Moonstroll Vantage Expeditions
- Office In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2016)
- Member Of:
- HATAB, BOGA & BTO
- Tour Types:
- Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $250 to $400 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
US
Email Roxann | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Not truthful about the length of time from one camp to another. No sanitary hand washing facilities
The description of the length of time from one camp to another was totally inaccurate. Instead of the 3-31/2 hours it advertised, it was more like 8-10 because we were hauling a trailer with all our camping gear. We got stuck and no adequate rescue equipment had been packed. Not had any sanitary handwashing facilities been packed, resulting in 2 of us contracting norovirus and being very sick for half of the safari. Stay away from this company.
Reply from Moonstroll Vantage Expeditions
Posted on Oct 24, 2024Ordinarily we will have no problem with this review if it was given in good faith and if it reflected the true nature of events as they unfolded during our 7-Day safari with Roxann and friends in September 2024.
Norovirus
Our guests for the September 2024, 7-Day safari are three (3) elderly ladies who are retired nurses. Apparently, each one of them has a pre-existing health problem which they conveniently did not mention at the time of their quote request and consequently booking confirmation. The office came to know about these medical health problems on the first day of their safari when they were leaving for Moremi Game Reserve.
When our guide went to pick up our 3 guests from Maun Lodge in the morning on the day the safari started, the ladies told him that one of their friends was not well. She was having some stomach problems and as a result was experiencing some episodes of diarrhea. Upon learning this our guide informed the ladies that he will make strategic stops along the way to Moremi. He also told her that she is free to stop him at any time if she feels like she needs to use the "bathroom".
The first strategic stop that our guide made was at the Kaziikini Concession to allow our guest to use the bathroom facilities found in this private concession. Thereafter, they proceeded to Moremi whereupon he stopped again to allow the guest to use the bathroom facilities located at Moremi's South Gate before going all the way to their wilderness camp in the Xakanaxa area inside Moremi Game Reserve.
It is worth noting that our guest was having this stomach problem before arriving in Maun to spend the night at Maun Lodge, before we picked them up in the morning to start their safari, before reaching Moremi Game Reserve to spend the first night of their safari vacation, before reaching the Khwai Concession and before moving into Savuti. We would also like to point out that one of the ladies did not experience any stomach problems at all from the moment they were picked up from Maun Lodge to go on a wilderness camping experience in Moremi, Khwai & Savuti. Interestingly, she was eating the same meals prepared on the same pots, using the same ingredients and by the same safari chef-a chef known for her strict hygiene standards during our mobile safaris.
Can anyone therefore, without doubt, accuse Moonstroll Safaris of preparing food that was not hygienic during this 7-Day safari? Lest we forget, our entire staff did not experience diarrhea throughout the entire duration of the safari. These included the safari chef, the guide & 2 camp assistants. By the way, they were eating the same food the guests were having during the safari, prepared by the same safari chef!
Hand Sanitizers
We are also being accused of not providing hand sanitizers and as a result our guests ended up contracting the norovirus! We want to believe that our guests, BEING RETIRED NURSES, know that hand-washing is the best method to prevent norovirus. That one should use hand sanitizers in addition to washing their hands! It is in this regard therefore, that we want to point out that there is always more than enough LIQUID SOAP in all of our safaris which can be used precisely for washing your hands!
Vehicle getting stuck in thick Sands
Every mobile safari operator (luxury, mid-range or budget) knows that every safari carries the risk of tire punctures, getting stuck, mechanical breakdowns, etc. This is why we make sure that every safari vehicle is equipped with spare tyres, high-lift jacks, tow ropes, spades, etc. So, getting stuck in the thick sands and spending some time freeing the vehicle from these thick sands, is not unique to Moonstroll Safaris. It happens, although unpleasant!, to even the best of us.
Time spent moving between wilderness camps
Our itineraries give approximate driving times (i.e., if you are to drive straight from one camp to the next without stopping) between wilderness camps used during our safaris. It is very IMPORTANT to remember that you are on a safari! Therefore, the time you spend watching game, the time you spend photographing the African landscapes, marveling at the African sunrises and sunsets, enjoying your breakfast in the bush or having a picnic lunch in the bush, and stopping to stretch your legs, all add to the time you are going to take to reach your next camp during a moving day.
Thank you
CH
Email Andrea | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Mobile Safari 5 Day (mokoro and moremi)
We, a family of 4 (kids age 10 and 11), were looking for a trip to Botswana/the Delta to finish a long journey through Namibia and Botswana. We choose to do a mobile Safari - which was a absolutely perfect decision. It is an unbelivebal experience to sleep right next to all the wildlife.
Monametsi, our contact at Moonstroll, is a 10 out of 10. He answered questions always immediately, gave us all needed information, took away our concerns about the mokoro (yes, the mokoro really was the best Part of the Trip), welcomed us at the beginning and helped us to get the PCR Tests done to fly home. Also my first thought about transfering money somewhere you don‘t know - I would not hesitate doing it with Moonstoll.
As I mentioned, the Mokoro was the best part of this trip. We got poled by local people to the „Island“ where we spent 2 nights. There we were doing walking safaris, seeing the „usual“ game as well as elephants, buffalo and even 6 lions - on a walking safari! Unbelievable, such an experience! Also the local guides doctor and gottfried were doing an awesome job, my son still talks about gottfried - he was just outstanding, even if he couldn’t speak that much English (that was doctors part), but he was the one spotting everything and making jokes all the time. Both of them were even playing cards with us as we‘ve been in the camp for a break during the day and were telling stories at the camp fire at night. On the Island also the Chef and camp assistant joined and did a good job. The tents were very comfortable and the meals cooked over the fire were good.
The 2 nights after the mokoro were supposed to be in Moremi. As the Guide we had for the next days, forgot his license, we were not able to stay in Moremi over night. Monametsi and the Team tried to find a solution, so we ended up at another place about 45 minutes away from the gate where they organized a night and a morning safari besides a full day in Moremi. Because of what happened and communication or the not existing communication at first point from the guide, this part was a bit disappointing compared to the first 2 nights.
I would definitely go again to Botswana and if I would have the choice of a mobile Safari or a fly-in with lodge, I would go for the mobile one.
RU
Email Viktoria | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Mobile safari 10 days
We took a safari in July 2021, 2 cars, 4 people each.
Overall, I liked the organization of the camp and the service.
Monametsi quickly solved all the problems that arose during the pandemic. And despite the general lockdown (it was announced 3 days before the arrival of my group), we were able to visit all the parks that were indicated in our tour. These are Savuti, Kwai, Okavango Delta, Kalahari and the island of Cubu.
I'm going to do at least one more tour with this company.
AT
Email Bert | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great 7 day safari in Botswana
We did the 7-Day Moremi & Chobe Wilderness Trail 2 Pax. I can definitely recommend this tour. A mobile safari is a unique experience, and we enjoyed it a lot.
Our team (guide Teenage and chef GeBe) was fantastic. Monametsi, the facilitator of the company, worked very hard to solve the issues that came up at the beginning of the tour.
BR
Email Tom | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Remarkable Experience
We were 2 friends traveling to Botswana. Chobe and Savuti, for 6 days. Moonstroll organized very well everything. We did mobile camp in Savuti and lodge in Kasane. Our guide Sox and all the crew are very professional and kind. The tents are very nice, hot water on the showers, private and nice bathroom, good bed, amazing food !!! Safaris were awsome, we sighted the famous and endangered wild dogs, lots of lions, elephants and much more. So, nothing to complain, only good things we had with this company. 100% reliable e worthy.
PL
Email Agata Serafin | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great safari organization, hospitality and care
Monametsi is a great safari operator. He was very helpful in the planning phase. The safari itself was fantastic. We saw a lot of animals, birds and landscapes. We took beautiful photos and videos. The organization of the accommodation was excellent, they chose great places for camping, especially in Khwai. We really enjoyed the meals prepared by Midoh, including the traditional Botswana meals. Our guide Sox is very well prepared, knows the area and is a good companion. Our safari in the Okavango Delta will remain in our memories for a very long time. I can recommend the company wholeheartedly.
CZ
Email Adriana | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience in the Okawango delta
We were a couple on a 3 days safari (very first experience), and had a wonderful time with Moonstroll Safari. The guide (K.T.) was an experienced one and could name each and every animale we saw, and would answer all our questions. With him we tracked down a pride of lions after the hunt, and it was an incredible experience to see how to "read" the animal tracks. K. T. Has tried his very best to show us all the local fauna, and we managed to see crocodiles, lions (many!), jackals, wild dogs and so one... Really a great experience. All the team was very helpful and the camp was in a beautiful spot along a river where it was enough to sit and wait to see elephants, buffalos and hyenas around. Also, they took care of everything, from cold beverages and meals to the fire at the camp during the evening, which was a nice touch. I definitely recommend this Safari tour operator! :)
PL
Email Piotr Bedynski | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An unforgettable safari that exceeded our expectations. The organizer is definitely highly recommend
The following elements contributed to the high rating of the safari organized for us by Moostroll Safaris:
good communication, implementation of the programme as agreed, reliability and punctuality, responsiveness to our individual needs, excellent care throughout the whole safari, ensuring safety for us and the animals, great commitment from all four guides to provide us with maximum comfort, comfortable tents, and very good meals (Midoh). We would like to thank the company and all the involved staff for a wonderful vacation! I wish you continued success and many satisfied customers in the future.
SOX, our guide and driver, deserves a separate mention. A wise and experienced person, he has extensive knowledge about nature, Botswana, and the world. It was a pleasure to talk with him on any topic. He takes great care of both clients and the animals. He loves his country and the surrounding nature. Thanks to him, we had a wonderful time on our safari, and we got to know and understand the nature and the country better. He went out of his way to show us as much as possible. I highly recommend our guide and thank him for such a professional and pleasant introduction to the world of Africa.
SOX, YOU ARE THE BEST and irreplaceable! KE A lLEBOGA!
Finally, I must add that during our entire trip through Botswana, we were met with great kindness and warmth from its residents everywhere. A big thank you to everyone!
Email Elise | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A genuine bush experience
My partner and our other couple friends were so lucky to have the best team taking care of us. Dylos our guide and driver went out of his way to ensure we had the best bush experience - finding the best animals, finding the best spots to eat, answering all of my numerous questions and taking every opportunity to point out and give new information on the animals we spotted. We were lucky enough to see not one, but TWO leopards.
As for the rest of the team, Enok was the most fabulous cook. I couldn't believe what that man could do with a few pots and a fire. The most insane home baked fresh bread, delicious curry, meatballs - you name it. It was beyond my wildest dreams of what I would expect camping.
Huge up to Kennedy for setting up our lodging to a T. You ensured we were comfortable at all times and that we had a hot camp shower when we returned from long game drives out. Thanks for all your hard work.
Overall I give the team at moonstroll 5 stars - thanks for an unforgettable first safari experience. Botswana and its people are so beautiful. We will be back. <3
IT
Email Stefano | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Professionalism, competence availability and kindness
We had a great time with Dylos, Otata (I hope it's written like that...) and the two camp assistants, we never felt in danger, we recommend them