Botswana
The Best of Botswana: An In-Depth Safari Experience
Program No. 22424RJ
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The Best of Botswana: An In-Depth Safari Experience
The Best of Botswana: An In-Depth Safari Experience
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Participant Reviews
Based on 50 Reviews
SHOWING
Lisa Reed is an outstanding travel guide and her love of Botswana just adds so much to this travel experience. Ask any question and she usually knows the answer, but if not she will check and get the answer back to you. Accommodations were excellent as well as the food. The only big animal we did not see was a cheetah on this trip. If you are a birder, you will be in heaven with all the different birds and their colors.
— Review left January 7, 2026
An outstanding program!
— Review left December 1, 2025
An absolute trip of a lifetime! Saw 4 of the Big Five of Africa which just means, of course, another trip to see the 5th!! With same-day laundry facilities available at each camp, three outfits was more than sufficient. Do some physical conditioning; not because you will be doing any walking -- you won't! -- but the days are long and require endurance. Game drives on land and water ensure you see many animals and birds! I don't know why I was surprised by the number and variety of birds, but they are everywhere! And I am not even listing the plants and insects to be seen! So, there is something for everybody! Our group leader, Helen, is an absolute gem! All of our guides were experienced and knowledgeable! But it is the composition of our group that made the trip for me! Such wonderful, adventurous people! Everyone was prepared and curious and had wonderful questions! As with all of my RS trips, I could take this one again and not be bored!
— Review left November 20, 2025
If you Love Animals and People this Trip is a Must! For me it was Emotional, Spiritual and Educational. I still get teary eyed when thinking of all the Wonderful things we Experienced. A Trip of a Life Time!
— Review left November 17, 2025
The Best of Bostwania was our first Road Scholar experience and won't be the last. Helen was a super group leader, and we hope to see her again on a future Southern Africa Road Scholar trip.
— Review left November 16, 2025
Just returned from "The Best of Botswana." What an absolute 5-star experience from start to finish. Read everything that RS sends you in preparation for this program, and you will have an absolutely amazing opportunity. We loved the lodges we stayed in, and the people from guides to staff that we encountered were absolute gems. They do everything they possibly can to make your stay at the lodges and on the many, many safaris (on land and on water) you will experience are top notch. Botswana, its people, and the amazing "critters," birds, and plants you come across will not disappoint, so just do it.
— Review left November 14, 2025
If you’re contemplating a safari trip to Botswana, think no more, This trip was a trip of a lifetime. The people of Botswana are welcoming and the animals you will see are amazing. The accommodations are exceptional.
— Review left November 3, 2025
It was truly an "In-Depth Safari Experience" that put the wild in wildlife! Go for it!
— Review left May 22, 2025
It doesn't get any better than this!
— Review left May 16, 2025
FIVE STARS!
"The Best of Botswana" is more than just a safari, although it truly does immerse you in the safari experience. This program will feed your soul. You will live each day in an unspoiled natural world. You will see beautiful animals living their best life and you will meet the lovely people of this inspiring country. The accommodations are incredible. The food is excellent. Every detail is thoughtfully considered and your time is carefully arranged for efficiency, including short flights from lodge-to-lodge. Yes, Road Scholar's safari transfers include breath-taking scenic flights. I spoke with other travelers who DROVE between lodges and they were not happy with the vast amount of time that was wasted between destinations. Road Scholar's "The Best of Botswana" program is an extremely great value. I have completed this program two times and I am tempted to register for it again!
— Review left May 14, 2025
My wife and I recently returned from the Botswana Safari trip. Highly recommend this investment for anyone who is interested in seeing magnificent animals in their natural habitat. Our guide was exceptional and the accommodations representative of the culture we were in. They were clean and beautiful.
— Review left May 8, 2025
Botswana was our favorite trip of a lifetime, which has included a lot of adventure travel. Our thanks to the warm welcome from the people of Botswana. Their gracious hospitality and skill in managing the safari excursions were exceptional. Our deepest thanks go to Honest, our guide. He is profoundly knowledgable about the bush and the animal life, and he helped us see and learn about Botswana in exceptional detail. We were entranced, just exhilarated from this amazing trip. To Honest and everyone who facilitated this trip, Thank You All!
— Review left May 6, 2025
This was a great trip. I love the small groups; there were only 10 of us. The places we stayed were great.... good food, lots of wine, lovely staffs. The wildlife we saw was unbelievable: giraffes, elephants, hippos, wild dogs, jackals, a leopard (!), lions, birds, birds, birds, zebras, Crocs, impalas, kudus, monitor lizards.....and more! Onx, our guide, was wonderful. He was funny and so personable with a big hearty laugh, but he was also knowledgeable about the flora and fauna AND the culture of Botswana. (He was able to drink water that he squeezed out of elephant poop and engaged other guides in a giraffe dung pellet spitting contest! ) Beyond that, there were a few members of our group with medical issues and Onx was so caring. I think Onx and Botswana will be in my heart forever.
— Review left May 2, 2025
Road Scholar provided a fantastic way to explore, observe and understand a unique part of Africa on this trip. I recommend it to anyone who has the time and interest to uncover the beauty and diversity existing in Botswana's national parks and the Okavango Delta. We did a four night pre-tour in Victoria Falls and a five night post-tour in Johannesburg and Pretoria. The visits to Soweto, Constitution Hill and the Cheetah conservation area rounded out a wonderful visit to southern Africa.
— Review left May 2, 2025
I would highly recommend this program for anyone interested in learning more about the flora, fauna, and people of northern Botswana. The quality of staffing for this program was outstanding, the accommodations were top-notch, the food was great, the logistics were flawless, and the breadth and depth of knowledge from the program leader and guides was impressive. This trip will keep you busy, though, with long and full but satisfying days. Early afternoon siestas will let you recharge—if you can pull yourself away from the amazing scenery and wildlife, some of which will be wandering around in camp!
— Review left April 17, 2025
The Best of Botswana program was nothing short of a mind blowing experience of a lifetime. The game drives yielded one jaw dropping wildlife encounter after another. The accommodations were comfortable and staffed by the most friendly and attentive people on earth. And our near-perfect program leader, Keith Chisnall, was exceptionally knowledgeable, accessible, funny, and supportive. This trip was as good as guided travel tours get!
— Review left November 27, 2024
What an outstanding trip! I am still under the spell of Africa. I was not sure what to expect when I booked this trip but I was pleasantly surprised. The lodges were lovely and well situated. The food offered catered to every taste and allergies. We only had 8 people in our group and were split into 2 very comfortable jeeps with storage for cameras and backpacks. Drinks were offered throughout the drives. Our guide, Keith, a native of Johannesburg was friendly and extremely knowledgeable. His various lectures very informative. The trip went seamlessly. Needless to say that seeing hundreds of elephants, 50 lions, countless birds, impalas and many more animals was the experience of a lifetime.
— Review left November 19, 2024
Botswana was amazing. Onx Manga was the best!
— Review left November 9, 2024
What a wonderful trip! Road Scholar trips have consistently exceeded expectations and this safari was no exception. It introduced me to the multivarious nature of the geography, flora and fauna of Botswana made even more sympatico by the people who always extended such warmth and consideration. The Lodges on the safari were wonderful. I would love to go back, this time without time constraints. The Lodges are situated where the animals tend to gather. I was sitting one afternoon on the porch of my 'tent' when i heard a crunching noise. Looking up, there was an elephant grazing along an invisible fence line only a few steps out of reach. it was wonderful. We were often within just a few feet of animals so we could see them clearly. I felt very safe in all these situations as the guide Onx Manga was extremely careful about this and all aspects of the safari. He had a very extensive knowledge of Botswana, its history, culture and a special understanding of the animals and their life cycles. it was a truly extraordinary trip.
— Review left June 19, 2024
This was a magical experience. Words are difficult to describe my enjoyment, amazement at seeing the animals and the gracious people who work at each of the lodges where we stayed. This is an adventure of a lifetime.
— Review left May 3, 2024
The Best of Botswana is impossible to accurately describe.It is truly a program for people who love animals and can appreciate them in the wild. A ride in a safari vehicle can be wild and lots of fun if you can relax and enjoy the ride as if you were a child.
— Review left April 29, 2024
This experience exceeded my expectations. A huge part of that was due to our great guide, Onx Manga, who vigilantly watched over every one of us to see that we had everything necessary for a successful safari. His lectures were engaging, his knowledge, patience, attention to detail, and sense of humor were all delightful. I also felt especially fortunate to have this group of fellow travelers. They were warm, kind and friendly, making a lone traveler like myself feel included and secure; and of the course the good humor - plenty of happiness and laughter. The staff and drivers at the lodges are very good at what they do, seeing to everyone's safety and comfort. Botswana and the people captured my heart.
— Review left April 29, 2024
Onx Manga is an extraordinary guide, group leader and teacher. Don't miss the opportunity to travel with him!!
— Review left April 28, 2024
This trip was amazing! Our Guide, Onx Manga, was fantastic throughout. The four lodges were more that I imagined and were a wonderful cross between rustic and elegant. Every game drive was made educational, exciting, and fun because of our excellent guide/drivers and of course including Onx. He made sure to give attention to each different vehicle group in order to spread his vast knowledge and great humor!!! His lectures were excellent and interesting. He pleasantly kept us on schedule making sure that any needs or wants were addressed. His laughter and knowledge made this trip top notch. The lodges' staffs were all welcoming and experts at their jobs. Smiling always and helpful. Meals were amazing and frequent and I loved the singing and dancing. This is my second trip to Botswana and I am hoping to be able to return again in the future. Be sure to keep Onx working with Road Scholar. He was the icing on the cake!!!!!
— Review left April 24, 2024
What a wonderful trip! Your excellent guide, Onx, is very knowledgeable, funny, and the best guide for this trip. We saw an abundance of animals (except the leopard) and he was able to answer every question that was asked by us. Each camp was excellent and had their own unique style. I loved them all, but my favorite was the last one with the expansive views (and bed) I will always think of Botswana with fond memories. Thank you. This was our first Road Scholar trip and it was excellent
— Review left April 19, 2024
The "Best of Botswana" program showcases the many wonders of this enchanting country. The fun and learning are never-ending. We saw more animals than I ever anticipated, which is saying a lot, as I have visited this country numerous times. Not only is Botswana a model for responsible tourism, it is a place of incredible natural beauty. The warm hospitality is unsurpassed. Road Scholar truly crafted an itinerary worthy of the title the "BEST" of Botswana. Go and see for yourself; you won't be disappointed.
— Review left April 2, 2024
If you want to go to South Africa, go to Botswana. No other country can come close to the experience you get in Botswana. The entire country prioritizes conserving their animals and parks and providing a high quality experience for every visitor.
— Review left November 15, 2023
This was a great trip! Our reason for going was to see the animals, especially the elephants! We were disappointed that the large herds of zebras & giraffes weren't there, probably a function of the drought in Botswana.
*We'd recommend going no later than September due to the heat!
— Review left November 13, 2023
This was truly the trip of a lifetime. There is no other place on earth quite like Africa. A must see on everyone’s bucket list.
— Review left November 11, 2023
Botswana is a wondrous place and guide Sam Moshandu is the best guide ever!
— Review left November 2, 2023
This was an incredible trip. It fulfilled all our expectations and then some. Every day brought new surprises. We saw an incredible variety of animals, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, African wild dogs, jackals, elephants , zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, kudu, impalas , hippos, warthogs, baboons, monkeys, and on and on. An incredible variety of birds. At least 81 different species that we checked off in our booklet. Many participants have pictures of most of these birds. Also saw many reptile species. Our guide Sam was amazing. He managed to make the trip, engaging and entertaining as well as educational. Everyone attended his lectures, which were always very well done. The game lodges we stayed at were also incredible. Very upscale, service was amazing. The people of Botswana are incredible. Their hospitality is the best I’ve experienced anywhere in the world. Besides our experience with the animals, we also got to experience the cultures of Botswana. This is definitely the way to do a Safari. You get a taste of all the best that a Safari has to offer.
Pula (cheers)
Joe
— Review left May 4, 2023
Botswana and it's people are wonderful. Sam was a great guide. I had a great time seeing different environments and animals. If you want to see Botswana, don't delay, do this trip!
— Review left May 4, 2023
Our trip to Botswana (April 1 - 14, 2023) was absolutely amazing. The lodges, food, safaris (two a day) and in country flights were all perfectly planned and carried out. Our Road Scholar leader and guide, Onx Manga, was extremely organized, and helpful (especially to my husband who has mobility issues due to Multiple Sclerosis). Onx is very knowledgeable about the birds and animals we encountered and everywhere we visited, Onx was greeted as an old friend and top rated guide in Botswana. He made our trip one of the very best of our lives (and having traveled extensively through Europe, Spain, Mexico, Argentina and Central America and the United States, this is speaking very highly of Onx and of the great planning by Road Scholar. We recommend this trip to anyone hoping to get a taste of Africa and the amazing culture, flora and fauna of the continent.
— Review left April 28, 2023
An extremely well managed program with life changing experiences. Everyone should experience this program at least once in their lifetime - it was simply incredible from start to finish.
— Review left April 27, 2023
The Best of Botswana program was outstanding in every way. This included gifted guides, comfortable and beautiful accomodations, delicious food, exciting game drives and friendly, helpful staff.
— Review left April 21, 2023
Program is good but I will not attend or recommend road scholar to anyone.
We paid a. Deposit originally before Covid-19 and we were refused a return of this deposit. However we learned from the other participants in the program that they have always had their deposit returned soon after their request
In addition I never had anyone answer the phone when I called, always had to leave a message. I don’t want to have to wait around for a call back, I have other things to do.
— Review left November 22, 2022
I'd previously made a number of African safari trips, including to several lodges in Botswana as well as in other countries. This compact trip certainly matched the quality and variety of my previous trips--excellent variety of wildlife, fine photo opportunities, comfortable lodges, and a knowledgeable and personable group leader. Highly recommended if Botswana piques your interest!
— Review left May 13, 2022
This program was excellent. If this trip has always been on your “bucket list”, don’t wait any longer…just do it!
— Review left May 7, 2022
This is a two part review. Both the program and airfare were booked through Road Scholar. Our flight home (UA-187)on April 26 was cancelled. Seven other RS participants were impacted by this cancellation. RS was made aware of the problem. We were met after our flight from Maun by your representative. We immediately went to United counter and tried to reschedule and were told that MAYBE we could be booked on a flight home after May 5. Then the RS rep took us to City Lodge Hotel. That was the end of RS help even though RS was our travel agent. The next day we taxied back to airport. 5 of us were able to book flights to USA on Emirates. My travel companions and I had booked Business Class with United. The only seats available were First Class on Emirates. We felt totally alone and abandoned and only had my iPhone for communication. (T-mobile--$3.00 a minute. 60 minutes used to alert our husbands and family to our dilemma.). This was my 19th RS trip and had full trust that you would be there to help.
The actual program was great--Sam was an outstanding guide, the accommodations were first-rate, the game drives were amazing. This was a trip of a lifetime but ended on a sour note.
Respectfully,
Barbara Williams
— Review left May 7, 2022
This was one of the best trips I've ever taken. Everything surpassed my expectations: the quantity of animal and bird life; the lodges we stayed in; the wonderful group leader and the knowledgeable guides we had in each place we visited, the comraderie shared with group participants; the fact that we were a small group (only 11); the scenery, breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, and incredible cloud formations. I could go on and on. The only negative was at the end, when United Airlines cancelled our flight home due to fuel shortages. I felt that Road Scholar and Explore could have done more to ease the pain of trying to get flights home. it took me two extra days to get home. Nevertheless, this probably was a one-time screw-up. Don't let it affect your enthusiasm about taking this trip. It truly was a one-of-a-kind experience.
— Review left May 6, 2022
This tour is a sampling of the diverse landscape of Botswana. The lodges were very nice to stay at and the wildlife drives and boat rides gave us closeup views of the amazing animals. You will totally enjoy this tour from sunup to sunrise the next day.
— Review left November 23, 2021
We have just returned from the trip of a lifetime! We took our family to Botswana, for a trip none of us will forget. We had an outstanding guide, great accommodations, and a wealth of wildlife. I cannot recommend it enough. And it was comfortable all the way; I am 81 and would love to do it again!
— Review left November 10, 2021
I think it is wall organized. I don't know what I would change
— Review left November 5, 2021
Every aspect of this program was first rate. I cannot imagine anyone being a better guide than Honest. The depth and breadth of his knowledge was awesome. In addition to everything included in the program, there were delightful unexpected moments--such as encountering and conversing with a bushmen family walking along the trail, and the birds flying closely alongside our vehicle at eye level, snatching up insects stirred up by our vehicle. These are only two of many unexpected moments. If you have a desire to visit Africa and observe animals in their natural habitat, I don't think you can do any better than this.
— Review left March 13, 2020
Fabulous trip! This was a longtime dream come true - even better than hoped.
— Review left December 2, 2019
An unforgettable experience! From the up-close wildlife we saw thanks to Sam and the local guides, to the unique lodges and exceptionally friendly staff, to the wonderful Road Scholar travel mates, it was an outstanding program. For me, the trip of a lifetime.
— Review left June 17, 2019
Traveling to Botswana was a true joy, and I was able to see many wonderful wild animals, as well as to make many new friends on the trip! The accommodations were excellent and I would recommend this trip to everyone who loves wild animals!
— Review left May 22, 2019
This trip ranks among the best I have ever taken. We saw so many animals and birds. It was a thrilling experience.
— Review left May 14, 2019
What is better than fantastic?
I went 2 days early, to avoid bad weather here in Chicago. Lovely motel to stay in. Buffet breakfast was provided. They were serving a buffet dinner for an additional fee. I did not have to order out from a local place they had suggested, nor did I have to go by bus and driver to the local mall. All very easy and relaxing. Rest of trip was superb. Our resident guide, the drivers of all our vehicles, the staff at every camp were all very attentive. Every lodge was clean, quiet and exceedingly comfy. I wear hearing aids, and had difficulty hearing our afternoon lectures. Don't know if some kind of microphone/speaker is practical. I gleaned all information from my guide later. Also, any further information I needed, I was able to get from our drivers. I didn't miss out on anything. My guide was very gracious and understanding. Also, he began posting a handwritten schedule for the next days activities, so I/we were aware of changes. I came home exhausted, with wonderful memories and even more wonderful photos.
Lenore Persky hupuplenore@comcast.net
PS. I particularly liked not having phone service the whole time!!!!
— Review left May 5, 2019
The Best of Botswana safari experience fulfilled a life long dream and exceeded my expectations. It was everything I hoped for and more than I imagined.
— Review left May 3, 2019