Reviews of trips to Livingstone & Victoria Falls

"We had a wonderful holiday which we enjoyed tremendously - other than the visa concern mentioned at the start the only other thing which It would have been good to know is that tipping is standard and the daily rate per day guide in dollars would have been useful for us to know - also that a general tip to staff is normally given as well - this would give you a chance to have the right amount of cash in hand - as there is nowhere in most of the camps to get any cash - we fortunately had just about enough in various currencies to do this but it was a concern as we had not anticipated this ( probably it being our first time doing this type of trip)" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"A magical experience as always in Africa and especially Botswana.

We would like to go back to Africa again in the future - it's a place that keeps drawing you back.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

I would not book an African holiday with any other company other than Expert Africa. You are simply the best!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"Now we have had our holiday I feel I understand what I would do next time.

It was all a wonderful experience. Firstly I must put a word in for Mack Air as there didn't seem to be anywhere to put that. We were concerned and a bit anxious about the small flights but the service and professionalism from the pilots was excellent and made the whole experience fine.

All the places we booked were good, each different and interesting. Of course not having been to Africa before or been on a safari holiday before it is difficult to understand what it is going to be like even though we read all the information and listened to all the advice there is nothing like the experience of actually being there.

In no particular order we felt that the camps in Botswana seemed more geared up to 2 night stays and in fact 2 nights felt perfectly fine though before we went I thought 2 nights might feel a bit tight. In fact sometimes our 3 night stays felt as if the guides were looking for things to do. I loved Botswana, particularly the Okavanga Delta and would go back there.

Though we were a bit concerned about driving ourselves round Namibia as 2 women on our own in our late 50s and 60s, in fact it was very easy. We loved Cape Cross and Walvis Bay, both fine for 1 night stays. I would want to stay 2 nights in Okonjima in the Bush camp, a very pleasant place to stay. It was me who insisted on staying in Okaukeujo and it was fine though I think if I was advising someone else I would suggest somewhere smaller with better food.

I also would not go back to the Zambezi Sun, it was the only place we were disappointed with. Everyone is different but we both realised how important a breakfast and dinner view is for us and a view of the Zambezi rather than corporate hospitality is worth paying for.

We loved South Africa and will probably go back there sometime. All in all we loved it and love Africa, it is like no other place I've ever been to.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

I cant think of anything. My sister and I did talk about how difficult it must be to advise people on where to stay and where to go. You did really well so thank you. The only thing that might have helped us not go to the Zambezi Sun was either us telling you the sort of hotel we usually stay in when we travel or you asking." Read full review: 28 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip

"We thoroughly enjoyed our trip of a lifetime we couldn't have asked for more.

The itinerary was perfect and many thanks to Megan from Expert Africa for her help and knowledge.

My one and only comment on my whole trip would be that our journey home from Abu Dhabi could have been changed and we could have flown back to Manchester which would have been a little easier.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

You are doing an excellent job we had a wonderful holiday with no problems and I am sure if we had you gave us ample telephone numbers and contacts to help us well done Expert Africa.👏👍😃" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 3 on a Botswana safari

"It was a wonderful week + with the family in Zambia. We would have changed a few minor decisions if we had it to do over again, but that said, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we will never forget. Everything was well organized, we loved the camps and lodges that we stayed at. We all gained lots of weight because the food was so good.

The wildlife was amazing and we just couldn't believe how much we saw, even just on our first day in the bush. The guides were excellent. Thanks for arranging this vacation with us." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari

"This was a very well put together trip. Although we spent a minimum number of nights at each camp (2) Robin Pope safaris moved all our luggage seamlessly and we were able to have a transfer and drive at the same time!

I would also highly commend Robin Pope for their ability to help us through Lusaka and Livingston airports.

Particularly helpful was their ability to get us through the diplomatic channel when getting our visa into Zambia!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No. Well done!" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari

"Our trip was fabulous! All the transfers - of which there were plenty and complicated - were excellent. Even down to our final transfer to the airport where our driver David from Wild Horizons gave us a Zambian Quiz to complete our trip!! Great! All the drivers were very attentive and made us feel completely at ease during our 3 country and two river crossings!

Our whole trip went without a hitch and we had a wonderful experience.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Sorry - I can't. The service from Expert Africa was superb. We will definitely use your expertise again when the time comes for another trip in the future.
Many many thanks" Read full review: 6 nights in Africa; 4 on a Zambia safari

"This was our best trip yet with Expert Africa; thank you so much to Megan (along with Chloe) for really listening to and helping crystallise what we had in mind, and for their patience in putting together such a well balanced programme for us." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari

"An outstanding travel experience.

As a rather independent traveler, I rely on travel literature to plan itineraries rather than merely "purchase" a pre established tour such as those offered by Abercrombie and Kent. With regards to Botswana, I read the Bradt Travel Guide authored by Chris McIntyre and found it to be most informative, especially in the descriptions of the various private concession areas and of the myriad of camps within the concessions. Being directly affiliated with Expert Africa led me to contacting your company and I was put in contact with Nick Hobbs.

Over many months, Nick and I had numerous interactions both by email and on occasion by telephone. In all instances, I found Nick to be very responsive and his personal knowledge of Botswana obviously helpful in narrowing down which camps I ultimately selected.

Having completed our holiday, I can report that every required travel reservation/connection---air from Joberg, ground to zambia hotel, scheduled excursions within zambia, ground/boat/air connection to botswana camps was effected without any problem. And the safari camp experiences was consistent with the written or verbal guidance provided by Expert Africa personnel. And, while this was a most expensive holiday, prices quoted by Expert Africa were competitive with other inquiries I made prior to selecting Expert Africa.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Expert Africa literature was very informative and helpful.

A minor suggestion-- while gratuity guidance for guides and camp staff is covered. I would add some guidance re ground transportation personnel --- for example, is a gratuity expected for the people providing the ground transportation from Zambia airport to hotel; or, from Zambia hotel to Botswana border; or, the Mack air porter who takes your bags to the small aircraft at Kasane? ( The cost for the ground/private air is included in the aggregate amount paid to Expert Africa but it is vague whether or not an additional gratuity is ""expected"".)

As a traveler, my preference would be, to specifically state in you literature that a gratuity for these incidental services is not expected (and if necessary, add a few dollars/pounds to your fees to the traveler to cover these incidentals)." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"Loved Zambia. Very friendly and excellent safari drives." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 17 on a Zambia safari