Reviews

Average User Rating
4.9/5

Rating Breakdown
  • 5 star 43
  • 4 star 1
  • 3 star 1
  • 2 star 0
  • 1 star 0

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Janis, Theo, Geoffrey, Hana, Divina, Joya, Jaris, Sharisse, Jairo   –  
Switzerland CH
Visited: October 2015 Reviewed: Oct 10, 2015

Email Janis, Theo, Geoffrey, Hana, Divina, Joya, Jaris, Sharisse, Jairo  |  35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: 2-5 safaris

It was an excellent and unforgettable experience.
5/5

Recommendation

We are 9 persons (5 adults and 4 children) from Switzerland and our guided tent safari from 27.09.2015 – 06.10.2015 led us from the Moremi National Park over the Khwai and the Savuti region to the Chobe National Park in Botswana.
We want to thank our guide, Mr Eddy Everaerdt, and his crew for the amazing experience. We appreciated not only Eddy’s competence and wide-ranging knowledge about the nature and wildlife of Botswana, that he shared with us during the tour, but also the perfect organisation, the delicious food, the kindness and helpfulness of the whole staff and the nice company of Eddy and his wife Mano in the evenings around the campfire.
We will never forget these interesting and adventurous days and recommend this tour with Eddy and his crew to all the people who are interested in Botswana’s marvellous nature and wildlife. For all of us it was an unforgettable and amazing experience!

We wish Eddy, Mano and the whole crew all the best for the future.

LK   –  
United States US
Visited: August 2017 Reviewed: Aug 20, 2017

35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: over 5 safaris

The review below is the personal opinion of LK and not that of SafariBookings.
Could have been perfect but too many big mistakes
3/5

I planned this trip for almost two years. Through internet search I stumbled upon Kalahari Skies. Eddy, the owner, was very forthcoming and ready to answer my questions. We were open to options and budget was not a factor, we were indecisive between a mobile safari or private camps. He advertised his services and a mobile safari as more likely to see game over any private camp in the delta. While we did see a good amount of game and of course it was beautiful, we actually saw more at the end of our trip in a private concession, with no cars around (versus the many cars in the national parks) and with more dramatic encounters (missed kill, lions, cheetahs....). In hindsight I would say that Eddy's recommendations were very self serving.
Upon arrival in Maun, after a 25 hour journey, no one was at the airport to welcome us. We watched as tourists after tourists were being picked up by their tour operators. We were stranded, tried calling the office with no luck and after one hour managed to get picked up by our hotel. This was quite disappointing and upsetting. Our guide later apologized for his mistake and took full blame for his oversight, but Kalahari Skies should have reminder/checks and not rely only on the guides they independently hire. They should also have someone in the office during the day answering calls.
The team we were assigned to was extremely nice, and our guide Newman was incredible. We all fell in love with him. He is knowledgeable, a very good driver, considerate, flexible, and I would recommend him to anyone. The food in the camp throughout the safari was excellent, the lunches in the road less so, mostly sandwiches and cookies. The tent accommodations were nice and adequate, with enclosed hot showers, the cots could use pads as they are quite hard. The nights were very very cold and much colder than what we had been told, we were not as prepared as we should have been. The temperatures were not in the low 50's but closer to low 40's. I would recommend bringing several long layers and a wool cap for the morning drives. Some blankets for the early morning drives would be nice.
There were a few things that did not work for us: 1. Too much driving between camps. Being on the road from 6:30 am to 4 pm is just too much. Arriving any earlier would mean that the camp is not set up and it is clear that they discourage you from arriving earlier. Animals are mostly quite during the mid day, as it is very hot, and driving around that time is not ideal. If I had to do it again I would only concentrate on two camps with just one long day of driving, and I would fly in and out avoiding the first and last drive. 2. The overall itinerary that we relied on Eddy to create, Moremi-Khwai-Savuti, leaves the least attracting area for last, with the least attracting camp. Again, this is not something that Eddy brought up and he should. We relied on his knowledge and were open to his suggestions. It was a mistake. A little research on my end would have made me realize the downsides of Savuti 3. We chose to do a mobile safari for the authentic feel of camping close to the animals. Savuti, unbeknown to us before we arrived there, is a camp with shower and bathrooms facilities that are mandatory, meaning you have to use the communal bathrooms. We found it took away from the experience. But what was really really upsetting was to arrive in Savuti and find that our camp site was the worst one, in front of the communal bathroom. The camp sites are not first come first serve. They are assigned as soon as one books. Some obviously have a much better location than others. There are other better camp sites in Savuti, so make sure to specify a private one. In Moremi and in Khwai we felt completely alone and away from everyone. We could not hear or see any other camp site. We booked this trip a year in advance. To arrive in Savuti and find that we were in the path of everyone else going to the bathrooms and with the view on the ugly facilities was such a turn off that we decided to drive straight to Kasane and cut our journey short. It was either that or having a less that magical experience, maybe taking away from what we had experienced until then. If I had to find a good analogy I would say imagine booking a flight a year in advance with an agency that is supposed to reserve you a seat, and finding upon boarding that you are at the end of the plane in the middle seat closest to the bathroom. This was a large oversight by Kalahari Skies and the main reason why I am giving 3 stars. If no better camp site was available they shoul dhave notified us as this particular one is absolutely not acceptable. I do not fly half way through the planet, plan a trip for two years, and rely on the tour operator to find myself stranded at the airport and my tent pitched in an open area next to the bathrooms with strangers walking through.

Reply from Kalahari Skies
Reply from Kalahari Skies
Posted on Aug 21, 2017

Dear Letizia, I have to answer on your comments as there is also our side.
- that you saw more in a lodge than on your mobile is just how it is, it's not a zoo and you can never know what you will see, we have many clients claiming the opposite. Your guide told me you continuously were saying "there's no game", not sure what you were expecting. He also told me that on the boat cruise you chose to add in the Moremi, you didn't want to go as "there was no big game to see" and let them turn back after 45 minutes ( I had told you it was an option to see the lagunes and bird colonies, to have a feeling for the okavango delta )
- your guide Newman was late at the airport because two days before his brother passed away and he was running to arrange the funeral ( which he missed because you only wanted him as a guide so he told me he was not letting you down and would do the safari )
- the weather was indeed colder than normal in August, not predictable and you were free to take your blankets from the tent on the game-drives ( our vehicles can close the windows and you could then could have the heating on )
- we chose the public campsite in Savuti as there are only 4 Hatab private sites and they are block booked by the big companies. Savuti is one of the best places for seeing big game so as for most people the game-viewing is more important then where they camp I thought this would be the better option. We also don't chose which site we get there, this is done by the company running this campsite. You didn't want to stay the second day so this also adds to not seeing plenty game.
All in all I feel sorry you didn't enjoy your trip.
Best regards,
Eddy

Rosemarie and Steve   –  
Australia AU
Visited: April 2017 Reviewed: Jun 6, 2017

Email Rosemarie and Steve  |  65+ years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Exceptional, an unbeatable safari
5/5

My husband and I, plus 6 other friends, undertook an 11 day Kalahari Skies Tour in mid-April 2017 - starting from Maun and ending at Vic Falls..From the very first, of many, enquiry, each and every one was answered promptly by Eddy. The camping set up exceeded expectations. As hardened outback campers we were delighted with our 'glamping' set up. Bed, cupboard and en suite with hot water supplied each night - luxury. At the end of each day of game tracking what a sight it was to come into camp to find the campfire burning and the G and T's waiting to be poured and, whilst reliving the wonders of the day, the delicious aromas of campfire cooking.
Our guide, Newman, was exceptional - what a wonderful understanding and love of nature he has. We saw 127 species of birds (excluding the LBB's and doves) and 32 species of animals - the only one missing was sadly the rhino however seeing a pack of 10 wild dogs made up for our missing rhino.
I must not forget the support crew who cooked, boiled water and packed up our tents every two or three days and had every thing set up and ready at each new camp - very professional.
HIghlights were the mokoro trip through the lily pads of the okavango swamp, skirting snorting hippos, sighting beautiful birds and the silence of it all. Then the unexpected brunch set up under a giant baobab tree with giraffe and impala serving as a backdrop. But then when the elephants ambled past our camp - what a thrill to see these giants from ground level. Well I guess every day was a highlight.
The transfers between Botswana and Zimbabwe were spot on and the 'smoke that roars', the Vic Falls, were indeed roaring - we were soaked right through, rain jacket or no rain jacket, great fun.
5 stars to Eddy, Newman and his team

GM   –  
United States US
Visited: June 2015 Reviewed: Jul 3, 2015

Email GM  |  35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: over 5 safaris

Perfect Amazing Unforgettable professional comfortable
5/5

Eddy and his wife are exceptional. I have been on many safari's and by far I would rate this as the best. They are so accommodating, professional and serve gourmet food. The tents are huge. They supply everything, from bedding, towels, soap, wash basins, warm shower etc. Eddy is one of the most knowledgeable guides I have ever had and he will go out of his way to find the animals. I would highly recommend him. Do not do a private game reserve where they 'plant' the food for the animals. It is cruel. With Eddy you will see Africa, as it should be, in the wild.

Lieve Bossuyt   –  
Belgium BE
Visited: August 2015 Reviewed: Sep 2, 2015

Email Lieve Bossuyt  |  35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Authentic and thrilling experience, never to forget, thanks to Kalahari Skies!
5/5

I really enjoyed a wonderful safari in Botswana, thanks to the perfect organization, kindness, excellent cooking and incredible expertise of fauna and flora of Eddy & Mano and their Kalahari Skies-team. Camping in the middle of wildlife is an extraordinary, authentic and thrilling experience, never to forget. Thank you so much, Eddy, Mano, Tumello and Lennert! I hope we’ll meet again in Botswana.

Yvette & Karel   –  
Belgium BE
Visited: July 2014 Reviewed: Sep 21, 2014

Email Yvette & Karel  |  35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: 2-5 safaris

Great Mobile Safari experience in Botswana (with a correct price/value)
5/5

Trip to Botswana with Kalahari Skies July 2014

In 2011, we went for the first time to Botswana. Via internet, we’ve discovered Kalahari Skies, a company owned by Belgium Eddy Everaerdt and his French wife Mano. They are mainly specialized in mobile safaris , although other options are also possible.
This was a great experience for us. You can read our first review on the website of Kalahari Skies.

In 2014, we decided to go for a second time to Botswana. It was a happy reunion with Eddy and Mano. It was also clear Eddy worked hard to expand his business during the last 3 years.

We went on a tailor made safari of 12 days in Botswana. Organisation was as good as first time but with additional luxury aspects. The tents are new and much larger, having 2 compartments. This has the advantage to have a separate area in the tent for storage of clothing and luggage. We also had a chemical toilet in the tent, easy because no need to go outside the tent at night.

Experience was great again. Lots of game spotted, up to 50 lions and elephants were walking through the camp. At night, it happened that animals were sniffing at our tent. (Remember this can not be guaranteed, animals can only be viewed if they feel like showing up!)

Food was good and healthy. The day ended at the camp fire, drinking a gin-tonic and/or a glass of wine and telling typcial camp fire stories. The whole trip was with a personal touch.

Africa is captured in our heart. We will be back.

Thanks Eddy en Mano.

Yvette & Karel Kenens, Herentals, Belgium

Mark   –  
United States US
Visited: August 2018 Reviewed: Sep 22, 2018

Email Mark  |  50-65 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

It was the trip of a lifetime!
5/5

It was the trip of a lifetime. I had never gone on a trip like this and I was nervous about staying in tents, food, showers, toilets. But we were treated like kings and there were no issues with any of the facilities. The food was wonderful, the drinks were plentiful and always cold. Plenty of beer and liquor if you desired it. Took and fulfilled drink requests before the trip. Hot showers every day. Comfortable bedding, roomy tents. The guide, Newman, was outstanding. We called him Dr Dolittle as he always knew what the animals were going to do before they did it! Other trucks would follow animals from behind, he would go where the animals would be in a few minutes! He knew everything about the animals, he has been a guide for 30+ years.
I highly recommend this company without reservations.

Iris Barz   –  
Germany DE
Visited: March 2018 Reviewed: Apr 14, 2018

Email Iris Barz  |  50-65 years of age  |  Experience level: over 5 safaris

The Best of Botswana
5/5

At the end of a 5 week trip to Namibia and Botswana we booked an 8 day mobile safari with Kalahari Skies of Maun, Botswana.
We visited Nxai, Moremi and Khwai and travelled at a very leisurely pace.
Guide Gideon and chefs/camp assistants Mateo and Baeti made this a memorable trip.
We were amazed at what could be cooked on a camp fire – moussakas, pizza, the best vegetarian curry ever tasted, bread – to name just a few. The service was efficient, friendly and attentive.
Gideon appears to have “binocular eyes”, he spotted birds and animals that we had to use our binoculars for. His tracking is excellent and he is calm and unhurried on game drives and very knowledgeable about fauna and flora. He accommodated our interest in birds and landscapes and would do his best to find the most suitable position for photography.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in the bush with this wonderful team.

Christiane   –  
Belgium BE
Visited: September 2017 Reviewed: Sep 23, 2017

Email Christiane  |  50-65 years of age  |  Experience level: 2-5 safaris

Magical. Fauna, flora and breathtaking scenery. Very competent guide speaking French.
5/5

Safari of 15 days in a loop from Maun to the Baines Baobabs, Rhino Sanctuary, Elephant Sands, Victoria Falls, Chobe Park, Savuti, Khwai River and Moremi. Various visits. Accommodation in tents well equipped and spacious corresponding to the photos of the site. Organized well, without time out. Program respected to the letter. Friendly staff. Varied and excellent meals (starter-main course-dessert). Our guide "Eddy" knows his subject very well about the behavior of the animals which allowed us to see some great things. We were also able to observe magnificent birds. The sites of campsites were stunning (magnificent views, in full nature and to the calm one). All in all a wonderful stay that met our expectations.

Janet, Peter, Peter and James   –  
United States US
Visited: August 2017 Reviewed: Sep 1, 2017

Email Janet, Peter, Peter and James  |  35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

An adventure of a lifetime!
5/5

We have just returned from our amazing classic Botswana safari, and just wanted to send our warmest thanks to Eddy and his fantastic staff. The experience was everything we could have hoped for and more. Marks, our guide, Easy, our cook, and the staff, Gideon, Ronny and OT, were wonderful. The tents and cars were so comfortable. (We opted not to stay in lodges and were very pleased with this decision. Camping may not be suit everyone but it is the sustainable choice.) The menu was incredible. Likewise we appreciate that Eddy paired our family of four with Colin and Kerry - it was so much fun to share this experience with lovely new friends while still keeping the group small enough to make it very special. (And, oh yes, the wildlife couldn't have been more cooperative and the scenery was spectacular!)

Average User Rating
4.9/5
Rating Breakdown
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