Africa: Reviews from our travellers

"On the whole we had an enjoyable trip. Brad our guide in Kafue was very keen and knowledgeable and put himself out to find game for us, even going out while we had lunch to try to track cheetas for us at Musanza. Luckily he was very good at spotting birds too because the game was very sparse. I feel it was probably too early in the year to go up to the plains.

We also had some trouble with the vehicles at Kafue, we had two different ones at Lufupa that we had to push out of holes twice because the four wheel drive was not working. The replacement we were given to drive up to the plains we had to push start every time the engine was turned off and poor Brad had to dive it all the way back to Lufupa between drives to get it checked out.

With the problems with the 'tents' at Lufupa and the vehicles I don't think Wilderness has quite the slick operation for its 'Exploration' trips that its reputation would like it to have . However we still enjoyed the wildness of Kafue and the lack of other visitors and vehicles.The group size of six was just right. Andrew runs a very good camp at Musanza, they are so efficient that two untidy members of our group came back from a drive to find that all of their clothes they had left strewn about the tent had been gathered up and washed.

Our time at Kafunta was as ever a great experience and we very much enjoyed the chance to get to the Nsefu sector of the park as well as the central area." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa;

"Wonderful. Namibia is a fantastic country - full of experiences, surprises and delights.

The ExpertAfrica service was helpful, efficient and reassuring. The attention to detail in the documentation is impressive - as is the information available in Chris's book - which we took with us. Everyone at the lodges spoke warmly about the ExpertAfrica team - the work you do in visiting the lodges clearly pays dividends.

I normally plan and book all holiday arrangements myself, direct with hotels, airlines, car hire etc. It is a testament to Gwynneth that I booked this trip with ExpertAfrica, because I normally like to retain control. Her approach was supportive and in no way pushy. I felt that in trusting her to make the arrangements, she was definitely adding value.

She also called on her colleagues for more specific information about lodges she had not stayed at personally. Talking to someone about places they know well, and experiences they have had personally is a great feature of the service - even if you discover that you don't always want/like the same things. The level of interest in the trip is also an indication that EA are truly interested in their clients' experiences.

The only thing I would say is that I think it would be good if there were more details provided within the lodges about activities and facilities (generally speaking they tell you things verbally, but don't always have anything for you to refer to). I also felt that the guides could do more to tell people in advance what they are going to do, how long things might take etc. Normally this doesn't matter - you're on holiday! But sometimes it could be important, and coming back 1-2 hours after you were told you'd be back woulnd't be ideal! Maybe they could wear watches....that might help!" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip

"A very enjoyable experience. The itinerary covered a good variety of locations each proviing different experiences.

We were impressed with everyone we came in to conact with - their friendliness, helpfulness and their knowledge." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zambia safari

"We loved Namibia and will go back. We had a great time

Its the first time we have ever used an agent rather than independant travel! Generally we were happy with the information and organisation. Thanks" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip

"This was our first safari and we were fortunate to see Lions/leopard/wild dogs in addition to Elephants, Baboons etc. So we consider ourselves very lucky indeed. We had not visited Zambia before but would certainly visit it again.

I think choosing more than one place to visit within Zambia was a great suggestion by Expert Africa and their recommendations for accommodation were excellent. Thanks to their suggestions we sampled very different experiences in each camp.

Suggestions for improvement:

If you sold holidays to all parts of the world we would not use anyone else." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari

"With the exception of the luggage problems we had an excellent holiday which we would recommend to everyone. It exceeded our expectations.

Thoroughly enjoyed meeting and spending time with the local people. Some unexpected bonuses, such as our helicopter flight to Kwetsani - the best way to see the Delta. Also, the luxury experience of the overnight on the saltpans.

Suggestions for improvement:

None" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari

"One of the best holidays we have ever had - superb accommodation in a series of wonderful locations. Well organised by Expert Africa.

We will go back one day but with a 4WD this time (not for the extra traction but for comfort in bouncing across the ruts), There was a wonderful feeling of 'adventure' about the trip without it being too scary!

Suggestions for improvement:

Not really apart from my comments on 4WD carhire above. We enjoyed designing our own itinerary but also found your suggested tours helpful in this process." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 18 on a Namibia trip

"I loved every minute of my trip and can't wait to go back to Africa.

I have already informed my boss that I will be taking vacation time in June 2009." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zambia safari

"Best holiday ever - it was all perfect. We feel very lucky to have been able to experience this trip." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari

"Fantastic despite travelliing for 16 days without our bags.

All the Lodge Managers were very helpful and we did not have to burden ourselves with the admin of this problem.

Suggestions for improvement:

Keep up the good work!" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip