Africa: Reviews from our travellers

"We have been on 2 safaris before and this was a really fabulous trip with many highlights, tempting us to try another in a few years' time!

Most people we met were going or had been to Botswana so maybe we should try that destination.

Suggestions for improvements:

Lucy pointed out that we would save the enormous sum of £2,000 between us if we cut our trip by one day, eg into and out of the same airport, Lusaka. We felt this was a very valuable point and it made us book through Expert Africa" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zambia safari

"The trip certainly was a grreat experience and we enjoyed the wildlife and the people very much.

What is always difficult is the estimation of a good itinerary - there were some days that we were more in the car than we planned or expected to be, but it's difficult to avoid unless you go again to a place you already know a little bit." Read full review: 26 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip

"We'd been to southern Africa a few times before (SA and Botswana), so we wondered how Namibia would compare with those countries. In some ways, for us, it combines the best aspects of those two countries - relatively straightforward self-drive, great wildlife, dramatic and varied scenery, great accommodation and good food.

One thing we'd do differently next time (fingers crossed that there is a next time!) is to hire a 4x4 - our little Toyota Yaris coped with everything we threw at it but we'd have been more comfortable in a vehicle with greater ground clearance and a softer ride.
Big thanks to Gwynneth for all her help and advice - our trip ran really smoothly.

Suggestions for improvement:

Not really, we would use you again for the countries where we feel we want the peace of mind of booking through a tour operator." Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 20 on a Namibia trip

"Excellent. The places we visited and wildlife we saw were wonderful. A great experience for the children. The guides were excellent. Accomodation generally excellent with a couple of exceptions.

Wish we had spent at least a day in Arusha NP.

Suggestions for improvements:

No - I think your advice was excellent

Only thing for us would be if you could help customers who come a cropper with BA like us!

Thank you for your help in setting up a brilliant trip." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari

"Please see the title! It was all excellent, just what we wanted, and a memorable trip for everyone.

Suggestions for improvements:

We like the eco-tourism aspects of your company's approach, and feel it is important to highlight this, especially on holidays such as ours.

We've recommended you to lots of people with total confidence, as our holidays organised by you have always exceeded expectations ! Thank you." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari

"This was the most expensive holiday we have ever taken - but it was truly worth it. Botswana seems to have got it just right. There was no commercial feel to it, just observing the natural world, and being guided by locals who you felt genuinely care about the environment, love their jobs, are well trained and justly proud of their country.

Suggestions for improvements:

You are right - it really is COLD in the mornings! Lots of layers are the best things to take - and I was very pleased I had my gloves.

We took your advice on the order we did our trip, and for safari novices it was really good - the night in Motsentsela to acclimatise, then starting the trip at Muchenje - luxurious and a good overview - then Lagoon where we got a bit more involved by following the wild dogs, and some hunting lions, and then finishing with Grant at Santantadibe where we really felt a part of the African bush.

I cannot think of anything that could have improved our trip (oh, perhaps if we could have stayed longer..)" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari

"The very satisfactory above just about says it all." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 8 on a Namibia trip

"We were both very happy with the trip, all the arrangements went smoothly. I am vary satisfied with Expert Africa and will be recommending it. Your service, as compared to the general standard here in Holland is outstanding." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari

"This trip should have been superb, but DSM's illness restricted our enjoyment.

The aftermath of the gastro-enteritis, which included a broken ankle bone and a thrombosis, will continue to Feb 2010 at least. The gastro-enteritis bug was never identified as DSM was admitted to the Infectious Diseases Unit at Newcastle General Hospital only three weeks after the incident and ten days after we returned home." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 14 on a Zambia safari

"Driver ( Martin) was particularly good. However, unlike nearly all other vehicles , this one did not have sun canopies.

We had a problem with flights at one stage and tried ringing the Sunvil '24 hour helpline'. I rang 10 times and left at least 3 messages but never received a reply. In the end i had to ring Claire on her mobile early in the morning to get help." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 5 on a Tanzania safari