Africa: Reviews from our travellers

"Excellent and unforgetable.

I would definitely go back to Echo Beach and back to Zanzibar and I very rarely go back to the same place more than once." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa;

"All worked well and we think it was rhe best yet" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 4 on a Zambia safari

"We had a fantastic and truly memorable holiday and we would like to thank everybody who made it possible. All the arrangements for the trip went very smoothly throughout. We found the standard of the accommodation excellent and greatly enjoyed the well presented and tasty food – particularly the freshly made bread every day.

All the staff at each place we stayed were very welcoming and went out of their way to be very helpful at all times. The activities were well organised and we were very impressed with the depth of knowledge of the guides who gave us a wealth of information about the mammals, reptiles, birds and trees.

The most rewarding feature of the holiday for us was the opportunity to walk in the bush as well as going on game drives by day and after dark. The walks gave us a different perspective from the game drives and we welcomed the chance they gave us to observe and learn about the smaller things as well as to see some big game at close quarters.

We would have welcomed more opportunities to walk (for example, as an alternative to the game drive before sundowners) and we could have walked further and at a greater pace, with the morning walk continuing for longer on some days, which would have been quite practicable, since to our pleasant surprise we did not find the heat to be a problem at any time.

We appreciate the need to balance the wishes of a variety of guests, but we were the only two guests on many of our walks. The balance of time between walking and stopping to observe and to hear about things was fine, but we felt we could have done more. Perhaps we should have been more assertive about this, but that was not necessarily easy with people who were new to us, given that we went out with many different guides (which, of course, had many advantages).

We were a little surprised that there were no restrictions on smoking both at Kapani and the bush camps. We felt that this was a significant fire risk in the bush camps and unpleasant for non-smokers like us at meal times and when sharing vehicles.

Although we have made a number of critical comments, these must be taken in the context of a superb and well organised holiday which we enjoyed immensely and which we will continue to enjoy as we look back at our photographs and the journals we wrote up during siesta time each day." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari

"Overall it was a wonderful and magical experience, especially being deep in the bush and listening to the noises of the night and dawn.

Definitely a sarong and flip flops next time.

Would like to go to Chongwe again (visited the River House on the way to the landing strip... WOW!) and would do more walks, looking at small things rather than the big beasts.

We liked the house party atmosphere and meeting different people all the time. That was an important part of the holiday .

We would single out Simon (Nsefu) and Catherine and Rocky (Tena Tena) for dealing so smoothly with the
Vikings - they'll know (as will Robin!) who and what we mean!!!!!!!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 13 on a Zambia safari

"I thoroughly enjoyed my trip which was my first visit to Zambia and I would definitely recommend it to other people for a safari and I would also recommend Expert Africa who were knowledgeable and provided an excellent service. Stayed at 2 good lodges and saw some great wildlife." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari

"The trip as a whole was fantastic. Saw some great game and had a great experience.

I would however miss out on the beach experience if I did the trip again." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari

"Overall we had a fabulous holiday. Were it not for the car hire issues we would have had very little complaint and very many positive things to say about Namibia as a country to visit.

As an introduction to Africa for our children (7,10 and 13) it was perfect. They missed a day of school to go there - I think they traded that day for a year's worth of "real" education. Every guide we had could not have wanted to share more and we all got so much out of it. A good bonding experience for a family in and age when we are all to busy leading fast and furious lives.

Encourage other families to do the same. They won't regret it.

I can only compliment Tracy on how she dealt with our trip from start to finish. She could not have been more helpful and I will happily recommend Expert Africa to anyone wanting to go there. Many thanks and until next time." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 7 on a Namibia trip

"Trip was well arranged and discussed by most helpful staff and in great detail.. We knew what to expect and it was all there (with the one exception of the hire car not being available when promised).

We made great use of Chris McIntyre's book comments and found for example his recommendation concerning the Etosha Park waterholes particularly helpful.

We thank Sabina for her care and attention and for phoning us at Swakopmund apologising for the problem with the car" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip

"I booked this on a whim after reading about walking safaris in the FT. It was our first trip to Africa, first safari and I would go back. Meeting other travellers and hearing their tales and recommendations makes us want to see other parts of the country.

Next time I would not do a safari every day, now I know what is involved, but perhap see a little more of the country.

I initially thought the trip was expensive but looking back and on what we got for our money it was very good value." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zambia safari

"We thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Namibia and have been recommending it to friends. It is great that the country lends itself to being able to drive yourself around on your own schedule and taking in the sights you want to see on your own terms.

I was most impressed with Expert Africa. Their professionalism and detailed knowledge was self evident. I would say that they have been the best agents I have dealt with for suggestions and putting a schedule in place very efficiently. I normally spend much time researching options, but I was comfortable in trusting EA which proved to be right decision.

I was very late in approaching EA to organise our trip. However, it was put together efficiently and we pretty much got what we wanted. Only when we were there did we fully appreciate how lucky we were to get what we wanted. Others had spent months organising their trip and EA put it together in a matter of days really.

The brochure and book was very good in laying out the options available and what could be achieved in the time available. The book is well written. Others we met who had read other guide books rated it the best.

I think you are doing a great job. Many thanks for your wonderful help." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip