Botswana Wildlife Safari

Amazing tour. I can’t believe all the animals we saw… and how close our guide was able to get. KK, our leader, just made the tour with his skills and the care with which he did his job. Lots of great food, and great accommodation, even the bush camping! The team is great and I’ll definitely travel with Explore again.

I have wanted to go to Africa since i was a child and this trip was amazing. As a photographer many of my dreams were realized in seeing so many animals but I wanted more. Everyday was filled with animals I had only dreamed of seeing. But to capture their behavior and seeing them love was - a dream come true. Our guide Joe was truly the best with his 20 plus years of experience. We couldn't have had a better more experienced leader on this trip. He knew how to give us the best view for photos without infringing on the animals and keeping in mind there were sometimes other trucks posturing for a view or photos. The accommodations were planned perfectly giving us the super nice Batonka Lodge to begin and ease us into the rough camping, then back for a luxury night in Maun for a real shower, bathroom, pool and dining. Then out again to the houseboat for views on the river. I would have loved a few more days in the rough camp with all the animals rather than the long trip through Namibia heading back to Victoria Falls. As like I said, I wanted more, more, more of the animals. Batonka Lodge staff was amazing and I was very happy to become acquainted with some the staff the took perfect care of all of us. My only disappointment was that I was advised not to bring specialized photo equipment. I was the only person on the tour that was shooting an SLR and long lens. I would have brought an even longer lens for the trip if I had known it was okay and I will know for the next experience. I was the only American on the trip surround by 11 Brits who were all great. I had an amazing time and I'm still wading through my many 1000s of images. I plan on entering the Explore photo contest in hopes of winning a return trip.

What an epic adventure! Some of which must be attributed to our excellent tour guide Joe, who was assisted throughout the trip by great and friendly support staff at the camp sites and lodges. The number of animals and diverse birdlife seen totally exceeded expectations. There's a lot of travelling and camping without home comforts, however we felt this was made very clear in the holiday notes and in some ways added to the experience in a positive way. A special mention should also go out to William, Pape & Carlos who some how churned out a succession of really good three course meals just using a camp fire!

Our leader he was 10/10 in ever aspect. Amazing guy !