Botswana's Desert & Delta (Mammals)

We stayed in 2 mobile camps - so close to nature that we were visited several nights by elephant, lion and hyena! Our two guides Partner and Nelson, were terrific. We saw countless lions (close up and personal at times!), leopards and cheetah; and don't forget the wild dogs, which we were so lucky to encounter more than once. One encounter with a leopard occurred in Kwai during a night drive - we were on our way back to camp and there it was, walking alongside the track - mesmerizing. Driving through stunning scenery which changes almost at every turn, from wild desertscape populated by bizarrely twisted trunks of dead trees to the lush pools and channels of the Okavango Delta: we really felt we were in a remote and wild place, and rarely saw any other vehicles. Oh and the elephants of course - hundreds of elephants: the cause of the devastated treescapes according to our guides! We were camping for 7 nights and could have done 7 more in an instant! Did I mention the food - tasty and copious! Brilliant adventure. We will be coming back! Naturetrek was our UK tour operator. We have travelled with them on safari before and we trust their judgement. They know their clients well and the tours they provide are focussed on clients' interests and expectations. Brochure descriptions have not over promised (and perhaps sometimes undersell). On both tours we have done with them I liked their use of local companies and their philosophy of supporting local communities. Everything worked perfectly - the transfers all worked and the on the ground operators they use are always excellent. I would definitely use Naturetrek again.

S.H. Surrey, Sept 24

Marvellous safari in Botswana, very well appointed camps, superb guides and camp staff who were always happy to help. On the safaris the guides showed superb knowledge of the birds and mammals that we encountered, and illustrated their skills when tracking the wildlife. Naturetrek provided us with detailed information for our holiday and responded quickly to email enquiries. I would not hesitate to use Naturetrek in the future, and have actually looked in their brochure at possible future trips.

A.K. North Yorkshire, Oct 23

Our trip to Botswana was the most special, special time. It will never ever be forgotten. Our guides, Partner and Nelson, were passionate about all the amazing wildlife and incredibly good spotters. Birds, mammals, flora, there were no questions that they could not answer. Our dream wish list included Cheetah, Leopard and Wild Dogs and unbelievably we were treated to the most spectacular sightings of all of these very elusive animals at close quarters and in very photographable places. We even saw Serval Cat, very rare and last seen by Nelson over a year previously. We know how lucky we were! The camp and camp staff were great and the food which we were served from a camp kitchen was utterly amazing! There was not a single thing, in my opinion which could have made this trip better. Not a single thing. It was truly, truly wonderful. All travel plans were utterly smooth. All connections were made and we were collected as arranged every time. The whole trip could not have been improved on in any way.

H.B. Perthshire, Sept 23

We lived deep in the bush in tents exploring the Okavango Delta with all the amazing animals and bird life. We had early morning and night drives expertly guided by local naturalists guides. Naturetrek are an excellent company whom we have used to visit many countries. Their ethos is excellent. They use local naturalist guides who are passionate about their country.

L.O. Suffolk, Sept 22

Having last camped when our children were young, at 81 and 84 we were a little apprehensive about the camping aspect of the safari. We soon realised that we were not "roughing it" and with comfy beds and hot water provided it was an ideal way to be in the heart of the action. We found an amazing quantity of wildlife "on the doorstep". Even lions skirting the camp! We saw a variety of mammals on the way to the first camp and even encountered Wild Dogs. We had 2 further sightings later in the week. Porcupine, Honey Badger, Wild Cat and a python were just a few of the specials and together with so many ticks on the bird checklist as well it was a truly memorable experience.

BH & BH, Surrey, Sep 22

It was our first African safari and hopefully not our last. It exceeded expectations and was a unique holiday as camping in the bush in sight and sound of lions, hippos, hyenas, etc, brought a whole new element to the experience. Our guides Partner and Banda were wonderful and all the camp staff worked hard to ensure our happiness. Our late night campfire chats were always highly entertaining. We have travelled many times with Naturetrek and have never been disappointed. Whether we have chosen a 'package' or had a tailor made trip every element has worked well leaving us with nothing but happy memories of some truly wonderful journeys to countries we never dreamed we would see.  

P.P Spain, May 22

This was a jump in the deep end. My first safari, aged 59, and travelling alone for the first time in years. Camping in the bush didn't sound very sensible beforehand, with all those dangerous animals around, but I decided to trust to the professionalism of Naturetrek to get me back in one piece. Above all, I was drawn by the photographic possibilities and these were simply amazing. A leopard greedily feeding on a wild cat, a cheetah standing tail aloft surveying the Savannah, a lioness being greeted by her affectionate cubs upon returning from a hunt, hippos blowing like whales in a pool in a golden sunset. These were some of the highlights in a trip that offered a feast of images to treasure. Not only did I get back in one piece; I was determined to go again - somewhere in Africa - at the earliest opportunity. The whole thing was professionally run, both by Naturetrek and the local guides, who really knew their stuff. The food was good, the tents were basic but comfortable and the group spirit was strong. 

D.C. Finland, May 22

This was an excellent safari in terms of quality and quantity of sightings. Far too many to list, but for example lengthy close ups of wild dogs and a pangolin. Another outstanding feature was a very friendly and co-operative group of 14 clients. We have been on many safaris, and this was probably the best for both quality/quantity of sightings, and group atmosphere. 

W.S. Hampshire, Oct 19

A wonderful experience, camping in the bush with elephants on the doorstep. A terrific guide called Ace who is passionate about wildlife and conservation and a great team of guys looking after the camp. The wildlife watching was superb with close-up encounters without disturbing the animals.

D.C. Essex, Sept 19

Having had two previous safari holidays in Africa, this was a first for me camping amongst the animals. It was a magic moment waking in the night to see and hear an elephant grazing and then sleeping only some 15 feet away from our tent. On another occasion, returning to the camp for lunch we wee greeted by a herd of elephants in the river some 20 feet from our camp- another magic moment. on another occasion we were halted on the track by an elephant grazing on trees some 10 feet from our vehicle and we all watched in awe as he ate before eventually moving off some 15 minutes later. Our guide was excellent at tracking and we saw leopard and her cub at a kill and on another occasion a pride of lions at a Cape Buffalo kill. The catering was excellent with food prepared over an open fire and the tents roomy and the camp beds comfortable. We have many happy memories and thousands of photos of this wonderful week in the bush in Botswana.

J.C. Essex, Sept 19

Enjoyed being in a tented camp on safari which is a more intimate wildlife experience. Shadreck was excellent at spotting wildlife. 

J.S. Norfolk Sept 19

The safari drives were excellent and it was an amazing fun experience, camping in the bush under the African sky was unforgettable. This was a brilliant holiday. Seeing a lioness emerge with her four eight week old cubs on their first venture out was incredible.

L.H. Gloucestershire, Sept 19

Ace was the best leader on this planet - period! What a man - we were very privileged to have met him and had him as our team leader on this tour. Bucket list trip ticked off!

A.W. Dorset, Sept 19

I did the Botswana's Desert & Delta (Mammals) trip in April 2015, and whilst I have been lucky enough to travel to many exotic and wonderful places around the world, my 2015 safari was always my favourite holiday experience. Embarking on the same tour in the dry season, I wasn't convinced it would be as good. But I was so wrong. At the end of each day we thought, "Well tomorrow cant beat that!" and each day we were wrong. To have a herd of 40+ breeding elephants drinking and bathing in the river just a few yards from our tents was magical. Three separate sightings of wild dogs including a pack of 8 adults and 8 pups was amazing. A large clan of hyena demolishing and fighting over a baby elephant they had killed was heart breaking and spectacular in equal measure. Hundreds of cape buffalo walking slowly in single file across a huge open area with a column of dust rising behind them was a stunning sight. A pride of 13 lions with cubs trying to escape from 3 male lions who were intent on taking over the territory and killing the cubs, a three legged leopard, a honey badger, a rhino and calf,... the list just goes on. We followed the fortunes of another leopard with her cub and a newly killed impala over three days. Any one of these experiences would have been special but we had them all and so much more. I have been on several safaris, and by a country mile, Ace proved to be the best. His knowledge was outstanding, as was his ability to impart it to the group. His ability to hear, see, smell and predict the location and behaviour of the wildlife was verging on supernatural. His enthusiasm and passion for the Delta radiated from him. My complaint is that this trip was so special and spectacular that I now fear I will never experience one as good in the future.

D.M. Kinross, Sept 19

We couldn’t ask for a better guide than Ace. As a founder member of WWF I was impressed with his commitment to conservation and his knowledge of the environment and the issues facing the Okavango Delta. He was extremely easy to get on with and all the group warmed to him. He was able to accommodate our interest in the birds and was extremely knowledgeable about them . He was also able to accommodate plenty of time for photographing both mammals and birds whilst respecting their habitat and behaviour. His tracking skills and knowledge of mammals ( and birds) was extremely impressive. This is the third time I have visited Africa on safari , and the first camping. It was by far the best experience and likewise Ace was by far the best guide.

J.C. Essex, Sept 19

Although classed as a Mammal Safari and my wife and I mainly photograph birds it was excellent for both mammals and birds-- the mammals were as amazing as the birds-- a really terrific experience. We have now booked with Naturetrek to return to Southern Africa next year. This was our second trip with Naturetrek and both trips have been very enjoyable. The wildlife, accommodation and food has always been great. Clearly a lot of thought and care goes in to these holidays and it is much appreciated.

P.L. Staffordshire, Sept 18

We had a great guide and crew looking after the campsites. The food was cooked fresh every day on open fire. The wildlife was fantastic in that we saw leopards everyday as well as 3 packs of African wild dogs, lions, hyenas, honey badgers and then lots of elephants, hippos, giraffes and lots of different species of antelope and a wide range of birds.

A.F. Gloucestershire, Sept 18

The mammals and bird life were breath-taking, and our vehicle had an outstanding driver/guide/naturalist. His knowledge of all mammals, birds, reptiles and flora was truly outstanding. In camp, my daughter was very impressed with the chef’s vegan menu options.

I have been on safaris since 1983 in numerous countries, self-drive and with other companions, but this tour/safari was top of the Premier League. Brilliant. 6 star.

B.E. London

I chose this holiday because I wanted to spend the maximum amount of time with the wildlife of the delta. I didn't want to have the occasional afternoon of leisure to sit by a pool. I also wanted the experience of camping in the wilderness, surrounded by the sights, sounds and smells of the Okavango Delta. I had high expectations, and this holiday exceeded them by a significant margin. In no way was this a relaxing holiday. We rose before sunrise and spent the bulk of the day and into the evening on game drives. It was a magical trip with so many highlights. Wildlife is unpredictable, but our guides just seemed to have the knack of being in the right place at the right time to see the most spectacular things. E.g. To be parked in a small clearing surrounded by a herd of elephants of all ages just as the sun was setting, bathing the animals in a rich rosey pink glow was a special moment. It is not every day you find yourself surrounded by pink elephants!! There were 14 guests on the trip some of which had been on the same holiday in previous years. The vehicles we used were excellent and everyone was able to have great views of the animals. We were also fed like kings. It was a joyous experience and worth every penny and every early rise.

D.M. Kinross

Seven nights camping in the Khwai Community Area and Xakanaxa, Moremi Game Reserve gave us wonderful close encounters with a variety of big mammals including Elephants, Lions, Leopards, Hyena, Tsesebe, Blue Wildebeest, Burchell's Zebra, Southern Giraffe and various Antelope. We were also privileged to see two separate packs of Wild Dog on three occasions. What made these encounters very special was the fact that we were able to observe a wide variety of behaviour at close quarters. Nighttime sounds of the bush including the close roar of a lion, the 'laughing' hippos and branches being broken by Bull Elephants were thrilling. All of this in one of the most idyllic settings where we watched the sun rise over our camp site lake and drove through the most delicate of grasses and "Grasses as high as an elephants eye". Our naturalist guides were outstanding and it is due to their knowledge, skill and expertise that we had such a rich experience. Every moment felt explosive with the teeming richness of wildlife!

L.R. Wiltshire

Out of this world experience - mobile camping safari. Some highlights include sounds of elephants, hyenas and other animals at night outside the tent, short guided walk through the bush, cat fish in last of the mud in dried up waterhole. Plus close encounters with lions, buffalo and a good variety of bird life. The food in the camp was exceptional and the whole experience was well structured with enough down time in between game drives. Our guide, Gee, had grown up in the Okavango and knew everything there is to know the wildlife. His team made sure everything ran smoothly; the food was excellent as was the customer service. Naturetrek also organised an extension to Victoria Falls for me which was a completely different experience to the safari element - the camp/lodge I stayed at was in a stunning setting overlooking the Zambezi and the manager and his team did everything they could to ensure I did all the activities I planned to do. One of the best holidays ever. I hope I can do another safari at some point.

M.W. Bristol

Group of seven with 3 camp staff and a guide who where excellent at looking after us. Food was very good considering it was all prepared over a fire! Two drives per day, early morning and afternoon. Saw loads of animals, usually very close to the land cruiser, it was fantastic. Not too many vehicles in the reserve which was nice. Leopards, lions, African wild cat, impala, elephants, giraffe, sable antelope (a real treat!) too many to list and big families of wild dogs with pups.

L.H. Clwyd

It was a 10-day tented safari to the Okavango Delta in Botswana. The wildlife was amazing; the amount of it and the way that we could get so close blew my mind. I had a really wonderful time, taking over 2500 photos in the process so hopefully it will stay in my thoughts for a long, long time to come. The guide was brilliant and how the cook and his helpers produced such gorgeous food out in the wild on an open fire is mindboggling. My best holiday by far.

C.A. Leicestershire

We are experienced wildlife safari holidaymakers and this was our second trip to Botswana. We did add an extension to the trip so that we could holiday in two game lodges at the end of our mobile camping trip and extend the experience. We had at least half a dozen new experiences over the many we have had previously on safari in Africa, India and other similar wildlife countries including a wild dog chase and kill, new animals and being woken by predators outside the tent. The whole experience was excellent, the guides were at the top of their game, food and accommodation good at all locations. We would definitely recommend this holiday.

M.M. Northumberland

It was a fantastic trip. The Camp staff were great and looked after us all. They always made sure that I, as a vegetarian, had something to eat. The whole camping experience was fantastic and it was a great thrill to have elephants eating from trees a few yards away from my tent.... I would also like to point out that the service I have received prior to my departure has been first class. On a couple of occasions I emailed questions through and received responses within 24 hours.

S.W. Gwent

A truly memorable and enjoyable holiday.

D.D. East Sussex

I would like to say I thoroughly enjoyed my trip with Naturetrek and would definitely consider using them again - many thanks.

A.T. Dorset

Our first trip with Naturetrek, your leader was excellent despite changes in internal flights, it all worked like clockwork.

L.W. Devon

We thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Botswana. What a wonderful country for animals and diversity of scenery. Will always remember sipping our sun downers within 5 yards of a pride of lions. Camp staff were great providing excellent food in very restrictive circumstances - we were very well looked after.

Mr & Mrs T. West Sussex

This holiday was fun, exciting and, most of all, the wildlife sightings were outstanding. The trip was excellent and the guides were fantastic.

S.P. Manchester

The two areas visited offered a contrast of habitat. The sightings were excellent and close up; Simon took the time and effort to make sure we all had good views for photos as well as following the animals and explaining the scenarios and behaviour as they unfolded. Seeing big adult male Lions within a few feet of the vehicle, following African Wild Dog (and pups) on a chase, watching Leopards stalking and Cheetah running all went to make this a safari to remember.

L.F. London

The guide made the holiday. He was excellent and his knowledge, enthusiasm and commitment to the subject was first class. He quickly found exciting events for us on each drive and we particularly liked the fact that he stuck with an individual animal or group in order to follow the progress. We were definitely not there to stop, take a few pictures and move on, we were able to watch the whole scene unfold and thereby gain a much better understanding of the whole interconnection between the animals, birds and environment. The camp staff were also fantastic and they looked after us well.

B.G. Lincolnshire

The whole trip was wonderful, especially our leader Joe Ramsden.

P.D. London

Simon Byron was the best guide we have ever had. His knowledge of wildlife, tracking and spotting was exceptional. He was prepared to spend as much time as necessary to follow a single sighting and observe developments. The tented camp worked well and enabled us to feel in contact with the environment. The meals in camp and the timing were exactly what was required, giving sufficient time for the drives.

Mr & Mrs G. East Sussex