Zimbabwe: reviews from our travellers

"We were very much impressed with every aspect of the organisation of our trip. We expected it to be the trip of a lifetime, and it surpassed our expectations.

We found it reassuring to have the knowledge and expertise of Expert Africa's staff behind us, to guide us through a part of the world of which we had little previous experience. The choice of lodges was perfect, and every arrangement that had been made for us went without a hitch. We were particularly grateful for the huge contributions made by Maruska, in the initial planning of the trip, and Tracy, who took over when we were forced to postpone our trip by 12 months, following a family bereavement.

We would not hesitate to use Expert Africa again in the future, nor to recommend them to friends and family." Read full review: 23 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip

"Yet another fantastic safari to Zimbabwe, our fourth to this beautiful country.

We had an amazing time in Matopos, superbly guided by Paul Hubbard.
We had a brilliant time on our mobile safari in Mana Pools, with our excellent guide Mark.
There was an issue with ZimParks double-booking one of our campsites but this was handled on the ground by our guide and Natureways to our satisfaction.

Hopefully we will be able to return again in the not too distant future.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

This was our 6th trip with Expert Africa, with another booked for 2016. We are more than happy with the service you provide." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 3 on a Zimbabwe safari

"Had a lovely trip to Zambia and Zimbabwe to celebrate a very close friend's landmark birthday.

Saw some great game, especially in South Luangwa (plenty of leopards) although Lower Zambezi was a little patchy. We also enjoyed the novelty of travelling as a group and staying in private houses (although having done this, my preference would probably be to take over small camps in their entirety rather than staying in a single house). But it certainly made an interesting change and the trip was awesome overall." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari

"I was left speechless by the excellence of both the safari houses and the experience; but also I was a little overcome by the emotion of it all and of having to leave and get back to reality; so either way, words for this form were hard to find." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari

"This was not my first Safari but it was my first experience of Expert Africa, which I shall be delighted to repeat. The service was attentive from first to last, taking into account the various tastes and preferences of our group, and capably incorporating their travel schedules from various points of origin.

Expert Africa takes its business seriously, paying equal attention to insurance and inoculations as to my more rudimentary questions. They provided a clear, and comprehensible, itinerary as well as a comprehensive checklist, giving me confidence at every stage of my journey. Although this safari entailed a number of locations, travelling between each was smooth and painless - unlike others I have encountered, Expert Africa has its logistics down to a tee. It also enjoys an exceptional range of venues which, as became clear during the trip, are known personally to the Expert Africa team rather than being tied up with some anonymous agency.

Each of the lodges and hotels recommended not only lived up to but exceeded expectations. Not only will I be pleased to book a further excursion but, on the basis of a short conversation after my trip, a colleague has asked for details of who I travelled with. I have had no hesitation in passing the details on." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zambia safari

"This was set to be a memorable occasion being a special Birthday for our dearest friend and also my own, as well as an opportunity to catch up with old friends we haven't seen for a while and meet some new friends.

The trip exceeded all expectations and will be an abiding memory for us for the rest of our days. There are so many highlights from the places we stayed, animals we saw, people we met, great times we had with friends and just being back in Africa.

Cannot stress how much everyone needs to visit there and to organise going through Expert Africa!!" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zambia safari

"It was a long holiday, covering huge distances and including 3 countries.

We first contacted you with a rough itinerary, which was much improved by Tracy's many suggestions and her acceptance that I was trying to keep costs down for the bulk of the trip. You booked us into 15 different places to stay and all were very acceptable, with most good/excellent." Read full review: 36 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip

"Overall we had a great time in Zimbabwe. Hwange National Park and Mana Pools were especially good safari destinations. Somalisa and Zambezi Life Styles were both fantastic and their staff are to be commended.

We were a little disappointed with Matusadona simply from the point of view of the wildlife that we saw. The wildlife here seems to have suffered quite badly from the falling water levels in Lake Kariba. This, combined with trophy hunting, has seen the Lion population in the Park crash. The Black Rhino have also suffered at the hands of poachers (as they have everywhere). Having said this, I must say that Rhino Camp and it`s staff were very good and we did see Elephant, Impala, Hippos & Crocs, and the Bird life is good.

All the Guides at all the camps were excellent. Lovemore at ZLS is a great guide and a real character, and Calvet at Somalisa is superb.

Thanks for a great trip." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zimbabwe safari

"Nearly all the arrangements for our holiday were perfect. In particular we were very pleased that we decided to go for the private guide option, rather than self drive in Namibia, as we would definitely have missed out on a lot, particularly on bird recognition and other aspects of the Namibian culture.

One point of ambiguity arose in that our package stated "local beverages at each establishment(water, beers, ciders, juice, soft drinks, house wines and local spirits)" were included. However, it was not until our arrival at Andersson's Camp that this was clarified and agreed with Ultimate Safaris after we had been purchasing our own drinks for four nights." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"On returning to the UK many people when they asked me about my trip to Zimbabwe wanted to know if it was safe. Yes it is, and the local people are very keen to encourage more tourists to visit. Most of your money goes to ordinary Zimbabweans, and only a small amount to the government.

You will be welcomed wherever you go, especially should you visit any junior schools. More and more lodges are forming partnerships with local people to develop conservancies and concession areas that help to protect wild animals and to provide benefits for local communities." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zimbabwe safari