Botswana Tours in October 2027

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.

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.

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.

I had the absolutely best time. To see and experience so much wildlife and to meet some many wonderful people on one tour made this one of the most enjoyable National Geographic Journeys I have done. I look forward to the next Journey in Africa and beyond!

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.

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.