Xaa Safaris Directors
Xaa Safaris
- Office In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2016)
- Member Of:
- HATAB & BOGA
- Tour Types:
- Small & medium group tours (Mid-range)
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $300 to $800 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Mieke | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Either a scam or terrible customer service
Watch out! I had been discussing our boat safari via email with Xaa Safaris since January of 2023 just to arrive in Maun in July of 2023 to find that my deposit had been stolen and no boat was waiting for us. I accepted a quote, completed the paperwork, signed and sent it through as requested, then on the same email string, banking details were provided for me to pay the deposit. Upon phoning them a day prior to the excursion, they said no payment had been received, and this is when it came to light that right after I emailed the signed contract, the correspondence address changed from [email protected] to [email protected]. In the same string replying, this was not noticeable, so the money was paid via EFT and the receiving account was emptied - nothing I can do to have the funds returned. I have no proof that Xaa Safari is the culprit. However, considering the timing at which the fake email address became active and the fact that they never tried to follow up on our booking, despite having (via the legitimate email address) received a signed contract with all our personal details, this is either extremely poor customer service, or more likely an inside job.
MT
Email Alice T | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Perfect service and management on the steps of booking; nothing to see and to do on place.
I booked 3-day-2-night mokoro trip, and it was the most expensive and the most disappointing part of my 16-day-travel. To start from good, the manager, Nobantu, was nice and helpful, she replied to my emails fast and for details. Also, the camp was designed in a wise and nice manner: every tent is spacious and equipped with en-suite portable shower, bio-lavatory, bed, and blanket. The food was good, and the cook did his best to please us. But this is where good points end.
On the first day, we were sailing on a motorboat for about one hour and then on a mokoro, the little canoes, for about three hours. Under the baking sun. But all of that would be fine enough if we could see at least something except a couple of birds...
Then we came to the camp and spent the afternoon doing nothing. After we had a 'Nature walk' seeing a lot of excrements of different animals and some insects. The local guides could tell 3-4 sentences as maximum about each species, and we were lucky to have a professor of zoology in our group. From him, we received 90% of information about the Delta and its wildlife.
During the night, in the camp (or village, I don't know) that was not far from us they had a kind of party till 3-4 AM and they make such a bad noise, that if I would have been an animal I would run away as far as I could.
Next day we had a 'safari walk' on another island, where we saw a herd of zebras and a heard of antelopes. It was early in the morning and from 10 AM to 4 PM we were just sitting in the camp. We were not allowed to walk around because of the 'dangerous wildlife'. I walked a bit at my own risk and saw heaps of rubbish and plastic. Probably that was why it is not allowed to walk around because there is simply NO wildlife in this area, I didn't see there even one simple impala. And I don't think that any wildlife will come there if they won't stop night orgies and pollution.
Coming back I found that my bio-toilet is not working. I asked the staff to do something.
In the evening, we had a mokoro cruise to the lake with the hippos. They were far away to make good photos, but at least we've seen something - I thought. But at that moment people from this camp/village came on their mokoros shouting so loudly that my group mates started to worry about our lives since hippos are not so tolerated to that crazy sounds as people are.
When I came back to my tent I found my toilet clean, but it was still not working.
Next day after the breakfast we just went back to Maun, without any morning activity.
Honestly, I was expected from Okavango Delta much more. Before that safari, I went to Chobe National Park, for the 3-days-2-nights tour, too. But there we had two safaris every day and just a couple of hours to rest, the staff was experienced and did their best to make us see as much as possible, and we've seen a great number of different animals. In comparison with that, this trip was just for wasting time and money. For this amount, I'd better book a flight and I'm sure I would be impressed much more.
Reply from Xaa Safaris
Posted on Sep 9, 2018Good day Alice, thank you very much for your feedback. We will certainly do our utmost best to improve on our service especially relating to the Boro community whose concession we conduct Mokoro activities. Your feedback and part of your investment will certainly assist in ensuring a sustainable tourism operation for us and especially the Boro community.
We look forward to hosting you again in future this time in Moremi Game Reserve which has a larger concentration of animals including the big cats compared to the Okavango Delta which is predominantly aquatic and bird lovers paradise.
Thank you once again for your feedback.
Email Anthony | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
very good
I took 3 day tours which was the best way to see so much in such limited time, bothe the okavango delta and Mokoro safaries were brilliant, however the early morning drive to morembi NP was not anything I would want or advise anyone else to endure, winter time on the back of an open truck was so cold it caused painful
That apart Xaa safaris were excellent friendly and hekpfull in booking and its guides were both knowledgeable , friendly and made the trips a wonderful experience
tony
MX
Email Fernando | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Thrilling experience in the Okavango Delta and Moremi
Xaa Safaris provides a good services for people who cannot afford luxury safaris. Keni, the local guide in the Okavango Delta, is local person who knows how to take advantage of what the Okavango Delta can offer. He is a bush man who is very well equipped with knowledge and ability to show you the best of the Delta. Smart and friendly knows where one can spot wildlife such as elephants, zebras, kunus, lions...However, Xaa Safaris has to improve training to its chefs to better cook meals and to the general guide to be more sensitive to visitors´ needs and interests. I recommend Xaa Safaris for those who are willing to walk and chase wild beasts and to really get to what Okavango and Moremi are about: nature in its pure manifestation!
Email Annieandco | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Fantastic Trip
We booked from the UK and chose Xaa as it was flexible, friendly and good value for money.
From the minute we were picked up in Maun we had an amazing time, a great team of people who were a combination of guides, trainees and local community villagers accompanied us into the delta. Great knowledge and fun company. All our camping equipment was brand new and extremely smart, we were treated like royalty! Well fed and watered too! The group even did an impromptu entertainment show of traditional singing which was fab! It was so nice to spend time with local people in the beautiful delta, surrounded by elephant, hippo, and wildebeest! Would certainly recommend and can’t wait to return!
Email Johan | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Friendly client orientated bush experience
Xaa went out of their way to accommodate us without compromising the experience of their other guests.
It was the most amazing sunset cruise from Maun on the Thamalakane river passing some local fishing Mokoros, African Fish eagles and stopping to observe a crocodile and being fed a ton of information from the guide.
We shall use them next time for a 3 day customised excursion into the Delta with all camp sites and accommodation arranged by Xaa.
Thank you Xaa for an unforgetable experience.
Email Tswex | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Caring.
Great staff all round. We were driven around by Ranger, that's his name. Truly experienced guide. At one point we came head on face to face with the biggest animal in the land. I don't know what would have happened had I been behind the wheel of that vehicle. My instincts were that Ranger would quickly place that vehicle in reverse and we'd try and wind our way back through that narrow jeep track. But to my utter shock, Ranger turned the ignition off as the elephant came charging towards us stopping within 2 metres of trampling us to oblivion. I was literally saying my last prayer. Not Ranger. He stayed calm. Experience counts and trust me, when I do head back there again, which I will, Xaa Safaris will definitely be my number one choice. Ranger's your guy. Thanks to the entire Xaa safaris team for an amazing experience and the great food. See you again soon.
Email Vince | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Simply the Best Safari Experience on offer. Flexible and tailormade to our needs!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Once-in-a-Lifetime Khwai Safari Adventure with Xaa Safaris
Our journey with Xaa Safaris began in Gaborone, flying out of SSKIA to Maun International Airport, before continuing the adventure by road to Khwai. From the moment we set off, everything was seamless, well-organized, and infused with the excitement of the wild awaiting us.
We camped in Khwai for three nights, and every day brought unforgettable safari excursions. The abundance of wildlife was beyond anything we imagined. We witnessed a lion pride in action—including the raw and powerful moment of lions taking down a baby zebra and feasting right before our eyes. On another drive, we followed a cheetah hunt for impala that was interrupted by giraffes alerting the prey—only to witness the same cheetahs suddenly seize the opportunity to take down a warthog instead. Watching them feast under a tree was simply breathtaking.
The magic didn’t end with the game drives. Our campsite itself was alive with nature: hippos emerged from the water at night to graze nearby, their sounds carrying through the darkness, while the deep, commanding roar of lions echoed most nights, reminding us we were in true wilderness.
Of course, Khwai’s resident elephants, zebras, giraffes, kudu, and impala never failed to make appearances—beautiful daily encounters that completed the safari experience. A night drive gave us yet another rare treat: spotting a hyena pack at their den, with playful baby hyenas venturing out under cover of darkness.
From start to finish, the experience was flawless. The team at Xaa Safaris delivered not just a safari, but a true adventure filled with professionalism, warmth, and world-class hospitality. Whether by water or on land, Xaa Safaris offers the kind of bush experience that leaves you deeply connected to nature and longing to return.
I cannot recommend them highly enough—this was truly the safari of a lifetime!
BE
Email Laura | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An amazing safari with a wonderful team, it exceeded all our expectations!
I highly recommend Xaa Safaris and the “10-day classic safari tour with Victoria Falls” we went on with them in July. They were very responsive and more than happy to adapt the program to suit our wishes, and the team was really professional, attentive and gave their everything to ensure we had a great time. Our first stop was Victoria Falls, where we stayed at Pamarah Lodge (I really recommend it!) and had a couple of days to discover the area. The Falls were breathtaking, we had a go at bungee-jumping and we enjoyed cruising along the Zambezi river at sunset.
They then took us to Botswana, to begin the safari part of our trip, which was a once in a lifetime experience. We camped for 6 nights, first in Savuti, then in Khwai and finally in the Okavango Delta. Each area was very different, Savuti was quite arid, Khwai was much lusher and the Delta was a maze of canals. The tents were roomy and well set-up, with ensuite bathrooms, and you felt safe and cosy in your bed while hearing the lions roar outside at night. With that and the delicious food prepared by Kempo, we felt we were staying at a 5-star hotel, only better! Kempo’s food was excellent – tasty and varied, and it was all the more impressive for being cooked on a woodfire. I still remember the warm bread rolls, fresh out of the “oven”. Kenny and KB completed the logistics team and were really welcoming and professional. The camp was always set up when we arrived, they welcomed us with a smile, a nice chat and some warm water, and did a great job of anticipating and accommodating all our needs and wants.
The first 4 days of the safari we had the luck of having Titi as our guide. He was really knowledgeable, friendly and made sure to adapt the program of the day to our rhythm. Aside from driving around with him during the day, we also enjoyed great long conversations with him and with Gape at dinner time and around the fire. We had a great time getting to know them, learning about Botswana and talking about many different things.
Thanks to Titi, we learned a lot about the fauna and the flora of the areas we visited. Furthermore, he was very respectful of animals, he didn’t harass them and gave them their space, but we were still able to see many animals from up close. We were lucky enough to see a lion and a lioness sleeping under some bushes, only a couple of meters away, as well as a leopard, who was preparing to hunt. Thanks to his perseverance in tracking animals, we also saw a group of hyenas and another group of African wild painted dogs, both with cubs. Elephants, hippos, giraffes, buffalo, impalas, steenbok, zebras, coyotes, pumbas... and loads of birds, including the lilac breasted roller, the African jacana, the “go-away” bird… - it would be a long list if we wanted to name all the animals we saw. We did not only see animals during our drives, but also while we were at camp. We woke up to discover hyena tracks by our tents, an elephant passed by while we were having breakfast, we said our good-nights with many eyes looking at us in the dark (from a herd of zebras)…
We then switched the jeep for mokoros, and went off into the canals of the Okavango Delta with our mokoro guides, Freddy and Luke. Here we were also very lucky to have knowledgeable and friendly guides who showed us around, made sure we avoided the hippos and crocodiles and helped us discover the wonders of the Delta, by boat and on foot. It was such a calm and restful experience to glide silently on the water, in between the reeds. It was also great to be able to walk around with our guides and discover the area in a different way.
We then sadly had to part ways with the team of Xaa safaris, who dropped us off at Maun to continue our journey. We hadn’t known what to expect, as it was our first safari, but it surpassed our expectations. It was a definite luxury to have such a lovely and professional team taking care of the 4 of us and it was worth every penny. We would like to thank you all and we hope to see you again !
DE
Email Anja | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Professional handling, flexible, customer oriented
I had booked the 9-day classic safari tour through Savuti, Khwai and the Okavango Delta, with the first 2 nights in Victoria Falls. The whole organization of the tour went very well, and the safari was a truly great experience to remember.
I was a solo female traveler and felt well protected and looked after by the crew: Ranger, an experienced guide and driver and good company to spend a safari day with, George, not only a good cook, but also a gifted baker who miraculously baked all kinds of delicious things in his „oven“ over the woodfire, and the two camphands Luke and KB who were never tired working in camp and making sure everything was ready on time and my stay was pleasant. The team was flexible with regards to my requests - be it how to spend the day or change the itinerary or with regards to setting up the camp.
I had a very comfy spacious tent with an en-suite bathroom and loved hearing the lions roar and hyeanas howl at night and watching the elephants strolling through the campsite in Khwai during the day. I even encountered an elephant drinking out of a my wash basin while I was inside the tent! We saw lions a few times, came across a pack of wild dogs and a bat eared fox couple and had a great leopard sighting where we could spend quite some time with the animal. Apart from that we enjoyed spotting many gracious giraffes, a lot of hippos and elephants. It was good fun and excitement to track lion, leopard or hyaena.
Thanks to Xaa Safaris and the crew for truly memorable, exciting and fun days in the bush!
Reply from Xaa Safaris
Posted on Oct 14, 2024Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are thrilled to hear that you had such a memorable and enjoyable experience on our 9-day classic safari through Savuti, Khwai, and the Okavango Delta. It’s great to know that you felt well taken care of by our team—Ranger, George, Luke, and KB are truly passionate about what they do, and they will be delighted to hear your kind words!
We’re especially pleased that you enjoyed the flexibility of the itinerary and the comfort of your tent, as well as those thrilling encounters with wildlife. It sounds like you had some unforgettable moments, from watching elephants stroll through the camp to that amazing leopard sighting!
We’re grateful you chose Xaa Safaris for your adventure, and we hope to welcome you back to the bush for more exciting and fun days in the future.