Reviews of trips to Lusaka area

"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

"A super trip. We are already boring all our friends with our tales!!

Would have no hesitation in recommending Expert Africa to friends" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari

"The trip as a whole was excellent, very enjoyable, and very fruitful as regards animal sightings, and vegetation and general environment explanations. We would highly recommend such a trip, and we would highly recommend Robin Pope Safaris, which we hope keeps its efficient but homespun individual character.

We went at the end of the season in spite of the heat, expecting good game viewings, but found the heat at night a problem and made much use of kikois. For the first time we all got gut problems, and found we were not alone in this, but cannot put the cause down to any one thing - heat, dehydration or food. However, only one of us had to miss one game drive, and staff were solicitous, so ailments were an inconvenience, rather than a major problem." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Zambia safari

"RPS in South Luangwa was first class once again and their operation the reason we went back to Zambia.

Kafue with Wilderness' Rivers and Plains Exploration was more of a economic extension to enable us to see a different area and generally we very much enjoyed it." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zambia safari