Ulinda Safari Trails

Homepage: http://www.ulinda.com

E-Mail: ulindasafaris@gmail.com

International Phone: +267 74126667

2015-08-05 17:59:34 - Iris Date: July 2014 Duration: more than 10 days Guide Name: Jane Bettenay

Service: Organisation: Guide Qualification: Guide Friendliness: Vehicle: Accomodation: Food: Ecological Awareness: Expectations met: Value for Money:

Comment: In July 2015 I did a 15 day safari with Jane Bettenay. The trip started well, during the first six days I was the only guest and Jane was very friendly. The staff were lovely and very helpful. Jane loved drinking red wine and telling stories at the fire in the evenings. However, some of those stories were slightly unsettliing (about how she was beaten up by her ex partner, her time in the psychiatric ward after dumping US clients at Savuti airport, her dream to marry the President of Botswana amongst others). At times she gave the impression of being mentally unstable. After the 3 fellow travellers from UK arrived, Jane’s tone towards me started to change and she became verbally abusive with me. When I stated that she was treating me as a second class customer she replied in front of the other clients that I had paid far less than anybody else and that she was losing money on me for being the only client during the first six days. For the sake of things not escalating further I chose not to get into an argument. However, she accepted my booking and advance payment and it was at her own risk that the other clients cancelled the trip as she had told me on the first day. Things went from bad to worse. Jane told me not to stand up for taking photos once there were animals at my side of the car because the other client should have the whole space. I was only allowed to use the window which was far from ideal with my big lens but she threatened to book me on the next flight from Savuti to Vic Falls if I did not obey. So I kept quiet and did what she ordered. She blamed me for spoiling her photo of two yellow mongooses that ran away because I had made noise when opening the window and again spoke of flying me out. When asked for my dietary requirements I had stated I did not eat porc, i. e. no bacon, ham or sausages. However, almost every meal contained one or all of these ingredients. During the whole trip Jane continued bullying me. She was drinking more and more wine in the evenings and appeared out of control and dangerous. In summary, my safari trip was completely ruined by Jane’s lack of professional behavior. It was obvious that Jane Bettenay is not able to control her emotions. She was verbally abusive, disorganized, choleric and alcoholic. She told us about a prescription drug she is taking and stated it made her head dull. This brings me to the conclusion that she is still suffering from a mental condition. In summary, I do not consider her capable of guiding safaris independently. I have sent a complaint report to the Botswana Government, Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, HATAB and BOGA.

2013-06-26 05:56:04 - Yann Josse Date: May 2013 Duration: 9 days Parks visited: Khwai, Savuti and Chobe Guide Name: Jane

Service: Organisation: Guide Qualification: Guide Friendliness: Vehicle: Accomodation: Food: Ecological Awareness: Expectations met: Value for Money:

Comment: My wife and I choose Ulinda to organise a Safari for our honeymoon for 8 nights from Maun to the Victoria Falls. It was our first safari, and the first African experience for my wife, and what an amazing trip. We have spent 3 nights at the Kwai reserve, 3 nights at Savuti and had finished by 2 nights at Chobe. The parks are so beautiful, so full of life. Jane was our guide, and it was really a five star safari. Food was perfect, camping equipment and the vehicle totally adapted (It is quite good to have a vehicle with windows when it is so cold on the morning). Jane was so knowledgable about the area and the animals, and was always looking for spot where we could see animals without being disturbed by other people. As there is no more than 4 tourist per vehicle, it is really perfect. Spending the evening chatting close to the firecamp was delightful, and the food so yummy. I can only recommend anybody who wants to do a safari in Botswana to check with Ulinda. Thank you so much, we had such a wonderful honeymoon!

2013-04-17 05:40:39 - Maria Date: March 2013 Duration: 8 days Parks visited: Khuai, Savuti and Chobe Guide Name: Jane

Service: Organisation: Guide Qualification: Guide Friendliness: Vehicle: Accomodation: Food: Ecological Awareness: Expectations met: Value for Money:

Comment: My 16 year old daughter and I joined Jane for a great time. It was my third time in Africa, but it was the time I learned the most about the true Africa. The staff was wonderful and we felt spoiled at all times. We felt safe and had lots of fun. The food was amazing, it was way more than I expected. I chose Ulinda's Safari because I got the feeling that it would be real and I would be given a one on one experience and we did. Im very glad that I chose them to expose my daughter to her first African adventure. I would recommended them to anybody who wants the real African experience. Thanks Jane!

2012-09-13 16:42:33 - Kim Date: August 2012 Duration: 6 days Parks visited: Khwai, Savuti, Chobe

Service: Organisation: Guide Qualification: Guide Friendliness: Vehicle: Accomodation: Food: Ecological Awareness: Expectations met: Value for Money:

Comment: High marks & many thanks to Ulinda Safari Trails! What an amazing experience and the adventure we had hoped and more. For my husband and I this was a dream realized leaving us wanting and planning another visit as soon as possible bringing more friends with us. Jane was available for questions and guidance at every turn, answering emails and responding to calls immediately, arranging transport upon arrival and to our next stop. She is responsive, amiable, knowledgeable and organized a safari that met and exceeded all our expectations. While she could not join the safari herself we cannot imagine that she could have put us in more capable or agreeable hands. Especially our guide, Spokes, he instantly realized where our priorities lay and catered to them, pointing out and seeking wild and birdlife we would have missed. Answering any and all questions but especially advising and maneuvering the vehicle so we would get the best possible photo in the best light and angle of whatever we were witnessing. His patience and knowledge seemed limitless, always making time while we took as many pictures as anyone could desire. Our support staff was friendly and attentive, the meals each day were very tasty and satisfying, the camp and facilities kept ready for us at any moment. I’ve never felt more cared for or attended to with any apprehensions assuaged and the one challenge addressed quickly and efficiently. Arrangements had been made for a staff member to accompany us to confirm we met with our driver at the end of the safari as we crossed into Zambia. We were late getting to the border and our transport was not to be found. The problem was instantly recognized, addressed and remedied by Jane and her fantastic staff quickly, efficiently and without hesitation. The adventure of a lifetime! Thanks again to the whole Ulinda team!

2012-09-04 17:35:15 - Janet Date: June 2012 Duration: 4 days Parks visited: Moremi Guide Name: Jane Bettenay

Service: Organisation: Guide Qualification: Guide Friendliness: Vehicle: Accomodation: Food: Ecological Awareness: Expectations met: Value for Money:

Comment: We did a 4 day mobile safari with Jane in Moremi and everything was fabulous. We had a marvelous time with her. She is a very skilled guide, and went out of her way to make us happy. Her staff is friendly and efficient, and the food was great! Her vehicles are very comfortable because they are enclosed, although the roof raises, so you do not freeze in the morning, but have great views of the animals. The campsites she chose for us were fabulous! We would've loved to stay longer if we could've afforded it. We have been on other mobile safaris in other countries, but they were not nearly as well organized. I have no complaints and recommend her without hesitation.

2009-10-04 07:54:11 - JM Date: September 2009 Duration: 7 days Parks visited: Nxai Pan, Khwai Community Concession Guide Name: Moira

Service: Organisation: Guide Qualification: Guide Friendliness: Vehicle: Accomodation: Food: Ecological Awareness: Expectations met: Value for Money:

Comment: In September, 2009 we booked a seven day safari with Ulinda Trail Safaris which included three nights each in the Nxai Pan and the Khwai Community Concession. We had high hopes for the safari based on the communications we had with others who have booked with Ulinda and we were not disappointed. We arrived in Maun to find that Moira would be our guide. Moira was absolutely fantastic for us. We are keen photographers and Moira was more than happy to accommodate us during the safari. Every day we were out before sunrise and back after sunset to allow us to photograph to our hearts content in the fabulous light. Moira was a very good guide and found us most every animal we were after. At one point we followed a mating pair of lions for a few hours and we were the only safari in the area to find them. We saw a lot of others go out from the camp sites, but they went the wrong direction. Moira was also happy just to sit as we photographed for hours in one spot. I highly recommend Moira as a guide. We were also very pleased with the vehicle we used. Ulinda uses converted Land Cruisers which have three rows of seats. During the safari, it was only Moira and the two of us and so we each had a row. The windows slide open. Better yet, the roof pops up to offer great views and a great place to steady your camera. We had a support group of three additional staff members who had our lunch and dinner ready for us when we got back and who looked after the camp. We had water in our basins when we woke up in the morning and hot water for the camp shower in the evening. The food was really good overall. Each morning, we had cereal and bread with jam with coffee before heading out. We got back around 11 to brunch which typically included eggs and other brunch food. Dinner varied. We had really good chicken one night and Botswana steak another. There was juice and wine to drink with our meals. We had canned water in the vehicle as well as beer. There is bore hole water provided in jugs as well, but we were not as keen on that. Only the food for the last meals disspointed as supplies dwindled since we were used to a high standard for the rest of the trip. Unfortunately, due to nearby flooding there weren't many animals in Nxai Pan since most had left for the river water. Moira still kept us happy by finding the ones that were there. The Khwai Community Concession was very populated with animals. Overall, we had a great experience and I would not hesitate to recommend Moira as a guide.

2009-07-26 13:25:28 - Nick Turton Date: August 2008 Duration: 10 days Parks visited: Nxai Pan, Cental Kalahari Guide Name: Jane Bettenay

Service: Organisation: Guide Qualification: Guide Friendliness: Vehicle: Accomodation: Food: Ecological Awareness: Expectations met: Value for Money:

Comment: Jane and Ulinda Safari Trails certainly seem to polarise views. My wife and I have experienced both extremes. In April/May 2007 we joined Jane for a safari of approximately 15 days starting In Maun, visiting the Central Kalahari, Nxai Pan, Moremi, Suvuti and Chobe. Jane had been recommended to us by an acquaintance of my wife\'s and we had a simply fabulous time. We had the experience described in the post Sept 2008 reviews below. Jane was knowledgable, passionate and worked hard to ensure that my wife and I had the safari of a life time. Within days of returning to the UK we booked a longer trip with Jane for the following year. When Jane visited the UK in early 2009 for a travel exhibition in London she stayed a night at our house. We arrived in Maun in August 2009 full of expectations for another fabulous safari. Things went wrong from the start. We were due to spend 18 nights on safari but insisted that Jane return us to Maun early after only 5 nights. During that time Jane was abusive to her staff, only one of whom had been on safari previously, abusive to other safari operators and abusive to us. Each evening Jane was drunk and on our final night in the Central Kalahari there were lions very close to our camp. Jane would have been incapable of dealing with an incident had one arisen. Prior to leaving Botswana I reported Jane's behaviour to HATAB, the Botswanan agency responsible for regulating guides, who subsequently told me that they had suspended Jane. Until re-instated Ulinda would be unable to use the exclusive HATAB campsites in the National Parks. It saddens me to write such a review, Jane is capable of delivering an extraordinary safari experience. She can also be dreadful. Make sure before booking that you know which Jane you are going to get.

2009-07-13 15:38:14 - Timothy Donahue Date: July 2009 Duration: 6 days Parks visited: Moremi/Khwai/Savuti/Chobe Guide Name: Jane Bettenay

Service: Organisation: Guide Qualification: Guide Friendliness: Vehicle: Accomodation: Food: Ecological Awareness: Expectations met: Value for Money:

Comment: Jane Bettenay and her staff at Ulinda Safari Trails gave our family an outstanding safari through Botswana, and each of them should be commended. We had at least 2 to 3 long game drives each day and were the first group out each morning. Notable drives were ones that were off the main road when we followed a leopard looking for some prey and a pride of lions feasting on a buffalo. I’m quite sure that people in the other tour companies did not have a similar experience, as we seemed to be the only ones around. Jane is extremely knowledgeable about the game life, including the most obscure birds, the roads and location of campsites throughout Botswana. Her safari vehicles are well maintained and are enclosed with retractable roofs which are optimal if you decide to go during the winter months, as we passed numerous others who appeared cold and bundled up with other companies’ open vehicles. The camps were always well assembled by the staff and the food was authentic, extremely good, plentiful, and well-prepared. In short, Jane and her staff were genuinely vested that we have the best experience possible during our 6 day safari, and they clearly succeeded. I recommend Jane Bettaney and Ulinda Safari Tours without any reservations for your safari in Botswana.

2009-07-13 04:42:38 - David Chen Date: July 2009 Duration: 6 days Parks visited: Moremi/Khwai/Savuti/Chobe Guide Name: Jane Bettaney

Service: Organisation: Guide Qualification: Guide Friendliness: Vehicle: Accomodation: Food: Ecological Awareness: Expectations met: Value for Money:

Comment: This was my third safari (July 2009) and was by far the best and most exciting. I have had experience with staying in luxury lodges with scheduled game drives in East Africa and and Botswana and with self drives in South Africa. This experience is entirely different and amazing. Jane was an incredibly skilled tracker and a pleasure to be around. She knows exactly how to find the animals, get the best photos, enjoy the greatest views, and plans each day to the fullest. She is funny, knowledgeable, conscientious, and a pleasure to sit around the campfire each night. Her staff is fantastic and she has the entire operation well orchestrated. She is a true trouble shooter that can manage whatever comes up in the bush. Her vehicles are perfectly set up with windows that open and a pop up top that is a source of jealousy when you drive comfortably around and the other folks in the open vehicles are suffering. She keeps her groups small and well cared for so you never feel like the sardines in the lodge vehicles crawling over each other for a picture. The best part is she arranges for trips/stays in private concessions (protected lands immediately adjacent to the national parks) with the same amazing location but a much better animal viewing experience and little to no other company. It is very common for the lodges and parks to have traffic jams with more vehicles than animals but Jane would take us for the entire day without seeing anything else aside from the animals and the elephants that walk in to visit you at the campsite. The food was always incredible (it is amazing what can be made on a campfire), the staff is fantastic, and the accomodations are far from spartan (beds, warms showers, warm water in a private basin first thing when you wake up and right before you go to sleep. You wake up in the morning to a warm campfire and come back from drives to a shaded camp lounge, a fire if it is cool, and a nice glass of wine or a cold beer. If you are looking for an amazing experience, are up for a bit of adventure (very comfortable though), and want to maximize your safari, I could not recommend a better person or company to go with.

2009-07-13 04:40:57 - Dorothy Wang Date: June 2009 Duration: 6 days Parks visited: Khwai/Moremi, Savuti, Chobe Guide Name: Jane Bettenay

Service: Organisation: Guide Qualification: Guide Friendliness: Vehicle: Accomodation: Food: Ecological Awareness: Expectations met: Value for Money:

Comment: I recently went on a safari with Jane Bettenay in June 2009 and had a fantastic experience. I was initially concerned because of some negative reviews I had read on line, but after researching Ulinda Safari Trails more, I realized that there were many more positive reviews dating back many years. The trip far exceeded my expectations – Jane and her staff were extremely professional and knowledgeable about the area and the animals. We were often the first safari group out at dawn and were able to see much more than most other groups. Because of her extensive knowledge and background as a hunter, Jane was able to lead us to a pride of lions eating a buffalo! I also enjoyed that as a small group, we were able to take our time and follow the animals if we found something interesting, rather than having to return to camp or a lodge at a set time. Jane always made an effort to seek out the most picturesque areas to watch sunset each night and we now have a collection of beautiful African sunset photos. Her staff were friendly and helpful - the tents were very comfortable and spacious, the shower was perfect to warm us up on cold days, and the food was excellent! I was not expecting such a feast each night. Other things I appreciated were Jane’s stories about the region and her environmental awareness. More than once did we witness her stopping the vehicle to pick up litter that others had left behind. Ulinda’s new vehicles were also great – it was nice to have an enclosed vehicle to keep us warm in the mornings and to keep the dust out on long drives – I only realized this when I saw other groups bundled up in blankets each morning trying to stay warm. If you are an energetic and enthusiastic traveler looking for an authentic safari experience, Ulinda Safari Trails has my highest recommendation. I had a wonderful time and am looking forward to going back and bringing my friends and family. Dorothy Wang, MD Los Angeles, CA

2009-01-20 03:59:29 - Dr Sylvia McCance Date: December 2008 Duration: 9 days Parks visited: Nxai Pan, Khwai Guide Name: Jane Bettenay

Service: Organisation: Guide Qualification: Guide Friendliness: Vehicle: Accomodation: Food: Ecological Awareness: Expectations met: Value for Money:

Comment: Another excellent safari with Jane of Ulinda Safaris. Since working in Africa 20 years ago I have been back many times and since meeting Jane 15 years ago while on a safari in Zimbabwe, I have been on safari with her at least 7 times, usually taking family and/or friends. Each time it has been great and I was not disappointed this time. We stayed in beautiful, remote camps and were fortunate to enjoy amazing game sightings. These included a morning watching and tracking wild dogs - at play and at their lunch! - and an evening watching lion with buffalo - having killed a young buffalo the lion had to wait until the buffalo left the dead baby before it was safe to eat! Jane's calm competence and thorough knowledge of animals and the bush makes all game viewing with her a memoral and enjoyable experience. The tented camps were comfortable and well run and all the staff were excellent.I can thoroughly recommend Jane and Ulinda Safaris to anyone looking for a great wilderness holiday.

2009-01-14 20:10:38 - Heide Hoffmann Date: November 2008 Duration: 9 days Parks visited: Chobe, Savuti, Linyanti, Kwai, Moremi and many others before Guide Name: Jane Bettenay

Service: Organisation: Guide Qualification: Guide Friendliness: Vehicle: Accomodation: Food: Ecological Awareness: Expectations met: Value for Money:

Comment: I have been on Safaris with Jane Bettenay with groups of friends and colleagues many times before. Some of my friends have come with me up to 4 times being completely happy with the kind of safari she is offering. She has an incredible knowledge of Africa and its nature and is always prepared to share this treasure with her guests. She also has a very quiet and efficient way of organizing camplife and she is an excellent driver. Never ever have I been afraid when she was around. There can even be car breakdowns,(they do happen in Africa!) Jane will manage everything perfectly. I am a licenced guide in Austria myself and I know how difficult guests can be sometimes. They cannot cope with the heat or wild animals or with sleeping in a tent! And then everything is the guide`s fault, of course. I can only warmly recommend Jane Bettenay and her crew to everybody if they want to see real Africa.

2009-01-14 14:42:42 - hanna Date: October 2008 Duration: 9 days Parks visited: Chobe,Savuti,Khwai Community Area, Moremi Guide Name: Jane Bettenay

Service: Organisation: Guide Qualification: Guide Friendliness: Vehicle: Accomodation: Food: Ecological Awareness: Expectations met: Value for Money:

Comment: I have been travelling quite a lot in Africa, and during one of these trips I got to know Jane Bettenay. Since then I have been on Safari with her for about seven times, always had a wonderful time, no trouble, perfect service. The last trip in October also turned out to be great. Afirca is a wild country, there can be logistic problems or breakdowns, but this can happen with every operator. And yes, it´s hot weather, not much water, not like beeing in a all inclusive club, but in fact that´s the reason I go there, to be in the wonderful nature and have an adventure. But I never ever felt unsafe on all these trips. And Jane´s nature awarenes is one of the many reasons I definitely reccomend her to everyone looking for a unique holiday!

2009-01-14 11:00:13 - Bakhat Date: October 2008 Duration: 9 days Parks visited: Chobe,Savuti,Khwai Community Area, Moremi Guide Name: Jane Bettenay

Service: Organisation: Guide Qualification: Guide Friendliness: Vehicle: Accomodation: Food: Ecological Awareness: Expectations met: Value for Money:

Comment: End of October 2008, I participated on nine day Safari, which was a unique experience. We were a group that consisted out of thirteen people, who had booked the trip a year prior. All the Ulinda staff including Jane, were extremely helpful, friendly and knowledgeable as well as environment and animal conscious. It was a treat and you felt how all had been well planned to last detail by Jane. At no time did I ever feel unsafe, quite on the contrary. I definitely recommend Ulinda to anyone.

2008-10-08 22:52:20 - jackie Date: September 2008 Duration: more than 10 days Parks visited: Chobe, Moremi Kwai Guide Name: Jane Bettenay

Service: Organisation: Guide Qualification: Guide Friendliness: Vehicle: Accomodation: Food: Ecological Awareness: Expectations met: Value for Money:

Comment: This past September 2008, I was part of a group of six friends, traveling to Africa for a Once-in-a-Lifetime vacation—a Safari in Botswana. I expected the trip to be an amazing, life changing experience. Little did I know that I had paid over $5000 to spend 17 (vacation) days with a psychotic person in the Botswana Bush. Botswana is an amazing place but our experience with Ulinda Safari’s could more accurately be described as a nightmare. Ulinda Safari’s did not provide many of the basic services listed on her website. Jane Bettenay, owner and tour guide was easily agitated, short tempered, disorganized, verbally abusive and alcoholic. In fact, we only spent 8 of our 17 days with Jane; she abandoned us and we had had to be air lifted out. Do not use Ulinda Safari\'s

2008-10-03 13:10:19 - Kathy Stevens Date: September 2008 Duration: more than 10 days Parks visited: Chobe, Moremi, Kwai area Guide Name: Jane Bettenay - Ulinda Safari Trails

Service: Organisation: Guide Qualification: Guide Friendliness: Vehicle: Accomodation: Food: Ecological Awareness: Expectations met: Value for Money:

Comment: We just returned from Africa, part of our time being a scheduled two and a half week safari with this company. We made the reservations a year in advance. The owner, unknown to us, had some kind of mental breakdown which wasn't at first obvious, but became more so with each passing day. We didn't receive the services we paid for, and ended up being abandoned in a remote campsite in Moremi before we were able to get an emergency flight out to Maun. This woman is seriously disturbed, alcoholic and uses langauge that would make a sailor blush. DO NOT schedule a trip with this company. We have reported her to HATAB who claim to be suspending her license until she gets medical clearance--which will take a long time! We did receive great help from others in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana and would recommend them highly, but NOT Ulinda.