Published on Dec, 2024
After reading many reviews of companies that operate through Botswana and the surrounding areas, we chose Walking Stick Tours and booked both 2 nights in the Okavango Delta, three nights in Moremi and three in Khwai. It was by far the best decision we ever made.
Phillimon and his staff made sure we had the most memorable safari ever! We started in the delta where we met our local guide Tiger who was the most loveliest and polite guide. He took us on a few mokorro rides and also walking tours, where we got up close to elephants, giraffes, zebras and huge gathering of hippos. He knew the area inside out, and was almost like he knew the animals too, studying their behaviour and keeping up safe from a disgruntled hippo!
After two nights here, we met back up with our guide Phillimon, where we were spoilt for the next week. Within minutes of entering Moremi, we saw a male and female lion up close (actually mating...) and from there it was non stop animals. They were everywhere! It was unbelievable just seeing elephants every few minutes, no shortage of giraffes, zebras, Impala, warthogs - and we were lucky to see wild dogs in action, a few leopards (one which had just hunted), lions and lots of local birds.
After a few days here, we headed off to the beautiful Khwai, and because there is more water here, you get to see SO many elephants. Crossing the river, bathing in the water, drinking, having dust and mud baths - it was elephant heaven. We also had one walk right up and around our vehicle which was amazing. Even if it made my heart rate elevate. More hippos, lions, crocodiles, wildebeest, buffalo and the absolutely gorgeous baby hyenas at their den. Overally, we saw so many babies - elephants, hippos, lions - everyone had young ones with them!
It's so important to use a local guide, Phillimon grew up in the Delta and is so knowledgeable. He taught us a lot about animal behaviour, and spotted absolutely everything - including a leopard hiding in a tree. He made sure we didn't leave without ticking pretty much everything off our list. His staff were also incredible. Chef Ollie - what a superstar! The most delicious camp food I have every eaten, and she even made me a birthday cake! The camp staff were very friendly and efficient and made sure our stay was perfect. In terms of the camp itself, the tent was spacious, the beds were comfy and it was so nice having a hot shower every night!
We could not fault this tour at all. Even when we had a little car trouble, it was fixed immediately - or another car came to make sure we didn't miss out on any game drive time. I saw this mentioned negatively in another review but don't believe it, things can happen with vehicles and it didn't interrupt our tour one bit.
Thank you to all the staff at Walking Stick. Our African safari tour blew all our expectations - it was truly the trip of a lifetime.
