$4,928 to $6,303 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateThis Tour Is Offered By
Savanna Safaris and Tours
- Office In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2000)
- Member Of:
- HATAB & Botswana Toursism
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
-
BWMZNAZAZMZW
Savanna Safaris & Tours specializes in fly-in safaris to luxury lodges in Botswana and comfortable mobile camping safaris. Inclusive of Tailor-made Safaris to South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, and beach leisure in Mozambique
Reviews19
IT
Savanna Safaris: a second trip marred by chaos and lack of support
We entrusted Savanna Safaris for a second trip, expecting the same standards as before. Instead, we encountered three major issues: serious organizational failures, a complete absence of support during an emergency, and poorly planned logistics. These failures compromised our entire journey.
Although our first experience with Savanna Safaris had been mostly positive, this second trip, lasting only 8 days, left us deeply disappointed and disillusioned.
SAFETY: Non-existent emergency response
On the final morning, we left camp early to reach Maun Airport. After just 30 minutes, we got a flat tire—only to discover that the vehicle had no tools to replace it. We stopped every passing vehicle, but none could help: our wheels had different bolt sizes.
It became immediately clear that Savanna Safaris had no emergency plan. They rely solely on cell phones and car radios. If there’s no signal, you’re simply left to your fate.
We called Emmelyn and Fred (owners of the agency) multiple times, with the calls connecting but never answered. We also used a satellite device with text capabilities (Garmin), widely reliable in Botswana, to send messages. No response.
How can a tour operator be unreachable when clients are in danger?
The contract clearly states that “Savanna Safaris shall monitor the entire operation from arrival to departure and liaise with lodges/charters in case of any delays/emergencies.” This promise was completely ignored.
The driver had no “plan B.” With more than three hours of road ahead and an international flight looming, we were in a state of panic. Eventually, we had to ask other tourists for help and pay extra for a ride to the airport.
We received no assistance or follow-up from Savanna Safaris, even at the airport. Once home, our messages to Emmelyn went unanswered as well.
LOGISTICS: Poor planning, misleading information
We had specifically asked Emmelyn to suggest the best areas for photo safaris. However, she booked us 4 nights at Black Pools (Moremi) and only 3 at Khwai. This created two major grievances: the decision seemed unbalanced and made without explanation, and it did not align with our request.
Black Pools is a remote, isolated area, far from other camps, with limited routes and very little wildlife. You drive the same track every day, seeing the same few animals. We left Khwai at 6:30 am and arrived at Black Pools at 8:30 pm—an exhausting transfer. Upon arrival, the zone was flooded; no other vehicles in sight; no guides reachable by radio; no phone coverage.
With the main road flooded, we became lost in the bush at night. This lack of planning is unacceptable for a professional agency.
We finally reached camp only with the help of staff from another camp over an hour away.
The site turned out to be abandoned and unsuitable for a photographic safari.
The agency never specified that the destination would be Black Pools; the contract referred only to “Private Camping in Moremi.” We were not warned that the transfer would take all day. We later discovered that excellent safari areas were easily accessible from Khwai. Our main grievances are a lack of transparency about the destination, misleading transfer information, and missed opportunities to choose better safari locations, all of which result in stress, lost time, and wasted money.
AFTER THE TRIP: SILENCE
Despite several attempts, Emmelyn never replied to our messages after the trip.
CAMP STAFF: Excellent!
In sharp contrast to the management, the tented camp team was outstanding professionals, kind, helpful, and prepared.
A big thank you to Edna (always impeccable tents, hot water ready), KG (our brilliant chef), Tandy (our attentive waiter), and Nico (an expert driver with eagle eyes).
FINAL THOUGHT
There are great safari companies in Botswana that prioritize client care and safety. Our core grievances with Savanna Safaris are organizational failure, lack of emergency support, and misleading logistics. Sadly, they no longer demonstrate responsibility or transparency.
If you’re looking for a responsible and transparent operator, look elsewhere.
CA
Extremely kind and helpful!
“Fantastic Wildlife Experiences and Warm Hospitality”
We had a memorable trip overall, with several standout experiences, and a few areas that could be improved.
Our transfer from the airport to Insika Lodge was smooth and well‑organized. The hotel offered very good accommodation, although the dining experience didn’t quite meet expectations due to a few mix‑ups with food and drink orders. The Victoria Falls tour was wonderful.
The transfer vehicle to Botswana was unfortunately below standard. There was a noticeable exhaust smell inside the cabin, and the seats were in poor condition, which made the journey uncomfortable.
Our stay at Chobe Bush Lodge was excellent. The food and service were consistently very good, and the boat trip was a real highlight of our time there.
The bush camp, Kadizora Camp, was exceptional. The game drives and boat excursions were outstanding, the staff were warm and personable, and the food was truly wonderful. It was a first‑rate experience from start to finish. This experience we will not soon forget!
CH
Perfect organization, competent, friendly and fast
Making a safari trip to Africa was our wish for a long time. When we started to realize it, we first contacted several agencies in Europe (where we live). In addition we checked the offers by agencies in Botswana. Based on feedback by other customers, we chose Savanna Safaris and Tours. Soon we discovered that they are much more knowledgeable and responsive compared to agencies in Europe.
Our contact was Emmelyn, who answered very competently and friendly our mails within hours. She helped us to organize a perfect trip in following lodges: Saguni Safari, Jumbo Junction, Camp Savuti, Cresta Resort and Insika Lodge. Each of them is in a different part of Botswana (with different animals and vegetation to observe). Insika is in Victoria Falls. All lodges offered very comfortable accommodation, perfect staff and guides, very good food. We took small planes to travel between lodges in order to avoid driving on bumpy roads.
Emmelyn, thank you in the name of all four members of our group for enabling this fantastic vacation.
CH
Very good tour organizer! Reliable, courteous and very responsive
I can highly recommend Savanna Safaris & Tours! We booked a 10-day trip through Botswana through Emmelyn. Value for money was very good and Emmelyn had everything perfectly organized, was very responsive (felt like 24/7 via whatsapp) and we had a memorable trip.
Thank you Emmelyn for the wonderful memories and pictures we were able to take with us from Botswana.
Professional, Quick and Responsive
A very professional, quick and responsive travel partner. The trip was planned and executed within 2 days and exactly to our request.
Other Safaris & Tours3 – Offered by Savanna Safaris and Tours
-
8-Day Fly-in Adventure Camps-Vic Fall+Chob+Khwai+Okavang
$4,266 to $4,730 pp (USD)
Botswana & Zimbabwe: Private tour
Mid-range Lodge & Tented CampYou Visit: Victoria Falls (Start), Chobe Riverfront (Chobe NP), Khwai Concession (Okavango Delta), Okavango Delta, Maun Airport (End)
-
6-Day Camping + Lodge Safari
$3,553 to $3,773 pp (USD)
Botswana & Zimbabwe: Private tour
Mid-range Camping & LodgeYou Visit: Victoria Falls (Start), Chobe River, Moremi GR (Okavango Delta), Maun Airport (End)
-
10-Day Cape Town + Victoria Falls + Chobe + Moremi Safari
$4,653 to $4,983 pp (USD)
Botswana, South Africa & Zimbabwe: Private tour
Mid-range Camping & LodgeYou Visit: Victoria Falls (Start), Chobe NP, Moremi GR (Okavango Delta), Cape Town (City), Cape Town Airport (End)