Zambia: reviews from our travellers

"This was our first visit to Victoria Falls and our first safari holiday in Africa and we enjoyed every moment ! A truly amazing holiday !

We were very happy with the whole experience and would certainly use Expert Africa again for future trips." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Botswana safari

"We were the first of the season visitors at Mchenja with new camp managers, Richard and Susie. There were frought moments for them but they handled them well and we wish them every success.

Our flight and road transfers worked well and we should like to mention Geoff Chilongo who met us each time in Lusaka airport and smoothed our passage through.

Selinda provided two high spots, a cheetah stalk and kill and a group of 3 lionesses with 7 cubs. Lagoon provided the ultimate highlight of our trip with good sightings of a pack of wild dogs. Although the camp is beginning to look a little dated, this however is to its advantage in that it deters the spa safari clientele." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari

"Our trip was extraordinary. Before the trip, friends asked us why we weren't content to visit zoos or somewhere like Animal Kingdom. Now I know it's worth the effort to visit Africa: the animals behave more normally in their wild native habitats than they do in captivity.

There were almost no glitches; it was difficult to come up with the extremely minor faults I've mentioned in the previous pages--I was trying not to be glib. [Ed: click onthe links below to access those 'previous pages']

We will return to Africa.

Here's an odd thing: everyone told us to visit Namibia for the scenery, not the wildlife-viewing. But we saw more wildlife in Etosha the 4 days we were there than we did the 8 days we spent in Botswana. The 2WD may have slowed us down enough to notice the animals; also we weren't rushing around trying to find lions, and were content to see whatever appeared.

For us, the more remote the better: I found myself being annoyed at Chitabe when I heard planes or helicopters.

We had thought someone was going to drive us from Muchenje in Botswana all the way to the Livingstone Airport. We were not looking forward to waiting in line for the ferry to cross the Zambezi. But as you know, there were a number of agents involved in getting us from the one place to the other. The transition progressed remarkably smoothly, and we enjoyed seeing a little of the everyday Africa one doesn't observe at safari camps.

That being said, the agent at Kazangula, Zambia was very kiind but he didn't seem to know that everyone has to pay a visa fee now. He behaved in a rushed manner, without explaining his intentions to us. I was locked in the van with our luggage then the agent took my husband to the customs office. Unfortunately, I hadn't told my husband about making sure our passports were stamped with the appropriate number of days, so they were stamped 7 rather than 8. When we left Lusaka to fly to London, we were scolded about this.

We couldn't cash travelers' checks at Livingstone Airport; we didn't have enough time to try at Lusaka; and at Mfuwe, the clerk wanted $20 to exchange $50. We had no luck at Kapani either.

FYI, Mr. Grellman at Etango Game Ranch mentioned that Windhoek plans to expand the airport across the road, more or less adjacent to his ranch.

I'm rambling.

I don't know what additional information would be helpful. We're used to setting our own schedules when we travel, and for that reason, we enjoyed having our own car and doing what we pleased when in Etosha. For 2 active people, it's difficult to spend 6+ hours in a jeep each day; and of course, during siesta, one usually can't walk around on one's own other than from the tent, to the dining hall, to the vehicle, back to the dining hall..... I suspect a walking safari is in our future. Also, we'd like to have our own vehicle, or have our own guide who wouldn't be bored sitting watching baboons or elephants for an hour. You can arrange all of this, can't you?

We had never used a travel agency before--for one thing, one of us is detail-oriented and enjoys the researching and planning of trips. But with the complexity of this trip and my slow-as-molasses dial-up laptop, I decided to try an agency. Chris McIntyre's guide books had impressed us not only because of all the truly helpful information, but also because of the lack of platitudes. To make a long story short, Expert Africa's services have been superb. The following remarks are nitpicking and I don't know if they'll be helpful or not.

I mentioned under the "Flights" section about the Zambian Airways vouchers. The Taj clerk also seemed confused about the voucher: she thought I was staying alone and she asked me how I was planning to pay for my night.

There are a few discrepancies between Mr. McIntyre's guidebooks and the Expert Africa website. For example, the books might state that a camp is only open seasonally, but the web site states otherwise.

Perhaps when an agent is going to be out of the office for an extended period, she might notify her current clients to contact so-and-so during her absence if they have questions.

Your turn -- rate us as clients.

Thanks for everything!" Read full review: 30 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip

"Enjoyed the holiday. Well organised. Etosha was outstanding. Victoria Falls was majestic. Apart from Terrace Bay hotels were good to very good. Apart from Sams Giardino the food was rarher ordinary with little choice in some cases.

On occasions the distances for driving were rather long and tedious. Surfaced roads wre good with little fraffic. Graveled roads varied from good where recently graded to awful with rather more of the latter than former. Return journey was a nightmare." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip

"Overall a great experience.

I would however rate the Bushcamp company much higher and the service felt alot more personal than with Norman Carr Safaris. All the staff at the Bushcamp company, including Andy the owner couldn't have done anything more to make my stay more enjoyable.

I went on my own as a single traveller and they did all they could to make sure I never felt out of place." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zambia safari

"Before going, all the information and organisation had been extrremely good and this was refelected in the actual trip where everything went so smoothly and we could not fault it. The local agents (Wilderness, Kwando and Robin Pope) were wonderfully helpful and efficient.

However, one or two tips to pass on - firstly, forget travellers cheques on a trip like this - no one was interested in having or cashing them - cash dollars are king. Secondly, both in Nkwichi and Kaya Mawa, there are no advertised tariffs and although we could have asked, and we are aware that we had to pay for these extras, it would be helpful, particularly as cash is king, to know what you are letting yourself in for. Thirdly, forget immodium, carry Ciprin antibiotic for any stomach bug.

Finally many thanks to Claire for interpreting our requirements so well and ensuring that the places we went fulfilled all our ambitions for the trip. Oh and don't go to Luangwa or Nkwichi if you don't like snakes (particularly in your bedroom!)!" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 5 on a Zambia safari

"Zambia was simply great. The pristine wildness of the South Luangwa park, particularly out at the Kapamba bushcamp, was quite awe inspiring. We saw all the wildlife we hoped to see, and more besides in terms of the smaller fauna such as birds, insects and reptiles.

Overall, we were well looked after by your agents in Zambia and South Africa, as well as at home by Clare. The Norman Carr safari was a bit of a disappointment, and BA were their usual mediocre selves, biut all in all, this was a great experience for us.

We'd certainly look to come back to Zambia again, and would have no hesitation in using Expert Africa." Read full review: 33 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari

"An excellent holidy which exceeded our expectations. Having been to Kenya/Tanzania we were impressed by the variety of wildlife, including birds that we saw.

Was particulalry impressed with the support and aid given to me in all the camps as I was in a leg plaster. Every effort was made to make me comfortable and see to any needs I required. A big thank you to them all, Lucy included for their care, sympathy and understanding." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"Phantastic.

South Luanga is a wonderful place, great wildlife and people.

Kasanka bat safari is a one-of-a-kind experience, indescribable." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a Zambia safari

"We had the most amazing time. Five guests and 20 members of staff who were all delightful. Highly recommended." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari