We have now been back in NZ for a week and I am still thinking of the amazing experience we had in Botswana.  Neil, the kids and I had an amazing time. Almost everything exceeded our expectations. The lodges/camps were beautiful and in superb locations. The game viewing was great and at times quite exciting! Those elephants are rather big close-up. Most of all, the staff who looked after us were fabulous. We really felt welcomed, in particular at Machaba, where the staff went out of their way to include the children and participate in banter which only young teens find funny!! The food was superb and plentiful.

Probably our most memorable night was the surprise bush dinner, closely followed by a surprise morning tea beside the Khwai river.  Transferring between locations via small plane was not only exciting but also a very good use of our limited time. On one of our landings the runway needed to be cleared of giraffe before we could come in for our final landing.

Thanks again for your advice and organising our trip!