Africa: Reviews from our travellers

"We did most of the planning for our trip to Tanzania ourselves. Lyndsey was our agent from Expert Africa. This is our second trip with Expert Africa and we are left disappointed by the service received.

Lyndsey's main role was to assist in stitching our itinerary together, liasing with both Nomad Tanzania on the ground, with accommodation providers and with safari charter companies. On a positive note, all our transfers, accommodation and transport were seamless. We appreciate the work Lyndsey did to make this happen as we are aware logistics in Tanzania can be complex.

However we dont feel Lyndsey or Expert Africa proactively discount or negotiate on behalf of clients. We were offered discounts with various accommodation providers for booking direct but we had to push for these to be made available for booking through Expert Africa. They were never proactively offered. In addition, we had to push to stay at Hatari Lodge. Lyndsey wrongly commented that Arusha National park is closed after 6pm and we would be unable to arrive into Hatari later. We had to contact the lodge ourselves directly and paste information on email from Hatari's website to challenge this as Hatari have an agreement with the park management to allow guests arrive post 6pm.

We were disappointed we never received a paper copy of our documentation from Expert Africa. We didnt purchase a travel guide as we were expecting to receive one from our agent. With only 2-3 days before our departure date, we were finally told no paper documents, luggage tags or guide book would be sent. It left us no time to purchase one online ourselves. Its a small thing but it left a poor impression. In addition, & despite agreeing accommodation choices, it took a long time to receive confirmation of reservations, some times up to 14 days.

Finally, we are currently disputing a fee we were told we must pay in order for a safari charter to operate. We paid 4 seats and were reassured by our agent that this would be refunded if other pax were subsequently onboard. When we sent an email from Tanzania that 4 pax were in fact on board and requesting a refund, we received an email from Lyndsey offering to refund only 1 seat and would we be happy with this? There was no offer to escalate this on our behalf. We werent happy.

We have responded with copies from two emails quoting Lyndsey reassuring us of a refund if we were not the sole pax on board. We have been told twice in the last week on email that the matter has been escalated and the agent is awaiting a response. We would have preferred if this had been done promptly and efficiently. Having paid almost £20000 for this trip, it leaves a poor impression of both the agent and Expert Africa. After almost two weeks, we still are none the wiser.

We have every intention of returning to both Tanzania and exploring other parts of Africa. Based on our latest experience, we're not so sure however we'll continue use Expert Africa to facilitate these trips in the future." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 11 on a Tanzania safari

"Wonderful Kenya trip with two solid, very different and serious camps.

We loved the small touch from Expert Africa of being welcome by a staff just before immigration.

After such a long flight, it is always a nice surprise not to queue for passport control." Read full review: 43 nights in Africa; 11 on a Kenya safari

"I did a lot of research on companies and I am so thrilled that we used Expert Africa.

Every detail and all logistics went seamless. The communication with Richard was excellent from the very beginning.

The safari tours, hotels and drivers were all perfect and went according to plan. I really enjoyed the aviation services and drivers at Nairobi. Airlines were all on time and the safari camps were the best we've ever experienced.

My husband and I will remember this trip for a lifetime.

I will not hesitate to use Expert Africa again when I plan my next trip to Africa.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

The attention to detail was amazing. There is nothing I can think of to improve.

We are so happy and thankful. Excellent job!" Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 9 on a Kenya safari

"Amazing first family safari trip. Jessica provided great advice and organised a wonderful trip for us. We were so fortunate to see the big 5 in a single trip!

The plan to start in Laikipia to see Rhino and the superb scenery then moving to Masai Mara, where game is more abundant but scenery less varied was a great call.

The choice of camps also worked very well. Lewa Safari camp is larger, more facilities and activities so a gentle introduction to safari for our kids, their first safari trip, followed by Encounter Mara - more rustic but absolutely charming. Loved the Eco focus on both camps too.

Our kids, girl (nine) and teen (twelve) absolutely loved it and are now truly bitten by the safari & Africa bug.

Big Thank You to Jessica & Expert Africa colleagues and the wonderful guides and camp staff at Lewa Safari Camp and Encounter Mara.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Loved the guide book and travel wallet. Thank you

Maybe prepare a list of guide books on animals and add to your pack? We asked Jessica and got some great suggestions.

Really useful info re travel insurance as most companies sneakily avoid giving their clients adequate cover." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Kenya safari

"We were very happy with all the arrangements made by Expert Africa which went according to plan.

As usual they were very professional, efficient and helpful ( even down to helping us get our luggage stored in Zanzibar!).

Basically nothing was too much trouble.

This was our first safari in the Green season and, as expected, we did not see as much wildlife as we have done previously but this did not detract from our enjoyment and it was worthwhile in order to see the parks in leaf.

A very enjoyable trip." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari

"Excellent apart from unjuga" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zanzibar holiday

"Have had a wonderful holiday and experience with our first trip to Kenya.

Would highly recommend the Expert Africa who've arranged this for us.

Arrangements were great and the whole trip ran without a hitch." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 8 on a Kenya safari

"This was my first safari and my first visit to Botswana. Tom Morris was a great resource and I would work with him again. Thank you." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"Absolutely loved it.

It was always a bit of a risk going back to a country that we had previously visited and loved, but this trip was even better." Read full review: 23 nights in Africa; 21 on a Namibia trip

"Cape Town is an absolutely delightful place for a city break." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 7 on a South Africa trip