Mr Samuel Mopalo has been working in the tourism
Early Kingfisher Safari
- Located In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2017)
- Member Of:
- BOGA & Botswana Tourism
- Tour Types:
- Custom budget tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $50 to $400 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Luke | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The trip of a lifetime, all thanks to Early Kingfisher
Where to start...I had never gone on safari before, and felt quite overwhelmed with the choice on offer from different companies. Early Kingfisher stood out to me because the tour sizes were small, the costs were competitive, it was run by local people, and the reviews raved about Sam's passion for animals. Having completed a tour with them I can say confidently: if you book with them, you won't regret it.
The week was unforgettable, in large part to Sam & his staff. The animal spotting, knowledge I gained from Sam, the quality of the food we ate (3 course dinners every night), camping setup (practically luxurious), and travel arrangements (not a moment of stress during the course of the week). I am so, so glad that I overlooked more established companies in favour of Early Kingfisher, and I cannot recommend this company highly enough for what to me felt like a true safari experience. Some personal highlights are below...
Camping: the camping setup was perfect; spacious tents with a REAL BED, as close to a real (hot) shower/toilet as you'll find in the middle of nowhere, and even a turn down service twice a day (because why not). I haven't stayed in a lodge for a safari, but hearing deafining thunder, lions roaring and hyenas laughing during the night is simply unforgettable. And whilst most people might think camping and safari doesn't mix, I honestly felt no fear the entire week in the camp.
Staff: the staff on our tour were simply wonderful. I felt like I got to witness a group of friends cheerfully go about their jobs every day, and to such a high standard. Joan was our chef, who worked actual magic by preparing every single meal, including our 3 course dinners, each day, with only an open fire to work with. And it truly was delicious food. As I was on a week long tour, there were lots of pack downs to move location, all catered for by the staff, but the process ran like clockwork. And lastly, returning after an evening game drive to a song from the staff, was fantastic.
Game drives: I loved the twice-daily game drives, not just because I saw an abundance of animals, but because we had an awesome, passionate guide in Sam. His knowledge was second-to-none, always ready to answer our questions, but his ability to track animals was so impressive. As another reviewer has noted, many other guides came on the radio regularly to get his opinion, and we regularly found animals that no one else had, enjoying them in peace & quiet until other trucks invariably saw us and rolled in. Every detail was considered, from rugs in the morning when it was seriously cold, to 'Sam's Cafe' opening for business mid morning for a coffee break.
Photography: I went on safari for the photography, and Sam's understanding of light showed his experience not just of animal spotting, but how best to view them. He helped me get photos that I am extremely happy with by perfecting the angle. Our first night saw us spot a male lion with the setting sun right behind him, as just one example.
Learning: honestly, I learned so much from Sam during the week. For one example: over dinner one evening I asked if termites created their mounds from the earth as they dug down. In response we got a 15 minute reply detailing exactly how they function, and how they contributed to the formation of the Okavango delta. I don't think there was one animal or bird the entire week he couldn't identify.
Communication: before the tour, I found Sam to be very communicative over email in the run up to the trip, answering all my questions, and ensuring I had no concerns.
Recommendation: go for at least a week, if not longer, to ensure you're not spending full days travelling between locations. There were long journeys, but even on these, we were treated to seriously good food & animal sightings.
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Email Carmon Koenigsknecht | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Look no further
My experience echos those of previous reviewers. Sam and his safari group provided exceptional service during our photography tour with professionals David Shaw and Jennifer Hadley. I felt entirely safe in their care. I have special diet needs and the chef was extremely accommodating. I loved every meal. Sam & Paul were very knowledgeable and have an uncanny ability to spot the elusive wild animals that seem to hide in plain sight. The staff were friendly and have attention to many details at the campsite, particularly cleanliness. I highly recommend Early Kingfisher Safaris.
Email Rhonda Glenn | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Spectacular Adventure with Extraordinary Guides and Safari Team - An OUTSTANDING Experience.
This was truly the adventure of a lifetime. Our group got to see so much wildlife thanks to Sam and Paul’s tracking diligence and expertise. They positioned their vehicles perfectly every time which in turn has now given our whole photography workshop group the most incredible photos and memories with which to cherish. Their knowledge was profound, any question was answered with depth and passion for the animals/birds and their beautiful Botswana and their storytelling was entertaining and hilarious. I have been on safari more than 5 times across Africa but had never camped; this adventure was transformational for me, to be fully immersed in the bush and to hear all of the sounds of the night was just incredible.
The chef was exceptional, there was a great mix of delicious food and freshly baked bread and treats for morning and afternoon tea every day and the housekeeping staff made our “tent” homes perfect (which included a turn down service each night!). Washing was done (even when you didn't expect it) and the full team were so warm, kind and joyous. I am so grateful for this experience and I couldn’t recommend the amazing Sam and Early Kingfisher team more highly. This trip was truly unforgettable to me.