South Africa: reviews from our travellers

"This was an epic trip. We both agree it was the best we have ever taken. Maruska was so helpful with first designing it and then with questions we had along the way. She even helped with getting us tickets to Robbens Island when it was sold out!
At times it felt like too much driving but I wouldn't have wanted to cut out anything. Probably just added more time. I really liked that we were in Swakopmund in the middle of the trip to have some city time between lodges. Also having stays at two different ends of Etosha with a drive through the middle. The lodges were all so wonderful and fun. Also being met at the airport before and at the end by Wilderness Safaris was so helpful. They waited in line for sim cards while we did rental car. Got us on our way quicker.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Not really. You did say somewhere that the shortest route is not always the fastest. We wish we had listened as we followed our cars GPS on first day and ended up hours behind schedule and at the start of darkness. Warned not to drive after dark so that was stressful on our first day.
We felt we had lots of info." Read full review: 25 nights in Africa; 19 on a Namibia trip

"Another fantastic trip to Zambia! All of the connections went smoothly. I had been to all of the camps except Shoebill Island before, many times, so I knew I would be happy there. This was my fist visit to Bangweulu Wetlands, and quite surprised as to the uniqueness of the area's landscape and land use. I was happy to have been able to see a shoebill in the wild and to visit the African Parks Shoebill Program." Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 19 on a Zambia safari

"This was the most amazing trip. We saw so much wildlife the highlights being the cheetah the sable and the baby elephant giraffe hippo and lion cubs. We experienced being very close to lions and a little too close to elephants. My only disappointment was not seeing the wild dogs but they had moved out of the area and also not seeing a leopard. Our guides did everything they could to find the leopard and we did spend time tracking but if they don’t want to be found then no amount of searching will get that sighting." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari

"We had the most amazing family holiday - so many unforgettable moments. Maruska was efficient and helpful from the planning stages through to the completion of our journey. She stepped up to help immensely when our bags had been lost between Kilimanjaro and Joburg Airports. She stepped in and got the Wilderness Safari folks to help follow up with the airport and airlines which was a huge relief for us as we were "off grid" for several days following their loss and felt very stressed about what to do next. Overall - we were thrilled with our time in Africa and thank Expert Africa team for helping to plan such a great trip.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Converting NZD to USD to pay for the trip was daunting - felt hugely expensive. Yes, we requested and planned a high end experience and were aware of the costs, but we definitely felt a big hit to the wallet. When you factor in that we were also giving healthy tips (as suggested, and we felt like with the great service we should do at least the "minimum") on top of the high room rate at each camp ... we felt it even more. Next time we might consider a mix of high vs medium range camps to save some money. Again, not to take away from an incredible trip planned together with Maruska ... thanks" Read full review: 33 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"Our safari in Botswana was incredible from start to finish. Maruska really listened to my initial inquiries, helped us figure out if Botswana was the right destination for us, and then worked to find three different camps that would give us a variety of experiences and locales. I felt like Maruska understood what we were looking for in the trip & personalized her recommendations. That made all the difference!

From the moment we landed at the Maun airport until the moment we returned there, someone was always watching out for us. When one member of our party became ill, the camp contacted Maruska. With Expert Africa on our side, we knew we were in good hands. Fortunately, he recovered quickly, but it was worth every penny to know Expert Africa would have taken care of us if things had gone differently.

Meanwhile, the Botswana safari was everything we hoped for and more. Despite everything going on in the wilderness, because there are not many people, there is a serenity to the experience -- a pace of taking what comes next, of being immersed in the balance of nature's day-to-day existence. We awoke to lions roaring, watched a mother leopard supervise her cub, followed wild dogs on a hunt, shared a watering hole with herd after herd of elephants, and so much more. But it's the overall experience that has stayed with me the most -- just the being there, a visitor is another world.

Thank you to Expert Africa and Maruska for an incredible trip!

I've already recommended Expert Africa and Maruska to two friends! Thank you so much for everything." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari

"Our overall experience was exceptional. Every single part of it!

Maruska took the time to understand what we were looking for and did an unbelievable job putting it all together. From the lodges, to the itinerary, to the little things it was all amazing.

On the flight home our whole family declared they wouldn't have changed a thing. I don't think there is any higher praise." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"Sabina was an excellent agent. Everything she recommended was excellent and just as described." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip

"We had a wonderful 24-day road trip to Namibia in May / June 2024, followed by 5 days in Cape Town.

We really felt that we were listened too very carefully in the planning process.

I even got to see a pangolin which was top of my wish list.

We would highly recommend Expert Africa. Thank you Maruska!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
In the wildlife list leave a space to add wildlife which is not on the list." Read full review: 32 nights in Africa; 25 on a Namibia trip

"Claire Scott helped us with this trip to Zimbabwe/South Africa. (She had previously organized a trip to Zambia/Malawi in 2015.)

Everyone in our group of 8 commented on how flawlessly and seamlessly this trip went, thanks to Claire!" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 6 on a Zimbabwe safari

"We had a very enjoyable trip, focused mainly on seeing parts of Namibia that were new to us.

The diverse landscapes, varied accommodations, intermittent sightings of wildlife, even the experience of two punctures and the help we received….it was all wonderful.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service

I just wanted to mention how helpful the staff were at the Wilderness lounge, at the airport." Read full review: 23 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip