Holiday Reviews
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same trip can have different views!
Read our review policy
Botswana private vehicle safari, independent reviews
 Reviewed 2 Oct 2006 by Katie Southgate |  |
Below should be a photo of a leopard which we saw in Botswana. We actually saw her on 4 separate occasions with 2 cubs. We had a great time in Botswana. I believe the local people in Maun are benefiting through a Trust which gives money from tourism to local people.
This in turn means they are less likely to poach. I would give the holiday a 4 star rating. The tip I would give people booking a holiday like this is never be afraid to ask your guide to stop for something that you want to see. Also to encourage him to stop for longer. (Obviously bearing in mind the wishes of your fellow travellers.)
| Reviewed 25 May 2008 by Trish Higham | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Too many to mention, the whole trip from beginning to end was both exciting and memorable.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Make sure you have spare batteries to charge whilst away on game drives, makes sure you each have decent binoculars as there is so much to see.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
10 out of 10.
| Reviewed 4 Nov 2005 by Sara Thwaite | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing both lions hunting (at Deception Valley Lodge) and wild dogs hunting (at Selinda) was an amazing thing! We have literally 1000s of photographs of the amazing wildlife we saw.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take twice as much film / digital storage as you can ever imagine you need!!!! Botswana lodges use South African power adapters (3 large round pins).
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
All operators were very careful to minimize impact on the environment (water conservation, keeping to marked routes on salt pans, removing all garbage etc). Unfortunately all lodges at present need to import a substantial amount of food from South Africa - which isn't good for 'food-miles' - this is partly due to the climate, and partly because only native plants can be grown in reserve areas - increasing alternative local food supplies would be a good idea long-term. All lodges provided employment opportunities for local people (although for many the remote location of lodges meant working away from home) and a number of lodges were very actively involved with local communities and their concerns / ideas for future development.
4. Any other comments?
I'd rate this holiday as 5* - all the connections worked flawlessly, each lodge knew our itnerary and worked to ensure it fitted, food and service were excellent, this allowed us to focus on seeing the wildlife and relaxing! I would recommend this company without hestation to anyone wanting to visit Southern Africa - they did a superb job arranging this trip!