Nyala mobile safaris team work
Nyala Mobile Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2024)
- Member Of:
- Botswana Guide Association & Botswana Tourism Organization
- Tour Types:
- Custom budget tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $300 to $1,500 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
RO
Email Teo | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Good tour operator
I booked a short one-day trip with Nayala. I was travelling alone and I felt safe. I was happy to be able to go alone at a decent price as tour operators usually ask for a minimum of two people. It was overall a good experience.
US
Email Jennifer Widom | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Disappointing and a bit sketchy
Nyala Mobile Safaris is a relatively new business. Our family of 3 adults booked a 5-day budget mobile safari based on a good price for the comfort level and a handful of excellent reviews. Our overall experience was disappointing, including poor communication throughout and some sketchy aspects. We recommend using a more proven operator; we certainly would in the future. For details read on.
The good: The setup of the camps was as comfortable as advertised, with spacious tents, small cots, a portable bathroom and shower, and other amenities. The food was certainly adequate under the circumstances. The vehicle had some issues but none untoward given the exceptionally bad roads it navigates day in and day out. As advertised, there was plenty of free alcohol, which was useful in taking the edge off the steady stream of difficulties.
The disappointing: Our crew consisted of company-owner Mucheka who was in charge of camping, meals, and other logistics; a certified guide who was in charge of the safari aspects; and a "helper boy." Unfortunately the guide was surprisingly incompetent. Over the entire 5-day safari he found literally zero animals we hadn't spotted on our own, and on multiple occasions he got lost when we were on a game drive without Macheka. It's impossible to know how much more wildlife we would have seen if our guide had participated in the spotting (and how much less time spent driving aimlessly if he knew the way), but wildlife spotting has certainly been the norm for guides during the handful of other safaris we've been on.
The sketchy: We paid for a private safari months in advance and confirmed it with Mucheka several times, yet when we arrived at the airport we were told that "two friends" -- a last-minute booking -- would be joining us for the first half of our trip and were waiting in the safari vehicle. We put our foot down and they did find a second vehicle, driver, and dining table, but for the first 2+ days Macheka was juggling two parallel safaris, presumably to the detriment of both. At the other end, when our post-safari transfer, included in the price, dropped us off, we were told Macheka hadn't paid for it and we needed to fork over $105. The money was recovered in the end but not without effort. Overall, communication with Macheka was challenging and a bit slippery from start to finish; it should have been a warning sign.
Again, we would not use Nyala Mobile Safaris again ourselves and unfortunately cannot recommend the company to others.
ES
Email Feliu i Helena | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
BEST IN BOTSWANA
We did a 5 nights - 5 days safari with the company. Mucheka is a really helpful and kind person. And you will only be aware of the truth of this sentence once you meet him. People in Botwana are usually easygoing, helpful and sincerely kind, however Mucheka just breaks the records. He is always trying to make the best experience for you. He always gave us advice on which were the best options, even not concerning safari. if you have any questions just speak to him. Do take his calls, most of the booking we made it via WhatsApp calls and it's the best way to do so. He stayed on budget. All the camp gear is confortable yet adventurous, the food is really good too. The experience of the safari was just outstanding, our trip wouldn't have been the same without it, and it's definitely not the same if you do it by yourself self, you will spend so much time on logistics that it will be impossible to enjoy your days the way we did it. Even if you selfdrive, check with Mucheka, he can arrange something for the car to travel with a driver so you can just enjoy the safari.
We advise an early booking. It is normal to pay all the amount in advance, since accommodation and everything needed needs to be booked.
Nyala is probably the best tour operator in all Botswana regarding affordability, quality and satisfaction.
DE
Email Jasmine & Denko | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Very helpful
From first contact with Mucheke to our last day of safari all was smooth, clear and professional.
Staff was very friendly and went extra mile to meet our demands (custom tailor our tour, putting extra effort so that we can enjoy proximity of animals, hot water for camp showers, …).
Just wish that Mokoro ride was better and more frequent but that comes down to communication.
Overall great experience.
ES
Email Alberto&Pol | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great local company!
We are very happy to have chosen this company for our safari to Khwai. Communication can improve a bit (too many calls), but overall the staff is incredibly friendly and ready to help you make the most out of the experience, the camp is absolutely stunning and the guide was great. Food and drinks were well prepared and abundant!
We are really looking forward to do another trip with them!
US
Email Theo | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Friendly and informative guides and great camping gear with wonderful food
We had a unforgettable safari experience, thanks to the exceptional team of guides and camp crew. Their expertise and hospitality made our adventure truly special. We were thrilled to spot an abundance of wildlife, luxurious tents and gourmet meals exceed our expectations. Overall, it was a safari of a lifetime.
Email Micaela | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
What an amazing experience
The Nyala safaris team are exceptional. They really went above and beyond to ensure we were comfortable, and that we got the best experience in our 3 days with them. We did the mokoro tour on day 1 (where the guides identified all of the birds we asked about, and showed us the other wildlife such as elephant and hippo along the way too). On days 2 and 3 we did a game walk and game drives with very knowledgeable guides, which was just amazing.
On both nights, we got back to sundowners, snacks, and a tent nicely set up, where we were able to take a bush shower under the stars. Dinners were amazing, a good selection of foods both nights.
Overall, I fully recommend this experience, and I look forward to our next trip with the team!
Email Vincent | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The effort shows
The guides and team all went the extra mile to make us comfortable while still giving us the genuine wild experience. Great value for what you pay
Email Hannah C | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing experience
We visited in Dec 2024 with a small group and we had a great time with Mucheka, Mopate and team! We did a Mokoro tour in the delta, a bush walk and many game drives. The knowledge of the team meant we saw so many animals in diverse terrain and they had so many interesting facts. The accommodation and food were also fab! It was such a treat to have sundown drinks each night and a shower under the stars in the evenings, and the team always picked the most picturesque and scenic spots. Food was also delicious and we appreciated the healthy sides of salad and fruit that they had available.
Overall would highly recommend a nyala tour!
PT
Email Nadia | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Adventure
Having just returned from a Safari at Moremi and a mokoro ride in the okavango delta with Nyala Adventures I can confidentely say it was one of the most incredible adventures of my life. Although our activities were booked at the last minute, Nyala Adventures went above and beyond to ensure it was an unforgettable experience.