Wildlife & Wilderness of Botswana

Having done a safari in lodges in Kenya 20+years ago, we wanted to experience the adventure of a safari under canvas, getting up close to the wildlife of Botswana. Oh boy! We were not disappointed. This was the most thrilling holiday we've ever been on; absolutely sensational. Our leader, Brian, and his team were brilliant, making sure everything ran smoothly and we got the most out of each day. Wild camping is an experience like no other. It's very down-to-earth, can be very hot and dusty, but is a lot more comfortable than you might think. Our party were all 50+years old but adapted to the camping easily. There are lots of early starts, but who cares when you see so much wonderful wildlife. This is an adventure not to be missed.

Fantastic trip to a stunning country with a great guide, cook and team. I’m new to camping and was apprehensive but it was fine and we adjusted much more quickly than expected.

This was a very immersive experience and we loved every minute.

We went on this tour in September 2024, and really did have the most unbelievable time. Each day brought something new and exciting, from hearing Hyenas while trying to sleep, to having Elephants walk just past camp.

This is the most incredible experience, we travelled in September 2024 and the more we look back and remember it, the more unbelievable it feels. We wild camped in tents in the African savanna! This isn't a holiday. It's an adventure. I can't imagine a better way to travel on safari. We saw everything we wanted to, and learnt a lot about the animals, birds, and environment. Highlights included the mokoro through the delta, a large pack of painted dogs in Savuti, and leopards in Savuti and Moremi. When you are wild camping you are in the middle of the parks and reserves so you are the first group in the action. This safari trip will be very hard to beat as one of our best ever travel experiences.

Excellent trip with so much wildlife . Elephants , lions , leopard, african wild dogs , hippos, crocs ....the list goes on. Thats without listing all the birds.

We have done trips with wild camping before but this trip took things to the next level. On this trip you really do get away from it all and get very close to the wildlife. You really will be amongst the animals you've come to see. Early morning starts (be ready for 05:30 alarm calls) are worth it for seeing the animals still active before the heat of the day. 'Assisted camping' makes the whole experience more relaxing, with a great support crew to take care of putting up/taking down tents and preparing great meals. (You won't go hungry.)

A great trip for seeing wildlife. We saw so much and pretty well everything except a cheetah. Full of amazing moments and experiences from start to finish. The Chobe River cruise is a must as is the walk in the Victoria Falls Park. Our group of 10 got on very well and made sure we moved around the ‘truck’ to share the bumps and reduced leg room seats.

I've now done this trip two times and both experiences were fantastic. The wildlife is exceptional - an incredible number of elephants, lions, leopards (the first time we saw 12, this time we saw three mating), wild dogs, hyenas, masses of antelope, even a serval. The list could go on. Botswana's low density tourism means that even in the major reserves you never feel surrounded by other people and most of the time the group is on its own. Both times I did the camping departure which has the inevitable discomforts of camping but repays with the extraordinary experience of being out in the bush. The camping team were fantastic and couldn't have done more to make sure we had a great time.

This trip isn't for everyone. You have to be prepared for camping in the wild: sleeping in a tent to the sounds of lions, hyenas and hippos; rising with the sun in the early morning; and the joys of "bushy bushy" (if you know, you know). But with this trip comes some of the most exceptional wildlife viewing experiences I've had. And the unique experience of being among the wilderness made this feel like one of the most authentic safari holidays out there.

This is my 9th Exodus tour and can honestly say it was one of the best. Wild camping in Africa is such an awesome experience - night skies, dawn and dusk safaris, animals everywhere, plus a visit to Victoria Falls. This is an incredible trip to an incredible country - you won’t be disappointed! It is well-named: if “Wildlife and Wilderness” appeals, this is a trip for you.

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!

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.

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.

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