Africa: Reviews from our travellers

"Our trip on the whole was amazing.

We enjoyed all the camps but some more than others. The service was mostly outstanding. Some of the guides stood out as they really had a passion for their work but that sadly highlighted those that were not quite so pro active! The wildlife was mind blowing and went beyond our expectations of visiting Africa! We think Botswana is a prime destination and for us was a trip of a lifetime.

Megan was brilliant in helping us to arrange this trip and we would without a doubt recommend Expert Africa." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"Well balanced trip, well planned and seamlessly executed. Would do the itinerary again although probably dropping Siankaba." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Zambia safari

"Overall we had a fantastic trip and felt well looked after.

However there were a few points in the planning that could have been better explained or handled by Expert Africa;

1. On our safari we were unable to see the Wildebeest migration because it was too far away from Sopa lodge where we stayed for 3 nights. When we planned the trip we believed we were close enough to see the migration. If we had known Sopa lodge was so far away we could have spent 1 or 2 nights there and some the other nights in the Western Serengeti near the migration.

2. We booked our flights through Flight Centre but as Expert Africa had also quoted for the flights we had a double booking on our account which caused our actual flights to be cancelled and so had to be rebooked. We had hoped that this had been sorted out before we left but infact we had trouble checking in to both the outward and return flights, and were held up at check ins for 30 mins or so while the airline verified our tickets.

3. See Unguja Lodge feedback re windy season in Zanzibar." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari

"Old Mondoro was definitely the highlight, followed by the two bush camps (Chicoko and Crocodile). The wildlife highlights were the elephants in camp at Old Mondoro, and the sighting of three honey badgers together on a game drive.

On completion of the holiday, in hindsight I believe we could have been better advised on a couple of points
1. The split of the days between the two parks, especially as we mentioned about water activities.
2. Kaingo - I didn't appreciate it was a serious photographic camp
and 3. There seemed a reluctance to book Flatdogs

The transfers from BA to Proflight was very tight, it took us absolutely ages to pass through immigration even though we had pre-purchased visas. In fact we had to ask if we could queue jump in order to ensure we got through on time.

Coming home the transfer was even tighter and thanks to one of the ground crew of the airport unofficially queue jumped two massive queues. We felt rather embarrassed, but without this I doubt we would have caught the BA flight to LHR." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Zambia safari

"Our only issue was on arrival at Dar airport where we had to let Coastal aviation know that we had arrived. Other companies had arranged name boards and took their guests through to the domestic terminal." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 5 on a Tanzania safari

"Everywhere we stayed was good . Nothing went wrong and we saw almost all the animals we had hoped to.

Botswana like every where else in Africa is getting busier . Wilderness safaris certainly provides all that one would expect for the money spent and the community out reach programme is admirable, but we felt they are becoming so big a company now that the lose of intimate Africa is noticeable.

Go to Botswana , but try to include some smaller independent camps as well." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 12 on a Botswana safari

"What with Chris McIntyre's Bradt Guide, the Expert Africa website and traveller reviews, and Tracy Lederer's first hand knowledge and advice, we thought we knew what to expect on our first visit to Namibia. Certainly there were no unpleasant surprises, but nothing could prepare us for the direct experience of the wide clear blue skies, the open empty roads, the variety of spectacular scenery and wildlife, the consistently high standard of accommodation and cuisine, and the friendly welcome of the people.

Even the guys who hassled you at petrol stops to buy carved makalani palm nut key rings, or lumps of mineral, or a two-euro coin in exchange for Namibian dollars, did so with a smile. Incidentally, the cheapest makalani nuts we found on offer were 19N$ at Peter's Antiques in Swakopmund.

All the arrangements worked without a hitch, including the car hire. We have commented separately about how pleased we were with the choice of the Nissan X-Trail 2WD vehicle.

What to add ?

Namibia is in the same time zone as British Summer Time, but in June the sun rises at about 6:30 and sets at 5:30, so we certainly had to adjust our waking and sleeping times to make the most of the daylight.

We bought some souvenirs in Swakopmund and obtained a VAT receipt with the intention of reclaiming a modest amount in Windhoek, only to find that it would be paid by bank transfer and to make out the claim we needed our bank sort code and account number, which of course we didn't have with us.

We'll know about that next time, and we are determined there will be a next time. In fact, as we watched the sun sink below the horizon at Cape Cross we mused if we could ask Expert Africa for season tickets.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No, just keep doing what you do so well." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip

"Excellent" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari

"This is my third time with Expert Africa, and I wouldn't use anyone else.

Megan was great, and the transfers were seamless. Especially the transfer to Zambezi Sun, from Camp Kalahari. Flight to Kasane, drive to water's edge, boat across river, then drive through border and on to Zambezi Sun. Really smooth and easy. I think it was done by wilderness, who also took us over to Zimbabwe for tea at the Victoria Falls hotel, they were excellent.

This really was the wonderful trip we dreamed about.

Expert Africa have been fantastic all three times I have used them." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 5 on a Botswana safari

"An amazing trip to see one of the last wildlife wildernesses. We feel extremely privileged to have been able to spend time at Liuwa in the company of Jason, Robin, Kanga and the team. The difficulties of the journey to get there are immediately forgotten on arrival; we really hope RPS will restart these trips when the new lodge in the park is built; maybe someone will also construct an airstrip on land firm enough to take planes big enough to get guests and supplies in. The current one can only take the tiny research plane but is otherwise used as a running track as the soil is so soft!

South Luangwa was excellent as usual with some fantastic sightings including a leopard taking her three (!) tiny cubs out for the first time.

All ground arrangements went smoothly as usual though, for us, we found Tours Africa a little too attentive – we really don’t need somebody to shepherd us to the lounge once we’ve passed passport control. And we’re perfectly capable of paying our own departure tax." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 5 on a Zambia safari