Anyone have opinion on Bushways mobile camping safaris in Botswana?
Oct 17th, 2006, 10:25 AM
#1
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Anyone have opinion on Bushways mobile camping safaris in Botswana?
Trying to figure out cheapest way to have a decent safari in Botswana. Any ideas?
Does anyone have any knowledge of this company? Apparently a true camping in small tents group in comparison to luxury camping with groups such as Game Trackers.
Kevin from California
Does anyone have any knowledge of this company? Apparently a true camping in small tents group in comparison to luxury camping with groups such as Game Trackers.
Kevin from California
Oct 17th, 2006, 11:58 AM
#2
Kevin, I don't know of them but you can also check out these two:
http://www.gametrailsbotswana.com/gen_info.html
and
http://www.masson-safaris.com/index.htm
There are trip reports here on Fodors from both of these companies. I wouldn't consider either of these "luxury camping". They have 2-man tents that they put up and take down and move from place to place with you. It is non-participatory which is good because you want to be able to go on game drives early and late for photography (and not be pitching tents or tearing down camp or cooking).
Both of these companies have prescheduled trips or you can do your own private trip based on your own itinerary and dates.
Good luck with your planning! I've done one of these camping trips and can answer questions.
Cindy
http://www.gametrailsbotswana.com/gen_info.html
and
http://www.masson-safaris.com/index.htm
There are trip reports here on Fodors from both of these companies. I wouldn't consider either of these "luxury camping". They have 2-man tents that they put up and take down and move from place to place with you. It is non-participatory which is good because you want to be able to go on game drives early and late for photography (and not be pitching tents or tearing down camp or cooking).
Both of these companies have prescheduled trips or you can do your own private trip based on your own itinerary and dates.
Good luck with your planning! I've done one of these camping trips and can answer questions.
Cindy
Oct 17th, 2006, 01:26 PM
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Hi Kevin,
You might also look at Wilderness Safaris "Explorations" in Botswana, which combines mobile tented camps and a permanent camp or two, although not their luxury camps. Being Wilderness, they would have access to WS concessions. I know that one of the guides they use on the Explorations is Grant, who's an excellent guide. You can check out some of their itineraries at www.wilderness-safaris.com. WS won't deal directly with you, but you could get a quote from a safari consultant who would then book the trip for you if you decided to go that way. I think that, if I returned to Botswana for a third time, this is the way I'd go.
You might also look at Wilderness Safaris "Explorations" in Botswana, which combines mobile tented camps and a permanent camp or two, although not their luxury camps. Being Wilderness, they would have access to WS concessions. I know that one of the guides they use on the Explorations is Grant, who's an excellent guide. You can check out some of their itineraries at www.wilderness-safaris.com. WS won't deal directly with you, but you could get a quote from a safari consultant who would then book the trip for you if you decided to go that way. I think that, if I returned to Botswana for a third time, this is the way I'd go.
Oct 17th, 2006, 02:23 PM
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I took Wilderness Safaris' "Migration Routes" in Botswana in June of this year and really enjoyed it. The accommodations are basic but very comfortable. Dome tents with cots, mattresses, and down comforters, and shared bucket showers. It was my first experience with camping and I loved every minute. The camps are permanent but have a mobile "feel" to them. We had the most amazing meals all cooked over an open fire.
The group is limited to 8 (we had only 6), and the price is right. As a solo traveler I was grateful that there is no single supplement for this trip.
The group is limited to 8 (we had only 6), and the price is right. As a solo traveler I was grateful that there is no single supplement for this trip.
Oct 17th, 2006, 08:54 PM
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Oct 19th, 2006, 10:50 AM
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Lynn,
Yes, I did a trip report - in fact some of your comments are in the thread. How quickly we forget!
Just kidding. Anyway, here is a link to my report. I hope it works:
Africa & the Middle East: Back from Namibia, Botswana and Vic Falls
Are you thinking of doing the Migration Routes? I enjoyed it so much more than I thought I would. As you'll see from my report, most of the wildlife came in the second half of the trip, Savuti, Linyanti and the Chobe River cruise. Let me know if you have any questions.
Yes, I did a trip report - in fact some of your comments are in the thread. How quickly we forget!
Just kidding. Anyway, here is a link to my report. I hope it works:Africa & the Middle East: Back from Namibia, Botswana and Vic Falls
Are you thinking of doing the Migration Routes? I enjoyed it so much more than I thought I would. As you'll see from my report, most of the wildlife came in the second half of the trip, Savuti, Linyanti and the Chobe River cruise. Let me know if you have any questions.
Oct 19th, 2006, 10:55 AM
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Lynn,
Sorry the link didn't work. If you click on my name, it's # 74 on the list of threads. That's how I found it.
I tried copying and pasting but obviously it failed. Don't know how else to do it.
Sorry the link didn't work. If you click on my name, it's # 74 on the list of threads. That's how I found it.
I tried copying and pasting but obviously it failed. Don't know how else to do it.
Oct 20th, 2006, 11:02 PM
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Hi Kevin,
I've been emailing Bush Ways recently. I received overnight replies from Helen, however, I have a few concerns about their itineraries. I was asking about the Elephant Safari and it seems that there are only 2 x 2 night stops, the rest being single night camps. Way too much packing and unpacking camp for me. The vehicles also have under seat storage which means it could be difficult to stretch legs (I had a knee operation a few years ago and have suffered discomfort in safari vehicles.) However, there is minimal participation (put up own tent) and the itineraries look interesting. I've put them into my maybe folder!
You might like to talk to Wilderness Dawning, email is [email protected]. I can't find a separate website for them, but there are some details here, http://www.hatab.bw/mobile/wildernessdawning.html
They do full service camping and have both scheduled departures and tailor made itineraries. I had a great safari with them in 2004, and highly recommend them.
Cheers,
Pol.
I've been emailing Bush Ways recently. I received overnight replies from Helen, however, I have a few concerns about their itineraries. I was asking about the Elephant Safari and it seems that there are only 2 x 2 night stops, the rest being single night camps. Way too much packing and unpacking camp for me. The vehicles also have under seat storage which means it could be difficult to stretch legs (I had a knee operation a few years ago and have suffered discomfort in safari vehicles.) However, there is minimal participation (put up own tent) and the itineraries look interesting. I've put them into my maybe folder!
You might like to talk to Wilderness Dawning, email is [email protected]. I can't find a separate website for them, but there are some details here, http://www.hatab.bw/mobile/wildernessdawning.html
They do full service camping and have both scheduled departures and tailor made itineraries. I had a great safari with them in 2004, and highly recommend them.
Cheers,
Pol.
Oct 22nd, 2006, 06:41 AM
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Panecott,
As soon as I saw the report I remembered.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34821348
I agree it is an enjoyable, affordable and authentic way to see Botswana.
As soon as I saw the report I remembered.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34821348
I agree it is an enjoyable, affordable and authentic way to see Botswana.
