Africa: Reviews from our travellers

"Didn't really know what we wanted to do so were reliant on Amanda's advice. We loved all aspects of Nkwali Lodge ...the Lodge, the staff. the food, the location, the safari trips, walking safari and our guide Perry. He was so enthusiastic about his job and making sure we really enjoyed our stay. Also the hostess Bianca arranged for us to having a morning in town to do a craft workshop and visit a school. Perfect 4 days.

Palm Ridge was a bit of a contrast and we enjoyed relaxing by the Zambezi after several 530am starts. Again the staff were excellent and Tina at activities desk arranged several outings once we recuperated.

There were no hiccups throughout the trip ...we were met at airports, picked up in hotels, Zimbabwe visa organised. All ran very smoothly.

If I had to change one thing I would have stayed an extra night in Lusaka. For 2 reasons ...we loved the Latitude 15 hotel and also it would have been interesting to see centre of Lusaka. However we accept total responsibility as at no point did we ask Amanda to do that for us and also we had a limited no of days for trip.

The whole trip was amazing and far exceeded expectations. Shall thank Keith Drew for recommending Expert Africa." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 5 on a Zambia safari

"What an adventure!!

Put together expertly by Lucy the entire trip was fabulous from start to finish (with the exception of Pro Flight) including all the local transport arrangements that went smoothly with very nice representatives and drivers.

Unfortunately we were unlucky with water activities due to the unfortunate drought Zambia is currently experiencing but so much to see and do otherwise it did not matter to us.

We can't recommend the camps we stayed at enough they were all different and wonderful in their own way. We thought it was a very good overall combination.

I don't think we would ever go this time of year again as it was far too hot for us. We thought it would be in the mid 30's but many days hit 44+ and without any cooling facilities we found this very uncomfortable. It didn't cool down much at night either. To keep cool they recommend a wet Kikoy laid over you which did help us.

We really don't think you can improve on anything. As always your service is top notch!" Read full review: 23 nights in Africa; 17 on a Zambia safari

"This was my eighth visit to the RPS camps in the South Luangwa, and the second now on my own.

To me, it is like going home to the places I love. I know that I will be welcomed, guided extremely well, and have some memorable experiences in the bush. The predators -lions, leopards and wild dogs were in abundance. Huge numbers of impala, puku, kudu and zebra were everywhere. And the elephants were as magnificent, as ever. I enjoyed my trip immensely.

My thanks to Amanda for arranging my trip in such an efficient, professional and friendly way." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a Zambia safari

"Overall, my trip was fantastic.

Unfortunately I didn't get to see either leopard or rhino but, overall, it was an elephant, hippo, buffalo and a lion kind of holiday (saw loads of all) so I can't complain (seeing 3 of the big 5). With both camps being on the banks of the river there was prolific birdlife and saw a huge variety of the smaller colourful birds as well as the larger raptures and water birds.

My experience of staying at two Robin Pope lodges did not disappoint - my expectations were met fully. For me, it's not just the wildlife viewing but also the experience of the accommodation, food and staff. I was welcomed warmly into both camps and met some interesting people (guests as well as staff).

I came home relaxed and extremely happy!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No - just keep on doing what you do well - I've used you before and will continue to use you in the future.

Thank you." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Malawi trip

"Expert Africa managed everything from tailoring our trip to our preferences to then booking and making sure everything went completely seamlessly.

We absolutely loved our trip and it was the trip of a lifetime!

Thank you so much for everything you did for us, it was so special.

I cannot fault anything Expert Africa organised for us." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 14 on a Tanzania safari

"What can I say? My best friend of 65 years said that she had never seen me at a loss for words about anything before.

This trip was beyond beyond. I now understand why people go back time and time again. The animals, the people, and the land get under your skin and into your soul. I told my brother that the only way to describe it is that it is everything that is real. Animals living their lives the way they are intended to. A good day for a cheetah hunting and catching a young gazelle, not a good day for the gazelle. The circle of life and all that that means.

To witness: a large elephant family moving across a huge dry lake; seeing hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, elephants, zebras, cape buffalo, all together on the move; meet and see Craig the Tusker, that magnificent old elephant; and giraffes nibbling on tree tops; there truly are no words...it is all emotion.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, for everything, for every little detail and putting us into the care of so many exemplary people in Kenya.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Not one!" Read full review: 24 nights in Africa; 13 on a Kenya safari

"Absolutely life changing. Although, it wouldn't have been possible without Amanda, and I am extremely grateful for her help and kind guidance on what to take and the programme once I was there. Also, I had a quick question once there and this was answered immediately by Amanda .

There is no highlight to this trip - the ENTIRE trip was the highlight and one to be repeated. This is an experience that no amount of money would ever cover what it has given me. I have never been so connected to the earth.

More about the trip - words cannot express enough thanks to Expert Africa and Robin Pope Safaris. I have been out with guides who are in the premier league of what they do, the hospitality staff also - people who take real pride in their jobs. This holiday has not only left an imprint, but I have made friends who I will see again. Please note that this is not a colonial style 'big 5' lets drive around the park in a jeep and mark animals of our list - this is a true class act. Nothing too much trouble.

I would also encourage other guests to interact with the guides and other staff to get a real insight to life in Zambia. Also, would really advise Robin Pope to look after the catering / facilities staff as these guys are so brilliant that they could work anywhere.

It was clear to me on the trip that Expert Africa, Amanda had made sure I was more prepared for the trip than other agents had with their guests. Whilst it is not a competition, Expert Africa deserves to be in business and I will be booking again and really suggest you do the same." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zambia safari

"A fantastic trip. It was so good that it will be almost impossible to better or even equal it in future (we will try though and you will have a very hard job!)

Tracy was great at arranging everything and we really can't think how they could have been better.

All of the holiday arrangements and documentation were correct and complete. Many thanks to all of the Expert Africa team involved but especially Tracy." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 11 on a Botswana safari

"This was our second time travelling with Expert Africa and, again, they did not disappoint. Our specialist, Lucy, listened to our requirements and put together an itinerary which delivered on every aspect. She listened to our requirements, made thoughtful recommendations and answered all our communications efficiently and effectively.

As a result our trip was everything we could have wished for and more, from the 2 excellent camps that we stayed at, the efficiency with which our internal transfers were carried out and the abundance of wildlife that we were able to see. I don't think there was anything on which we missed out.

Thank you Expert Africa! We hope to travel with you again.

Keep on doing what you are doing!" Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari

"very good but the experience was less that hoped for because of the drought." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 13 on a Zambia safari