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
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.
Email Justin King | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Brilliant holiday - we were looked after at every step and received the finest service
This holiday was just incredible. We were overcome by Martin's incredible knowledge of the area and its people. The staff he sent with us were first rate and obviously highly experienced. We were in breathtaking country and always felt safe and well provided for. Martin's experience as a pilot in the African bush certainly has served him well. If we do another Safari, it will be with Kingfishers.
CH
Email Felix Koebele | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A trip of a lifetime, organized and executed to perfection
For our honeymoon we booked with Kingfisher Safaris a 6 night Safari. (3 nights in the Khwai Tented Camp in the Okavango Delta and 3 nights in the Linyanti Expedition Camp).
The booking experience with Martin from Kingfisher Safari was perfect. From the initial quote to the final booking he was always helpful with information as well as super quick and responsive. The Safari was organized perfectly.
On the ground in Khwai the experience was great. Getting of from the airplane and directly on a safari, we had great encounters with so many wild animals (lions, elephants, wild dogs, leopards and many more) on every single game drive, we could not imagine (to be said this was out first trip to Africa). The camp itself was amazing, from the service, friendliness of the staff, room facilities to the food. They truly make your stay unforgettable.
In Linyanti, the location and views are just stunning. The wildlife and landscape was totally different. Impressive were the large herds of buffalo and elephants were amazing. Unfortunately, in this area cats are very rare to encounter, but we have seen so many in Khwai so that was not an issue.
Thank you again for making our trip so amazing and special and we can recommend Kingfisher Safari to book an amazing Safari for you.
Email David Walker | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An extraordinary adventure in a beautiful country with wonderful wildlife and fantastic people
The safari was absolutely brilliant and Gibson was a fantastic guide and superb host. Temptation is a brilliant cook/chef and Kantake was really helpful. Everyone was so friendly and there is nothing even slightly bad we can say about our experience apart from air botswana not being very accurate with their flight times so we got there quite late but that was part of the experience. The organisation from Kingfisher Safari's end was first class. Hope you can pick up from this that we were really happy and would definitely do it again.
Email Felicity Roe | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Outstanding mobile camping trip to Botswana with an exceptional safari guide.
I'm used to sorting travel independently but chose to use an agent for this trip to the Okavango delta region. I couldn't get what I wanted from some 'big name' agents so turned to Kingfisher. What a fantastic decision that was. Kingfisher are small but hugely knowledgeable and responsive. Martin was a bush pilot in Botswana and Pilot (the Botswanan Guide) is probably one of the top two or three guides in the country. The 9 night mobile camp trip utilised camp sites only available to Botswana Guides Association members and they were in superb locations with just one group per site - so you really were 'in the bush'. The tents were comfortable with bucket showers and long drop loos. The food was excellent and the staff hugely willing and friendly. All the game drives were in a well converted Toyota Landcruiser. Pilot was an exceptional guide with superb tracking skills and a deep knowledge of the parks and the animals that meant that time and again we arrived in the right place at the right time - it was not by chance. Having found a Cheetah one morning Pilot said - we'll go to that termite mound as he'll stop there... And he did. No zoom lens needed. This was a case of an experienced professional guide adding huge value to anything we could have done on our own. In terms of booking and organisation Martin was responsive and patient and the pricing seemed very fair. On the ground everything ran smoothly and the transfers after the trip to and from Vic Falls were professional and comfortable.
I will be using Kingfisher and Pilot again for any adventure we plan for sub-Saharan Africa. They have a local knowledge that will turn any trip into something extraordinarily special.
Email Katharine | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Tailor made once in a lifetime adventure!
We had an absolutely incredible time in Botswana on a 9 night tented safari. From start to finish everything was perfect, Pilot our guide was one of the nicest people you will ever meet and he worked tirelessly to make our trip so enjoyable. We were blessed with big cat sightings on nearly every drive, a highlight watching a leopard chase a cheater away from its kill! Pilot was hugely knowledgeable and always seemed to know exactly where to position the jeep for the best sightings, the animals seemed to simply walk right over to us! The food at camp was delicious, we all wish we could have taken the cook home with us to the UK.
All the airport transfers ran very smoothly and the entire trip was hassle free. We hope to be back in the near future.
Email Adrian Roe | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Holiday of a lifetime! Pilot is an exceptional guide.
A really wonderful holiday - Pilot looked after us from start to finish delivering a blend of wildness, comfort and utterly memorable close encounter after close encounter with a huge range of wild animals.
From the moment we walked through arrivals at Maun airport to the moment 10 days later that we parted company, Pilot was focussed 100% on giving us the best holiday possible. The food was lovely, the campsites both genuinely wild and picture perfect and the game drives struck the right balance between making sure we had outstanding views of the animals while giving them enough room to feel we weren't encroaching. What a wonderful series of locations with a warm, knowledgable and fascinating guide.
We are already planning our next trip with him!
