Reviews of trips to Fish River Canyon

"As well as seeing some wonderful scenery and a plethora of wildlife in their natural habitat the trip also taught us much about the culture of this African country. The knowledge and passion of all of the guides was amazing.

We never once felt unsafe or threatened though we took the usual precautions to protect ourselves and our belongings.

There is clearly a huge diversity of wealth in the country which did make us feel uncomfortable from time to time.

Given the opportunity we would certainly return and we will encourage others to do the same." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 19 on a Namibia trip

"We enjoyed everything about our long Namibia trip.

All logistics worked efficiently and all our accommodation was excellent. We always seemed to be in the best rooms at the best lodges and again we were lucky with our game viewing.

Yet again Expert Africa exceeded our expectations. Thanks to Tracy

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

A warning about the problems that people with UK mobile phones with service suspended on outgoing calls.

A lot of people are having this problem" Read full review: 26 nights in Africa; 24 on a Namibia trip

"Overall an excellent trip which showed off the diversity of Namibia

The only aspect of the trip that was poor was Windhoek airport - a disaster area with no concept of care for travellers - particularly immigration Not a good advertisement to encourage travellers!" Read full review: 27 nights in Africa; 20 on a Namibia trip

"Very good indeed - Pretty much as I had planned though the food was much better than expected.

Luderitz was definitely worth a visit.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

One point to note. Contrary to your notes, there is a petrol station at the airport." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip

"Namibia was wonderful - so much more colourful than we expected.

The typical Namibian lodge we stayed in was in a good location (a bit of a drive from the main road), had well appointed rooms with a view, a warm welcome, a sundowner spot or drive, a 'signature' activity, and a nice dinner and breakfast. Service in general was good everywhere. 2 night stops in most locations worked well - we generally needed a full day to do whatever the 'signature' activity was.

Our highlights were Fish River canyon - it's a long, long drive south, but really worth it, Tok Tokkie Trails - sleeping under the stars, and Etosha - Okaukuejo camp facilities weren't great, but the water hole made it so much better than staying outside the park.

4WD car essential, together with an ipod for the long drives and in September in the south the nights were very cold - need jacket and a hat!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Can't fault anything about the trip.

We had a couple of problems - delayed bag, forgotten Kindle, on both of which we were helped by the local team - thank you!" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip

"A great 70th birthday trip.

Perhaps erred a bit on the luxurious side, but we didn't really complain." Read full review: 33 nights in Africa; 26 on a Namibia trip

"Our trip was excellent and our expectations were not only met but exceeded. We enjoyed the varying landscapes, the animals and the people.

The trip, which we requested at the very last minute, was superbly organised. From the time of my initial contact, all requests/queries were handled in a timely helpful manner. All the components (fly, drive, transfers) fitted together well and all connections/transfers went smoothly.

The only changes we would have made are those that could only have been made with hindsight!

So again, thank you very much Maruska and Expert Africa.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service: These are very minor suggestions and comments and are made purely to try and be helpful.

(1) An explanation off what one can expect in relation to meals when your accommodation is on a full board basis and you arrive around lunchtime. Our first full board accommodation was at Canyon Lodge and we arrived at lunch time. We were greeted with some information about the facilities and times for dinner and breakfast, but no indication of whether there was any lunch available or whether we were entitled to lunch. Subsequent enquires resulted in us being directed to the dining room.

At a later lodge, we realised that we could have had lunch even though we arrived early in the afternoon but had already had lunch just in case.

(2) If people are doing an overnighter at Cheetah View Lodge it would be good to know that the cheetah feeding is at 2 o'clock, which is the only time that this is held, is also included in the cost of the accommodation i.e. so that if possible you would make sure you got there in time for that. The other paid activities did not seem to be good value. I did note that on EA's notes of this lodge, that it EA thought that there needed to be a better integration of activities with the overnight experience, and we agree.

(3) I think that Hyena Pan did include laundry facilities.

I apologise if I should have known some of these things. I did look up all the accommodations on your website (which I thought was most extensive and the reason I choose the company initially), and make notes before our trip, but possibly I missed bits.

We wish that the tipping thing could be made easier. Australia does not have a tipping culture and so it always comes as a surprise and what seems like a lot of extra money on top of what are not insubstantial costs, at least in some places. While were tried to follow the guidelines, sometimes we were caught out when guides changed or we had an extra guide.

It is impossible to single out 'other' people, other than guides and polers for example, as there are always people behind the that contribute to your enjoyment and comfort on a trip." Read full review: 27 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip

"Provided a very well researched and considered experience for the four of us. Good variety of activities and accommodation. All transport and connections worked well. Maruska went to a lot of trouble to design a good trip for us at short notice. Would certainly recommend Expert Africa." Read full review: 27 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip

"It was a great trip with lots of very different highlights.

It was also great to share it with the kids.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No, thank you for everything." Read full review: 24 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip

"The whole trip was excellent and that was down to your professional expertise and efficiency. I must say you have been one of the best companies I have ever dealt with and it has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience..

Top marks to Josh for his overall efficiency and very engaging personality. It was always a pleasure chatting to him and nothing was too much trouble.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

To be honest I'm finding it difficult to suggest anything and that is because everything was perfect. The service we received from yourselves was exceptional and I say this as someone (not trying to sound big headed) who has travelled a lot since I began in 1973 ! Just keep up the good work. I'll be back !

Just one small point. I don't know what is happening with the proposed newsletter which I signed up for but I would recommend that you get it up and running as a priority. I think this is an ideal way of keeping past customers informed and a very effective way of getting new ones." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip