Loved our Botswana Safari - Client Feedback by Brett

Brett,

Many thanks for the wonderful safari. We loved your choices and more specifically here is what we thought of the arrangements:

Flying to SA/Botswana – we thought that by travelling on international first class we would be immune to jet lag and fatigue – but hell no we were completely smashed on arrival at Vic Falls. The wait at immigration in Zimbabwe was disgraceful and the last straw on a long trip– I have done the falls before and they have not improved immigration in 25 years!! Get rid of Mugabe! Next time we will break up the trip so we arrive refreshed.

Victoria Falls – Loved the Victoria Falls Hotel very classy in an old fashioned way. First night we did the dinner and African dancers in the pool restaurant. The next day we walked to the falls but man was it hot! The helicopter ride and the sunset dinner cruise were great fun. Michele’s first elephants! However it was not really dinner just some chicken wings and snacks. The cruise was a lovely experience. We ate another light dinner afterwards in the hotel.
Chobe Game Lodge– Transfers were impeccable and straightforward with no issues at customs or immigration and we even saw some roan antelope, elephants and hyena before we got to the lodge. Drivers friendly and informative. We loved the lodge and all the activities. Each game ride was boringly on the same three roads but we did see lots of game, I think at the time of year we were there all the game were concentrated on the river side so that was the only stretch they drove. The food was pretty superb at the Chobe Lodge we could have added more pounds easily and had to decline some of the vast amounts of meat offered with each meal. They organized a special Birthday/Anniversary private dinner on their Boardwalk/Jetty that was really lovely and romantic. Thank you for that special effort. The river boat ride there was lovely as well and the room was impeccable and comfortable. Staff were wonderful and genuine and over the top with happy kindness.
Banoka Bush Camp – We loved the camp feel. We really liked the tent rooms. However it was too hot to enjoy the camp rooms in the afternoon siesta, they were sun facing and definitely not the ideal rooms for that time of year. In a cooler season they would have been perfect. The first day after arrival at 1 PM we were served a very light snack of salami on a bread bun which was pretty bad and then the room was 40° where we tried to stay for 2 hours or so. We despaired in the heat. The evening game drive was good, a bit cooler and we calmed down and enjoyed the cool breezes. Saw leopard and forgave all. The first nights dinner was pretty basic also (later we understood that that was the night of the assistant chef). The night was hot. Second day beautiful game drives and great food but again the afternoon siesta was unbearable in the room at 38°. We loved the place just not in that hottest of seasons. Third day we spent siesta in the swimming pool, what a difference, we felt much better in the water. The staff were fabulous and the driver really good. We saw a lot of game and overall enjoyed it a lot. Next time we will only do tent like things when it is cooler.
Savuti Safari Lodge. We LOVED IT!! Although it was still very hot the rooms were fantastic and a bit cooler because of the tree cover. I think our room was the best in the hotel just opposite the elephants favorite water hole. The rooms were also just perfect and extremely luxurious and spacious. Ours had a porcupine under it! That did wake us up sometimes. Staff were fabulous, we think the Savuti Safari Lodge was the best accommodations. Food was good and the atmosphere was great.