South Africa: reviews from our travellers

"We really enjoyed our holiday. Namibia is a great country and the scenery is spectacular.

If I was doing the trip again I wouldn't have stayed a night in Namtib Desert Lodge but would have put in a night at Quivertree Forest after our stay in Fish River Canyon. We stopped here for a couple of hours on our way to Luderitz, but we wished that we had more time and were able to see it at sunrise and sunset.

The driving was mostly fine in our high clearance 2WD. The only roads that caused us problems were the access track to Polentswa lodge and the D707 north of Namtib Desert Lodge where the road is basically sand for a 20km stretch. I would recommend that in future you only recommend this road for people in a 4WD and that you recommend the C13/C27 route for anyone in a 2WD. I think that even though this is longer it would be much faster as the D707 is in a pretty bad way once you get North of Namtib Desert Lodge. The scenery doesn't get really good until the C27 near the Namib Rand reserve.

We had an issue at Polentswa lodge, however, this was quickly resolved - thank you for your help with this. I would recommend that you clarify the current situation regarding night drives and other activities with the Ta Shebube lodges and update your website accordingly. We were really impressed by the quality of the Ta Shebube Rooiputs lodge - we had a great time there and saw some great animals.

I would have liked to have one or two nights on the Mata-Mata side of the national park as well as Rooiputs, as the wildlife and birds are quite different here to Rooiputs, but all the park accommodation was full so it was not possible. However, I would recommend this for future guests if the accommodation is available." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 8 on a Namibia trip

"The trip was even better than our last one - and we are already hoping to go again next year.

South Africa is perfect for families - the people are so friendly, the food and accommodation outstanding and the activities amazing. Driving around is easy and its great value for money. It just gets better on every visit." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a South Africa trip

"Apart from our five days at Kwandwe booked through Expert Africa, the remainder of our three weeks stay in the Eastern Cape involved guest farms privately booked.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Although we only used Expert Africa for a five days stay at Great Fish River Lodge, Kwandwe, we would have no hesitation in recommending or using them again.

Whilst talking to Expert Africa's MD Chris McIntyre, it was obvious that his company promotes Game Reserves /Lodges who share their ethical, sustainable and responsible approach in respect of wildlife conservation/biodiversity.

My telephone conversations with Chris McIntyre confirmed our choice of Kwandwe and he was most informative. We received excellent customer service with a wealth of helpful written information and maps.

The Expert Africa brochure is actually a 323 page book full of facts, information and photographs covering vsrious South African countries and Indian Ocean Islands. It makes an interesting read even if an actual visit in not possible! We also found their information regarding other accommodation where we have stayed during previous visits to other countries accurate and fair." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 5 on a South Africa trip

"Excellent - faultless." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip

"After a few discussions with Claire, she managed to tailor a trip that "ticked all our boxes" - we loved the guest houses and the order that we followed for our trip. With hindsight we would have stayed 1 night at St Francis and 2 at Wilderness as there was more to do there. We'd love to go back and will use Expert Africa if we do - maybe we'll explore the Drakensberg's next?

Everything was very easy and all we had to do was turn up at the various guest houses and that meant we could concentrate on enjoying our trip!

It was probably by accident rather than by design, but having complimentary laundry facilities at Ecca Lodge which was half way through our trip meant we kept luggage down to a minimum. Laundry didn't seem expensive anywhere but the fact that it is complimentary was a real bonus!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

I carried a bathrobe round for the whole trip - had I known that it was only Hog Hollow that didn't provide them, I wouldn't have bothered. Be great if all guest houses provided them?" Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 8 on a South Africa trip

"We had a wonderful trip and would have no hesitation in using Expert Africa again.
A big 'thank you' to Gwynneth Bezuidenhout for organising everything.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No we were very pleased with what you organized for us, which all went to plan." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 3 on a South Africa trip

"Very good holiday. As it was a trip to the unknown we needed assurance on safety etc. 4wd drive essential. The double cab pickup we had was ideal. Small car option with 4wd not good enough. We had to help someone stuck in the riverbed.

Would have been helpful to have had stopping points on journey pointed out eg petrified Forest. Was very glad not to have stayed at Ludderitz ( did you recommend Nest Hotel ?)

2 failed card payments gone through bank although failed at the time at Fish River Lodge, so paid cash. Will try to recover through credit card company or will be back to you" Read full review: 24 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip

"Another great trip arranged by Expert Africa.

To improve things if we did a week again, we'd stay in just one place for the first 2 nights, not 2 as we did this time. It was just a little rushed" Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 6 on a South Africa trip

"We have been to sub-Sahara Africa fourteen times now, althogh not always to South Africa and not always with Expert Africa. This was another good trip with good sightseeing, game viewing, food and wine. An extra night would have been useful at some venues, but we had to cope with a fixed time slot.

Africa is an incurable disease - we will be back for more." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 13 on a South Africa trip

"Apart from the hiccup at Storms River this holiday was absolutely perfect for us. Interesting places to see and excellent accommodation. We do love the contrasts that Tracy gave us.

We fell in love with South Africa, its people, its food and of course that absolutely glorious weather.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No, we really like this company and will be back!" Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 14 on a South Africa trip