Africa: Reviews from our travellers

"This was a once in a lifetime trip.

We would highly recommend Expert Africa, Potato Bush Camp, and the Royal Livingstone Hotel to anyone planning a safari." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 6 on a Zambia safari

"We were initially worried with respect to Covid and all the related restrictions etc - our trip ended up being the best ever over the past 20 years and 18+ camps visited. Would highly recommend it to anyone thinking about a visit.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service: We were totally thrilled with this trip and give credit to Maruska who helped us navigate thru the Covid issues." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari

"This was my first trip to Africa. It won't be my last. I traveled with 2 friends who had been to southern Africa 3 times previously, one time using Expert Africa. I was extremely impressed with how smoothly the trip went, and how well chosen the itinerary was.

We wanted to see animals of course, but 2 of us are birders, and one is a fisherman. The fisherman had wonderful catches at Kwara and Setari, and the birding was wonderful throughout the trip. And the animal sightings far exceeded my expectations. I want to especially commend the trackers at Kwara and Lagoon, Mike and Ken. I did not expect to see nocturnal animals, but they were able to show us some wonderful creatures, lesser bushbaby, African wildcats, serval, scrub hares, bat-eared foxes (we saw those in the daytime too), small spotted genet. I was really thrilled.

The accomodations were far more luxurious than I had expected, and the food was overall superb. All the travel arrangements worked perfectly.

Maruska Adye-Rowe, who handled this trip for us, was great. The trip was delayed for a year due to covid, and really evolved. She dealt with our changing ideas very well. First it was a shorter trip to Botswana and Victoria Falls, then that got lengthened, then we added the time in Namibia.

Maruska stayed on top of the covid testing situation. On our way, during our layover in NY, Maruska called to tell us the entry requirements for Namibia had changed, and she'd arranged covid testing for us at our hotel at the Johannesburg airport the evening we arrived." Read full review: 23 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari

"This was a very complicated trip and overall had very few hiccups. The complications arose because of crossing four borders during a pandemic and the multiple tests we had to have. These were unforeseen at the time we were planning the itinerary. However, it was either that or postpone which we were not willing to do. Maruska guided us through every step of the way and we are and will be eternally grateful for her expertise in planning this trip of a lifetime!

We had no Covid concerns while traveling throughout the entire region. Protocols were well established, everyone wore masks, disinfectant sprays were used liberally, and social distancing observed wherever possible. The staff at all our lodgings was totally committed to our safety and wellbeing. And, although being tested every time we crossed a border was an inconvenience, it added a huge level of confidence that we were healthy." Read full review: 26 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari

"We'd like to devote this comment to Olivia.

She worked with us on our booking from start to finish for what must have been 18 very trying months for her. Our trip was deferred a year and one member of our group had to be swapped out for another -- both because of covid travel restrictions. Though I tried hard during that time to only bother Olivia with questions I was unable to answer on my own, we ended up exchanging over 80 emails.

Her responses, nevertheless, were invariably prompt, cheerful, and thoroughly helpful. Expert Africa is very fortunate to have her as a team member.

We can only hope that will still be true when it comes time for our next trip to Africa!" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari

"We enjoyed our trip allot. Saw a few people that we had seen before.

Saw some animals that we had not seen before.

Some of our game drives could have been better, probably would have been with a different guide" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zimbabwe safari

"My biggest fear of going on safari was not acquiring COVID but having testing for one or all of our 5 party members significantly impacting the trip.

I put my faith in Expert Africa, and everything went seamlessly. From pick up and testing at JNB airport for our initial tests for Zimbabwe to all the planes and vehicles along the way, there were conscientious staff on time waiting to assist us.

While it was a leap of faith, we were rewarded with camps with few other travelers giving us undivided attention and spectacular game viewing.


Here a few things I felt were important in making my trip such a success so that you might consider duplicating them for future clients.

First, I feel the order of the camps is crucial. Somalisa Acacia in Hwange national park was a good place to start. The camp itself is luxurious and beautiful, and the game viewing is very good. If guests can request a guide, I highly recommend Calvit. He made the experience. This camp, however, is about 10° colder than the others. I think going from cold to warm is much easier to adapt to than the other way around.

Steve Edward’s camp at Lake Kariba is significantly different than the other two camps. It is largely water-based which offers a different experience from typical game drives. I think it was a nice way to break up the land based parks. While I felt the game viewing wasn’t as good as the other two locations, the ability to go to the fishing village and see how a large portion of Zimbabwe lives was the most interesting thing I experienced on the trip. An opportunity not to be missed by any of your clients. Also fishing was tremendously fun for my boys.

Finally, I cannot praise the final camp at Mana Pools enough. Its location along the Zambezi river with an expansive view and extraordinary game was by far the highlight of the trip. No camp will surpass it and by having it last, the vacation ends with a crescendo. Also, we found Mash to be an excellent guide again to be recommended if possible.

The Armadale Lodge was very pleasant with large private grounds if a day in Harare is required. My wish is that others may have our experience.

Once in a life time experience!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zimbabwe safari

"Maruska planned such a superb safari for us to Zambia in June that we came home and immediately booked with her to return to Africa in July, this time to Botswana. Planning travel during a pandemic is not for the faint of heart. Maruska maneuvered through the requirements and flight changes expertly. She graciously answered my many questions and concerns. And both safaris went as smoothly as can be.

We have recommended Expert Africa to anyone who will listen already!

The benefits of traveling during these risky times is the lack of crowding everywhere. Covid precautions were taken seriously in Africa. We felt safer there, at least in the safari camps, than here in US. The testing requirements went smoothly for our return flight, in fact the nurse was helicoptered in to the camp to obtain our swabs.

Botswana was enjoyable and we were happy that the Delta still had some water from the local spring rains as the Angola floods were scant this year. The scenery was nice but was not quite the palm studded beauty which I had remembered from the past. The wide spread practice of burning during the winter creates a brown haze over much of southern Africa.

We felt it was worth the risk to travel during these turbulent times with the help of Expert Africa and especially Maruska. We also knew we were supported by Chris and his team as well. very grateful for the guidance.

Thank you or Ke a leboga Mma/Rra as the warm,hospitable,welcoming people of Botswana say..." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 11 on a Botswana safari

"During Covid times, Expert Africa was always there for us, changing plans as the world changed- with a lot of patience ( and no extra cost) - navigating through limitations and constant changing restrictions. We always felt they had our best interest at heart.
Robin Pope Safaries were also very accommodating during these difficult times. None of the "outside world" seem to affect the camps , with amazing attentive care and excellent guiding.
wildlife sightings is always partly luck, but with the astonishing guides we had, and a beautiful and diverse park, you can't go wrong! you are almost guaranteed to have luck on your side, so just sit back, relax and let it all sink in" Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zambia safari

"Great help from Expert Africa." Read full review: 3 nights in Africa; 3 on a Tanzania safari