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
Email Susan | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A truly wonderful and memorable experience.
I joined my sister's and a friend's family for a 10 day camping safari across Botswana with Moonstroll safaris, and it was a truly fabulous experience. My sister did most of the organising so I can't comment too much on that aspect but they were fantastically helpful to me. I foolishly left myself a very tight transfer time in Johannesburg and missed my flight to Kasane to start the trip. Monametsi and his team went out of their way to help me catch up and join the trip a day late (after I had to take a circuitous route through Victoria Falls). They even rearranged the river cruise for me on the next day to make sure I didn't miss out.
The camping trip itself was great, with comfortable camp beds and tents and really great food, courtesy of Otata. It was quite amazing what Otata could cook up on a camp fire, including a birthday cake for my niece! All the people supporting the trip were warm and friendly, making everyone feel relaxed.
I really enjoyed being immersed within the African bush, with the sounds and smells of the animals all around you adding a certain frisson to getting up in the night for the toilet.
The game viewing itself was truly spectacular. I have been lucky enough to go on many safaris/game drives in my life and this was without doubt one of the best. My first view of wild dog as they set out for a hunting trip was a particular highlight for me. Both our guides were extremely knowledgeable, not just about the larger animals but about all of the local flora and fauna, and their love for their surroundings was evident. Ben in particular was outstanding, knowing exactly how and when to impart information and when to allow us to just sit and enjoy the sights around us. He is the best guide I have ever experienced - friendly, well organised and enthusiastic but also a calm and restful presence.
I wondered before the trip whether I would find 10 days too much, but I would quite happily have stayed for twice as long. Overall, a great experience with memories that I will treasure.
Not a bad option if he is paying a guide and others satisfactory salaries. At least I would repeat!
Four of us went on an 8-day tour with 4 people to 4 people, for a total of 8 people (the number of people supporting you has to do with the amount of tips you pay). (The number of support people has to do with the amount of tips paid. Also, the psychological hurdle of sending SWIFT money to a tour company for the first time may be high. The excitement of the tour depends on the skill of the guide and the food depends on the seasoning of the cook, and we were very fortunate with our guide and cook. We were very lucky with our guide and cook, and of course with the tour company. It gets cold at night, so a warm jacket and warm pants are a must. I would also recommend having a large battery and a battery operated battery for emergencies.
CH
Email Simon | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Outstanding Camping Safari (10-Day: The Okavango Delta & Chobe Adventure Trail)
We are absolutely lucky to have booked our safari with Moonstroll. What did us led to such a good review? Oh, there were many things and I want just to mention the most outstanding events, otherwise you would need to read a whole book.
We arrived happily at the airport of Maun, not so our baggage. As our 10 days safari (10-Day: The Okavango Delta & Chobe Adventure Trail) started already early in the morning of the next day, the manager of Moonstroll (his name is Monametsi) tried to figure out where our baggage is and to get it. We were so happy to hear in the second day that our baggage has arrived at the airport, that Monametsi will get it and bring it to us. Most things for the safari were in there. What we heard that if you have not a direct flight to Maun baggage is often delayed and it is advised to haven an extra day in Maun before a tour starts.
My wife and I had four people caring for us during the camping safari.
First of all, there was Ben who was our guide and driver. We were amazed how he was able to spot even small animals from far away. Without him, we would have missed most of them. In the sand, he also read footprints of animals and we followed them. Or he listened to birds’ voices or saw them flying and knew what other animals must be close nearby. Also Ben’s driving skills on sandy slopes were exceptional.
Then there was Gothata our chef. It was miraculous what meals she prepared on the fire. We expected to get simple meals but were surprised by a big variety of tasty meals.
Finally, there were Kennedy and Gaety. The gave all support that is needed for such a safari as put-up tents, helping in the kitchen, find firewood, and lots more.
Most of the time, all four work together as one team for safaris trips. You see this as they are working hand in hand, knowing each other very well and there is relaxing atmosphere.
Also the safari infrastructure was ways better than expected. We had a tent where you could stand upright and where was enough space for the luggage. For a shower, we always got warm water. The 4x4 safari vehicle was big enough, made for rough slope conditions and granted an almost 360-degree angle view for spotting animals.
All this we enjoyed as a private tour for a really fair price. Thank you so much for all the extraordinary experiences.
AT
Email Stefan | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A perfect safari experience
I booked a safari to Moremi and Khwai with Moonstroll for me and my teenage son. Their service was absolutely perfect. Our luggage did not arrive with us, which gave us some worries because we were missing essential equipment, but Moonstroll made up for it: They took us to a supermarket and a clothes store, gave us blankets instead of our missing warm clothes, and a torch. Our guide Frank impressed us with his off-road driving skills, tracking skills and deep knowledge about any single animal and plant we encountered; he even knew the German names of many of them. The meals prepared by our cook were delicious. 100% recommendation.
FR
Email Jennifer Jones | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Moonstroll went above and beyond to create our perfect family safari experience.
This is a small local company that managed to combine being very professional with great communication from Monametsi, with a very personal and customised approach.
We were a group of two families travelling together with teenage kids and we all had a wonderful, authentic bush experience. We were looked after by an amazing team who setup the very comfortable tents and cooked fabulous meals over a campfire. ( Somewhow Gothata managed to cook fresh bread each day and even managed to whip up a chocolate cake for my daughter's birthday!)
We had Ben as our guide who was incredibly knowledgeable about everything from birds and insects to the big five. He had great tracking skills and managed to find everything from a huge pack of lions and hyena fighting over a kill to a wild dog den with puppies, cheetah, leopard etc.
He also went above and beyond to adapt to our needs, including finding medication for one of our party and collecting one of our party a day late after her flights were delayed from Europe.
I highly recommend this company if you want to experience camping in the wilds of Botswana.
US
Email Gus Vargas | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Botswana Camping Safari at its Best!
Moonstroll did an incredible job handling our safari from start to finish. Everything that they promised in their summary of services and inclusions was delivered, without exception. All activities, including the mokoro guide and excursion/camping in the Okavango Delta and the Chobe river cruise are included in your up front safari price. No gimmicks, no add-ons. No surprises. Monametsi, the manager, took care of all of the park entrance fees and camping permits, etc. They provide the safari vehicle and trailer, the camping and cooking gear, food, fuel, etc. All you have to do is show up with your clothes, toiletries, camera and a great attitude. They take care of all of the camping set up and take down, meal preparation, cleaning, etc. We loved it.
We did our safari in a Toyota Land Cruiser with an attached trailer for gear. The staff that took great care of us included the professional guide/driver (20 years experience as a guide), the bush chef, and two assistants. All of our camp sites were primitive. It was just our family and our crew and the wildlife around us. The only way you know that you are in a camp site is maybe a small sign nailed to a tree. That's it. And contrary to the general perception out there, it was safe. You will hear the animals and they will come by or through your camp area here and there. We had elephants shaking the palm trees to get at the palm nuts on many nights. The other visitors included a pack of hyenas and some honey badgers. And in the Okavango, we even had a couple of hippos come right up next to our camp area one early morning as they engaged in a very loud shouting contest to establish dominance. Some nights we heard the distinct roar of a male lion in the area. It is an incredible experience. You are perfectly safe inside your tent at night. During the day, you stay within the perimeter of your camp area.
The tents are the more heavy duty Tentco 2-person stand-up tents. They add on an extension with three sides in the rear of the tent that is staked down where you have a porta potty and a shower. The staff will provide warm water for the shower and for your camp sink. These guys were great. The food was excellent. Our chef even made us fresh bread rolls every day along with amazing deserts. Each person will get a cot, blankets, and a pillow. The assistants will clean your tent and make your beds every day.
We went on the 14-day Wetlands and Kalahari safari. This was at an amazing price and well within a family budget for a family of 4 considering all of the areas we covered and all of the activities that are included in the price, especially if you consider how expensive safaris can be in Botswana. Your safari price includes everything except discretionary tips. There are no additional costs and no surprises. The trip included a couple of stays in a B&B in Maun at the beginning of our trip and after the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) for a rest day. The itinerary is as follows; 3 nights CKGR (not to be missed), 1 night at Okavango Delta on an island (includes mokoro excursion (to get to the island) and bush walks on the islands, 2 nights Moremi Game Reserve, 2 nights Khwai Conservancy, 2 nights Chobe N.P.-Savuti, 2 nights Chobe N.P.-Ihaha. You will do a game drive in the morning, rest for lunch, then another game drive in the late afternoon evening.
The professional guide was amazing, Tshenolo. He had this ability to follow tracks in the road and spot cats from very long distances. He would listen to distress signals from other birds and animals and then scan the area. The wildlife that we saw was off the charts. We had 5 separate sightings of leopard up close and feeding, 3 of those sightings just us (no other vehicles). So many lions and prides, even sighting of 5 lions on top of a dead elephant on its side in the middle of a shallow river. There were so many other incredible sightings including packs of hyena, wild dogs, several cheetahs in Kalahari, caracal, you name it. And Botswana is probably the best place to see large herds of elephants. In Chobe at the Ihaha area, on one evening game drive we saw over 500 in the river valley below. It was incredible with over 1,000 plains game such as zebra, impala, wildebeest, red lechwe. Then the large flocks of birds (pelicans, egrets, giant storks, cormorants, ibis, spoonbills, guinea fowl, francolins, and many colorful smaller birds as well). On the other side of the river road in the bush were herds and groups of giraffe, kudu, baboons, Vervet monkeys, etc. We will never forget it.
We just can't say enough as to how amazing this trip was and the great service we received from the crew. Moonstroll may be a smaller company, but they are A-1 in terms of their operation. We booked this trip in late 2019 before the covid lock down in March, 2020. Moonstroll worked with us and gave us two years to do the trip. They honored our agreement without any price increases. I have no reservations in recommending this safari company and am highly recommending them to my friends and family.
US
Email Julia | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An Extraordinary Budget Safari in the Botswana Wilderness
The mobile safari took us to amazing places: the reed and papyrus channels of the Okavango Delta, 2 different areas in Moremi National Park, as well as Savuti and northern Chobe park. Each place had its own distinctive beauty, and each place was full of wild animals and an astonishing number of birds. Our guide, Ben, was a great animal tracker, and an engaging teacher. We enjoyed learning about termite mounds, and elephant and lion habits, among many other things.
All the details of driving and setting up/taking down camp were done for us by a 3 person team. We slept in a spacious tent, and there was an enclosure attached to the tent which provided a toilet and shower. Beds were clean and comfortable, but lacked a top sheet; fussy sleepers may wish to bring a sleeping bag liner. Meals were generous, and reminded me of the days of summer camp. We felt we had excellent value for money.
The owner, Monametsi, was helpful and always available. The safari lived up to the promises of the itinerary. We fell in love with Botswana and with Moonstroll, and hope to return.
CA
Email Crystal Trieu | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible safari adventure with wonderful and professional local experts
In short, my partner and I had the most amazing time in Botswana, all thanks to Moonstroll for coordinating and taking us on the coolest safari adventure!
In more detail..
The overall experience with Moonstroll Vantage Expeditions was great. I initially had no idea how quickly safaris booked up in Botswana (especially if your dates are only marginally flexible), so I had a difficult time finding a multi-day safari adventure within our budget. When I came across Moonstroll, I reached out with my dates and received a very quick response, with a super-detailed quote which highlighted the inclusions of the safari. Monametsi (owner of Moonstroll) was very professional throughout the entire planning process. He was responsive and very helpful by email leading up to the tour. When we landed in Botswana, him and his colleague Lucky personally met us at the Maun airport and took us to our accommodation. Similar to what a few others have noted, I was initially skeptical of the process of wire-transferring money for payment of the safari (as there were limited reviews on this company) - but after having spent the 5 days on safari with Moonstroll, I can comfortably say that they are an awesome company; a local one too, with a very small team. Do note that your safari will be subcontracted out to other local experts, selected by Monametsi, who take you on your safari.
For our private 5 day (4 night) camping trip, we had a team of three gentlemen who made the trip a superb one. Our safari guide and driver, Thuso, was amazing at spotting wildlife and an excellent driver. He could maneuver the safari vehicle safely through rough terrain, follow lion tracks, and lookout for animals all the same time!! He was very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna of all the parks we visited; his expertise led us to seeing some rare animals, including a group of lion cubs, a leopard with its kill in a tree, and two lionesses hunting. The next team member included Russell, our chef, who cooked up the most delicious meals for the group each day. I think back and remember one of our lunches where he baked an entire quiche - over a fire (so impressive)!!! Apart from being very tasty, we also note that the preparation of the food was also very sanitary especially considering we were camping for five days. Finally, our trip would also not have been as lovely without Gaety, who was the camp assistant. He helped with setting up our campsites and was there to support the other two guys throughout the trip.
For anyone wondering about what to expect when camping, here are a few quick notes:
- all campsites are in the wilderness areas of the game parks; they are therefore not part of large public campsites so you actually feel like you are in the wilderness and there aren't others around you. It is very peaceful and you never know who your animal neighbours will be! On two separate nights, we saw hyenas wander onto our site (we saw them through the mesh of our tent when the moonlight was bright) - it was so cool (but also a bit terrifying)
- the team will collect water from the entrance to the game park prior to setting up camp each day for cooking, showers, etc
- a shower will be set up by the team (one of the pressure/valve showers used for camping - that hang above you from a tree) with a metal frame + tarp for privacy
- a hole is dugout for a toilet - a portable chair that has a toilet seat goes over the hole - similar to the shower, a tarp is raised for privacy
- cots and mattress pads are provided in your tent so you do not have to sleep directly on the ground
The entire experience was fantastic! I would be happy to answer any other questions if anyone is wondering more about joining this safari, as I know I had tons when I was researching.
Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend Moonstroll Vantage Expeditions. They were the perfect team for us to share our first safari experience with and it was nice being able to support a small local organization.
FR
Email Danaé Quesneau | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An incredible experience
We just returned from an amazing safari (6 days moremi safari)!! Everything was perfect, the camp was wild but comfortable.
The staff was very careful, the food was delicious.
Our guide focused on what we wanted to see but in the end we saw a lot of animal : leopard, lion, hippos, giraffe, elephants...
I recommend withtout hesitation !
Email Ian Wilson | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic Experience!
Despite some early hiccups at the start of our safari, we found our tour with Moonstroll a truly wonderful experience. Monametsi, our main tour contact was fantastic, the tour was well organised and was a nice mix of wilderness camping and B&B/Lodges but mainly concentrating on the wilderness camps which we found a fantastic experience. He was also a fantastic help in tracking down and collecting my luggage after it didn't arrive on our arrival at Maun airport. The tour could not have functioned properly without three other people, Soks in our support vehicle worked tirelessly throughout our trip setting up the camps each night also going for trips to get water, our Chef TD who worked his magic with some truly wonderful food prepared on just a campfire and our fantastic guide Ben who's knowledge of the wildlife and each location was second to none. We would have no hesitation in using Moonstroll again for future trips and anyone looking to use them we suggest you ask for Soks, TD and Ben as together they make a fantastic team.