Reviews of trips to Cape Town

"Now we have had our holiday I feel I understand what I would do next time.

It was all a wonderful experience. Firstly I must put a word in for Mack Air as there didn't seem to be anywhere to put that. We were concerned and a bit anxious about the small flights but the service and professionalism from the pilots was excellent and made the whole experience fine.

All the places we booked were good, each different and interesting. Of course not having been to Africa before or been on a safari holiday before it is difficult to understand what it is going to be like even though we read all the information and listened to all the advice there is nothing like the experience of actually being there.

In no particular order we felt that the camps in Botswana seemed more geared up to 2 night stays and in fact 2 nights felt perfectly fine though before we went I thought 2 nights might feel a bit tight. In fact sometimes our 3 night stays felt as if the guides were looking for things to do. I loved Botswana, particularly the Okavanga Delta and would go back there.

Though we were a bit concerned about driving ourselves round Namibia as 2 women on our own in our late 50s and 60s, in fact it was very easy. We loved Cape Cross and Walvis Bay, both fine for 1 night stays. I would want to stay 2 nights in Okonjima in the Bush camp, a very pleasant place to stay. It was me who insisted on staying in Okaukeujo and it was fine though I think if I was advising someone else I would suggest somewhere smaller with better food.

I also would not go back to the Zambezi Sun, it was the only place we were disappointed with. Everyone is different but we both realised how important a breakfast and dinner view is for us and a view of the Zambezi rather than corporate hospitality is worth paying for.

We loved South Africa and will probably go back there sometime. All in all we loved it and love Africa, it is like no other place I've ever been to.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

I cant think of anything. My sister and I did talk about how difficult it must be to advise people on where to stay and where to go. You did really well so thank you. The only thing that might have helped us not go to the Zambezi Sun was either us telling you the sort of hotel we usually stay in when we travel or you asking." Read full review: 28 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip

"We have travelled to Africa quite a few times but this one was exceptional in that we stayed in some great hotels & camps & we saw some wonderful game in Zambia. We believe that the expertise of 'Expert Africa' helped in making our trip that much more rewarding & enjoyable!

Claire's suggestion that we travel to Zambia in early September was absolutely correct as it was already getting very hot.

It was also a bonus meeting Chris McIntyre & his wife at Mfuwe Airport at the end of our trip!!" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zambia safari

"I can see no reason to consider any other travel company. Expert Africa are perfect and I've recommended them many times to family and friends. Friendly, helpful and very knowledgable.

I'm already thinking about our next trip." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a South Africa trip

"Claire was a great help in putting together our itinerary.

We had a clear idea of the areas we wanted to visit and how long we wanted to spend at each location, but she provided insights and recommendations that improved our schedule. The accommodation recommended by Claire was wonderful and perfectly located at each place.

The trip went very smoothly and we would have no hesitation in recommending Expert Africa and Claire to others." Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 10 on a South Africa trip

"Thanks are due to Claire Scott of Expert Africa for putting together our holiday package and meeting all our needs.

Norman Carr safaris are to be totally recommended together with your company.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

None at all" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zambia safari

"Overall the trip exceeded my expectations - the activities, the animals, the people, the atmosphere - all of it was phenomenal. I would absolutely go back. We really debated which country to go to and I'm SO glad we selected Zimbabwe.

I could have lived without the trip to Capetown on the front end. It was nice, but not much different than any other cosmopolitan European city. So in hindsight I would have preferred to channel that time into safaris at the camps. But overall an amazing vacation with a lot of unexpected education." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zimbabwe safari

"We thoroughly enjoyed our trip. Cape Town was lovely, great accommodation, good restaurants, lovely trips, friendly people. It is an easy town to get around. We hired a car for two days too.

Vic Falls - enjoyed it except for the builidng works at Ilala Lodge. Also whilst walking around Vic Falls you do get hassled by young men selling souvenirs which is a nuisance and put us off walking around the town. We were advised it used to much worse.

Camp Hwange - fantastic, so many memories.

Claire organised it so well, there were no problems. Cars always turned up on time. Check-in at hotels efficient.

Overall, we loved the trip and choice of accommodation." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zimbabwe safari

"We had the most amazing vacation. This was our first trip to Africa, and there's something about it that touches your soul.

I look forward to coming back, and would not hesitate to use Expert Africa again." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 4 on a South Africa trip

"The Sunvil section of our trip went very smoothly as did our unscheduled previous week at Hout Bay. We had no incidence of attemped theft nor did we at any time feel threatened.The main concern of the S.African tourist industry seems to blame falling visitor numbers on the European perception that Africa = Ebola (5k miles away!!) and that every time you get out of your car you are at risk.

We found the people friendly and helpful. The exchange rate is also ,very attractive.

We feel that this was one of our best holidays ever and we would love to go back.

Thanks Claire for organising it so well.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

In your brochure or when the clients itinerary is made up you may like to consider suggesting things to do /see at the suggested stopovers or on the way. e.g. Bartholomew Dias at Mossel bay, Drodsty Museum at Swallenburg etc." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 17 on a South Africa trip

"Tracy did a super job." Read full review: 27 nights in Africa; 19 on a Namibia trip