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
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
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
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
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!)
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.
CH
Email Bruno Mayques | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Ten days of dream: Kalahari desert, Boteti river and Nxai Pan.
A mobile safari with a fantastic guide and the best cook in the Bush.
Landscapes worthy of the birth of the world, the encounter with wildlife, here is what I lived during ten days.
An unforgettable experience that allowed me to discover the Kalahari desert with its extraordinary fauna and flora (cheetahs, oryx, giraffes, zebras, steenbok... and a multitude of birds...), travel along the banks of the Boteti River to observe hundreds of elephants and two hunting lionesses and enjoy the vastness of the Nxai Pan with its flights of flamingos, white elephants and giraffes.
The pleasure of returning to camp each evening to spend a beautiful moment of sharing with the guide around the fire observing the Milky Way and the stars and being awakened in the middle of the night by the roar of the lion.
Thanks Eddy, Guidéon and Methéo. Everything was perfect, the equipment (tent, car, food) and your services.
DE
Email Iris Barz | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The Best of Botswana
At the end of a 5 week trip to Namibia and Botswana we booked an 8 day mobile safari with Kalahari Skies of Maun, Botswana.
We visited Nxai, Moremi and Khwai and travelled at a very leisurely pace.
Guide Gideon and chefs/camp assistants Mateo and Baeti made this a memorable trip.
We were amazed at what could be cooked on a camp fire – moussakas, pizza, the best vegetarian curry ever tasted, bread – to name just a few. The service was efficient, friendly and attentive.
Gideon appears to have “binocular eyes”, he spotted birds and animals that we had to use our binoculars for. His tracking is excellent and he is calm and unhurried on game drives and very knowledgeable about fauna and flora. He accommodated our interest in birds and landscapes and would do his best to find the most suitable position for photography.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in the bush with this wonderful team.
US
Email Kaete Daum | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
This trip will be a lifetime memory!
Gideon was our guide. Matheo and Sydney cooked and set up camp. My husband and I were on safari with our 18 year old granddaughter - a 9 day camping safari in Botswana. I have been on safari the "fancy" way several times in South Africa, Botswana and Tanzania in the past and wanted our granddaughter to experience something more authentic. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Our campsites were outstanding, the food was remarkable - especially for being cooked over a fire. Coming home in the evenings to the twinkling of lights and the smell of a campfire was magical. The outside showers were a treat. There was no detail left uncovered for our comfort and delight. I highly recommend a camping safari with Kalahari skies. If you can get Gideon as a guide - he is a treasure. All three together were the dream team. Go and enjoy the beauty!
2 families, 6 wild teenagers, plenty of wild animals and 2 wild guides!
It took us a long time to choose a Mobile Safari operator for our 10 night tour in Botswana and we are so glad that Kalahari Skies was the chosen one. There are a lot of people to keep happy when 2 Australian families of 5 are travelling and Kalahari Skies managed to do that with professional excellence. We were in the capable, friendly and caring hands of guides Newman and Killo. After 10 nights they were part of the family.
Every part of the safari was well planned with fabulous tents, hot showers, delicious food (keeping the vegetarian and gluten free very happy), friendly smiles, animal knowledge etc etc. However, the real reason you want to go with Kalahari Skies is because their vehicles are the best in the business. Many times we drove past other companies with open safari vehicles early in the morning to see their clients so cold and miserable while we stayed toasty warm behind the sliding windows. A couple of hours later we would just drop the windows right down and enjoy being mere metres away from the amazing display of healthy predators and their prey. Those vehicles were thrashed along the dirt roads and stood up to the test very well (we were bogged once but that's part of the adventure!)
The Bradleys and Bivianos would like to give their sincere thanks to the beautiful people that are Newman and Killo, the wonderful cooks that are George (who somehow managed to make a 50th Birthday cake on an open fire) and Matteo (who can speak Chinese), the fabulous bar stocker that is JT and our amazing 'jacks of all trades', Ronald and Matsuabe.
US
Email Phil S. | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
It's all about the guide
We had six men on a "boys camping trip" through Botswana and it was awesome! Our guide Newman was fantastic - immense store of knowledge about the area and the animals and we had great sightings the whole trip - he got us to the right places at the right times. Our mobile tented camp wasn't luxurious, but was quite comfortable, the food was great and the guys helping were both efficient and wonderful to be around. Highly recommended and great value!
