Africa: Reviews from our travellers

"On past trips we have tended to prefer smaller, individually run places and I was not sure how I would like these two "top of the range" places. However, I was very impressed by Nomad. Good policies on local involvement (running trips for local kids and dignitaries into the park at Chada, gifts in the "shop" made by local women and sold with profits fed back to the village school) and well trained local camp staff. A cheery greeting from the lowly night watchman says a lot about how a camp is run.

All the Nomad guides (including the one who took us for a day trip into Arusha NP) were very knowledgeable and wanted to share this - for instance they all preferred to "talk you through" identification of a bird (flight pattern, habitat, solitary or group) rather than just giving you a name. The guides at Greystoke really did know the chimps individually and were most keen to point out their favourites, but also really knew their stuff on other species and birds." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 13 on a Tanzania safari

"It was great to be back with the Tafica team and their 3 bushcamps. Walking is the activity to do at every opportunity, once you have seen most animals from a truck.

Suggestions for improvements:

lets talk about next year's trip and how about an increasing discount for faithful clients?" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Zambia safari

"Thank you Sabina and Expert Africa! You certainly have the right company name.

Thanks to your faultless arrangements we had an excellent holiday. From all the communication prior to our trip, to the pack we received with all our vouchers and information regarding our travel, there was nothing else we could have asked for or needed.

I would have no hesitation in using your company again or recommending you to anyone else.

Thank you.

Suggestions for improvements:

How can you improve on the excellent job you do already?" Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip

"If only I could forget the missing luggage!

However this does not distract from the experience as a whole, which was outstanding. We are not weathy people, we have worked hard and spent the money on a unique experience that will give us many happy memories for the rest of our lives.

I would repeat the trip without hesitation. Thanks to all staff at Expert Africa and at Kwando.

Suggestions for improvements:

No. A great company to deal with. First class service.

(Make it cheaper next time please - but I'm bound to say that)." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari

"We had a fantastic trip.

If we were organising again I think we would do 3-4 days in Zanzibar first to wind down and get into holiday mode and then go to the Ruaha and Selous to get maximum benefit from the safari. We loved both parks and they provide an excellent combination with contrasting scenery, fantastic game viewing and game animals and different activities. The camps were quite exceptional and we would love to visit them and perhaps go all the way to Katavi.

The organisation and those all involved in it here and locally went entirely smoothly.

Suggestions for improvement:

I know this is probably not that helpful but this is the third trip you have organised for us and on each occasion your service has been exceptional, we would not dream of going to Africa with anyone else - many thanks." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari

"We had a wonderful time, one the best holidays that we had in a long time.

The service we received from Expert Africa was excellent and the trip ran very smoothly and to the itinerary that was provided beforehand." Read full review: 6 nights in Africa; 1 on a Zanzibar holiday

"We on the whole enjoyed our holiday apart from the stay of Sossus Dune Lodge.

We would suggest Expert Africa check out the service before sending any guest to them. Or at least a word of warning to them if they insist of staying there." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip

"A brilliant holiday many thanks" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zambia safari

"Fine

consistent as on previous occasions" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa;

"We have travelled to Botswana and South Africa with Expert Africa 6 times now and are already planning our 2010 edition. This was another example of how to tailor a holiday for clients ensuring that they have the holiday that suits them.

More used to Botswana there were differences but while we could not see all of Namibia in the time available Sabina ensured what we did see was the best available. We had numerous experiences in our short stay in this amazing country - mountains, desert, classic mopane bush and high veldt. We saw so many wonderful animals and birds and were looked after quite royally. Another terrific holiday.

Thank you and we look forward to you looking after us many more times in the future.

Suggestions for improvements:

We think the Expert Africa product is second to none and we never fail to sell you to people interested in Africa. We have already mailed you about the outstanding co-ordination you set up to re-arrange our flights home when we were fogged in in Damaraland. Just what we have come to expect of a great company. As to Namibia just a few general observations:

Can you ask Wilderness Safaris to see if they can dissuade their camp managers from always feeling they have to talk to us if we are alone. Sometimes it is nice just to sit and enjoy the place in peace and quiet.

Wilderness and Okonjima in Namibia seem to overlook the added value to a game drive of stopping for morning coffee. Works in the Okavango why not in Namibia?

Finally, it might be worth reminding travellers to Namibia that much of the north of the country is several thousand feet above sea level with very low humidity. Plays havoc with sensitive sinuses but makes one very fit!!" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip