Botswana August 2025
Comments from guests
“Hello Shareen,
Just a quick note to say thank you for organising our mobile safari and the Savute lodge stay. The mobile safari was amazing, we saw everything from lions eating an elephant to cheetah cubs and everything in between. Only to be topped by our room at Savute lodge overlooking the pond and the private dinner table that you must have arranged for us.”
Thank you Kylie and Keith for your wonderful review. Fantastic you had such incredible sightings and thanks for sharing some of your wildlife photos. I’m so pleased you enjoyed your mobile safari with Letaka Safaris and stay at Savuti Safari Lodge.
Comments from guests
“We have had the most amazing time!!! And have so much to tell you. It was honestly the best thing we have ever done and we’re so lucky to see all the animals we did with the best guide. Thank you so much.”
“Don and I arrived home after an amazing time in Africa. The highlight being Ofi and Elephant Trails. We both feel very lucky to have had such an experience. Thank you for organising such an adventure for the four of us!”
Thank you Rae and Denise for your wonderful comments about your safari with Elephant Trails Safari Co. I’m delighted you had such a great experience.
Botswana and Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe August 2024
Comments from guests
“Firstly A huge thank you for organising such an amazing trip. It exceeded all our expectations. No hick ups and everything was meticulously thought of. Every day we would say WOW this cant get any better and it absolutely got better every day. It was bizarre how things happened when we asked for them, for example someone said we haven’t seen buffalo and then the very next day we saw a huge heard of buffalo just 1 minute from our camp. On another time I said to another vehicle travelling, they were cooking their lunch on the side of the road and we pulled up along side them. I cheekily said I’ll have a burger and chips please. That same night Chef Noah cooked up Hamburgers and Chips in the camp oven. Just bizarre! What than man produced in his camp oven and open fire was just spectacular and told him he needs to bring out a cook book. Pat the server and generally was every where making sure we were looked after, was such a gentle soul and forever saying “your welcome” NT was the silent one, though we got him to relax and enjoy our conversations. Now for Ofi, what an incredible human being he is. His knowledge and understanding of the wildlife and environment was phenomenal. His passion for what he does is infectious and we all learnt how to check the emails (animal tracks) every morning. We all learnt so much and would go back again in a heartbeat.”
Thank you Tam for sharing some of your lovely photos, so pleased you all had an amazing mobile safari with Elephant Trails :)
Zambezi River
Botswana and Zambia September 2019
Another wonderful safari with the Cates family. Departing from Maun, Botswana, our mobile safari included Xakanaxa and Khwai in the Moremi Game Reserve, Savuti and Chobe National Park. We had exceptional wildlife sightings which included lion, leopard, African wild dog, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, hippo, baboon, sable plus other antelope and herds of elephant along the way. From there our journey continued to Livingstone, Zambia and the Zambezi River.
Botswana and Zimbabwe 2018
Another amazing mobile safari with the Cooper family. This time our journey took us from Maun, Botswana, to the Okavango Delta, Savuti, Chobe River and then into Zimbabwe. We continued our travels there to Hwange, Mlibizi, the Kariba ferry and finally to Mana Pools. We saw incredible wildlife and birdlife along the way and shared many memorable experiences. These included wild dog hunting, numerous lion encounters, large herds of elephant and buffalo, plus enjoying the huge variety of birdlife. We even created a song about trying to photograph a Lilac Breasted Roller :) Thanks to The Elephant Trails Safari Co in Botswana and Khangela Safaris in Zimbabwe
Botswana 2018
Thank you Helena for sharing some of your beautiful photos, so pleased you all had an amazing mobile safari with Elephant Trails :)
Comments from guests
“We had the most amazing trip-of-a-lifetime in Botswana organised by Shareen. Being immersed in the sounds and smells of Africa was amazing. Living in the bush in very comfortable tents, waking up to birdsong and the most glorious sunrises and eating a warm bowl of porridge before setting out for our early morning drive, was a lovely awakening. We were so lucky to have the most incredible guides, Frank and Offy who ensured we had the most amazing wildlife sightings. Wild dogs hunting and devouring an impala, leopard dragging an impala across the road in front of us, lions giving us the most mesmerising intense look as it strolled by within arm’s reach, elephants peacefully drinking right outside out tent and the sighting of the rare Pells fishing owl,will live with us for a very long time. Africa is in our souls and will always have a hold over us. Others in our party have also been enthralled by Africa and we a had an unforgettable trip. Magical is not a strong enough word as one cannot describe the feeling of sitting around a campfire ,being surrounded by the night sounds of honey badgers snuffling around, nightingales singing, hyenas whooping and lions roaring as well as hippos grunting. It’s eerie and beautiful at the same time. We were just so lucky to have the chance to experience this on such a well organised and well thought out trip. Thanks Shareen.”
“WHOW what a place Botswana is, we so loved it, had lunch at your friends place in Maun, have photo to prove .
The Elephant Trails are the best, Guy did a great job and so did the team. We had the best ever guides .
We want to go back and do more please. So while it was supposed to be a trip of a life time we want to do more .”
Botswana 2015
Comments from guests
“In 2015 we travelled with Shareen to Botswana and Victoria Falls with our two children (aged 11). It was truly the most magical, amazing, fulfilling holiday; Africa is a place that will steal your heart and the trip we did was absolutely perfectly planned with fantastic, wonderful guides who provided an authentic African experience. The bush camping was the best part of the trip, allowing us to feel like we were amongst it all. The food was incredible, prepared on an open fire, and we were treated to some African songs at night by all the guides. Their knowledge and experience made the trip so much more special. What we saw was unforgettable and I believe that this was due to the way the holiday had been personalised and planned by Shareen. We can’t wait to go again to a different part of Africa and I couldn’t imagine doing it without her. ”
“It was great how many animals we saw. It was exciting. My favourite parts of the trip were seeing the lions for the first time, watching the wild dogs on a hunt and seeing the elephants swim. I really enjoyed camping on the salt pans in swags under the stars. ”
“Africa was amazing; one of the best trips I have ever been on. Sometimes it was scary (seeing the lions), but it was exhilarating too. My favourite part was definitely camping on the salt pans and seeing the meerkats. I really enjoyed the bush camping and getting up close to the animals. I can’t believe we saw so many elephants! It was an awesome holiday.”
“Since my early childhood I always dreamt of visiting the animals of Africa. In August 2015 I fulfilled this dream and travelled to the Okavango Delta in Botswana .
The trip exceeded all of my expectations with snapshots from National Geographic littered throughout. It is impossible to describe in this short space all of the highlights, but I remember one sunset sitting watching hippo, crocodile and water buck as a herd of female and young elephants walked either side of our vehicle and proceeded to bathe and drink metres from us.
I am asked for advise about this trip and all I say to these people is call Shareen, I intend to return to Africa and will only ever travel to these countries with her assistance. Shareen listens to what is wanted and then delivers what was requested, most importantly for me I loved working with her.”
“As a mother of two boys (9 and 11) I was excited and apprehensive about taking them on a trip to Africa. My first meeting with Shareen set my mind at ease and she deliver a brilliant holiday - all my wishes fulfilled and my questions answered! We spent two weeks as a family on Safari in Botswana. Everything Shareen organized was exceptional –the camping locations and set up , the food, and guides whose knowledge of the area and the wildlife was extraordinary. Each day a new adventure unfolded filled with typical images of African animals: giraffe, elephant, wildebeest, wild dog, leopard, hippo, crocodile, warthogs kudu, impala, lion, hyena, jackal, sable…the list goes on. From relaxing by a water hole watching animals go about their day to the thrill of tracking animals by a spot light at night…every moment created memories to be treasured for a lifetime. ”
“Sitting in the amazing open vehicle only a metre away from the most beautiful African elephant. It stared me straight in the eye watching me closely. The game guide told me not to move a muscle. It was a bit hard to film but it was the most extraordinary moment I have ever had. Without Shareen it wouldn’t have even been possible and I would not have been to Africa.”
“We were all sitting by the table talking and enjoying another great meal on our safari throughout Botswana while a pride of lions edged even closer to our camp. When they were within fifty metres they let out a mighty roar all at once. Adrenalin was pumping through our bodies but I wasn’t fearful instead I was excited by the encounter. We were instructed to head to our tents while the lions roars echoed through the night and pierced our bodies. I loved this experience because to me that was what Africa was all about and at that moment I felt the connection between humans and nature. I couldn’t have done it without Shareen.”
Viewpoint into the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Tanzania 2014
Comments from guests
“We’ve now been to the Serengeti another wonderful trip with many animal bonuses. Safaris with Shareen Nash are well organised, she finds the best guides, she makes it affordable and provides the best holidays and experiences. (how many animals you see will vary on the time and their moods)
Yes we hope to go again in a few years possibly to Kenya. We love traveling in Africa.”
“We have been lucky enough to travel with Shareen on two occasions once to Botswana and then to Tanzania. Both times we had an unbelievable experience.
Shareen has a “passion” for life, photography, wildlife and Africa in general. She finds people who share that passion, in drivers, guides, and all the camp staff involved. An experience everyone should have.
Her knowledge, organisation skills, and happy disposition make for a perfect group leader.
Be prepared when going to Africa to gain a friend in Shareen and to leave a small piece of your heart behind for the people and Africa itself.”
“In September 2014 I joined Shareen Nash on an escorted Safari Tour to Tanzania
to follow the migration of the wildebeast. It was the most amazing tour I have done.
Everything was well organised, the Massai Warriors and their campsites most welcoming
and friendly. We were a small happy group on a mission to see lots of different animals and
to share the experience, really amazing.
Our driver was an expert at driving and spotting animals. We saw far more animals than I expected, in species and in large numbers, specially the cats. We also were very lucky to see a river crossing of the wildebeast returning from Kenya to the Serengetti. Every day was an adventure with different animals, birds and vegetation.
I will always remember this trip”
Botswana 2014
Another wonderful group joined me this year from Australia and we enjoyed exceptional game viewing, including cheetah, leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo, etc. Our guide Michael enthralled us with his wildlife knowledge and we shared many memorable and humorous moments on safari. Thanks to The Elephant Trails Safari Co for once again arranging an exceptional mobile safari, with friendly staff and Patrick cooking delicious meals, all on an open fire.
“As a child, I dreamed about experiencing the fascinating continent of Africa in real life for myself. Fast forward a decade or so, and working alongside Shareen at Jetstet Bunbury (currently known as Helloworld) hearing about all her African adventures, reignited my desire to see Africa and in 2014 I booked myself onto one of her escorted mobile safaris through Botswana and Zimbabwe. After being a travel agent myself for many years planning others’ holidays, it was so relaxing having Shareen take care of all the planning as everything was thought of and very well organised.
Moments before even landing in Maun, Botswana I knew I was about to embark on a trip of a lifetime and it really was that! The itinerary and time spent in each location was spot on, the 4 sites within the Okavango Delta where we camped each offered a new experience.
I don’t think I could’ve even imagined how amazing the places I visited would be, the abundance and diversity of the wildlife I saw, heard and touched, and of course the people I shared this experience with. It is a an adventure that I will never forget, it was definitely love at first sight with the continent and has left me wanting more adventures there, which I would of course want Shareen’s brilliant expertise and advice with planning the next!”
Botswana 2013
Comments from our guests
“Many thanks for all you did to ensure our recent trip to Africa was so memorable. Your initial planning of our flights and accommodation was outstanding. We were all very impressed with your local knowledge and contacts in Botswana and Zimbabwe. Your selection of African Elephant Trails ensured we had very knowledgeable , friendly and professional guides who had our safety and enjoyment as their main priority. Your combined knowledge of the environment ensured we saw the natural beauty of Africa first hand and up extremely close. When we arrived at a campsite, our tents were erected and our showers and latrines were set up for us . The quality of the food was 5 star. We really had the best of both worlds- awesome , natural beauty and luxury where you wouldn’t expect it. ”
“It was with some trepidation that I agreed to go on an African Adventure with some of my best friends.
We were recommended to go to Shareen Nash to organise our trip, and what was originally a 10 day Safari through Botswana became a much bigger trip.
Shareen organised for us to begin our trip with a visit to the gorillas in Rwanda, we arrived in Kigali and were greeted by our driver and taken to our very luxurious accommodation. The transfer was seamless! We were escorted up the mountains to see the gorillas and were not disappointed.
The next part of our trip was to Johannesburg for a night. Shareen had a car waiting for us at the airport and we were taken to our next delightful hotel.
Then the next adventure began.
We were flown to Botswana where Shareen and her husband introduced us to the rest of the small group we would be sharing the African Safari with. A small plane flight and we were there.
My anxiety rose as I am not a camping enthusiast, the idea of out- door showers and drop toilets didn’t really thrill me. Was I in for a surprise.
Yes there were drop toilets but they were well tended and easy to use. The shower was lovely and the food was extraordinary.
Then there were the animals. We were treated to expert commentary, from experienced guides- including Shareen. We saw many different animals, as well as the big five, and took some amazing photographs.
On the trip we made friends with the staff, and other campers and generally had a ball.
All the transfers, hotels, flights were well managed and our trip was amazing.
This is the best holiday I have ever had. I will never feel anxiety again if travelling with Shareen!
Thank you Shareen, you are amazing!”
“Lisa and I cannot say enough to describe our adventure through the beautiful Okavango Delta and along the colourful and vibrant Chobe River.
Every morning and afternoon was full of excitement and wonder as we headed out in the comfort of our open air touring truck and with our friendly expert guides. The trip of a lifetime gave us so many wonderful memories and photos of incredible wildlife, camp fire stories and laughter, sumptuous food, and extraordinary local people who assisted us throughout our journey
PS – Having you and Richard with us on the adventure was such a bonus Shareen – Thank you!!”
Botswana 2012
Comments from our guests
“We have been lucky enough to travel with Shareen on two occasions once to Botswana and then to Tanzania. Both times we had an unbelievable experience.
Shareen has a “passion” for life, photography, wildlife and Africa in general. She finds people who share that passion, in drivers, guides, and all the camp staff involved. An experience everyone should have.
Her knowledge, organisation skills, and happy disposition make for a perfect group leader.
Be prepared when going to Africa to gain a friend in Shareen and to leave a small piece of your heart behind for the people and Africa itself.”
“Our first was a two man tented camping safari into Botswana. (with a husband that had never camped)
Our wish was enjoy a real safari not game drives, and experience the country and animals
The camps are all set up for you fully catered, you just enjoy. The chef creates incredible meals in a bush oven
What magic, beautiful images. Elephant on run way giraffe looking into camp. A pack of African hunting dogs yes the big 5 and other animals ,Birds in colours so brilliant you will look at animal life differently”
“I was fortunate to travel to the Okavango Delta in Botswana with Richard and Shareen Nash in August 2012. It was a small group from Western Australia and we travelled for two weeks from the Kwai River northwards through the Savuti plains into Chobe, and into Victoria Falls.
This trip was a true epiphany for me. Words cannot describe the natural beauty and scale of this landscape, or the adrenalin rush when you see lion cubs or a herd of graceful kudu in their natural habitat, seen from a microlite aircraft, riverboat, helicopter or a 4WD truck. Richard and Shareen had both lived in this area, and they were able to share their local knowledge of the area and the wildlife. Richard’s knowledge of African birdlife is extraordinary and Shareen’s passion for wildlife photography was truly inspiring. It also gave me a true understanding of the importance of conservation.
It was my first experience of the African bush, and I certainly hope to return to explore more.
I have recommended several friends to explore this as a trip experience.”
Botswana 2011
Memories of a mobile safari from Maun, Botswana to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe with Elephant Trails.
We stand on the runway on a warm spring morning, waiting to board our 12 seater caravan aircraft for our 40 minute game flight and wonder about the adventure ahead of us. Its 11.30am in Maun, northern Botswana, and gateway to the incredible Okavango Delta. Our low level game flight gives a good indication of how flat the land is and shows us the lagoons and snaking river system. Excitedly we point out our first game sightings like elephant, hippo and antelope, land on a narrow dirt runway and are met by our safari operator with two open sided game-drive vehicles. We wait to see the light aircraft take off again in a dusty haze and then leave to find a shady spot for lunch. We all chat enthusiastically over a delicious lunch and begin to note various birds, animal sounds and feel we are in the heart of the African bush. All senses are fully tuned in.
We are off on a two week mobile safari from Maun in Botswana to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and although we are camping, we have the luxury of having some very friendly local guides and camp staff to ensure our stay is comfortable and relaxing with maximum time spent game driving. After a hearty 3 course meal and few glasses of good red wine, we all have a good night’s sleep and are woken at 5:30am with a “good morning” and pouring of warm water into our canvas basins beside the tent. With faces freshly washed and a bowl of porridge and cups of coffee to wake us, we head off for the first game drive of the day. At 6:30am it is fresh and we are pleased to have our bush jackets and blankets over our knees, which are discarded a few hours later. The first sighting is always exciting and we have some very fine eyes on board – a greater eagle owl in a tall tree could be mistaken for a branch; elephant, for their great bulk, can disappear magically behind thick bush; a lion or leopard seem to vanish in the long golden grass and zebra with those stripes are well camouflaged. Each game drive brings new wildlife sightings and the birdlife is prolific. From the large raptors and water birds, to the smaller but no less spectacular varieties, we enjoy watching their movements and commenting on their beautiful markings.
At the end of each day, we arrive back in camp and cool down with a bucket shower and refreshing drink. We look forward to dinner and while we sit around the fire chatting about the days events, our waiter appears and “introduces” the menu with great enthusiasm and we enjoy this tradition each evening. The daily cooked bread and rolls are too fresh and warm to decline and we sit around our dining table enjoying each other’s company. At the end of each evening our guide discusses the next day. As we are a mobile safari, we spend two nights in each location before the staff pack up and meet us at the next campsite. During our first few days in the Okavango Delta , we skirt around large waterholes spotting hippo, crocodile, lechwe, giraffe, impala, hyena and countless elephant. We are amazed to see a large elephant bull push down a Mopani tree to eat the tasty leaves and we enjoy sundowner drinks at a busy waterhole. Our boat trip meanders through lagoons and channels and we are lucky to spot the elusive sitatunga.
Driving between the Okavango and Savuti in the Chobe National Park is quite a long and hot day , but the changing landscape and game-viewing along the way makes for an interesting experience. Finding a pride of lion relaxing under a shady tree is very exciting and a highlight of the safari. They are admittedly very sleepy and barely acknowledge our existence, other than occasionally lifting their head and then flopping back down. The Savuti Channel has not flooded since 1984 and to see it flowing again is a wonderful experience. Elephant come down to drink in the evening and the wildlife enjoy having a permanent water source. We are lucky to see leopard twice, and after this exciting find, stop at a shady spot along the channel for a lunch.
A second long drive takes us to the Chobe and just as we are beginning to tire, we drive over a slight ridge and are overwhelmed by the sight in front of us. The Chobe River is teeming with wildlife and the green grassy plains are a stark contrast to the dry landscape we have been driving through. We are instantly alert and finish our camping with two magnificent game viewing days. Buffalo in their hundreds relax under trees in the midday heat, elephant mesmerize us with their interaction as a herd, young playing under their mothers’ belly, males greeting each other and herds come to the water to drink and bathe in the evening. We see another leopard, hear lion in the distance, giraffe browse a few meters from our vehicle and zebra herds graze along the waters’ edge. We come across the remains of a fresh kill and the vultures fly in from all directions, landing in trees above and finally swoop to earth, each after any remaining flesh. The smaller black-backed vulture waits whilst the one huge lappet-faced vulture dominates the scene, extending his large wings like a count with his black cloak. We drive from there to Kasane, based on the Chobe River and end our Botswana adventure with a relaxing evening river cruise. With cold beer in one hand and binoculars in the other, we sit back and watch elephant and buffalo along the banks, large crocodiles basking in the sun, groups of hippo lying together giving an occasional yawn and berating the young for disturbing the peace, whilst the fish eagle overhead calls and watches for his evening meal.
With our final destination being Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, we say goodbye to our very professional and friendly game guides and camp staff and another Zimbabwean operator collects us and drops us in Victoria Falls. We reflect on our safari over evening dinner and enjoy the luxury of our last three nights. Victoria Falls never ceases to amaze with its size and we walk the few kilometers enjoying spectacular views and have fun in the spray. With a final lunch cruise along the Zambezi we agree that this is a rather decadent way to finish our safari and overall this has been a wonderful African experience with memories to last a life- time.