provider's and clients' donations support the replacement of wooden Mekoro with fibreglass canoes so I was able to assist local communities protect the natural forests.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent. It couldn't have been better in any way.Sephrone Webb review 24 Oct 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Observing the behaviour and inter-relationships of the variety of animals at the water hole at Okaukuejo in Etosha. The sheer number of elephants that we saw there and their familial behaviour and the exuberance displayed when bathing. The sand dunes in the Namib desert were also stunning.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
This is an adventure for any age group - Embrace it and go for it3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The benefits to the local people were many and varied. Money was spent in the local shops providing finance for local employment, development and education. The links between villages / lodges in the Caprisi strip, the San lodge, in the Kalahari and poler's in the Delta provided employment / money which could be used for family support and their personal development. This vacations helps rather than hinders the environment. It clearly shows how we can enjoy, preserve and conserve our environment whilst providing wider opportunities for the local people.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent. Far exceeded expectations and one of the best vacations we have been onMaria Papalouka review 11 Sep 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Chobe national park.... unbelievable. Dune 45 and Deadvlei in Namib desert. Rafting and Devil's pool in Victoria Falls... and of course Etosha park2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take a good camera so many animals and places for photos3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We have tried to buy things and eat in local businesses....4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Great experience...I want more. Africa, I will come back.Janice Capstick review 30 Nov 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
There were so many memorable moments it's hard to pick just one, walking up Dune 45 early in the morning ,watching the animals at the water holes in Etosha, staying in a tree house!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Travel light (clothes can be washed and dried overnight), and be flexible3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes we did benefit the local people, especially in Okavango where a group of local villagers accompanied us camping and there we also supported the conservation of sausage trees, by helping the polers to buy fibre glass mekoro boats which last better than wooden boats. In the Central Kalahari we stayed in a lodge owned by the San Bushmen, enabling us to learn more about them and for the bushmen to continue their way of life.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
BrilliantRichard Stansfield review 20 Aug 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
We had fantastic animals encounters in several places including Mosi oa Tunya, Mahango, Etosha and Chobe. The walking safari in Mosi oa Tunya was very special, we got great views of giraffe and white rhinos on foot. The landscape and animals at Etosha are just breath taking, we saw lions there and many other animals and birds. The desert landscapes at Twyfelfontein and Sussosvlei are stunning beautiful, with sandrivers and huge dunes. The makoro trip with local people to camp on an island in the Okavango delta for two days was special, and the helicopter ride at the start of the trip gave us fantastic views of animals and of the delta. The boat trip in Chobe gave us the best views of elephants, and close views of many other animals.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Get good travel insurance, there is no ATOL certificate when booking directly with companies in South Africa and Sunway don't take credit cards. Check Itinerary careful. This trip covers nearly 6000km, the vacation provider does make this clear in their itinerary, but there is quite a bit of time on the road. We spent around £500 cash per person, you could easily spend more.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, mainly in the Okavango where we camped with polers, to a lesser extent at Kwando village and at lodges.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very Good. We felt that vacation providers were well organised and well lead. The vehicle was comfortable and reliable. The guides were fantastic, they worked very hard to make sure everyone enjoyed themselves and were genuinely passionate about the places we visited. Namibia, Botswana and Zambia are fantastic places - visit them if you can.Read the operator's response here:
Thank you for traveling with us. We are very glad you had a great time traveling with us. For the last 21 years we have created vacations of a lifetime for many travelers in Southern Africa. We do our utmost to make sure that our vacations offer good value for money and follow as many responsible travel principles as possible.
As you point out we are not a member of ATOL, due to the fact that we do not offer flights inclusive packages or sell flights at all. We are solely a ground operator in Southern Africa. Also, ATOL is for UK based companies sending clients out of the UK. By booking through RT.com you’re booking through a responsible travel channel, IE directly with the company in Africa. As a South African based company we do not register with the UK based ATOL, we instead register and are a member with our local association, SATSA (Sunway Safaris membership No. 520) the Southern African Tourism Services Association, which ensures that we are financially viable, fully insured, and correctly licensed for our tourism operations we conduct in Southern Africa.
We do not have credit card facilities as we very seldom take credit card payments for our bookings and therefore the cost associated with the credit card fees is saved, making the operation more cost effective.
All of our journeys in Southern Africa include a portion of vehicle transport. This is part of the vacation and is clearly noted on the itineraries we present with an indication of the mileage we will cover and the estimated time it will take to cover the distance. Some of these distances can be quite long, however where we have a substantial drive on one day we will usually compliment it with two days in an area to explore. We do put emphasis on getting out and experiencing Southern Africa by including various mountain walks, mokoro excursions, game walks, game drives and cultural activities. We believe that you have to get out of the vehicle and meet the people and smell the aromas, and taste the food, and feel the sun on your back if you are going to truly experience Africa.
Once again we appreciate your custom and are pleased that you enjoyed your journey with us. We look forward to seeing you in Africa again soon.
Rachel Guinee review 30 Jul 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
There were many memorable moments- too many to mention them all here but one of the most exciting bits was the boat cruise on the Kwando River when 3 hippos rose dramatically out of the water at the river bank as we were passing and appeared to rush towards us ( the guide did explain they were trying to get to deeper water which was of course under our boat! We got some amazing photos!) We also had quite a close encounter with an elephant on the same trip. The wildlife was just superb and the guides brilliant so felt exhilerated but safe. The Namib dunes were another spectacular day - climbing Big Daddy was fantastic..took longer than Dune 45 but not really any harder so if in doubt - go for it! The local staff at White Lady Camp singing round our camp fire under the amazing night sky was very special too. Camping in the Delta was superb...the list is endless as it was all excellent.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don't take too many clothes - you can rinse clothes out easily overnight or use lodge laundry services. I could easily have had just 2 sets and alternated and taken one set of something else for a night out. Torch very useful and a small powerful binoculars a must - so much to see.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we made sure we bought a few items of local crafts everywhere we went - they were inexpensive and beautiful. We also heard about various conservation projects.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fantastic! We loved every minute of it. Guides were lovely people, very good at their job and we enjoyed the team working aspect of group participation in cooking and camp activities. We would definitely like to go on another tour by this vacation company in the future.Cathal Murphy review 18 Nov 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The operator, their kindness to us and their knowledge of regions, wildlife and flora. The Namib Desert and its towering sand dunes. Etosha National Park and its many wildlife. Camping wild in the Okavango Delta.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don't think twice about it... just book and enjoy every minute in this spectacular part of our world.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, our operator incorporated where ever possible that local people would benefit from the tour. At all times precautions were taken to conserve and reduce impact to the environment.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I am a frequent traveler and have done many overland and organize trip in the past, by far these were the best I have used. The countries visited were more than I could have ever imagined and the people I met along the way will always stay with me. It's a 10 out of 10.Read the operator's response here:
Dear Cathal,
Thank you so much for you wonderful feedback! It would be terrific to see some of your pictures from tour, we love seeing the tours from our clients perspective.
I will pass on your kind words and positive feedback to the whole team.
Once again, thank you for taking the time to do the Responsible Travel feedback.
All my best, Jayne Harley
Jennifer Rousseau review 28 Oct 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing sable and roan antelope in one day - twice! and the walk up Dune 452. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for one or two long journeys - but the bus really is comfortable, wherever you sit, and have a go at everything you can3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It benefited local people in that the lodges, tents and other services came from locally based people or orgnisations, not multi-nationals4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent trip with a huge amount packed into the 21 days and good value for moneyJoe Seydel review 10 Sep 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Namib desert and Chobe National Park, as well as the excellent tour staff.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
For older people (like us), the camping in the Okawanga Delta was NOT a lot of fun. There should be an alternative stay in a lodge and just trips around the delta.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
To a very limited extent.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Really very good - about 9.5/10Read the operator's response here:
Dear Joe,
Thank you so much for taking the time to give your feedback, we value your time and comments. We pride ourselves in delivering quality affordable tours with exceptional guides and we are thrilled that you enjoyed your vacation so much, would recommend us to other travelers and that your guides obviously did an excellent job.
I would like to address your two comments in questions 2 and 3.
The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This unique and truly rich wilderness area is normally seen as a very special experience. There are limited options for budget accommodation in the delta and the wild camping in the Okavango is usually loved, being a highlight and part of the adventure. I am sorry you did not enjoy this part of the trip, as mentioned, alternatives are extremely limited and usually a flight is necessary and costly. While you didn’t enjoy this section of the tour I hope you are happy that we camp using community campsites and all of the polers are from those communities. By camping and using these communities you are contributing to the livelihood of the communities and supporting locals.
With regards to your comment that you felt the vacation did not particularly benefit local people, reduce environmental impacts or support conservation, I have detailed out exactly how the tour does in fact impact all of the above. I think perhaps the guides did not explain this in enough detail and we will definitely incorporate this into our guides training more and impress the importance of informing clients how they are positively contributing to conservation, communities and reducing environmental impacts.
On this tour you visited the below National Parks and community projects. By supporting the National Parks you are contributing to conservation. By using local guides and community projects you are supporting locals and ensuring revenue goes directly to the communities.
List of National Parks and community projects.
- Victoria Falls.
- The Mahango Game Park is a protected area in Namibia within Bwabwata National Park.
- Etosha National Park.
- Brandberg Mountain Nature Reserve is part of the Tsiseb Conservancy. This conservancy is linked to a number of other conservancies along the West Coast creating one of the largest conservation areas in Southern Africa.
- San Rock Art – the walk to see the San Rock Art is a community project and we use local guides.
- Cape Cross Seal Colony is in the Cape Cross Seal Reserve and is home to one of the largest seal colonies in the world.
- Soussusvlei and Namib Naukluft National Park.
- Ghanzi – Bushman experience. This is a community project and the walk and Bushman experience contributes to the Bushman communities.
- Okavango Delta.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- We use community campsites and locals out of the communities as our polers into the delta.
- Nata Bird Sanctuary is a community project and protected reserve.
- Chobe National Park.
So you can see that almost every place that you visited was either a National Park, conservation area or community project. We plan all of our itineraries to ensure we support local communities and national parks as much as possible. Therefore contributing to conservation.
I hope this gives you more detail as to how you had a positive impact on the communities and areas you visited.
Once again, thank you for your positive feedback and we do hope that you will travel with us again.
Kind regards,
Jayne.
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