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Email Naoya Takahashi | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Disappointed
During my tour, okavanko river is dried up and no wild animals in this region.
I was really disappointed that situation even though tour company informed in advance.
NO
Email Eric Anderson | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A unique travel experience
Relatives in S. Africa told us about Botswana, so we decided to check it out. We were not disappointed.
Our trip started with the Mack Air transfer across the delta that afforded us a spectacular birdseye view of the terrain. After being dropped off in the northeastern corner of Osiwanga we were driven to our lodge near the edge of Chobe National Park. To our amazement all sorts of animals - including elephants and a giraffe - came right up to our tent. During the day we went on game drives. A high points were the African wild dogs. We followed closely after a group of 13 on the chase, came across the nest of baby ones, and even witnessed an antelope being taken down by three of them. In the evenings we were treated to beautiful sundowners, which at one we were visited by a lurking serval.
We also also spent a day in the Delta exploring the aquatic life by boat. The landscape was spectacular with numerous exotic birds, plenty hippos and elephants as well as interesting plants. In the evening the staff at the lodge put on a lively show of singing and dancing.
Our last day in the north was spent resting in Maun. Before departing for home we went sightseeing and shopping for artfully crafted basketry of exceptional quality in Gaborone. These exquisite artifacts were made in the style of traditional tribal objects by artisans integrating cultural symbols into their individual designs.
We thoroughly enjoyed our holiday in Botswana, the country and its people. How lucky we are that Botswana has set aside such extensive nature reserves for the benefit of Africa's wild animals, and for us all to experience.
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Email Jason | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Botswana has a special place in my heart.
The game parks of Botswana are arguable the best in the world; a sentiment I have heard from many people. There is a huge variety of safari options. You are more likely to check off your sightings list and get the bush vibe you want than most places. The people of Botswana are very friendly and it is worth your while to hang out with locals. We went during a prolonged drought and still had a great trip. Yet we still have a lot of unfinished business of things to do and see there on our next visit.
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Email Greg Woyshner | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Beautiful landscape with wonderfully friendly people.
So we had a driver bring us from Joburg to the border crossing. It may have been a long drive but I was lost in my own thoughts and staring at the ever changing landscape. I am so glad we did the drive up. We did charter a plane back but I would not have changed my travel plans at all. As far as the safari, man that was something special. Just when you thought you could not see more you did! We stayed at two locations. Tent Camp At Mashatu and the lodge. Both were completely different. If your in need of an air conditioner then the lodge is for you. Considering we went in July the nights were quit cold. So air was not needed. Both stand on their own but if I had two choose again I would take the tent camp. The rustic look but not truly rustic lodging would be my choice. Having an outdoor shower/bathroom and hearing the animals walk past your tent at night is exhilarating. The staff and food worked. The large selection of beers did not hurt either. I would recommend this camp to anyone. I would also return but maybe a difference season to see how the landscape changes. What a wonderful trip and some truly amazing memories.
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Email Stephan Daus | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent place with great potential
Magnificent sceneries. Mosquitoes are NOT an issue if you travel in May (dry season) - we only noticed a small handful throughout our 12+ day trip. Even sunscreen seemed not so necessary because our trips often involved shades from cars, boats or under trees. (do bring it though).
Bush vibe:
Pros: Dirt roads, huge unfenced parks, mostly no mass tourism accommodations. Very few tourists in central kalahari.
Cons: Some self-drive tourists using their own cars and not contributing to the local economy. More tourists in Chobe.
Unfortunately a lot of garbage, like everyone on this fragile planet.
Overall a definitely worthwhile visit!
CA
Email Martin Routhier | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Meromi Park safari
Our guide was fantastic and we saw all kind of animals. Perfect day and happy we booked with your site.
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Email Mike and Marianne | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Botswana was everything we expected and more!
Botswana was an excellent destination for our safari as the variety of wildlife we encountered was outstanding.
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Email Jennifer Cruciano | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
3 of the big 5 in one day!
I carefully read many reviews and looked at what was involved with a day trip and the price. I chose Africa Beast because they included it all and the park fees were included. The only extra was a tip for our guide. We live in South Africa for 3 months of every year and have been on countless game drives both paid and self drive. This was the first time we have ever seen a lion on a drive! We saw a lioness and later 2 males. We also saw cape buffalo and elephants. The rhino have been removed to safety dut to poaching, and there were no leopard to be seen during our day time drive. Chobe river is beautiful to drive along and then motor in it seeing crocodile, hippo and elephant among many birds. We also learned that we were in an international waterway as one side of the land is Botswana, and the other side is Namibia. It was an expensive day for our family of four, but the tour made it so easy: picked up at our hotel, brought to the border crossing and escorted through the process for both leaving Zimbabwe and entering Botswana, a drive, a lovely lunch at a stunning lodge, motoring through the river, and then being ushered through the border crossing and brought safely back to the hotel. I'm so glad we booked!
Email Skye Winslow | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing wildlife - not just animals but also the birds!
We had no idea that a "budget" travel could in fact be so luxurious! We were two people with a full time staff of four -including an incredible guide and chef. We felt safe and secure and well looked after and it is a trip we will never forget. We were so close yet still a safe distance from elephants and rhinos! We had no idea how beautiful it would be -- especially the sun rises and sun sets. We highly recommend the trip!
Email Ross James Wilson | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Friendly people; wonderful wildlife; sadly drought stricken so dry rivers and significantly reduced
Botswana is a wonderful travel destination. The wildlife experience was top level with very knowledgeable guides. The people are very friendly. Our safari lodge was very nice. Unfortunately, we visited during a bad drought so we didn't see it at its best.
