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
US
Email Beatrice | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing and educational walking safari in pristine area
I participated in 2 safaris on this (my first) trip to Africa. The Walking Stick Safari involved 4 nights at a very nicely set up tent camp on a small island near Chief's Island. Philimon picked me up at the airport in Maun and took me to my lodging for 1 night in Maun. The following morning, we took a beautiful boat trip to the bush camp. Philimon, BK (my guide) and Jo (the camp chef) were all very professional and competent. I traveled as a single female and within a couple of hours I felt right at home, perfectly safe and comfortable. Mornings and afternoons we would travel by mokoro or speed boat to a neighboring island and explore. They were very interested in helping me see the animals I was most interested in seeing. They were always aware of our surroundings and made safety a priority. I was thrilled to be able to see zebras, giraffes, elephants, hippos, crocodile, hyenas, antelope and numerous birds. Elephants were quite numerous and it was a thrill to see a family of females attempt to cross the river with babies. Because this was a walking safari, the terrain was intact and the area was quiet. We only encountered one other tourist group during the entire 4 days I was there - and that was for a very brief period. BK and Philimon are very, very knowledgeable about the animals and plants and their interactions within the ecosystem and I was honored to be able to learn so much from them. They are born and raised in the delta and the experience they provided far exceeded my expectations. In comparison to the traditional safari I did subsequently at Machaba Camp, the Walking Stick Safari was so much more fun and authentic. I absolutely recommend Walking Stick Safari for anyone looking for a more peaceful, engaging, authentic and relatively inexpensive safari than what can be had at a typical lodge.
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.
Email Jesper Morch | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Magic days in the Delta
Over the past 25 years I have made an average of four annual trips to nature reserves in east and southern Africa. Ten years ago i was fortunate to run into Walking Stick and their leader Philemon Kamogelo. The experiences Philemon and his team gave us then were never surpassed until my recent trip with my dear friend Melanie from Cape Town.
We had planned and booked our trip for late September 2023. A heatwave was rolling over Botswana at the time. We asked if we could postpone some months. Although Walking Stick had prepared everything for a 12 day trip into the Delta followed by Moremi, they agreed. Correspondence between Cape Town and Maun was lively. Whatever our questions and requests, we invariably had reply and comments within 24 hours. Walking Stick is not the most fancy and luxurious of safari companies. Fortunately. It is exactly because Walking Stick is not that Melanie and I consider Walking Stick the best and most exciting experience available anywhere in east and southern Africa.
Philemon was our guide. His team included a chef, a back-up driver, a camp assistant, and two mokoro sailors. All of them from there same little village of 500 souls, which use had the good fortune to visit. The visit to the village was important - Walking Stick is very much a community based enterprise involving the village in many ways and form. But even more exciting was our daily encounters with the wildlife. At our first camp, we sat at sunset facing the river. To our left was 13 giraffes and 30 elephants. Straight ahead was an endless line of buffaloes. Maybe 150. And everywhere around us impala, wildebeest and zebra. And up in the higher branches of the tree see sat under, three fish eagles scouted the river for a possible catch.
A typical day at the Delta would be up at 7.00, tea, off in the mokoros and a walk or two. Back to brunch, maybe shower, and chill. Lunch made on open fire, a siesta and off on an evening tour of the delta in the mokoros. Later in Moremi, same pattern except the mokoro time was replaced by game drives in the huge Landrover.
Philemon and his team are without comparison the best, most competent, and most knowledgeable i have come across in my 100+ safaris over the years. They have my highest and most unreserved commendation. A trip with them is a glorious memory for the rest of your life. When yo do go, don't forget to get Philemon to tell you why their company is called Walking Stick. Melanie is as enthusiastic as `I am, and we are already beginning to plan or return to the Okavango and Walking Stick.
Email Melanie | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Best bush experience I have ever had
I have gone on Safari all my life - many were to super luxurious lodges. However, this was the best experience I have ever had. Being so close to the animals, learning from people who crew up amongst the animals and still being comfortable was just super amazing. It was extremely good value for money and the service from Philemon and his team was just super. The response to anything we asked was: "No Problem!" Philemon even went to extremely lengths to find a cellphone lost in the bush. If you want the real bush experience at a good price and still be comfortable, you cannot go wrong with Walking Stick Safaris.
Email Jules | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Experienced, local, run by a trustworthy professional.
In October 2023 three friends and I had the absolute pleasure of doing a 7 day safari in Botswana with Walking Sticks Travel & Tours. The great service began before we left Australia as we emailed to and fro asking questions and clarifying details about the trip and were provided with all the info we needed by the very helpful Kealeboga James. It was a mobile safari which meant we camped in 4 different areas. As such, we got to see different landscapes and animals through Okavango Delta, Khwai Community Area, Savute area and Chobe National Park. I arrived in Maun the day before our tour started but still I was greeted at the airport by Walking Sticks manager Phillimon who drove me to my hotel. He immediately struck me as a polite and respectful person and as we spent the week in his care he proved to also be professional, humble, flexible, trustworthy and extremely knowledgeable with regard to flora, fauna and all things nature. He was supported by a terrific, hardworking team including Chef 'Prince' (a funny fellow), another expert guide, and multi-skilled back-up people who did everything from poling the Mokoro canoes to setting up tents and completing many tasks required to look after our needs so all the hard work was done for us. Our tour began with an enthralling Mokoro trip through the beautiful pristine wetlands where we were amongst hippos, crocs, elephants and birds. Mokoro's are the main form of transport and our camping spot was inaccessible by road and located in a shady nook near the water where we could view elephants and hear the sounds of nature (eg lion's roaring) day and night. Our tents with en-suite were adequate and we enjoyed the food and gin & tonic 'sundowner's whilst watching the gorgeous sunsets. Each day we spent hours game viewing either on foot or by jeep and Phillimon had a gift at being able to track and locate all manner of wildlife including lion, hyena, wild dogs, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, baboon, leopard and a variety of antelope and birds. We learnt so much as he imparted his knowledge of their behaviour and the landscape. All our campsites were different and in lovely settings. If you are a person who loves nature and living amongst it, can be up at sunrise every day and handle the challenges of dusty, bumpy roads and hot weather (October) then this tour is for you. It is one of the most memorable experiences in my 40 years of traveling. Thank you so much to Phillimon - your integrity is a true asset. Walking Sticks is a small, locally owned and run business and deserves the highest praise.
Email Tam | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Amazing. Exceeded all expectations. Phillimon is an outstanding guide, tracker and tour operator.
We (4 friends) had booked a Walking Sticks 7 day mobile safari “The Best of Botswana” during covid and finally made it in October 2023. An eagerly awaited holiday and safari that exceeded all expectations and the highlight of our trip to Southern Africa.
The trip was great value and Walking Sticks such an ethical company who honoured our deposit paid in 2020.
Phillimon is the best guide and tracker you could hope to meet. We saw some amazing sights including a wild dog hunt and kill.
Lions hunting, at a kill, lounging about, elephants and more elephants, hippos a plenty, cape buffalo, leopard and lots of giraffes, zebra and antelope and loads of birds. Seeing hyena pups at a den with mother was yet another highlight.
The first 2 nights was spent on the Okavango Delta and we did 3 walking safaris with an amazing guide. Watching hippos from
a mokoro on the water was a dream come true.
Magical African sunsets with G&T’s & cold beers. Dinner prepared by Chef Prince with a camp fire and great wines.
You couldn’t find a better safari company than Walking Sticks with Phillimon, KD, Prince, Comfort and Kealeboga. Highly recommend.
Thank you for making our dreams come true.
Tam
NL
Email Patricia | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Professionally organized trip of a lifetime!
Trip of a lifetime.
Our group ( my husband, father, 2 brothers and 2 friends) enjoyed a 6 night safari with Philimon as guide. Our friend had been in Botswana and he promised us the true bush experience and wow he did really deliver by booking with walking stick.
Safari
We did a 6 night safari to okavango / moremi/ Khwai / chobe
Philimon picked us up in Maun and then took us to the Okavango delta where they took us on mokoros ( local kayaks) to the camp on an island. Immediately we saw crossing elephants and hippos in the river. In this area we did walking safaris which really was a special experience, we saw lots of animals including hippos.
In Moremi the campsite really was as adventure. We saw a leopard at night and there were quite some elephants and baboons passing trough.
When we arrived in Chobe I thought that we already had an elephant overload but still seeing them play and swim in the river was a nice experience.
The game drives in all areas were great. Philemon really goes all out to ensure that you see as many animals as possible. While in Savuti we were the first ones to spot a lion in the morning due to Philemon’s great tracking skills. He is very knowledgeable about animals and birds.
Food & drinks
Dix the chef offered a great variety of food including fresh baked bread. Really enjoyed each and every meal and the sitting in the evening at the campsite fires with nice wines/beers and G&Ts.
Accomodation
The tents were comfortable, with clean and comfortable linens. The toilets were way better than expected ;)
The camping is really in nature and I have never felt this close to animals before ( while still feeling safe).
Communication/ booking
During the booking process the contact with Philemon was very professional and he will really think along with you to plan the perfect trip.
I just cannot stop raving about our trip! Recommend walking stick to everyone if you want a true African safari experience. Next time hopefully we will able to go longer.
Email Tom | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic safari, brilliant guides, well organised, safe and well looked after
We did the 10 day safari with walking stick safari Okovango-Moremi-Kwai-Savuti-Chobe.
We had a brilliant experience, saw loads of animals including lions and cheetahs up close and had a very knowledgeable experienced guide. No shortage of time on safari, including a walking safari, makoro and boat trip. Each safari was private, with as much time as you want for photos and watching the animals.
Each night was camping in the bush proper, be aware that animals can walk freely through the camp, but the team kept us feeling safe.
The tents were spacious and comfortable, a hot shower can be done.
Food was different each night, lots of it, and extremely tasty. Thanks Joe!
Cold beer and wine provided each evening.
Overall, highly recommended and we would love to return.
DE
Email Fabian & Christine | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An unforgettable experience.
After two postponements due to Covid-19, my wife and me finally could do our 11-day tour through beautiful Botswana booked in 2019.
Thanks to Philimon for the professional organization of the trip. We started in Maun and did a mokoro tour in the delta to stay there for 2 nights. After that we stayed 2 nights each in Moremi, Khwai, Savuti and on the Chobe Riverfront.
The hole 11 days Joe accompanied us who is an excellent cook by the fire and has always spoiled us. The three-man team was complete with Gift. All three were very courteous and always took care of our needs. The sleeping arrangements were extremely comfortable and we didn't miss anything during the 11 days.
We had a lot of animal sightings and therefore an unforgettable experience. If we would do it again we would spend more time in Khwai, it is the best plase to see game.
If you are thinking of traveling to Botswana, you should definitely do so in a mobile safari. There is no other way to get closer to nature.
So don't think twice and go on tour with WalkingStickSafari (http://www.walkingsticksafaris.com).
CH
Email Christian | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Nice and efficient guide, excellent chef and lots of wild life !
Easy mailing booking. Programm appeared exactly as paid/described. Pick up and drop off right on time. Philimon wants his clients to see the most of the wild life. Long morning and evening safari drives. Excellent camping site along the Khwai river. Chef cooks fantastic meals. Hippos, Elephants, buffalos, crocos are most seen, along with all kind of antelopes. Good bird seeing. And also leopards and a family of lions (females and cubs) !
Walking stick travel is definitely to recommend.
We traveled with a family of 4 (8 and 10) on a 3 nights journey.
