Email Anthony Nicholson | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
great trip - saw an incredible amount of wild life.
We were informed we that we would be picked up from our hotel at 10,00 a.m. in the morning. At 10.00a.m. exactly Simon and his assistant arrived at the hotel in a very clean air conditioned vehicle. The vehicle was spacious and first class. We then set off in Luxury to the Chobe safari Lodge Hotel as agreed.
The hotel was excellent on the banks of the Chobe river. We were taken by Simon our guide to meet July the pilot of the river boat. We boarded the boat for a wonderful three hour guided tour of the Chobe River viewing a range of animals at very close quarters. The guide was excellent very friendly and informative. Quite an adventure.
The following day we were picked up by Cobra our guide for the day in an open sided safari jeep from the hotel and taken on a twelve hour safari excursion. It was fabulous and met our expectations. Breakfast and dinner in the bush was more than adequate.
Day 3 and we were picked up again by Simon at the agreed time and off we travelled to Planet Baobab. A rustic down to earth hotel complex. After arrival we were taken on a two hour guided walk into the bush ending in beers by a water hole where we were able to watch the animals drinking as the sun was setting - Fabulous.
Day 4 was an early start, up at four thirty for a safari trip through the bush to see the meerkats, salt pans and the massive migration of wilder beasts and zebras across the plains. A one and a half hours trip each way but well worth it. The guide was enthusiastic and informative.
Back to the hotel and a quick exit to join Simon again for our transfer to the Okavango Delta. It’s a long trip but Simon pointed out anything of interest on the way. Simon then handed us over to the helicopter guide company at the airport. It was a one hour flight and Simon was there to greet us again at the exit where he transferred us to the Cresta Muan Hotel via a cash point to get the much needed Botswana currency. Simon said good-bye at the hotel and confirmed we would be picked up a 7.30 a.m. for our trip to the delta. Simon was excellent always on time and good company.
The trip to the delta was 1.5 hours along bumpy roads to the canoe launch area. The canoe trip although short was good. We landed on an island and enjoyed a 2.5 hour walk through the bush. Dinner was served upon our return. The food was very good.
Overall it was a great experience, Cuckoo provided a quality team and quality transport. They were punctual, knowledgable and good company. I would have no hesitation in recommending them. Some of the journeys in the jeep were long and on bumpy terrain but perhaps that’s what is required to get you deep into the bush to experience animals in the wilderness.
Email Michael C Conis | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Phenomenal beauty, amazing people, faultless
Staff enthusiasm was unprecedented, all gave 100percent to ensure we had the best experiences possible. No requests were too much. Food was exceptionally overwhelming and wild life experiences were next level. The trackers passion in delivering the best experiences possible to achieve what we were personally looking for was unparalleled.
I thought this was a trip of a lifetime and a once off, but no, we will be back for more.
Email Anne Carson | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Fabulous experience. Real wild Africa.
Highly recommend this trip. Do close to animals in their natural wild habitat. Very rare to experience now… go for it ,
Email David Barnett | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Helpful, kind, honest people and an amazing country full of wildlife
Saw more birds in 5 days in Boteti Camp, Maun and Moremi game reserve than 2 weeks travelling round the Cape Provinces of South Africa. Wildlife in the Okavango Delta at a level with East Africa or Zambia in the late 70s. Absolutely fascinating country for flora and fauna. Loved the friendly smiling faces and amazed at the birds and animals.
LV
Email Magone | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Botswana is the pearl of Africa
Visiting Botswana was one of our dreams. Thanks to Emmelyn from Savanna Safaris & Tours this dream finally came true. Botswana is the pearl of Africa for sure. In total, we spent 13 days in Botswana and stayed in 6 different accommodations. During the trip, we visited both the Kalahari Desert and the Okavango Delta. We felt safe, welcome, and cared for throughout our trip. Each of the safari camps had different flora and fauna. It is surprising how different nature can be within one country. We saw many different animals, birds and even some snakes. Also, many breathtaking natural views and beautiful Botswana sunsets and sunrises. Safari trips are a good way to get to know the nature and animals of Botswana. It's a great opportunity to see the real, harshly beautiful natural life, and it's all accompanied by trained guides. The people of Botswana are hospitable, kind, helpful and interested. Even the biggest gourmet will find a suitable meal for his taste, as the chefs prepare a wide variety of dishes. If you have a dream about Africa I will suggest to start with Botswana.
PL
Email Jacek | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Two weeks in Botswana
Safe country with friendly people. Great parks and safaris
US
Email Natalia Bondarenko | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Memories for Life!
Botswana was definitely the highlight of my entire trip. I explored 4 countries in Africa and Botswana took my heart completely! I did bush camping and it was incredible experience. I can’t wait to go back . I got to spend one week in Botswana this time but looking forward to see more of this amazing country!
IT
Email Ambra Patriarca | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very beautiful experience, scenic safari
I visit Botswana in october: many animals , thé guides very professionnel, Moremi offer one variety of paysage, thé rivers are rich of fish and flora .Thé lodge simple and the staff very nice
EE
Email Agne | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
So many birds!
It was really safe trip and the team and the guide made all to make us happy and feel comfortable. You dont need to worry, the team will take you, feed you, carry you and so one. Still you have to be aware, that you are in Africa and in direct wildlife areas. So there is most of the time no phone service, no internet, no electricity, no shower, no fuel stations, no drinking water and you cant walk around without your guide. Traveling with tour operator helps you so much, but still be prepared and know what the trip includes and ask many questions before and during the trip.
Email Michael | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A must see safari destination
This was our first trip to Africa and to Botswana. Words fail to describe the beauty and abundance of wildlife in the Okavango Delta.
We stayed in two camps at the beginning of October. There was still plenty of water in the delta and abundant wildlife.
Botswana is very hot at this time of year, 42c at lunchtime. However the heat did not affect us much as during the morning and late afternoon game drives the temperature is much cooler. We slept through the hottest part of the day.
Our first camp was Xakanaxa in the Moremi Concession. We cannot speak highly enough of this camp. The location is superb, just in the banks of one of the deltas many channels. All of the staff were so welcoming and nothing was too much trouble. Our guide, Kadi, was knowledgeable and went out of her way to make sure we saw all of the animals we had hoped. On one drive we covered 50km to track down a Cheetah, which was amazing.
Around the camp there are may different habitats and the landscape is always changing and so do the animals. There are too many to list, but we saw everything we had hoped for.
Our second camp was Camp Okavango, which was a short plane ride into the heart of the delta. Again the camp was wonderful, built on suspended boardwalks amongst palm trees on the banks of the delta.
All the staff were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. King our guide for both walking game drives and boat cruises was knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor. Walking game drives are a must, while you cannot get a close to the animals as on a driven game drive, for obvious safety reason, walking the in Botswanan bush gives a feeling of incredible authenticity and shows the true scale of the delta.
We spent a total of 5 nights on safari and completed 10 game drives. Before setting off on holiday we wondered if that was long enough, in hindsight it was. The experience is magical but quite intense and we found 5 days to be about right, for us.
We booked our safari through Discover Africa, who were incredibly helpful and professional. Our advisor Antoinette, made many great suggestions and really helped us define the right safari for us.
The camps themselves are run by Desert and Delta who again, were superb.
In summary having wanted to visit the Okavango Delta for many years it has exceeded our expectations at every turn, a truly magical experience.
