Africa: Reviews from our travellers

"The trip as a whole was excellent. We had a fantastic time. The driving was easier than we had expected. The standard of accommodation and hospitality was better than we had expected. And management (except at Waterberg) and staff (even at Waterberg) were friendly and helpful throughout. Food was generally good, and better than we had feared. And the landscape and animals were just as splendid as we had hoped they would be.

There were of course small snags, but no major problems. Among the snags:
- Waterberg seemed simply to ignore our presence; combined with the very Germanic tone of the place (and most of not all the other guests were German speaking), this made it the least friendly of the places we visited, and the only one we would not be willing to visit again.
- a pity we could not have the car we had booked (Nissan X-Trail) but th eventual substitute (Hyundai Tucson) was a goo, albeit slightly smaller, car.
- a pity that Europcar had n cool box for us - but we bought one without any difficulty
- we felt we could have been given more, and clearer, detail about exactly what was on offer at, particularly, Doro Nawas and Okonjima; the cost of staying at each of these is considerable, and that makes it more, not less, important to know what exactly are your options, and what you are (or are not) getting." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip

"If you are interested in birds or anything other than just large game animals, consider arranging a private guide. With a group, the guide does not tend to devote much time to small birds.

Late August/early September daytime weather was perfect, but night game drives were much cooler than we expected: bring warm clothing!

We never saw a single mosquito (or any other insect).
Although not covered in this questionnaire, we also enjoyed our stay at !Xaus Lodge in Kgalagadi TransFrontier Park in South Africa. Less game-intensive than the Botswana camps, and slightly more modest accommodations, but still a great nature experience of the Kalahari desert---plants, wildlife, start, and native people (Bushmen & Meir). Even a nature walk (impossible in Botswana camps). Wonderful managers Arne & Pieter, both 10th generation South Africans. Food surprisingly good. More European guests, fewer Americans. Less expensive than Botswana camps.

Also highly recommended for a late August/early September visit are Goegap Nature Reserve and Namaqua National Park (Skilpad), both near Springbok, S.A. for fantastic wildflower displays.

Northern & Western suburbs of Johannesburg were much nicer than we had been led to believe. We had no problems driving our rented car." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"Met all out expectations - great trip!" Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari

"The accomodations were superb and the locations allowed us maximum game viewing, which was our prime purpose.

Tracy was correct in that we took on more driving than recommended. We were fortunate that we had no car trouble, but it did cause concern in certain areas, particularly in the north." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 8 on a Namibia trip

"We had high expectations of our 9 day honeymoon to Tanzania - of seeing some great wildlife in Selous, of the clear waters and white beaches of Zanzibar and the hustle and bustle of Stone Town. All our expectations were met and even exceeded whilst on safari." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 4 on a Zanzibar holiday

"Expert Africa service has been excellent (as we've experienced in the past). Our trip was as good as it could have been and we thanks you for all your efforts." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"We put so much time and energy into this trip that it could easily have been an anti-climax ......but it wasn't!!!!! We had a wonderful time and all our negative feelings from 10 years ago have been swept away." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari

"Very pleasant contact with the staff of Expert Africa. Always very helpful in spite of all our changes and late moment decisions. Also the book about Namibia written by Chris McIntyre was excelent and up to date.

Suggestions for improvement:

We think everything is fine the way it is. Friendly, efficient and late bookings are no problem at all !" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip

"We just loved the whole experience, such a great country a hard one to beat!

Suggestions for improvement:

No!" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip

"One of our best holiday trip, it was!

Do not want to come back home!

Suggestions for improvement:

I can't think of any.

What I found the brochure is very informative and interesting. Useful way to broaden our horizons and to see on what to expect whilst planning our itinerary." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip