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 Natalie | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Ethical local company, fantastic experience.
Fantastic locally owned company. Phillimon and his team took the best care of us and we were treated like royalty. Actually, more like treasured family. Food was great and Phillimon's skills as a tracker and guide meant that we had some incredible sightings. We booked and paid a deposit with Phillimon only weeks before Covid hit and had to postpone this over and over. He honoured our deposit for FOUR YEARS!!! Many other companies would have taken the money and run, but he not only held it, he kept the price the same. That's ethics!! I highly recommend 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
EE
Email Agne | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Every day was special!
We had 7-Day The Best of Botswana tour. First days was our guide Jacob. He was really good about the nature, wildlife and history. Other days was our guide Dylos. He is the best! We had some bad surprises, but he really did his best that we still could see all the animals. You are so lucky if Dylos will be your guide. He knows the local languages and has good contacts as well, good humor. It all is important if you are stuck together with the guide 80% of your day inside the car. In our trip, first days we were on wetlands and without a car .So no charging from car. You need to take your battery to charge your phone and camera. But if you have all days with camp car, then you can charge from car. Also be aware during bushwalks. Me and my husband hurt ourselves stepping on the thorns. They came though the camping boots! For ladies- washing your hair can be tricky. It is Africa, so there is not so great opportunities for shower. There is not so much wildlife as you see from the commercials. Lions, elephants, hippos and giraffes can see every day, but cheetah, leopard, wild dogs, hyenas you maybe cant see at all. It is all about luck and how good guide you will have.
US
Email Bernie Daina | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Terrific guide, cook and assistants, itinerary and safari.
Phillimon Kamogelo <[email protected]> was a wonderful guide, driver, and camping leader to remote areas of Botswana, where we saw many, many species of wild animals and had a good trip. His cook and assistants were great, too.
IT
Email Michele and Alessia | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing 10 days safari private tour with an excellent crew
The tour has been very well organized.
Comfortable tent, excellent food, very professional driver and guide.
Thanks a lot to Philimon for the organization and to Dylos for guiding our safari, to Titous for the meals and to Keys for the support.
We will never forget such experience and we recommend walking stick as a reliable tour operator
ES
Email Enrique Eusebio | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
An excellent and surprising safari
An excellent safari. Visiting these natural places while camping is marvelous due to the close contact with nature. The entire team has been very professional and has always been attentive to any detail. We have traveled a group of 16 friends and every afternoon when we arrived at the different camps the tents were ready, the fire lit and the Gin Tonic and the beers prepared. During the trip, the guides have always been very attentive to show us the animals and things of interest that we found. The stay in the delta and the rides in mokoros were very very pleasant. Barrier-free camps in the middle of nature provide a very surprising feeling of adventure. The journeys between the different camping areas are a bit long but they are interesting because you can constantly see different animals and landscapes. It is a highly recommended trip with this excellent organization and a very professional team.
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.
AI
Email Paul | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An Unforgettable Adventure: A Great Safari with Walking Stick Travel & Tours
I recently had the pleasure of embarking on an extraordinary safari experience with Walking Stick Travel & Tours and its owner Phillimon, and it surpassed all my expectations. From the moment we set foot in the Okavango Delta to the final days of our camping expedition, every aspect of the journey was meticulously planned and flawlessly executed. The communication leading up to the safari was very good.
The first leg of our adventure saw us spending two nights on a captivating island nestled within the Okavango Delta. The experience was truly magical, as we immersed ourselves in the untouched beauty of this natural wonderland. Our guides led us on exhilarating hikes, introducing us to the diverse flora and fauna of the region. The proximity to wildlife was awe-inspiring, offering rare and intimate encounters with creatures great and small. Whether it was observing a majestic elephant strolling through the vegetation or marveling at the grace of a grazing giraffe, each encounter left us in a state of sheer wonder.
The journey continued with four nights of camping in multiple locations, adding a sense of adventure and exploration to our safari. The safari drives were nothing short of extraordinary. Our knowledgeable guides took us on thrilling excursions, navigating through the vast wilderness in search of elusive wildlife. From majestic lions and stealthy leopards to herds of graceful antelopes and dazzling birds in flight, the sheer abundance of wildlife sightings left us breathless.
One cannot talk about this safari without mentioning the incredible culinary experiences provided by our chef Dix. The food served throughout the trip was delicious, diverse, and skillfully prepared. Despite the remote locations, Dix managed to create delectable dishes that satisfied our palates and energized us for the adventures ahead. Moreover, the thoughtful provision of ice-cold beverages added an extra touch of luxury and refreshment to our safari, ensuring our comfort even in the heart of the wilderness.
The guides and staff were exceptional in every way. Their passion for the natural world and commitment to providing an unforgettable experience were evident in their every action. They shared their extensive knowledge with enthusiasm, making the safari not only an adventure but also an educational journey that deepened our appreciation for the delicate ecosystems we explored.
In conclusion, my safari experience with Walking Stick Travel & Tours was simply outstanding. The combination of the enchanting Okavango Delta, thrilling wildlife encounters, sumptuous cuisine, and attentive service made for an unforgettable journey. If you're seeking an adventure that will leave you in awe of nature's splendor, I highly recommend embarking on a safari with Walking Stick Travel & Tours. They are true experts in creating unforgettable memories in the heart of the African wilderness.
AT
Email Wolf | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A very unique experience with a great Staff/Guide
We made a 2 nights safari into the okavango delta.
The communication was very easy and uncomplicated.
Unfortunately the water level was to low to go all by boat like planned, but Philimon and his team did a great job to evade this problem.
The service was much more than we expected. The whole experience was great. The Mokoro and Walking Safari have been amazing, and our guide Johnson had a great instinct especially for our photographic interests. Furthermore he was a really nice and communicative guy.
Next time we will especially Request Johnson as our guide.
