Zimbabwe: reviews from our travellers

"Our itinerary was so well thought out. Driving times in the Self -Drive part were manageable. Definitely a key point. The folder with notes for travellers was priceless. It really contributed to the success of our excellent holiday. It was most appreciated to have all the bases covered in such exacting detail.

Maruska really helped walk us through the initial planning stages, pointing out practicalities in her most diplomatic way. Her suggestions always held true, yet she listened to our ideas as well. She showed great patience and carefully dealt with our concerns. Her knowledge and expertise enabled us to experience a great adventure.

It was truly a unique experience. We were so very fortunate to have had Maruska as our contact.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

At this time, I can't think of any way our experience could be improved upon." Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 7 on a Namibia trip

"Africa - what a wonderful place. Expert Africa lived up to their reputation once again. We will definitely be back! Holiday of a lifetime!!!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Although it may be difficult to advise journey times we do feel that this would be very useful in ensuring people can make the most out of their day. Fo example if there are any major roadworks happening this info would be invaluable. Also if info on times of activites could be given in advance this may prevent guests missing out. Eg we only just made it in time to Africat for first activity." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip

"The whole trip was excellent. All arrangements worked like clockwork.

The camps, game vewing, quaility of guides met our expectations.

We met lots of interesting people along the way which enriched the experience and encouraged us to do even more safari travelling in the future!" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"First we thought Nick advised us well to start at Victoria Falls then move on to the camps. The pre-holiday information sent by Expert Africa was extremely informative and useful and Nick was always prompt in answering our queries.

The three Kwando camps were uniformly excellent but different in their own ways. The common denominator was the positive and welcoming attitude of all the staff. No exceptions. We can't praise them too highly. All were extremely helpful, worked hard and really seemed to want to contribute to the enjoyment of your holiday.

We were apprehensive when setting out as to how we would cope as vegetarians but we enjoyed every meal. We have seen negative reviews about the food but literally everything is cooked or prepared from scratch and we found it extraordinary how such delicious things are prepared in the middle of nowhere.

A small point but we think Kwando are missing an opportunity in the camp shops where there is little choice of local crafts as mementoes. Indeed no-one seemed to know what if anything had been made in Botswana.

This was our first visit to Africa and would probably be difficult to beat. Everything went smoothly from the moment we landed at Victoria Falls to our return flight to Maun. We saw everything that we wanted to see and more and returned home with more than 1600 photographs and memories that will be with us for a long time. Kwando's policy of a maximum six people per jeep makes for memorable and intimate sightings. On a couple of occasions we were the only ones in the jeep. Being so close to the wildlife with no-one else about was magical." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari

"We found that the trip was well organised and most enjoyable and we would have no hestitaion in recommending your company . Our only minor problem was that we had expected lower temperature than experienced. We booked for the Sept period because from information given the average temperature was quoted at 25 C Max (ref: notes for travellers page 13). As soon as we left Windhoek
we were in the high 30's and it then it got to 40+. Are the temperatures quoted for Windhoek? At Vic Falls we saw a weather report and it was 25C in Windhoek but it was 41C in VF.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank your team for all of the support given and we would hope to travel with you again." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip

"It was our first stay in Zimbabwe but not the last. The country is very beautiful, and people are so kind and friendly! The flights (a little long), the camps, everything was perfect. A grade A pass to Expert Africa." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zimbabwe safari

"An excellent itinerary (with the exception of 3 nights at Mazambala being too long).

We loved Namibia and would highly recommend a self drive of this type in this country for a family with similar aged children ( 10 and 14)

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Everything went completely smoothly throughout. There are only a couple of minor constructive suggestions:

Charges at border into Botswana are higher than we were advised ( 140bwp rather than 70, comprised of 40 for road permit, 50 for MV Insurance, 50 Road Fund)

Make people aware of limitations of barbecue facilities at Okaukuejo and that meat cannot be taken into park

Some hesitation with Nkwazi lodge as detailed on our feedback- also note your website is incorrect - no air con, mini bar fridges and no electricity for us after 9.20pm.

Other friends who have done similar trips have had a little itinierary brochure with details of how long it takes to drive to the next lodge and some general infomation about the lodge. This is by no means an essential but would be an extra nicety perhaps.

Overall a really excellent trip. We would thoroughly recommend EA to others" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 7 on a Namibia trip

"My trip couldn't have been better. Nick Hobbs did a superb job of arranging all the logistics so that almost everything went smoothly. I have to send my special thanks to managing director Chris McIntyre for sending me my binoculars after I misplaced them on a flight between Tuba Tree Camp and Lagoon Camps. I received them at City Lodge and Chris even paid for shipping them. I was truly impressed by his kindness and generosity.

This was my second safari with Expert Africa and I'm already going to another one next year. I've already been on five safaris, but I still have along bucket list of locations in Africa I want to either visit or revisit.

I love the fact that unlike it's numerous competitors in Great Britain, the United States, and South Africa Expert Africa places the emphasis as much as possible on visiting unfenced national park or concessions, and staying at lodges which aren't fenced as well. This in my experience and many other safari goers I've met greatly improves gong on safari.

I will undoubtedly take more safaris with ExpertAfrica." Read full review: 24 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zimbabwe safari

"Initially it was a nightmare trying to find out where to go and what to do, too many choices. We saw Expert Africa making comments to other travellers on Trip advisor and saw positive feedback so contacted EAfrica. This was a good idea as soon Claire was giving me ideas and options from the experienced people there.

We had already booked the London flights before we heard of EA so we need to fill in an itinerary from arrival. EA sorted all internal flights and our stay in Vic Falls and Safari. This was great and a big help. To be honest we would have booked the Cape Town end with you but the options you gave didn't fit my budget or what we wanted accommodation wise.

In the end we stayed at Cape Royal apart/hotel which was excellent and Lawhill apartments which were good too and very resonable perhaps you could add them to your list. We also booked direct with a lovely small b and b in Gansbaai called Cliff Lodge in De Kelders, this place is fantastic right on the sea great location and the owner Gideon could not do enough for you I highly recommend you contact him.

Anycase a big thanks to Claire and Expert Africa for all the help we would definitely use you again. We loved the pre flight pack you sent us with the bag tags and wallet really a nice touch. Sadly we didn't do the books you sent justice so to save paper perhaps give the client the choice if they would like the books or not as would have said no thanks" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 4 on a Zimbabwe safari

"Great holiday, sorry to be home." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a Zimbabwe safari