Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa

"While the property is very nice when you arrive and the staff greeting is wonderful things collapse rapidly. The place is so busy either tour groups and day trippers that the buffets are not refilled often enough. The only food is buffet style and often repeated. The pool by the spa is the only quiet place to relax but the bathrooms have no supplies. The “golf course” is 9 holes and appears abandoned (pro shop had a padlock on it mid-day). The rooms are adequate size but the beds are tiny (doubles not even queen sized). Our AC failed twice in 3 days and we had mouse droppings all over our patio which housekeeping ignored so using that part of the room wasn’t an option."

Chobe River Lodge

"Chobe River Lodge has direct access to the river. From the terrace you have a beautiful view over the garden to the river. The warthogs tell you "although you are in a civilized environment here, it is still wilderness". The rooms are nicely furnished and offer a lot of space. All openings in the rooms are secured with fly screens, so there is no need for a mosquito net over the bed. We found this to be very pleasant. It would be very nice if all rooms had a safe, but that can certainly be arranged :-) The service is very good, you always have the impression that everything is very well organized. The food is very tasty and plentiful. A great and interesting pool with nice loungers invites you to cool off. The tour offer of "Wild Horizons" was fabulous with our guides BK (aka Botswana King :-)) and Tefo. Were we already flashed by the boat tour with BK, we have to say that Tefo was the best tour guide of our 3-week tour. The man is the hammer! Three game drives through the park with him and none was like the other. His expertise and commitment were great!"

Ghoha Hills Savuti Lodge

"We had a great stay at Goha Hills last march! we spent two nights during our honey moon and we could not recommended more. All the staff was super nice and welcoming, they had lovely details with us such as preparing a romantic dinner for two or gifting us with a relaxing massage. The room was amazing (the views!!!) and also the housekeeping service. Special mention to the delicous food we enjoyed for dinner, with prior dances from the staff, and super nice food also during safaris. Safari was also really good and our guide Kennedy was always willing to share with us his experiencies and knowledge about animals and features of the area. We would love to repeat the experience and would recommend it to both couples and families!"

Savute Elephant Lodge, a Belmond Safari

"We finished our two-week southern Africa safari tour in Botswana at Savute Elephant Lodge, by Belmond. For context, Botswana and Savute Elephant Lodge (SEL) is a bit off the grid! It is a deluxe tented camp with amenities. The view from the lodge is stunning and expansive. It is a perfect “pairing” with Londolozi which we also visited. Since this is a Belmond brand experience – it is kind of “glamping”. If you are in the vicinity of Victoria Falls you are close, and you should go! I understand Botswana is animal rich, and apparently the safest country in Africa. SEL is definitely animal rich, and people rich with the gift of their unique hospitality. In my post trip review with my travel agent Tara Beckett of Rhino Safaris, I told her SEL reminded me of my home city that can be summarized by grit, grind, and soul. SEL is not a manufactured service safari model that attempts to keep pace with some of the boogie seven-star camps that cost a king’s ransom, and miss out on the personal warm touch and a more authentic identity of southern Africa/Botswana. The Savute Elephant Lodge identity is very refreshing and draws you in the longer you stay! They value substance over style. We stayed four nights and experienced four days of game drives. Two nights is not sufficient to immerse yourself into their identity. The last day was our best with two close up leopard sightings in like a thirty minute period – two different leopards. Plus, many other animals - just awesome! In pre-trip planning, we almost didn’t stay that fourth night and that would have been a big mistake. So, three people that made an impact on our stay at SEL: • Driver guide John was an animal tracker/driver guide that always found the animals he was looking for. He is an animal savant locator, and as good as our Londolozi driver guide who I classified as a superstar in that TA review. On one drive he turned off the vehicle and said, “Guys tell me what you see on top of that hill” like 300 to 350 meters away. The four of us in the vehicle didn’t see anything unusual but some typical bush and trees. I thought he was kidding. He then said, “ Look just to the left of a particular tree.” Our response, “John, we don’t see anything unusual.” I thought again, is he pranking us? He further said, “I see two lion ears on the horizon just left of the tree. Do you see them”? We all said no. He then turned the vehicle back on, drove up the hill, and voila eight lions were resting underneath a tree (2 males, 3 females, and 3 baby cubs). There were zero safari trucks here until John radioed in and some eventually found our spot. We all four were stunned with John’s innate ability to find the jackpot location – and what we started to realize is this is who he is. • Chippie was our designated butler/server. She is a seasoned pro who knows the extra special touches that will make your stay at the lodge and your room go well – think glamping again! She surprised us with three special meals that "

Comfort Palace Guesthouse Kasane

"Nestled in the heart of the city, "The Spice Merchant" promises a vibrant culinary experience, drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of Indian flavors. Upon entering, patrons are enveloped in a warm ambiance, with intricate décor that evokes the allure of a traditional spice market. While the restaurant boasts an impressive menu, it is the masterful execution of classic dishes that truly sets it apart, making it a must-visit for those seeking authentic Indian cuisine. The Food: The menu features a well-curated selection of appetizers, curries, and tandoori specialties, with a particular emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The "Samosas" are a standout, with crisp, golden-brown pastry encasing a flavorful potato and pea filling that bursts with aromatic spices. The "Butter Chicken" is a testament to the chef's expertise, featuring tender chicken pieces swimming in a creamy, tomato-based sauce that is both rich and balanced. For the adventurous diner, the "Lamb Rogan Josh" offers a complex blend of spices that dance on the palate with every bite. The Service: The staff at "The Spice Merchant" are knowledgeable and attentive, providing personalized recommendations to suit each diner's taste. They are well-versed in the nuances of the dishes, readily explaining the origin of spices and cooking techniques. While service was prompt, there were occasional minor hiccups in coordinating orders during peak hours. Ambiance: The restaurant's design seamlessly blends modern aesthetics with traditional Indian elements, creating an inviting atmosphere. Soft lighting, plush seating, and subtle background music contribute to a relaxed dining experience. The open kitchen layout allows guests to catch glimpses of the culinary artistry in action, adding to the overall dining experience."

Big 5 Toro Lodge

"I stayed here a few nights and really liked the place. I stayed in one of the chalet’s overlooking the river. I found it very comfortable and private. They have a large dining room and patio with pool. I travelled by motorcycle so, the roads are sandy and gravel."

Kwalape Safari Lodge

"The best thing about Kwalape is the 15 minute proximity to the park and the river. Its in a lovely location with lots of birds and the rooms are ok. Food is buffet and is just ok. Our first night we ate outside which was much nicer than indoor on the second. A local African dance and music troupe put on an amazing, fabulous show for everyone on the second night."

Raneziah Guesthouse