Botswana customer reviews

Bakwena – Easy transfer over to Botswana and Chobe. Again, with a driver keen to share info on the region (and stop to save a tortoise…). The family chalet at Bakwena worked really well for us, and a pool for a mid-afternoon refresh again was much appreciated! The location at times feels a little unusual in that it’s a closed space in the middle of a village that isn’t really explorable, but it’s also a 20/25min drive from the entrance to the park. Not that far, but there and back twice a day each day adds up.

Others might want somewhere closer to the park and/or somewhere that’s more part of its locale. The food was aimed at “fine dining,” which didn’t always work and probably isn’t necessary. I’d give them feedback to switch to simpler/more local.

Alec was our safari guide for the stay and was incredible. Very experienced, very open to tailoring the trips (although we didn’t need to ask for anything specific). The game drives and boat trips were all excellent. And then the small bonus of the extra boat trip along the river to the 4 borders meeting point for some added interest.

Okavango lodge – Pretty much the best place of its type we’ve ever stayed. A wonderful family lodge for us and super friendly, helpful staff throughout. Unbelievable location overlooking one of the channels of the Delta – even for a camp in a private concession, it’s a stunning site and set up with the layout into the dining/meeting areas.

Alex, our guide here, was similarly brilliant and which made all the game drives and boat trip all the more enjoyable. Some other guides joined us for the walking safari and the mokoro trip, and they were also brilliant, especially Same, who joined us for both. We skipped the night drive on the last night because of the weather (more dramatic lightning storms!), but otherwise the range and quality of activities were perfect.

Ethiopia Airlines – Good to keep the cost down. Wouldn’t take that option for any other reason though! So served its purpose at least.

Overall, an incredible trip. The children loved it and will never forget their trip to Victoria Falls and the safari highlights.

We did the zip lining and white water rafting at Victoria Falls and can recommend both of these (although my thighs have only just recovered from the trek back up from the raft over what seemed like miles of vertical climbing! ) We capsized the raft on a category 5 rapid, having chosen the more difficult route, and have many stories to tell.

The game drives were amazing at the first two locations with the eagle-eyed guides spotting an animal family and following them, getting up close and personal with a short glimpse of their everyday lives.

Plenty of baby animals to “ooh” over. Prides of lions passing next to the vehicle, we could have leaned down and touched as they went past, an elephant investigating some pistachio shells in the vehicle, a juvenile male elephant chasing all the vehicles with trumpeting and head shaking, a pair of ostriches with their 25 babies, running across the savannah, a grumpy hippo in a small pool, as well as one defecating with a tail spraying it everywhere! A hyena, going back to a pool where he had hidden his kill, and dragging it into the bush, many funny little wart hogs trotting off with tails aloft, giraffe, wildebeest, Kudu, antelope, tortoise, monitor lizard, and a couple of leopard sightings as well as birds, sausage trees and fantastic sunsets. A truly magical place.

We decided to treat Victoria Falls as a chill-out location so did not do any game drives there. I have a giraffe and bongo that I bought in the small market (not considering how I would get them home!) but it was pretty plain sailing and they got home safely and are a constant reminder of our happy times in Africa.

Needless to say, the Stubborn Mule Magic was evident in the seamless transition from one place to another and with all the room and dietary requirements completely catered for and known upfront. The service you provide is truly spectacular and we look forward to next year with you. T is already talking about wintering in Botswana and buying some land. I have never seen him so relaxed.

We wish you all a Happy Christmas and a prosperous 2024.