Reviews of Shipungo Safari & Tours

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

Excellent

We did a 3 day (2 night) private tour to the Okavango Delta. Everything was exactly as described and the service was excellent. Really brilliant trip and would certainly recommend

Max

IMPOSSIBLE TO FAIL WITH THEM

First of all, if you are a backpacker like me who is afraid of wasting your money you have to know that Moremi is totally worthy . Secondly, you have to know that this company is the cheapest so it is a must for you and you have to make sure put it apart from others...but more important it is that you can be certain that this company is totally reliable, I received answers very quickly about everything, they give you a detailed program, nothing is missed. The day of the activity our guide made all efforts to our needs: ( to find lions) he made everything all the time driving, very little stops just to see some footprints.... We saw 9 lions. What I can say it is that with this company won't fail, because you feel since first time you can rely on them, it is very clear. You will be charged a real fair price,( the best) half or 3 times less than others and you are going to receive a great service. So if you want to do Moremi, don't look other and just book with them, you can be totally safe, you are on the right one.

Víctor

Genuine and exciting trip into the Okavanga!

We booked a 3-day camping trip via Shipungo where we had a tour operator, two other mokoro drivers and a chef. The team was absolutely excellent, and we cannot recommend them enough. Special thanks to Hello, Junior and Lucky! Shipungo was clear on pick up place and time, and the overall itinerary for the trip. Even though there was early communication on this front, the actual itinerary differed slightly, so we think Shipungo could work closer with the folks who were facilitating our trip to ensure it was a bit more clear. Overall, value for money was high - as we felt the food was excellent, the tent and sleeping arrangement comfortable, and the walking trips and boat trips were well worth it. The company was very easy to get in touch with via email and then via WhatsApp in the days before our trip. It is possible we did not ask enough questions before - hence the slight difference in itinerary vs. actual trip. Overall I would recommend the tour and think Shipungo did a good job of getting us a nice driver, chef and tour guide. Thank you very much!

Allegra

Very exclusive experience, very nice and competent staff.

We did a four days, three nights safari in Okavango Delta and Moremi Game reserve. We booked only one month in advance and the team was very quick to help us organise, very flexible and responsive. The experience was amazing. The camps were very comfortable, the food was great, the guides and the staff were very experienced and showed us a lot of things. We faced a car breakdown and the team was quick to send another vehicle and mechanics on the spot. We could not do the boat tour because of a breakdown as well. This was replaced by a nice game drive. We were not expecting such a long transfer from Okavango Delta to Moremi game reserve. We would suggest that clients are told in advance about the length of transfers so that they can reflect on whether they want to keep the format of the trip as is or adjust it to have less transfers (e.g. only going to Moremi). It did not impact our experience as such but maybe to have it in mind if you travel with kids for example. Otherwise it was a very amazing experience. Recommend 100%.

Mathilde & Jean

Great Days at Moremi

We booked a 3 days (2 nights) camping safari with Shipoungo Safaris into Moremi GR. Cedric our guide was excellent and we had a great time on safari. Our camp was set at Xakanaxa camp site. The catering was also very good. We were quite impressed with the "bushfix" of the camping trailer which broke down on our way to camp. These people know what they are doing!

Rainer

Simply Amazing

My fiancée and I booked a two night, three day tour w/ Shipungo and were happy we did. Jack was an amazing tour guide. He had an intimate understanding of Moremi and its flora and fauna. He indulged my nascent interest in birding with patience, and had in-depth answers to all our questions. The support staff (Simon and KG) were talented, responsive, and kind. Simon was an excellent cook and went above and beyond with food presentation, flavoring, excellent portion sizes. We were never hungry nor thirsty. We saw 4 of the Big 5 and so many other animals. It was truly a visual buffet. Not sure we would've seen so much if it had not been for these gentlemen. If you go to Moremi, book with Shipungo and ask for Jack. And if you're a foodie, make sure to request Simon. We'd hire him to cater our wedding if we could.

Tony & Marissa

Fantastic safari operator in Maun

We’ve lived and worked on and off in Africa for the last 20 years, now back in the US, former Botswana residents and familiar with safari offerings. In short, Shipungo is outstanding. Two adults and three kids, we had a couple days free in Maun and went back to back days with Shipungo on day safaris to Moremi NP and mokoro ride / hike in the Okavango Delta. The trips were wonderful. Our guide from Shipungo was extremely knowledgeable about Moremi and the sightings were outstanding. He went the extra mile, all day, to make it a great experience. The mokoro trip in the Okavango is probably the best one day trip my family has ever experienced, and we’re in Africa frequently. Again knowledgeable and friendly guides, and fabulous lunches, even took care of a gluten free issue for one of us, perfectly. Easy to deal with, great service. We’ll be back with Shipungo next time we’re in Botswana.

Michael Tolle

Wild nature, smells and sounds of animals is to remember for life.

We (my wife and me) have spent 9 night/10 days in Botswana safari, organized by Shipungo. The safari took place in Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve and Khwai Concession in July and August. It was a very interesting experience for us, we were delighted with the beautiful nature of Botswana. It was truly a tented safari, we slept in a tent in the middle of the bush. The entire camp was set up by the team from Shipungo. The guide and driver was Kem, who knew perfectly well the habits of animals and the terrain , telling us different stories by the evening campfire. Shine was the chef who fed us deliciously, preparing dishes over the fire (even homemade bread). Slow was the third member of the team, always smiling, helping with all the camp work. There was a well working team which was able to set up the camp very efficiently and quickly. We had a lot of luck watching wildlife. We have seen leopards, cheetahs, lions, buffaloes (quite large herds), lots (!) of elephants, warthogs, herds of antelopes (different species), hippos in the water and grazing, crocodiles, wild dogs and many, many more animals; only the tiger was missing

Alina+Andrzej

Excellent

Without doubt it was the best tour I did in Botswana. The guide is great, they are super punctual, the tour was great, pleasant, all very well organized. Without a doubt, would do it again with this agency and recommend it to everyone. Whenever I am in Maun this will be the travel agency of my choice. Recommended A ++++++

Wander Valadares

Once in a lifetime experience

We were on a trip in Namibia and booked a last minute tour with Shipungo Safaris, 7 days camping across the Okovango delta. Once we confirmed payment Shipungo took care of everything from Maun to Kasane. Everything on the trip was taken care of so we could enjoy the animals and the ride. Our guide, Kem, picked us up and took excellent care of us. They even asked if we had any dietary restrictions several days before we left. The crew in our camp was amazing, they had everything set up for us when we arrived. We always had enough food and drinks and they really knew how to cook. Kem was an excellent tracker, we got up close with elephants, lions, baboons, warthogs, zebras and giraffes. He really knew how to find them! We couldn’t be more happy with Shipungo and they are the only tour provider I would use in that area. The value for the money was excellent, communication was fantastic and considering the challenges with operating out in the bush they were extremely reliable. I would recommend them to anyone!

Patrick Pearsall

Perfect

Awesome journey with Shipungo. Very nice staff and professional. Well organised. We had a 10 days trip with. I'will never forget it! Many thanks to Kem, our guide. Thanks to him we saw a lot of animals and learnt many things.

Antoine Gilson

Very good daySafari in Moremi Botswana

A fullday tour incluse breakfast en lunch to Moremi wildlife , is was a good price ! The guide looks also “off-road” for the animals and that’s why we saw 3 male Lions en 1 female Lion en a lot of other animals. It was our best not self driven daytrip in the 5 weeks that we cross by 4x4 cars in Namibië en Botswana.

An

Very informative and caring. We had a wonderful day trip :)

Mark is super helpful. We arranged with him a last minute day trip to the Okavango delta. He was available even in late evening and made it happen. The trip itself was great, we took a ride with the makoro boat and did a walking safari, both of them accompanied with detailed explanations. His driver even took us in the end of the day to the bus station and when we found out the bus we had planned to take isn't actually coming he help us to find alternative transportation. Also he helped us plan other activities in and outside of Maun. Bottom line: contact Mark and Shipungo if you are in Maun.

Ran

amazing and exhilarating

Our guide Voice was amazing. He picked us up at 6a.m and even brought us some blankets for the cold morning! He was all the time very considerate and explaining everything to us. We saw a lot of animals and the whole day was just perfect! We would book this tour again anytime!

Mia

The crew of Shipungo Safari & Tours was exceptional, accommodating and knowledgeable.

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