We are planning an extensive safari for our 25th anniversary - our third safari. We would like to start mainly in Botswana (Chobe and the Delta) although we are totally open to suggestions. We would also like to add some time in Namibia if possible for a total of approximately up to 15 days. Tented camps (moderate to luxury) are preferred over lodges as we feel they provide the most intimate safari experience. If the budget allows, we would then fly into Tanzania for the second part of our combined trip - probably for an additional 10–12 days. We would appreciate any suggestions or recommendations, particular on tour operators and camps as well as anything else u deem important to consider.
Thanks so much, Jim S., Chicago
Posted by
Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico
2312 posts
I did a safari trip to Botswana in 2024 with Wilderness. It was superb from start to finish. They have fabulous tented camps ranging from moderate to luxury, and they had private reserves where you won't be encountering fifty vehicles all trying to see the same lions at the same time. I can't recommend them highly enough. https://www.wildernessdestinations.com/
I'm also a frequent OAT traveler, and I've heard extremely positive feedback from folks who've taken their safaris. They have several that include Tanzania and Botswana. (https://oattravel.com)
The difference is that with OAT you'll be on a prescribed itinerary. With Wilderness, you can customize your travels to exactly what you want.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
6492 posts
Not a tour operator per se, but you could use a specialist travel agent to arrange something for you.
20 years ago, we used Bert Duplessis at Fish Eagle Safaris to arrange a custom trip for us. He arranged a trip where we spent a few days in Capetown and then stayed in 3 different camps in the Okavango Delta, Chobe, and Mashatu. For what it is worth, Chobe was my least favorite as our safari drives had to stay on the roads in the National Park . We saw a much greater variety of wildlife in the Delta and at Mashatu. Bert was very knowledgable and helpful putting together a trip in our budget.
He has a lot of info on his blog on the Fish Eagle Safaris website:
https://fisheaglesafaris.com/
Posted by
Northern New York
146 posts
We used Expert Africa to arrange two trips to Tanzania and we were extremely pleased. They also arrange safaris to Botswana and Namibia. They will arrange everything just the way you like at all different levels and provide excellent customer service. Take a look at their website for ideas.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
6492 posts
By the way, the camp Bert arranged for us in the Okavango Delta was a Wilderness destination(mentioned by Lane). It was excellent.
Posted by
Southern California
30 posts
I used Bush2Beach safaris based out of Arusha Tanzania for a 13 day private trip to Tanzania and Zanzibar with my family. I'd recommend them , fabulous tented camps, a luxurious stay at Gibbs Farm near Ngorongoro crater , and 4 nights in Zanzibar .
Posted by
Boise, ID, USA
2587 posts
A friend has traveled twice with Nature Travel Namibia, having Marc as the guide, and is ultra enthusiastic about him/them.
In 2024, I traveled with her to Botswana and Tanzania. I don't recommend our Botswana guide, but for Tanzania we used Caracal Tours & Safaris and were very pleased.
Posted by
Calgary
2025 posts
Tracking Namibia Safaris for Botswana/Namibia. https://trackingnamibia.com They will book you in the type of lodging you choose and run everything by you for approval before finalizing the plan.
They were recommended to me by someone who had travelled with Francois twice and was planning a third time. We were so glad we took her suggestion. We had an amazing time in Namibia.
You can read my trip report at Safari Talk, in case you might find it helpful for Namibia ideas: https://www.safaritalk.net/topic/17676-namibia-a-midsummer-tourists-dream/