Xaa Safaris Directors
Xaa Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2016)
- Member Of:
- HATAB & BOGA
- Tour Types:
- Small & medium group tours (Mid-range)
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $300 to $800 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
MT
Email Alice T | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Perfect service and management on the steps of booking; nothing to see and to do on place.
I booked 3-day-2-night mokoro trip, and it was the most expensive and the most disappointing part of my 16-day-travel. To start from good, the manager, Nobantu, was nice and helpful, she replied to my emails fast and for details. Also, the camp was designed in a wise and nice manner: every tent is spacious and equipped with en-suite portable shower, bio-lavatory, bed, and blanket. The food was good, and the cook did his best to please us. But this is where good points end.
On the first day, we were sailing on a motorboat for about one hour and then on a mokoro, the little canoes, for about three hours. Under the baking sun. But all of that would be fine enough if we could see at least something except a couple of birds...
Then we came to the camp and spent the afternoon doing nothing. After we had a 'Nature walk' seeing a lot of excrements of different animals and some insects. The local guides could tell 3-4 sentences as maximum about each species, and we were lucky to have a professor of zoology in our group. From him, we received 90% of information about the Delta and its wildlife.
During the night, in the camp (or village, I don't know) that was not far from us they had a kind of party till 3-4 AM and they make such a bad noise, that if I would have been an animal I would run away as far as I could.
Next day we had a 'safari walk' on another island, where we saw a herd of zebras and a heard of antelopes. It was early in the morning and from 10 AM to 4 PM we were just sitting in the camp. We were not allowed to walk around because of the 'dangerous wildlife'. I walked a bit at my own risk and saw heaps of rubbish and plastic. Probably that was why it is not allowed to walk around because there is simply NO wildlife in this area, I didn't see there even one simple impala. And I don't think that any wildlife will come there if they won't stop night orgies and pollution.
Coming back I found that my bio-toilet is not working. I asked the staff to do something.
In the evening, we had a mokoro cruise to the lake with the hippos. They were far away to make good photos, but at least we've seen something - I thought. But at that moment people from this camp/village came on their mokoros shouting so loudly that my group mates started to worry about our lives since hippos are not so tolerated to that crazy sounds as people are.
When I came back to my tent I found my toilet clean, but it was still not working.
Next day after the breakfast we just went back to Maun, without any morning activity.
Honestly, I was expected from Okavango Delta much more. Before that safari, I went to Chobe National Park, for the 3-days-2-nights tour, too. But there we had two safaris every day and just a couple of hours to rest, the staff was experienced and did their best to make us see as much as possible, and we've seen a great number of different animals. In comparison with that, this trip was just for wasting time and money. For this amount, I'd better book a flight and I'm sure I would be impressed much more.
Reply from Xaa Safaris
Posted on Sep 9, 2018Good day Alice, thank you very much for your feedback. We will certainly do our utmost best to improve on our service especially relating to the Boro community whose concession we conduct Mokoro activities. Your feedback and part of your investment will certainly assist in ensuring a sustainable tourism operation for us and especially the Boro community.
We look forward to hosting you again in future this time in Moremi Game Reserve which has a larger concentration of animals including the big cats compared to the Okavango Delta which is predominantly aquatic and bird lovers paradise.
Thank you once again for your feedback.
Email Anthony | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
very good
I took 3 day tours which was the best way to see so much in such limited time, bothe the okavango delta and Mokoro safaries were brilliant, however the early morning drive to morembi NP was not anything I would want or advise anyone else to endure, winter time on the back of an open truck was so cold it caused painful
That apart Xaa safaris were excellent friendly and hekpfull in booking and its guides were both knowledgeable , friendly and made the trips a wonderful experience
tony
MX
Email Fernando | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Thrilling experience in the Okavango Delta and Moremi
Xaa Safaris provides a good services for people who cannot afford luxury safaris. Keni, the local guide in the Okavango Delta, is local person who knows how to take advantage of what the Okavango Delta can offer. He is a bush man who is very well equipped with knowledge and ability to show you the best of the Delta. Smart and friendly knows where one can spot wildlife such as elephants, zebras, kunus, lions...However, Xaa Safaris has to improve training to its chefs to better cook meals and to the general guide to be more sensitive to visitors´ needs and interests. I recommend Xaa Safaris for those who are willing to walk and chase wild beasts and to really get to what Okavango and Moremi are about: nature in its pure manifestation!
Email Annieandco | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Fantastic Trip
We booked from the UK and chose Xaa as it was flexible, friendly and good value for money.
From the minute we were picked up in Maun we had an amazing time, a great team of people who were a combination of guides, trainees and local community villagers accompanied us into the delta. Great knowledge and fun company. All our camping equipment was brand new and extremely smart, we were treated like royalty! Well fed and watered too! The group even did an impromptu entertainment show of traditional singing which was fab! It was so nice to spend time with local people in the beautiful delta, surrounded by elephant, hippo, and wildebeest! Would certainly recommend and can’t wait to return!
Email Johan | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Friendly client orientated bush experience
Xaa went out of their way to accommodate us without compromising the experience of their other guests.
It was the most amazing sunset cruise from Maun on the Thamalakane river passing some local fishing Mokoros, African Fish eagles and stopping to observe a crocodile and being fed a ton of information from the guide.
We shall use them next time for a 3 day customised excursion into the Delta with all camp sites and accommodation arranged by Xaa.
Thank you Xaa for an unforgetable experience.
DE
Email Anja | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Professional handling, flexible, customer oriented
I had booked the 9-day classic safari tour through Savuti, Khwai and the Okavango Delta, with the first 2 nights in Victoria Falls. The whole organization of the tour went very well, and the safari was a truly great experience to remember.
I was a solo female traveler and felt well protected and looked after by the crew: Ranger, an experienced guide and driver and good company to spend a safari day with, George, not only a good cook, but also a gifted baker who miraculously baked all kinds of delicious things in his „oven“ over the woodfire, and the two camphands Luke and KB who were never tired working in camp and making sure everything was ready on time and my stay was pleasant. The team was flexible with regards to my requests - be it how to spend the day or change the itinerary or with regards to setting up the camp.
I had a very comfy spacious tent with an en-suite bathroom and loved hearing the lions roar and hyeanas howl at night and watching the elephants strolling through the campsite in Khwai during the day. I even encountered an elephant drinking out of a my wash basin while I was inside the tent! We saw lions a few times, came across a pack of wild dogs and a bat eared fox couple and had a great leopard sighting where we could spend quite some time with the animal. Apart from that we enjoyed spotting many gracious giraffes, a lot of hippos and elephants. It was good fun and excitement to track lion, leopard or hyaena.
Thanks to Xaa Safaris and the crew for truly memorable, exciting and fun days in the bush!
Reply from Xaa Safaris
Posted on Oct 14, 2024Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are thrilled to hear that you had such a memorable and enjoyable experience on our 9-day classic safari through Savuti, Khwai, and the Okavango Delta. It’s great to know that you felt well taken care of by our team—Ranger, George, Luke, and KB are truly passionate about what they do, and they will be delighted to hear your kind words!
We’re especially pleased that you enjoyed the flexibility of the itinerary and the comfort of your tent, as well as those thrilling encounters with wildlife. It sounds like you had some unforgettable moments, from watching elephants stroll through the camp to that amazing leopard sighting!
We’re grateful you chose Xaa Safaris for your adventure, and we hope to welcome you back to the bush for more exciting and fun days in the future.
CH
Email Manfred | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Incredible once in a lifetime experience
I enquired about this 9-day-tour on a short term notice, just one week before it started, and the detailed offer came instantly and well prepared, so I booked. And everything worked out to my absolute satisfaction, starting with the airport pick-up and transfer to the first lodge, and then all the way to the last day.
I was stunned to find out that I was the only guest, and instead of cancelling the tour, Xaa Safaris realized the trip just with me! So I found myself with a safari car, a driver/ranger, 3 wonderful camp hands - one of them a chef, who each day miraculously produced the most wonderful food in the midst of the bush - and a local guide in the Okavango-Delta for spectacular walking safaris. Wherever we arrived, the tents (with open-air shower and toilet), the kitchen and the eating canopy were put up in no time, while I was taken on a sunset-safari-drive. When we returned, the fire in the middle of the camp was burning, tea and dinner was ready and we had the most wonderful chats together.
Each day began with an overwhelming sunrise drive at around 6am, which was followed by a rich breakfast/lunch and a siesta during the hot hours, and ended with a sunset-safari at around 4pm, when most animals are out from their hiding spots. And not to forget the tasty dinners at nightfall. The driver was an experienced track reader and had no problems to find ALL the animals, even twice a leopard absolutely close to us. My emotions soared into the sky.
Spending 6 nights (2 nights per park) in tents in the bush, with a giraffe feeding nearby and being surrounded with all the sounds of night animals is so different to staying in a lodge, if you are the adventurous character. I can honestly say that not 1 second did I feel endangered, because I was in such competent hands, who, for example, surrounded the camp each night with a circle of candles.
Driving on sandy roads for the transfer from one park to the other was the most strenuous part and is not recommended if you suffer from car sickness. But this is what Botswanan road are - nature tracks and you might encounter elephant crossings more than once. It was a fantastic journey I will not forget all my life - thank you so much, Xaa Safaris, I am very grateful!
Reply from Xaa Safaris
Posted on Sep 27, 2024Wow! Thank you for taking the time to share such a detailed and heartfelt review of your 9-day tour with us. We are absolutely thrilled to hear that your last-minute booking worked out to your complete satisfaction and that you had such a memorable experience with Xaa Safaris.
We are incredibly proud that our team was able to make your solo safari not only possible but enjoyable and unforgettable. It is our goal to ensure that each guest feels cared for, and your kind words about the team, including our driver/ranger, camp hands, chef, and local guide, truly mean the world to us. We're delighted that you enjoyed the beauty of the sunrise and sunset drives, the delicious bush meals, and the close encounters with the incredible wildlife.
Your adventurous spirit really shone through as you embraced camping in the bush, and we’re glad you felt safe and well looked after, even with nature’s sounds all around. We appreciate your understanding of the terrain, and you’re absolutely right—Botswana’s wild and raw roads are all part of the adventure!
Thank you again for trusting us with your safari experience, and for your wonderful review. We are grateful to have been a part of such a fantastic journey for you, and we look forward to welcoming you back for another adventure in the future.
US
Email Esther | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful Experienced Caring Guides and Staff provided an amazing Safari adventure
This was my first trip to Botswana for work and I extended my time so i could take a Safari. Xaa Safaris came highly recommended. I was a woman traveling by myself so safety and attentive staff were important along with seeing the natural beauty of the landscape and of course seeing the animals up close in the wild was an awe inspiring experience. The Guides were first rate and it was a source of pride to them make sure I saw and experienced as much as possible. The chef did an outstanding job of preparing delicious meals with a simple camping setup. I was so impressed by each member. The memories they helped to create are embedded in my mind and heart forever. I would highly recommend Xaa Safaris
Reply from Xaa Safaris
Posted on Sep 27, 2024Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt review of your experience with Xaa Safaris. It was our absolute pleasure to host you on your first trip to Botswana, and we are delighted to know that you felt safe, well-cared for, and fully immersed in the beauty of the landscape and wildlife.
We take great pride in ensuring that every guest enjoys a personalized and memorable adventure, and it’s wonderful to hear that our guides, chef, and staff were able to exceed your expectations. We’re especially pleased that the attention to detail and passion of our team left a lasting impression on you.
Your recommendation means the world to us, and we are grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of your unforgettable journey. Should you decide to return to Botswana in the future, we would love to welcome you back for another adventure!
Email Jen Ussi | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Professional, exceptional service and an amazing campsite.
We had the most amazing 2 night trip on the banks of the river in the Delta. The campsite was perfect clamping. Food by Amos the chef was exceptional. All the staff were friendly and professional. Our guide, Oros, was knowledgeable and we saw everything from hippos to lions and elephants. We learnt a lot about both the flora and fauna from him. The mokoro cruises were fab. Definitely worth doing this trip with this company, we absolutely over it.
Reply from Xaa Safaris
Posted on Sep 27, 2024Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are thrilled to hear that you had an amazing two-night trip with us along the river in the Delta. It's fantastic to know that you enjoyed the "glamping" experience and that Amos, our chef, provided exceptional meals. We are also pleased that our staff's friendliness and professionalism stood out during your stay.
Oros will be delighted to hear your kind words about his guiding expertise. It's always a joy for us when guests leave with not just memories of wildlife like hippos, lions, and elephants, but also a deeper understanding of the flora and fauna in the Delta. We're glad you had a great time on the mokoro cruises, and we're grateful for your recommendation.
Email Mieke | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Either a scam or terrible customer service
Watch out! I had been discussing our boat safari via email with Xaa Safaris since January of 2023 just to arrive in Maun in July of 2023 to find that my deposit had been stolen and no boat was waiting for us. I accepted a quote, completed the paperwork, signed and sent it through as requested, then on the same email string, banking details were provided for me to pay the deposit. Upon phoning them a day prior to the excursion, they said no payment had been received, and this is when it came to light that right after I emailed the signed contract, the correspondence address changed from [email protected] to [email protected]. In the same string replying, this was not noticeable, so the money was paid via EFT and the receiving account was emptied - nothing I can do to have the funds returned. I have no proof that Xaa Safari is the culprit. However, considering the timing at which the fake email address became active and the fact that they never tried to follow up on our booking, despite having (via the legitimate email address) received a signed contract with all our personal details, this is either extremely poor customer service, or more likely an inside job.