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 Nigel & Sue | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
In depth outstanding safari
Throughout the booking and payment process Philimon kept in touch with us helping and answering all emails rapidly.
On arrival in Maun Philimon was waiting for us and his easy manner and overview of our safari was very reassuring. He collected us from our hotel on time the following morning along with our cook and helper, who were also very friendly.
Once on safari it was clear that Philimon was a very experienced guide with great depth of knowledge of both birds, animals, their characteristics and habitats. A
ll four safaris that we did were special with not only a huge variety of animals and birds but in-depth observations of Lions (a pride of 9 crossing a river, hesitantly) , leopards (hiding their kill in a tree) , a cheetah in relax and a huge bloat of Hippos yawning and fighting.
The bush camp was more luxurious and caused less anxiety than expected, though the sound of both hippos and lions was noted on one night along with the incessant bell frogs.
Meals, cooked on an open fire were a treat , thanks to Jo, along with freshly baked bread
I would thoroughly recommend Walking Stick Safaris for the experience offered, value for money and look forward to a long trip in 2023..
Email Sally | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
5-Star company dedicated to giving us an amazing experience
Like many people I spent a lot of time reseraching Botswana safari companies and, based on reviews and pricing, chose Walking Sticks for our trip of a lifetime. They certainly didn't disappoint!
Despite some changes to our travel arrangements they were very flexible and everything went like clockwork for our 11-day safari. We were so well looked after by our team of Wagu (driver/guide), Joe (camp chef) and Cee (Camp helper). Everything was dedicated to ensuring that we had opportunities to see the amazing array of wildlife 'close up and personal' without feeling we were intruding. Our comfort and safety was clearly important to the team and nothing was too much trouble. Wagu knew all the best places to go to maximise our chances to see everything we wanted, Joe's cooking was amazing and Cee was just lovely in helping make sure we were happy and comfortable. There were laughs a-plenty, good conversation round the campfire and a lifetime of memories made.
Yes you could probably have more luxurious tours (at a price of course) but Walking Sticks delivered a great experience at a great price and we would thoroughly recommend them.
Email June Havard | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
I have done a few safaris now but this was by far and away the best.
Philimon and his team were very professional and all went out of their way to ensure that we had everything we needed and were having a good time. The tents were very comfortable and the food amazing. Philimon is a very experienced and knowledgeable guide and always seemed to be in the right place at the right time to enable us to see some amazing animal sightings. He went over and above what was expected of him. Definitely the best safari I’ve been on.
Email Elizabeth | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An exhilarating experience exceeding expectations!
Deborah (Zimbabwe) and Elizabeth (South Africa) met in Maun for a long-talked about adventure - 10 days visiting the Okavango Delta, Moremi, Khwai, Makgadikgadi pan, and Tsodilo Hills, all under the expert guidance of Philimon and his Walking Stick Safari company. Philimon was professional, organised and thoughtful, with a wide knowledge of flora, fauna, and the terrain.
First up was the peaceful mokoro trip to Boro island where our poler, Dreamer took us for interesting and informative mokoro rides and bush walks. On our return to the mainland Philimon drove us to Planet Baobab, for a surreal night sleeping under the stars in the Makgadikgadi salt pans. This was followed by 4 days at wonderful camping sites in Moremi and Khwai community trust, with exhilarating game drives, rewarded with amazing sights, not just of the large but also small creatures and more than 100 bird species, many new to us. Philimon enthusiastically shared his knowledge of animals, birds and plants and he went to great lengths to find specials. Our last stop was Tsodilo Hills, visiting some of the many rock paintings, accompanied by a snapshot of the cultural history from the good local guide – plus climbing to the highest point in Botswana. At all our camps we were very well looked after by chef Joe and Gift, who seamlessly set up the mobile camp sites. They produced delicious meals on the camp fire, including an unexpected chocolate cake on discovering that Deborah was celebrating her birthday. It was a life-time great experience and we are already discussing a future trip to the Chobe area.
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!
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 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!
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 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!
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!