Reviews of trips to Johannesburg

"This is a trip I want to forget. I had inappropriate expectations from other travellers comments, or from advice from Expert Africa. The unsealed roads that are considered "good" turned out to be on average, alot worst than the unsealed roads in Australia. The "best" sections in Namibia were eqivalent to our unsealed roads in National Parks with corrugations. The rest were atrocious, with no warning sign if something major comes up that requires significant slowing down.

I was told that there was cell phone reception almost everywhere, and I wouldn't need a satellite phone. It turned out half of the unsealed roads had no reception. There were some stretches of roads that I did not see another car for an hour at a time. I was driving alone and couldn't deal with any breakdowns myself. I wouldn't have made this trip if I had known the reality.

I was also told that I would see a good amount of game as it is baby season, and there would be an increase in predator activities to feed the babies. When I asked the guides they just laughed. Virtually all the animals gave birth anytime if the year. Also because there was alot of late rain, I really didn't see much game except for elephants.

I really wasn't prepared for how backward Africans were. The lodges in Namibia were nicely built, but you couldn't get even the most basic requests through the staff. They are genuinely nice people, but almost all the lodges never considered purchasing the few items that I requested due to dietery restrictions, eventhough they were common supermarket items. I asked if I should bring some of these items myself and was told the lodges confirmed they would supply them. Should I have been warned they may not mean what they say?

Zimbabwe apart from Victoria Falls was unbearably backward. I am not sure if its to do with their econmic meltdown 20 years ago. Even at departure, I thought I had to spend the night at the airport as they couldn't refuel the plane.

I did manage to get some good photos. I do think Namibia has the best rockscapes in the world and massive potential to develop their tourist industry further, but I wouldn't consider going back.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

I received a very good service from Maruska in planning this trip. But I feel she may need to be updated about a few facts. When I travelled to Egypt several years ago with a tour, we were given in writing tips on cultural expectations I call it. EA could certainly do with something like that, so travellers are better prepared as they interact with Africans.

I have travelled extensively around the world but have never been to Southern Africa. I have found this trip very taxing." Read full review: 24 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip

"Our trip was excellent. Better than imagined! The itinerary went very smoothly.

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We are very happy with Expert Africa and Richard Ball. Would definitely recommend." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari

"A new area for us but well worth the trip." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zambia safari

"Trip as a whole was great!

In retrospect, I would have not spent four nights at Machaba (or any probably), but as I spent a day there sick I'm glad I didn't have to fly that day as well. I was disappointed in the suggestion of Machaba, since I had specifically said I wanted to avoid the 20-cars-around-one-animal sort of safari. That only occurred around the leopards and the lions, but still... I had raised this concern specifically with Richard and he assured me that the guides would manage it, but there was no way to manage it with so many camps/lodges and individual drivers." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Botswana safari

"Maruska and Expert Africa were terrific. Very knowledgeable and helpful.

After listening to my interests, she recommended camps which we felt covered good variety of environments and experiences. I think starting in Hwange and finishing in the Delta was ideal as our Hwange guide was very educational and the wildlife at Kwara particularly superb. If we ended at Hwange we would have felt 3 nights probably sufficient, though were lucky enough for my son to spot a leopard and see a pride of 14 lions in our last 24 hr.

It was also great to have all the arrangements and transportation taken care of." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari

"We loved Botswana and Malawi but our hearts belong in the Valley. We’re already planning the next trip.

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Just keep up the good work." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 9 on a Malawi trip

"We had a lovely trip, with special fondness for the Kwando Camps.

Oh my goodness, they go out of the way to make the guest experience special. The best guides and staff we've had.

Not crazy about Wilderness Safaris and will try to avoid them the future.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

You are wonderful and I'm looking at a 2020 trip to Kenya and Rwanda.

I'll be in touch!" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 14 on a Botswana safari

"Your staff was VERY helpful. This was our first trip/safari.

I wish I could of discussed more options of costs. Seems as though there is some kind of confidentiality of lodging costs that prohibits better financial planning of a trip." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"Lucy helped us organize this short break after many other options were considered. Lucy is intimately familiar with options in that region and gave us impartial and practical advice. I look forward to booking out next trip with Expert Africa." Read full review: 5 nights in Africa; 4 on a Zambia safari

"A brilliant trip that will not be forgotten by our family. A great combination of safari and beach that, just, fitted into our budget & allowed us to sample all the wonders of a fantastic region." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 9 on a Mozambique holiday