Zimbabwe: reviews from our travellers

"Once in a lifetime trip! Botswana was beautiful, people were friendly, and game viewing was out of this world. We saw more animals than we ever thought we would see. The private game reserves are worth the extra cost because you can get closer to the animals. The guides were extremely knowledgable and taught us a lot. Tracking skills were outstanding. The lodges were all beautiful and great with conservation efforts. There were only a few kinks in our trip. Kwara camp staff were lacking people skills and clearly weren't happy to be there. Also, on the Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls we were harassed by some local street sellers and threatened. Though everyone else in Zimbabwe were very friendly so we didn't let this ruin our experience. I would recommend local guides or tourism police for going out in public next time. Overall this trip was outstanding, we are already talking about going back some day!" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari

"This was really the trip of a lifetime! We saw and did so much. For people who like to watch birds and animals, this provided opportunities galore!

It was also a very nice itinerary, suited to our particular interests and preferences. We would have liked to be more active since we aren't used to spending so much time in vehicles, but recognize that the nature of the trip made this very difficult. Game drives made it possible to see much more, from a closer distance, with less hazard.

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Overall, the trip was very well organized. We stayed in some spectacular places.

Having the customized map and letter really helped in terms of self-drive navigation. (Two small points: The location for Okonjima was too far north for the actual turn off. Also, there were a couple of inconsistencies between the letter and the actual itinerary that looked like they were 'left overs' from a previous version of the letter.)

In terms of the overall itinerary, the trip was very well organized. If we were to do it again, we would make very few changes. We might skip BullsPort (but then wouldn't have walked at all!). We could also have skipped Mushara Bush Camp, except that we did need somewhere to overnight in about that location. Maybe we could have stayed inside the park? We loved having a waterhole chalet in Etosha and that was really a highlight. Footsteps was an interesting experience and might have been more important to us if we hadn't spent the previous 4 days kayaking and walking in the delta with a different outfitter." Read full review: 31 nights in Africa; 19 on a Namibia trip

"Loved the trip. Nick put together a great itinerary, and everything was outstanding. One of our top trips ever." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 5 on a Botswana safari

"Great trip and thank you very much for the organization. We had an excellent time and thought that Chitable & Little Vumbura complemented each other very nice as two slightly different camps. All the transfers were very smooth and perfectly organized, including the border crossing Botswana/Zimbabwe. 2x 3 nights in the camps was also a good length of time.

As for Victoria Falls, would suggest recommending Victoria Falls Hotel to people. There was nothing wrong with Ilala Lodge, but Vic Falls Hotel does seem better located and a nicer place to relax given the pool area is so much nicer.

Many thanks again Nick for the great assistance with planning our trip." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"We thoroughly enjoyed our trip. Cape Town was lovely, great accommodation, good restaurants, lovely trips, friendly people. It is an easy town to get around. We hired a car for two days too.

Vic Falls - enjoyed it except for the builidng works at Ilala Lodge. Also whilst walking around Vic Falls you do get hassled by young men selling souvenirs which is a nuisance and put us off walking around the town. We were advised it used to much worse.

Camp Hwange - fantastic, so many memories.

Claire organised it so well, there were no problems. Cars always turned up on time. Check-in at hotels efficient.

Overall, we loved the trip and choice of accommodation." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zimbabwe safari

"I cannot say enough to about this trip.

So many truly exceptional experiences, so many kind, warm people, the beauty of the region is astounding as is the amount of wildlife to be viewed. The diversity of the forests, grasses, plants and trees is also spectacular. All the guides and trackers were knowledgeable and so much fun to be with. There were nice connections and nice moments.

Without a doubt I will return to this area and without a doubt I will use Expert Africa.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Not really. Nick was always so timely, informative and attentive. It has been a pleasure working with him over this past year. Also, it is nice to have found a company where I can refer people and be assured that they will receive the best treatment.

Thank you all so much." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari

"We had the most amazing vacation. This was our first trip to Africa, and there's something about it that touches your soul.

I look forward to coming back, and would not hesitate to use Expert Africa again." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 4 on a South Africa trip

"Well coordinated and transfers were punctual." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"We had a great holiday. Everything was better than our expectations ( except Vumbura Plains ).

One suggestion: when the kids are young, less than 12, I would limit the safari days to 6.

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Everything was very good." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari

"Once over the shock of the 2 hour wait to enter Zimbabwe (they are building a new terminal and just cannot cope with the volume of visitors), the trip was absolutely fantastic.

The visit to Victoria Falls and the elephant safari are a must on anyones itinerary. All transfers were very timely and efficient with mineral water always available if needed. Simply our best holiday ever and although a lot of money I now appreciate why safaris are so expensive.

However, for a special occasion it does represent good value for money." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zimbabwe safari