Travel reviews by Ms D from Ireland
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
8
Countries visited
7
Lodges stayed in
48
Excursions taken
2
My August 2023 trip to Zambia
Zambia between 17 Aug 2023 and 1 Sep 2023
Megan was simply remarkable with her advice in assisting me to put this trip together, taking into account what I loved from previous trips booked with Expert Africa.
I must also commend Amanda was also of invaluable help and so supportive when my outgoing flight did not go as planned!
I keep returning to Zambia, as it never disappoints and particularly Lower Zambezi: a place of exquisite beauty, with incredible wildlife (the large pack of wild dogs made each game drives epic), a great choice of activities and excellent guiding."
Arranged By Megan Green
Mwamba Bushcamp
"Mwamba Bushcamp review"
Sausage Tree Camp
"Sausage Tree Camp review"
Nikki, Martin and the whole team make you feel "at home" - Smiles all around and the attention to details is perfect..
The location is gorgeous, with lots of elephants crossing on your door step. The tents are spacious and very well appointed, Arnold was a lovely butler.
Absolutely excellent guiding by George for all activities: I did a lot of fishing (massive vundus and decent tiger fish), but also canoeing (amazing sighting of a mother elephant with twin babies!), some walking and a couple of game drives..
The "water lunch" was an exquisite surprise.
I will definitely return!"
Lolebezi
"Lolebezi review"
The architecture of the camp itself is impressive. I think that the level of service provided could improve. We are usually so well looked after on safaris that it was a little disappointment not to have the expected level of service in the camp, the staff was pleasant but may need a little more training.
However, I really enjoyed my stay as the guiding and sightings were really exceptional."
Old Mondoro Bushcamp
"Old Mondoro Bushcamp review"
The location is fantastic, the wildlife in camp itself is incredible (Great place for elephant fans), we even had a leopard sighting from our dining table!!!
Each and every game drives brought a lot of photographic opportunities, from wild dogs in action, leopards "posing", the encounters of 2 relaxed porcupines wandering around and a simpala ("sable impala").
Wished I had stayed longer, need to book earlier next time!"
Kenya, Dec 2021 trip
Kenya between 22 Dec 2021 and 6 Jan 2022
The highlights for me were to witness 2 kills in the Mara. I also loved travelling this time of the year and seeing so many cubs, calves, fawns etc.. adorable!
There were some uncertainties travelling at this time and a little extra paper work to do, but it was totally worth it. I had a fabulous trip! As always, Expert Africa (thank you to Lyndsey!) arranged every aspect of the trip perfectly.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
I cannot think of anything in particular! I will book again with Expert Africa!"
Arranged By Lyndsey Marris
Four Points Nairobi Airport
"Four Points by Sheraton review"
The hotel was nice and quiet despite the proximity to the airport."
Ol Pejeta Bush Camp
"Christmas at Ol Pejeta Bush Camp "
Ol Pejeta is a "Rhino paradise" but also offers an incredible array of other wildlife. Great guiding by Abdi. Very good food.
The team made an extra special effort on Christmas day which was wonderful!"
Kicheche Laikipia
"Kicheche Laikipia review"
The jeeps are perfectly equipped: ponchos, hot water bottle and portable coffee mug were very welcome! Lovely guiding by Peter.
Good sightings on every game drive"
Offbeat Mara
"Offbeat Mara review"
The variety of wildlife in North Mara is really good: Plenty of lions sightings with the Offbeat pride on the camp doorstep.
I witnessed my first kill (on my 17th safari!), a cheetah taking a male Thomson gazelle to feed her 3 young cubs. It was spectacular!
We were also very lucky to see a pair of wild dogs and followed them for quite a while until darkness."
Kicheche Valley
"Kicheche Valley review, my favourite camp on this trip "
What really made my experience memorable at Kicheche Valley was the outstanding guiding by Mika. Extremely knowledgeable, he listens and observes every details in the bush and proves to be very skillful at spotting all sorts of wildlife. He is modest when saying he can identify "a few birds", I would call him an expert!
Having our bush breakfasts in the vehicle while observing a cheetah and her 2 cubs was delightful.
I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of my stay!"
Balloon flight over the Mara
"Balloon flight over the Mara review"
1 Jan 2022 • Morning excursion
The breakfast was good but the best was to follow! I was incredibly lucky on the game drive back to camp to witness the "4 brothers" (a well known coalition of 4 cheetahs) killing a wildebeest.
What a way to start the year!
Botswana & Zambia August/September 2019
Zambia and 2 other countries between 17 Aug 2019 and 7 Sep 2019
Everything was organised to perfection.
A great combination of places to stay for varied wildlife experiences."
Arranged By Megan Green
City Lodge OR Tambo
"One night at City Lodge OR Tambo"
Friendly staff, Comfortable bed.
Food rather ordinary."
Dinaka
"Very enjoyable stay at Dinaka"
Some of the night game drives were a bit "quiet" but I had some truly amazing sightings to make up for it. I was guided by Slim, a passionate, persistent and successful Tracker who really made the whole experience memorable (Off road driving is possible in this 200km2 private reserve).
The hide and the underground bunker located by permanent waterholes give excellent viewings and photographic opportunities."
Shinde Camp
"Great Safari at Shinde Camp"
The game drives with my eternally smiley guide Simon were great - he was incredibly patient when we decided to "follow" a cheetah for a few hours... to witness a kill.
I also went fishing on 2 occasions and the chef kindly prepared the breams that night to share at dinner with the other guests. During the boat and mokoro excursions, I was very lucky to have 5 sightings of the elusive sitatungas! Overall, a lovely camp with varied activities and great sightings."
Lebala Camp
"Excellent wildlife at Lebala Camp"
The sightings on the game drives were excellent, with a big pride of 19 lions (very close), cheetahs, wild dogs, roan and sable antelopes, great birdlife and much more. The spotter worked very well with the guide."
Waterberry Zambezi Lodge
"Lovely stay at Waterberry Zambezi Lodge"
I was only there for one night but had very pleasant sunset and sunrise boat cruises. The food was excellent. And I was lucky to see 6 rhinos crossing the main road in front of the vehicle during the transfer to the airport."
Old Mondoro Bushcamp
"Excellent Safari at Old Mondoro "
The setting is delightful, right on the Lower Zambezi river and surrounded by beautiful trees. Even with the addition of a 5th tent, the camp remains "bijou", the team is wonderful. Wildlife is plentiful (in the camp and nearby). The leopard sightings were absolutely outstanding.
Already looking forward to returning next year."
Chongwe River Camp
"Marvellous Chongwe River Camp"
The guides (Hugo and George) went out their way to be flexible and ensure I had another perfect stay at Chongwe. Once again, I really enjoyed fishing (Tiger Fish, Vundu and Bream).
I had great sightings of a half collared kingfisher while canoeing, and for the first time I saw Klipspringers and a Leopard Turtoise while on a game drive. Will be back next year!"
Chongwe River Camp
"Cassia suite at Chongwe River Camp"
Namibia and Zambia August to September 18
Namibia and 1 other country between 18 Aug 2018 and 6 Sep 2018
In Namibia, I found Sossusvlei and Damaraland stunningly beautiful and photogenic. Ongava/Etosha proved rich in wildlife and the highlight for me was definitely the tracking of Rhinos on foot.
I was delighted to finish my trip in Lower Zambezi, Zambia for the excellent wildlife sightings at Old Mondoro .. I returned to Chongwe River Camp for the 5th time and enjoyed every minute of my stay.. The location by the river is stunning, the team is incredibly welcoming and their attention to details made my last week perfect! I cant wait to return!"
Arranged By Megan Green
Galton House
"Galton House"
Kulala Desert Lodge
"2 nights at Kulala Desert Lodge"
Damaraland Camp
"Very enjoyable stay at Damaraland Camp"
Ballooning in the Namib Desert
"Ballooning: Highlight of Namib Desert "
22 Aug 2018 • Morning excursion
Ongava Tented Camp
"Ongava Tented Camp"
I paticularly liked tracking the white Rhinos on foot. The sightings everyday were plentiful.
The waterhole in front of the camp is entertaining all day (and even at night with Rhinos coming to drink).
Ongava Reserve has a lot to offer but the camp itself in my opinion could improve on their level of attention to details. I would have much preferred a verbal "knock knock" than a phone call for wake up. I found the management service level and attitude rather impersonal."
Galton House
"Back to Galton house for a short night"
Old Mondoro Bushcamp
"Excellent stay at Old Mondoro Bushcamp"
Chongwe River Camp
"5th time at Chongwe RC, and I will return!! "
Tsika Island Camp, Zambia (this camp has since closed)
"Tsika Island Camp review"
Not currently featured by Expert Africa
Zimbabwe and Zambia, August / September 2017
Zimbabwe and 1 other country between 25 Aug 2017 and 9 Sep 2017
Little Vundu
"Great experience at Little Vundu"
Somalisa Expeditions
"Somalisa, simply superb! "
The Hide
"The Hide: Excellent Camp"
Ilala Lodge
"Pleasant stay at Illala Lodge"
Chongwe River Camp
"Best stay ever at Chongwe River Camp "
Wonderful trip to Tanzania and Zambia
Tanzania and 1 other country between 30 Jun 2016 and 16 Jul 2016
Many thanks to Claire Scott (EA) for organising it all, and especially for recommending Kigelia in Ruaha, it is an amazing place! Glad I visited Selous before Ruaha as it only got better! Chongwe River Camp in Lower Zambezi still remains my favourite camp. The team from Tours Africa in Lusaka airport also deserves a mention for being so helpful at arrivals and during transfers.
This trip was a fantastic experience from start to finish!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Not sure you could raise standards any higher!
Third time I have used EA and have never been disappointed. Already looking forward to booking my next trip with your team in the future."
Arranged By Claire Scott
Serena Hotel Dar
"Short night at Serena Hotel Dar"
Sand Rivers Camp
"Sand River Camp"
Previous guests had great sightings of wild dogs, but the game drives turned out to be rather quiet while I was there. Sadly, the effects of poaching in the area can certainly be felt (rare sightings of skittish elephants..). You cannot fault the camp itself, but I found the proximity of a hunting lodge and the evidences of poaching in the area somehow upsetting."
Sand Rivers fly-camping
"Excellent experience: Sand rivers Fly-camping"
Excellent experience, extremely well organised."
Sand Rivers Camp
"Sand Rivers Camp review"
Kigelia Camp
"Fantastic 4 nights at Kigelia"
Remarkable guiding by Manager Joel: He has outstanding knowledge of fauna, flora, culture and history and a lovely way of delivering facts. He went out of his way to please and made my trip memorable.. The sightings were brilliant during day and night games drives, and while walking. The landscape is beautiful with plenty of Baobabs.
Really had a fantastic time & could have stayed longer!"
Latitude 15
"Short night at Latitude 15"
I would use it again when returning to Lusaka"
Chongwe River Camp
"Marvellous stay at Chongwe River Camp!"
The location at the confluence of the Chongwe and Zambezi rivers is truly amazing with fantastic wildlife sightings even from the camp itself. The entire staff is the most welcoming, friendly & professional team you can meet.
During my stay, I went on day and night game drives, fishing, canoeing, boat cruising and walking. All activities are excellent and the general atmosphere is just tremendous: Chongwe River Camp simply achieve the perfect balance of a relaxed bush camp with high standards.
The wild dogs happened to be right behind the camp the morning I went fishing..... As I missed them, I will just have to return again!"
Memorable trip to Zambia
Zambia between 16 Aug 2015 and 3 Sep 2015
A big Thank you to Freddie Sutton who arranged my itinerary: From our first contact, he was extremely pleasant, helpful & efficient and able to answer promptly (and in detail) any query I had.
On this trip, I visited Kafue for the first time and would recommend Busanga Bush camp as a starting point when travelling to Zambia. I was really looking forward to returning to South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi. By choice, I revisited Chongwe River Camp. The alternative camps suggested by Freddie were an excellent combination.
I was hoping to see Sables and Wild Dogs on this trip, which did not happen, but had plenty of other amazing sightings . The fishing in Lower Zambezi was fantastic, and once again I learnt some more fascinating wildlife facts from the knowledgeable Guides in various camps.
A special thank you also to "Tours Africa": Dave and his friendly team are punctual and efficient. They were also of great help liaising with other people to successfully retrieve and forward my lost luggage. Dave went out of his way to source an alternative camera for me why my own stopped working at the beginning of my trip... Fantastic service
Expert Africa's level of service is beyond expectations with excellent personal touch from start to finish.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
I couldn't honestly think of anything Expert Africa could do better!"
Busanga Bushcamp
"Beautiful Busanga Bushcamp"
The standards of the rooms are excellent with the extremely comfortable beds! Food is delicious. Immaculate attention to details & excellent coffee brought to your room every morning. The Staff is lovely: Ondyne was most helpful in liaising with other people to successfully retrieve my lost luggage from Lusaka. Pyben is ideal in his role.
The game drive routes may seem a bit repetitive but we had excellent lions sightings (including an adorable cub) and a picture perfect leopard "hanging" in a tree! The hot air balloon trip was amazing with Erik, a very skilled and entertaining pilot ."
KaingU Lodge
"Kaingu Lodge review"
Lynda, Gil and Julia were extremely helpful and did everything possible to assist when my camera stopped working :-(
Fishing with Major was fun (lots of silver bullets and different types of perch). Our guide "John D." was experienced and knowledgeable, but the game drives unfortunately were very quiet. We were possibly just unlucky during our 2 night stay."
Nsolo Bushcamp
"Warmest welcome at Nsolo Bushcamp"
Overall a very enjoyable, comfortable and relaxed bushcamp, It feels secluded, which I liked.
Interesting walks with very knowledgeable guides (Friday and Dr. Phil).
Would love to return and arrange a "sleep out" the next time!"
Mchenja Bushcamp
"Delightful stay at Mchenja Bushcamp"
The hostess Tasha was charming and guide "Uncle John" was especially entertaining.
The sightings were truly spectacular: 2 leopards came down from a tree and "posed" for us right beside the vehicle, we saw a big male lion with his baby hippo kill, elephants crossing the river right in front of the tent, excellent bird life etc etc... The morning I left, lions were sleeping IN the camp! I could have stayed longer!"
Chongwe River Camp
"My favourite.. Chongwe River Camp!"
Fishing is brilliant (I was very pleased with a 19bs tiger fish, my best so far!). The river cruises are a lovely way to relax after some intense fishing! Canoeing is most enjoyable. On the morning game drives, I was hoping to see Wild Dogs as sightings are frequent beside the camp, but didn't this time. However, we spotted Samango monkeys, which was also exciting.
A very special thank you to CJ, Yvonne, Sam, George and the rest of the team for another memorable stay & brilliant time! I will definitely return again"
Anabezi Luxury Tented Camp
"Anabezi Luxury Tented Camp review"
Overall, Viewing wildlife around Anabezi from the decking was enjoyable. Fishing with Gift was really great (the last day of my stay, I caught a 18.5lbs tiger fish on my first cast!). The area is rich in wildlife and sightings plentiful (3 different leopards on the first game drive) and I was also very pleased to see an aardvark!"
Fabulous experience!
Zambia between 14 Aug 2013 and 28 Aug 2013
Nkwali
"Nkwali, Perfect start to my trip in Zambia"
Great wildlife sightings from the 1st evening drive (including 1 leopard with his kill in a tree, Big male lion, elephants, giraffes, a Sharpe's Grysbok etc etc...!). Brilliant wildlife activity around the camp during siesta time.. right in front of the rooms along the river or around the waterhole close to the dining room.
Professional & knowledgeable staff. I also enjoyed the walks.
Loved the gentle drumming in the mornings.. great food and overall, excellent attention to details"
Tena Tena
"Tena Tena review"
Considerate and professional staff.
Enjoyed both the walks and drives. Excellent wildlife sightings - including honey badgers!"
Nsefu
"Nsefu, my favourite RPS camp"
All the guides are pro, respectful of the environment and good fun at the same time. The sightings were magical and exciting.. Wish I had extra time there!"
Chongwe River Camp
"Absolutely Brilliant Camp!"
The fact that I was travelling solo didn't seem to make any difference as regards the level of quality service, flexibility, professionalism showed by all the guides. I particularly enjoyed fishing with Sam and then with George. The canoeing and evening game drive were also delightful
I loved Chongwe River Camp the minute I set foot in the place! Flossie is most welcoming and top marks to all the staff for making it such a wonderful stay! I will Definitely return!"
Islands of Siankaba
"Islands of Siankaba review"
As regards the spa, Bessie is Very good and gives excellent treatments and massages.
Would not call their food "Superb Cuisine", it's rather "hit an miss", with some good dishes and some not so good.
While staying there, you are quite far away from all the activities offered. Personally, it felt all too "quiet" after 10 days in the bush and it probably would have been better for me to visit the islands of Siankaba at the start of a trip rather than the end."
When looking at which camp to choose in South Luangwa, I loved Expert Africa's description "small, remote personal camp with its own hide" and it did not disappoint.
The tents are very comfortable - the gauzed skylights are a very nice touch. Warm welcome by Emma and the thoughtful team.
I was guided by pleasant and knowledgeable Yoram. The food is fresh (they have their own vegetable garden in Mfuwe) and delicious.
The game drives may have been a little quiet at times, but the quality of the sightings were very good (including Cookson's wildebeest, the female leopard "Chipeduza" killing a big male impala in broad day light, the cheeky elephant Dennis in camp and a pride of lions coming to drink at the water hole in front of the hide)."