Ulinda Safari Trails
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 1997)
- Member Of:
- HATAB & BOGA
- Tour Types:
- Customizable private tours and fixed group tours
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $400 to $1,360 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
BE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was a down to earth experience. Very well organized, good food, no nonsense
We went do Maun not sure what to expect.
We had 8 nights in the North of Botswana: for a Westerner used to comfort and not knowing what the bush looks like and sounds this was the perfect trip.
A no nonsense atmosphere, good accommodation and very good food. Unbelievable what the cook could make on a would bush fire.
A guide who knew about everything that moved and flew.
We went home very tired but completely satisfied.
Looking at our pictures I realized that we had seen nearly everything one could think of !
In terms of price quality I don't think this can be improved.
Was a great way to truly experience the Okavango.
Our guide Benjamin was awesome. Lovely personality, always answered our questions and tried hard to make the experience all we wished for. For me, there was a bit too much driving. I would have liked to have spent more time at a water stop and waited for stuff to happen there. There were not many animals around, I am not blaming anyone, and the endless driving looking for something was a bit too much. But we are birders, so I guess this would not be every ones choice. Otherwise the service by staff was excellent in every way. The food was really good and we enjoyed ourselves.
US
Email colin beard | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
25 day mobile safari in seven camps; an amazing, intimate experience of nature and wildlife
Jane and her two assistants (Victor & Gase) exceeded all our expectations of service, knowledge and diligence. She tirelessly drove ~7 hours each day and presented us with many memorable sights / photo opportunities. She freely shares her profound knowledge of animal and bird habits and sounds, providing an outstanding intimate experience of nature, night and day. She was most attentive to my desires as a photographer, knowing, from being one herself, where to place the vehicle for the best viewpoint: stopping for as long as I wished and alerting me to actual or expected opportunities. The food was varied, excellent and plentiful and the camp experience an unanticipated bonus, particularly the nighttime noises, usually identified by species. I recommend camping with Jane (very comfortable, even for octogenarians) as the ideal way to experience wildlife in Botswana and I would love to return.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
9 day multiple site safari with family
Last December I contacted Jane about a safari for my family in August. I told her we were adventurous and that we liked camping. I explained that I had read about many of the options in Botswana for safari but was not sure what would be the best places to go, mentioning that we wanted to end in Victoria Falls. From the first response Jane was encouraging and helpful. She came up with an agenda that looked like it would meet our needs. Every question I asked was answered and I felt, even before I met her, that I was in very capable hands.
Jane met us at the airport and off we went. This trip was truly an adventure. We started in the Delta and then to Savuti and ended at Chobi. In each location Jane and her amazing staff set up a comfortable camp where each time we returned it felt like home. The meals were simple and delicious. The time around the campfire each evening was relaxing. Jane has so many wonderful and interesting stories. The animals and the birds were amazing but what made this trip so special was Jane's unvoiced commitment to make sure we saw as much as we could and her determination to make each game drive special and interesting. Jane's knowledge of the plants, animals and birds made each sighting even more interesting.The mokoro canoe trip she planned for us was great as was the boat ride down the Chobi river. When we got to the Zimbabwe border Jane was so helpful in guiding us through the procedure and helped us find the driver we had arranged. I cannot say enough about Jane and her staff and the wonderful adventure. I would say it was a trip of a lifetime but we plan to return soon
US
Email Joseph Wolfe | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
An outstanding and very memorable experience. Ulinda Safari Trails is the best!
This was not our first safari, having done several in Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, South Africa and Botswana, but it has been our most memorable. Jane’s many years of experience makes her safaris outstanding. Ours was a private safari (just my wife and I) with Jane and her staff of three.
We chose Ulinda because of Jane’s experience. She is a photographer and positions the vehicle for best photos and light. Her vehicles are custom made, closed in with a pop up top and seat no more than four. Everyone has a window seat. They are very comfortable, especially on cold mornings and long dusty drives.
We are not campers and Jane has the option of upgrading to a large Meru tent with spring beds and private shower and toilet which we found very comfortable.
Excellent food and good variety. The camp grounds were in spectacular settings. The animal experiences were amazing.
US
Email Judi | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The ultimate camping safari
I had the best photographic trip I've ever had. My goal was to see as many animals (big and small) and birds, as possible; and to photograph them. I can say that my expectations were exceeded. I've done enough animal/bird photography to know that you can't control where the critters are or when they'll appear. However, my guide and staff were so knowledgable and experienced that I had the opportunity to see and photograph incredible encounters with animals and birds.
The meals were cooked over a fire and were deliciousl I'm a vegetarian and I was impressed with the creative and tasty meals I was served.
I mainly communicated by e-mail. My e-mails were answered promptly and my questions were answered.
I truly enjoyed my experience in Botswana, and would highly recommend Ulinda Safari Trails if you want a genuine camping safari in the bush and the chance to experience the wonderful wildlife in the country.
Email Carolyn Field | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing 16 Night private family mobile camping safari
Having used Ulinda Safari Trails in 1995 we had no hesitation booking our safari with Ulinda again this time (with 3 kids in tow this time, aged 16, 18 and 20). Jane runs a very professional business and her 33 years guiding experience is second to none. Her communications were always prompt and she answered all of our questions before the trip. We left the itinerary up to her and were not disappointed. Jane is very patient with early morning sluggishness, she drives with skill and care, she is respectful of the environment and will even stop to pick up other peoples discarded rubbish, she always positions the truck for the best photo opportunity and her staff are amazing. They kept us comfortable and so well fed it was unbelievable what Gase, Victor and Manga could cook up on an open fire place! We saw so much wildlife including 40+ lion, 5 leopard, 4 cheetah, 4 honeybadgers, 1 African wildcat, 7 African Wild dogs as well as 100's of elephant, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, impala, lechwe, steenbok and many kudu, giraffe, waterbuck, tsessebe, baboons, jackal and an amazing array of birds. It was hot in the CKGR to start but as we moved north toward the parks with water it cooled off and the landscapes became greener and more lush. It was still a very comfortable time of year to go, not much rain this year compared to last years floods which just shows no weather patterns (or animal movements) are predictable anymore.
Email Di and Michael Richardson | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A unique adventure which exceeded expectations.
Our guide, Jane Bettenay, has a wealth of experience and no end of amusing stories which she told around the campfire.
Our cook, Pini, had a wide and varied amount of dishes to suit us all. Everyday she delivered tasty, delicious meals and the rest of Jane's staff were efficient and friendly.
All the campsites were great!
Email Jan | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
An unforgettable experience.
Our guides were very experienced and we had a wonderful 10 days in 3 separate camps. Our game drives were punctuated with morning tea and sundowners. When we got back to camp the fire was lit and we were served delicious meals. Having covered vehicles meant we were warm in the cold early mornings and felt secure all day. Jane's love and knowledge of the animals and Botswana was very obvious and we looked forward to her story telling around the camp fire each evening.
MY
Email Sim Y | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The Safari Tour of my choice in Botswana
My family (me, wife and son) with 4 other friends had a wonderful experience with Ulinda Safaris for 14 days in September of 2019. The safari was led by Jane Bettaney and two other guides namely Ngkosi and Tabs.
This is my 3 safari in Botswana and my second time with Ulinda Safaris. The previous safari was a very private one with only me and my son. We had such a good experience so much so we decided to do it again this time with my wife as well.
This time the safari was even better organized than previous as Jane had taken some recommendations that I had made the last time about improving the facilities for photographers. As well as some prior planning as regards to our photographic needs like dream shots of sunrise and sunset with an animal foreground. With Jane’s experience and not forgetting the other two guides Ngkosi and Tabs as well we managed into position each morning and evening to get our dream shots.
Luck or maybe good guiding by our guides, we were having wonderful experience nearly every day to witness some very unique animal sightings and behavior. Like seeing a large pack of lions something like nearly 30 lions all together in one place and seeing large packs of wild dogs most days and even witnessing wild dogs hunting and making the kill.
The organization of the safari was excellent and things went very smoothly throughout the 14 days. The food was surprising good despite the fact that it was a camping trip, and each meal was something we looked forward to. Jane even setup a surprised birthday party in the bush for my wife’s birthday.
Photography is my passion and on this one trip I captured many more photos that I have ever captured in previous safaris, which I would be proud to hang in my photo gallery.
Thank you Ulinda Safaris.
