Africa Driven レビュー 187

I booked a six weeks self-drive safari through Namibia and Botswana with Drive Botswana and could never be happier about how everything worked out! I traveled alone, but felt all the time safe and secure due to the good organization and service.

The communication was always great - Andy answered even my most irrelevant questions mostly on the same day. The whole preparation was easy, professional and very well organised. I only wrote which parts of both countries I wish to visit and Andy prepared for me a whole itinerary including the campsites and lodges I could stay at and an interactive Google map where I could see everything, including the distances on the map.

Prior to my journey I received handbooks with tips for both countries, very detailed maps and a book with animals.

Some days before the journey I received a directions-sheet, where everything important was once again put together day by day. The detailed information about when and where I can or even must fill in fuel, buy food and water as well as the sightseeing opportunities and all other important things to consider, was priceless. But especially the directions, that were recommended were most important. Most of the roads in Namibia and Botswana are dirt roads and the navigation tries to choose always the best roads possible. Following the navigation and not the direction sheet, one might have traveled on more then one occasion up to 6 hours longer per day in comparison with the time for traveling while following the directions.

The journey itself was simply amazing!!! The vehicle with the tent on the top I received, was exactly the same I was promised to receive. It was neu - only ca 45.000km, excellently equiped with everything necessary, very well designed, very comfortable and easy to use. The rental car company took care of everything, that I needed during the journey.

The itinerary was amazing! It was a combination of campsites and lodges and I could have never have put it nicer together, both regarding locations and duration of the stay. Mostly and when possible I was staying on the most comfortable and sweet private campgrounds, sometimes though I was staying on the governmental campsites, so I could see a lot of different kinds of places. The lodges were amazingly beautiful and exactly as often booked, as I really needed some other kind of rest or the possibility to do laundry or use internet and have a really good breakfast and dinner.

Andy suggested also some tours on the way, which I all accepted without thinking much of what I would be experiencing on them. And these were all great! I learned a lot, saw a lot, experienced a lot. Again, I could have never put it together better, then the way it was.

These are only some examples so one can see, how much experience, consideration and love behind the organization of Drive Botswana is there. I strongly recommend booking with them.

I already asked about other countries and destinations they design travels for and defenetely plan to book with them again!

My husband and I just came back from 2 weeks self drive safari in Botswana and I can safely say that it was one of the most unbelievable experience I ever lived! “Drive Botswana” organized everything so perfectly we didn’t have to worry about any booking, reservation, etc.. And could really focus on how beautiful our surroundings were. I couldn’t believe how smoothly everything went and all recommended lodges/camping sites/restaurant couldn’t have been better! On top of breathtaking landscapes we saw so many animals in the wild (elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, hyenas, wild dogs, hippos…) I didn’t know it was even possible! A huge thank-you again to Andy that helped with all of my requests!

Our recent trip to Namibia was the fourth occasion we have undertaken a DriveBotswana itinerary. Returning for a fourth trip with them says it all about the quality of their product and superb personalised customer service. Making themselves available to discuss tweaks in the itinerary to suit the individual But also should any unexpected problems arise en route ready access to relevant advice and support from professional people who have an intimate knowledge of what you are doing and where you are going. All our previous trips to Botswana Zambia and Zimbabwe have been exceptional and the itinerary for Namibia was no exception. As we have come to expect the attention to detail was superb and the selection of campsites, lodges and activities ensured we had yet another trip of a lifetime in Africa. The detailed background research and preparation ensured that the route around Namibia worked well logistically and took us to amazingly diverse landscapes and ecosystems. The choice of campsites and their locations were simply breathtaking plus the 2 wonderful lodges we were booked into. Namibia generally has a much higher standard of campsites with Far better facilities than other African countries. The wildlife is amazing and the people are so welcoming and friendly but also fascinating culturally. Although they use a variety of languages English is their first language so communication doesn’t hinder one’s enjoyment or ability to drive navigate and explore independently. I’d highly recommend the Living Desert Experience near Swakopmund and would happily return and do exactly the same itinerary again without any changes. A truly exceptional trip of a lifetime with so many wonderful moments which will be etched in our memories forever. Thankyou DriveBotswana you were as always AWESOME

Absolutely first class service.
Best company I have ever dealt with in over 50 years of travelling. Phil and his time know so much about Namibia and Botswana and offered great guidance and advice and went above and beyond a number of times.

We booked a self drive safari with 2 friends to Namibia, onto to Botswana and finishing at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, in October 2019, for travel in May 2020. Unfortunately, Covid lockdowns intervened in our plans and our trip had to be postponed, firstly to 2021, and then to 2022. Even more sadly, our trip in May 2022 ended up being cancelled as one of our group took ill just before our trip, and we all had no choice but to cancel.

Although we were unable to travel and therefore can’t review the actual safari and accommodation, I still wanted to comment on the booking experience. Phil dealt with our booking, and from beginning to end, nothing was too much trouble for him. His detailed knowledge and experience of the area is exceptional. I lost count of the number of times he made subtle changes to our accommodation, at our request, due to our preferences, and later, because of the timetable changes, and complications arising from the need to take account of Covid restrictions. This was always done very swiftly, efficiently and professionally.

We had previously been on another self drive safari in Namibia, arranged by a much larger travel company. While this was also an excellent experience, the knowledge of the travel representative making that booking was in no way comparable to that of Phil. We were all absolutely confident that if we had been able to take this trip, it would have been one of the best experiences of our lives, and I have no hesitation in thoroughly recommending Drive Botswana.

My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed a thirty-one day trip in Namibia that was arranged by Andy at Drive Botswana.

We did a self drive "safari" in January and February of 2022 utilizing a 4X4 truck and staying at lodges and tent camps.

Everything went according to plan.

We look forward to contacting Andy for future travels in that region.

We usually don’t do any pre-booked trips but prefer individual bookings we take care of ourselves. Our decision to travel to Botswana was rather spontaneous which made the booking process and everything related more complicated. During our research, we came across Drive Botswana and got a good first impression by their quick response times, efforts to cover what we had in mind for the trip, as well as great expert advice without us having committed to anything until then.

We decided to book the trip and were super happy with the decision. Although we had quite specific ideas of our trip thanks to recommendations of friends, we went to places we would never have gone to by ourselves which turned out to be some of the highlights of our trip. We did a combination of guest house accommodation and camping with self-driving.

We had amazing wildlife sightings in Kwando Lagoon, where we saw pretty much everything (lions, leopards, wild dogs, elephants, all kinds of antilopes, all of them with babies) and had a once-in-a-lifetime stay. Self-driving was very exciting and felt safe with the partners and guidance Drive Botswana provided. All questions we had during our trip were answered very timely and gave us the feeling to be in highly capable hands.

All in all, we met great and reliable people on our trip and made experiences we will enjoy thinking of for the rest of our lives. Thanks to the team for a truly amazing memory!

This has been a dream come true for my husband and I and Andy at Drive Botswana had everything to do with making it happen! Thank you Andy!
We loved our vehicle and the tent and kitchen were comfy and well stocked with everything we needed. The orientation to the vehicle in Maun was good too.
We did 50/50 lodges and camping and drove ourselves to all except the lodges we flew into of course.
The campgrounds were rustic but adequate... the lodges were fantastic and a great respite especially in the heat we experienced in October 2021.
Andy did a great job arranging an itinerary that enabled us to experience the uniquely different parks about Botswana other than just the Delta itself; each offered something unique.
Driving was quite the experience on the roads of Botswana but even I managed them once we'd got the hang of it, so don't let that intimidate you.
The wild, wild, wild of this country stole my heart and I would go back tomorrow if I could.
We saw sooooooo much it was overwhelming... you must take a long telephoto lens and a beanbag to rest it on... you will regret it if you don't.
Loved Camp Savuti where we witnessed a leopard kill...
Loved Jacks Camp where we experienced sheer luxury...
Loved Kwetsani - probably my favorite of all the Lodges.
Loved every single minute of every single 22 days we were there...
and we were so grateful for Andy who was there all along the way helping us make last minute changes to the itinerary and even going out of his way to accommodate us when our airline changed our flights and we needed two additional nights arranged.
If you've been thinking about this trip but hesitating, my best advice would be: "RUN, don't walk... you will not regret it."
We will be back...
I've seen it in the dry season...
now I want to see it flooded.

I love to photograph wildlife, so Savuti is a special place. Great photo opportunities and an area which you can easily access. I already crossed Savuti several times, but this year was my plan to stay longer and have the chance to experience Savuti and the wildlife more intensively. To do so you need the right equipment, especially if you travel on your own. I looked for a 4x4 which I can easy handle on myself and is fully equipped for a week. With the Toyota Bush Camper, rented from Drive Botswana, I got the perfect 4x4 for me. All rental things worked great with email (special thanks to Andy also organising the camps for me, great job) Pick-up from hotel in Kasane, introduction, all the paper work worked fast and efficient. No question left unanswered. The single cab had space enough for me and my camera gear and I could operate to both sides. All the build-in equipment did a great job. The pop-up roof was easy to handle, dust-free lockers for personal belonging, 2 fridges and powerful batteries plus solar made you self-sufficient. I like that you have water tanks as well. One day I deflated the tires not enough, drove to slow and too late in the day, so got stuck in the sand. So no worries, shovel, sand mats and 4x4+diff lock and everything was sorted in 30min. And I am not an experienced 4x4 driver :) I rented the Landcruiser for longer than a week and it was the perfect companion for me. Although I had 180l of Diesel, next time I would rent 2 additional jerry cans as well (just to be more flexible). I had a great trip with thousands of photos from hundreds of Elis, the Marsh Pride, Leopard with cubs.

Andy from Drive Botswana organised an amazing 3 week self drive safari in Botswana for us. We were hugely impressed with the itinerary, the detailed organisation, supporting bookings and paperwork and the promptness of support before and during the trip. Cannot recommend more highly.

Andy at Drive Botswana put together a superbly planned 18 day self drive route. Deserts, delta, camping, lodges, photography, directions, all faultless.

Animal highlights included leopards and wild dogs at Deception, a spectacular parade of elephants marching to the water hole at Nxai Pan, watching lions hunting at
Chobe and crocodiles bringing down a water buck. All unique, special experiences.

Botswana is an amazing country and with Andy’s guidance, professionalism, and skill
You have the confidence to fully explore and make the most of this wonderful country. We will be booking our fifth trip with Andy soon.

Drive Botswana is the place to go if you want to live the adventure of selfdrive ensuring the best route, the best accomodation, and the absence of issues or the rapid resolution if they occur. Their vast experience and knowledge of the business, and their planning skills create a tailor-made trip that perfectly matches your expectations and preferences. No need to say that despite we were travelling during covid pandemic, impact on our trip was zero as Andy arranged everything in advance and provided all the tips including those related to our international flights.

Amazing trip and experience, so many incredible memories. :)

We (38M and 36F from Spain) contacted Andy from Drive Botswana on April 2021 to organise a self drive trip around Botswana, during Ausgust. We tipically organise our own itinerary , however this is very difficult to do in Africa and didnt have much time either.

Relying on Drive Botswana to do so was an excellent choice. Andy helped us on the preparation providing 3-4 alternative itineraries until we arranged something that fit with our expectations, timeline and budget.

We adjusted the itinerary slightly during with our trip with minimal impact to the rest even though improvisation is difficult in Botswana. However due to Covid occupation was very low and we could sort things out.

Andy provided everything we needed and good advice, we had the best possible vehicle for our trip and that was a huge win during the whole time.

Drive Botswana is a reliable partner and an excellent choice for an self-drive safari.

I can only recommend people to travel to Botswana, it is a safe place, its people are helpful incredibly welcoming. It is a fantastic destination that should be visited at leas once on a lifetime.

Thanks so much

Thanks to Drive Botswana for organising a brilliant trip to Namibia and Zambia. This is the second time they have organised a trip for us. The itinerary was excellent, very tailored to our individual needs. Andy's knowledge of the countries is fantastic so he knows the best lodges, campsites and places to visit. The modern 4*4 and detailed driving instructions make traveling stress free. I look forward to organising another trip with Drive Botswana soon.

We, the group of 8 people from the Czech republic, had gone on safari organized by Drive Botswana from August 28 to September 19 2021. We covered almost 4000 km. The highlights of our trip were as follows: Moremi, Chobe. Victoria Falls, Etosha, Skeleton Coast, and Spitzkoppe. Based on the fact that I had cooperated with Andy and his team from Drive Botswana many times in the past, I can tell on the behalf of all group's members that this safari was one of the best ever.
The scenario was an excellent mixture of luxury and basic accommodation. All the bookings worked well. The world covid pandemic has two completely different faces concerning safaris. Due to the people's fears of the covid desease, there is a collapsing tourist business in all the regions we had visited. On the other side, there are almost empty camp sites and no movement of tourists in the parks. We had experienced something what is unimaginable for everybody who visited the Victoria Falls in the past. We had been only people on the border crossing between Botswana and Zimbabwe. I have to say that except for keeping some basic rules you are not limited by the covid measurements. Contrary to situation we know from Europe, the covid policy in the countries of the Southern Afrika is almost identical which simplfies the travel between countries. We had eaten in the public places such as supermarkets and restaurants without any fears. Before our departure from Europe, many people had tried to discourage us from our intention to go to Africa. Our decision to stick to the original plan had been rewarded by the perfect and trouble-free course of our safari, many spottings of animals we had not experienced in the past, and an unforgettable and peaceful time in the African nature. Our safari was very positively influenced by the failure-free status of our almost new vehicles with their universal camping equipment.
We would like to thank to Andy and his team for their outstanding job. I personally start to plan next safaris to these last paradises of the wilderness.

Karel

Despite an 18months ‘covid’ delay, our recent Botswana trip went perfectly : 100% as agreed on and 200% as to satisfaction. Based on their experiences, they advised and organised this trip in a perfect way. Honestly, there is not one aspect of the trip, we would have preferred differently. Often the devil is in the detail, Drive Botswana managed all the details that matter and make our trip a super trip!! Highly recommended!

Our trip to Namibia this year was wonderful!
This was our 5th trip (Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe..) we planed and booked with drivebotswana.com! Andy and his team were always very helpful, even when something went wrong, we contacted them and the problem was resolved quickly! We highly recommend them!
Thank you again!
Steffi and Joe

Andy helped organize my 13 day self drive trip starting in Kasane, through the Makdagikadi Pans, Moremi, Chobe and a transfer to Victoria Falls. It was stunning trip. The vehicle hired through Chobe 4x4 was fully equipped and got me through the sands of Savuti without ever getting stuck. I highly recommend them.

mind-blowing tour

We (first timers) are just back at home in Germany from our trip to Botswana and Namibia (30 days in July/August). We planed and booked our tour with drivebotswana.com. Everything was perfect. Communication was easy, they gave us so much information and tips, so our trip went as well as we were hoping. Booking camps/lodges, the car (Bushlore) with a really good camping equipment, Chobe river cruise and even the airport transfer in Windhoek was done and we never had any problems.
So we are now booking with them our second tour for next year. Thank you Andy and team for a unique experience.
Claudia & Klaus, Munich/Germany

We've been on 5 self-drive safaris with Drive Botswana into South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Each one seems to just get better! Andy and Phil's knowledge of wildlife/places to visit/vehicles is just immense. Once you've been to Botswana you will be longing to return! 🇧🇼 They offer excellent value trips, with fully planned itineraries. The wildlife you will see is staggering - leopard, lion, cheetah, zebra, hippo, rhino, wild dogs - just to name a few! Can't wait to book again!