SAVANNA SAFARIS & TOURS - BOTSWANA
Savanna Safaris and Tours
- Office In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2000)
- Member Of:
- HATAB & Botswana Toursism
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $6,060 to $22,509 per person per day (MXN, excl. int'l flights)
for a custom tour
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
Email Natalie | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderfully accommodating; great experience that worked within my budget!
The entire experience was smooth from start to finish. The trip had everything I was looking for, and worked within the budget I provided. Transportation was convenient and flexible timing to work with my schedule. They even surprised me by making the service aware it was my birthday, and I got a special cake and song!!
EC
Email Lin | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Dream Come True
Emmelyn did a wonderful job helping us plan our dream trip to Botswana It was truly spectacular. Richard and I were so happy that you switched us to Crocodile Camp instead of the Cresta Maun. It was a great launching pad for our five days mobile camping with Nico, KG, Edna, Tandy and Toks. We were so well taken care of and fell in love with them all. We learned so much from Nico and loved every minute we spent with him. It was an en expected treat to get to spend some time with Fred, too. Chobe and Victoria falls were the perfect ending to a life-changing trip. There was some confusion in Victoria Falls about where we were staying and we appreciate the way Emmelyn resolved it with grace. Thanks to the entire team we will carry our memories of Botswana in our hearts for the rest of our lives. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Reply from Savanna Safaris and Tours
Posted on Jan 13, 2026Thank you Lin, It great hosting you too.
IT
Email Simona | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Savanna Safaris: a second trip marred by chaos and lack of support
We entrusted Savanna Safaris for a second trip, expecting the same standards as before. Instead, we encountered three major issues: serious organizational failures, a complete absence of support during an emergency, and poorly planned logistics. These failures compromised our entire journey.
Although our first experience with Savanna Safaris had been mostly positive, this second trip, lasting only 8 days, left us deeply disappointed and disillusioned.
SAFETY: Non-existent emergency response
On the final morning, we left camp early to reach Maun Airport. After just 30 minutes, we got a flat tire—only to discover that the vehicle had no tools to replace it. We stopped every passing vehicle, but none could help: our wheels had different bolt sizes.
It became immediately clear that Savanna Safaris had no emergency plan. They rely solely on cell phones and car radios. If there’s no signal, you’re simply left to your fate.
We called Emmelyn and Fred (owners of the agency) multiple times, with the calls connecting but never answered. We also used a satellite device with text capabilities (Garmin), widely reliable in Botswana, to send messages. No response.
How can a tour operator be unreachable when clients are in danger?
The contract clearly states that “Savanna Safaris shall monitor the entire operation from arrival to departure and liaise with lodges/charters in case of any delays/emergencies.” This promise was completely ignored.
The driver had no “plan B.” With more than three hours of road ahead and an international flight looming, we were in a state of panic. Eventually, we had to ask other tourists for help and pay extra for a ride to the airport.
We received no assistance or follow-up from Savanna Safaris, even at the airport. Once home, our messages to Emmelyn went unanswered as well.
LOGISTICS: Poor planning, misleading information
We had specifically asked Emmelyn to suggest the best areas for photo safaris. However, she booked us 4 nights at Black Pools (Moremi) and only 3 at Khwai. This created two major grievances: the decision seemed unbalanced and made without explanation, and it did not align with our request.
Black Pools is a remote, isolated area, far from other camps, with limited routes and very little wildlife. You drive the same track every day, seeing the same few animals. We left Khwai at 6:30 am and arrived at Black Pools at 8:30 pm—an exhausting transfer. Upon arrival, the zone was flooded; no other vehicles in sight; no guides reachable by radio; no phone coverage.
With the main road flooded, we became lost in the bush at night. This lack of planning is unacceptable for a professional agency.
We finally reached camp only with the help of staff from another camp over an hour away.
The site turned out to be abandoned and unsuitable for a photographic safari.
The agency never specified that the destination would be Black Pools; the contract referred only to “Private Camping in Moremi.” We were not warned that the transfer would take all day. We later discovered that excellent safari areas were easily accessible from Khwai. Our main grievances are a lack of transparency about the destination, misleading transfer information, and missed opportunities to choose better safari locations, all of which result in stress, lost time, and wasted money.
AFTER THE TRIP: SILENCE
Despite several attempts, Emmelyn never replied to our messages after the trip.
CAMP STAFF: Excellent!
In sharp contrast to the management, the tented camp team was outstanding professionals, kind, helpful, and prepared.
A big thank you to Edna (always impeccable tents, hot water ready), KG (our brilliant chef), Tandy (our attentive waiter), and Nico (an expert driver with eagle eyes).
FINAL THOUGHT
There are great safari companies in Botswana that prioritize client care and safety. Our core grievances with Savanna Safaris are organizational failure, lack of emergency support, and misleading logistics. Sadly, they no longer demonstrate responsibility or transparency.
If you’re looking for a responsible and transparent operator, look elsewhere.
Reply from Savanna Safaris and Tours
Posted on Jan 10, 2026Dear Simona,
Thank you for taking the time to share such detailed feedback. We are truly sorry that your second safari with Savanna Safaris did not meet your expectations, and we recognize how upsetting and stressful parts of the journey were for you.
Regarding the camping location in Moremi:
Your original booking was for the Hippo Pools area in Moremi. Unfortunately, shortly before your arrival, unexpected flooding occurred, and the Department of National Parks & Wildlife reassigned all operators to an alternative campsite for safety and environmental reasons. This decision was outside our control. When you expressed dissatisfaction with the alternative site and requested to return to Khwai, we respected your wishes. Our team packed up the camp and relocated everyone back to Khwai, despite the significant distance and difficult road conditions.
On the long transfer and road conditions:
We acknowledge that the drive back from Moremi to Khwai was long and exhausting. Even with well-maintained vehicles and new tires, seasonal road conditions in these wilderness areas can be extremely challenging. That said, we understand how demanding this journey felt and regret the discomfort it caused.
Regarding safety and the roadside incident:
We fully appreciate how distressing the flat tire incident was, particularly with an international flight ahead. While our vehicles undergo routine checks, this incident highlighted shortcomings in preparedness and communication. We sincerely regret that you felt unsupported during this moment and acknowledge that this did not reflect the level of care we aim to provide. Since then, we have reviewed our emergency procedures, vehicle equipment protocols, and escalation processes.
On communication and availability:
During your trip, I personally experienced an unexpected medical emergency and had to travel abroad for urgent treatment, resulting in an extended absence. However, our Maun office remained operational, and Mr. Fred was present and in contact with guests on arrival. We regret that this transition did not feel seamless to you and that communication did not meet your expectations at critical moments.
After the trip:
We are sorry that you felt unheard following your return home. That was never our intention, and we recognize how this added to your disappointment.
We sincerely appreciate your kind words about our camp team — Edna, KG, Tandy, Nico, and the wider crew — whose professionalism and dedication continue to be a source of pride for us.
While each guest experience is unique, we would like to note that your friends traveling with us shortly afterward, including Mr. Massimo, completed a longer safari and expressed satisfaction with their journey. This does not diminish your experience, but it reassures us that the corrective measures we implemented were effective.
On communication and availability:
In addition, our mobile camping is now equipped with Starlink satellite internet, which has proven reliable in these areas and is used to support guest communication and operational coordination when mobile networks are limited, we acknowledge that this situation requires continued improvement to ensure responsiveness in all circumstances.
Simona, your feedback has been taken seriously and has prompted reflection and improvements within our operation. We regret that we did not deliver the experience you hoped for on this occasion and appreciate the opportunity to learn from it.
Kind regard
Savanna Safaris & Tours
Email Anna Marie | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
One word - AWESOME.
This is actually my second safari with Fred and Emmelyn, my first one was in 2012. Once again, my experience with them and with Tau Lodge was outstanding. Fred picked us up at our hotel in Gabs and dropped us off at the Lodge, helped us through the border and helped me when South Africa stamped my passport incorrectly. He and Emmelyn are friendly, professional, courteous, and outstanding. Next time I am in Botswana, I will definitely be booking with them again.
KW
Email Narjes | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was great
Everything was well organised and it was as we expected.
We had great safari tour.
We are definitely going to try other safari tour with Savanna safaris.
FR
Email Herve | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unique experience with passionate people willing to share their lives and culture
the tour was very well organized and balanced between two different camps offering complementary experiences ; We liked most the Moremi Crossing lodge which is more confidential and its walking safari in the bush . People were very nice , sharing their passion .
Connections and transports were efficient .
We only faced two difficulties which were solved rapidly ;
program in the Chobe lodge was not clearly planned locally
planes from Chobe lodge were earlier than planned .
Overall an superb experience !
Email Lakshan | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The Most Perfect African Honeymoon
Our experience with Savanna Safaris and Tours was seamless from end to end.
Emmelyn created the most perfect itinerary tailored to us with such little input from us she created an amazing trip with visits to cities that we never would have even contemplated.
The accommodation that was recommended was beyond expectations. Everything was comfortable, clean and the level of hospitality in Botswana at these camps was heartwarming. We were very, very well fed throughout our days and they catered for different tastes.
Emmelyn took the stress of holidaying away and each transfer was seamless. It was incredible how the transport companies communicate with the camps- everything just happened for us! Each guide and pilot/driver along the way were all very friendly too.
Emmelyn provided comprehensive information to us with no surprise fees. The group sizes were intimate with only a max of 4 other guests in the jeeps with us at any time.
There is nothing extra that we could have wished for. She truly allowed us to have the best honeymoon!
Email Megan | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Savanna Safaris and Tours is the best!!
Emmelyn and the team provided a flawless three country trip for us. Their communication and professionalism down to every details allowed my family to sit back and enjoy all our transfers, lodges, safari game drives, helicopter tours, etc. I have used this company twice and will do so again soon as it makes such a difference to have someone in country when you are trying to manage your trip from the US. As always-thank you to Savanna Safaris and Tours
Email Jay | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Extremely helpful from beginning, during and at completion of trip!
Savanna Safaris & Tours went out of their way to assist our work group to have safaris during our travels. In the beginning our dates of availability for Safari were limited and Savanna Safaris provided us several options from Kruger to the Kalahari. We ultimately decided on a South African preserve and the Okavango Delta. Emmelyn was our main contact during the entire process and she kept up with us during our visit to ensure all our needs were met. I'm recommending Savanna Safaris & Tours to our future teams that travel to Southern Africa.
Email Amy | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Weekend trip to Madikwe
Emmelyn was unbelievably helpful, responsive, and accommodating. From start to finish she was available to assist with questions and suggestions. Emmelyn planned, coordinated, and booked a trip for myself and four colleagues from Gaborone, Botswana to Madikwe in South Africa. Our van showed up promptly as scheduled and our driver Frank escorted us through both countries' Customs and safely to Madikwe. We stayed at Tao Lodge which was unbelievable- even better and more luxurious than expected. The food was great, the lodging was perfect and the game drives were incredible!! We saw SO many animals with young including rhinos, lions, cheetahs, and tons of elephants! Would DEFINITELY use Safari Tours again, it took so much of the stress out of planning a trip! Can't recommend Emmelyn enough!