South Africa: reviews from our travellers

"Overall, I am quite satisfied with my trip. I found that all details were perfectly organized. We had no problems at all with reservations of airlines and hotels. All previous information before the trip was very helpful, as well as the books that we received." Read full review: 25 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari

"Maruska has set the standard for all future travel agents. I cannot recommend her highly enough!

I talked to several travel agents in the US before deciding to work with Maruska. I had called Expert Africa to inquire about the small group trips on the Wild About Africa site. When I started questioning Maruska about the trips, it was immediately clear to me that she was the most knowledgeable agent I had talked to so far.

She efficiently helped me put together my dream trip to Africa, and also helped me to prepare for the trip. Many thanks to her for being unfailingly responsive to my many emails about the practical details of traveling in Africa (money, vaccinations, clothing, etc.).

I'm already looking forward to my next trip to Africa!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No suggestions, as I felt that the service was outstanding." Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 6 on a Zambia safari

"This was a truly memorable trip.

It was our third trip to Africa, and the best in terms of wildlife viewing. The whole safari experience was wonderful from start to end." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"One of the most fantastic family adventures we've ever had.

Will definitely recommend Expert Africa to others, and would use them again for more travel to Africa. Thank you." Read full review: 24 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zambia safari

"My trip to Africa exceeded my dreams and expectations. Everything ran so smoothly, the hospitality and game viewing at the camps was fantastic, and the camps Maruska put us in were gorgeous and fit into our budget. There's only one problem--now I've been bitten by the safari bug and can't wait to go back!

Many thanks for all you did to make my dream trip to Africa a reality.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

None--service was outstanding." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari

"It was all I expected (hoped) it would be!!

Excellent place to see doggies (my main reason for coming here), high standard of camps/lodges.
Surprisingly pretty landscape outside of the delta. this of course has for an important part to do with all the water returning to the area.

Excellent, really excellent guides without exception.

By the way, Bradt's Botswana guide was a great help in planning the trip.

Everything was taken care of in an excellent manner, so no worries - only pleasure and excitement- at all!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Botswana safari

"Maruska listened to our preferences and designed our perfect trip. Every camp offered something unique. We honestly would not have changed anything -- okay, other than a desire to "magically" transport from the U.S. to Maun and back. ;-)

The camps were a perfect succession from semi-rustic to start and finishing with pure pure luxury." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari

"It was one of the most memorable holidays we have had. Everything was in line with or better than expectations. I think the key to Expert Africa's success is knowing about all the country's facilities firsthand, and then taking care to understand what the client really wants from the holiday. Because this happened, we had no unpleasant surprises, and may pleasant ones.

The balance of time we spent in each place was perfect, and therefore gave us a wide range of experiences in the time available.

The car hire was a success. I think for the gravel roads, the Nissan X-trail is a must, rather than a saloon, and people should be encouraged to take one. The Budget car we had was not provided with a second spare wheel, as had been booked. The manager was apologetic, but said the wheel he intended to supply was damaged. He then rightly said (as it turned out) that with it being the dry season, with no potholes, and with sensible driving, we should have no problem. In fact we had no tyre problems at all. I think in the dry season a second wheel is perhaps overcautious. Very comfortable car, with plenty of space for both people and luggage.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Hard to think of anything. Just keep visiting places, listen to feedback and ensure you understand what is important for the client (even if he doesn't know himself!)" Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip

"The best trip of our life.

Maruska listened to what we thought we wanted and she delivered. Every detail was covered, we had no worries or gaps. It was a memorable trip and we hope to be back, with Expert Africa, (and Maruska) of course!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"This was the perfectly orchestrated trip, introducing us to southern Africa. Maruska's ability to listen and plan an experience for complete strangers is uncanny.

Her recommendations assured us of perfect days, every day. To be met at a remote airfield, an hour late, by a jeep who dropped us at a waiting boat at the side of the river, met at the other side and taken to a hotel, all by kind, proud, and efficient staff is an amazing feat. It never occurred to us to be worried - we just accepted each step as part of our wonderful journey.

Looking back it could have been a series of mishaps - but it was perfect! Graeme never wants to travel anywhere else because we enjoyed sights and experiences we never imagined - endless desert, rich delta, the power and beauty of the animals, the kind and gentle people, and moving music. Thank you for the gift!" Read full review: 24 nights in Africa; 7 on a Namibia trip