Africa: Reviews from our travellers

"Overall a great experience.

I would however rate the Bushcamp company much higher and the service felt alot more personal than with Norman Carr Safaris. All the staff at the Bushcamp company, including Andy the owner couldn't have done anything more to make my stay more enjoyable.

I went on my own as a single traveller and they did all they could to make sure I never felt out of place." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zambia safari

"Magical. We would go back to three of the four resorts - not bad.

We did know that the third resort had not been visited by your staff at the time of booking." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 11 on a Tanzania safari

"Excellent. A really wonderful trip" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"Our trip was a real adventure and Tracy at Expert Africa was superb in making suggestions linking various places of interest together.

The route we took was by far the best way to do it. It was our first experience of Wilderness Safaris and we enjoyed their camps and lodges enormously. As always a lot is down to the staff at the lodges and we would particularly like to single out Patries the manager and Johann our guide at Kulala, Florentia (assistant manager) & Jefta(our guide) at Doro Nawas, Rosi at the Stilz and Arnold our guide at Okinjima - these guys were stars!

A minor point is that on occassion we weren't always sure what we were supposed to pay for and what was inclusive - the terms full board & half board didn't always explain - sometimes water was free, other times we were billed for it for example. However none of our bar bills came to very much and we certainly didn't get the impression we were being charged a lot (apart from at Wolwedans where they tried to charge us £30 for a bottle of wine we didn't have! but they're not Wilderness Safaris!) but it's worth mentioning to you.

I'm already thinking about my next trip and Expert Africa will be my first stop. We also found Chris McIntyre's book excellent - we'd have been lost without it. Thank you!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip

"We had a fantastic trip.

Everything went very smoothly and not once did we feel let down or dissatisfied. All the accommodation lived up to expectations or way beyond. It's a beautiful country and we would love to return.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No, we think you are an excellent company. This is the second time we have used you and we will be back - I hope!" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari

"The really was the best family holiday we've ever had - safari and Zanzibar!

Everything went like clockwork - OK, there were a few times when we had to remember we were in Africa, not Aylesbury, but that's all part of the adventure (what was the acronym? TIA - This is Africa!). I'm still amazed that it all went so smoothly - but it did!

We want to go back and we will use Expert Africa!" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari

"A good trip was put together at short notice.

Generally the style of accomodation used was aimed at relaxed time in hotels rather than a more active agenda. Set dinners were a bit restrictive at most places - both the limited menus and the timings. Food appeared pricey compared with other SA experiences but we have nothing to compare with on this trip.

Two hotels did not have information about local places of interest - Rosenhof Country House, Oudtshorn and Hunters Lodge, Knysna.

Expert Africa's information about finding some hotels was insufficient - we had to research the web to find directions; predeparture information did not include advice about set meal times (which we found restrictive); Predeparture information was fragmented in the "book" provided, and covering letter; there was much more focus on Namibia than South Africa and it was not always clear which information related to which country." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 4 on a South Africa trip

"Before going, all the information and organisation had been extrremely good and this was refelected in the actual trip where everything went so smoothly and we could not fault it. The local agents (Wilderness, Kwando and Robin Pope) were wonderfully helpful and efficient.

However, one or two tips to pass on - firstly, forget travellers cheques on a trip like this - no one was interested in having or cashing them - cash dollars are king. Secondly, both in Nkwichi and Kaya Mawa, there are no advertised tariffs and although we could have asked, and we are aware that we had to pay for these extras, it would be helpful, particularly as cash is king, to know what you are letting yourself in for. Thirdly, forget immodium, carry Ciprin antibiotic for any stomach bug.

Finally many thanks to Claire for interpreting our requirements so well and ensuring that the places we went fulfilled all our ambitions for the trip. Oh and don't go to Luangwa or Nkwichi if you don't like snakes (particularly in your bedroom!)!" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 5 on a Zambia safari

"Zambia was simply great. The pristine wildness of the South Luangwa park, particularly out at the Kapamba bushcamp, was quite awe inspiring. We saw all the wildlife we hoped to see, and more besides in terms of the smaller fauna such as birds, insects and reptiles.

Overall, we were well looked after by your agents in Zambia and South Africa, as well as at home by Clare. The Norman Carr safari was a bit of a disappointment, and BA were their usual mediocre selves, biut all in all, this was a great experience for us.

We'd certainly look to come back to Zambia again, and would have no hesitation in using Expert Africa." Read full review: 33 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari

"First class" Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 18 on a Namibia trip