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.

Published on Jul, 2024

Review Walking Sticks safari. Owner guide Philemon. When choosing an African safari from a foreign destination, the choice can be confusing. Offers from tour companies in Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia and Botswana seem to be similar, however when studying the uniqueness of the Okavango river, creating the shape of a hand, as it flows into the Okavango region, forming a natural delta, home to many rare and endangered species that the choice becomes obvious. Now to narrow the choices, we prefer real close to earth safaris, not the fly in luxury lodges with day game drives but the sleep in the wild tented variety taking us back to the original safari experience. Our choice last year was Walking sticks safaris, when we traveled with friends from Maun on a eight day experience to Vic Falls. No surprise last week ( early July) this time just two of us called Philemon of Walking sticks to create a three day safari in Moremi Area. Right on time we met up, arranged to leave our vehicle for safekeeping at Walking sticks base and proceeded on our drive to Moremi Game reserve. Philemon and his team had the camp prepared, and as a local operator have designated private sites in prime areas. The tents have individual open air ablutions attached, so privacy from neighbours is in place, however if you are shy of a Lilac crested roller watching you shower or a Grey Loerie ‘go away’ bird shouting at you, then maybe this is not for you. Simon our chef produced simple and very tasty fare before we relaxed under the stars with a safety fire creating the ambience for bush stories. Yes the camp is open and in wildlife habitat, yes lions, hyenas and elephant may stroll through the camp, however if left alone do not interfere with the camp residents. If there is a Gold medal for tracker or game spotter than Philemon would win with ease. His Origin Bushmen and Tswana brings centuries of knowledge to bear on animal behavior and tracking skills. Recognition and bird-spotting, given the variety in the Delta is a true gift. Large pride of Lion, Wild dog ( becoming very endangered ) Cheetahs, Leopard, Buffalo, many Elephant, Giraffes and various types of antelope as well as numerous smaller species were spotted and photographed in the three days. Visitors return as we did, for the people we meet, the service provided and in the end we leave as friends. Botswana has a policy of low volume and higher pricing, value for money with Walking Sticks safaris, Philemon and crew is well spent.

Published on Jul, 2024

They made our overall experience a memorable one. The team is excellent and they are very well equipped logistically and very experienced .

Published on Jun, 2024

Our goals for booking a safari in the Okavango area was to find someone locally-based, with a good track record, and reasonably priced, and Phil's team at Walking Stick was the perfect fit. We did a 4 day/3 night mobile camping safari (game drives in Moremi, canoe/walking safari in Okavango). Even though our flight was delayed about 12 hours, the team was flexible and let us push our safari one day back at no additional cost. Phil knows Moremi like the back of his hand and we saw everything we dreamed of, and more (he is friendly with other guides and communicated with them to find us lions, leopards, wild dogs, etc). Camp was comfortable and the cooking was great, being mindful of my traveling partner's nut allergy. Our canoe/walking safaris were also amazing. We only wished that we spent more time. Compared to what it seems other operators are charging for a similar experience, Phil's price seems competitive and the service more than worth what we paid.

Published on Dec, 2022

Throughout the booking and payment process Philimon kept in touch with us helping and answering all emails rapidly. On arrival in Maun Philimon was waiting for us and his easy manner and overview of our safari was very reassuring. He collected us from our hotel on time the following morning along with our cook and helper, who were also very friendly. Once on safari it was clear that Philimon was a very experienced guide with great depth of knowledge of both birds, animals, their characteristics and habitats. A ll four safaris that we did were special with not only a huge variety of animals and birds but in-depth observations of Lions (a pride of 9 crossing a river, hesitantly) , leopards (hiding their kill in a tree) , a cheetah in relax and a huge bloat of Hippos yawning and fighting. The bush camp was more luxurious and caused less anxiety than expected, though the sound of both hippos and lions was noted on one night along with the incessant bell frogs. Meals, cooked on an open fire were a treat , thanks to Jo, along with freshly baked bread I would thoroughly recommend Walking Stick Safaris for the experience offered, value for money and look forward to a long trip in 2023..