Zambia: reviews from our travellers

"I think that this was one of my very best holidays I ever had.

Walking safari was something new to me (actually safari as a whole was new to me) and it has surpassed all my expectations. I am convinced that this is the very best way to visit the bush, much much better than driving.

You do see less wildlife, especially the predators seem difficult to meet on a walk, but you learn so much more and each encounter is just so much more emotional.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Not really. I just want to emphasize how important my relationship with Lucy (at Expert Africa) was in the preparation. She has just been fantastic, solving all problems which were being created by constant changes to my flights because of the airlines.

Had it not been for Lucy being so helpful, I may have given up travelling this year and postponed my trip to 2022 or 2023." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zambia safari

"The trip was amazing! Though it was initially an extension, this turned out to be the most magical portion of the trip. Everything from start to finish was executed perfectly, and Megan was so helpful when problems in our flight schedules would arise. We had so much anxiety about our trip not going as planned given the ongoing pandemic and the ever-changing rules, but our concerns were washed away with how carefully and thoroughly everything cared for on all levels at all times. On the ground, we were particularly impressed by Tours Africa's involvement in our ground transfers in Lusaka as well as our fly-in covid testing at LZNP." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari

"Travelling to Africa at the time of Covid was a challenge. We were pretty sure about our target camps and were delighted with our choices. But none of this would have been possible without having been supported all way long by Megan.

Zambian entry rules changed literally 3 times in 3 months and especially twice in the 2 weeks prior departure. Megan kept daily contact with camps always leaving the option to cancel and get fully refunded till last possible moment. What was determining for our choice to fly in, was the direct contact I could have with Dave, their local handling agent who described honestly and openly how things were happening locally. The openness of the whole team how they would deal with forced quarantaine, border closing or airline flight suspension was the decisive factor.

Expert Africa and their local Zambian contacts have earned our outmost trust and respect. Special mention to Dave at Lusaka airport who had spontaneously printed all latest entry rules in our home country which facilitated with airline and immigration agents.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Can't wait to use your services for our next trip to Africa!

A special note as well to mention the opportunity to speak to EA staff Expert in Zambia who gave us his personal opinion on a series of camps so we could confront our wishes vs his own experience.

Also thank you to Chris himself [Ed: Expert's MD] who did not hesitate to answer email himself when Megan was out of office even for a couple of days only." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 13 on a Zambia safari

"Such an enjoyable adventure. I find myself thinking of visiting Africa again. Thank you again during this time of Covid for a super trip!" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 16 on a Zambia safari

"I can’t imagine a better experience than the one we had. We are grateful to RPS, Shenton and Chiawa for giving us so many unforgettable moments, and to Megan for arranging and re-arranging everything so many times.

Deciding to travel so far during the pandemic was daunting, and we had so many questions and thought about postponing this trip again, especially as cases started to rise in Zambia. But now we are so happy that we went. It was truly the trip of a lifetime.

Testing and transiting were my biggest worries. But armed with a negative COVID test and vaccination card, everything was actually very easy. We had no problems transiting in Europe or Ethiopia, and going through the Zambia entry protocol took 15 minutes, and that included getting the visa on arrival. Getting the test in Lusaka was also extremely easy. The PCR test costs $95, and for a small fee ($30 per person), someone from the clinic will come to the hotel to do the swab, and then drop off the result and travel certificate the next day.

We couldn’t have felt safer while on safari, as every minute was spent essentially outdoors naturally socially distanced. All the guides had one shot of Astra Zeneca and most are getting their 2nd dose in July. The few other guests we did meet were all fully vaccinated, and all staff wore masks in camp. While in Lusaka we hunkered down at the gorgeous Latitude 15 hotel which had plenty of lovely outdoor spaces to relax, a nice restaurant, and strict COVID protocol.

So, for anyone reading this who is considering a trip to Zambia, I’d say go for it! The camps need our support, and you will have an amazing time." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari

"More than 2 years ago someone in an African lodge recommended that we use a woman named Maruska from Expert Africa to help plan our first trip to Zambia. 2020 turned into 2021 and the changes and details which made this trip happen could not have been handled better. Patience and with professionalism and humour, Maruska pursued option after option to make this safari happen. We are so grateful.

And it was worth all the planning. Zambia was wonderful. The birds, the trees, the leopards, the huge number of hippo and crocodiles, the lodges, the people, the food! The Shoebills!! We have been on multiple safaris so the special Zebras, Wildebeest and Giraffe species were fascinating to us. Being almost the only guests in the lodges and parks was priceless. We enjoyed it so much we did not want to leave.

Oh, that is right, we almost did not get to leave. When Emirates suddenly cancelled our return flight from Lusaka in the middle of our trip that is when Expert Africa shone even brighter. Their great relationship with the lodge operators became apparent and with everyone's combined support we figured out an alternative routing, and testing, etc. and we made it home to Montana.

It was such a rewarding experience traveling in these challenging times and we felt so safe in the lodges that we are already planning another safari with Maruska's help for next month

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service: Was not clear of how to fill in the wildlife portion of this feedback. Was it number of elephants or sightings of groups of elephants? There you go, some feedback on the feedback. sign of the times!" Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 16 on a Zambia safari

"This was one of the most enjoyable trips to Africa over the last 12 years.

Everything went smoothly from beginning to end in spite of having to re-arrange the itinerary numerous times due to factors out of our control. The fact that we managed to go at all was a miracle.

In fact I told Maruska that her name in English meant miracle worker because that was what she did. Perform a miracle." Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 20 on a Zambia safari

"I travel to Africa a few times a year.

I waited all summer for this pandemic to abate. It was just not happening! One day, feeling a mixture of bravery and self pity, I called Claire. "I know this is short notice, but I need to get to Africa". We looked at a few options and came up with a modest, do-able itinerary. I booked the flights, got a Covid-test and was on my way.

I travelled 24 hours to get to Zambia and more than 34 hours to get home. Overall, I had a great trip. I couldn't have felt safer and more welcome. Few tourists, lots of game, friendly and accommodating hosts.

I would do it again in a heartbeat, and probably will!" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zambia safari

"We are extremely pleased to confirm that travelling under COVID is not only possible, but in fact 200% worth-while with Expert Africa one's side ! Travelling during Covid might require a bit flexibility, but it definitely pays-off in many ways:
- Supporting conservation, lodges & locals
- Experiencing parks/camps in a very exclusive & distinguished manner
- Being pampered & appreciated
- Getting a bit of distance from the news at home

We also like to emphasize that all camps did make a tremendous effort to make our stay as convenient and as safe as possible. This included wearing face masks, using sanitizers, respecting social distancing, 24h room vacancy prior to new guests arriving, 10 day staff quarantine prior service. So all together not any different of what you would expect at home in order to feel safe !." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zambia safari

"Overall it was jolly good.

We would not, however, choose to go with RPS again. The cars and boats were on their last legs. The outboard needed both fuel and oil refills to get up and down the river. Nkwali needs a thorough clean. Braston was excellent but Daudi was a very average guide. The overall standard was not up to Bushcamps in our view.

The service from Expert Africa was exemplary, especially the enormously helpful and professional way in which Claire Scott rearranged the home flights at a time of massive global uncertainty and pressure.

We were slightly apprehensive about going in the emerald season but it was fabulous. You see Africa in a totally different light" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari