Moonstroll Vantage Expeditions
- Located In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2016)
- Member Of:
- HATAB, BOGA & BTO
- Tour Types:
- Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $250 to $400 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Mark Cowne | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Moonstroll were incredibly helpful and professional
My wife, son and I recently undertook a 15-day safari with Moonstroll. We can only recommend them and their safari team highly.
We are from Southern Africa and have spend a substantial amount of time in the bush and were looking for a real 'back to nature' camping experience in the wilds.
Moonstroll certainly delivered.
The trip was all undertaken in an open game viewing vehicle which was possibly not the most comfortable vehicle to travel hundreds of kilometers on the main roads to get to our destination but was truly excellent when we arrived at the various locations and reserves. At one point, traveling through the Makgadikgadi reserve we became quite bogged down in very soft sand and were very grateful that we did have a good, off-road focussed, 4x4 to pull us out.
Our trip started with a drive of almost 250 km to the Makgadikgadi Pans to the East of Maun. Most of it on tar roads but the last 50 km on sand tracks. We spent one night in the amazing moonscape of the dry salt pans. The annual rains were just starting and within months the pans will fill and the flamingoes return.
The following day we left early and drove to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. A very long and laborious drive of over 14 hours on bumpy, difficult sand roads through the Makgadikgadi game reserve. Unfortunately, we arrived too late to make the gate and had to camp outside the reserve. There was an immense thunderstorm. The following morning we traveled on to our actual campsite (a further 3 hours) where we spent that night. The next day we left and drove back many hours to Maun where we overnighted on our way to the Makoro camp in the swamp.
Whilst in Maun we requested a meeting with the owner of Moonstroll as our itinerary driving times were far in excess of those that were shown in our itinerary. We felt that, whilst it was wonderful to see such a lot of Botswana, we were spending most of our trip in transfers rather than in the bush. We still had the Mokoro night then 2 nights at Chobe, 2 nights at Khwai, 2 nights at Savuti and 2 nights at Moremi. We realized that, based on our experience so far we would drive a whole day to get somewhere and arrive late at night followed by a day of game driving (excellent) stay that night and leave again early the next day. It was all travel. So, we requested they change the campsite bookings (not easy for them) to give us 4 nights Savuti and 4 nights Khwai.
It was the right decision. Moonstroll made it happen and we are grateful that they did.
The balance of our trip was far more relaxed. It gave us time to be in the bush and photograph the birds and animals we came to see.
The Mokoro island night was fun and elephants came and visited us in our tented camp.
Khwai was possibly the highlight as the rains had started and the river and flood plains already filling. The animal and bird diversity and density were incredible.
Savuti was incredible in its own, drier, rockier way too.
We highly commend Ben, our amazing guide and super bird identifier, and his team, Gothata (a fabulous chef), Kennedy and Gaeti (our camp builders and helpers). Monametsi, the company owner, was great and did everything possible to accommodate our every need. They were all fantastic. We would not hesitate to go with them again. In fact, we will . . . . .
DE
Email Peter and Karin | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Simply excellent
We wanted to combine a 7-day safari from Maun to Kasane with a trip to Victoria Falls. And we had to arrange all this while already on the road elsewhere in Africa with limited access to Email and Internet. Despite that rather restricted prior communication, Moonstroll got it all arranged. They found a very good balance between prearrangements based on their experience and flexibility to adapt to our wishes.
Especially the choice of the camp sites was brilliant. Watching wild dogs chasing a waterbuck while sitting at the breakfast table at early light certain is a lot of good fate, but the prerequiste simply is, to set up the camp at such special locations.
And they gave us this team: The guide, the cook, the helping hand. We had the luck to have Elicious as our guide - always trying to give us the perfect experience. And Didi as "chef de cuisine" - we certainly did not lose weight in those days...
We wanted to see wild dogs - Elicious found a pack with puppies on our first day.
Seeing a leopard roosting up in a tree, was fascinating for us. He kept on searching until he found that one leopard in Savuti stalking a steenbock - and managed to follow it, so we were really close all the way. Since it´s not always that spectacular, it was a real bonus, that Elicious certainly is also one of the best bird experts in the region. With all those birds around, even the noon breaks turned out to be a really exciting wildlife experience.
Exploring Kruger, Etoscha and other parks in self-drive safaris really was a great experience for us.
This Moremi/Chobe tour clearly showed us, how much more you can find, if you are doing with a really dedicated and experienced guide.
So big big thanks to the team for giving us that perfect wildlife experience.
Email Susan | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A truly wonderful and memorable experience.
I joined my sister's and a friend's family for a 10 day camping safari across Botswana with Moonstroll safaris, and it was a truly fabulous experience. My sister did most of the organising so I can't comment too much on that aspect but they were fantastically helpful to me. I foolishly left myself a very tight transfer time in Johannesburg and missed my flight to Kasane to start the trip. Monametsi and his team went out of their way to help me catch up and join the trip a day late (after I had to take a circuitous route through Victoria Falls). They even rearranged the river cruise for me on the next day to make sure I didn't miss out.
The camping trip itself was great, with comfortable camp beds and tents and really great food, courtesy of Otata. It was quite amazing what Otata could cook up on a camp fire, including a birthday cake for my niece! All the people supporting the trip were warm and friendly, making everyone feel relaxed.
I really enjoyed being immersed within the African bush, with the sounds and smells of the animals all around you adding a certain frisson to getting up in the night for the toilet.
The game viewing itself was truly spectacular. I have been lucky enough to go on many safaris/game drives in my life and this was without doubt one of the best. My first view of wild dog as they set out for a hunting trip was a particular highlight for me. Both our guides were extremely knowledgeable, not just about the larger animals but about all of the local flora and fauna, and their love for their surroundings was evident. Ben in particular was outstanding, knowing exactly how and when to impart information and when to allow us to just sit and enjoy the sights around us. He is the best guide I have ever experienced - friendly, well organised and enthusiastic but also a calm and restful presence.
I wondered before the trip whether I would find 10 days too much, but I would quite happily have stayed for twice as long. Overall, a great experience with memories that I will treasure.
Not a bad option if he is paying a guide and others satisfactory salaries. At least I would repeat!
Four of us went on an 8-day tour with 4 people to 4 people, for a total of 8 people (the number of people supporting you has to do with the amount of tips you pay). (The number of support people has to do with the amount of tips paid. Also, the psychological hurdle of sending SWIFT money to a tour company for the first time may be high. The excitement of the tour depends on the skill of the guide and the food depends on the seasoning of the cook, and we were very fortunate with our guide and cook. We were very lucky with our guide and cook, and of course with the tour company. It gets cold at night, so a warm jacket and warm pants are a must. I would also recommend having a large battery and a battery operated battery for emergencies.
CH
Email Simon | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Outstanding Camping Safari (10-Day: The Okavango Delta & Chobe Adventure Trail)
We are absolutely lucky to have booked our safari with Moonstroll. What did us led to such a good review? Oh, there were many things and I want just to mention the most outstanding events, otherwise you would need to read a whole book.
We arrived happily at the airport of Maun, not so our baggage. As our 10 days safari (10-Day: The Okavango Delta & Chobe Adventure Trail) started already early in the morning of the next day, the manager of Moonstroll (his name is Monametsi) tried to figure out where our baggage is and to get it. We were so happy to hear in the second day that our baggage has arrived at the airport, that Monametsi will get it and bring it to us. Most things for the safari were in there. What we heard that if you have not a direct flight to Maun baggage is often delayed and it is advised to haven an extra day in Maun before a tour starts.
My wife and I had four people caring for us during the camping safari.
First of all, there was Ben who was our guide and driver. We were amazed how he was able to spot even small animals from far away. Without him, we would have missed most of them. In the sand, he also read footprints of animals and we followed them. Or he listened to birds’ voices or saw them flying and knew what other animals must be close nearby. Also Ben’s driving skills on sandy slopes were exceptional.
Then there was Gothata our chef. It was miraculous what meals she prepared on the fire. We expected to get simple meals but were surprised by a big variety of tasty meals.
Finally, there were Kennedy and Gaety. The gave all support that is needed for such a safari as put-up tents, helping in the kitchen, find firewood, and lots more.
Most of the time, all four work together as one team for safaris trips. You see this as they are working hand in hand, knowing each other very well and there is relaxing atmosphere.
Also the safari infrastructure was ways better than expected. We had a tent where you could stand upright and where was enough space for the luggage. For a shower, we always got warm water. The 4x4 safari vehicle was big enough, made for rough slope conditions and granted an almost 360-degree angle view for spotting animals.
All this we enjoyed as a private tour for a really fair price. Thank you so much for all the extraordinary experiences.
AT
Email Stefan | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A perfect safari experience
I booked a safari to Moremi and Khwai with Moonstroll for me and my teenage son. Their service was absolutely perfect. Our luggage did not arrive with us, which gave us some worries because we were missing essential equipment, but Moonstroll made up for it: They took us to a supermarket and a clothes store, gave us blankets instead of our missing warm clothes, and a torch. Our guide Frank impressed us with his off-road driving skills, tracking skills and deep knowledge about any single animal and plant we encountered; he even knew the German names of many of them. The meals prepared by our cook were delicious. 100% recommendation.
FR
Email Jennifer Jones | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Moonstroll went above and beyond to create our perfect family safari experience.
This is a small local company that managed to combine being very professional with great communication from Monametsi, with a very personal and customised approach.
We were a group of two families travelling together with teenage kids and we all had a wonderful, authentic bush experience. We were looked after by an amazing team who setup the very comfortable tents and cooked fabulous meals over a campfire. ( Somewhow Gothata managed to cook fresh bread each day and even managed to whip up a chocolate cake for my daughter's birthday!)
We had Ben as our guide who was incredibly knowledgeable about everything from birds and insects to the big five. He had great tracking skills and managed to find everything from a huge pack of lions and hyena fighting over a kill to a wild dog den with puppies, cheetah, leopard etc.
He also went above and beyond to adapt to our needs, including finding medication for one of our party and collecting one of our party a day late after her flights were delayed from Europe.
I highly recommend this company if you want to experience camping in the wilds of Botswana.
US
Email Gus Vargas | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Botswana Camping Safari at its Best!
Moonstroll did an incredible job handling our safari from start to finish. Everything that they promised in their summary of services and inclusions was delivered, without exception. All activities, including the mokoro guide and excursion/camping in the Okavango Delta and the Chobe river cruise are included in your up front safari price. No gimmicks, no add-ons. No surprises. Monametsi, the manager, took care of all of the park entrance fees and camping permits, etc. They provide the safari vehicle and trailer, the camping and cooking gear, food, fuel, etc. All you have to do is show up with your clothes, toiletries, camera and a great attitude. They take care of all of the camping set up and take down, meal preparation, cleaning, etc. We loved it.
We did our safari in a Toyota Land Cruiser with an attached trailer for gear. The staff that took great care of us included the professional guide/driver (20 years experience as a guide), the bush chef, and two assistants. All of our camp sites were primitive. It was just our family and our crew and the wildlife around us. The only way you know that you are in a camp site is maybe a small sign nailed to a tree. That's it. And contrary to the general perception out there, it was safe. You will hear the animals and they will come by or through your camp area here and there. We had elephants shaking the palm trees to get at the palm nuts on many nights. The other visitors included a pack of hyenas and some honey badgers. And in the Okavango, we even had a couple of hippos come right up next to our camp area one early morning as they engaged in a very loud shouting contest to establish dominance. Some nights we heard the distinct roar of a male lion in the area. It is an incredible experience. You are perfectly safe inside your tent at night. During the day, you stay within the perimeter of your camp area.
The tents are the more heavy duty Tentco 2-person stand-up tents. They add on an extension with three sides in the rear of the tent that is staked down where you have a porta potty and a shower. The staff will provide warm water for the shower and for your camp sink. These guys were great. The food was excellent. Our chef even made us fresh bread rolls every day along with amazing deserts. Each person will get a cot, blankets, and a pillow. The assistants will clean your tent and make your beds every day.
We went on the 14-day Wetlands and Kalahari safari. This was at an amazing price and well within a family budget for a family of 4 considering all of the areas we covered and all of the activities that are included in the price, especially if you consider how expensive safaris can be in Botswana. Your safari price includes everything except discretionary tips. There are no additional costs and no surprises. The trip included a couple of stays in a B&B in Maun at the beginning of our trip and after the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) for a rest day. The itinerary is as follows; 3 nights CKGR (not to be missed), 1 night at Okavango Delta on an island (includes mokoro excursion (to get to the island) and bush walks on the islands, 2 nights Moremi Game Reserve, 2 nights Khwai Conservancy, 2 nights Chobe N.P.-Savuti, 2 nights Chobe N.P.-Ihaha. You will do a game drive in the morning, rest for lunch, then another game drive in the late afternoon evening.
The professional guide was amazing, Tshenolo. He had this ability to follow tracks in the road and spot cats from very long distances. He would listen to distress signals from other birds and animals and then scan the area. The wildlife that we saw was off the charts. We had 5 separate sightings of leopard up close and feeding, 3 of those sightings just us (no other vehicles). So many lions and prides, even sighting of 5 lions on top of a dead elephant on its side in the middle of a shallow river. There were so many other incredible sightings including packs of hyena, wild dogs, several cheetahs in Kalahari, caracal, you name it. And Botswana is probably the best place to see large herds of elephants. In Chobe at the Ihaha area, on one evening game drive we saw over 500 in the river valley below. It was incredible with over 1,000 plains game such as zebra, impala, wildebeest, red lechwe. Then the large flocks of birds (pelicans, egrets, giant storks, cormorants, ibis, spoonbills, guinea fowl, francolins, and many colorful smaller birds as well). On the other side of the river road in the bush were herds and groups of giraffe, kudu, baboons, Vervet monkeys, etc. We will never forget it.
We just can't say enough as to how amazing this trip was and the great service we received from the crew. Moonstroll may be a smaller company, but they are A-1 in terms of their operation. We booked this trip in late 2019 before the covid lock down in March, 2020. Moonstroll worked with us and gave us two years to do the trip. They honored our agreement without any price increases. I have no reservations in recommending this safari company and am highly recommending them to my friends and family.
US
Email Julia | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An Extraordinary Budget Safari in the Botswana Wilderness
The mobile safari took us to amazing places: the reed and papyrus channels of the Okavango Delta, 2 different areas in Moremi National Park, as well as Savuti and northern Chobe park. Each place had its own distinctive beauty, and each place was full of wild animals and an astonishing number of birds. Our guide, Ben, was a great animal tracker, and an engaging teacher. We enjoyed learning about termite mounds, and elephant and lion habits, among many other things.
All the details of driving and setting up/taking down camp were done for us by a 3 person team. We slept in a spacious tent, and there was an enclosure attached to the tent which provided a toilet and shower. Beds were clean and comfortable, but lacked a top sheet; fussy sleepers may wish to bring a sleeping bag liner. Meals were generous, and reminded me of the days of summer camp. We felt we had excellent value for money.
The owner, Monametsi, was helpful and always available. The safari lived up to the promises of the itinerary. We fell in love with Botswana and with Moonstroll, and hope to return.
CH
Email Andrea | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Mobile Safari 5 Day (mokoro and moremi)
We, a family of 4 (kids age 10 and 11), were looking for a trip to Botswana/the Delta to finish a long journey through Namibia and Botswana. We choose to do a mobile Safari - which was a absolutely perfect decision. It is an unbelivebal experience to sleep right next to all the wildlife.
Monametsi, our contact at Moonstroll, is a 10 out of 10. He answered questions always immediately, gave us all needed information, took away our concerns about the mokoro (yes, the mokoro really was the best Part of the Trip), welcomed us at the beginning and helped us to get the PCR Tests done to fly home. Also my first thought about transfering money somewhere you don‘t know - I would not hesitate doing it with Moonstoll.
As I mentioned, the Mokoro was the best part of this trip. We got poled by local people to the „Island“ where we spent 2 nights. There we were doing walking safaris, seeing the „usual“ game as well as elephants, buffalo and even 6 lions - on a walking safari! Unbelievable, such an experience! Also the local guides doctor and gottfried were doing an awesome job, my son still talks about gottfried - he was just outstanding, even if he couldn’t speak that much English (that was doctors part), but he was the one spotting everything and making jokes all the time. Both of them were even playing cards with us as we‘ve been in the camp for a break during the day and were telling stories at the camp fire at night. On the Island also the Chef and camp assistant joined and did a good job. The tents were very comfortable and the meals cooked over the fire were good.
The 2 nights after the mokoro were supposed to be in Moremi. As the Guide we had for the next days, forgot his license, we were not able to stay in Moremi over night. Monametsi and the Team tried to find a solution, so we ended up at another place about 45 minutes away from the gate where they organized a night and a morning safari besides a full day in Moremi. Because of what happened and communication or the not existing communication at first point from the guide, this part was a bit disappointing compared to the first 2 nights.
I would definitely go again to Botswana and if I would have the choice of a mobile Safari or a fly-in with lodge, I would go for the mobile one.