Zambia: reviews from our travellers

"Unbelievable! This trip exceeded our expectations by a long way, and we can't wait to go back.

One tiny comment: As a keen photographer making maximum use of the "sweet" light a couple of hours after sunrise, and an hour or two before sunset, is crucial to getting good photos. If there was any way in which the guides could be given basic training in this, and how to best position the vehicle for the best light angle, this would make a difference between an "excellent" and a "superb" drive.

For us, it's not so much seeing the big cats on every drive, but the opportunity to take those "once in a lifetime" photos, even if it is"just" a family of baboons doing what baboons do but in the superb early morning or late afternoon light. Some guides were superb at this - both Patrick and Freya at Kaingo and Mwamba, for example, and Alex and Bryan at Tafika, and all guides were more than willing to try to get the best position when requetsed.

We didn't quite feel that the guide at Sausage Tree had the same intrinsic sensitivity, although this is a minor comment on a truly expert and experienced guide. We appreciate it can be difficult when there are several couples on the same vehicle, and compromises may need to be made to meet the objectives and expectations of everybody involved. This feedback is given in a psotive spirit with the objective of making a superb experience even better.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Nothing specific. Everything was extremely well organised and went superbly smoothly. Claire was incredibly helpful in arranging our preferences, with excellent communications all round." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zambia safari

"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!

Suggestions for improvements:

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

"We really loved our trip and would not hesitate to use Expert Africa again or to recommend you. We really appreciate the extra advice you gave us when planning our trip.

It would be handy on the itinerary if more details could be given on transfers for example that the flight from Livingstone to Luangwa was via Lusaka and the approximate length of the onward transfer by jeep - it is good to know what to expect!" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari

"This was our first safari so it needed to be very special, which it was.

We loved the fact all the camps were different and we didnt know what we were going to experience next which was great. Also glad we went to Victoria Falls first rather than last, as it was good to end up at one of the best camps. 2 weeks was a great amount of time to have-would definitely still like a minimum of 10 days with a selection of 2-3 camps plus maybe a coast/beach trip after next time!" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 12 on a Botswana 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

"We had a fabulous holiday, and the experience was definitely enhanced by your arrangements, particularly the excellent choices/recommendations that you made regarding accommodation - all our hotels were in superb locations that enabled us to see or access the main attractions with great ease." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 2 on a Zambia safari

"An excellent experience overall.
Pls. see prior comments on suggestions." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari

"The trip was excellent and very much enjoyed.

Everything worked well and the trip was tailormade for us in a sensitive and thoughtful manner, thanks to Anna who really knows her clients and their preferences. Definitely to be recommended" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 5 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

"An excellent trip overall, there were certain goals which included a photograph of a leopard in day light up a tree, this was the only thing not achieved, we did however find two golden leopards (lions) up a tree.

We thought last years trip to Botswana would be hard to beat but our trip this year to Zambia has exceeded all our expectations and we haven't stopped smiling since. We met some great people and everyone connected with all the camps were very helpful, knowledgeable and always smiling. Can't wait to go back.

Suggestions for improvements:

Only negative comment to make would be the pick up on the morning of our return flight to UK, having paid for B&B could not take part in breakfast as restaurant opens at 5.30am at Taj Hotel and the company used to transfer us to the airport also picked us up at this time, whereas we could had made use of the shuttle bus service of the hotel, therefore allowing us time to enjoy a breakfast before the flight home." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zambia safari