Shipungo Safari & Tours
4.9(108 reviews) Maun, Botswana, Botswana Since 2015
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The crew of Shipungo Safari & Tours was exceptional, accommodating and knowledgeable.
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Being from South Africa originally, our bar is set high because we have been on so many safaris before. Kem, our guide for our journey was exceptional. Kem made sure to get us to a sighting that was shared over the radio communication system so we had sightings, such as Wild dogs, that we have never had before. He was also very knowledgeable. We have learned so much from him. Back at camp, Shine and Ody, took care of everything, from setting up our campsite to providing us with delicious meals. They were all very courteous and our camp accommodation was also very comfortable. We had a safari of a lifetime!
Velani Witthoft
Awesome
Me and my crew went on a boat ride with Oarabile, what a beautiful ride we had. We couldn't get enough and he even gave us a discount on our second ride. He made us hats and necklaces with a water plant called tswii. What an astonishing customer service, I definitely recommend.
Sego Megano
Getting up close to the wilderness
We had a wonderful time on our Okavango delta mokoro safari! Our guide and chef were amazing and it was incredible getting up close to the wilderness - an experience very different from a car safari. At Shipungo, they were very responsive and they even lent us their binoculars.
Zala Vrhunc Milanović
Simple to book, attentive to our needs, and high-quality service.
We were a couple on a private safari, and from the very first moment, they were very attentive to us and our needs. For example, we are vegans, and they went out of their way to prepare us an elaborate daily menu with alternatives to meat, like vegan sausages. The location of the camp was unbeatable, right in front of an open plain where lots of animals would gather, and you could watch them while having breakfast or lunch. Our guide, Kem, was both the guide and driver for our safari. It was clear that he loved what he was doing, and he made sure we could fully enjoy the experience, not only by seeing as many animals as possible but also by teaching us many fascinating facts about the park and its wildlife.
Alberto Jiménez
The team was deeply engaged, highly motivated, genuinely passionate, and impressively professional
Our guide Voice went above and beyond to fulfill our wildlife sighting wishes – his appreciation for guests and genuine passion for his work were truly remarkable. The camp team was friendly, attentive, and helpful, and the food exceeded expectations, especially given the limitations of a mobile safari. Communication with the administration was fast and responsive, and they accommodated our needs to tailor the trip perfectly. I can wholeheartedly recommend Shipungo Safari.
Clemens Salomon
amazing 10 days in botswana
Our 10-day mobile safari through Botswana in June 2024, organized by Shipungo Safari & Tours, was an extraordinary adventure that exceeded our expectations as first-time safari-goers. From the wild landscapes of the Okavango Delta to the vibrant wildlife of Moremi, Khwai, Savuti, and Chobe, Shipungo crafted a trip that left us in awe. Below is our feedback, highlighting what made this experience exceptional and a couple of minor areas for improvement. # References [1] out photos from the trip are at: https://photos.app.goo.gl/vNp5xQVmz6mxfwvi6 [2] i wrote a blog detailing our experience. start here: https://hegdestravels.blogspot.com/2025/01/botswana-2024-conclusion-and-summary.html, and then work through the links in this page. [3] i converted my blogs into a book: https://amzn.eu/d/0I38njr # What Worked Well Outstanding Guides and Staff: The Shipungo team, led by Mark, was phenomenal. Our guides—Orphan (Ofilwe) in the Okavango Delta, Kem for Moremi and Savuti, and Tops for the Chobe River cruise—brought the wilderness to life. Orphan’s sagebrush scent-masking tips and calm handling of close elephant encounters were unforgettable. Kem’s storytelling and skillful tracking, like spotting a leopard on patrol, kept us captivated. Tops’ insights into elephant behavior on the Chobe River added depth to our cruises. Their expertise, honed through Botswana’s rigorous guide certification, ensured we felt safe and enriched throughout. Shine, our chef, and KG, our camp hand, were equally exceptional, making every moment seamless and memorable. Well-Crafted Itinerary: The itinerary was perfectly balanced, covering the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, Khwai, Savuti, and Chobe. From walking safaris and mokoro trips in the Delta to thrilling game drives in Moremi and Savuti, and serene Chobe River cruises, every day offered something unique. Highlights included witnessing a buffalo kill by nine lions, tracking leopards, and enjoying sundowners by the river. Shipungo’s flexibility—lingering at a lion sighting instead of a scheduled boat ride—prioritized wildlife experiences, making the trip truly special. Exceptional Camp Experience: The bush camping was raw and authentic, exactly what we wanted. Shine’s vegetarian meals, like veg burgers, quiche, and oven-baked bread, were a delight, far exceeding expectations for camp cooking. KG’s efficient camp setup, including tents with open-air showers and pit latrines, added to the adventure without compromising comfort. Mid-trip clean linens and towels were a thoughtful touch. Personalized Service: Mark’s attentiveness during planning set Shipungo apart. He patiently answered our many questions, tailoring the trip to our family’s needs. His gesture of delivering laundered clothes and duffel bags in Maun eased our transitions between locations, reflecting his commitment to a personalized experience. Value for Money: Compared to luxury camps, Shipungo’s mobile safari was budget-friendly without sacrificing quality. The authenticity, safety, and exceptional wildlife encounters made it an incredible value, perfect for those seeking a genuine safari experience. # Areas for Improvement While the trip was near-perfect, a couple of minor points could enhance future experiences: Night Drive in Khwai: During itinerary planning in April 2024 I asked Mark to add a one‑night stop in Khwai expressly for a night drive. Mark happily obliged, but once there it became clear our guide Kem lacked night‑driving experience and felt uncomfortable spotlighting after dark, so the drive was cut short. A guide with proven night‑drive expertise - or clearer pre‑trip guidance on its limitations -- would have set better expectations. That said, the Khwai River sundowner and the next morning’s superb game drive more than made up for the disappointment. We suggest Shipungo review how night drives are staffed and briefed in future. First Aid Kit Oversight: The operator forgot to bring a first aid kit to the Okavango Delta and then to the rest of the safari, which could have been problematic had we needed it. Thankfully, our own kit covered us, but Shipungo should ensure a kit is always included for safety. # Overall Impression Shipungo Safari & Tours delivered an unforgettable journey through Botswana’s wild heart. Mark’s meticulous planning, combined with the expertise and warmth of Orphan, Kem, Tops, Shine, and KG, made this a five-star experience despite minor deviations. From close encounters with elephants and lions to serene sundowners, every moment deepened our appreciation for Botswana’s wildlife and culture. We wholeheartedly recommend Shipungo to anyone seeking an authentic, well-organized safari and are already dreaming of our next adventure with them!
Kiran Hegde
