vacation to Botswana & Zambia
Mr and Mrs Ross and family, 29th July 2015Outstanding and life affirming.
Countries Visited
Botswana
“People were so friendly and welcoming. Felt incredibly safe....once I got used to the proximity of the animals at night! Children were welcomed and encouraged. English spoken was excellent.”
Zambia
“Felt more masculine and testoterone fuelled than Botswana. Kids were freaked out by being surrounded by trinket sellers as soon as we crossed the border. People were friendly and welcoming but the communication more functional and felt a bit more oriented to doing service in order to be rewarded.”
Accommodation Visited
Jack's Camp
“Most incredible place on earth. No trip to Botswana should miss this camp. Went in the winter season so not so much animal viewing but the culture, history and geology of the place more than made up for it. Kids loved quad biking across the salt pans- and lying out under the stars in total nighttime silence. It's not called 'The Big Nothing' without reason! Having habituated meerkats climb over them and walking with a San tribe. We had many interesting conversations with the staff (not just purely practical) so befriend them- it's worth it.”
Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge
“Beautiful lodge- great safari. The architecture of this recently rebuilt lodge is exquisite. Designed in wood to mimic the shape of a Pangolin. Could have spent all day just looking at it! Safari trips were equally rich- both animals and birds. We were lucky to see the one cheetah in the area, and the recently born wild dog pups. Food- especially early morning porridge and compotes- delicious. Kids were totally absorbed by the wildlife and then with the cold water plunge pools back on our lodge suite. Each room sleeps 2 and we were linked by a raised wooden corridor (great fun for kids) to create a 'family suite'. The rooms are beautiful, individual, wooden and raised on stilts.
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g472673-d477570-r298624972-AndBeyond_Sandibe_Okavango_Safari_Lodge-Okavango_Delta_North_West_District.html#”
Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp
“Tranquil spot. A good contrast to Jacks and Sandibe, being totally water based and fun to get to. Less wildlife on offer- although we chose to only do the water based trips. Gliding through the reeds in a Mokoro was good for the soul, as were the views of sunrise across the delta. 'Rooms' are tents in wooden platforms sleeping 2 each. Each had a mini unheated pool overlooking the delta- kids loved those- I dipped toes only. Staff are very friendly and have beautiful voices- the choir comes out often! Kids were entertained with card games, Jenga and watching the monkeys raiding the communal areas for food.”
The Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara
“A nice respite after safari. After the dust of safari this was a great place to spend a few days before heading home. A low thatched colonial style building- even serve tea on Royal Albert! Rooms have the usual fit out- flat screen, tea/coffee, Molton Brown in bathroom. Good set up of linked rooms to create a family suite. All rooms have direct view of the mighty Zambezi river. Large unheated outdoor pool with direct view of the spray from the Livingstone falls. Food- French chef- delicious. Could walk easily to the falls from the hotel- best early morning or sunset. Must do- trip to Livingstone Island- get to walk right up to the falls edge (held by a guide) and swim in the water. Also 30min helicopter trip through the gorges (like being in a movie!) and over the falls. Hotel in part of the national park so zebra, impala monkeys roam freely.”
Staff Review
“Nikki was excellent. Really GOT what we wanted as soon as I explained the purpose for our visit, and put together a truely awesome package. I had NO idea what I was booking so without her I would have failed miserably. Thank you Nikki!”