South Africa: reviews from our travellers

"This was our 16th trip with Expert Africa but the first we have made since we moved our domicile to Zambia. As always, we had genuinely expert advice from the EA team - Lucy Copson primarily in this case but also with a valuable steer from Claire Scott which took us to the excellent Grootbos Forest Lodge (rather than its sister Garden Lodge). We achieved all of our objectives in terms of wildlife (including 112 bird species identified, 44 of which were 'lifers' - this being terra incognita for us); and we learned a great deal about the remarkable Fynbos. Our trip to Robben Island was another highlight, albeit of a very different nature. We shall be back to the Cape." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 10 on a South Africa trip

"Seeing that this was something of an instant arrangement, Claire worked miracles and came up with the perfect hotels and a perfect route. We started with the splendour of Grootbos and the whales and finished with the spectacular views of Long Beach and more whales!

Because of South Africa's bad press, we were a little concerned, but at no point did we feel unsafe. Everyone we met was very proud of their country and deservedly so. At times we had to remind ourselves we were not in the Home Counties; it was so well-kempt, smooth running and friendly. The quality of hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions and shops is very high. Everyone strives to give the best service possible. The political issues that we hear about are evident, but not defining of a country which is looking forwards not back.

It was a great trip, wonderful hotels, beautiful scenery and welcoming people. We would happily recommend a visit to anyone else.

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Our second excellent trip with Expert Africa and I really do not see how your service could be improved (Just a minor point - a better map would have helped our travels!)" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 17 on a South Africa trip

"Overall this was a great holiday for the whole family of twelve people from three generations." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a South Africa trip

"We have visited many game parks and this one had been our list for a few years. To get to the park is a bit of a trek but well worth it. Don't expect the masses of game you may see elsewhere in Africa but for big cats particularly lions this is the place.

The park has much more of a local feel with the majority of visitors South Africans returning to the park each year. We saw no traffic jams of cars around sightings although I suspect during the peak period of the South African school holidays this may change. Even if you don't venture onto the 4WD routes I'd recommend a 4WD hire car as even the main roads can be very rutted.

If however you do venture down the 4WD routes to the wilderness camps particularly Gharagab it should be a great experience. We travelled in Oct and were expecting high temperatures however we appeared to hit a mini-summer with temperatures in excess of 50 C only dropping to around 30 C at night. There's nothing you can do about this other than be prepared." Read full review: 27 nights in Africa; 10 on a South Africa trip

"This trip was a highlight of our travel experiences.

Nick was extremely helpful in pointing us in the right direction for camp selection from a large number of options. The camps were a perfect balance to the remainder of our trip which was a horseback safari in the Delta.

This was our second trip to Africa with Expert Africa and we will not hesitate to refer you to friends (we already have) and contact you when and if we return in the future. I loved not having to worry about anything throughout the entire trip. We were well taken care of from start to finish. Thank you.

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Can't think of a thing. Thank you!" Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"Excellent.

Interesting variety of activities and (nearly) all logistics worked to plan." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zimbabwe safari

"The trip as a whole was excellent, there were some really good highlights though some, only a few, bad points.

I would make a mention of the young lady, Wilderness Safaris, at Windhoek Airport how was most helpful, in fact anything to to do with Wilderness Safaris was excellent.

A trip to remember, thank you" Read full review: 25 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip

"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; 7 on a Zambia safari

"We thoroughly enjoyed our trip of a lifetime we couldn't have asked for more.

The itinerary was perfect and many thanks to Megan from Expert Africa for her help and knowledge.

My one and only comment on my whole trip would be that our journey home from Abu Dhabi could have been changed and we could have flown back to Manchester which would have been a little easier.

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You are doing an excellent job we had a wonderful holiday with no problems and I am sure if we had you gave us ample telephone numbers and contacts to help us well done Expert Africa.👏👍😃" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 3 on a Botswana safari