Reviews of trips to Livingstone & Victoria Falls

"Oh dear - I've written all this once. Just went back on feedback to form to untick the 'happy to share with other travellers' and have lost what I originally wrote! Here goes again..

This was an amazing experience for both of us. We were particularly pleased with the small number of people at each camp which gave a feeling of private game viewing and we particularly enjoyed the walking safaris at Linyanti. I was concerned that 2 weeks might be too long but, with the variety of camps chosen (with Megan's help and the Bradt Guide) we never tired.

We think that 3 nights in one place is beter than 2 nights. Without exception all camps were excellent. Staff attentive, food plentiful (too plentiful!); guides good. Comfortable beds and linen - with award for best hot water bottle going to Camp Kalahari. Food was very western (delicious soups) and some people commented that they would like to try local cuisine - that said, we understand the reason why camps stick to western food.

We would suggest that clear guidelines be given on tipping. The Bradt Guide seems a little out of date with what others were paying. Not knowing what staff and guides earn as basic wage, it's difficult, but can't help thinking that $20 pp/per day for guide and same amount for staff is a lot when you consider how many guests pass through a camp in a week. Some nationalities are more accustomed to tipping than others so clear (lower) guidelines would be good so that we know in advance how much to take and there is no awkwardness. Baines was the only camp to provide guidance on tipping in their in-room brochure but even that wasn't clear as to if it was pp or per member of staff.

We mistakenly left our Bradt Guide at Little Kwara. If you could send another, that would be very much appreciated Megan.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

We thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and were pleased to meet other Expert Africa travellers on the same trip - both of who had booked through NZ I believe due to time difference. Have already passed on your details to others so that's the best compliment. Thank you Megan. I know Nick (husband) enjoyed poring over the Bradt Guide and discussing various options with you. Can't think of any other suggestions but will let you know if we do!" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 11 on a Botswana safari

"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

"Our fourth visit to Zambia in less than three years was built partly around 'pure' vacation and partly around one or two other interests we wanted to follow. We were able to pursue satisfactorily our non-vacation objectives and have a most enjoyable break in the process, not least thanks to the - as always first rate - advice we gleaned from Expert Africa while we were planning this, our ninth, trip with the firm.

On the vacation element, we thought that we got the balance right between the more conventional South Luangwa leg and the more exotic Bangweulu/Kasanka leg.

Overall, we are very satisfied

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On the website, the recent evolution (on which work is ongoing) is rapidly pushing it towards the 'very good' category." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zambia safari

"We had a great trip.

In the future we think we would spend less time travelling to different places but rather spend more time in certain localities. It all goes so quickly that time spent travelling between places feels like lost time.

This trip certainly confirms for us that we much prefer being in owner led, authentic, well managed, unpretentious lodges or camps like Tafika. We would certainly want to spend more time their on our next visit, there was so much to do and it would be good to do it at a more leisurely pace.

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We feel that Expert Africa is as good as it can possibly be, we have always been extremely satisfied with your service and would not wish to use any other company to help us with our trips to Africa.

The level of knowledge processed by the team is second to none and is borne out of first hand experience which is invaluable." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zambia safari

"It was although expensive it was good value.

The organisation of the trip was spot on and logistics were superb." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 9 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

"Botswana was our 5th trip to Africa on safari holiday. We had very high expectations on the basis of outstanding previous experiences. But we returned very disappointed. There were few exciting moments and our memories, quite honestly, are of relative dullness. Our photos convey this; we have relatively few and those which we have are not as good as others taken on previous trips. The meerkats and vic falls were the exception but this was an extremely expensive way to see them!!

There was just no excitement. We were expecting the delta to be lush and teeming with wildlife but in reality it is just a series of islands interspersed with wet bits. We went all the way to Botswana and didn't even see a hippo! And we saw just one elephant in the water. You see more in Kenya! The country is also very flat and visually dull. Even the short flights are boring.

The guides are all very pleasant but come across as bored. Where is the enthusiasm?

It's hard to put it onto words without coming across as overly moany. We regret going, to be honest, as it is an expensive country (why???) and we could have had 4 good other holidays in place of this one. We won't be recommending Botswana to anyone.

This appears to be a country which is cleverly marketed but fails to deliver in reality." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari

"A great holiday, very well organized by Expert Africa. The suggestion to stay at the Islands of Siankaba was spot on, we really enjoyed our time there, as well as on the day trip to Chobe. To our surprise, the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge was a really nice place, which we did not expect from some of the comments we read on Trip Advisor earlier on.

Our only mild disappointment were the falls themselves (out of the hands of all that had to do with this trip) - there was so much water and hence so much spray in the air that it was not easy to really see the falls, but the good glimpses we got were fantastic.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

We were very impressed with the friendliness and efficiency of both Megan Ingoldby who handled the initial contact and Maruska Adye who led us through the steps and finalized the program - you could not really do better - and in such a cordial manner! Your brochure and guides as well as your website are amazing, never have I seen better!

We will certainly keep you in mind when we organize our next trip to Africa." Read full review: 5 nights in Africa; 3 on a Zambia safari

"Wonderful holiday with fabulous memories" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 12 on a Botswana safari

"All arrangements worked out perfectly, the ground handling was greay all in all a very positive experience" Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 6 on a Zambia safari