Wildlife & Wilderness of Botswana
Experience Overview
Journey into the wilds of Botswana. Glide along the Okavango Delta in traditional mokoro canoes and admire a billion stars from the otherworldly and eerily silent Makgadikgadi Pans. Search for the emblematic wildlife of Africa on the Savuti Marsh and Moremi Reserve and take to the Chobe River, home to the highest concentration of elephants anywhere. Finally discover why Dr David Livingstone, upon seeing Victoria Falls, declared ‘scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.’
This trip includes a few of our Citizen Science Departures. These special departures offer you the opportunity to be involved in the collection of freshwater samples during the trip. The environmental DNA information derived from this sample will contribute directly to the eBioAtlas; the world’s largest repository of flora and fauna species data, contributing to the conservation and restoration of biodiversity both locally and globally. To book onto one of these special departures, see the Dates & Prices tab. For more information on these departures and the eBioAtlas, click here.
Profile
— 11 nights full-service camping (in two-person tents with camp beds and mattresses provided) and two nights in a hotel, lodge or chalet — Travel by Toyota Land Cruiser — Some long and bumpy roads — Stay in some remote locations — Citizen Science departures available on this trip
At a Glance
— 11 nights full-service camping (in two-person tents with camp beds and mattresses provided) and two nights in a hotel, lodge or chalet — Travel by Toyota Land Cruiser — Some long and bumpy roads — Stay in some remote locations — Citizen Science departures available on this trip
Trip For You
This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate) with a Wildlife Rating of Four.For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page or our Wildlife Holidays page for more on our Wildlife Ratings. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
Transport
Expect some long and hot drives as we travel between game parks. On some days, we travel on paved roads, but a lot of distance is covered on dirt and sand roads. Depending on water levels, driving in the delta can also be challenging. Vehicles can be difficult to get in and out for persons of reduced mobility.
Camping
During the full-service camping safari, we have a separate supply vehicle with a camp crew who set up camp for us. The camp crew will also cook the food, wash the dishes and attend to all camp chores, so you can fully enjoy the wilderness.
We normally use Botswana Tourism (HATAB) sites, which are only available for private groups. There are no facilities, so we use bush toilets and a bush shower. These sites are not fenced and have no running water. We carry a water supply on our vehicles and fill up daily from public sites. There is plenty of water in which you can wash, but we must be sparing. This all adds to the remote wilderness experience. Other nights will be spent in developed campgrounds with facilities usually including toilet blocks, a bar and, sometimes, a swimming pool.
Weather
October and November are the hottest months, but are also good for game viewing. Please see the Weather & Seasonality section of the Trip Notes for more information.
Legal note
All group members joining this tour will be asked to sign an indemnity form at the start of the trip. This indemnity form is a requirement of the South African Tourism Service Association of which our local supplier is a member. As a client of Exodus Travels Ltd, your rights under the Package Travel Regulations (1992) are unaffected, and Exodus remains liable for the actions of our sub-contractors.
Group Description
There will be one tour leader who normally also arranges the meals and cooking. The tour leader is assisted by a driver/guide, and for larger groups there will be a support vehicle with two staff.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts, seven lunches and seven dinners included.
Breakfast: Cereals, coffee and toast and the occasional fried breakfast/brunch.Lunch: Cheese, cold meats, salads, bread or rolls.Dinner: Potjies (stew), braais (barbecue), stir-fries, etc.
Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for on this holiday. Please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests so our local team can be well prepared.
The trip leaders do all the shopping and meal planning for each group. They will always try to obtain fresh produce wherever possible. Each tour has one cool box for meat and fresh produce only and one cool box for cold drinks. We supply squash, tea or coffee with meals. All other beverages will be at your own expense.
On some days where early morning game drives are included, lunch may be substituted for a large brunch on return from the game drive – this is customary. We will always ensure the number of meals detailed in the trip notes are provided.
The water provided on this trip is safe, clean drinking water, normally from boreholes. You can buy bottled water if you prefer, but we encourage you to make use of the safe drinking water provided as this helps diminish plastic consumption.
Transportation
We use a 4x4 vehicle, seating 12 in four rows of three. It has a solid roof to protect the group from the sun and canvas sides that are mostly kept up for great game viewing. We use this vehicle as it is perfect for wildlife watching, which is the focus of our trip. It does mean, however, that it can get windy on transfers between safari parks. When we have small group sizes, we use a trailer for our equipment. For large groups, there will always be a support vehicle. The vehicle has evenly spaced foot holes for access to the back (rather than doors) and is manageable for any reasonably fit person.
Drive times (all approximate):
Maun to the Okavango Delta round-trip: Two hours each wayMaun to Makgadikgadi: Four hoursMakgadikgadi to Victoria Falls: Seven hours, including border crossingVictoria Falls to Kasane: Two hoursKasane to Savuti: Eight hours, mostly game drives, some transferSavuti safari: Six to eight hours, all game drivesSavuti to Moremi: Eight hours, mostly game drive, some transferMoremi safari: Two game drives, each three hoursMoremi to Maun: Three-hour game drive plus two-hour transfer to Maun
Joining Instructions
Joining Instructions
Start hotel: Audi Camp, Lekawen Drift
Phone: +267 75 323 065
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Maun Airport (MUB)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately a 15 to 20-minute drive from the airport. We provide free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
We provide free departure transfers for all customers to the airport from the end hotel.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Weather Information
There is no best time to visit the Okavango Delta, as it flows year round. The wettest season is January and February, when travel on dirt roads becomes difficult. March to September, although dry and bright, can be cold at night (in June and July it can be chilly - but no colder than 5°C, so bring appropriate gear).
Delta water levels reach their highest in July. From December to June, water levels in the Zambezi are at their highest, and the spray can be seen several miles away as it soars as much as 500ft (150m) in the air. October and November are the hottest months, and midday temperatures can be very uncomfortable. The rains normally start slowly in late November. December can be wet, but it does not rain for long periods and should not put anyone off travelling, as there is always plenty of sunshine.
Spending Money
— Meals not included: Approximately 260 Botswanan pula (US$25) per person for an evening meal — Incidentals: Allow about 120-180 pula (US$9‐US$14) per day
Optional excursions (approximate costs, depending on group sizes)
All prices listed are subject to change:
— Boat Cruise on Chobe River: US$29 and US$14 for the park entry fee — Okavango Delta Helicopter flights: US$185 - US$550 per person depending on passenger numbers(maximum of three people per flight)
Victoria Falls:
— Entrance fee to Victoria Falls: US$50 — Helicopter flight over falls:
— 12min‐13min: US$150 plus park fees of US$15 — 25-minute game/scenic flight: US$284 plus park fees of US$15
— White-water rafting:
— Half day: US$126 plus park fees of US$10
— Zambezi sunset cruise: US$45 plus park fees of US$10 — Zambezi sunset cruise and dinner: US$88 plus park fees of US$10 — Night game drive in Hwange (2 hours in an open-air vehicle): US$60
Further activities are available in Victoria Falls but have not been risk assessed by Exodus.
Tipping
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work, but we would still recommend for your leader, driver, cook and camp assistant, approximately US$5 per person per day. For the two nights in the Okavango Delta we recommend a tip of approximately 250 pula (USD20) per person for our polers. Smaller groups may wish to give more.
Tipping is expected but not compulsory in Botswana and Zimbabwe. In most restaurants, an average of tipping 10 percent is common and service staff as well as local guides rely on tipping as part of their wages, but be sure to check. This tip is voluntary and can be declined if service was unsatisfactory.
Highlights
— Immerse yourself in Botswana’s wild side, witnessing immense landscapes and safari icons — Glide along the Okavango Delta in mokoro canoes helmed by master polers — Wild camp under the starry African sky, serenaded by hippos, elephants and lions — Experience the silent beauty of the otherworldly Makgadikgadi Pan — Rise early to game drive in Chobe National Park, the best spot on the planet to see elephants — Witness the mighty Victoria Falls, one of the Natural Wonders of the World
Trip Details
Product Code: 4337
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: r to Maun
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: WZT
Starts: Maun, Botswana
Finishes: Maun, Botswana
Duration: 14 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Unknown
Includes
— All breakfasts, seven lunches, seven dinners — All accommodation (see below) — All transport and listed activities — Tour leader throughoutAccommodation
Camping in the African wildernessCamping in the African wilderness is a bucket list experience for many adventure travellers and Botswana is a fantastic destination for this. When we stay at public campsites, we have access to excellent facilities; however, the nights spent wild camping are the real highpoint. Our stays in Moremi Game Reserve and Savuti Marsh are both at private campsites in beautiful locations where we won’t see or hear anyone else. What we will hear though, and possibly see, is the wildlife. On this trip, we spend 11 nights full-service camping and two nights normally in a hotel, lodge or chalet at the Victoria Falls. We sleep in spacious, two-person tents fitted with mattress-topped camp beds. For the wild camping nights, there is a bush shower and toilet, while dinner is taken around our campfire. Wild camping in the Okavango Delta The highlight stay on this trip for many is our two nights of wild camping in the Okavango Delta. Our neighbours, which you’ll likely hear shuffling around at night, include hippos, elephants and lions, while our away-from-it-all location normally allows us to see a night sky illuminated with stars. Worth knowing All camping equipment is provided except for sleeping bags and pillows.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $5,700 ($407 /day)
Itinerary
The adventure begins at our campsite on the banks of the Thamalakane River. You can arrive at any time and make use of the site facilities, which includes a bar, swimming pool and much-loved restaurant. Accommodation: Audi Camp (or similar)
We pack minimal gear for two nights into a smaller bag (provided), before a 4x4 transfer into the Okavango Delta. At the polers' station, we meet a team from a nearby village who will look after us during our stay in the delta. With them, we travel in mokoros (traditional canoes) deep into the Okavango Delta. We have lunch at our riverbank campsite, and then our first game walk in the late afternoon. We return to camp before sunset and for our first meal in the African bush. Accommodation: Okavango Delta Wild Camp
We get up early this morning for a game walk with a guide from the poling team. There are never any guarantees with wildlife, but there is the chance of seeing elephants, buffalos and other smaller game. We return to camp for brunch and time to relax. In the afternoon, we take a short mokoro trip on the river to view the sunset before returning to camp. Accommodation: Okavango Delta Wild Camp
This morning, we board our mokoros for the trip back to the polers' station. We meet our vehicle and transfer back to Maun for the night, where we will purchase supplies for the days ahead. The afternoon is free to relax by the pool or take an optional scenic flight over the delta. Accommodation: Audi Camp (or similar)
After a relaxed breakfast, we head east to the vast Makgadikgadi Salt Pan. We camp wild on the pan or one of the campsites nearby, depending on the conditions. The Makgadikgadi Salt Pan covers more than 6,180sqmi (16,000sqkm) and forms the bed of an ancient lake – now dried up. The sunsets here are spectacular. Accommodation: Makgadikgadi Pan wild camp (or similar)
Today we have a long drive north before crossing into Zimbabwe to Victoria Falls, a town minutes from the waterfalls of the same name. At the Kasangula border, we complete border formalities and continue to our accommodation for the next two nights. The falls themselves are more than 5,580ft (1,700m) wide and 330ft (100m) tall, making them the largest waterfalls in the world. Accommodation: Premier Lodge (or similar)
Today is a free day to take part in one of the many optional activities on offer, including white-water rafting, flights over the falls and various others. Accommodation: Premier Lodge (or similar)
This morning, we can view the Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwean side, before returning to Botswana. It’s then a short drive from the border to the town of Kasane, where we camp by the Thebe River, a tributary of the mighty Zambezi. The afternoon is free, with an option to view game on a cruise down the Chobe River. This is widely regarded as one of the best game cruises in Africa with a very good chance of seeing elephant herds drinking from the river before sunset. Accommodation: Thebe River Camp (or similar)
We take an early morning game drive back to the Chobe Waterfront area. Chobe is famous for its large population of elephants but is also home to plenty of other game, including lions and wild dogs. After exploring the northern end of this huge park, we head south into remote, rugged terrain, passing in and out of the national park, before finally reaching the Savuti Area at the southern edge of the park. Here, the Savuti Marsh is fed by the Savuti River channel, which alternately flows and then dries up for years at a time. Recent flooding has given this area new life. It’s home to plenty of game, but is especially well known for lions, and the large numbers of elephant that walk enormous distances to find fodder. Accommodation: Zwei-Zwei or Savuti Wild Camp
We take morning and afternoon game drives on the Savuti Marsh. There is a good chance of seeing the lions, cheetahs and hyenas that follow the seasonal zebra migration through this area. Large secretary birds and kori bustards are often seen strutting around the marsh and small red-billed francolins provide a noisy morning wake-up. Accommodation: Zwei-Zwei or Savuti Wild Camp
After breaking camp, we drive to Moremi Game Reserve. Along the way, we pass through a variety of habitats, including the Mbabe depression, Mopani forest and past great Acacia trees before arriving at Khwai village and the North Gate entrance of Moremi Game Reserve. Moremi National Park is the jewel in Botswana's wildlife crown. Protecting much of the northern part of the Okavango Delta, it encompasses waterways, marshes, islands and open grasslands. Accommodation: Moremi Wild Camp
We take morning and afternoon game drives through this beautiful, protected area, looking for the large variety of animals that live here. Despite its wet reputation, there is plenty of dry land in Moremi, which allows our game drives to cover significant distances while spotting game in the sometimes-dense vegetation. It’s a good place to spot elephants, lions, leopards and cheetahs, while red lechwe, a water-dwelling antelope, are often seen grazing among the lilies. Accommodation: Moremi Wild Camp
We go on a final game drive through the park this morning before returning to Maun and our riverside campsite. We can enjoy the swimming pool before our last dinner at the campsite restaurant. Accommodation: Audi Camp (or similar)
The adventure ends after breakfast and we begin our return journey home.
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Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
Jacqueline Lesley Ruth Hayward - Traveled, February 2024
Botswana safari Fantastic trip, camping most of the time allowed us to be on the heart of the wilderness. The tents are put up for you and have a camp bed and mattress . When we were at wild camps with no bathroom, a long drop was dug and a shower hung over a branch where possible. The camp food was simply excellent and the whole team looked after the group well! Most Inspirational Moment Wild camp Makgadikgadi pans Thoughts on Group Leader Brian was a font of knowledge about everything! Made the trip special. Advice for Potential Travellers Read the trip notes, it is hot, you are wild camping with elephants and lions keeping there distance. The journeys are long and windy! Suggestions 100% recommendation for the camping
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/12/2024
Louisa Green - Traveled, September 2023
Absolutely Fantastic I have been on several Exodus trips but this adventure took it to a new level. The benefit of camping is that like-minded people tend to be attracted to this kind of trip, and on my trip, the group made it. I really feel like I have made 11 new friends and just two weeks after returning, we have plans for a Christmas meet-up. There wasn’t one person who complained about the early mornings, or the bush toilet, or the 39 degree heat. Our guide Brian was fantastic and the mokoro trips in the Okavango was a definite highlight of mine, as well as camp singing and dancing around the fire. In terms of animals seen, we were extremely lucky to see a leopard with her cub, a leopard with a kill, a pack of wild dogs stalking a wildebeest herd, countless elephants, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, lions, impala, kudu, vultures, baboons and 138 species of bird. We were also extremely lucky to have two avid birders in our group who were only too happy to explain each bird to us! Camp-life was brilliant and our support crew was excellent. Chef James managed to cook some beautiful campsite meals – much better than I’d eat at home! Curries, stir-fries, whole chickens, oxtail all loaded with roasted or braised veg. A must for anyone with a sense of adventure willing to rough-it for two weeks in return for going for a wee in the middle of the night under the Milky Way, hearing the lions roar from inside your tent and making new pals. Most Inspirational Moment My absolute favourite moment in Botswana was when we finally saw our first leopard. We had been driving most of the day in 39 degrees, still a few hours away from our next wild camp where there would be no shower, a bush toilet and the calls of lions and hippos in the distance to fall asleep to. Suddenly a leopard ran across our track. We followed her, keeping our distance so as not to frighten her, for around 300m when she found a large bush and slumped in a heap, finally in the shade and panting as though she had run a marathon. We were all so fixated on watching her in that moment, and after about 5 seconds she was joined by her two-month old cub, who she had left safely in the middle of the bush whilst she went hunting. The two of them nuzzled together before she started washing him, only too happy to pose for our cameras. Time stood still whilst we silently watched her and in that moment there was nowhere else on the planet I'd rather be. I've seen this on the telly hundreds of times - mother's returning to cubs after hunting. But it's something else entirely to see it 10m away in real life. Thoughts on Group Leader Big Friendly Brian, as he called himself, was a brilliant guide. Extremely patient when we wanted to stop and see the 100th elephant that day and answered all of our questions. His driving was extraordinary - occasionally we went off-piste to follow a particular animal across rugged terrain, and some days we spent a lot of it driving on thick sand, but we never once felt unsafe or not in capable hands! Advice for Potential Travellers A sense of adventure and willingness to be uncomfortable is essential. Some days in the truck are long and on bumpy tracks which can take a toll on your bum if sitting at the back..! Towards the end of the trip there are four days in a row in wild camps with one shower every 48 hours and 25 litres of heated water between three people. Scratch your skin and black gunk will come off under your nails so if you enjoy home comforts with constant internet access to the rest of the world then this is most definitely not the trip for you. Suggestions N/A
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/16/2023
Karen Forshaw - Traveled, July 2023
Brilliant holiday Saw so much wildlife, elephants, lions, hyena, hippo, crocodiles and much much more. We got very close to a lot of the wildlife and had some amazing experiences. Variety of habitats, some beautiful and anazing sunsets. Boat trip enabled us to get close to animals such as hippo and buffalo. Helpful and efficient camp crew and food was good. Mixture of drives, walks and boat trips, all very rewarding. Most Inspirational Moment Seeing elephants whilst on a walk. Although we couldn't obviously get very close it was wonderful to be on the same ground with no fences or barriers. Second boat trip wass exceptional in terms of beauty and wildlife. Thoughts on Group Leader Brian was excellent. Always smiling, helpful, organised, very very knowledgeable, cares about everyone having a wonderful holiday. Advice for Potential Travellers Some very early starts. Take a face covering to avoid dust getting into your nose and mouth on the drives. Don't forget a torch. Suggestions If you love wildlife and nature then go for it!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/26/2023
Lel Blake - Traveled, May 2023
Safari and Victoria Falls An excellent trip, Brian and Mello were a fantastic team making this a brilliant experience for us all. The wildlife turned up in abundance, the accommodation was great, elephants outside the toilet tent notwithstanding and the food in camp was delicious, varied and plentiful including catering for us vegetarians Victoria Falls did not disappoint and the early start meant we had the park almost to ourselves. Extra activities were very exciting, although quite expensive Most Inspirational Moment Every day there were at least 2 things that made us wonder how this trip could be any better. Baby lions, giraffes and elephants, fabulous birds and close encounters with many different animals kept us rapt from sunrise to sunset. Thoughts on Group Leader He was amazing, well informed, funny, caring and made everyone feel so welcome Advice for Potential Travellers Be aware that in Zimbabwe some credit and debit cards do not work so travel with US$ Baggage handling in Johannesburg is a rather imprecise science Suggestions We had the most amazing time and we don’t think we could possibly go on another safari as it couldn’t measure up to this experience
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/17/2023
Jane Beal - Traveled, May 2022
Amazing trip What an amazing experience this trip was. We saw so much it os difficult to know where to start. Brian our guide was so knoledgable about all of the animals, plants and insects we saw. He could spot a bird and tell you what it was when just a speck in the sky or perched on a distant tree. He also knew where most of the animals hang out, so we saw plenty of wildlife incuding elephants, lions, impala, giraffe, hippos, zebra and kudu among other things. We even saw a couple of cheetah and a pack of wild dogs. There ar a lot of different experiences on this trip, from the mokoro canoes on the delta to Victoria falls. This inevibably led to some long drives. The wild camps were good fun and it was amazing what our cook Abi could produce on a camp fire and a gas ring. Although I personally don’t like it apparently the porridge was to die for!! Most Inspirational Moment Where to start, every day had at least one highlight. However, seeing two elephants playing in the river at Chobe was a rare experience that we felt priviledged to see. Thoughts on Group Leader Brian was brilliant, he was good fun and his knowledge of his country and all of the wildlife was exemplary. Advice for Potential Travellers Take a light for your tent it gets dark early and early morning game drives mean getting up and dressed in the dark. We went in May/June and it was very cold at night and in an open sided vehicle on early morning drives it was cold and draughty - warm hat and gloves would have been welcome. Make sure you do the Chobe river trip Suggestions We did the canopy tour at Victoria falls and would highly recommend it, run by Wild Horizons.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/12/2022
Darren Huston - Traveled, March 2020
Wildlife & Wilderness of Botswana Trip Wildlife & Wilderness of Botswana trip is great. No matter where you go, Wildlife & Wilderness of Botswana trip is the coolest, most happening thing around!” Most Inspirational Moment Safari
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/12/2020
Linda Kamal - Traveled, July 2022
Trip to Eden This is the second time I have been on this particular trip. As before it didn’t disappoint. The mokoro trip to the delta was magic. We were provided with copious wildlife sightings during our walks with a local guide. The camp was in a great location where a friendly elephant repeatedly wandered by during the day and also in the night. On the way to the Makadikadi pan we saw a large group of vultures on the roadside feasting on a cow carcass. It was like watching wildlife on one in the flesh. The pan when we reached it shimmered in the sun looking very unreal. The big skies gave us a breathtaking sunset. At Victoria Falls we had a restful day. We enjoyed visiting the Falls which were at their best “wet but still visible “ . We went on the zipwire across the gorge which was relaxing and scenic and allowed a good view of the Zambian falls. The evening meal at the Lookout cafe was delicious and the cafe very stylish. Returning to Botswana next day the optional cruise is recommended. The highlight of this was the sunset in an area rich in hippos and watching to birds fly to their roosts for the night. Next day after a long drive to Savuti we were rewarded with the sight of Painted Wolf puppies playing outside their den. I felt very privileged to see them. Next day they had left the den so we were lucky. A full day in Savuti allowed a sighting of wild dogs after a kill and lions contemplating a pursuit. Sadly this didn’t happen while we were there. Another drive to Moremi with a sighting of a secretary bird in the distance. We were fortunate to view crocodiles devouring a rotting carcass and performing classic rolls in the water to release the flesh. Our pre supper treat was another sighting of lions in the reserve. Next day we continued our game viewing but the major highlight came in the evening during supper. We had heard hyena’s in the night but this night a plucky hyena wandered into camp looking for scraps. During all this the food prepared by Abis and the rest of the crew exceeded in quality every restaurant we visited. The T bone was especially delicious. Most Inspirational Moment The last night in camp when a hyena wandered in. Brian our guide encouraged me to take photos as he shone his torch in the direction of the animal while ensuring that we didn’t get too close . It was one of the great things about camping that you might see or hear things in the night. You really felt you were there. Thoughts on Group Leader Brian was extremely friendly and made great efforts to show us interesting things.He had a very good knowledge of the wildlife and animal behaviour. He worked extremely hard and was always available to answer questions. The whole crew were very enthusiastic and nothing was too much trouble including driving to the nearest park gate to charge a camera battery (Didn’t realise they were going so far or wouldn’t have asked ). Advice for Potential Travellers Make sure you bring lots of khaki/ sand coloured clothes. Neutral really means these colours. Also wrap up well for the morning drive to the salt pans. It’s cold and windy on the way. Definitely have a bush shower. It’s so refreshing and great to air dry. Suggestions It’s great trip . I love the open vehicle so you feel you’re really there and the wild camping is full of opportunities for wildlife encounters.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/28/2022
Gordon Towner - Traveled, August 2019
AMAZING Wow what a way to see botswana on Brians fun bus,from start to finish our every need was met by Brian and his crew,having never camped before we were worried about bush toilets and open fire cooking and wild animals wondering about in the camp,but all of these things are part of what makes this adventure special the bush toilet was fine and discreet the open fire cooking was unbelievable best lasagne fish and chips and beef fillet potatoes and green beens i have ever tasted thanks to Abis the cook ,there are long dusty journeys but is a good time to get to know the other travellers in your group and nature seems to provide all the way to your next destination,the camp beds were comfortable and the kettle always boiling,sitting around the camp fire at night listening to all the sounds and looking up at the night sky really is awe inspiring,the game drives were amazing and Brians knowledge of every animal bird tree plant insect and animal poo was incredible there was nothing we asked that he didnt give a full explanation about, And we saw every animal except cheetahs and Rhinos , Most Inspirational Moment To many,wild camping mokoro rides herds of Elephants on walking safari,bull Elephant not wanting to let us pass in mokoro,wild dogs with pups ,leopard, hyenna family playing with pups ,lions vic falls white water rafting inthe Zambizi,night sky at salt pan Abis cooking and Brians infectious laugh always happy Thoughts on Group Leader Brian makes this adventure special,always happy helpfull and cant believe his knowledge and love of his country,Top class guide Advice for Potential Travellers Just do it,you wont regret it ,amazing experience
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/23/2019
Rachel Cox - Traveled, August 2019
Trip of a lifetime I always wanted to go on safari, but had never been camping before, so I was a little apprehensive about that. But camping was all part of the adventure and it was lovely gathering around the campfire in the evenings. It also makes you feel very immersed in the wildlife, e.g. hearing lions roar as you’re going to sleep and wondering how far away they are! So if you’re worried about camping, just do it, you won’t regret it. Most Inspirational Moment There were countless amazing moments on the trip! Being right next to a leopard that used our vehicle to hide behind to stalk an impala. Finding two cheetahs. Seeing two female lions sneak up on a giraffe while it was drinking water! Hippos crashing out of the bushes and through a herd of elephants, to get to the water to mate. A hippo blocking the path of our mokoro in the delta (scary, but exciting!). Numerous sightings of lions, including lion cubs playing and suckling from their mother. Being so close to a male lion he was sniffing the air around our vehicle! And absolutely countless sightings of elephants, hippos and 148 different species of bird. Thoughts on Group Leader Brian was amazing. He is very experienced and so knowledgeable about how to find the animals and about the animals themselves. All of the other guides know him too, which obviously helps to exchange information about recent animal sightings. He went above and beyond to give us great experiences and we got so close to a lot of animals! Advice for Potential Travellers Ladies, bring a buff/headscarf to control your hair while in the vehicle. A fleece is a must, as it gets very windy in the vehicle. I had a shewee and an empty plastic bottle for emergencies and I did use them one night when there were too many eyes staring back at me to use the bush toilet! Babywipes are useful to wipe away the sand before bed. Toilet paper is provided, but make sure to bring plenty of kleenex for the stops by the side of the road (I also used lots of tissue blowing the sand out of my nose!). I brought a diary, which was a nice way to document the trip and keep myself busy during downtime. Bring flipflops and a travel towel for the shower. It's possible to get laundry done in Victoria Falls (In-Da-Belly, down the road from the lodge, only charges 5dollars/bag), but it's not feasible in Maun due to time constraints, so just plan ahead for that. Make sure you have US dollars for Zimbabwe (visa and spending money). Oh and maybe don't opt for the scenic flight if you're in any way prone to motion sickness... I vomited and most of the others felt unwell too (although maybe it was a particularly windy/turbulent day when we did it). Suggestions If anyone is curious about the facilities (because I was), the "bush toilet" is a hole dug in the ground, with a metal frame and toilet seat over it. This is surrounded by a large metal frame with canvas material attached for privacy. There is also a shovel and a pile of sand to cover your business after each use. The "bush shower" is a canvas bag of hot water suspended from a tree and a mechanism so you can control the flow of water. This is surrounded by a metal frame with canvas material attached (similar to the toilet). They get the job done anyway and it's all worth it for the wildlife experiences!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/21/2019
Helen Brown - Traveled, July 2019
Safari of a lifetime An amazing trip that got better and better each day. The wildlife exceeded all of our wildest dreams made possible by our guide, Brian and ‘Top Gun’ our specialist local guide in the okavango delta. The food cooked by our chef on a log fire was incredible. Most Inspirational Moment Almost missing a leopard as it was so close to the track. Having an angry hippo charging through the water towards us whilst in a makoros canoe. Getting up in the night for the bush toilet and looking for red and/or green eyes! Thoughts on Group Leader Brian was an excellent. extremely knowledgeable guide. His team of a chef and two others were great too. Brian always went that extra mile to find the wildlife. Lions eating a kill, lion cubs suckling, hippos mating in the water, cheetahs hunting impala, a herd of cape buffalo being hunted by lions and so much more. My husband ticked off 148 different birds! Brian could identify the birds from a brief description or a wing pattern. Advice for Potential Travellers Be prepared for very early starts. Packing up camp in the cold and dark with no washing facilities on some days when wild camping was hard but made up by the incredible wildlife. When we were in the vehicle it was as if we were wearing invisibility cloaks! Definitely pack warm windproof clothes for the early mornings and take a head scarf/buff for when travelling in the open sided truck. be prepared to get very dusty/sandy! Suggestions It was my most grueling Exodus trip to date but also one of the most incredible. i couldn't believe how close we were to the animals when in the vehicle, in the boats and on foot.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/12/2019
Elizabeth Newman - Traveled, July 2019
Beyond wonderful I had visited eleven game parks on two continents, and spent twenty-six years trying to see a leopard. We saw four different individuals, close enough to get some excellent photographs. We also saw countless lions, two cheetahs and a serval, as well as lots of other game. The food that was cooked on an open fire was terrific, and it was a lovely group of like-minded people. Most Inspirational Moment There were so many it's hard to choose one. Seeing two cheetahs giving each other a very affectionate wash and brush up. The stand-off at the OK Waterhole - when five lions approached the two elephants occupying it, the elephants weren't having it. The lions called for reinforcements, and another five turned up. So the elephants also called for reinforcements, and a third elephant arrived. We then watched them squirting the lions with water, and chasing them off now and again. The lions had to make do with a puddle at the far end of the waterhole. Seeing an adult male lion sniff out a tiny three week old cub. We watched with our hearts in our mouths, but he was a new dad and had been left to babysit. The cub wanted to cross the road, and dad tried to stop it without much success. He was very gentle, and it was a delight to watch. Seeing a serval, which our guide said was most unusual. And last but by no means least - a mother leopard taking a surprising lunch back to her half-grown cub - an African wildcat. Thoughts on Group Leader Anton was very knowledgable, and extremely clever at driving round the back of the other vehicles to get a better view from the other side. He also knew when to wait - if nothing exciting seemed to be happening and he was in no hurry to move on, there was always a reason. Advice for Potential Travellers Take a small camping light for the tent, and lots of wet wipes. Also take a power bank if you have one, and as many spare batteries as you can afford. I have a camera trap, and I set that up on several nights so that I could see what was sniffing round the tents - turned out to be a honey badger and a hyena. If you need to go to loo several times in the night remember that it's not a good idea to leave the tent. I took a litre-sized plastic jar with a lid, and was very glad I did. Suggestions This was the fourth safari I have done in Africa, and the best by far. Magic.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/25/2019
Stephen Newey - Traveled, March 2019
An amazing adventure in Botswana Our adventure in Botswana was the most incredible experience we have ever encountered. The guides were amazing. Their knowledge of all things growing or living in this beautiful country was boundless. They were all extremely helpful and nothing was too much trouble, always going the extra mile to ensure that we got the most out of our trip. Our cook produced the most delicious recipes and all on an open fire with a few pots and pans. Wild camping definitely gave us a flavour of actually being amongst the wildlife. We saw all the species of animals and birdlife that anyone could wish for. A trip across the border to Zimbabwe took us to the breath-taking Victoria Falls. So majestic yet so powerful. It would be remiss of me not to mention our two main guides, Ngande and Mello. They were incredibly caring and thoughtful towards our needs, always ensuring that our safari experience was the best that it could possibly be. Finally, we are so grateful to Exodus for arranging what proved to be the adventure of a lifetime and one which we will never forget. Most Inspirational Moment The entire experience was inspirational but the most emotional moment for me happened on a morning game drive, when we came across a beautiful male leopard sitting majestically on top of a grassy mound. Needless to say that my camera was red hot that day. The previous morning drive was a lovely misty morning when we encountered a small pride of lions. One of the shots I took was perfect. I called it "Lions in the Mist" Thoughts on Group Leader Our group leader was an amazing man called Ngande Mosepele. His knowledge of wildlife and birdlife was boundless. He was so caring and kind to everyone, always making sure that each of our group, regardless of our individual interests, got the most out of our trip. He also had a great sense of humour. We all agreed that we couldn't have had a better leader. Advice for Potential Travellers If anyone is undecided over whether or not this type trip is for you. Don't think twice. Just do it. I promise you won't be disappointed. If like us, you have never been on safari before, choose "Wildlife and Wilderness of Botswana" It will be an adventure you will never forget!! Suggestions I don't think there is anything I can add that I haven't already said. This fulfilled our every wish and much much more. I have purposely not used the word holiday in any part of this review. This was not a holiday, it was an incredible adventure, and one which my wife and I will never forget.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/25/2019
Alison Brown - Traveled, March 2019
Incredible adventure Absolutely fantastic trip, amazing chances to see wildlife close up and lie awake at night trying to identify the animal noises and how close by they could be! Most Inspirational Moment It was all incredible. The Mokoro rides were so serene and otherworldly. Watching hippo from them was something I will never forget. The safari walks were expertly guided by a man with just a stick and it was an absolute privilege to be able to walk and see zebra, buffalo, giraffes, elephants and so much more in their natural environment. In the 4x4s we were able to get up close to animals and spent 2 hours watching 2 cheetah brothers chilling out under a tree. We were also blessed to see a young leopard and spend time watching her eat and sleep. Parking close to lions eating a wildebeest was incredible, though those of us on the nearer side of the truck had years scared off our lives when another closer male lion went a bit vocal with his lioness which none of us were expecting! Seeing baby elephants, elephants playing in the water and spraying dust everywhere was just incredible. Giraffes fighting, hippos "smiling" and laughing, ostriches running, jackals stretching, zebras dazzling and eagles soaring were just some highlights. But, really, every day was a highlight bringing new fabulous sights and experiences and the whole trip was truly inspirational Thoughts on Group Leader Kenny - chilled and laid back. A good sense of humour and fantastic knowledge of birds and animals. He has a real passion for his job and the wildlife he sees Advice for Potential Travellers Bring sandals for mokoro (in case you have to get out) and 4x4 (cooler) wear neutral coloured long sleeves and trousers for walks to protect from thorns Up before the sun and in bed by sunset. Only the very bravest will want to visit the bushy bushy at night (women bring she-wee and bottle if you need to) Once you are in your tent at night you are advised not to use your head torch so be tidy and prepare things when it's light to avoid scrambling in the dark Bring cards and gamble freely with seed pods and sticks! Dobble also good fun Bring imperial mints, werthers originals and foxes mints to share in truck. Jelly babies will not survive the heat, neither will minstrels sadly!! Write down what you see every day as the days are so packed that it's hard to remember everything by the end of the trip Buy a good camera with a good zoom (it's so worth it!!). Then make friends with person on trip who can show you how to use it! There are no doors on the truck, you will have to be able to climb up the sides and swing your legs over to get in and out - be prepared to scramble This is a camping trip - it is basic and you have to make the best of what there is on site. Do not expect to be able to walk outside the camp when wild camping. Opportunities to stretch your legs are limited to getting on and off the truck. Listen to your guides. This is a wildlife trip and there will be wild animals poking about the camp site at night (honey badgers, hyena, elephants) and possibly during the day (elephants!!). Be sensible and try to appreciate the experience once the abject terror of having been woken by a noise settles down!! Suggestions Keep an open mind. Be prepared for anything and enjoy!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/17/2019
Georgina Mackintosh - Traveled, November 2018
Fantastic experience This trip exceeded my expectations. It was exceptional in pretty much every aspect. The variety and quantity of animals we saw were exceptional – thanks to our brilliant guide, the locations we camped in and the high quality of local guides and trackers. The back up team made wild camping an amazingly comfortable experience – putting up and dismantling our tents, transporting all our luggage and producing the most delicious and satisfying meals from an open fire and the ‘ magic’ kitchen in the back up vehicle. The long distance travel in the open sided safari truck was a bit of a trial at times but all part of the the Botswana experience and outweighed by the arrival at a beautiful location to camp. Most Inspirational Moment There were so many, but the Okavango Delta and Moremi stand out in terms of places and animals but the simplicity of the whole wild camping experience, with no wi-fi, no 'modern' amenities and rising at sunrise and going to bed after sunset was the most wonderful antidote to the mania of our lives. Truly magical. Thoughts on Group Leader Ngande's experience, knowledge and organisation were exceptional - and he is a really nice guy too! He was good humoured, sensitive to individuals needs and made us feel very safe - especially when up close to the animals! Advice for Potential Travellers If you want an adventure that removes you totally from the stresses of modern life this is an ideal trip. Suggestions The only criticism I have is that I really didn't like the hard sales talk we had on activities available on arrival at Victoria Falls. After a very long day's travelling it was the last thing we wanted! !
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/10/2018
Ann Stobbs - Traveled, October 2018
Wildlife & wilderness of Botswana It was such a memorable adventure – seeing cheetahs, leopards and wild dogs, not forgetting elephants who seemed to like wandering around our camp at night ! The wild camping made it possible to be part of their world which was a real privilege. The camp staff were excellent and I just loved Botswana. All together one of the best holidays I have been on . Most Inspirational Moment Seeing cheetahs ,leopards, wild dogs, and all the other animals- Having elephants wandering around our camp... The okovango- Beating a hasty retreat from a rather cross elephant - Discovering I like birds - Space light & warmth of Botswana Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent! Advice for Potential Travellers Take a scarf - the long drives got a bit windy - def take binoculars- It says there are ATM s at Victoria Falls which is correct but not one had any money in them so take small dollar notes (Not a big deal but don't rely on them) Otherwise the trip notes are comprehensive .. Suggestions Just a minor thing about being met on the group flight. We were not clear whether we were being met at JBURG as well as Maun- just needs making it a bit clearer that you won't be met at the transit but at Maun.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/14/2018
valerie crompton - Traveled, September 2019
Where the wild Things are. I have just returned from this trip which was very good indeed. We were a very diverse group and I don’t think we were very easy for our leader Anthony but he coped very well with a difficult person and a demanding situation. H was helped by the crew Melo an excellent cook and Ronald and KT who worked so hard and were always kind and helpful. We were all struggling with the tremendous heat and I would not recommend october as the best month. it was exceptionally hot, drinking hpt water was something we had to get used to, to keep from dehydration, very diddifcult indeed, We had elephants in camp which was a treat and at night could hear the lions and hyeanas outside the tents. We saw numerous birds and wonderful lions also saw a cervil a real treat. Dont expect it all to be easy but it is worth it. Most Inspirational Moment The mokoros, the elephants and the surroundings. Thoughts on Group Leader Anthony was very capable in sometimes difficult circunstances. Advice for Potential Travellers Please take wet wipes because you cant always get the chance to wash, sunhats and scarves which can be soaked and wound round the neck in extreme heat. rehydration powders were very useful too. You dont need many clothes but as it is hot and sandy everything gets covered a few pairs of socks are good as they get very dirty. Just read the trip notes on clothing and that should be enough. Suggestions You must go with the right attitude you will be part of a team so looking out for others safety is important, I broke all my nails trying to do the tent zips up they are very difficult, just a warning!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/23/2019
wendy pomfrett - Traveled, October 2018
what an adventure I am absolutely not a camping person so this holiday was a challenge for me but the lack of luxury was well worth the up close and personal experience with the wild life. Our leader, Anton, and his amazingly efficient and friendly crew worked miracles under difficult conditions to make our lives as comfortable as possible. The food was varied and plentiful – quite remarkable given that most of it was cooked on an open fire. If you want to really see Africa, forego the comfort of the lodges and do it this way! Most Inspirational Moment The moment when a pride of lions appeared from the bush and marched single file past our vehicle. The whole delta experience in the first few days. Thoughts on Group Leader Very professional and knowledgeable. He had excellent leadership skills which meant that the whole team worked efficiently and were at all times upbeat and happy. Advice for Potential Travellers This is wild Africa - do not expect comfort so every little thing - a bush shower, a cold drink - will be a bonus. There is necessarily quite a lot of free time in the baking middle of the day so take a pack of cards or a travel game......and LOTS of wet wipes The vehicle is perfect for watching wild life but, if you are in any way incapacitated, it is not easy to get into it. Also be prepared for a long and very windy drive one day for which the vehicle is not best suited so take a scarf or buff to cover your mouth. Suggestions This holiday is a real adventure. It is not easy to sleep at night as the bush is noisy and very hot but all this is worth it for the amazing wild life on your doorstep -and sometimes in your camp!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/23/2018
Adrian Fingleton - Traveled, September 2018
Wonderful trip but not for the faint-hearted My wife and I did the trip in the latter part of September 2018, and Anthony was our guide. We had a great group of 12 – we all gelled well and sort of ‘looked out’ for one another. Which is important when you are spending all day every day with each other. Our crew (Anthony + 3 companions) were very engaging, kind, helpful (re ‘what was that bird’ and more) and generally kept the show on the road. We saw amazing wildlife pretty much everywhere we went. The food was really excellent – and surprisingly varied. Having said that – the ‘warning’ – you spend 13 days on the road. Many of them are true wild camping. No running water, hole-in-the-ground toilets. It’s hot and dusty. Sometimes at night animals wander thru the camp. You think twice before going to the loo (but you do, eventually and inevitably, go)… And it’s enormous fun – great experiences, great company, great photo opportunities, and nature in the raw. But you will come back tired. It’s part of the deal… Most Inspirational Moment Several highlights - the mokoro trip into the Okavango delta, swimming in the river, the game walks on foot there, the flight (optional) we took over the delta. And then, beyond that, the opportunities to see Leopard, Wild Dogs (several times) and the Chobe wetlands by (optional) boat tour. Thoughts on Group Leader He (Anthony) was great. Patient, effective, great at spotting animals, looked after everyone, kept the crew moving and generally nothing he could not fix. Excellent group leader. Advice for Potential Travellers Just bring the stuff you are told to - like a head torch (essential), power banks, spare camera batteries, old clothes, shampoo, etc - you will be roughing it, so anything that makes your life a bit easier is worth having. Flip flops are good too. There are just a few days with very long drives, so you just grit your teeth and bear it. Other days are not too challenging. Bring some added salts like Dioralyte - you will sweat a lot so you need to keep replenishing fluid levels. Suggestions One thing that we found a bit difficult was getting in and out of the 12 man open sided truck that was our home for 13 days. There are footholds for getting in and out, but it can be tricky. And if you have long legs, the front row is a bit problematic because you cant slide your legs under the seat in front. But it is a great platform for viewing game and everyone manages to get a photo in the end :-)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/23/2018
Andrew Allman - Traveled, August 2018
Beautiful Botswana I have just come back from trip and must say it was one of most enjoyable experiences of my life. On the way back home, I reflected that there were 9 absolutely awe inspiring moments on the trip: – watching two cheetahs hunt and kill an impala – our guide Kenny finding leopards on 3 different occasions and watching these beautiful creatures wandering about – elephants everywhere – watching a pride of lions on several occasions which included cubs – the fantastic night sky especially on the salt plains – rafting the Victoria falls – being punted along on the oakavango delta – the boat trip in the chobe National Park – the guides and people who supported us in the delta Our guide Kenny was absolutely first rate and guided us both to animals but also around the towns and villages of Botswana. He showed great patience with a group of novice safari holiday makers and displayed incredible knowledge on the flora and fauna of the area. Melo our cook was equally as good. How he managed to cook lasagne, fish and chips and bread on an open fire is beyond me. We had a great group and the camaraderie around the open fire and in the truck will remain with me for a long time. Derek and Deniro supported our group brilliantly and made sure our campsite was set up before our arrival every day. If you are thinking of going on this trip, I would advise: – read itinerary in detail as it will help outline your expectations re food, distance to travel and accommodation – prepare for some tough travel and properly wild camping. When wild camping, we had animals around and through the camp every night after we had gone to bed. We had 4 nights in a row with no running water, wi fi or electricity. Toilets when wild camping are long drop bush toilets. You will need to take power packs and battery back ups. – the roads in the national parks and remote areas are not surfaced and progress is slow and can be uncomfortable – only two nights are spent in lodges and this was a lower quality lodge in Zimbabwe. This is a camping trip. Having said that if you love animals and the outdoor life, this is a holiday I would recommend highly. Most Inspirational Moment Spending 2 hours watching 2 cheetahs stalk and successfully hunt an impala. Watching them both take off at full speed was breath taking. Thoughts on Group Leader Kenny is an excellent tour leader. He looked after our daily holiday needs (food, accommodation etc) with maximum efficiency and minimum fuss. His guiding was first rate and he found the animals we wanted to see and others we had not heard of. Advice for Potential Travellers If you like going to remote beautiful places to see wildlife and can put up or enjoy wild camping, this is a holiday for you. Please remember that you will not be near a shop for most of trip and conditions in bush are harsh. Therefore make sure you have right kit for trip ( robust head torch, spare batteries, first aid kit, decent walking shoes etc) Suggestions This is an excellent trip however please book on lodge trip if you require luxury or pampering. Only hostel we stayed in was very very basic. It would have been nice to stay in a 3/4 star lodge one or two nights in trip. Also, you will be in close quarters with group for 15 days, so dynamic of group could impact enjoyment of trip
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/13/2018
Pauline Gallagher - Traveled, August 2018
Wonderful wild camping Fantastic holiday Most Inspirational Moment Okavango Delta Thoughts on Group Leader Anthony was an excellent group leader. John, Chief & Mello were also first class supporters. Advice for Potential Travellers Bring Bananagram !
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/21/2018
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