Africa: Reviews from our travellers

"Our experience in Namibia was overwhelmingly positive. We definitely would like to return in the not too distant future.

When we return, we would want to explore whether there is some way of staying in less luxurious places (short of camping).

We would definitely use Expert Africa again - we have never had such excellent service from anyone in any sphere!" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip

"Very happy with trip. Once we were used to looking for animals in a very "green" Africa (after extended short rainy season) we enjoyed ourselves very much.

The weather was colder and wetter than expected in Ruaha and the contrast temperature in the Selous was dramatic.

Despite limitations of the Mdonya Old River Camp, this site had more atmosphere and is probably the one we would chose to visit again, if we went back to Tanzania. The hills, river valleys and varied vegetation made game/bird viewing here pleasurable and very interesting." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari

"Claire Scott organised everything. It met all of my expectations. Mdonya was a little disappointing but not a disaster. Beho and Mwgusi were all I expected and more. Try them!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Tanzania safari

"We really enjoyed our trip - as usual. The whole of Tanzania was green due to the rains and the comparison with our last visit was remarkable! We had some amazing experiences and a few close encounters, which all adds to the enjoyment.

We had a small problem with Kearsley as the drivers could not tell us the pick-up times from the Royal Palm on each occasion. As it was weekends, the office was closed, and we had to make a phone call to obtain the information.

Otherwise, the whols trip went like clockwork - all due to your excellent organising as usual.

Thank you." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Tanzania safari

"One of our most memorable overall Africa experiences. Partly because of the variety of camps, scenery and activities, partly because of the fact we visited in the early part of the wet season, implying green landscapes with fat and happy animals. This can make for very photogenic stuff, with animals pictured amongst fields of flowers and greenery, rather than dust, and I took some of my best ever pictures on this trip. Bird variety and sightings are also fabulous at this time of year.

The downside of the wet season is that things can become a bit more chaotic, with roads becoming impassable and airstrips being temporarily unusable. As such, not quite as "stress-free" as safaris can be at other times of the year, but very much recommended as an experience if all you've done before is the dry season (which was the case for us). Oh, there's one other downside too - more insects!

The balance of the trip was excellent in terms of safari/beach/city, with the Zanzibar accommodation being perfectly chosen to suit our particular preferences - thank you Ellie. Logistics were flawless throughout. Overall, very pleased indeed, and starting to think about our next trip already." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari

"We had a great time. Some of our preceding comments are critical but these are finer details; the overall holiday was marvellous.

We do want to point out that February in Dar, Selous, Ruaha and Mahale is wet season. It did rain a lot and made roads in the Selous very difficult. Overall we got to see lots of game and other wildlife but it was not always easy. We would love to do this again in the dry season to see the difference.

Our itinerary involved several domestic flight connections and transfers but all worked perfectly. Curiously the only place where we had to hand over a voucher was the Holiday Inn in Dar.

It would be good if camps could provide more information and maps on their situation and ecology. It seems odd to come all this way to places specialising in the natural environment and find so little background material." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 13 on a Tanzania safari

"The islands of Zanzibar and Mafia are beautiful and intriguing, however they do not even compare to the wonders that you will find when you actually get into the sea. The Snorkeling here is some of the best I have ever seen and I got to swim with Dolphins too.

The local people are very pleasant, respectful and elegant.

I very much enjoyed their hospitality I felt very safe, well looked after and had a few magical days that I will always treasure." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 5 on a Tanzania safari

"This is our third Africa trip organised by you, and once again your advice in selecting where to go, choosing the balance between travel time/distance and length of stay in each place, and much more, was spot on.

The driving distances were all fine to manage, the lodges and camps we stayed at were varied in style but all interesting, very comfortable, and with a very high standard of service and food.

You put us on to some ideas that we might not have pursued ourselves (e.g Sandwich Harbour), and put us off some which we were pleased that you did (e.g. driving the Skeleton Coast for any more than the run up to Cape Cross, advising us that it is not really an interesting drive, and that in the wet season we would be one of very few on the road further north in an area where flash floods could be a problem. Both right).

After 10 days on good gravel, we appreciated how much better a 4x4 sits on the road than a light saloon, but were beginning to wonder whether the extra expense was really necessary. Then the heavens opened, and on the road between Doro Nawas and Khorixas we soon understood why Sabina recommended a 4x4 so strongly.

We had a great time because it is a lovely country with great scenery and lovely people, but the fact that it went so smoothly has much to do with Expert Africa's knowledge, experience, and attention to detail in planning our trip.

Thanks again, very much. Funds permitting, we will be back in Isleworth some time in future …." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip

"We had the most relaxing and enjoyable holiday of our lives, a truly magical experience we'll be telling our grandchildren about!

Huge thanks to Chris at Expert Africa for his great advice, and to Ann Lederman for her help and efficiency in booking the trip. I will be recommending Expert Africa!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zanzibar holiday

"Totally amazing. Thanks Claire for the great advice for our safari - the only disappointment (which at the time was quite considerable) was our stay at Matemwe.

We really feel that it is not an overreaction to say to you NOT to recommend Matermwe Bungalows until the new management have found their feet and sorted a few of the issues out (staff, stocks of drink etc). - otherwise it will only resort in more dissatisfied customers and the place getting a bad name.

Great brochure and website. Claire was most helpful. Fantastic advise given regarding the Selous Impala camp - it way exceeded our expectations, so much so that my parents and relations may be considering going out to that very camp in the autumn this year!

We were unfortunate with our stay at Matemwe Bungalows - presumably you didn't know of any plans for a change of management when we booked last November ??

Thanks though - on the whole a totally fab holiday" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 5 on a Tanzania safari