Walking Stick Travel & Tours
- Office In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2010)
- Tour Types:
- Budget camping tours where clients assist with camp chores
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $200 to $350 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
Email Milo | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A once in a lifetime trip with a few issues...
We had a 13 day tour with walking stick tours in August of 2023. Botswana itself is an incredible country with some of the friendliest people, and some of the most incredible wildlife we’d encountered anywhere. All 5 of us highly recommend a trip to the country for safari. Unfortunately our experience of walking stick tours was less stellar.
I’ll start with the good (of which there is plenty) :
- The food that Jo & team prepared for us was absolutely incredible, better than we had In restaurants elsewhere, and all cooked over an open fire! The team were always friendly and happy to help with any requests, we had beer and wine at dinner and no shortage of clean bottled water. We were really well taken care of at camp the entire 2 week trip.
- Prior to the trip communication was good and we were picked up at the airport.
- We had a great guide, Wago. He spoke very good English and had excellent knowledge of the flora & fauna of Botswana. We had a lovely time getting to know him and he got us some truly amazing wildlife sightings.
- Onto the sightings generally, we had great views of lion, leopard, cheetah, even an early morning wild dog sighting - really special.
The negatives:
- Our vehicle (named desert honey badger) was in a constant state of disrepair. We broke down several times every single day, the brakes on the car weren’t functional, and we had to veer off road at points when vehicles approached along the same stretch of road. We were repeatedly told that the car was being replaced or fixed but the issues persisted for the entire trip. This impacted our game viewing and massively impacted our travel time, by the end of the trip we were taken in an alternate vehicle, but this was far too little and much too late.
- Communication on the trip itself was poor, the issues with the vehicle and what was (or in fact wasn’t) being done was never properly communicated to us. We were misled daily about getting the vehicle repaired or replaced, but this never happened. We’ve been on safari before and know how ad-hoc things are sometimes, but this was a step beyond.
- In an attempt to make up for the constant issues with the vehicle we were offered a “complimentary” trip to Victoria falls in place of a game drive as our vehicle wasn’t functional. This was in fact not complimentary, and we paid $500+ for the day ourselves.
Since our trip we have reached out to Phillimon to open a dialogue with no intent for compensation, but we have been ignored. We absolutely loved Botswana and can’t recommend it enough as a safari destination, but we’d recommend you go with another operator instead of walking stick.
Reply from Walking Stick Travel & Tours
Posted on Oct 3, 2023Thank you for taking the time to share your good and bad experiences on your recent 13 day tour. We're sorry to hear that your visit wasn't up to your expectations. We take all feedback seriously, and we appreciate your honest feedback.
We apologize for any inconvenience or frustration you may have experienced. We also acknowledge the fact that the vehicle you were travelling in was in a constant state of disrepair.
However, the vehicle broke down once, not several times every single day. In Khwai (Day 7), the break fluid pipe had to be replaced, but the vehicle did not break down. The guide contacted headquarters in Maun to report the problem. A vehicle was then dispatched from Maun to Khwai to deliver a brand new break fluid pipe and two cans of break fluid. The repairs were done immediately at the campsite. This did not impact on any game viewing activities or travel time.
On day 11, in the Chobe National Park your vehicle broke down. In approximately 15 minutes, the vehicle following you - also our game viewing vehicle carrying 2 clients (a couple) arrived at the spot. You then joined them in their vehicle and continued your journey to Chobe Riverfront. Again, this did not impact on any game viewing activities or travel time.
You contacted me later that evening to lodge a complaint. I did apologize but you felt that an apology was not enough. You also mentioned that you did not want to travel in the same vehicle (named desert honey badger) again - even if it had been repaired. I then offered you a different vehicle to take you for a Victoria Falls day trip (still part of your 13 day itinerary), the following day, and you accepted.
Unfortunately you did not inform me that you were charged border fees and entrance fees at Victoria Falls, amounting to $500. VISAS and border fees are not included in our package prices, but I would have been more that happy to refund you the fees you paid to see the falls.
We did apologize to you in a follow up email we sent you at the end of your tour. So your attempts to open a dialogue with me have not been ignored. I also responded to this review, directly to you, on the 29th September but I have not heard from you.
ES
Email Enrique Eusebio | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
An excellent and surprising safari
An excellent safari. Visiting these natural places while camping is marvelous due to the close contact with nature. The entire team has been very professional and has always been attentive to any detail. We have traveled a group of 16 friends and every afternoon when we arrived at the different camps the tents were ready, the fire lit and the Gin Tonic and the beers prepared. During the trip, the guides have always been very attentive to show us the animals and things of interest that we found. The stay in the delta and the rides in mokoros were very very pleasant. Barrier-free camps in the middle of nature provide a very surprising feeling of adventure. The journeys between the different camping areas are a bit long but they are interesting because you can constantly see different animals and landscapes. It is a highly recommended trip with this excellent organization and a very professional team.
DE
Email Hans&Rosi | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Unforgettable days on our camping safari in Botswana with many highlights and beautiful memories
In April 2023 my wife and I were finaly able to go on the 11-day safari with Walking Stick Travel & Tours that we had already booked in 2019. Due to Covid 19, earlier travel had not been possible. Philimon had kindly held our booking until then. It is especially worth mentioning that there was no price increase in the following 3 years. Our special thanks for this!
Our journey now took us through the parks Moremi, Khwai, Savuti and Chobe. We were accompanied by a team of 3: Wago as guide and driver, Josiah as cook and KB for setting up tents and other helps. Everything was well organised and the team made our stay very pleasant with a lot of enthusiasm and helpfulness. The meals were varied and very delicious. The game drives were very informative and interesting. We profited greatly from the knowledge that Wago always knew in advance what, for example, leopards or lions were planning to do next. Once we were able to follow a leopard on its hunt for about 1 1/2 hours. All the other drivers had lost the hunt long ago. In the end, however, the hunt was unsuccessful.
On the game drives we saw nearly all the animals of Botswana. In Khwai there were the most leopards to be seen, even in the dark, because night drives are allowed there. We were able to watch a family of lions feeding on a prey for a long time.
The tents were very comfortable with shower and toilet in a separate area at the back of the tent. Hot water for our sink and shower was brought to us at any time of the day on request. It was very exciting at first and great to listen to the sounds of the night. Not seldom hyenas and jackals sneaked around our tent, sometimes very noisily.
A nice end to the day was a G&T after each afternoon game drive, followed by dinner. Around the campfire we discussed the day's events and plans for the next day.
This was now our third stay in Botswana. Once again it was a very successful stay with many exciting and adventurous moments. We can really recommend Walking Stick Travel &Tours.
Email Peter Smith | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very well organised, professional and customer focused
My wife and went on the Walking Stick Travel & Tours 11 day Safari through the Okavango, Moremi, Khwai, Savuti & Chobe in September 2022. Our contact was Philimon and all our bookings were done via email with him. We travelled in one Land Cruiser (with trailer) with the Walking Stick Team of Elliot (Guide & Driver), Joe (Chef) and Kia (general support). Everything was well organised and the Team were such great fun to be with that we were sad the trip had to come to an end after the 11 days. The meals were varied and tasty, the game drives were very informative and interesting and we saw pretty much everything except Rhino during our game drives. During the drives we saw Cheetahs hunting, a leopard with a kill that had it stolen by hyenas, lions with their kill and many other sightings. The tents were very comfortable with shower and toilet in an enclosed area out the back of the tent. Warm water was brought to us every morning for our hand basin and shower. It was a great experience to lie at night in the tent listening to the sounds of the African bush before going to sleep. Afternoon game drives were always ended with a G&T and snacks around the fire followed by dinner near the campfire. All in all it was a fantastic experience and exceeded expectations. If you want to experience the real Africa with a great team and feel safe, then don't hesitate to book with Philimon and his team at Walking Stick Travel & Tours
US
Email Emily | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Incredible experience, cannot more highly recommend!
I cannot say enough good things about Walking Stick Tours! My husband and I did the 11day/10night Okavango Delta-Moremi-Khwai-Savuti-Chobe tour. We saw everything we wanted and more, including lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Every location had something different to offer and I am glad that we decided to do the 11-day trip. We were so well taken care of by our guide and support team and our every need was met, often before we even thought of it. This was a once in a lifetime experience and I cannot more highly recommend Walking Stick Tours! Will absolutely be coming back. Thank you!!
CA
Email Brenda Allen | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Walking Stick Tours is a 5 Star operation!
Our recent experience with Walking Stick Safari Tours in August 2019, was absolutely amazing! The owner, Philemon is simply the best there is! We stayed in lovely tents with a toilet/shower area at the back that was very comfortable. We did the "Best Of Botswana" Tour for 6 days and saw lots of the beautiful Okavango Delta and its animals. . We travelled mostly by a safari vehicle, which was bumpy and long at times, but lead by a knowledgeable guide and amazing driver. We also had two days in a remote area that we reached by a mokoro, or flat bottom boat. It was magical. What an experience for a Canadian. Botswana is a lovely country!
The staff named Photos and Gift and others were absolutely amazing. The food was super delicious and always served with kindness and care as they prepared it by hand over a fire daily. The settings for all of the camping spots were super amazing. We actually camped with elephants just walking by behind out tents. We could hear the frogs sing at night as we faced a river teeming with life. And through it all we felt safe and well taken care of by Philemon and his crew. We had lots of wildlife drives by safari vehicle, mokoro/boat cruises, and even a couple of guided walks. The staff is wonderful, from the cooks to the support staff. They are polite, hard-working, honest, and hospitable. The character of Botswanan people is incredible!
I am a world traveller, and can honestly say, it was the best holiday I ever had! We saw lots of animals in a variety of settings and was able to get to know the warm staff. It was everything I hoped for and much more. I strongly encourage you to go on one of Philemon's tours, he will give you a trip of a lifetime!
In fact, we had such an awesome trip that we want to book another trip in the years to come! Sending warm wishes out to Philemon and Photos and staff on a job well done!!!
SE
Email Joost & Mila | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great adventure, great crew! Go and explore Botswana with Walking Stick Travel & Tours!
We went on a seven-day private camping safari together with Philimon and his fantastic crew (Joe & Lucky). The communication with Philimon was excellent from the beginning to the end.
He is responsive, knowledgeable, and friendly. During the planning stage, he was not only giving us detailed information regarding the tour we booked from him, but also went beyond and gave us information and recommendations on which areas to include in our trip. Really appreciate his help and ideas.
The tour itself was a wonderful experience. Philimon arranged the transfer for us from Livingstone to Kasane and we spent the first two nights in the Northern part of Chobe National Park, close to the river. Being so close to nature and hearing the roaring of the lions and leopards at night is something special.
Everything felt safe and the equipment is good. Great tents, with a bathroom ensuite, and comfortable camp beds. We woke up early in the morning to start with the game drives and Philimon is doing everything to get you the best experience - he is going the extra mile. He knows a lot of people and all the guides communicate with each other in case there are some special sightings. We saw several leopards, many lions, and even wild dogs.
The meals were above our expectations. Every day it was a surprise what we would eat and the dishes were well-prepared. We also had some soup as starters and nice deserts. Joe is a very good chef!
We really enjoyed the great stories at the campfire after dinner. We learned a lot about Philimon´s life in Botswana and the small island in the middle of the Okavango Delta where he grew up together with Joe and Lucky. A lot of interesting and fun stories about the daily life and local traditions.
After the Northern part of Chobe, we drove to Savuti, Kwhai concession, and ended our trip in the Okavango Delta near Maun. The campsites were really good and the trip was itself was a good variation of landscapes and wildlife. The tour package was good value for the money.
It was special to spend the week with these three incredible people that grew up in the Okavango delta - surrounded by the wild animals their whole life. The crew has a lot of knowledge and Philimon spoke passionately about the animals and their behavior. The more you ask, the more you will learn.
Thank you again Philimon and crew for all your help and the memorable and amazing experience in Chobe National Park! We will never forget this!
Email Maggie | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Botswana Safari trip
We have just returned from a great 5 night, 6 day camping safari with Walking Stick Safaris. First 2 days poled on a mokoro to an island in the delta with guided walks then 3 nights in the Khwai area. Luxury it is not but, especially in Khwai, good large tents with own bucket shower and toilet at the back and canopy over the front with proper comfortable camp beds. Fabulous game drives with Phillimon who is extremely knowledgeable, we saw masses. Joe, the chef, was a star, lovely meals plus cake and homemade bread on a camp fire, all washed down with a few glasses of wine while listening to lions roar (in the distance) and hippos grunting in the dark. We would thoroughly recommend Phillimon and his team. They are born and bred in the area so know it very well and it was great to support their small local company helping the local economy while having to compete with all the big travel companies. We wish them lots of success with their business.
Email Elloura | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Walking Stick are the Best!
Walking Stick a wonderful locally run company and Philmon and the team were fantastic, made my experience very special. Saw every animal you could wish for and with someone who really loves the bush which was a bit infectious! Every effort was made to make my trip wonderful, you will not be disappointed! No-one else had booked on the dates I was going so I ended up on a private safari which was amazing and unbelievably incredible value. Don't pay a bunch of money to stay in a foreign owned hotel, go for something authentic!
ES
Email Jordi | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Excellent mobile safari with different activities, they will adjust and satisfy your requests & need
This is an small company run by Phillimon, a tourist guide born and grown up in the Delta region, who has many years of experience in safaris and an excellent knowledge of the area. I recently travelled to the Delta with my wife and they organized a great 6-day mobile safari for us including a range of activities (mokoro, walking, river boat, plane). They were very helpful trying to adjust to our special needs and requests and to do the bes of our trip. As many lodges and resorts in the area are owned by foreign firms or people, booking with local companies is a way to enhance empowering of local residents as well. I recommend Walking Stick for mobile safaris in the delta.