Africa: Reviews from our travellers

"These comments are very specific to us and might not be relevant to most of your clients. First and foremost, we were very happy with Expert Africa and can't find anything negative to say. Lyndsey was always helpful and responsive. The outfitters, guides and drivers were all excellent.

This was our sixth trip to East and South Africa, some of which were long and covered multiple countries. Only two were done with groups. This trip was very much a bucket list trip for us as we're 77 and 81 and finding physical limitations to our travel. (Our first trip to Africa was stopping in Nairobi on our way to India. We rented a jeep, a tent and two sleeping bags and drove all around the country.)

We had alway planned at some point to visit the Mountain Gorillas. We chose to go to the "easiest" accessible group. The trackers found the group deep in the brush and much which made getting to them difficult. The porters were a great help, always there to help us through the mud. It was a great experience but we were so exhausted by the day, we passed on the second. Realized our limitations but were really happy with the single visit.

Rwanda is an incredibly beautiful country with wonderful people, many of whom are survivors of their genocide. That realization can make a visit more complex than with other countries in the region but it was important to us. The current situation with respect to what was happening just miles away in the Congo was hard to ignore. What is presently going on in the U.S. and its worldwide implications made it even harder for us to be tourists as was the case on our other trips. So even though we were not worried about our personal safety, we just didn't feel comfortable going to the south to see the chimps. Note that we had hoped to see life along Lake Kivu but that wasn't possible in the present circumstances. One thing we were able to do with those days was to spend more time with a variety of the local people and engage in serious discussions with them.

We had spent a lot of time in the Serengeti on our Kenya trip and in 2011 on a long trip to Tanzania. Both these trips were in the dry season in the northern Serengeti. This time we decided to go the southern Serengeti to see the height of the migration. Our experience was great but not what we expected. The Nomad mobile camp was wonderful but the migration had passed a couple of days earlier. The first night in the camp there was an enormous rain storm that lasted well into the next day. The result was that the Southern Serengeti was flooded and most of the roads were impassible. We had a couple of interesting fun days going mostly overland for hours though the muck to catch up with the migration.

One thing we didn't realize is that the elephants and cape buffalo disappear into the forrest during the migration. We never saw a cape buffalo (except from the plane) and only two isolated elephants. We did see many groups of lions, a surprising number of cheetahs, a couple of leopards and many giraffes. In terms of what we enjoy the most, I'd recommend a dry season trip to the northern Serengeti. We also had similar experiences in terms of seeing a greater variety of large animals in Zambia and South Africa. But the main reason for our trip was the Mountain Gorillas so we're happy." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 8 on a Rwanda safari

"We thoroughly enjoyed the whole trip. Claire did a terrific job pulling it together for us.

The weather was unseasonably wet. We had huge rainstorms and cool days at both camps. But it didn’t get in the way of activities. Camp provided wellies and hot water bottles to ensure our comfort.

It was great when the sun finally came out towards the end of the trip and we could enjoy blue skies and heat." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Kenya safari

"A wonderful trip.

Very experienced advice regarding venues, travel etc. Logistics all smooth, lodges, hotels and staff all excellent.

Wildlife experience outstanding.

I would recommend Expert Africa very highly to family and friends." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 10 on a Kenya safari

"We loved our trip to Tanzania, which included Kuro Tarangire, Entamanu Ngorongoro, and Nomad Serengeti. Jessica was great through the whole process. Many thanks for a fabulous experience!


Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

This was my second trip with Expert Africa. I’ve been more than impressed with the service and assistance I’ve received. I love your website and how easy it is to research properties and locations. I often surf your site just for fun! I have very much appreciated the care I’ve received pre-trip and upon arrival to my destination. Knowing assistance is waiting to shepherd me through customs and to my ground transportation is highly valued, especially as I often travel solo. Upon arrival in Tanzania, we were whisked through a separate, empty line while other travelers waited in a crowded cue. Given the long travel from the US to Africa, it’s nice to have the arrival expedited. I’m now planning a third trip with you to Zambia and know I will be taken care of. Thanks so much for opening up a whole new world for me. In my opinion, there is no better place to vacation than in Africa!" Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari

"Overall, it was quite relaxing at the resort, though a long ride to & from Mombasa" Read full review: 3 nights in Africa; 3 on a Kenya safari

"Aside from a few miscommunications about costs and clarity on details it was smooth. This was my first ever trip to Africa and after pouring over department of state guidelines, CDC, WHO and various data bases I was overwhelmed with preparations to visit Africa. I think the website could be simplified but since many people from all points in the world read it there has to be a generalized way of presenting information.
I recommend getting clarification on all costs and any Etickets you will need for connecting flights provided by the tour.
Read the documents you get thoroughly. I missed one small but important detail which smoothed out but when you are tired and hot and have to stop and deal with entrance fees or visas it can be irritating, so read everything. Did I say everything? Yes!!!!!
Tipping was something I needed more knowledge on and after this trip I am way more prepared. I would say read the tipping guidelines section and follow the advice given. Those could be more specific but personally, I felt the Rwanda trip was deserving of more than modest tipping but it’s a sensitive subject that many don’t like discussing. You will know more as you proceed and keep your heart open.
I am already thinking about my return trip. I am still floating. Just do it……go!!!!!!" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 5 on a Rwanda safari

"A first visit to Botswana in green season and generally a success - we knew that the viewing may be more challenging at this time of year, but the trade off is lush greens, flowers and fewer vehicles on the sightings.

It was great to see Botswana in a different light, albeit we never got any rain and moody skies! Climate change makes the seasonal rains far more unpredictable.

On the downside, low season meant fewer camp mates, and chatting around the table is part of the fun of safari, plus last minute camp changes due to maintenance was not something we had expected nor want again - a free upgrade is not always a positive.

Great service from Lucy and the Expert Africa team once again." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 11 on a Botswana safari

"I’d heard great things about Ol Donyo and there is certainly a lot to love about the lodge. Aside from not liking some aspects of the room design, it was a great stay. If only the weather and wildlife had been co-operated." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 6 on a Kenya safari

"very good value for Money a very slick operation, great game viewing weather a little inclement but nobody can control whats happening.

Any suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service?

Not for this trip all ran smoothy and was very well managed by Parita" Read full review: 24 nights in Africa; 11 on a Kenya safari

"The trip was well organised, but knowing what we know now, we would rather have given Damaraland Camp a miss and stayed in another camp in that area closer to an airstrip…it felt like a lot of travelling getting from Little Kulala to Damaraland Camp. The Rhino Camp would have been a much better selection for us. Other than that we enjoyed the trip and glad we used ExpertAfrica." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip