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
NL
Email Fam van Dijk | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Extraordinary Wildlife / Bush experience with a great and skillful team!
The end of August our family (two adults and two kids; 15 and 17 years old) had the pleasure to spend three days (two nights) with Walking Stick Travel & Tours in Botswana's Okavango delta. It was an extraordinary experience which has created memories for life!
Early 2019 first contacts have been made and all communication ran very smoothly. Philimon the owner of Walking Stick Travel & Tours was very informative, helpful and fast in his response. Although we did not know Philimon and his company before we trusted the excellent reviews on the internet. We have not been disappointed.
At the time of booking we decided to go to Moremi. Because Botswana and the Okavango delta suffered severe draught in 2019 Philimon took the decision before our arrival to change our booking to Khwai concession. From his recent experiences he knew that Moremi would be less interesting to see than Khwai. The vast majority of wildlife moved to the wetter area's of the delta. We followed Philimon's advise and this did not disappoint us at all.
After 4,5 hours of travel we arrived at the campsite. Philomon's team had set up the camp and welcomed us with a nice (bush) lunch. Our campsite had a great view on the river. While having lunch the wildlife experience already started with elephants passing by on a distance of maybe 50 - 100 meters max. Great view for a lunch!
During the trip we have made two afternoon/evening and two morning game drives with Philimon. While making these trips we experienced that Philimon was born in the delta and is a very experienced wildlife guide and driver in the bush. Based on his knowledge Philimon has been able to trace all the wildlife one could imagine to see during a trip like this. Lions with cubs swimming. Lions hunting and mating. Leopard hunting and feeding young cubs, hyena's with cubs, Elephants, crocodiles, Giraffes, antilopes in a wide variety. Too much to name all.
During the trip Philimon learned us a lot of the wildlife and behaviour of the animals. Although the animals / predators were allowed very close to the car during the drives we have never had any uncomfortable moment. Philimon knowledge of the behavior was really great. His knowledge and experience also helped him in always taking the right position to take great pictures. Sometimes we needed patience but in the end it was always rewarding.
While we were having our gamedrives the other teammembers were preparing the meals and maintaining the camps for us. The facilities in the bush are of course basic however part of the experience. It is amazing to see how Joe the cook was able to prepare the nicest meals on simple campfire. Big compliments to the chef and his team.
Over the years we have made many gamedrives and visited many National Parcs in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. These were all great, but cannot be compared to staying deep in the bush of the Okavango Delta. The sights during the day but also the sounds during the night while camping (and the vicinity of the wildlife strolling around the tent) have been our best experience so far.
We are Philomon and his team very grateful for making this (lifetime) experience so special for us. If you want to enjoy a real bushexperience with a great team, we would highly recommend Philimon and his team!
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.
US
Email Nancy Swain | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
They moved mountains for me AND took us on an AMAZING journey
I’m sure you could go on an amazing Safari with any number of companies but I can only truthfully testify that Phillimon and his team did deliver on providing an EXCELLENT experience but were also. the most compassionate, caring people I could ever hope to know. All the details of our safari were attended to from the moment we landed in Maun; during every step of our trip, details were thoughtfully carried out and we were living the dream come true from day one - then the worst happened for me and that’s when Phillimon and his team crew earned my lifeline long gratitude- six days into my trip, the news that my mother (who was fine when I left home and who along with my father gave me the gift of going on the safari) was dying reached me.
Phillimon drove in the middle of the night to collect me from the bush and get me back to the airport.
When we got back to Maun, Phillimon stayed with me and helped me until the moment I could on a plane. Sadly, despite his heroic efforts (and the determination of my amazing travel agent, Peg Welch), I didn’t make it home in time but the kindness Phillimon (and his team) afforded me eased the pain.
Back to Safari - ANIMALS—- yes, yes - the guides were all so knowledgeable and skilled they made sure we saw and learned about more than we dreamed possible. Our comfort and safety were priority and I jus can’t say enough about how wonderful Walking Stick Travel &Tours is- we WALKED in Botswana- something I will ask always treasure doing.
Go to Botswana, Go with Walking Stick and Go in peace.
CA
Email Brenda Allen | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Walking Stick Tours is a 5 Star operation!
Our recent experience with Walking Stick Safari Tours in August 2019, was absolutely amazing! The owner, Philemon is simply the best there is! We stayed in lovely tents with a toilet/shower area at the back that was very comfortable. We did the "Best Of Botswana" Tour for 6 days and saw lots of the beautiful Okavango Delta and its animals. . We travelled mostly by a safari vehicle, which was bumpy and long at times, but lead by a knowledgeable guide and amazing driver. We also had two days in a remote area that we reached by a mokoro, or flat bottom boat. It was magical. What an experience for a Canadian. Botswana is a lovely country!
The staff named Photos and Gift and others were absolutely amazing. The food was super delicious and always served with kindness and care as they prepared it by hand over a fire daily. The settings for all of the camping spots were super amazing. We actually camped with elephants just walking by behind out tents. We could hear the frogs sing at night as we faced a river teeming with life. And through it all we felt safe and well taken care of by Philemon and his crew. We had lots of wildlife drives by safari vehicle, mokoro/boat cruises, and even a couple of guided walks. The staff is wonderful, from the cooks to the support staff. They are polite, hard-working, honest, and hospitable. The character of Botswanan people is incredible!
I am a world traveller, and can honestly say, it was the best holiday I ever had! We saw lots of animals in a variety of settings and was able to get to know the warm staff. It was everything I hoped for and much more. I strongly encourage you to go on one of Philemon's tours, he will give you a trip of a lifetime!
In fact, we had such an awesome trip that we want to book another trip in the years to come! Sending warm wishes out to Philemon and Photos and staff on a job well done!!!
CA
Email Lynn & Leo | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful, 'all-inclusive' one week private safari in Botswana
We highly recommend Walking Stick Travel & Tours. Phillimon and his staff provided excellent, attentive, and professional services during our one-week private safari in Botswana. Prior to our arrival, email communication was prompt and efficient. We thoroughly enjoyed each of the locations (Okavango Delta, Moremi, Khwai): picturesque campsites, delicious and ample food, incredible scenery, and beautiful wildlife. The whole 'safari' experience was amazing, and exceeded our expectations in every way. As much as anything, we enjoyed meeting and conversing with Phillimon and his staff throughout the week, and we learned so much about the beautiful country of Botswana. We definitely plan to return, and booking another trip with Phillimon and Walking Stick is at the top of our list!
Email Beki | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An unforgettable safari experience!
We had an incredible 9 day safari through Botswana with Walking Stick Travel and Tour. We started our tour in Chobe and then traveled to Savuti, Khwai and the Okavango Delta, spending two nights in each spot. Traveling to these different areas provided great diversity in landscape and we were able to see lots of animals across all the areas. Each day we had a morning and afternoon safari as well as one night safari. All the facilities were amazing, with great tents, comfortable beds, and a spacious and comfortable safari vehicle.
The guides and staff on our tour were amazing. Our tour guide Lee was very experienced and knowledgable about the different areas, animals and animal tracking. He always tried his best to make sure we could get the most out of each day. Our chef Joe was an amazing cook who whipped up delicious meals for us each day. The highlight of Joe’s cooking was the freshly made bread each morning for breakfast. Our camp hands Photos and KK were always there to lend a helping hand, setting up our tents, preparing the showers and answering any questions.
Philimon was very helpful with the booking of our safari. He was very quick at replying to emails and always answered our questions. All the staff went above and beyond to make sure we had an amazing experience.
We highly recommend using the Walking Safari Travel and Tour Company for a Safari in Botswana!
US
Email Mark OBrien | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime made special by Walking Stick (Philimon & crew)
Our 11-day safari began at the Maun airport, a bit stressed due to late flights causing us not to get to our first campsite (by canoe!) until nearly dark. Philimon's crew was friendly, attentive and most importantly 100% committed to our safety and comfort at all times. After 2 nights on a island in the delta, we canoed (mokoro) back out and began the long journey to Moremi. Philimon is a master at finding interesting game both on his own and through his CB radio network and frequent chats with other guides. We really saw so much more than anticipated including 4 of the big 5 (no rhino along our route).
We could not recommend Walking Stick more highly. They work so hard without a single complaint and made us feel comfortable and safe and satisfied with our photo journey, we can't wait to book again in a few years!
Email Jennifer | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Memories to treasure!
We 1st booked our trip to the Okavango Delta for 2020 and had to move it a few times due to Covid restrictions. The team was so accommodating & assisted to ensure the changes were seamless throughout. We finally embarked on our trip in June and I cannot speak highly enough of our guide Philemon and his team on the ground in Botswana. What an absolute pleasure for our group of 9. We were picked up in Maun, transferred to our guesthouse for a night before leaving for Khwai (3 nights) and Chief's Island (4 nights). A brilliant experience was had by all. Magnificent campsites with spacious tents (fantastic to have your own en-suite ablutions & shower). Plenty of warm water during the day for washing. Philemon and his team entertained us with wonderful anecdotes and campfire stories. We ate the most delicious food - freshly cooked outside by Jo & Gift and beautifully presented. Honestly we were spoilt. We walked, we drove, we meandered on mokoros, we glided through the Delta by speedboat - what an adventure from start to finish! We'll treasure the memories. Thanks Philemon, Alfred, Fortress, Jo, Gift, Culture, Obie, Lucky, Jimmy. We will definitely use Walking Stick again and have already recommended to friends!
Email Kelly | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Exceptional everything! More than five stars required!
I did a bespoke 14-day tour including the Okovango Delta, Moremi, Khwai, Chobe, Planet Baobab and Nxai Pans. The tour itself was incredible-Botswana is beautiful and paired with Phillimon’s deep knowledge of every area (I have no idea how!), I was fortunate enough to see and learn about a whole plethora of wildlife. But what made this experience exceptional was everything else-the food was amazing and you never went hungry (thanks Joe!), the site setup was impeccable and included a massive tent, hot showers and ablutions (thanks Photos!), the site locations were right in the action, falling asleep to animals all around you (much better than a lodge which is out on the outskirts in my opinion), the organisation was flawless (from the airport and back including organising the Covid testing) and the little touches at every turn really made it special. I would highly recommend Walking Stick Travel and Tours-support this local team, they really put their heart into it!
Email Anell | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience from start to finish!
Perfect! From start to finish, this safari was amazing. Philimon and his team are very professional, but with so much friendliness that you feel you have known them a long time. The communication before the tour was excellent. The boat ride into the Delta is so wonderful, it is hard to put into words. Philimon is patient and you can ask to stop and take as many foto's as you need. The camp is Africa at it's best. This is the way Africa and the Delta should be experienced. You feel close to nature, but also comfortable. It is a thrilling experience when you take a shower, while watching an elephant gracing a few meters away, but don't worry, no one else can see you and the elephant does not care. Philimon and his team make sure you are safe during the safari and will guide you in the do's and dont's. They made every possible effort for us to see all animals. Back in Maun, Philimon continued to assist us, by taking us to get our covid tests and the offered to help if we further needed it. We will definitely be back again and definitely use Walking stick tours again. Value for money and a great experience!
