South Africa: reviews from our travellers

"Fantastic holiday, but not happy about attitude of wilderness safaris when our Namibia Airline flight was cancelled. We informed them be e-mail at 6.30 am on that morning and think that the initial demand of £950.00 to continue our holiday schedule was totally unreasonable. We think they could have rearranged transport for us to continue on that day, within the timescale they had, we would like to say we were very impressed with the guides and staff at the lodges.

They were all extremely friendly and helpful and we were able to learn a little of Namibian culture. Also, the wildlife was amazing.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No" Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 19 on a Namibia trip

"I literally feel like crying every time I think about it - because I just want to be back there." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 12 on a South Africa trip

"-" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 3 on a Botswana safari

"Our trip was one of the best things we have ever done! It was perfect and we couldn't have asked for more. It was an excellent experience. The terrain is gorgeous, the animals are fantastic, people wonderful - a dream come true. What lucky people we are to experience that part of Africa.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

We were just amazed. Everyone was where they were to be when they were to be. Africa is a really special place and I thought we lived in a really special place. The trip was great and Maruska gave us the best advice. We met so many people staying at the camps for just two days complaining that they were always on the move. One really should stay for three. That was a great piece of advice.

I really cannot think of anything one could do better - it was like I said earlier - perfect. You all know what you're doing. So glad I got Chris's book on Botswana and found you. Thank you so, so much.

Last question - so now that one has been there how do you keep from returning again and again? I think Africa has hooks and keeps you coming back again and again." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"We thought we might be trying to do too much in too short a time, but the reality was, it was just perfect for us. It didn't hurt that I was named "Chief" at Tubu Tree Camp's Monday evening Boma event. Anna also enjoyed the perks that came with being the Chief's wife, except for the part about presenting me my dinner on one knee, along with all the other wives in attendance;)!

Based on this experience, we're committed to returning to Botswana at some point in the future, perhaps with other family members in tow.

Nick and Expert Africa could not have been more helpful and patient as we felt our way through the booking process, and the result was a truly memorable & magical experience.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Of course, I'd suggest you jump on BA and sort out their "confirmation" requirement, and I'd also recommend pricing "business/first-class" as the primary choice of seating, rather than as the "default."

All in all, a truly special adventure for Anna & me...Thank You!!!" Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 2 on a Botswana safari

"I can't believe that a trip this complex went off without a hitch.

Expert Africa really knows their stuff and made great recommendations. Thanks, Tracy!" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 4 on a South Africa trip

"Wonderful. SA was lovely but Namibia was just stunning. Scenery was amazing, wildlife abundant, roads empty and the people very friendly. Easy paced holiday allowing us to do as much or as little as we wanted. Drove over 2,500 miles but barely noticed it! Thank you so much for the excellent itinerary.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Warn travellers about the chaos at Joburg airport!! Do not book people onto internal connecting flights that leave within 2 hours of initial arrival." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip

"I don't think very satisfactory is quite enough. I would describe the trip as excellent all around. The arrangements worked well, the locations suggested by Expert Africa were delightful and the people we met were engaging, helpful and knowledgeable.

For us it was great to be back in Zambia and for our guests from Brazil it was a wonderful experience for them as a first time trip to Africa.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We had to make a change to our flight from Lusaka to Johannesburg because our onward flight from Johannesburg was changed. The change was made but seating was not selected. I, at the suggestion of the Middlesex office, called SAA directly, but that could have been done by the Expert Africa staff just as easily.

There was some confusion with the Mukambi Bush Camp and the Busanga Plains Camp, but only I think because the Mukambi Lodge had not updated their web site to reflect the changes, so when we looked at their site it was not obvious what the Mukambi Bush Camp was, or if it even existed. Not a problem with Expert Africa, but something Mukambi should probably fix." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 3 on a Zambia safari

"We had a great trip.

On the whole everything was as expected (see comments on Budget and Ndhovu as exceptions) and we got to see the wild dogs which was the main focus of our holiday." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip

"Our holiday was in two parts. The Kgalagadi in September will not be to everyone's taste as it is by no means a luxury holiday. It takes good advanced planning to make sure you are properly stocked up with water and other essentials before you set out from Upington. Your diet could be limited to red meat on the braai but don't let this put you off. This is a holiday for those who value the traditional south african safari experience.

From the Kgalagadi we travelled through Namakwaland at wildflower time. So lucky, as there are only a few weeks in the year when the desert blossoms. It is unforgettable.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
I value the fact that you allow me to book my own flights and my car hire." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 13 on a South Africa trip