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
Email Cicely Havely | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The Best.
We thought Botswana would be out of our budget, then a friend with whom we'd travelled in Namibia pointed us to Jane and her company. From the first email contact, we knew we were on the right track. Four of us (two pensioners) booked a ten-day safari that took us from Kasane to Maun, staying in five different locations.
I'm not a natural camper, but the magic of sunrise in the bush and evenings around the camp-fire and under the stars more than made up for quite basic but perfectly adequate sleeping quarters. The tents aren't huge, but they're not cramped either; the bedding is ample and very cosy (starry nights in May are chilly - but no insects) and our en-suite pit toilet (you shovel in a layer of the sandy soil that's been dug out) was really no hardship. We quickly decided that glamping was for softies and would artificially cut you off from the authentic experience that we were enjoying.
And we enjoyed every minute. Because we were four, we had a vehicle to ourselves and could stop and start at the pace that the two avid photographers wanted. Our guide, Spokes Ntshwabi, was superb: quiet, very knowledgeable and charming with it. We had lots of marvellous sightings, many of them all to ourselves as a distinctive part of the Ulinda offering is to get away from the most beaten tracks. (Not that there were ever many other vehicles; these National Parks are huge.)
Back in camp for lunch, a snooze and a shower, then off again. The afternoon game drive always ended with a hefty G'n'T at some scenic spot to watch the sun go down. Then back in the gloaming for a superb dinner, ample (free) wine and yarns round the campfire. The food was always superb. Remember that for the whole 10 days there was nowhere to take on supplies, but we always had fresh vegetables, salads and (for the carnivores) world-class local meats: the beef fillet was the best ever. All that and beautiful fresh bread.
Jane herself is a tireless host. The whole trip was impeccably organised but the effort didn't show. Her team (who cook and manage the assembly and dismantling at every camp site) are charming as well as very hard-working. The three boat trips that were part of the package were all different and unforgettably lovely. Now we have thousands of photos to edit down and thousands of memories to match.
We are all seasoned travellers of many years, but - back in civilisation (which seemed dull in comparison) - we agreed that this was the best.
Thanks, Jane - and everyone
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.
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.
DE
Email Marie | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent!
I went with Ulinda Safari Trails on a 10-day safari from Kasane to Maun in September 2018 - a trip that will last long in my memory. Jane and her team did an outstanding job. The four different campsites we stayed in were beautiful and the tents very comfortable (-even with an en-suite pit toilette to them!). We saw so much wildlife and our guides always had a very good intuition where we might be able to view something special. My favourite moments were watching a huge herd of buffalos striding into the sunrise, a lyon family feasting on a buffalo and a hyena stealing the prey of two very disappointed leopards.
The food: Oh, the food! I have no idea how the team managed to cook all these tasty dishes in the bush. But there was a lot of variety and even freshly baked bread. A very nice touch were the Gin and Tonic sundowners and later in the evening beer and wine around the campfire, accompanied by Jane’s amusing stories from her years as a tourguide.
The vehicles were perfect for travelling longer distances between the campsites and the open roof allowed for some 360° views when on game drives. Since there are no more than 4 people in a vehicle, everyone had a window seat.
I highly recommend Jane and her team and hope to return one day! Thanks so much!
CA
Email Violaine | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great safari with Ulinda Safari Trails!
My husband and I went on a 12-day safari in June 2018 with Jane. This was my first safari and an amazing experience. I was not expecting to see so much wildlife. We saw lots of elephants, so enjoyable to watch, beautiful birds, antelopes, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, hippos, buffalos… We had the chance to watch closely a leopard eating her breakfast in the morning light and several prides of lions, sometimes with cubs fooling around while adults were napping after a good feast. We were also quite lucky to see wild dogs on several occasions (twice seeing the end of an unsuccessful hunt), and honey badgers (one actually crossed our camp site one evening). Not to mention all the mongooses.
The staff did an amazing job, setting up the camp, cooking and doing everything to make sure we were comfortable. The food was plentiful and very good. We enjoyed the luxury camping, mats were comfortable and each tent had its own pit toilet. There is nothing like going outside in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom and watch the Milky Way far from the lights of civilization! We also very much appreciated the closed vehicle during chilly mornings, while most of the vehicles from other tours are open.
Jane is a very experienced guide and she is very knowledgeable about the animals we saw. She gave us plenty of time to watch animals. She also has some pretty amazing stories to tell around the camp fire! We highly recommend a safari with Jane and her team!
US
Email Louise | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
As close as it gets to being part of the bush!
This was a once in a lifetime experience! It took us a while to select a safari company, and we are really happy to have picked Ulinda. This was camping, so no frills here, but oh! such an amazing camping experience! The team was seamless, camp was set up magically behind the scenes while we were off to see game. The food was wonderful, the sites were amazing! Everything about our safari made us happy.
Our guide Jane worked hard to give us the best of everything. Again, this is a low key, no frills experience, but how pleasurable! The amazing sundowns, the early drives, the safe sites, the roasted marshmallows... We could not have been better treated! And we saw everything! Except a rhino, but then one doesn't go to Botswana to see rhinos. The good thing was that we were only four people with Jane and her crew. And it helped that our fellow travelers were mellow and like-minded!
If you want to feel the bush and be a part of it, stay away from the fancy lodges, go camping! The mongoose that raid you campsite during siesta, the hippo munching on sausage fruit while you enjoy dinner, the monkeys that come and drink out of your sink... We did boat rides, we saw a leopard on its kill, countless elephants, antelopes, buffaloes, zebras and lions, and honey badgers, and snakes, and giraffes, and birds! So many birds!! Botswana is a fabulous safari location, and camping is the best way to go.
US
Email Janet | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
This camping safari experience was indeed an adventure of a life time!
Jane was very quick in responding to queries and provided a well designed two-week safari. You do not fly between camps, but rather drive and once and awhile may even get stuck in the sand temporarily, which adds to this African adventure. We were camped in national parks, thus stayed where the animals lived with an elephant or two walking through or near the camp. Falling asleep to the sounds of lions roaring, elephants trumpeting, and hippos snorting was fascinating. May was a great month go since there were few crowds. In fact, Jane was keen that we observed animals without the crowd of other vehicles. Often we were the only ones to witness a giraffe and Cape buffalo drinking, a leopard next to the trail, a lion calling to two 18-month old lion cubs and seeing them bound out of the grass. We held our breath as we observed a young lion stalk and chase an impala. We were thrilled to see a three-month old lion cub nursing, African Painted Dogs playing, elephants (cows, bulls, and many calves) everywhere, cape buffalo, zebra and wildebeest herds on the move, giraffes with calves grazing the tree tops, honey badgers dashing, warthogs running, dozens of various birds, hippos in and out of the water and the the list goes on...
Aside from amazing animal observations, the Ulinda crew provided delicious meals all cooked over an open fire. They even baked a birthday cake for my husband. The tent was large with a double cot, nice touch. Showering in an enclosed, open to the evening sky shower was priceless.
If you are looking for a camping safari, Ulinda is certainly worth consideration. Enjoy, we did!
Email Chris | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Okavango Delta mobile safari - a fantastic way to see the wildlife
We requested a 6 day safari from Ulinda back in March 2018 to be taken in June this year. Our early request allowed Jane Bettenay of Ulinda to obtain camping permits in 3 excellent locations in the Okavango Delta for wildlife viewing. Email communication was timely and clear.
Our first 2 nights were near second bridge and were ideal for hippo and birds. The second two nights were at Xini Camp and this was sensational - hippos, elephants, zebra, lion, baboons, honey badgers - what an amazing place! The final two nights were spent near Khwai North Gate and were superb for lions.
This tour would be ideal for small groups of friends or a family traveling together. Food was plentiful and delicious. Sundowners were enjoyable and in spectacular locations. The Popemobile style Troopcarriers are ideal for watching the wildlife with their pop up tops allowing 360 degree views. An excellent platform for photography. The new ensuite tents are also perfect for doing ablutions at night in safety!
All in all, the Okavango Delta provided us with an experience that far exceeded our expectations and will remain as one of our most thrilling and dramatic experiences. Our thanks to the team: Jane, Victor, Pini and Image.
MT
Email Joe | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
If you are looking for a camping safari, look no further. Ulinda Safari Trails are the best.
My camping safari with Ulinda Safari Trails, was a life time experience. Jane is an excellent guide and off road driver. She knows everything about the natura of the region and delivers this knowledge without any extra blah blah. She is an excellent photographer herself and thus always knew what we needed to take memorable pictures.
The tents and beds were clean, large and comfortable making the nights in the wide with lions roaring, elephants crushing downs trees, hyaenas laughing and hypos splashing through the water simply unforgettable. The food was delicious and more then enough in quantity and always accompanied by a limitless supply of good wine and beer to end the day. All the crew were very polite and always ready to help and to sedisfy our wishes immediately. I cannot wait to go back to Botswana and join Jane again on an other safari to the Kalahari desert or the Chobe game reserve.
TW
Email Tara | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
If you want to unplug, then this is the camping and safari experience for you!
This was my first safari and it surpassed my expectations. I didn't expect to see as many animals as I did. We saw a lion with a fresh zebra kill on our first game drive. Jane and Pini were excellent at spotting animals. Pini spotted a cheetah in Savuti that I could barely make out with my binoculars. Fortunately, it stayed put as we moved closer and saw that there were in fact two male cheetahs. Jane was also very knowledgeable about the birds. I also liked that she didn't chase the animals.
The staff was great at putting up the tents quickly and attending to our needs; such as water for taking a shower or washing clothes. They also cooked delicious meals and even made fresh bread. The tents were quite roomy. There was plenty of space for my gear. The cot was quite comfy to sleep on as well. It was also easy to use the toilet since it was in area attached to the back of the tent. We didn't have the fancy solar charging stations of some of the other companies, but we didn't have any problems charging our stuff in the vehicle.- Just remember to bring a South African adapter.
I felt safe in the tent even when some lions chased a huge herd of zebra nearby our campsite one night in Moremi. (I didn't open the tent, so I have no clue how many zebras were running but you could hear and feel them.) I also liked that our campsites were in the park, so we didn't have to drive far before seeing animals. Sometimes the animals even came to us. Elephants frequently came through our campsite in Khwai. One was directly behind my tent during our break between lunch and afternoon tea! The vehicle was also enclosed which was great on the early morning game drives and for dealing with the wind in Savuti. On quite a few occasions, I overheard safari goers in other vehicles commenting about our, "Warm car," when the safari guides stopped and shared info with each other when passing.
Communication was great. Jane answered all my questions in a very timely manner.
