Reviews of safaris to South Luangwa National Park
942 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include South Luangwa.
"Kaingo/Tafika/Chongwe Aug-Sept 2009"
"Trip to Zambia in August/September"
"Magical Safari!"
Everything more or less worked like clock work and I felt we got the most out of each camp we stayed at. It was just a wonderful experiencece and I would highly recommend Zambia for safari .
I loved Expert Africa's website and this is how I discovered the company. The pricing was also fair and I will use Expert Afirica for my next safari .It was truly a magical trip so thanks for your wonderful expertise!
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Umm..not really..had to ask a few questions prior to going about logistics of meet and greet. But, I truly felt that I was in great hands as Anna had been to these lodges and listened to what I wanted from this safari." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari
"Fabulous first Safari, superbly organised."
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Difficult to know what to say as we had such good service and a great trip. The only thing i would say is that the photographs of the lodges, particulary of Shumba don't do them justice.....so nothing to worry about there then!!" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 6 on a Zambia safari
"extremely satisfied"
We feel that Lucy understood exactly what we had in mind while planning this trip: her suggestions regarding the itinerary and the lodges proved to be fantastic.
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We think that the service was perfect." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari
"Expert Africa were absolutely brilliant"
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None" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zambia safari
"Perakani"
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None, I think the fact that Anna knew the places well was crucial to choosing two of the smaller operators and gave us an exceptional holiday" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zambia safari
"Zambia - Bush experience at its best"
This was a great trip, but then again I have never had a bad trip in Africa. The dilema, as ever, is whether to return again or move on and extend your experiences. Would we go back - no question!
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This was a trip difficult to criticise - and certainly in terms of planning and booking there were no questions left unanswered and no issues that caused a problem. You know when the ref has had a good game, you don't hear the whistle. Expert seem to handle things much the same way. Thank you." Read full review: 27 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zambia safari
"Overall trip"
Based on the Guide book I must admit I was fairly concerned about driving in Zambia, and seriously considered the use of a driver. However, I found the roads to be in excellent condition, except for the Great North Road north of the turnoff to Mansa, at which point one had to carefully watch for potholes. I realize the Guide book does need to be cautious (and certainly I never considered any serious off-track adventures) but it ended up being quite a bit easier to get around than I originally expected.
Second, I emailed three car rental agencies in Zambia (Limohire (who responded immediately), Livingstone 4x4 Hire (who also responded immediately but had no vehicles), and Voyagers (who never responded). So I went with Limohire. The cost for a Nissan Safari was $140/day (500km) plus fuel. We handled everything by email and, when in Zambia, by phone, and I was completely satisfied (in other words we never met in person). He did not accept credit cards so I had to wire transfer half the rental fee as deposit before the trip, and then pay the remainder plus a $1000 deposit when I received the car at the airport upon arrival. Hans, the owner, is an honest individual. Because of logistical problems I had to leave the vehicle for him to pick it up at Pioneer Camp (without getting back my deposit) so he arranged for one of his employees to meet us at the airport upon our return from Livingstone, and he was there with our deposit. Were I to visit Zambia again (and I may since my daughter may extend for another year) I would definitely do business with Hans.
Finally, just a couple comments regarding the Guide. The Sweetwater Guesthouse near Mkushi is 'no more'. The owner, Vernon Cantlay (not sure about spelling) is the father of friends of my daughter and we happened to meet him at a barbecue when we were there. He continues to own and farm the property but does not run a guesthouse any more. Also, you might want to consider checking out the Shaolom Takeaway as a funky, friendly little cafe in Mkushi. I understand the Peace Corps volunteers like it because it serves more chicken with its nshima than other cafes/restaurants in town. By the way, we enjoyed our meal there!" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zambia safari
"Third visit to the Valley"
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Your service is excellent. We always recommend you when asked about our trips to Africa." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zambia safari
Where to stay in South Luangwa
Our suggestions for safari camps in South Luangwa National Park