Jone

We are planning a trip to Botswana in June and would appreciate hearing of your experiences. We are looking at a 10 - 14 day safari through Wilderness Dawning and a 16 day camping trip through Drifters Adventours. If you have tried these outfits or have another to recommend, I would love to hear from you. Thanks.

Nigel

Also consider Whichway Overland Expeditions since they have the best Okavango Delta experience - you fly into the Delta and spend three nights at Oddballs which is excellent. Nearly all the other overlanders stay in Maun and go into the Delta on day trips, which means you don't get to see the 'real' Delta as it's too far for a day trip!

KIM

Don't listen to Nigel. He is an agent. I am a traveler and I wouldn't go with anyone but Wilderness. They manage the best camps in Botswana and provide the best service. I also stayed at Chief's camp which is owned by A and K but Wilderness made the reservations as Mombo was booked up. Loved it! It's not cheap but that's what makes Botswana different, the lack of crowds and excellent service.

Nigel

I am afraid that Kim has got her 'wires crossed', she is talking about Wilderness Safaris - totally different Company to Wilderness Dawning who you mentioned. <BR>Wilderness Safaris are an excellent Company, but they don't offer camping safaris, and their cheapest Camp in Botswana is US$395 per person per night - not exactly Budget!! <BR>A&K who she also mentioned are probably the most overpriced safari operator in the Whole of Africa - their Camps are aimed at the rich who want to be protected from the hardships of an African environment ("excellent service and all!"- might as well go to the Epcott Centre! <BR>Even Widerness dawning are not 'budget', a 14 night trip will cost you $2000+, whereas the Overland Expeditions cost around $800. <BR>So one is tempted to say "Don't listen to Kim, she doesn't know what she's talking about" - but then that would be rude, so I won't say it!! <BR>Nigel

Celia

Quite a few years ago, my husband and I went to Botswana with Karibu Safaris. We had a wonderful experience. It's camping, you pitch your own tent (after instruction by the guides) and you all do some of the cooking. There were no luxuries, but we had showers every day and wonderful food, and absolutely stunning wildlife sightings. <BR> <BR>Unfortunately I can't quote prices as it was a long time ago. Check their web site www.karibu.co.za for current info.

Bert

While Wilderness Safaris is certainly better-known for their many permanent tented camps in Botswana (and elsewhere in southern Africa), it is not quite true to say that they don't offer camping safaris. They have a Mopane 'participation camping' trip (12 days) at $1,650.00 p.p. from either Maun or Victoria Falls. The price is higher from July onwards. <BR> <BR>Details are available on Wilderness Safaris' website at www.wilderness-safaris.co.za. Please note that they do not accept direct bookings, encouraging prospective travelers to book through knowledgeable agents.