Kalahari Skies
- Located In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 1994)
- Member Of:
- Hopitality & Tourism Association of Botswana
- Tour Types:
- Mid-range tours with set start dates and a fixed itinerary
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $220 to $1,000 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
BE
Email Christiane | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Magical. Fauna, flora and breathtaking scenery. Very competent guide speaking French.
Safari of 15 days in a loop from Maun to the Baines Baobabs, Rhino Sanctuary, Elephant Sands, Victoria Falls, Chobe Park, Savuti, Khwai River and Moremi. Various visits. Accommodation in tents well equipped and spacious corresponding to the photos of the site. Organized well, without time out. Program respected to the letter. Friendly staff. Varied and excellent meals (starter-main course-dessert). Our guide "Eddy" knows his subject very well about the behavior of the animals which allowed us to see some great things. We were also able to observe magnificent birds. The sites of campsites were stunning (magnificent views, in full nature and to the calm one). All in all a wonderful stay that met our expectations.
US
Email Janet, Peter, Peter and James | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An adventure of a lifetime!
We have just returned from our amazing classic Botswana safari, and just wanted to send our warmest thanks to Eddy and his fantastic staff. The experience was everything we could have hoped for and more. Marks, our guide, Easy, our cook, and the staff, Gideon, Ronny and OT, were wonderful. The tents and cars were so comfortable. (We opted not to stay in lodges and were very pleased with this decision. Camping may not be suit everyone but it is the sustainable choice.) The menu was incredible. Likewise we appreciate that Eddy paired our family of four with Colin and Kerry - it was so much fun to share this experience with lovely new friends while still keeping the group small enough to make it very special. (And, oh yes, the wildlife couldn't have been more cooperative and the scenery was spectacular!)
11 day Botswana Essential
Unforgettable experience, beyond our expectations, amazing wildlife, comfortable camping and great food. We were in awe of the skill of our guide and the culinary art of the cook, our thanks also to those who created comfortable camps.
A 6 person group provides ideal opportunity for game viewing and photography. Our thanks for the friendship of those with whom we shared this experience.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Could have been perfect but too many big mistakes
I planned this trip for almost two years. Through internet search I stumbled upon Kalahari Skies. Eddy, the owner, was very forthcoming and ready to answer my questions. We were open to options and budget was not a factor, we were indecisive between a mobile safari or private camps. He advertised his services and a mobile safari as more likely to see game over any private camp in the delta. While we did see a good amount of game and of course it was beautiful, we actually saw more at the end of our trip in a private concession, with no cars around (versus the many cars in the national parks) and with more dramatic encounters (missed kill, lions, cheetahs....). In hindsight I would say that Eddy's recommendations were very self serving.
Upon arrival in Maun, after a 25 hour journey, no one was at the airport to welcome us. We watched as tourists after tourists were being picked up by their tour operators. We were stranded, tried calling the office with no luck and after one hour managed to get picked up by our hotel. This was quite disappointing and upsetting. Our guide later apologized for his mistake and took full blame for his oversight, but Kalahari Skies should have reminder/checks and not rely only on the guides they independently hire. They should also have someone in the office during the day answering calls.
The team we were assigned to was extremely nice, and our guide Newman was incredible. We all fell in love with him. He is knowledgeable, a very good driver, considerate, flexible, and I would recommend him to anyone. The food in the camp throughout the safari was excellent, the lunches in the road less so, mostly sandwiches and cookies. The tent accommodations were nice and adequate, with enclosed hot showers, the cots could use pads as they are quite hard. The nights were very very cold and much colder than what we had been told, we were not as prepared as we should have been. The temperatures were not in the low 50's but closer to low 40's. I would recommend bringing several long layers and a wool cap for the morning drives. Some blankets for the early morning drives would be nice.
There were a few things that did not work for us: 1. Too much driving between camps. Being on the road from 6:30 am to 4 pm is just too much. Arriving any earlier would mean that the camp is not set up and it is clear that they discourage you from arriving earlier. Animals are mostly quite during the mid day, as it is very hot, and driving around that time is not ideal. If I had to do it again I would only concentrate on two camps with just one long day of driving, and I would fly in and out avoiding the first and last drive. 2. The overall itinerary that we relied on Eddy to create, Moremi-Khwai-Savuti, leaves the least attracting area for last, with the least attracting camp. Again, this is not something that Eddy brought up and he should. We relied on his knowledge and were open to his suggestions. It was a mistake. A little research on my end would have made me realize the downsides of Savuti 3. We chose to do a mobile safari for the authentic feel of camping close to the animals. Savuti, unbeknown to us before we arrived there, is a camp with shower and bathrooms facilities that are mandatory, meaning you have to use the communal bathrooms. We found it took away from the experience. But what was really really upsetting was to arrive in Savuti and find that our camp site was the worst one, in front of the communal bathroom. The camp sites are not first come first serve. They are assigned as soon as one books. Some obviously have a much better location than others. There are other better camp sites in Savuti, so make sure to specify a private one. In Moremi and in Khwai we felt completely alone and away from everyone. We could not hear or see any other camp site. We booked this trip a year in advance. To arrive in Savuti and find that we were in the path of everyone else going to the bathrooms and with the view on the ugly facilities was such a turn off that we decided to drive straight to Kasane and cut our journey short. It was either that or having a less that magical experience, maybe taking away from what we had experienced until then. If I had to find a good analogy I would say imagine booking a flight a year in advance with an agency that is supposed to reserve you a seat, and finding upon boarding that you are at the end of the plane in the middle seat closest to the bathroom. This was a large oversight by Kalahari Skies and the main reason why I am giving 3 stars. If no better camp site was available they shoul dhave notified us as this particular one is absolutely not acceptable. I do not fly half way through the planet, plan a trip for two years, and rely on the tour operator to find myself stranded at the airport and my tent pitched in an open area next to the bathrooms with strangers walking through.
Reply from Kalahari Skies
Posted on Aug 21, 2017Dear Letizia, I have to answer on your comments as there is also our side.
- that you saw more in a lodge than on your mobile is just how it is, it's not a zoo and you can never know what you will see, we have many clients claiming the opposite. Your guide told me you continuously were saying "there's no game", not sure what you were expecting. He also told me that on the boat cruise you chose to add in the Moremi, you didn't want to go as "there was no big game to see" and let them turn back after 45 minutes ( I had told you it was an option to see the lagunes and bird colonies, to have a feeling for the okavango delta )
- your guide Newman was late at the airport because two days before his brother passed away and he was running to arrange the funeral ( which he missed because you only wanted him as a guide so he told me he was not letting you down and would do the safari )
- the weather was indeed colder than normal in August, not predictable and you were free to take your blankets from the tent on the game-drives ( our vehicles can close the windows and you could then could have the heating on )
- we chose the public campsite in Savuti as there are only 4 Hatab private sites and they are block booked by the big companies. Savuti is one of the best places for seeing big game so as for most people the game-viewing is more important then where they camp I thought this would be the better option. We also don't chose which site we get there, this is done by the company running this campsite. You didn't want to stay the second day so this also adds to not seeing plenty game.
All in all I feel sorry you didn't enjoy your trip.
Best regards,
Eddy
Email Rosemarie and Steve | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exceptional, an unbeatable safari
My husband and I, plus 6 other friends, undertook an 11 day Kalahari Skies Tour in mid-April 2017 - starting from Maun and ending at Vic Falls..From the very first, of many, enquiry, each and every one was answered promptly by Eddy. The camping set up exceeded expectations. As hardened outback campers we were delighted with our 'glamping' set up. Bed, cupboard and en suite with hot water supplied each night - luxury. At the end of each day of game tracking what a sight it was to come into camp to find the campfire burning and the G and T's waiting to be poured and, whilst reliving the wonders of the day, the delicious aromas of campfire cooking.
Our guide, Newman, was exceptional - what a wonderful understanding and love of nature he has. We saw 127 species of birds (excluding the LBB's and doves) and 32 species of animals - the only one missing was sadly the rhino however seeing a pack of 10 wild dogs made up for our missing rhino.
I must not forget the support crew who cooked, boiled water and packed up our tents every two or three days and had every thing set up and ready at each new camp - very professional.
HIghlights were the mokoro trip through the lily pads of the okavango swamp, skirting snorting hippos, sighting beautiful birds and the silence of it all. Then the unexpected brunch set up under a giant baobab tree with giraffe and impala serving as a backdrop. But then when the elephants ambled past our camp - what a thrill to see these giants from ground level. Well I guess every day was a highlight.
The transfers between Botswana and Zimbabwe were spot on and the 'smoke that roars', the Vic Falls, were indeed roaring - we were soaked right through, rain jacket or no rain jacket, great fun.
5 stars to Eddy, Newman and his team
FR
Email Alain | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
A great experience
We had a 7 days safari with Kalahari skies. Not only did we see a lot of game, but the organisation was excellent. Mano, the wife produced delicious food. Eddi is extremely dedicated, Rainy and Max were excellent. It was a great experience for people who had no experience of the bush before. highly recommended.
DE
Email Norbert | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Tent safari in Botsuana- an very intensive experience of nature
Excellent guide and team (Spokes, Moses, Oti, Patrick). It can't be better.
We passed nine wonderful, exciting and interesting days with them.
Due to the flood in Moremi we need to avoid the campsite there and been sent to "Duncan's Camp", two hours away. These camp was unacceptable from location perspective, the more it was in a pitiable condition. You shouldn't offer this camp anymore, in everyone's interest.
That's the reason why the overall rating is only "good".
CH
Email Renate | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Safari at it's best
Organization: due to the heavy rainfalls in Jan/Feb, the travel itinery had to be adjusted, but it was perfectly organized and everything went very well. We think, plan B was even better than the originally planned trip! it was a kind of "Surprise"-Safari.
The crew is unbelievable great, pampering, super friendly, perfect in cooking!!
The safari itself was amazing, and we had a perfect guide, Eddie. Huge experience and knowledge of nature and animals and life itself. Thank you for this and these amazing two weeks!
CH
Email Stefanie | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Safari surprise at its best!
The booking went easy via travel agency. Shortly before our departure to Botswana we were informed about the heavy rainfalls during the last weeks and that the itinerary probably had to be changed, due to flodded roads. No problem for us. After arrival, tourguide Eddy came up with plan B, which turned out to be a great alternative. (He already had plans C to Z in mind, since nobody knew about the exact road conditions.) We visited a lot of beautiful places, whatched many many animals, stayed at great campgrounds. And we had a fantastic tourguide and camp crew, who never let us know about the stress they were having with all the obstacles in the stern wash of a cyclone.
The camp gear consisted of large tents (even large people can stand up straight) with en suite bathroom in the back (hole in the ground with a toilet seat, bucket shower), comfortable cots, night stand, a small cabinet. We had the fabulous diner (really, the cuisine à la bush was always delicious and plenty) in the dining tent after sitting around the fire in the evening, having a first drink. Did I mention lunch? Depending on the day's schedule, we had lunch in the camp or a picnic in the bush (always yummy).
Eddy, you are an excellent tour guide, you did just about everything to let this safari of a lifetime come true. You brought us to all the interesting places, let the animals out of the cages just in time, and never got stuck in the worst of mud.
Mano, Steven and Matteo: The best camp crew imaginable, you made the camp a reall home for us.
Thank you all!
DE
Email Pia und Harald | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
great camping experience
Tour with Kalahari Skies team, November 2016, Moremi, Khwai, Savuti
Eddy, thank you very much for the great camping experience you made possible for us. Our thanks also goes out to Mano, whos‘ delicious food we had the pleasure to enjoy as well as to Steve, the „good spirit“ of the camp.
The Tents were very comfortable and the bathroom facilities were great.
Eddy, you showed and told us so many knowledge and interesting facts about the flora and fauna of Botswana. Inspired by you wildlife journal, for the first time I started to keep a checklist of all animal sightings. What a great idea! You are an excellent guide!
It was in Moremi that we saw the first cheetah. A special sight, for us and our cameras, was the by far most beautiful lion in Africa – what a beauty! He could easily be THE top model amongst all animals.
As before, Khwai took our breath away with its beautiful landscapes. A great located camp with Zebras, Wildebeests, Antelopes and Elephants all around us. I will never forget the moment during setting up the camp when an Elephant came by to watch with be just sitting barely 3 meters away – and we got the photo for agreat memory too.
In Savuti we had the luck to see the Savuti pride feasting on their prey, they just made a fresh kill, a Kudu. Thank you for showing us the beautiful group of old baobab trees that is not mentioned in any travel guide!
We were lucky to have been able to take so many great pictures.
Summary: very professional, excellent knowledge, delicious meals, very friendly, excellent tents and lots of fun!
Our place of longing is Botswana.
We are looking forward to travel the Kalahari with Kalahari Skies in 2019.
Pia and Harald