Reviews of trips to Livingstone & Victoria Falls
581 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Livingstone.
Mrs B
Cheshire
"Truly fabulous holiday"
I visited Botswana and 1 other country between 12 Oct 2012 and 22 Oct 2012
"This was our first trip to Africa and first safari trip. Expert Africa had been recommended by a friend, and after the first discussion with Nick Hobbs, I had no desire to explore further travel agents.
The brochure, whilst lovely, is confusing when you've never done this before - there are so many options. This on top of the website gives an overwhelming set of options even when you have narrowed it down to the country you want to visit. This is where Nick's knowledge and skill really came into its own. He listened to what I told him regarding what we wanted, and also to what I didn't explicitly say about my own values etc. He put together a holiday for us that was truly fabulous. Not only did we see incredible wildlife (including wild dogs which I particularly wanted to see) but also the choice of the Kwando Safari camps whose ethos of recruiting locally and responsible tourism was in line with my personal values. The staff at both Kwando Safari camps were exceptional, partly due to their strategy of recruiting a certain type of person.
The way the trip was organised by Nick made this a completely stress free holiday for us - it was quite complicated but everything happened when it was supposed to and I didn't feel I need to worry about a thing (it only started going wrong on the bits after the safari which I booked myself!)
I cannot recommend Nick and Expert Africa highly enough.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
I can't think of a single thing." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 5 on a Botswana safari
The brochure, whilst lovely, is confusing when you've never done this before - there are so many options. This on top of the website gives an overwhelming set of options even when you have narrowed it down to the country you want to visit. This is where Nick's knowledge and skill really came into its own. He listened to what I told him regarding what we wanted, and also to what I didn't explicitly say about my own values etc. He put together a holiday for us that was truly fabulous. Not only did we see incredible wildlife (including wild dogs which I particularly wanted to see) but also the choice of the Kwando Safari camps whose ethos of recruiting locally and responsible tourism was in line with my personal values. The staff at both Kwando Safari camps were exceptional, partly due to their strategy of recruiting a certain type of person.
The way the trip was organised by Nick made this a completely stress free holiday for us - it was quite complicated but everything happened when it was supposed to and I didn't feel I need to worry about a thing (it only started going wrong on the bits after the safari which I booked myself!)
I cannot recommend Nick and Expert Africa highly enough.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
I can't think of a single thing." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 5 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs R
Wimbledon
"A great experience and very enjoyable"
I visited Botswana and 1 other country between 21 Sep 2012 and 2 Oct 2012
"We thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Botswana which is a wonderful country.
We would recommend it to others." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari
We would recommend it to others." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr N & Ms S
Zambia
"Our 10th trip with Expert Africa!"
I visited Zimbabwe and 1 other country between 20 Sep 2012 and 4 Oct 2012
"The fact that we have now made ten trips with EA since 2006 speaks for itself - and this one was right up there with the best. We continue to have no hesitation recommending Chris and his team to others."
Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zimbabwe safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs J
W Sussex
"My Sep 2012 trip"
I visited Namibia and 2 other countries between 16 Sep 2012 and 28 Sep 2012
"Efficient and knowledgeable."
Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 3 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs D
W Sussex
"Our trip was very enjoyable and fun."
I visited Namibia and 2 other countries between 15 Sep 2012 and 29 Sep 2012
"We had a good mix with first the Ichobezi House Boat to unwind after the flight out and in a brilliant area on the Chobe River and then three nights in two different camps, Saile and Kwara, with early morning game drives and early evening drives or boat trips.
To end up with three nights on the Islands of Siankaba was a great idea to relax in comfort to end the holiday.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
As I have said above I think alternatives to flying to Johannesburg and then one and a half hours back to Botswana/Caprivi Strip/Zambia shouid be considered such as Lusaka.
Overall it was well organised and everything happend as planned.
A great holiday and thanks." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 3 on a Namibia trip
To end up with three nights on the Islands of Siankaba was a great idea to relax in comfort to end the holiday.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
As I have said above I think alternatives to flying to Johannesburg and then one and a half hours back to Botswana/Caprivi Strip/Zambia shouid be considered such as Lusaka.
Overall it was well organised and everything happend as planned.
A great holiday and thanks." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 3 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs C
Herts
"My Sep 2012 trip"
I visited Zambia between 9 Sep 2012 and 20 Sep 2012
"A very memorable trip.
Everything fell neatly into place especially considering the complexity of the itinerary. It was very comforting to see somebody holding a board with our name on at each new venue.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Perhaps each camp could provide anti-histamine cream along with the mosquito repellent?
We did get bitten and used a whole tube of anthisan." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zambia safari
Everything fell neatly into place especially considering the complexity of the itinerary. It was very comforting to see somebody holding a board with our name on at each new venue.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Perhaps each camp could provide anti-histamine cream along with the mosquito repellent?
We did get bitten and used a whole tube of anthisan." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs G
Michigan
"My Sep 2012 trip"
I visited Zambia between 9 Sep 2012 and 22 Sep 2012
"This was our second Expert Africa safari, and we are as happy with the planning and service as we were on our first trip. We think that you have the best website and brochure available anywhere, and it makes the planning process much easier.
We initially had difficulty deciding whether to go to Botswana or Zambia, so when we called to discuss the differences we were connected with Chris McIntyre. Chris spent almost an hour on the telephone with us discussing the merits of each country, and thoroughly explaining the differences between the safari experiences in them. When we got off the phone, we were both captivated by the idea of travel in Zambia because of the possibility of walking treks with well-trained guides.
From there, Claire Scott became our contact and helped us decide which camps best suited our wishes. Her recommendations were perfect!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Only one minor thing...... Since we were visiting Victoria Falls in September at a time when the river flow is low, we wish that we had been advised that the viewing is better from Zimbabwe. We would have arranged for a 2-entry Zambian visa and allotted time to cross the border" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zambia safari
We initially had difficulty deciding whether to go to Botswana or Zambia, so when we called to discuss the differences we were connected with Chris McIntyre. Chris spent almost an hour on the telephone with us discussing the merits of each country, and thoroughly explaining the differences between the safari experiences in them. When we got off the phone, we were both captivated by the idea of travel in Zambia because of the possibility of walking treks with well-trained guides.
From there, Claire Scott became our contact and helped us decide which camps best suited our wishes. Her recommendations were perfect!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Only one minor thing...... Since we were visiting Victoria Falls in September at a time when the river flow is low, we wish that we had been advised that the viewing is better from Zimbabwe. We would have arranged for a 2-entry Zambian visa and allotted time to cross the border" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
LC family
SW London
"Couldn't have been more successful"
I visited Zambia between 5 Sep 2012 and 13 Sep 2012
"We had the most spectacular trip with one of the highlights visiting Livingstone Island on the Victoria Falls and making our way to the "Devil's Pool" - although I had no idea how dangerous it was until I was halfway there!!
Thanks so much for helping us organise a fabulous week in Africa and making our journey so special. It all went unbelievably well and I will send you my detailed blog posts on the trip as and when I write them.
Or check out my blog here in the next few weeks http://familyaffairsandothermatters.com
Thanks again.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Claire also helped us hugely and no, I can't think of ways of improving your service at the moment - apart from hiring me as your new Zambia expert!" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari
Thanks so much for helping us organise a fabulous week in Africa and making our journey so special. It all went unbelievably well and I will send you my detailed blog posts on the trip as and when I write them.
Or check out my blog here in the next few weeks http://familyaffairsandothermatters.com
Thanks again.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Claire also helped us hugely and no, I can't think of ways of improving your service at the moment - apart from hiring me as your new Zambia expert!" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr J & Mrs C
Streatha
"A wonderful trip to Zambia"
I visited Zambia between 5 Sep 2012 and 16 Sep 2012
"This was a wonderful trip. We were fortunate to have excellent lodges, very good service and some fantastic game viewing and guiding.
The only slightly disappointing part was aspects of our stay in Livingstone but overal these did very little to affect our impression that this was one of our best holidays ever.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
None" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari
The only slightly disappointing part was aspects of our stay in Livingstone but overal these did very little to affect our impression that this was one of our best holidays ever.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
None" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs S
York
"My Sep 2012 trip"
I visited Botswana and 1 other country between 5 Sep 2012 and 17 Sep 2012
"Am aware that have not been able to offer any constructive criticism! It was beyond our expectattions and would offer the following.
Your advice regarding the itinery was spot on:
A break in Livingstone set us up after the long journey
Leballa - a really great introduction to Africa, the attitude of the staff was tangibly happy
Kwara - enabled full activities and so was a good mid point
NAxi Pan - peaceful and laid back, a great place to finish our trip.
Most impressed by all the transfers which all went off without a hitch, the drivers/pilots/airport staff all very keen to help, however a pocketful of $1 bills probab ly heped!!. Perhaps in you notes you could list a rough exchange rate for Rands, Kwacha and Pula as we got a bit confused at times esp in the airport souvenir shops! At one point were intriged to have a bill for 1.3 milliod kwacha for out Zambezi Sun extras ( about £170!). Perhaps beware of the prices in the Camp souvenier shops, pricey but there again reasonable when you consider having to transport it all there.
Really had a fabulous time and have started saving up for a repeat trip, perhaps in the rainy season next time.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Soory to not have any suggestions, really impressed by your service - better than your rivals!!
The animal book you sent us was great, just enough to whet the appetite, they guides all carried very detailed books in the jeeps for really detailed identification. The availability of laundry facilities allowed us to cut down on our packing, we both managed on 10kgs total and so had no probs with getting our cases on the small planes. Your notes for travellers were very detailed and helpful" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari
Your advice regarding the itinery was spot on:
A break in Livingstone set us up after the long journey
Leballa - a really great introduction to Africa, the attitude of the staff was tangibly happy
Kwara - enabled full activities and so was a good mid point
NAxi Pan - peaceful and laid back, a great place to finish our trip.
Most impressed by all the transfers which all went off without a hitch, the drivers/pilots/airport staff all very keen to help, however a pocketful of $1 bills probab ly heped!!. Perhaps in you notes you could list a rough exchange rate for Rands, Kwacha and Pula as we got a bit confused at times esp in the airport souvenir shops! At one point were intriged to have a bill for 1.3 milliod kwacha for out Zambezi Sun extras ( about £170!). Perhaps beware of the prices in the Camp souvenier shops, pricey but there again reasonable when you consider having to transport it all there.
Really had a fabulous time and have started saving up for a repeat trip, perhaps in the rainy season next time.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Soory to not have any suggestions, really impressed by your service - better than your rivals!!
The animal book you sent us was great, just enough to whet the appetite, they guides all carried very detailed books in the jeeps for really detailed identification. The availability of laundry facilities allowed us to cut down on our packing, we both managed on 10kgs total and so had no probs with getting our cases on the small planes. Your notes for travellers were very detailed and helpful" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
581
reviews of Livingstone by travellers since August 2007
Overall rating by our travellers
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Inspire meWhere to stay in Livingstone
Our suggestions for places to stay in Livingstone & Victoria Falls
Avani Victoria Falls
Just a few minutes' walk from the Victoria Falls, with access for guests included, the Avani features good facilities in peaceful grounds at a modest price.
Royal Livingstone Hotel
Conveniently located just a short walk from the Zambia. side of the Victoria Falls, the colonial-style Royal Livingstone has beautiful grounds and small but quite luxurious rooms.
Tongabezi
Secluded on the banks of the Zambezi, less than 20km from the Victoria Falls, Tongabezi is one of the most exclusive lodges in Zambia.
Waterberry Lodge
Offering great value for money and within easy reach of the Victoria Falls, Waterberry is a small, family-friendly lodge on the banks of the Zambezi River.
Islands of Siankaba
In a lovely location on the Zambezi upriver of the Victoria Falls, Islands of Siankaba provides a tranquil setting to relax at the start or end of a safari to Botswana or Zambia.
Toka Leya Camp
The new Toka Leya Camp stands beside the Zambezi inside Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park – so wildlife often passes through. It's a comfortable tented camp which has great service and includes a range of activities.
Stanley Safari Lodge
Stanley Safari Lodge has views of Victoria Falls spray from all the rooms, and is a convenient base for exploring the Zambezi River area.
The River Club
The River Club, near Zambia's town of Livingstone and the Victoria Falls, overlooks the Zambezi River.
Sindabezi
Sindabezi, near Zambia's town of Livingstone and the Victoria Falls, is an island in the middle of the Zambezi River
Thorntree River Lodge
Rebuilt in 2017, Thorntree River Lodge is one of the best riverside lodges in Livingstone, with a strong sense of the environment and straightforward access to the Falls.
David Livingstone Lodge
The four-star David Livingstone Safari Lodge is in a lovely spot on the edge of the Zambezi River in Zambia, close to the Victoria Falls.
Sussi & Chuma
Sussi & Chuma combines a luxurious, laid-back camp with a good location on the Zambezi River, with quick access to the Victoria Falls.
Tangala House
Tangala House, the family home near Zambia's town of Livingstone and the Victoria Falls
