Africa: Reviews from our travellers

"We had a wonderful trip and hope to return to Botswana in the future." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"This was my first visit at this time of year, and it exceeded my expectations. Tall grass was an issue in some areas, especially the walking camps, but not in all the areas, and it wasn't as bad as I'd feared it might be. I had excellent leopard and lion viewing, four Pels Fishing owls and very enjoyable walks.

The trip was a mix of new camps (for me) and old favourites but all were excellent in their own slightly different ways. South Luangwa truly is a paradise, and still my favourite part of Africa. I look forward to returning next year.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Not really." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Zambia safari

"Thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Zambia" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zambia safari

"everything I'd hoped and dreamed of and more

there were few problems, mostly related to transfers, e.g. we spent an hour at kasane airport looking for our transfer and were about to phone when someone turned to take us to the border; and you can't control the weather which sent us and the wildlife looking for warmer shelter

it was worthwhile thinking about, planning and researching for 3 years, going with an open mind not a tick-list

We've never ever been so well looked after, still in shock having to think, plan and take care of ourselves and others

have already recommended your services to others we met on the trip, we really appreciate the time and patience you have shown, I would do it again but I know Richard has a long list of places to visit before we repeat. thank you so much

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

I think you are doing all you can, a pity you can't sort out airport security" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari

"A terrific holiday! We had some amazing experiences and met some lovely people.

We booked a great holiday to Namibia with Tracy Lederer in 2010 and she was the natural choice when we were planning a trip to Botswana. Thank you Tracy for your patience and invaluable help.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

I think the feedback should have a category 'Very Good'. It is too big a jump to go from 'Good' to 'Excellent'." Read full review: 34 nights in Africa; 24 on a Botswana safari

"Botswana is definitely the premier destination for wildlife safaris. Having been to Tanzania, Namibia and South Africa, I felt Botswana had the most to offer although the former holidays were great in their own right.

The camps were, on the whole, well run and the staff hospitable and friendly. The guides were passionate and knowledgeable - always keen to answer questions and reveal the secrets of their country. We not only learned a great deal about the wildlife but also the traditions of the people and how the country has benefited from the flourishing tourist industry. Other struggling African nations could learn a great deal from the shining example posed by Botswana.

We had a fantastic time and hope to return at some point in the future, Expert Africa's recommendations and organising skills were spot on. Flights, pick ups, drop offs etc etc all went like a dream, so well done to Megan and her team. These things don't happen without a lot of work going on behind the scenes.

One negative point, perhaps worth mentioning, is that we were told it would be difficult to book the holiday as late as January as the good camps would be full. As it turned out, none of the camps were anything like full, and Duba Plains, probably the best camp we stayed in, was half empty for two of the three nights we stayed there. I know that travel companies want you to book early but it did not suit us on this occasion to do so.

Another useful service Expert Africa could offer, as some other companies do, is a breakdown of the costs of each camp. This would allow the client to compare like with like and assess, at least in a cost sense, the quality of individual camps.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Just keep doing what you do. I can think of nothing to criticise in the organisation of the holiday. Obviously, very expensive but a lot of the tourist cash does filter back to the people of Botswana which is vital in maintaining the passion and commitment of guides and staff.

It would help to receive some feedback from Expert Africa re my observations and comments above. We did not receive any feedback to our comments regarding a previous holiday in Tanzania. Perhaps a phone call discussion with Megan would be a useful way of showing that our feedback was valued." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 13 on a Botswana safari

"An absolutely fantastic trip - the transfers were smooth, we loved Chobe Game Lodge (and our suite!), the staff were fantastic, and the activities were well-organised -- we were very sad to leave!

Chloe was incredibly friendly and helpful from start to finish and swift to reply to any questions. We will definitely be booking our next trip to the region with Chloe and Expert Africa." Read full review: 4 nights in Africa; 4 on a Botswana safari

"From our first meeting with Sabina we were confident that this very special trip was going to be one to remember. She quickly realised what we wanted from the trip and developed an itinerary which met or surpassed our expectations.

Since our return, Sabina has been quick to help resolve a couple of minor issues.

We are delighted with the quality of service provided by Expert Africa and their staff and are more than happy to recommend them to anyone making their first visit to Namibia.

We found the Bradt guides to be very informative and accurate - there was not much we wanted to know that was not contained within their pages. By the way, contrary to advice given, $200 notes were accepted everywhere!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No, nothing springs to mind!" Read full review: 29 nights in Africa; 26 on a Namibia trip

"We had a simply amazing vacation. Perfect balance between true bush experience (mobile safari) and luxurious african safari. We saw something different in each park/concession and therefore felt that every "stop" was worth it.

We could not have dreamt of a better trip to Botswana." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari

"We had a wonderful trip--even better than our first visit 2 years ago. Many thanks to Nick Hobbs for interpreting our needs and producing a superbly balanced itinerary.

CHITABE camp was truly exceptional and will live long in our memories.

We will start saving for our next trip." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari