Martin Smith, Managing Director
Kingfisher Safaris
- Office In:
-
United Kingdom
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2012)
- Member Of:
- Botswana Guides Association
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $100 to $1,500 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
for a custom tour
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
IL
Email Shlomit | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great trip to the Okavango delta with Pilot and his team
We did a 7 day mobile safary with Kingfisher/Pilot and the quality of everything was excellent. Pilot, who is the local provider, is a hugely experienced and excellent guide. He knows where the animals will go next... We had some amazing sightings of wild dogs and lions that we will never forget. The rest of the team, the camping, the food etc were all of an excellent quality. The vehicle was in good shape and comfortable.
US
Email Melissa Merickel | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
I have never experienced such good customer service as we received from Martin Smith of Kingfisher S
We were lucky to find Kingfisher Safaris on this site for our trip to Botswana. Martin Smith of Kingfisher Safaris was perfect in our communications, extremely prompt and very specific answers. His details in putting together our three camp safari was outstanding. It was our best trip ever, and I highly recommend Kingfisher Safaris. He could teach a course in customer service! Melissa Merickel
Email Julie Gale | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Kingfisher Safaris know their business and are excellent at it!
First rate at every turn! Martin, who has so much personal experience of Botswana, guided us through our options and found a perfect fit to match our request and answered any questions we had incredibly promptly. We went for a Mobile Tented Safari for 10days covering three camps; Chobe, Khawai and Moremi. We were met at Maun Airport by our guide, Pilot, and his team and they collectively saw to it we had an experience we could never have imagined as it was out of this world! I don't camp but was prepared to sleep little to see the animals in their natural environment. I was expecting basic. However, I did sleep and on a bed, there was a shower with hot water and hot water in basins supplied whenever it was required. There was also a loo with seat! Meals were plentiful and delicious (a three course every evening - 4*). Drinks and snacks beside a log fire watching the spectacular sunsets whilst hearing the elephants in the bush next to you or the hippos in the water even lions in the distance. The safaris themselves (generally two a day) were conducted by Pilot. I cannot rate Pilot highly enough. So many years of experience, so much respect from the other guides, incredible knowledge about the bush, the animals and birds - he had a wicked sense of humour too. He taught us how to track and as a consequence of his tracking ability we saw ALL the animals. Tented, yes. Basic, certainly not. Spectacular, absolutely!
BE
Email Zeger Van den Broele | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Unpretentious luxury with an excellent guide
Our experience with Kingfisher Safaris got off to the best of starts, even before we had formalised our booking. Martin is prompt and very precise in all his communication over e-mail. Even before we arrived in Botswana, we felt well looked after. This would be the theme throughout our 7 day safari in Moremi (Khwai Sector) and Chobe (Savuti Sector).
Pilot and his team (cook + camp hand) work like a well-oiled machine. The food is exquisite and non-repetitive: how Thaelo manages to squeeze this much out of a small cold box in the car is beyond us. Evening meals are three-course affairs, and lunch is refined splendour with lots of hearty and fruity dishes. Sleeping accommodation is simple but comfortable, in tents with a bush shower en-suite and plenty warm duvets to warn off the chill at night. The warm water bottles were a nice touch we greatly appreciated.
The main attraction of course is Pilot's guiding. He is an excellent spotter and knows the region like his back pocket. In addition, he is a true peoples person with an enormous network amongst the local guides. Everyone with a radio trips over each other to pass on exciting sightings to him, which makes him unbeatable when 'hunting' for lions at a kill or a well-hidden hyena den. In addition, he has an excellent eye for photographic opportunities and animal behaviour, always positioning his personalised LandCruiser in the best vantage point.
If we had to name one small minus, it would be that if you are a small group (one couple) the days that include transfers, are really transfer days without much else. This because all the gear needs to be packed and transported in the safari vehicle. With larger groups, there is a second vehicle doing all the breaking and setting up camp while you go on another game drive. The one night-drive in Khwai (where we stayed 3 nights) we did gave us such beautiful sightings (serval!), that we would have loved more opportunities like this. However, in the grand scheme of this safari, these remarks are mere details. We would recommend Martin and Pilot with his team to anyone who wants to have an authentic and well-tailored safari in Botswana. Pilot's campfire stories and attention to detail and safety will endear him to guests of all ages, including children.
IT
Email Roberto Fattori | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Super mobile camping in Botswana
We have just returned from a no fence mobile camping safari in Botswana organized by Kingfisher Safaris. It was literally a magnificent and fantastic experience, we stayed 3 days in Moremi Game Reserve in Khwai area, 3 days in Chobe National Park in Savuti area, 3 days in Moremi Game Reserve in North Gate area and 2 days in Makgadikgadi National Park. It was a beautiful journey full of incredible sightings. But our experience wouldn't have been so rewarding had it not been for the staff led by our excellent guide Pilot Manga, who made us feel right at home. Exceptional food, always clean tent, very nice staff, very kind and very cordial. Last but not least we would like to thank Martin of Kingfisher Safaris, because he waited for our country to loosen the anticovid ties allowing us to travel abroad and freezing our trip for 2 years. I highly recommend everyone to try the magnificent experience we had with Kingfisher Safaris and the Pilot Manga staff because they are exceptional people who will make you live a true and unique African magic.
Email Paul Smith | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Excellent help and guidance from Martin in finding a Safari which met all our needs and aspirations
A great experience in Botswana which was delivered as promised, very good value for money, with first class guides at each location. We were kept fully informed and very pleased that what was promised by way of accommodation and experience was delivered. Game drives were professionally delivered by knowledgeable and interested Guides, all of whom took the trouble to find out what our interests were. Would certainly use the excellent service provided by Martin at Kingfisher again.
CR
Email Jonathan R Green | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Simply the BEST. Everything we had hoped for and much MORE. A dream come true
The initial contact and response to my enquiries was immediate. I stated what we hoped to see and Martin sent an itinerary which fit exactly what we were looking for. Other companies just sent a list of possible itineraries which was not what we wanted.
We specifically wanted an in depth experience with a private vehicle and guide which was part of the package offered. Our Guide, Pilot Manga, is born and raised in the Okavango and found all of the animals we were hoping to see, despite high grass. If Pilot cannot find an animal it is because it is not there! His skills in the bush are impressive and he imparts an incredible and personal experience that makes the unforgettable.
Our chef and camp manager were both equally delightful and looked after our every need with care and kindness. The service comes from their hearts and this is not something that is easily found in today's world. We did not want to be in areas with groups or crowds and did not want the luxury lodge option which does not, in my opinion bring you so close to nature.
We visited two different areas that contrasted and complimented each other and the planning, execution and running of the tour, travel between areas and all related details were meticulously taken care of.
If you are looking for an incredible and very personal experience, then look no further. THIS is the BEST option you will find.
US
Email Sighle Lancaster | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Wonderful
I just returned from an amazing trip to Botswana organized by Martin from Kingfisher safaris. The lodges were super and the game drives, staff and food beyond my expectations. I felt very safe during this time of Covid as the safety protocols were top notch. Martin made sure everything ran smoothly. I can’t wait to return and I would definitely book with Kingfisher safaris again!
US
Email Lindsay | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
We’ve been to Africa on Safaris 3 times, this was the best. Hands down.
I’ve been to Tanzania twice and Uganda once. Not that I am a pro, but I am not new to Safari. I see why they call the delta the holy grail of Africa.
Kingfisher coordinated with a local guide (Pilot) who also has a camp assistant and a Chef. Every time I’ve been to Africa, something I’ve eaten has given me stomach problems except this time. It was amazing! We went from Oct 4 - Oct 16. It was hot, but not much different than what we deal with at home.
We grew a great rapport with the chef and assistant. I love to cook, so the chef and I would trade recipe secrets! She sent me home with one of her recipes! BEST souvenir ever!
Pilot was friendly and knowledgeable which is incredibly important to me. I know a lot about animals and expect to continue learning from the guides. This was definitely a case where the guide knew more, and it was so good. Pilot even let me hang on to his books along the way so I could study them and try to spot them. We got into games where he would quiz me on the birds and I just had so much fun with it!
I was stunned at the wildlife we saw. From wild dogs chasing an impala through our camp, to my “private” hippo (only hippo near camp, I just said he was my private hippo) to wild cats, civets and leopard cubs!! I’ve learned you need to be patient on safari, go on animal time. We tracked all kinds of animals and it paid off each time! I got to learn prints myself!
Here are my sightings:
Oct 6
• Leopard (cubs!)
• Lions (cubs!!)
• Elephant
• Giraffe
• Impala
• Kudu
• Gnu
Oct 7
• Yellow billed stork
• Lions
• Elephant
• Giraffe
• Kori bustard
• Cheetah
• Steenbock
• Impala
• Kudu
• Gnu
• Dik dik
• Bat eared Fox
• Warthogs + hoglets
Oct 8
• Giraffe
• Leopard
• Impala
• Kudu
• Eland
• Gnu
• Steenbocks
• Kori bustard
• Wildcat (!!!)
• African Civet (!!!)
• Dwarf mongoose
• Elephant
• Lions
• Lilac breasted roller
• Great horn bill
• Red billed horn bill
• Yellow billed horn bill
• Maribou stork
• Black back jackal
Oct 9
• Giraffe
• Tawny eagle
• Kudu
• Impala
• Black backed jackal
• Elephants
• Lions (cubs!!)
• Warthogs + hoglets
• Gnu
• Kori bustard
• Steenbock
• Swallow tail bee eater
• Black chested ffeagle
• Tsessaby
• Steenbock
• Zebra
• Dwarf mongoose
• Tree squirrel
• Maribou stork
• Slender mongoose
• White face ducks (whistling ducks)
• Waterbucks
• White egret
• Hippos
• Lechwe
• Nile crocodile
• Black breasted kingfisher
• Water Buffalo
• Porcupine
• Scrub Hare
• Honey badger
• Reed buck
• White tailed mongoose
Oct 10
• Hippo
• Elephant
• Giraffe (babies!)
• Water Buffalo
• White backed vulture
• Impala
• Squaker heron
• Jesus bird
• Fish eagle
• Swainsons Francolin
• Double banded sandgrouse
• Yellow billed kite
• Kudu
• Lions (cubs!!)
• Baboons
• Common Reedbock
• Roan antelope
• Porcupine
• Zebra
• Yellow eye eagle
• Scrub hare
Oct 11
• Hippo
• Giraffe
• Elephant
• Warthogs
• Leopards (fighting!!!)
• Impala
• Kudu
• Baboons
• Topi
• Water Buffalo
• Lions
• Saddle ebill stork
• Tsessaby
• Red lechwa
• fish eagle (with a fish)
• Nile crocodile
• Grey heron
• Warthogs
• Spring bill stork
• Ibis
• White face ducks
• Stalker heron
• Cattle egret
• White egret
• Barn owl?
• Waterbocks
• Scrub hare
Oct 12
• Hippo
• Giraffe
• Tsessaby
• Impala
• Ground hornbill
• Owls (Caesar’s owl?)
• WILD DOGS
• Elephants
• Fish eagle
• Water Buffalo
• Kudu
• Warthogs
• Nile crocodile
• Sable antelope
• Steenbocks
• Gray heron
• Pelicans
• White egret
• Gnu
• Yellow billed stork
• Spoonbill stork
• Black faced vervet monkeys
• Water bucks
• Scrub hare
Oct 13
• WILD DOGS
• hippo
• Waterbock
• Commerant
• African darter
• Fish eagle
• African jicana (Jesus bird)
• Pied kingfisher
• FROGS
• Impala
• Kudu
• Giraffe
• Brown billed roller
• Warthogs
• Baboons
• Pygmy geese
• Zebra
• Red lechwe
• Gray heron
• White heron
• Cattle egret
• Water Buffalo
• Black backed jackal
Oct 14
• Impala
• Warthogs
• Waterbucks
• Red lechwe
• Giraffe
• Hippo
• Zebra
• Black backed jackal
• Hyena
• Gnu
• Topi
• Tsseaby
• Lions (eating baby elephant
US
Email Nate | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Kingfisher Safaris' mobile safari offering is a fun, affordable way to see Botswana wildlife
My girlfriend and I toured Botswana's northern wilderness areas for 12 days on a mobile safari with Kingfisher Safaris. We visited the Savuti area of Chobe National Park as well as the Khwai Concession and Moremi Game Reserve of the Okavango Delta. We saw a plethora of animals both large and small, but a handful of notable ones were elephants, leopards, lions, wild dogs, and cheetahs. Spacious tents, comfortable bedding, and tasty meals were provided. Safari guide Pilot Manga and his colleagues went above and beyond to tailor each day to our preferences.
If you're looking to see Botswana without blowing the budget, I'd highly suggest a mobile safari with Kingfisher Safaris.