Zimbabwe: reviews from our travellers

"As above, if I had but one holiday left, a tented safari to Zimbabwe would be it.

Can't say better than that." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zimbabwe safari

"This was our seventh trip to Africa since 2016, which we decided to split between Zimbabwe and Botswana. Some of our friends have asked us whether we haven’t seen enough of Africa by now. I’m fully aware of the fact that there are countries in Africa that aren’t safe and better avoided, but our answer would be: no, we haven’t. As strange as it may sound, visiting Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Zambia and Kenya has always felt to us like coming home. And this is due not just to the charismatic megafauna that can be experienced here, but to the people living here. In our seven trips we have spent more than half a year in Africa, and we have only experienced a healthy curiosity, kindness and open-mindedness.

That said, as outlined above in the detailed comments on individual camps, this trip wasn’t short on highlights in terms of wildlife sightings, but I would like to add a few general remarks.

Shortly before our trip, President Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe declared a national desaster because of the drought experienced in the previous rainy season. Considering that Zimbabwe has a government with a questionable reputation and a poor economy, we were a bit apprehensive about coming here. But our worries were unfounded. Granted, en route to our first camp, we drove through villages with hundreds of people gathering around big bags of cornmeal donated by the UN. We were told that if this country would be run by a decent and effective government, this desperate step wouldn’t have been necessary.

Given these rather bleak economic circumstances it is all the more astounding that whoever we met along the way was kind-hearted and of good spirits.

Shortly before our trip, Botswana’s president Masisi jokingly threatened to send 10,000 elephants to London’s Hyde Park and 20,000 elephants to Germany, because allegedly, they have too many of them. Without question, there is evidence for human-elephant conflict, but I doubt whether the solution is to allow trophy hunting (Botswana re-introduced trophy hunting in 2019 after a five-year ban).

When I raised this subject in Zimbabwe, everybody had an opinion on this controversial topic, whereas in Botswana, they would rather not talk about it.


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I have nothing but praise for all the freely given advice before the trip and the organization of the trips themselves." Read full review: 28 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zimbabwe safari

"We had a magical trip to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe side), Okavango delta in Botswana and self-drive in Namibia.

We usually self-organise our trips around the globe, but having Expert Africa extensive, efficient and reliable support was a massive plus for our multi-country trip. It was extremely pleasant to feel really on holiday, with almost everything taken care of.

Locations and all accomodations but one were magical: beautifully set, very kind and helpful staff very often going an extra mile, extremely comfortable, quiet and relaxing, with amazing landscapes and/or wildlife to discover and admire.

A massive thank you to ExpertAfrica team and all partners involved!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 5 on a Namibia trip

"Thank you for making a fantastic once in a lifetime experience.

It was amazing and you chose perfect places for me." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"We didn’t have to confirm or check on any arrangements — Expert Africa saw to everything and the coordination between the lodges and air flights was seamless.

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Nothing I can think of." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zimbabwe safari

"I have to admit that the wildlife was not overwhelming--I knew the rainy season would have an effect, but I think we were also just unlucky.

I'm sure in the dry season the Hwange camps in particular, with their waterfalls, would offer outstanding experiences. That said, the landscape was lovely--despite the drought, there had been recent rains in Hwange to green up the plains (and also create standing water) and there were several highlights to remember--the group of sable (an antelope I had never seen), the jackals and dozens of vultures diving into the bushes where the remains of a buffalo lay, then exploding outward as someone took fright--the highly vocal lion cubs yowling and yowling--the staredown between a giraffe and lion. . .

I particularly enjoyed the vast open spaces of Hwange and the frequent sense of being alone in the landscape (i.e. no other vehicles around)." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zimbabwe safari

"I have recommended Expert Africa and Tracy Lederer several times to travellers I met on this trip. The first part in Namibia at the Namib-Naukluft Park was even more rewarding than I expected. It was very hot, however, I had 6 clear nights and took advantage of them to do my astrophotography with some excellent results. Being allowed to enter the main park early at 4.30am was a huge bonus. After that I was a little sleep deprived, but it was worth it Both Sossus Dune Lodge and Sossusvlei Desert Lodge were excellent.

The two "cat" related lodges Okonjima Bush Camp and Cheetah View Lodge were interesting and worth visiting. I spent 6 days at Cheetah View Lodge, 3 days at both lodges would have been sufficient.

Olive Grove Guesthouse and Ilala Lodge were repeat visits and I enjoyed both.

The disappointment of the tour was the Pangolin Photo Tour. It should have been excellent but the combination of an inexperienced Photo Host and poor drivers at the Ker and Downey camps was not effective. I would recommend the Chobe River as a wildlife photography site, however, I would be less enthusiastic about Pangolin Tour Company unless you were assured of an experienced photo host. The two Ker and Downey camps were OK, however, I've stayed in better camps in the Moremi and Kalahari areas." Read full review: 33 nights in Africa; 19 on a Namibia trip

"In 1 word: epic." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip

"Great trip which lived up to our expectations entirely.

We can't wait to go back." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 4 on a Botswana safari

"Great apart from upset stomach for a couple - should have sent the egg Bach to have it cooked more.
Beautiful birds and knowledgeable guides at 2 lodges in particular

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Please provide clearer guidelines on tipping." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zimbabwe safari