Zambia: reviews from our travellers

"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, game is very good across 3 NPs (South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, Kafue).
- Numerous lion sightings, but lions are the most majestic at Busanga Plains
- 13 unique leopard sightings, some with cubs, one feeding on an impala kill on the tree.
- Carmine bee eater colony was a bit smaller than usual at Shenton's hide this year, but saw the one near to Nkwali Camp from across the river. That colony was bigger.
- Not much luck on dog sightings except seeing the same pack twice in Mfuwe sector, and they were resting
- Game appears to be the strongest at South Luangwa northern sector. Lions were feeding on buffalo or hippo kills everyday

I have no hesitation in recommending all camps to future travelers
- Except for Mukambi Lodge/Mukambi Plains Camp, until the guiding issues are addressed.

Other notes to assist future travelers: PCR test
- Nature By Nature DNA Research Laboratory delivered as promised.
- Returned to Lusaka at 12 noon
- Swabbed at 1 pm
- Received results electronically (email/whatsapp) at 3 pm
- Was hand-delivered hardcopy results at 4 pm
- Left for airport at 7 pm.
- Flew out same day without issues.
- Healit Zambia now has a test center at Lusaka Airport, but it is not yet fully operational. I think it will be be up and running by next year. It is on the right hand side as you enter the departure hall of the new airport.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

None" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 16 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

"I had the most wonderful time! It was a time of total de-stressing, relaxation, wonder and renewal of old friendships. All staff at the camps were vaccinated, and all guests that I spent any time with were too. Of course everything was outdoors, so I really didn't worry about covid very much.

Sightings were varied from camp to camp. I usually visit Zambia in June so I was particularly interested to see the carmine bee-eaters and other migrants as well as so many flowering trees.

This was my ninth visit to South Luangwa. I will continue to return to this fabulous park and all the friends I have made with guides and staff during that time. It is a magical place!" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 19 on a Zambia safari

"This was an awesome trip. It took a lot to make this happen and without Expert Africa's involvement
coordinating with camps and lending advice and expertise as we booked flights, layovers and reacted to an ever changing international situation we would not have been able to do it." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 13 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

"This was a once in a lifetime trip.

We would highly recommend Expert Africa, Potato Bush Camp, and the Royal Livingstone Hotel to anyone planning a safari." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 6 on a Zambia safari

"During Covid times, Expert Africa was always there for us, changing plans as the world changed- with a lot of patience ( and no extra cost) - navigating through limitations and constant changing restrictions. We always felt they had our best interest at heart.
Robin Pope Safaries were also very accommodating during these difficult times. None of the "outside world" seem to affect the camps , with amazing attentive care and excellent guiding.
wildlife sightings is always partly luck, but with the astonishing guides we had, and a beautiful and diverse park, you can't go wrong! you are almost guaranteed to have luck on your side, so just sit back, relax and let it all sink in" Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zambia safari