This trip trys to pack in too much to the time available and therefore fails to deliver the normally high quality experiences that other Exodus trips have done. The only wild dog sitings to be expected (according to the guide upon arrival) are at the rescue centre, much appreciated but not actually on the official itinerary. Chobe is great for wildlife and getting up close to rhinos in Mtobo on foot was a great experience. The wildlife walks in the Okavango Delta likewise were a great way to experience seeing animals rather than from a jeep. Otherwise the Delta element was a bit dissapointing, too much wasted time. The long, hot journeys in a mini bus (AC seemed poor) that was really too small for the group spoilt some of the trip. The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans was not handled well, a waste of time that could have been utilised for a longer time at say Hwange. Depite being told of the large lion population the apparent lack of radio communication between jeeps meant we saw none. Another day would have been of benefit. Overall some great wildlife views and Victoria Falls, but the structure of the trip fails.
Okavango Delta Tours
Okavango Delta Holidays
Top 5 Animals to Spot on Okavango Delta Tours
African Elephant: Africa’s largest population of elephants can be found in Botswana, namely the Okavango Delta, however, in the rainyseason the herds migrate. Elephants are integral to the area’s rich ecosystem as they carve out essential channels in the water to allow it flows more freely and provide other animals with open grassland by breaking down trees in the forests. The African elephant is the largest land mammal on the planet, and it has become an iconic symbol of Africa. To see them close up in their natural environment Is a humbling and extraordinary experience.
Hippos: These humungous creatures might be a little scary with their massive gaping mouths that show off their huge teeth, but to see them in the Okavango Delta is incredible. They also play a large part in maintaining the water flow in the Okavango, which is why they’re so vital to the ecosystem. This giant beast can weigh up to a whopping two tonnes but despite their size, they can hit speeds of over 30kph. The reason you’re likely to see hippos submerged in water during the day is because they need to keep cool from the heat. In the evenings when the temperatures have cooled down, they’ll then go onto dry land to graze.
Red Lechwe: Not quite as famous around the world as other African wildlife, the Red lechwe is a colourful antelope found mainly in woodland, swamps and wetlands such as the Okavango Delta. You’ll see them bounding through the river and often lying low in deep water to escape from predators. But when on land, they can reach surprisingly high speeds that they can maintain for long distances, unlike many other land mammals. As well as their speed they’re also very agile which comes in useful when being chased by a predator.
Rhino: The Rhino has certainly earned its status as it can weigh up to a mind-blowing 7,700lbs, with huge horns that can grow up to five feet in length. Next to the African elephant, the rhino is the second largest land mammal and since being reintroduced into the area, the Okavango Delta is one of the few places where you can see the Big Five in Botswana. Despite its hefty size, the rhino can reach speeds of up to 40mph and can be heard thundering across the land.
Wild Dogs: Also known as painted wolves due to their distinctive mottled coats, African wild dogs are often spotted in the Okavango Delta, since much of their natural habitat has been destroyed elsewhere and they have become highly endangered. Unlike domestic dogs, they only have four toes, large ears, and they are found in close-knit packs. They are known for their agility and ruthlessness, which makes them elusive and respected predators in the animal kingdom.
Christopher Witt Botswana & Zimbabwe Lodge Safari
Sarah Sharkey Victoria Falls to Cape Town – CampingAn excellent overland trip from Vic Falls to Cape Town. The landscape is stunning and diverse (deserts, rivers, bush) and the wildlife opportunities are some of the best I have experienced in Africa. Our group was great and we were very lucky, managed to see the big 5 up-close. The safari guides were excellent at spotting wildlife and knowing when to be patient and sit-tight – we also saw a cheetah kill. It was the amount of animals that was really surprising – a pride of 16 lions. The water holes in Etosha national park are outstanding, some of them are accessible to view on the campsites – you really don’t have to spot the wildlife it comes to you. Camping was very special and comfortable, nearly all of the sites have hot showers, tents are spacious with camp beds and mats. I really recommend camping – you hear all the wildlife around you during the night. Negpi campsite on the Okavango delta is one of the best I think. Great for viewing hippos in dug out canoes. The camping trip was made all the more enjoyable by our guides, Leroy and Jonathan. A huge shout out to them both, they were both knowledgeable, got us from campsite safety on the truck.
Juho Ranta-Aho Cape Town to Victoria Falls – Hotel/LodgeThe trip was good but definitely not in Top 3 on my Exodus Trips. Despite what the Trip Notes and Exodus description might say about this trip it is actually all about Namibia with very brief drive throughs in South Africa and Botswana. So this trip is great for all those who want to see and experience Namibia as the vast majority of the trip is spent there. The itinerary for the trip was good but this time it really felt someone had decided to play the scrooge. Some of the hotels were clearly sub-standard. When you send people to a land tour at the time when it is almost 40 degrees outside and if you pay almost 5,000 pounds for the trip, you are entitled to expect working air-conditioning. Especially the Seeheim Hotel in Namibia was rubbish. Same applies to the vehicle used on this trip. Our truck broke down three times during the trip and again, no air-conditioning on the truck. If Exodus really wants to do this cheap and cheerful style, then by all means but based on my previous trips I expected more and this was disappointing. Some of the items on the Trip Notes did not materialise either, for example there was no vineyard visit in South Africa. So Exodus might check a bit better as to what to include in the Itinerary or Trip Notes. And it is a bit weird to finish the tour on Victoria Falls if you do not even include the visit / entrance in the falls. That is the main reason to go to that city in Zimbabwe. Having said that, there were plenty of good things on this trip as well and if Namibia is what you want to see, then this trip has it in abundance. Stunning country. Especially Fish River Canyon was very impressive, so was Etosha National Park. Swakopmund was great too! But do not go to this trip if it is Botswana, South Africa or Zimbabwe you want to see. There are better trips to see those countries than this one. At the end of the day, this trip is about Namibia, no matter what the Trip Notes or Exodus description might suggest. But we had a great gang on this trip and Jonathan and LeRoy did great job!
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