Reviews of trips to Lusaka area

"There were two things that I wanted to do in this holiday: walk and see as many leopards as possible. Well, I have done excellent walking safaris and I had some of the most beautiful sighting of leopards ever had.

Apart from this, the whole trip has been really great. I have loved all places, the staff has been everywhere so kind and the contact with nature and wild animals was just unbelievable. I couldn't imagine a better holiday!

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I have contacted Expert Africa twice: the first time for a fly and drive in Namibia and for this trip to Zambia. Both time I had a very good service and at the moment I can't think of any further suggestion." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zambia safari

"Norman Carr Safaris were excellent - facilities and food first rate. They are however overprotective of guests and , if you have done any independent self drive and camping, their safety precautions are OTT and risk spoiling the experience. So be beware.

For first timers they would be great. The walking was really good and our guides were generally excellent. The ZAWA scouts did a great job.

N Luangwa was really relaxed and more of a wilderness experience. Highly recommended." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Zambia safari

"Expert Africa have become the one agent we would recommend to everyone. Your knowledge of Africa (we have travelled with you to Tanzania and Zambia so far) is outstanding. Having listened to our preferences your choice of camps was perfect.

The standards of all aspects of this trip were really outstanding. Even where we have rated below top marks, it is as much to differentiate between the camps as to penalise any.

Zambia/the Lower luanga has so far been our best safari. we rarely visit a destination twice, but I sincerely hope we return, at least to Zambia and ideally to Tafica if not others in the Lower Luanga.

Thanks particularly to Chris who spoke to me and recommended the camps personnally (we are not the easiest customers). Having spoken to a number of other Expert Africa customers, it seems he somehow finds time to speak personnally to most of them - incredible - long may this continue!" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari

"It was great to be back with the Tafica team and their 3 bushcamps. Walking is the activity to do at every opportunity, once you have seen most animals from a truck.

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lets talk about next year's trip and how about an increasing discount for faithful clients?" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Zambia safari

"Most enjoyable - I'd recommend it to anybody!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Zambia safari

"Fabulous holiday, would recommend to anyone with a sense of adventure and an interest in wildlife. We have some great pictures to keep the memories alive.

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None, I think the fact that Anna knew the places well was crucial to choosing two of the smaller operators and gave us an exceptional holiday" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zambia safari

"These comments actually cover the time when we were 'on our own' in Zambia. First, we rented a 4x4 from Limohire that we drove to my daughter's village (she is a Peace Corps volunteer) in a village called Chisebwa about 15km from the Great North Road at an intersection about 50km southwest of Serenje. We also used it to visit some farmers my daughter is working with and to visit Kundalila Falls. Those experiences were off paved roads but were on fairly good single lane trails/roads.

Based on the Guide book I must admit I was fairly concerned about driving in Zambia, and seriously considered the use of a driver. However, I found the roads to be in excellent condition, except for the Great North Road north of the turnoff to Mansa, at which point one had to carefully watch for potholes. I realize the Guide book does need to be cautious (and certainly I never considered any serious off-track adventures) but it ended up being quite a bit easier to get around than I originally expected.

Second, I emailed three car rental agencies in Zambia (Limohire (who responded immediately), Livingstone 4x4 Hire (who also responded immediately but had no vehicles), and Voyagers (who never responded). So I went with Limohire. The cost for a Nissan Safari was $140/day (500km) plus fuel. We handled everything by email and, when in Zambia, by phone, and I was completely satisfied (in other words we never met in person). He did not accept credit cards so I had to wire transfer half the rental fee as deposit before the trip, and then pay the remainder plus a $1000 deposit when I received the car at the airport upon arrival. Hans, the owner, is an honest individual. Because of logistical problems I had to leave the vehicle for him to pick it up at Pioneer Camp (without getting back my deposit) so he arranged for one of his employees to meet us at the airport upon our return from Livingstone, and he was there with our deposit. Were I to visit Zambia again (and I may since my daughter may extend for another year) I would definitely do business with Hans.

Finally, just a couple comments regarding the Guide. The Sweetwater Guesthouse near Mkushi is 'no more'. The owner, Vernon Cantlay (not sure about spelling) is the father of friends of my daughter and we happened to meet him at a barbecue when we were there. He continues to own and farm the property but does not run a guesthouse any more. Also, you might want to consider checking out the Shaolom Takeaway as a funky, friendly little cafe in Mkushi. I understand the Peace Corps volunteers like it because it serves more chicken with its nshima than other cafes/restaurants in town. By the way, we enjoyed our meal there!" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zambia safari

"Just as rewarding and enjoyable as the previous two visits.

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Your service is excellent. We always recommend you when asked about our trips to Africa." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zambia safari

"I have been on 5 other Safaris and thought I knew what to expect, I was wrong. Though each of the previous visits to Africa were thoroughly enjoyable I find it hard to express in words my experince with Remote Africa. I arrived a little late on the 21st but waiting for me at the entrance to Tafika camp was Heather. She made me feel completely at home from the first minute. As a single person one can often feel alone but this didn't happen here, or in any of the camps - Chicoko or Crocodile. I really felt I was among friends that I had known for years.

From the moment I contacted your Office and spoke to Anna and then was attend to by Lucy Copson I was hugely impressed. Actually it was because of Lucy's care and attention that I went to Tafika etc

Thank you to all involved with Remote Africa

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I can't think of anything required." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari

"Very enjoyable. The trip was well organised with all the transfers and internal flights of a high standard." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zambia safari