Zambia: reviews from our travellers

"After three previous planned trips, our long-awaited Zambia safari fulfilled all of our (lofty) expectations.

The varied, fun-filled days and nights in Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa were all that we had hoped for and both parks more than deserve their reputation. To just name a few highlights: 7 great leopard sightings in 10 days, lions hunting/feeding on buffalo/playing with cubs, elephants within reach (his and mine), lazily canoeing down the great Zambezi river (incl. hippo "bump") or herds of elephant majestically crossing the Luangwa/Zambezi.

Lake Malawi and Kaya Mawa has been a wonderful addition that should not be missed.

As usual, thank you very much to Ellie and the Expert Africa team for their knowledgeable advice and valuable service - there is a reason we have booked all of our Africa trips with Expert Africa during the last 10 years. May there be many more to come

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Keep doing what you are doing" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari

"It was a great return to Africa this time with two relatives one of which is elderly and the other infirm. The Robin Pope camps went out of their way to help in every way they could - nothing seemed to be too much trouble, I hope they keep up this standard now they have been taken over.

Would have spent more time at Nkwali (3 rather than 2 nights) to start the holiday.

Saw a lot more game/birds than our last visit which was 6 weeks earlier in the season (2004)." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zambia safari

"Robin Pope Safaris run a very very good operation and they set the standards of exellence without ever feeling the need to shout about it or shove it in one's face. We asked to go 'back stage' at Tena Tena and found a whole city of people working on our behalf - all smiling and just as happy as front of house. RPS deserve great credit for not jumping on the bandwagon and charging a single room supplement to the many people who choose (or have no choice) to travel independently.

The guiding and game viewing were excellent and it was so nice to enjoy the company of wildlife without, in most instances, anyone else around to spoil the perfect experience.

South Luangwa is a very beautiful place with a surprisingly varied landscape. It is a great destination for those who really want to appreciate an African safari rather than simply ticking the boxes and going back home.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Although we recieved a large bundle of vouchers, these were only required in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe is a much better place to view Victoria Falls during the dry season and it really should be suggested as an option when putting together itineraries for visits to Zambia .

We recommend pre booking some activities at the Falls. We did this for the Flight of Angels but not for the sunset cruise and we only managed to get on one of the smaller more exclusive boats owing to a last minute cancellation. There is no point in going all that way to be disappointed" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zambia safari

"we were in the bush for 12 days and wondered whether this was too long. It wasn't!

The combination of bush walking (Zebra Plains), vehicle based (Tafika) and water based (Old Mondoro worked really well and we saw some great game. It did seem that some of the game denisty had dropped since our last visit to Zambia in 2003 but we were glad to be back.

As usual Maruska was a star; patient and helpful in knitting together a perfect trip at short (4 weeks) notice.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

none" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zambia safari

"We would rather have put EXCELLENT but 'very satisfactory' will have to do!

We have recommended our trip to everyone on our return and will certainly be exploring some future opportunities to travel on safari again with Expert Africa!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Nothing to suggest - it was all excellent!" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zambia safari

"This was my 3rd time to Africa and my husband's first. We were celebrating our 25th anniversary and my dream of seeing Victoria Falls. The trip was a dream come true - for both of us. David couldn't imagine how something as large as an adult elephant could be 'hidden' right next to us. And, the guides, wildlife, camps and staff never disappointed us.

Now I just need to figure out a way to take our 3 children (ages 19/21/23) to Africa to show them why I've always said 'imagine we are the zoo and the animals are us'. They roam freely and still give me such joy!!!!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Maruska was excellent in that she had visited some of the camps we stayed in and had other guests whose comments she shared with us.
She took the time to really listen to our wants and needs to what we were looking for and picked out some really good options and helped us pick the best. I will recommend Expert Africa to friends and family.

Thank you Maruska for a fantastic vacation / 25th wedding anniversary!!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zambia safari

"We had a fabulous holiday in three parts which were all very different experiences but all we would do again. I did not expect to return home as rested and refreshed as we did; I thought we would be tired, stressed and in need ofsun and a good beach to chill out on. Far from it - we came home buzzing and wanting more.

I also appreciated the personal email from Ellie on our return rather than just this form.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

More of the same please!" Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 6 on a Zambia safari

"We had the most marvellous trip. It was particularly nice to see that Nkwali and Tena Tena are managed by highly professional and courteous local staff. (Last year in Tanzania, the management was white imported and the staff local) Robin Pope lived up to their reputation of having superlative guides. The skills and knowledge of Victor and Julius were incredible. Every animal, every bird, every tree, they knew it all - add to that brilliant customer service, first aid and vehicle maintenance (Not used) and being able to mix a very decent gin and tonic. What more could you ask for.

The food would have done a good class London restaurant proud. The accommodation was roomy, comfortable, in fact just luxurious.
Absolutely First Class in every respect

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

I cannot think of any improvements - how rare it is to say that,
Just got to decide where next!" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zambia safari

"It was a very enjoyable and happy trip that lived up to or exceeded our highest expectations!

We were surprised that there was no game meat and if we have one comment to all the camps it would be that they should serve less "safe European" and more local food (especially game meat). Also whilst the service was always very efficient perhaps at times it could be a bit more relaxed, especially when there are only a small number of guests?

My wife was particularly grateful for all the hot water bottles!

Thank you Claire and all involved!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

none" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Zambia safari

"The trip took us to two great locations which fully lived up to their billing. The Shenton safari camps were fantastic and the Bushbuck River House was also a great find. All-in-all we had 12 wonderful nights in Zambia.

The South Luangwa national park is certainly somewhere I will want to revisit several times as it has such an interesting eco-system and headline game interaction.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

The big trick with Zambia, I'd think, is to stay up-to-date and to ensure E.A. can offer sound advice over both the best of safari locations/timings as well as accommodations. With camps opening / closing and the camp operators changing it must be uncertain whether a safari will retain its quality year-to-year. I had high expectations of Shentons and they were met, a bonus was them having new (quieter) vehicles and not rushing sighting-to-sighting over radios." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zambia safari