Zimbabwe: reviews from our travellers

"A memorable experience which fulfilled all of our expectations. Having visited Africa 25 years ago we were always keen to return and it did not disappoint!

We will return again! A great family holiday." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip

"The trip was well organised and met our expectations. Claire has arranged a number of trips for us over the years and this was to the usual high standard.

We arranged our own flights and the ground arrangements worked well with this. It did appear that the transfer from the Hide back to the airport may have cut it a bit fine, however it worked out well in the end.

The only other observation I would make is that this time of year (mid November) does seem to be the time when travel trade reps are on familiarisation trips and this can change the dynamic in the lodges. Something perhaps that customers need to be aware of." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zimbabwe safari

"This was our third trip with Expert Africa, again we were very happy with everything provided by them.

Our initial delay was out of Expert Africa's control.

However, the help provided by Tracy was excellent - starting with late night texts and emails then further phone calls. She arranged alternative accommodation and kept us informed.

Wilderness Safari staff at Windhoek airport, especially Priscilla, were exceptionally helpful in dealing with our car hire problems, then escorting us to our accomodation in Windhoek - Bidvest delayed us so long that it was dark before we left the airport.

Priscilla then ensured that our late arriving luggage was sent on to us." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip

"We had an outstanding trip with so many memories of stunning landscapes and wildlife that we will never forget. Both fully lived up to our hopes and expectations. We did find the driving in Namibia to be gruelling at times due to the condition of the mainly gravel roads and the necessity to drive relatively slowly, making for some long journeys - in particular the journey between Swakopmund and Twylfontein.

Our itinerary in Namibia took us to a variety of places and experiences that were all very different from each other, and each worth the visit. In Botswana it was mainly about the wildlife, though we also enjoyed the beautiful setting of the Okavenga Delta and meeting lots of Botswanans, who without exception were friendly and welcoming.

Finally, except for not getting the type of vehicle we were expecting (though Bidvest & Tracy from Expert Africa did contact us to offer to change, which we decided against) every aspect of the organisation of the trip went without a hitch. We were also impressed that the company paid the difference in flight prices between Windhoek & Maun after Air Namibia cancelled all these flights from the beginning of November and we had to be rebooked onto SA Airways." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip

"Despite the flight debacle with Kenya Airways, we had a good time in Africa.

We were very pleased with the itinerary and activities planned for us by Maruska, who was very professional and helpful. All the hotel recommendations were really nice, although more on the expensive side.

For overnight stay, we would have preferred to stay at a mid-scale property like Rivertrees Inn than upscale property like Arusha Coffee Lodge." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari

"I had a wonderful experience as did my friends.

It was well planned. I was worried we were moving to much but as we did it all made good sense.

We saw more then I could have imagined and the staff were beyond helpful." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari

"If I had had any doubts or fears of taking this trip to Tanzania they were dispelled completely. I found Expert Africa as a company, by accident and would turn to them again for a future visit in a heartbeat.

There was no question however trivial that was not explained fully and my complicated itinerary ran like clockwork. Yes, it was an expensive trip but I was travelling alone and to some more remote parts of the Serengeti so my safety and health was important to me.

I have to thank Richard and the staff at Expert Africa whose current knowledge and expertise about my trip was exemplary. I was a complete stranger to them yet there was minute attention to all the details.

The experience will stay with me for a lifetime. So many thank you’s." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari

"We had a great time in Namibia. At the start of our holiday, our luggage was lost which caused us to lose some time. We had to buy necessary supplies, had to drive back to the airport, etc. After that, our experiences were fantastic.

Namibians are very friendly people, always willing to help & waving at the side of the road. The nature is beautiful and watching the wild animals is just amazing. The entire trip was perfectly organised. From the planning of our trip to when we arrived home. When we had questions, Maruska was always very fast in her replies.

We would also like to express special thanks to Wilderness Safaris for their support when our luggage was lost. They really did a great job." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 7 on a Namibia trip

"The arrangements generally worked clockwork and all the places we stayed were well worth visiting.

Apart from the mishaps in respect of the car (see earlier) the other thing worth mentioning is the problem of the border crossing from Botswana to Zimbabwe. We apparently arrived at a peak time, but queuing for over 2 hours in the sun to pay $55 dollars for a visa was infuriating - all the more so because it was obvious that virtually every transfer agent except ours had a special arrangement with the clerks issuing the visas.

We lost count of the number of times transfer agents would go to the front of the queue with wads of passports and forms. We were, literally, the last in the queue at the point we left, even though many people arrive after us. I'm not sure of the answer - probably either they should crack down on petty corruption or you should get a different agent?" Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip

"We have been to Namibia before and it definitely did not disappoint this time, such a magical country.

It was our first time in Botswana and we loved it and would like to see more, as is always the case in Africa in my experience. The people were so friendly and the wildlife amazing.

Victoria Falls was also good and we were glad we took your advice about seeing the falls from the Zimbabwe side as there was plenty of water! It was also a nice little town to wander around with interesting history, a good end to our trip." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip