4 independent reviews for Southern Africa budget vacation
Reviews for Southern Africa budget vacation
Helen Moakes review 26 Jun 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
There were SO many; it feels impossible to pick one! Seeing a pride of lions stroll down to the water's edge to drink was thrilling and so unexpected. I felt a wonderful moment of calm sitting on a boat watching elephants (two mums & calves) drinking at the water's edge just before sunset - I felt they were just behaving completely naturally and it was a privilege to be there watching them. Seeing the massive variety of wildlife was something I'd hoped for, but never thought I'd experience - it was absolutely incredible.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
You definitely need a 3/4 season sleeping bag - the nights get cold! I wish I'd packed an inflatable pillow. My inflatable sleeping mat made the nights more comfortable - you are given a sleeping mattress, but some are newer (and thicker) than others! Read the Essential Information!Remember neutral coloured clothes for the safari drives & walks. DO NOT miss the 'optional' Chobe safari drive - it was probably my favorite part of the entire trip. I was glad I had a mixture of cash (USD which were easily exchanged when needed), my debit card and a credit card. A prepaid travel Visa or Mastercard seemed to be a good option, as most places took cards and some places were card only. Go with the attitude of going with the flow, being kind, mucking in and looking out for your crew and your group. We all got on so well and that's what made this trip so superb.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. Our crew were from South Africa and Zimbabwe. The guides in the Okavango Delta come from there and it was amazing to see & experience their knowledge and love for their home. I loved the last night dinner from the Zimbabwe Women's collective and wish we'd been able to have a bit more time with them. There is a clear drive to reduce plastic use, which was great to see. Drinking water was available at all times for us to refill our water bottles. Loved the fabric shopping bags we were given to use. I hope we supported conservation on this trip. Certainly, on all the walks and drives we did, we were given clear instructions regarding how to be safe out in the bush and great care & respect was given around animals & plants we came across.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I couldn't recommend this trip more. It exceeded my expectations in every way.Orna Flannery review 14 Jul 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The group on the tour, the guide and driver and the numerous elephants we encountered. Okavango delta experience was awesome.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Bring lots of warm clothing and a really good sleeping bag. Very cold at night in the tent.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes it did benefit local people.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Good vacation. Kids had a ball and everyone got on really well. Camping was challenging at times and we upgraded to a hotel one night and hut another just to have a more comfortable night’s sleep - plus wash a few clothes. Think the tour could benefit from a better mix of camping and hotel/chalet accommodation.Janet Stewart review 3 Oct 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
It was all truly wonderful. I was most worried about creature comforts during the primitive stay in the Delta but it was great - no hardship whatsoever. I could never begin to capture how incredible the wildlife viewing is - and it just keeps coming!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don't overpack, but do take what you feel is essential for you to be comfortable on a camping trip. For me, it was a self-inflating, full-length sleeping mat - on top of the camping mattress provided, it kept my old bones very happy.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The tour company is extremely conscientious about conservation and environmental sustainability, so there were no issues. Botswana has done an incredible job of embracing conservation tourism as one of their most valuable resources, and the communities seem to be deriving significant benefit.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
11 out of 10!!!!John Munroe review 13 Jan 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
So many fantastic memories. It was a wonderful experience, too many to choose from.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Go with the flow. Bring a nail brush and some biodegradable wipes.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, overall it was very good.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
One of the best we have ever been on. I was worried about camping as it is not normally something I would do but it was well organised and bug free. Even the toilets and showers on the campsite were much better and cleaner than I thought they would be. If you are going to do it just relax and enjoy the experience. Yes you get a bit dirty and your clothes aren't as clean as you normally would wear them but so what. Everyone is in the same boat. The people on the trip with us were wonderful. Great times and brilliant memories. I'm so glad we explored Southern Africa this way.Holiday Reviews
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