Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana
Shipungo Safari & Tours
- Located In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2015)
- Tour Types:
- Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $200 to $360 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Carolyn Scotton | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Game / guide great, food did not meet quoted standard
We undertook a 6-day five-night Safari for three adults and three children opting for package B out of three choices. The difference between A and B was the provision of toilet/shower enclosure behind the tents and an enhanced meal package. Although the food provided was good, it fell well short of that outlined in the itinerary. Cereal and scrambled egg for breakfast, no brunch, a cooked lunch, no afternoon tea and only a one course evening meal not the three advertised i.e soup, main and sweet . Only on one evening we did had a sweet.
Particularly disappointing was the absence from the package of the night drive.
When I raised this with Mark on our return, he " express(ed) our sincere apologies for the mix-up- it was our mistake and we are completely responsible for it" .
He stated that our guide Voice, who was absolutely great, had said we were not keen to do the night drive. In fact I had asked about it and was told it had not been arranged.
"For meals we will refund you $350."
I pointed out that the difference between the two packages amounted to around $1,600 and that in fact our meal package did not even meet the standard set out in package A, but did include the toilet/shower enclosure which surely didn't amount to $1,600?
Mark's final response was " the camping standard was the one you booked and you were not happy about the standard of the food which was breakfast" despite his earlier acknowledgement and apology.
The game drives themselves were excellent but that would have been the case whoever we had booked as the area itself was fantastic.
Reply from Shipungo Safari & Tours
Posted on Dec 3, 2024Dear Carolyn
Thanks, for the review first of all we are sorry for not meeting your requirements, the issue regarding the food everything was communicated with our professional chef, and the level of camping accommodation was provided as per your request. From now on, we will work hand in hand with the chef to make everything go well.
Thanks
Mark
IL
Email Shlomit | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
NIce people but really poor equipment
We took a 3 day Central Kalahari Game Reserve trip with Shipungo. The three people that came with us, Kem the guide, Kem the chef and slo, were very nice and helpful. The food was excellent, and the tent/camping was fine.
However, the vehicle was old and bad un condition. The roof rattled horribly the whole time. It was not suited to pull the trailer, so we got stuck in the sand, and then the trailer kept falling off. On the way back the main tank ran out of petrol and the driver could not switch to the second one, so we waited 2 hours for them to bring petrol.
Since the team was really nice, if you are considering them, ask about the vehicle. They may/should have replaced it.
Email Fernando Pegado | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Traditional Grassroots Safari Experience
If you’re looking to rough it out on a Safari, Shipungo Safari and Tours is the company for you. Tough to beat from a cost benefit perspective, but there are still opportunities to improve the overall service. They provided a great support team for photo Safari, with experienced guide. The vehicle is fine, although demonstrating some age. The food prepared met expectations. The purpose of the trip was wildlife photography, the mission was accomplished. Strongly recommend that they install radio in the vehicle to communicate within the local guide network, this would go a long way to finding animals, but above for safety concerns, in the event of an emergency situation in an isolated or remote location
US
Email Colleen | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Mark was very kind to arrange a last-minute tour for us.
Overall we had a good experience. The safari vehicle certainly felt every bump! Kem, our guide for the day, took good care of us and showed us a lot of animals. We are unused to the constant radio contact between drivers and converging on the same spots, but it did mean having close-up views of a cheetah and many lions. We had value for our money.
Email Katharina von Maltzan | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Excellent communication upfront, timely pick up.
Shipungo Travels wa a very reliable partner as we had to plan our trip from Kenya. Their offer was fair and they kept it valid until short notice (we wanted to wait and see how the weather in Ocavago was at the planned days). The communication upfront was excellent. We were picked up very punctually, the vehicle was in excellent condition. All was well planned. Some minor improvements in the equipment - and staff (The main guide was extremeley knowledgeable and experienced but his English language skills basic so that we could not understand a lot of the information provided. Pity!
IT
Email Luca Manghi | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
reliable and professional
The holder Marc , was very professional and reliable , he was always present both for departures and arrivals , and his driver too.
IN
Email suri | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Mark is professional tour organiser and help his clients to the best of his ability.
Did Okavango Delta safari for 2 nights and 3 days tour. Services (occomdation, food and mokoro & walks) were excellent and guide could explain well.
The tour was reliable and staff (guide, chef and support staff) looked after me well.
IE
Email Kiran Hegde | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
amazing 10 days in botswana
Our 10-day mobile safari through Botswana in June 2024, organized by Shipungo Safari & Tours, was an extraordinary adventure that exceeded our expectations as first-time safari-goers. From the wild landscapes of the Okavango Delta to the vibrant wildlife of Moremi, Khwai, Savuti, and Chobe, Shipungo crafted a trip that left us in awe. Below is our feedback, highlighting what made this experience exceptional and a couple of minor areas for improvement.
# References
[1] out photos from the trip are at: https://photos.app.goo.gl/vNp5xQVmz6mxfwvi6
[2] i wrote a blog detailing our experience. start here: https://hegdestravels.blogspot.com/2025/01/botswana-2024-conclusion-and-summary.html, and then work through the links in this page.
[3] i converted my blogs into a book: https://amzn.eu/d/0I38njr
# What Worked Well
Outstanding Guides and Staff:
The Shipungo team, led by Mark, was phenomenal. Our guides—Orphan (Ofilwe) in the Okavango Delta, Kem for Moremi and Savuti, and Tops for the Chobe River cruise—brought the wilderness to life. Orphan’s sagebrush scent-masking tips and calm handling of close elephant encounters were unforgettable. Kem’s storytelling and skillful tracking, like spotting a leopard on patrol, kept us captivated. Tops’ insights into elephant behavior on the Chobe River added depth to our cruises. Their expertise, honed through Botswana’s rigorous guide certification, ensured we felt safe and enriched throughout. Shine, our chef, and KG, our camp hand, were equally exceptional, making every moment seamless and memorable.
Well-Crafted Itinerary:
The itinerary was perfectly balanced, covering the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, Khwai, Savuti, and Chobe. From walking safaris and mokoro trips in the Delta to thrilling game drives in Moremi and Savuti, and serene Chobe River cruises, every day offered something unique. Highlights included witnessing a buffalo kill by nine lions, tracking leopards, and enjoying sundowners by the river. Shipungo’s flexibility—lingering at a lion sighting instead of a scheduled boat ride—prioritized wildlife experiences, making the trip truly special.
Exceptional Camp Experience:
The bush camping was raw and authentic, exactly what we wanted. Shine’s vegetarian meals, like veg burgers, quiche, and oven-baked bread, were a delight, far exceeding expectations for camp cooking. KG’s efficient camp setup, including tents with open-air showers and pit latrines, added to the adventure without compromising comfort. Mid-trip clean linens and towels were a thoughtful touch.
Personalized Service:
Mark’s attentiveness during planning set Shipungo apart. He patiently answered our many questions, tailoring the trip to our family’s needs. His gesture of delivering laundered clothes and duffel bags in Maun eased our transitions between locations, reflecting his commitment to a personalized experience.
Value for Money:
Compared to luxury camps, Shipungo’s mobile safari was budget-friendly without sacrificing quality. The authenticity, safety, and exceptional wildlife encounters made it an incredible value, perfect for those seeking a genuine safari experience.
# Areas for Improvement
While the trip was near-perfect, a couple of minor points could enhance future experiences:
Night Drive in Khwai:
During itinerary planning in April 2024 I asked Mark to add a one‑night stop in Khwai expressly for a night drive. Mark happily obliged, but once there it became clear our guide Kem lacked night‑driving experience and felt uncomfortable spotlighting after dark, so the drive was cut short. A guide with proven night‑drive expertise - or clearer pre‑trip guidance on its limitations -- would have set better expectations. That said, the Khwai River sundowner and the next morning’s superb game drive more than made up for the disappointment. We suggest Shipungo review how night drives are staffed and briefed in future.
First Aid Kit Oversight:
The operator forgot to bring a first aid kit to the Okavango Delta and then to the rest of the safari, which could have been problematic had we needed it. Thankfully, our own kit covered us, but Shipungo should ensure a kit is always included for safety.
# Overall Impression
Shipungo Safari & Tours delivered an unforgettable journey through Botswana’s wild heart. Mark’s meticulous planning, combined with the expertise and warmth of Orphan, Kem, Tops, Shine, and KG, made this a five-star experience despite minor deviations. From close encounters with elephants and lions to serene sundowners, every moment deepened our appreciation for Botswana’s wildlife and culture. We wholeheartedly recommend Shipungo to anyone seeking an authentic, well-organized safari and are already dreaming of our next adventure with them!
Email Anne and Steve | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The most amazing safari experience we ever could have imagined
We did a 7 day 6 night safari from Maun to Kasane. 2 nights Moremi NP, 2 nights Kwai and 2 nights Savuti. Our camp team were fabulous.
Our tour guide, Kem went above and beyond to ensure we enjoyed a maximum experience. Many close encounters with all the animals we expected to see, and some we weren’t sure we would see, including lion, leopard, cheetah, African wild dog. His ability to track animals was exceptional and his knowledge of the animals, birds and bush was impressive. Sunset drinks with stunning vistas.
Tal was our chef, producing an excellent array of well balanced meals in the middle of Africa with a very happy, joyful disposition. The hot porridge on those cold mornings was so good.
Slo was are camp manager, setting up camp the most comfortable, efficient camp areas. Our tent size allowed enough space so not to feel claustrophobic with a camp bathroom/toilet attached. Camp fires every night under the stars listening to lions roar and hyenas wail are memories I will never forget
I would make two changes to our safari that being flying into Moremi NP from Maun and flying out from Savuti to Kasane for the Chobe River cruise to finish the safari. Both the beginning and end with so many hours sitting in the back of a safari vehicle being wind blasted were very difficult to tolerate.
HR
Email Lovorka | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Reliable, professional and friendly
Very professional and friendly crew that provided us the best Botswana experience. We could arrange everything online with fast response. A great choice for visiting Botswana with a really good value for money.