Zambia: reviews from our travellers

"This is my third time with Expert Africa, and I wouldn't use anyone else.

Megan was great, and the transfers were seamless. Especially the transfer to Zambezi Sun, from Camp Kalahari. Flight to Kasane, drive to water's edge, boat across river, then drive through border and on to Zambezi Sun. Really smooth and easy. I think it was done by wilderness, who also took us over to Zimbabwe for tea at the Victoria Falls hotel, they were excellent.

This really was the wonderful trip we dreamed about.

Expert Africa have been fantastic all three times I have used them." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 5 on a Botswana safari

"An amazing trip to see one of the last wildlife wildernesses. We feel extremely privileged to have been able to spend time at Liuwa in the company of Jason, Robin, Kanga and the team. The difficulties of the journey to get there are immediately forgotten on arrival; we really hope RPS will restart these trips when the new lodge in the park is built; maybe someone will also construct an airstrip on land firm enough to take planes big enough to get guests and supplies in. The current one can only take the tiny research plane but is otherwise used as a running track as the soil is so soft!

South Luangwa was excellent as usual with some fantastic sightings including a leopard taking her three (!) tiny cubs out for the first time.

All ground arrangements went smoothly as usual though, for us, we found Tours Africa a little too attentive – we really don’t need somebody to shepherd us to the lounge once we’ve passed passport control. And we’re perfectly capable of paying our own departure tax." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 5 on a Zambia safari

"Our trip was so fabulous in every way. It far exceeded our expectations. Not just a holiday we felt that we had been on a big adventure.

The order of the trip was perfect for us. We thought it was a great idea to have a kind of rest at the start of the trip after such a long journey, by visiting Victoria Falls (no early morning calls for Game Drives). and a nice small introduction to wildlife with the game that roamed Zambezi Sun's grounds.

Then Muchenje which can be accessed by road and is more lodge than camp still a wonderful wildlife experience but perhaps a bit less "Bush". Kwara (we felt) had the most "Bush" style atmosphere which really was our favorite place. Finishing at Lagoon with a touch more Luxury setting us up for our long journey home.

We finished our stay with a last Game Drive right to the door of our final Mack Air flight. It was a great end to a wonderful trip." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"A truly memorable experience seeing the wildlife and birds, and also experiencing the friendliness and knowledgeability of the Zambians we met. We also feel we know more about the way of life for some Zambians after visiting the village and school at Kawaza.

All our travelling was planned to go off without a hitch, and we were met and assisted all along the way which was wonderful.
Our thanks to Claire for organising it.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Guidelines are needed about whether to tip the hosts." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zambia safari

"you managed to do and enabled us to see what we wanted

outstanding choice of lodges and locations - well done

your advice regarding wild dogs was spot on

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

keep up the good work" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari

"Very good thank you." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zambia safari

"The trip was great, exactly what we were hoping for.

I cannot comment on your staff as my husband dealt with them." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 13 on a Zambia safari

"I found the trip to be a profoundly enriching experience.

The visions South Luangwa offered of at least partially intact natural systems are for me unique" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 13 on a Zambia safari

"We felt always very safe, because the support services were always there when we needed them (transfers, flights, guides).

Some camps turned out to be much better than others; might have to do with the size of them too, and of course, to their management team.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Maybe you should inform people of the cold weather in some of these camps at this time of the year. We did not bring warm enough clothes; some people even had ski masks, that in the early morning drives were nice to have.

About the luggage restrictions, we were appalled to see that we were the only ones complying with everything. We found bags with wheels (actually provided by travel agencies), people carrying 2 or more bags each, plus their handbags and photo equipment. I even heard of people travelling with hair drivers. Some had so much photographic equipment that they needed and extra car to bring it to their camp. So much that, while we were 6 people per jeep, they only had 3 per jeep. This last was, as always, in Chitabe.

Of course, no bag was ever weighted anywhere or even measured. I had such a rough time finding the appropriate bags for this trip that I felt really stupid being one of the few complying with the strict rules." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari

"Our trip to Botswana was an amazing holiday and unfortunately a 'one off'.

Despite a short delay in Maun which was dealt with quickly and efficiently by Beverly of Mac Air, everything went according to plan thanks to Megan's help and advice. The game drives, lodges and even the wildlife far exceeded our expectations." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari