basto

Hello,

I have booked a trip to Botswana next december with Footsteps in Africa based in South Africa. I just wanted to check if anybody else on the forum has used them, before sending over the money to them.

They seem perfectly ok but better safe than sorry...

Thanks in advance !

Tom

basto

Hi Trevor,

Yes, we are extremly happy to have finally booked this trip to Botswana. We are very happy for our Lebala-Kwara-Deception valley combo.

I got "switched" to Footsteps in Africa after they took over bookings for Deception Valley Lodge, that used to be handled by Islands-in-Africa. So I have no other knowledge of them.

So just as you say I wanted to hear from somebody that has used the company before, that would make me feel comfortable sending them the money.

rgds,
Tom

bots

They seem very new.
Have not heard of them before.
Had a look at the website and they state:
"These services are directed strictly at the tourism trade and not to the end consumer."
If it is the best rate you found for your trip and feel comfortable it should be fine.

basto

Hi Bots,

Thanks for your answer. You are correct that they are directed to the tourism industry, I guess itīs because they took over an existing booking at Deception Valley that they handle our booking even though we are "end consumers".

We got a good price and service from them so far so I guess we just make the payment and prepare to go to Botswana I just got Rupertsons book The Healing Land last night, so I will be able to dream a bit tonight.

/Tom

bots

Try and read "Cry of the Kalahari" by the Owens.
Great book about Deception Valley.
Met a few people mentioned in the book and still living in Maun.

exsafari

I know the people behind them. They are all well known and very eperienced in the safari tourism industry in general and Botswana in particular. They primarily do marketing and reservations for Deception Valley Lodge, Delta Camp, Oddballs, Mapula Lodge and a houseboat on the Delta.

They will ensure you have a great trip so you do not have to worry. While the grouping of camps in new the people are legit.

basto

Thanks exsafari for your answer. Helps a lot!

Bots, I ordered the book last night from netbooks. Looking forward to it!

Thanks,
Tom

HariS

Exsafari,

How is the GAME at Mapula lodge? i googled info on them and looks like they are just as in any of the major delta camps....

Thnaks
Hari

exsafari

Sorry I have been away for sometime. The game is good as the area is north west of Vumbura and Duba plains which are well known for good average sightings.

So the area has permanent water and large areas of the concession have no water meaning that the animals have to congregate at the water from May through early November. So it would be comparable to camps like Selinda, Lebala and Lagoon who have a very similar situation.

So good predators, good mega fauna and general game and no neighbouring camps to disturb and one great feature for old Delta hands no aircraft noise.

nyama

exsafari, do you know the names of Anthony Cavill-Taylor's three partners?

exsafari

Sorry been travelling again. Footsteps partners are Anthony Cavill-Taylor, Gerhard Slabbert who also owns Deception Valley Lodge, his accountant and an investor from Cape Town who used to manage a lodge in the Okavango years ago.

HariS

Thanks for the info on Mapula....

should be good, if it is anything like Kwando/selinda.

Thanks,
hari

westernsafari

I think with all the new prices announced and all the staff and concept changes at Kwando and Selinda it seems that this camp has to be an alternate. I heard from my Kwando guide friend who told me that he grew up in the village nearest this area and the game is excellent. Anyone know the prices for this camp?