Reviews of safaris to Kwando-Linyanti area

"This was our first Safari trip and it's hard top imagine how it could have been any better - we had a fabulous time and enjoyed every minute.

Thanks to Expert Africa for arranging a marvellous trip for us.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

An extremely minor point, which is that, contrary to the info in our pre-holiday briefing pack, Zambian Immigration does now accept payment for the Visa in GBP (£35) as well as USD. And they seem quite happy to accept $50 bills, so there is no need to go running round trying to get USD in small denominations for this.

One other thing, if visiting Victoria Falls at this time of year(late October) we would recommend visiting the Zimbabwe side for a better experience, as there was very little water going over the Zambian part, which reduces the spectacle a little." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 11 on a Botswana safari

"A very well constructed trip, with great diversity of terrain and a very distinct feel to every camp.

The logistics worked very well as did the advice on what to expect. We would come back for advice on future African trips." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari

"This was our first safari and it exceeded our expectations by a very long margin. The fact that we saw so much wildlife was not down to luck but to on-the-ground expertise by all concerned. The three camps that we visited were all first class and the variation in habitat was ideal.

The advice given to us regarding the choice of country and the compilation of the trip by Nick was first class and the organisation of every element was excellent. I would have no hesitation in recommending Expert Africa to anyone considering a wildlife safari in Africa.

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Just keep-up the good work" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari

"Simply put - we had the best time on safari ever and would use the service again without hesitation" Read full review: 5 nights in Africa; 5 on a Botswana safari

"The trip was one of the best holidays I have ever been on. The game was exceptional and the camps very comfortable. The other guests were mainly from the USA and a wider mixture would have been interesting but I imagine it is the cost which deters people. I felt it was well worth the money as I have many wonderful memories.

It can not have been easy for Chloe to coordinate this trip for us as I was in France and the UK and my travel companion was in the USA.

Expert Africa - and Chloe - were very helpful in sorting it all out for us and helped us make good choices. Thank you." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 11 on a Botswana safari

"A once in a lifetime experience. Though of course do hope to go back (to the private concessions). I love the Africa that I saw!!!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 11 on a Botswana safari

"We spent a lot of time planning this trip with Tracy, and we really appreciated her expert knowledge and her patience as we narrowed down the options to finally make a selection. Because we had had such detailed discussions, we had high expectations of our trip, and we are delighted to say that those high expectations were not just met, but were exceeded. We had a truly wonderful time!

We knew that visiting 4 safari lodges in an 8 day period would be hectic, and so it proved to be. However, although Chitabe Lediba and Kwando Lagoon were our clear favourites, both Savute Safari Lodge and Little Kwara had unique features that we are really pleased were included in our itinerary.

We were exhilarated and exhausted in equal measures after 8 days of safari, so to be able to finish off the trip with a (relatively) relaxed 2 days at Tongabezi was an absolute delight. We are so thankful that Tracy encouraged us to stay there rather than at a hotel in Livingstone.

All of the transfers worked seamlessly, and we were particularly impressed by the coordination between Mack Air and the lodges to ensure that we never missed out on our game drives. The transfer between Botswana and Zambia was also very well managed." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari

"Our trip was one of the best things we have ever done! It was perfect and we couldn't have asked for more. It was an excellent experience. The terrain is gorgeous, the animals are fantastic, people wonderful - a dream come true. What lucky people we are to experience that part of Africa.

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We were just amazed. Everyone was where they were to be when they were to be. Africa is a really special place and I thought we lived in a really special place. The trip was great and Maruska gave us the best advice. We met so many people staying at the camps for just two days complaining that they were always on the move. One really should stay for three. That was a great piece of advice.

I really cannot think of anything one could do better - it was like I said earlier - perfect. You all know what you're doing. So glad I got Chris's book on Botswana and found you. Thank you so, so much.

Last question - so now that one has been there how do you keep from returning again and again? I think Africa has hooks and keeps you coming back again and again." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"This was our first safari. We stayed firstly in Zambia for the Victoria Falls, and then onto 3 lodges in Botswana. In all a fantastic experience which exceeded my expectations in every way.

In talking to others at our camps I did feel we had made the right decision in going to a national park (Chobe) first to get used to elephants, giraffes and zebras being everywhere, and that didn't fully realise the restrictions that applied within the Park. Consequently we really appreciated the freedom for game-viewing (at night and off road) offered by the second two camps which were on concessions. The concession model also limits the numbers of people who are able to stay in one area. This in turn made it seem we were really out in the wild and added to the experience. It just isn't the same at a National Park.

I didn't expect to be get so close to the animals and also to get involved in the story of the animals - what their behaviour was indicating, the various hunts and stalking, caring for the young, etc. At times I really did feel like I was living in a David Attenborough documentary. Botswana is a efficient African country, with good facilities. You could instantly see the difference between it and Zambia as we crossed the boarder. All the people we met - Zambians and Botswanans were polite, well spoken and helpful. They were all proud of their countries and welcoming.

A safari experience is simply wonderful, and I felt so privileged to be able to view the animals with such informed guides.

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Although I have given the feedback on Maruska above, because of her maternity leave, we also had Nick Hobbs as our contact. Nick was also very helpful - and I would give him the same markings as above for Maruska - in particular I was grateful for his advice about what shoes to wear as I was receiving conflicting advice from friends and various websites, and nearly bought a pair of boots which would not have been needed, So a big thank you Nick.

We were also grateful for the assistance we received from Megan Ingoldby - as she really helped us plan our trip during an "early planning stage" phone call. So a big thank you to Expert Africa - both Anne and I thought you were helpful, patient and more importantly accurate. Everything worked like a dream." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"Maruska was no less than exceptional during all of our planning. And the best part, was that all the details of getting from Zambia to Botswana, and throughout the trip occurred flawlessly! I was a bit nervous traveling with just my husband but she guaranteed we would never be left "alone" and would be met everywhere as we passed from one point to the next and it was perfect! I would highly recommend Expert Africa. We loved the ability to travel independently, but still feel connected and safe throughout the journey.

When we were leaving Sandibe Camp one of the women who worked there said their is an expression in Africa; "Once the dust of Africa settles in your soul, you can never get it out."

Well it is in my soul, and we will return!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Definitely update the website on Sandibe with new photos, etc. Otherwise continue the excellent work and service. We hope to again go back to Botswana in the future....the high cost, but low impact of people is the best way to be on safari. We never saw more than two other vehicles in the bush and they are only allowed to have three at a sighting.

We also embrace and respect so much that Botswana is now a 100% "no kill" country that is working hard to protect the animals. I will always encourage others to spend their safari dollars in this country where the government understands the value of their animals and eco-system." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari