Reviews of trips to Lusaka area

"My trip only involved one safari camp, and I loved my stay at Nkwali. I don't want to repeat what I have written in my individual review of the camp, but in general I think South Luangwa in green season is much under rated and at low season rates, great value for money. The big cats are more elusive than in dry season but the wild dog sightings were a match for those I've had anywhere else (eg Botswana), both on this trip and my 2018 trip at the same time of year. Of course, there are not so many options available, so a longer stay in one camp makes sense. No one would think twice about staying in one place for a week on another type of holiday, so why not on safari?

The mix of guests is always very interesting too, with more local residents or people visiting residents or adding on safari days to a business trip.

Although I have managed some trips during covid, Nkwali was quite busy during my stay, and this is the first time I've really felt like some sort of normality is returning to the safari world. With testing now dropped for most destinations, there was a sense of relief and optimism from staff and other guests alike.

Pioneer was the only low point of the trip, and I think perhaps it's time Expert Africa looked at some new options for overnights in Lusaka for guests who don't need a luxury boutique hotel." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zambia safari

"Luc and I had a wonderful trip to Kafue NP and South Luangwa NP in November 2021. The itinary created by Claire was excellent, first Kafue then South Luangwa.

Three weeks was an adequate time to appreciate the areas visited and to rest. We met dedicated people and visited beautiful landscapes.

We keep cherished memories of these three weeks.

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Your services are excellent!" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 16 on a Zambia safari

"Zambia and all lodges were absolutely beautiful and we'd like to come back and recommend to everybody who is interested in.

We also were very lucky with the weather conditions.

Lusaka is not worth to see it. Typical big city with nice areas but nothing special.

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no you're just perfect !!!

we're very happy we found you in the internet under such a lot of different tour operators." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 17 on a Zambia safari

"Overall a great trip, which was postponed several times. Camps and Expert Africa were flexible to accommodate the rescheduling requirements which I appreciate a lot. I had no issues with CoVID, the in-camp test was easy. All logistics worked smoothly. No problems whatsoever.

Compared to previous Zambia trips, this one rates slightly lower as the October heat, especially in the South Luangwa, was tough, in particular during Game Drives in the later morning and earlier afternoon. The heat was probably also a main contributor to a game viewing experience slightly below expectation, in particular leopards and lions were far less visible than in previous trips (during August/September). On the other site, sightings of Wild Dogs on four different days (even though it was always the same group of 21) was unexpected.

Hospitability in all camps and hotels was impeccable. Health (Covid) and safety (animals) protocols are in place and rigorously followed. Zambia is slowly recovering with international guests coming back. So there were days were I benefited from half-full camps, other days where I was happy to see camps full as it's vital for the camps. Zambia is definitely ready to welcome guests back. And it's also practical again to go on a safari." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 13 on a Zambia safari

"As a solo traveler, the lesson from this trip was what a massive difference the hosting and management can make to my enjoyment of a camp. In this respect, it really highlighted the appeal of owner run camps like Tafika where, as a repeat guest, you know you can expect to see the same faces (more or less) and get the same welcome time after time. Whilst I did also really enjoy Rekero, I know that there would be no guarantee of the same experience in a couple of years time as managers move on.

It was wonderful to be back in Zambia, and I was determined not to go another year without a Zambia safari, so I departed for this trip before Zambia was removed from the red list. The 10 days in Kenya were to "launder" my red list trip, although this was rendered unnecessary during the trip by the removal of Zambia from the red list.

The two days walking in Chikoko were a highlight of the trip and I wish I could have done more walking, but my timings were constrained by needing to fit in the 10 day "quarantine" in Kenya.

One disturbing development I found in South Luangwa was the proliferation of film crews, both on the Kaingo side of the river and the Nsefu side. These do negatively impact game viewing for tourists as the crews monopolise access to certain high profile animals and either don't allow tourist vehicles to approach or at least only allow access when nothing interesting is happening. I understand that next year there will be SEVEN film crews operating in the north part of South Luangwa. I appreciate that some operators have had to find other sources of income in the absence of tourism due to covid, but when tourism returns to normal levels (hopefully next year) I can see this becoming a major issue." Read full review: 24 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zambia safari

"It took lots of planning and attention to details to pull this trip off in the later stages of the pandemic, assessing and managing potential risks, but I am so glad that I did so.

It was a fantastic trip originally planned for 2020, and ended up being a rare experience given the relatively small number of fellow travelers. This resulted in much more personal time and interaction with guides and camp staff, and with the small number of fellow travelers that one did encounter.

There were some offsets - fewer guests and vehicles about meant there were fewer "spotters" to share sightings, and so locating wildlife could be more challenging at times. With fewer guests, and guests dining in their own small bubbles; there was no communal dining and camaraderie with fellow travelers from around the world, which is a more common pleasure of the safari experience.

Expert Africa / Claire Scott did a great job throughout, with excellent information. attention to detail, and enormous patience. They have a great reputation in-country on the ground, based upon the feedback I got from both camps and operators, some of whom are competitors.

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Keep up the good work!

Your web site has always been good, but you have made great improvements over the past couple of years and now it is excellent." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 6 on a Zambia safari

"This was our third trip with Expert Africa - I believe it's no coincidence that the Bradt Africa guides are simply the best ones on the market and that Expert Africa are extraordinary in the depth of their knowledge of the situation on the ground and in their capacity to coordinate and synchronise everything to make it an excellent trip for a family with young children.

The team doesn't shy away from having you face some challenging hikes and let you contrast more adventurous camping surroundings with (by then, you feel, properly earned) luxury.

I saw some of the most amazing sights and things in Africa, which I would not have found without the guidance of Expert Africa. And for the unforseeable and unavoidable occasional hick ups, the team is there to help where they can.

I hope Expert Africa stays a well kept secret." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zanzibar holiday

"Travelling to Africa at the time of Covid was a challenge. We were pretty sure about our target camps and were delighted with our choices. But none of this would have been possible without having been supported all way long by Megan.

Zambian entry rules changed literally 3 times in 3 months and especially twice in the 2 weeks prior departure. Megan kept daily contact with camps always leaving the option to cancel and get fully refunded till last possible moment. What was determining for our choice to fly in, was the direct contact I could have with Dave, their local handling agent who described honestly and openly how things were happening locally. The openness of the whole team how they would deal with forced quarantaine, border closing or airline flight suspension was the decisive factor.

Expert Africa and their local Zambian contacts have earned our outmost trust and respect. Special mention to Dave at Lusaka airport who had spontaneously printed all latest entry rules in our home country which facilitated with airline and immigration agents.

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Can't wait to use your services for our next trip to Africa!

A special note as well to mention the opportunity to speak to EA staff Expert in Zambia who gave us his personal opinion on a series of camps so we could confront our wishes vs his own experience.

Also thank you to Chris himself [Ed: Expert's MD] who did not hesitate to answer email himself when Megan was out of office even for a couple of days only." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 13 on a Zambia safari

"Such an enjoyable adventure. I find myself thinking of visiting Africa again. Thank you again during this time of Covid for a super trip!" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 16 on a Zambia safari

"More than 2 years ago someone in an African lodge recommended that we use a woman named Maruska from Expert Africa to help plan our first trip to Zambia. 2020 turned into 2021 and the changes and details which made this trip happen could not have been handled better. Patience and with professionalism and humour, Maruska pursued option after option to make this safari happen. We are so grateful.

And it was worth all the planning. Zambia was wonderful. The birds, the trees, the leopards, the huge number of hippo and crocodiles, the lodges, the people, the food! The Shoebills!! We have been on multiple safaris so the special Zebras, Wildebeest and Giraffe species were fascinating to us. Being almost the only guests in the lodges and parks was priceless. We enjoyed it so much we did not want to leave.

Oh, that is right, we almost did not get to leave. When Emirates suddenly cancelled our return flight from Lusaka in the middle of our trip that is when Expert Africa shone even brighter. Their great relationship with the lodge operators became apparent and with everyone's combined support we figured out an alternative routing, and testing, etc. and we made it home to Montana.

It was such a rewarding experience traveling in these challenging times and we felt so safe in the lodges that we are already planning another safari with Maruska's help for next month

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service: Was not clear of how to fill in the wildlife portion of this feedback. Was it number of elephants or sightings of groups of elephants? There you go, some feedback on the feedback. sign of the times!" Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 16 on a Zambia safari