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Email Anja Luecking | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Vast wilderness and wildlife
I went on a mobile safari to Savuti and Khwai (which I especially loved because of the scenery next to the river) and one day in Moremi.
I was a solo female traveler and felt well protected and looked after by the crew of my tour operator Xaa Safaris. I had a spacious tent with an en-suite bathroom and loved hearing the animals at night: lions roaring, hyaenas howling, elephants rumbling and hippos barking. I was great to watch the elephants strolling through the campsite in Khwai during the day, and I even encountered an elephant drinking out of a my wash basin while I was inside the tent! We saw lions a few times in Savuti and Moremi, came across a pack of wild dogs and a bat-eared fox couple and had a great leopard sighting where we spent quite some time with the animal. Apart from that we enjoyed spotting many gracious giraffes, a lot of hippos and elephants, but also saw also the rarer sable and roan antilopes and ground hornbill. It was good fun and excitement to track lion, leopard or hyaena.
After the safari I spent a few days in Maun and went on a one day trip to Okavango delta.
I can recommend Botswana as a travel destination for its vast wilderness and wildlife. Looking forward to return and see other areas like the salt pans and Kalahari.
NZ
Email Arlene Tyler | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
An upclose look at awesome wildlife and scenery
We loved our 3 day safari to Chobe. Our guide, Max was so informative and made so much effort to give us the best possible experience. We saw lions, elephants, giraffes, hippos, water buffalo and we were fortunate enough to even see a leopard. We were amazed how close we were to the wildlife but we never felt unsafe. We were very well looked after by our guide all thru. Wear a warm jacket for early mornings. Highly recommend Botswana.
US
Email Gloria Tostado | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A Land That Takes You Back in Time
Botswana is a landlocked country in southern Africa yet offers an array of opportunities to see wildlife in their natural habitat. It is mostly flat, with scruffy brush and occasional trees that often times have that windblown appearance. I learned that the country is approximately 70% in the Kalahari Desert, so the soil is very thick, loose, red sand, which makes it difficult to maneuver, which is why 4x4 wheel vehicles are optimum. It is beautiful in its own way, but life for both the local villagers and wild animals can be difficult, as water availability is dependent on rains coming from the north, mostly the highlands of Angola. Having said this, while some rivers were dry, others further north were not and we enjoyed seeing an abundance of elephants, zebras, buffaloes, impala, hippos, and even lions. Botswana is also home to Chobe National Park, located on the northeastern part of the country that borders Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Namibia, which is definitely worth visiting. We always felt safe in Botswana and the people were friendly and helpful. All children learn English in school so most speak both English and the national tribal language of Setswana.
Email Glynis Eaton | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing animal sightings & bush experience, thanks to xx king Cobra our guide
Botswana is amazing. We saw so many animals up close & personal due to our fantastic guide King Cobra. We saw many more animals in Chobe than in Kruger.
JP
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.
US
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.
US
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.
NO
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.
