Zambia: reviews from our travellers

"Any concerns about a return trip not living up to expectations were ill founded. Every bit as good as last year but also different.
As ever a very warm welcome from everyone there in all the camps and this was much appreciated.

One note, just a day before we arrived the currency switched from dollars to kwachas only, this wasn't a problem as there was an ATM at Lusaka airport. This does mean that taxes etc must now be paid in Kwachas.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No" Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zambia safari

"The whole trip was excellent, as you will see from my reviews, and it was seamless, too, thanks to the Tours Africa representative at the airport on arrivals and the pre-arranged taxi services.

Shenton Safaris was everything I wanted, and I can't wait to return.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

For someone who is used to piecing together entire trips on my own, I am hugely impressed by Expert Africa's knowledge and service. When I first contacted Ellie I thought I knew exactly what I wanted, but with just a few emails back and forth she ended up proposing the ideal itinerary - thank you!

I will be recommending you highly, and will certainly use you again for future trips to Africa." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 6 on a Zambia safari

"The trip was wonderful and a fantastic part of my stay in Zambia. Although it was costly, it was worth it and I could not speak more highly of yourselves or Remote Africa Safaris.

Thank you." Read full review: 4 nights in Africa; 4 on a Zambia safari

"The trip as a whole was excellent.

Can't wait to go back and explore further afield and maybe Malawi. We can't recomment Robin Pope Safaris highly enough." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zambia safari

"Going in the early season is quite different and well worth it

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Keep up the personal touch and the loads of advice, which everyone we met gets from Expert Africa." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zambia safari

"Having visited everywhere before you often wonder if things will change and not be as you remember them.
Well this did not happen and our memories once again have only been reinforced by this visit. The lure of Africa remains embedded in our blood and the sights and smells, sun rises and sunsets will never fade.This may be our last safari but you can never be certain.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Having used Expert Africa a number of times over the years we have never been able to criticize their service and thus do not have any suggestions to make." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 17 on a Zambia safari

"This was a truly wonderful holiday" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari

"The best trip of our life.

Maruska listened to what we thought we wanted and she delivered. Every detail was covered, we had no worries or gaps. It was a memorable trip and we hope to be back, with Expert Africa, (and Maruska) of course!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"Oh dear - I've written all this once. Just went back on feedback to form to untick the 'happy to share with other travellers' and have lost what I originally wrote! Here goes again..

This was an amazing experience for both of us. We were particularly pleased with the small number of people at each camp which gave a feeling of private game viewing and we particularly enjoyed the walking safaris at Linyanti. I was concerned that 2 weeks might be too long but, with the variety of camps chosen (with Megan's help and the Bradt Guide) we never tired.

We think that 3 nights in one place is beter than 2 nights. Without exception all camps were excellent. Staff attentive, food plentiful (too plentiful!); guides good. Comfortable beds and linen - with award for best hot water bottle going to Camp Kalahari. Food was very western (delicious soups) and some people commented that they would like to try local cuisine - that said, we understand the reason why camps stick to western food.

We would suggest that clear guidelines be given on tipping. The Bradt Guide seems a little out of date with what others were paying. Not knowing what staff and guides earn as basic wage, it's difficult, but can't help thinking that $20 pp/per day for guide and same amount for staff is a lot when you consider how many guests pass through a camp in a week. Some nationalities are more accustomed to tipping than others so clear (lower) guidelines would be good so that we know in advance how much to take and there is no awkwardness. Baines was the only camp to provide guidance on tipping in their in-room brochure but even that wasn't clear as to if it was pp or per member of staff.

We mistakenly left our Bradt Guide at Little Kwara. If you could send another, that would be very much appreciated Megan.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

We thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and were pleased to meet other Expert Africa travellers on the same trip - both of who had booked through NZ I believe due to time difference. Have already passed on your details to others so that's the best compliment. Thank you Megan. I know Nick (husband) enjoyed poring over the Bradt Guide and discussing various options with you. Can't think of any other suggestions but will let you know if we do!" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 11 on a Botswana safari

"Our fourth visit to Zambia in less than three years was built partly around 'pure' vacation and partly around one or two other interests we wanted to follow. We were able to pursue satisfactorily our non-vacation objectives and have a most enjoyable break in the process, not least thanks to the - as always first rate - advice we gleaned from Expert Africa while we were planning this, our ninth, trip with the firm.

On the vacation element, we thought that we got the balance right between the more conventional South Luangwa leg and the more exotic Bangweulu/Kasanka leg.

Overall, we are very satisfied

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

On the website, the recent evolution (on which work is ongoing) is rapidly pushing it towards the 'very good' category." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zambia safari