SAVANNA SAFARIS & TOURS - BOTSWANA
Savanna Safaris and Tours
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2000)
- Member Of:
- HATAB & Botswana Toursism
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $350 to $1,300 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
IT
Email Simona | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Savanna Safaris: a second trip marred by chaos and lack of support
We entrusted Savanna Safaris for a second trip, expecting the same standards as before. Instead, we encountered three major issues: serious organizational failures, a complete absence of support during an emergency, and poorly planned logistics. These failures compromised our entire journey.
Although our first experience with Savanna Safaris had been mostly positive, this second trip, lasting only 8 days, left us deeply disappointed and disillusioned.
SAFETY: Non-existent emergency response
On the final morning, we left camp early to reach Maun Airport. After just 30 minutes, we got a flat tire—only to discover that the vehicle had no tools to replace it. We stopped every passing vehicle, but none could help: our wheels had different bolt sizes.
It became immediately clear that Savanna Safaris had no emergency plan. They rely solely on cell phones and car radios. If there’s no signal, you’re simply left to your fate.
We called Emmelyn and Fred (owners of the agency) multiple times, with the calls connecting but never answered. We also used a satellite device with text capabilities (Garmin), widely reliable in Botswana, to send messages. No response.
How can a tour operator be unreachable when clients are in danger?
The contract clearly states that “Savanna Safaris shall monitor the entire operation from arrival to departure and liaise with lodges/charters in case of any delays/emergencies.” This promise was completely ignored.
The driver had no “plan B.” With more than three hours of road ahead and an international flight looming, we were in a state of panic. Eventually, we had to ask other tourists for help and pay extra for a ride to the airport.
We received no assistance or follow-up from Savanna Safaris, even at the airport. Once home, our messages to Emmelyn went unanswered as well.
LOGISTICS: Poor planning, misleading information
We had specifically asked Emmelyn to suggest the best areas for photo safaris. However, she booked us 4 nights at Black Pools (Moremi) and only 3 at Khwai. This created two major grievances: the decision seemed unbalanced and made without explanation, and it did not align with our request.
Black Pools is a remote, isolated area, far from other camps, with limited routes and very little wildlife. You drive the same track every day, seeing the same few animals. We left Khwai at 6:30 am and arrived at Black Pools at 8:30 pm—an exhausting transfer. Upon arrival, the zone was flooded; no other vehicles in sight; no guides reachable by radio; no phone coverage.
With the main road flooded, we became lost in the bush at night. This lack of planning is unacceptable for a professional agency.
We finally reached camp only with the help of staff from another camp over an hour away.
The site turned out to be abandoned and unsuitable for a photographic safari.
The agency never specified that the destination would be Black Pools; the contract referred only to “Private Camping in Moremi.” We were not warned that the transfer would take all day. We later discovered that excellent safari areas were easily accessible from Khwai. Our main grievances are a lack of transparency about the destination, misleading transfer information, and missed opportunities to choose better safari locations, all of which result in stress, lost time, and wasted money.
AFTER THE TRIP: SILENCE
Despite several attempts, Emmelyn never replied to our messages after the trip.
CAMP STAFF: Excellent!
In sharp contrast to the management, the tented camp team was outstanding professionals, kind, helpful, and prepared.
A big thank you to Edna (always impeccable tents, hot water ready), KG (our brilliant chef), Tandy (our attentive waiter), and Nico (an expert driver with eagle eyes).
FINAL THOUGHT
There are great safari companies in Botswana that prioritize client care and safety. Our core grievances with Savanna Safaris are organizational failure, lack of emergency support, and misleading logistics. Sadly, they no longer demonstrate responsibility or transparency.
If you’re looking for a responsible and transparent operator, look elsewhere.
Reply from Savanna Safaris and Tours
Posted on Jan 10, 2026Dear Simona,
Thank you for taking the time to share such detailed feedback. We are truly sorry that your second safari with Savanna Safaris did not meet your expectations, and we recognize how upsetting and stressful parts of the journey were for you.
Regarding the camping location in Moremi:
Your original booking was for the Hippo Pools area in Moremi. Unfortunately, shortly before your arrival, unexpected flooding occurred, and the Department of National Parks & Wildlife reassigned all operators to an alternative campsite for safety and environmental reasons. This decision was outside our control. When you expressed dissatisfaction with the alternative site and requested to return to Khwai, we respected your wishes. Our team packed up the camp and relocated everyone back to Khwai, despite the significant distance and difficult road conditions.
On the long transfer and road conditions:
We acknowledge that the drive back from Moremi to Khwai was long and exhausting. Even with well-maintained vehicles and new tires, seasonal road conditions in these wilderness areas can be extremely challenging. That said, we understand how demanding this journey felt and regret the discomfort it caused.
Regarding safety and the roadside incident:
We fully appreciate how distressing the flat tire incident was, particularly with an international flight ahead. While our vehicles undergo routine checks, this incident highlighted shortcomings in preparedness and communication. We sincerely regret that you felt unsupported during this moment and acknowledge that this did not reflect the level of care we aim to provide. Since then, we have reviewed our emergency procedures, vehicle equipment protocols, and escalation processes.
On communication and availability:
During your trip, I personally experienced an unexpected medical emergency and had to travel abroad for urgent treatment, resulting in an extended absence. However, our Maun office remained operational, and Mr. Fred was present and in contact with guests on arrival. We regret that this transition did not feel seamless to you and that communication did not meet your expectations at critical moments.
After the trip:
We are sorry that you felt unheard following your return home. That was never our intention, and we recognize how this added to your disappointment.
We sincerely appreciate your kind words about our camp team — Edna, KG, Tandy, Nico, and the wider crew — whose professionalism and dedication continue to be a source of pride for us.
While each guest experience is unique, we would like to note that your friends traveling with us shortly afterward, including Mr. Massimo, completed a longer safari and expressed satisfaction with their journey. This does not diminish your experience, but it reassures us that the corrective measures we implemented were effective.
On communication and availability:
In addition, our mobile camping is now equipped with Starlink satellite internet, which has proven reliable in these areas and is used to support guest communication and operational coordination when mobile networks are limited, we acknowledge that this situation requires continued improvement to ensure responsiveness in all circumstances.
Simona, your feedback has been taken seriously and has prompted reflection and improvements within our operation. We regret that we did not deliver the experience you hoped for on this occasion and appreciate the opportunity to learn from it.
Kind regard
Savanna Safaris & Tours