South Africa: reviews from our travellers

"All plans worked seamlessly. Tracy again excelled in organising my trip.

I was very lucky to see lots of cheetahs, especially as the park had had so much rain making the grass very long/high. Due to fires giraffes had moved from their normal area. In fact it should be noted that research data often does not apply when you get there. Talk to other visitors to get up to date information.

Any rain happened overnight. It was cool in some mornings but overall was still hot during the day, late 20's to early 30's.

The roads are frequently regraded, but still some can be quite corrugated due to volume of traffic. Note that because Mata Mata has one road in and out there are less options for viewing.

Ideally travel with at least one other person to aid spotting! Driving, spotting and guessing where animals are going and trying to photograph the animals is intense.

As with any safari the longer you stay in an area the more chance to see animals. A lot of spotting is pure luck.

Really enjoyed the trip, loads of birds as well as cats. Surprised to see so many hartebeests.

South Africans are very friendly, and most wave to you as you pass." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a South Africa trip

"Our holiday is best summed up by a travel rep we met on Safari who looked at out itinerary and commented that it "was very clever indeed".

It yielded most of what Botswana can offer on the wild life front in varied locations each with their own characteristics of flora, faurna and animals in some of the best lodges that Botswana offers. We were a very lucky couple and many thanks to Expert Africa.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Nearly 3 years in the making with changes and cancellations and a host of really helpful suggestions from Expert Africa who showed great patience with us..............is there anything more to suggest.... NO.

Thanks Expert Africa.............you are all stars." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 12 on a Botswana safari

"Despite the problems we had with conencting flights and lost luggage ( many thanks to Chris and Lucy for their help on a Sunday - it was much appreciated)

We thoroughly enjoyed the holiday it was amazing to be on safari in the wet season - and it was not too wet!

Plus we had some amazing drives and sightings

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

none other than we already have our next safari booked with yourselves for Zambia in July/August" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari

"As always Tracy and the team came up trumps with recommendations, encouragement to actually travel while travel restrictions / PCR tests/ potential for sudden changes in entry requirements etc where a concern.
We felt so lucky to have escaped the UK winter , passed all the various tests etc and returned home relaxed tanned and without Covid.
It was our first visit to Mozambique ( encouraged hugely by Tracy when we suggested beach !). Would highly recommend Azura Benguerra.
We know South Africa well and would normally organise most of a trip there ourselves but felt in the current world circumstances that having the support, backing and knowledge of a company like Expert Africa was very important. Thankfully we had no problems at any stage.
We are ready for the next trip soon !" Read full review: 27 nights in Africa; 8 on a South Africa trip

"We booked this trip at short notice as soon as South Africa came off the dreaded red list in October.

Whilst it was a bit touch and go whether we would be able to go when the red list reappeared for a few weeks, thankfully all was ok and we were able to travel.

The trip was excellent with all the people we met demonstrably welcoming and Shamwari, the Cape Grace and Cape Town being very enjoyable.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

none" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 3 on a South Africa trip

"Botswana was as amazing as we had imagined...in this ongoing pandemic it was like coming alive again.

Our return to 11 nights in a UK quarantine hotel somewhat detracted from the overall experience but this was no reflection on Botswana or ExpertAfrica.

Maruska's knowledge and patience in planning an itinerary that we would enjoy was invaluable. But her assistance in dealing with the difficulties presented by the Omicron variant, reorganising plans for our return and reassuring our family, was truly appreciated and demonstrated her care and concern.

Many thanks!" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari

"A really excellent trip. We had a fantastic time. We were very lucky to be in an early wave of visitors following the removal of Botswana and S Africa from the UK's red list about a month ago. There were very few other tourists there - which made the trip an even bigger "treat".

The stand out thing about safari on a fly-in/out to a private concession (vs fly drive which we have done previously) is that the guides and trackers are dedicated to finding the best vantage point for viewing game and will go off road to do so. We had some amazing sightings which we simply would not have seen if we had been driving ourselves.

The S African leg of the trip was very different from that in the Botswanan bush but still very enjoyable. The strength of the Rand vs GBP made eating out very affordable." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari

"It was remarkably better than I had even hoped. A trip we won't soon forget.

The Covid-19 restrictions were unpleasant but once we departed Airworld we were fine.

My one concern is the cost, which makes this hard to recommend to most of my relatives though I have friends who could afford it." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip

"Book as soon as possible to visit Botswana this year.

We were very torn about going or delaying our trip because of Covid but in the end there were so many Covid-related perks that we are so thrilled that we went ahead.

Most important, for people who enjoy privacy, each group had their own landrover and guide. It was special to just have my husband and myself on all of the game drives. Similarly for meals one has one's own table, although one can enjoy other guests around the fire for drinks in the evening and can also request a table with others.

We can't thank Tracy enough for being so patient as we went back and forth, but also encouraging us to go. She was outstanding in every way.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

There is no way that Tracy could improve her service as it is outstanding. Thank you Tracy." Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 7 on a South Africa trip

"My trip to South Africa went beyond any expectations, I really loved the country and is definitely a place I would go back.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

I would recommend people to go to Johannesburg first and then end the trip in Cape Town, first because of the history, the scenario and because we buy more things in Cape Town/Franschhoek, so we don't have to carry them along to the other cities.

Other than that, the service is great and I have nothing to complain." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 3 on a South Africa trip