Africa: Reviews from our travellers

"Great." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari

"Nothing could have been better.

We knew how good Megan was from previous bookings so we fully expected another perfect trip.

That is exactly what we got. Already planning the next one. Thank you to you all.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

None at all. Why change perfection?" Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zambia safari

"This trip, like those of many others, was originally booked for 2020 and then postponed again in 2021. This time it was brought forward by a few days and a couple of nights added at the start to take advantage of Emirates pricing. All arrangements went smoothly.

As a first trip to Zambia we chose to visit three national parks (Kafue/ South Luangwa/Lower Zambezi) and were glad we did as they were very different, as were the camps selected. We were a little disappointed by the variety of birds seen and fewer than expected leopards in their supposed hot spot of South Luangwa.

There were film crews in South Luangwa and Kafue throughout our stays which, on occasions, inhibited our access and positioning at sightings. This was a VERY expensive trip and we did not expect our experience to be limited by them taking priority!

However, overall we had a terrific time with plentiful sightings and photos to prove it.

Our vegetarian diet was brilliantly catered for at every camp and of the three parks Lower Zambezi was our favourite." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 19 on a Zambia safari

"It could have been so much better if Ikuka had not been such a disappointment." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari

"Our trip was fantastic. Thoroughly enjoyed by all members of the family. The 15 year old who usually struggles to get out of bed was first on the truck for the early morning game drive. The wildlife was obviously the highlight and it did not disappoint. We saw a lot and learnt a lot. We found the guides extremely pleasant and knowledgeable.

All our guides also commented on what a well constructed itinerary we had with contrasting environments for all the different places that we stayed.

The lodges were all extremely comfortable with very friendly and helpful staff.

The food was without exception excellent and we enjoyed meeting other guests over dinner.

We had requested a swimming pool/plunge pool in all our accommodation and we found this a very pleasant way to cool off in the middle of the day.

Our 13 year old found the early starts and long days tough as he normally sleeps for 9 hours a night and it's difficult to achieve that when you get up at 0500 and dinner is not til 2000. We were able to have our evening meal a little earlier at Hyena Pan which was helpful from that point of view.

The only thing I would consider changing if I went again would be to insert a night's sleep either in Jo'burg or in Maun prior to starting the actual safari as we were all quite tired following the trip out from the UK. This of course would have occurred if we had started in Vic Falls as is normal procedure but we deliberately arranged the trip in reverse due to the requirement for Covid testing before crossing borders." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari

"The trip, to quote Frances "exceeded expectations".

We almost never return to the same location for a holiday, but these two camps (which we visited in 2014) buck this trend due to their great guiding and wildlife experiences.

All the rest, the accommodation, great food, extremely helpful staff combine to make a fantastic holiday." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari

"Our first proper venture into Zimbabwe and we found it a wonderful experience.

We had a side visit to Little Vundu, which we thought was a jewel in Mana Pools." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zimbabwe safari

"You gave us useful advice on choice of accommodation in Lusaka - Pioneer Camp is a good way to get over the journey and be in a bush camp environment on first night. Nkwali was also your good suggestion to us, a lovely place to stay in, and quite a short trip from the airport, as well as putting us into the park early and easily each day.

Good to have 3 camps in different areas of the park. At 76, our 11 nights/12 days was probably slightly longer than we would do next time, if we can afford to go again and are fit enough.

All the transfers/meet and greet etc worked perfectly (as they have on all our previous 5 Expert Africa trips) - thanks.

All the staff in the camps are both very professional, and approachable and friendly, as well as flexible on various occasions.

Good to see game numbers so obviously healthy, with lots of young in evidence.

Good to hear on the ground that the suggestion of clients like us paying some extra deposit money to help the camps through covid really did help - it reached local people. Also, from Tafika we heard that rather than covid leading to more poaching, it made locals appreciate just how camps are so beneficial to the local community and economy." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zambia safari

"This was our 5th trip to Namibia, which we know very well. That is why we are probably also slightly more demanding customers, as we know what the options are and what we want.

For now four of the trips, we have used Expert Afrika, which we have great confidence in. This time was no exception, we had a wonderful trip to Namibia.

However, there was one - not insignificant - moment of irritation this time. We ended up with a hopeless 2WD Kia for the round trip in the beginning. This was very far from our request of a solid 4WD car (as also important during previous trips). When booking, we had an OK 4WD car on hand and then accepted the trip. Later however, we got ""upgraded"" to a larger 2WD car. This was not OK. Fortunately, we got the right category of car (Toyota Forester) after approx. 10 days - otherwise it would have been a disaster.

We look forward to use Expert Africa again for the fifth time, but next time, at first, we will make sure we have the right category of car before proceeding with the planning." Read full review: 36 nights in Africa; 35 on a Namibia trip

"This was our fifth trip to Africa arranged by Expert Africa and, just like the previous trips, a big success.

The team members know our preferences and are able to suggest just the right areas and accommodations. The last minute changes we had were a bit of a gamble (probably for everyone) and although an upgrade, looking back not really our kind of camp. The helicopter rides however were a revelation and a fantastic experience.

The camps we spent the most time in (Footsteps and Linyanti Expeditions) we'd revisit in a heartbeat and are among the best places we ever stayed.

Botswana is not a cheap place to visit and our expectations were high, especially considering the fact we had to postpone this trip due to covid. We were never disappointed and, if anything, this trip was again a confirmation that southern Africa is so very beautiful and Expert Africa is the right company to help us enjoy it.

We're back next year." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 11 on a Botswana safari