Walking Stick Travel & Tours
- Located In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2010)
- Tour Types:
- Budget camping tours where clients assist with camp chores
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $200 to $350 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Milo | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A once in a lifetime trip with a few issues...
We had a 13 day tour with walking stick tours in August of 2023. Botswana itself is an incredible country with some of the friendliest people, and some of the most incredible wildlife we’d encountered anywhere. All 5 of us highly recommend a trip to the country for safari. Unfortunately our experience of walking stick tours was less stellar.
I’ll start with the good (of which there is plenty) :
- The food that Jo & team prepared for us was absolutely incredible, better than we had In restaurants elsewhere, and all cooked over an open fire! The team were always friendly and happy to help with any requests, we had beer and wine at dinner and no shortage of clean bottled water. We were really well taken care of at camp the entire 2 week trip.
- Prior to the trip communication was good and we were picked up at the airport.
- We had a great guide, Wago. He spoke very good English and had excellent knowledge of the flora & fauna of Botswana. We had a lovely time getting to know him and he got us some truly amazing wildlife sightings.
- Onto the sightings generally, we had great views of lion, leopard, cheetah, even an early morning wild dog sighting - really special.
The negatives:
- Our vehicle (named desert honey badger) was in a constant state of disrepair. We broke down several times every single day, the brakes on the car weren’t functional, and we had to veer off road at points when vehicles approached along the same stretch of road. We were repeatedly told that the car was being replaced or fixed but the issues persisted for the entire trip. This impacted our game viewing and massively impacted our travel time, by the end of the trip we were taken in an alternate vehicle, but this was far too little and much too late.
- Communication on the trip itself was poor, the issues with the vehicle and what was (or in fact wasn’t) being done was never properly communicated to us. We were misled daily about getting the vehicle repaired or replaced, but this never happened. We’ve been on safari before and know how ad-hoc things are sometimes, but this was a step beyond.
- In an attempt to make up for the constant issues with the vehicle we were offered a “complimentary” trip to Victoria falls in place of a game drive as our vehicle wasn’t functional. This was in fact not complimentary, and we paid $500+ for the day ourselves.
Since our trip we have reached out to Phillimon to open a dialogue with no intent for compensation, but we have been ignored. We absolutely loved Botswana and can’t recommend it enough as a safari destination, but we’d recommend you go with another operator instead of walking stick.
Reply from Walking Stick Travel & Tours
Posted on Oct 3, 2023Thank you for taking the time to share your good and bad experiences on your recent 13 day tour. We're sorry to hear that your visit wasn't up to your expectations. We take all feedback seriously, and we appreciate your honest feedback.
We apologize for any inconvenience or frustration you may have experienced. We also acknowledge the fact that the vehicle you were travelling in was in a constant state of disrepair.
However, the vehicle broke down once, not several times every single day. In Khwai (Day 7), the break fluid pipe had to be replaced, but the vehicle did not break down. The guide contacted headquarters in Maun to report the problem. A vehicle was then dispatched from Maun to Khwai to deliver a brand new break fluid pipe and two cans of break fluid. The repairs were done immediately at the campsite. This did not impact on any game viewing activities or travel time.
On day 11, in the Chobe National Park your vehicle broke down. In approximately 15 minutes, the vehicle following you - also our game viewing vehicle carrying 2 clients (a couple) arrived at the spot. You then joined them in their vehicle and continued your journey to Chobe Riverfront. Again, this did not impact on any game viewing activities or travel time.
You contacted me later that evening to lodge a complaint. I did apologize but you felt that an apology was not enough. You also mentioned that you did not want to travel in the same vehicle (named desert honey badger) again - even if it had been repaired. I then offered you a different vehicle to take you for a Victoria Falls day trip (still part of your 13 day itinerary), the following day, and you accepted.
Unfortunately you did not inform me that you were charged border fees and entrance fees at Victoria Falls, amounting to $500. VISAS and border fees are not included in our package prices, but I would have been more that happy to refund you the fees you paid to see the falls.
We did apologize to you in a follow up email we sent you at the end of your tour. So your attempts to open a dialogue with me have not been ignored. I also responded to this review, directly to you, on the 29th September but I have not heard from you.
Email Mallory | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Incredible guiding in amazing places
Philimon's tracking skills and enthusiasm for showing you everything there is to see are second to none - can't ask for more than two leopards in 3 days, hyena cubs, a pride of lions on the hunt and pack of wild dogs with a kill, plus buffalo, innumerable elephant, hippo, zebra, crocs etc etc. Friendly back of house team and good food. Moremi and Khwai outstanding.
Email Mike | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing wildlife with a bush camp experience
Organising the safari with Walking Stick was easy. Our questions were quickly answered. Amazing wildlife throughout the 10-day camping safari. So many big cats. Our guide was brilliant, very knowledgeable, and funny, and we largely avoided the crowds. We had limited washing water at times, but our camp assistants did their best to provide for our needs in each of the five campgrounds. Highly recommended, particularly for those with a sense of adventure.
ES
Email Fernando | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Walking Stick & Tours
Very well organized travel. Attentive guides. They know their work and so we can see many animals, camp sides and tents are safe
I recommended this company
Email Susanna Orr | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
My husband and I had a very special bush experience in Botswana with Phillimon and his team
We received very good service from Phillimon from our first inquiries about doing a trip with Walking Stick Safaris. He was informative and answered our questions and dealt with our expectations clearly and succinctly. My husband is 76 and we were never made to feel that he was 'too old' for a bush camping trip. We had a very good week from start to finish. The 2 nights Mokoro trip, the guides, and the camping experience worked well for us. We then spent 2 nights in Moremi and 2 nights in the Kwai area. The plan worked well as there was a lot of variety in both terrain and daily routine. Both areas have their plus points. Philemon was relentless in his pursuit of finding good animal sightings for us. The backup staff of cooks and helpers made sure we were well fed and looked after. Running a bush mobile safari requires a certain type of all-round person and Phillimon certainly has all the qualities that this takes. We will go on another trip with this company. We feel that we certainly got our money's worth
Email Sam Forbes | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing wildlife, people and food - an unforgettable experience
Loved every minute of the Safari with Walking Stick Safaris. We saw heaps of Wildlife and had a good time with our guide, cook and other camp staff. We stayed for two nights in the Boro area of the Okavango Delta.
My reason for 4 stars rather than 5 stars is that the company and the guide were not always good at communicating and explaining risks. We were on a walking tour so wanted to know exactly what would happen if animals were aggressive or if there was an emergency and these things we not clearly communicated. I have every confidence that the guide knew what they were doing, but guests need to be reassured of what safety measures are in place.
Overall I would recommend going with this small and new company which supports Philimon and his new business, and a whole community through the place that you camp and the other staff.
Reply from Walking Stick Travel & Tours
Posted on Oct 7, 2018Hi! Sam
Nice to hear from you and that you had amazing experience with us. We are sorry that the safety measures on a walking safari were not communicated to you as we normally do.
looking forward to travel with you again in the near future
Email Carolien | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Unforgettable experience of true bush life in Botwana with wonderful and knowledgeable staff
Unbelievable experience of true bush life in Botswana! Philimon is so knowledgeable. He as well as his support staff go out of their way to make everything special and nothing is too much trouble. Joe, the chef, whipped up delicious meals and we did not go hungry once. Philimon also took my son fishing in the Delta. There is just nothing like a mekoro ride while the sun is setting over the Delta. We learned so much about the bush in Bots and ticked off a bucket list-experience!
Email Fran | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very professional and efficient and quick to respond to our enquiries
We found Walking Stick Tours to be very efficient and professional, always quick to respond to our enquiries and felt that the price of the trip was great value.
Our guide Gabana was so knowledgeable about the areas we were visiting and the animals and their behaviour that we could experience and enjoy the bush safely while still having close encounters. Tracking a female leopard in the early morning, and sitting close to wild dogs by their den with the two adults guarding the pups as they emerge, and the excitement of the rest
of the pack returning from a hunt were highlights. We will remember the many great moments throughout the trip for a long time.
We were well looked after by our camp chef Election who worked hard to provide us with tasty and filling vegetarian meals everyday, we never went hungry and nothing was too much trouble for the camp assistants always helpful and cheerful.
We have recommended Walking Stick Tours to others while on our travels and would not hesitate to book with them again if we return to Botswana
Email Ian & Sarah | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
What a Fantastic Experience!
We had an amazing time! Thank you so much for everything.
Moses was a brilliant guide and ensured that we had a very positive experience taking home with us memories of a huge array of animals, previously only seen in books and zoos!
Simon and the team looked after us really well despite the challenges they faced with punctures and supply trucks. We loved our tents and found the camp beds really comfortable and the al fresco showers and loo surprisingly easy. Having animals so close to our camp made this especially magical.
The river safari in Chobe was a great end to the trip, allowing us to see many of the animals a lot closer up and from a different perspective, and the transfer from Chobe to Victoria Falls went very smoothly.
If we were doing this again, we would add in one or two extra days so that we could build in more 2-night stays during the holiday. This would make it more relaxing allowing for an occasional afternoon siesta instead of 3 consecutive days of long drives. That said, we thoroughly enjoyed what we did despite being very tired at the end!
A wonderful holiday and one that we will definitely recommend to others.
On the communication side, everything was great, but an indication of the potential travel times each day (in addition to the morning and evening jeep safaris) would have helped with our planning and to manage our expectations of time on the "road".
DE
Email Hanne and Marek | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Incredible Safari Experience
In June, we went on an 11-day safari with Walking Stick in the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, Khwai Concession and Chobe National Park. The communication with Walking Stick in advance was good; our inquiries were answered promptly. As agreed, we were picked up at our hotel in Maun and went to the Okavango Delta for 2 days. In addition to the Mokoro tour, the guided walks in particular were a special experience that we really enjoyed. It was very impressive how our guide Emanuel spotted the animals and predicted their behaviour. We never felt unsafe during these walks.
We went on to Moremi, where we camped at a very nice spot at the Khwai River, with a view of elephants crossing the river. The game drives in Moremi, Khwai and Savuti were very exciting and eventful. We saw an incredible number of animals, in addition to elephants, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, giraffes, zebras, we also had some excellent lion and leopard sightings. The wild dogs with puppies were a particular highlight. Our guide Gabana responded fully to our requests, spared no effort to find the animals and always had a very good eye for great photo opportunities and optimal lighting conditions for taking pictures. The places he chose for an evening sundowner were always very special. We really enjoyed the game drives with him.
The rest of the crew was also super nice and went out of their way to make our vacation special. The tent was spacious and comfortable with the integrated shower and toilet. The food was very good and plentiful. We didn't have to sacrifice comfort during the 11 days in the wild.
On the way from Savuti to Chobe River Front, our safari vehicle had damage that could not be repaired. Phillomon immediately arranged for a replacement vehicle to pick us up so that we could complete our planned game drive the same evening. It was impressive how quickly the spare part was organized and the vehicle repaired, so that we could bring our safari to a successful end without restrictions.
Overall, it was a wonderful experience in the middle of the wilderness with an incredible crew and unforgettable impressions. Our best safari yet. We are already longing for a repeat of Walking Stick Safari in the next few years.
