South Africa: reviews from our travellers

"Expert Africa delivered, as always.

We arrived at an interesting and diverse itinerary, and all of the logistics worked well. We would thoroughly recommend a trip to the Kgalagadi, especially if you have been to Africa before and seen the usual animals, and now want something a little different in terms of the scenery and wildlife." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 15 on a South Africa trip

"The trip of a lifetime!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Maruska was wonderful: very knowledgeable, helpful and she built an amazing itinerary. All details were covered.

I've been recommending her to people at home!" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 7 on a Namibia trip

"Tanzania safari company is excellent and will use them again.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
You were kind enough to send us the Bradt guide on Northern Tanzania book to read. This was very much appreciated and not expected. But since we booked a safari for 12 days in Rwanda, it would have been nice for you to include the Bradt guide to Rwanda also. We purchased it on our own." Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari

"It was a good experience, although we did find some of the gravel roads quite hard work, but became more used to them. Perhaps we should have gone for a 4 wheel drive car.

However the landscapes and the wildlife were stunning, the lodges generally very comfortable and it was certainly a truly memorable holiday." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip

"Thanks to Maruska for handling so many details and planning out a memorable experience for us. Maruska thought of absolutely everything and was so responsive to our questions. In all cases she got back to us within hours of receiving an email. I would not hesitate to have her plan future trips.

I have already recommended Expert Africa to friends.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Not really. Everything was amazing! Only place I would skip is Halali and spend more time at Ungomo, which I think Maruska tried for but wasn't able to get for us.

I would have preferred to be told exactly what to tip and to prepare envelopes in advance. the tipping protocols were somewhat overwhelming.
Here's an example: the literature told us to tip at b and b places at the end of the trip, using the tip box. But when someone carried our bags, it was clear that they expected a tip. this left us awkwardly fumbling for change and trying to figure out local currency on the spot.

Don't know how to fix this." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip

"Had an amazing time - I am presenting Namibia and Rwanda to our University Woman's club and slide 1 refers to Expert Africa and Maruska and how great they were with the developing this trip.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
I was satisfied with all aspects of the trip and service.

I will recommend Expert Africa to my friends." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip

"This was a special trip for us as a family and Tracy put together some really great alternatives in order to make our timings work. Each country was different and immaculately planned. The attention to detail and our particular needs was expertly handled and the suggestions given to us were all perfectly matched.
This trip was fabulous, it will be a memory which never fades." Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 5 on a Mozambique holiday

"Have nothing to add beyond writing that Maruska was tremendous to work with. Well done!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

The only suggestion would be to have people drive out the east gate of Etosha (which we did) and south through Otavi on the way to Mundulea Reserve, rather than you suggested departure through the south date of Etosha. Although more gravel road, you see more game." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip

"We chose Expert Africa on the recommendation of a close friend who had used the agency a couple of years ago. We are so glad we did!

We dealt with Maruska, who was amazing. She is knowledgeable, efficient and our questions (which seemed endless) were answered promptly and cheerfully. We were particularly impressed that Maruska put us in touch with a colleague in the UK office because she was not as familiar with the Seychelles. Admitting that, and getting us the information, is not something everyone is good at doing.

The Zambia portion of the trip was amazing and exceeded all of our expectations. The camps Maruska suggested were excellent - she asked us lots of questions and really tailored the experience to our preferences. She was very familiar with all the camps and her comments were spot on. We would definitely go back to Zambia.

We enjoyed the Seychelles. Seeing those amazing beaches and swimming in the warm ocean was delightful.

We would recommend Expert Africa." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari

"This was a trip of a lifetime. We had a magical time.

Maruska did an excellent job of putting together the perfect itinerary for our family. I had started with only two places in mind: Victoria Falls and Etosha National Park. I would say Chobe River experience was a highlight and I didn't even know about it until Maruska brought it up. Thank you for everything.

My friends have already started to ask me about our experience and I'm definitely going to recommend that they use Expert Africa in planning their trips to this wonderful continent." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip