Mr Samuel Mopalo has been working in the tourism
Early Kingfisher Safari
- Office In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2017)
- Member Of:
- BOGA & Botswana Tourism
- Tour Types:
- Custom budget tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $50 to $400 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
for a custom tour
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
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Email Desray | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Magical, Authentic and Exhilarating African experience
This safari was the best safari experience of my life. Growing up in South Africa I’ve been fortunate to experience a wide range of safaris from luxury lodges to self drive to walking safaris. The safari with Sam and his team tops my list of a relaxing retreat whilst been immersed in the beautiful African bush. Sam has an uncanny sense of where to park at a sighting so that his guests get the best views and photo opportunities. All qualified guides need to know the facts of the animals, birds and trees in their area - what sets Sam apart is his knowledge of their behavior and his delightful sense of humor. The team at the camp treated us like royalty and we were spoilt at every opportunity. It is unbelievable the quality of food that can be made on a camp fire. The tents are beautifully clean and the outdoor shower is the cherry on the top of every safari experience. We have booked our next adventure with Sam and the team. Ideal for a friend’s or family getaway. Thank you Sam and team for an experience that nurtured my soul and one that was very difficult to leave.
Email Katie | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We saw more wildlife in 10 days than we could possibly have imagined!
This is the trip of a lifetime. Sam is a mine of information on all things natural, but more than that, he’s fun and very responsive to his guests’ needs and particular interests. He'll find you every conceivable animal and bird and take you close up. We even had a night of star gazing.The support team at the camp are fabulous too – nothing is too much trouble and the quality of food that chef manages to produce on an open fire is impressive. This is comfortable camping within the boundaries of the national parks and the cacophony of animal and bird noises throughout the night make it a true bush experience! We were blown away by the scenery as well as the wildlife and can’t recommend Early Kingfisher highly enough.
Email Alison Smith | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Highly experienced guide!
Sam was a highly experienced guide and created an amazing safari experienced for my husband and I that definitely exceeded our expectations. All of the staff was so kind and hospitable to top off the incredible tour. We felt like we were able to see and do so much. We definitely recommend this safari to everyone.
Email Damien Chimes | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Life changing trip with an incredible company
I cannot recommend Early Kingfisher Safari enough! Sam and the crew were incredible. We saw more animals than we had imagined we could. Sam is full of every piece of information you could ever want about even the animals you didn't realise were so interesting!
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Email David Shaw | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Extraordinary guides in an extraordinary place.
I've worked with Early Kingfisher for several years, and been on 8 different safaris with this operation. They are hands down, the best in Botswana. Sam Mopalo and his team are exceptional. The camps are comfortable and well-equipped, the staff is friendly and accommodating, the food is excellent, but above all, Sam and his guides are amazing. The guides all have an incredible depth and breadth of knowledge, an almost magical ability to find and spot wildlife, and years of local experience.
If you book with Early Kingfisher, you won't be sorry. After my many journeys to Botswana with Early Kingfisher, I keep coming back for more.
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Email Adam | under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exceptional Experience from an Exceptional Company
Just completed an amazing 7 day safari with Early Kingfisher, led by owner Sam. Every aspect of this camping expedition was exceptional and left breathtaking memories of the beautiful animal kingdom. I learned so much about the animals that roam Bush. I give 5 stars to animal spotting, knowledge of animal behavior, accommodations, and food service. Thank you for such a spectacular safari, it far exceeded my expectations.
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Email Grace | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
EXTRAORDNARY EXPERIENCE IN ALL ASPECTS OF THE SAFARI
I set out to go on a budget safari with my family to explore the beauty of Botswana’s wildlife. What was advertised as budget camping turned out to be 5 star glamping with the most knowledgeable guide/tracker with expertise in animal behavior. Early Kingfisher Safari in Botswana provided a very personalized, once-in-a-lifetime 7-day adventure that surpassed all our expectations. Led by the exceptional owner/guide Sam and his team of dedicated passionate professionals, this safari was an experience that will forever hold a special place in our hearts.
Of the MANY standout aspects of this safari, the unparalleled knowledge and expertise of Sam was in a league of its own. His passion for the animals and their behaviors was infectious, and his ability to answer every question in-depth and with enthusiasm was remarkable. With Sam by our side, we were able to witness incredible wildlife encounters and gain a deeper understanding of the captivating animals that call this region home.
From the majestic elephants, the elusive big cats, to the endangered wild dogs, each sighting left us in awe. Sam's wealth of knowledge allowed us to appreciate the intricate dynamics of the animal kingdom, creating a profound connection with the wildlife around us. It was truly a privilege to witness these extraordinary creatures in their natural habitat while learning their unique behaviors.
Sam and his team truly set the bar high for exceptional service and hospitality. From the moment we arrived, their warm and welcoming demeanor made us feel like family. Their dedication and passion to ensuring our comfort and satisfaction was evident throughout the safari. An unexpected highlight of this budget safari was the multi-course meals we were served. Despite being in the heart of the wilderness, the expertise displayed by the camp's kitchen staff was astounding. Each day brought a new culinary delight, expertly prepared and beautifully presented. As I would mention to the small group at every meal, “I do not get food or service as good as this at home”.
While the focus of our trip was the wildlife, Sam and his staff also excelled in what is advertised as “budget camping”. I expected tents with sleeping bags. No sleeping bags, but a luxurious tent complete with carpeting and comfortable beds with daily service ensuring a restful night's sleep in the wilderness. The individual pop-up bathroom and shower area connected to each tent allowed for a comfortable private environment.
I cannot imagine a better safari experience even in a posh resort. This was truly a luxurious glamping experience provided at a budget rate. Every moment was filled with awe, wonder, and discovery. The opportunity to witness the incredible wildlife of Botswana in such an intimate and immersive manner was truly unforgettable. My family and I wholeheartedly recommend Early Kingfisher Safari to anyone seeking an exceptional safari experience that combines expert guidance, breathtaking wildlife encounters, and luxurious camping accommodations. This adventure has left us with new friends and spectacular memories to cherish for a lifetime!!!!
Email Joan | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Beautiful Botswana, Beautiful Camp, Beautiful Crew
This was my third safari with Sam. Each time has been a blessing and a phenomenal experience. Sam and his crew are incredibly talented, kind and professional.
Sam’s knowledge of the bush, animals, plants and birds is second to none. Sam has an intuition that gets his guests into the most amazing spots. Whether your passion is photography or being in the bush, Sam will share amazing sights and opportunities.
The camp is comfortable and well catered. PK creates masterpieces in that bush oven! I couldn’t recommend Early Kingfisher more.
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Email Chris Amenson | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Best of my 8 trips to Africa
I talked to Sam by WhatsApp and planned a 7 day tented safari tailored to my family of 5. The accommodations 9x12 main tent with a real bed and sheets, 9x6 covered porch and 9x6 private bush bathroom and service were of luxury quality at a budget price. Sam owns this small company so all of your money goes to your experience, not to a distant owner or travel agency. 6 staff took care of our every need and treated us like family. 3 meals and 2 tea breaks a day were delicious. Did our laundry and changed linens daily.
Most importantly Sam is the guide that all the other guides go to for advice. We were usually the first at important sightings. Sam went to where the animals were going to be, so we saw herds of wildebeest and prides of lions approach the water hole. We often stopped in the middle of a herd or pride to observe exciting behavior: courting, mating, nursing, young playing, fighting for dominance, stealing kill. As one of many examples, we heard lions in the night. In the morning Sam said that the lions had killed an elephant, pointed in the direction and said it was 5km. away. we drove their found the tracks and watched the Marsh Pride of 20 lions: adults feeding or resting, cubs playing, attempting to eat and nursing.
You are in the wild. The difficulty of dirt roads seldom getting out of second gear was offset by elephants and giraffes browsing in the trees 20 ft from our tents
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Email Sharon A | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Extraordinary experience
In approaching a vist to the Okavango, choosing the right operator can seem overwhelming. From my first attempt to make contact, Sam was very responsive. No matter how much background reading you do, nothing can prepare you for the reality of the bush. As others have indicated, Sam and his team at Early KingFisher do everything possible to make guests comfortable. We were one of two USA-based couples on our mid August trip and with each drive, we'd say 'the bar just got higher'. And with every subsequent drive, the bar did get higher. Thanks to Sam's finely honed tracking skills, we witnessed lions mating, lion cubs suckling, lionesses ripping apart a Cape buffalo carcass, a lone leopard and hyenas feeding on an elephant leg. This is not a zoo and each drive takes time. Yet these moments will remain with us forever.
The support team includes a driver, a cook, a housekeeper and a generalist. Each one is devoted to his job and committed to offering excellent service. Those chilled gin and tonics at the end of the day always hit the spot as did the fresh bread and boiled eggs each morning, bobotie and cottage pie.
Sleeping in a tent, showering outdoors, even using the pit toilet begin to seem normal. It is a shock coming back to four walls and wifi.
I am so glad we selected Sam and Early KingFisher.