Reviews of safaris to Victoria Falls
We have always listened to our travellers, and now you can learn from them also. Below are links to feedback from recent trips - these are their views, not ours! See what they think of us, and about our trips to Africa:
Mr R & Ms M
Houston
"My Oct 2012 trip"
I visited Zimbabwe and 1 other country between 20 Oct 2012 and 26 Oct 2012
"The trip was very good.
The Silver Tours transfer to and from the Hwange Main Camp were 1/2 to 1 hour late each way. Next time, we would likely schedule and earlier pickup time than 10:30 AM, since they're likely to be late anyway. We would also fly in and out of Livingstone Airport. Even with the construction, it seemed better to us than Victoria Falls Airport. We would probably arrange the Devil's Pool activity later in the day, since it includes breakfast on the island in the morning - when we already have breakfast provided at the hotel." Read full review: 6 nights in Africa; 5 on a Zimbabwe safari
The Silver Tours transfer to and from the Hwange Main Camp were 1/2 to 1 hour late each way. Next time, we would likely schedule and earlier pickup time than 10:30 AM, since they're likely to be late anyway. We would also fly in and out of Livingstone Airport. Even with the construction, it seemed better to us than Victoria Falls Airport. We would probably arrange the Devil's Pool activity later in the day, since it includes breakfast on the island in the morning - when we already have breakfast provided at the hotel." Read full review: 6 nights in Africa; 5 on a Zimbabwe safari
Overall trip
Excellent
safari lovers
UK
"Brilliant Botswana"
I visited Botswana and 1 other country between 5 Oct 2012 and 20 Oct 2012
"A really fantastic experience, our first visit to Botswana, lovely country, friendly proud people, so much wildlife, excellent travel company . Would highly recommend.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Would never have recieved this feedback form had I not chased it up and I was keen to give feedback because it helps other travellers etc. Very easy to fill in.
Think I would like to make a comment about all the various vouchers that are issued. Nobody asked for them at all except the Illala lodge and even then we only had one between us because one had been lost,but it didnt seem to matter. It all seems a bit of a waste of paper and something else for the client to carry (or loose!)." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 5 on a Botswana safari
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Would never have recieved this feedback form had I not chased it up and I was keen to give feedback because it helps other travellers etc. Very easy to fill in.
Think I would like to make a comment about all the various vouchers that are issued. Nobody asked for them at all except the Illala lodge and even then we only had one between us because one had been lost,but it didnt seem to matter. It all seems a bit of a waste of paper and something else for the client to carry (or loose!)." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 5 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr T & Ms N
Toronto
"Ian and Michelle - Safari Sep-Oct 2012"
I visited Zambia and 1 other country between 29 Sep 2012 and 12 Oct 2012
""Wow". Words fail me when it comes to summarising our trip to Zambia and Zimbabwe.
We had done our homework before engaging the assistance of Expert Africa with Claire and the team including a lenghty chat with Chris where we asked many questions, so while we were first time safari travellers we did know what we wanted and we recognized and truly appreciated the expertise and the great suggestions offered. We planned our three week trip as our one chance to go to Africa and we wanted to do it right, and see the majesty and the wildness of Southern Africa while it was still there.
The two main areas we visited, South Luangwa in Zambia and Mana Pools in Zimbabwe provided us exactly what we were hoping for and in many ways exceeded our expectations. The grandeur of the vistas and the abundance and variety of the wildlife was impressive. The staff at each of the camps couldn't do enough in their genuine desire to make your stay pleasureable and memorable.
We were chatting with one of the other guests staying at the Tafika camp. They had a similar ideas to us a few years earlier which was to come once and make it good. They have been back many times since. I think we may also he headed down that same path. They offered up a quote I have re-used a few times since. "If you don't want to come back to Africa, then don't go to Africa."
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We returned home just yesterday from our trip.
The only hassles we experienced were due to airline troubles (delayed flights - LOST BAGGAGE!) and these had nothing to do with the great plans and logistics made by Expert Africa that made getting around remarkably simple.
Just as a side note. I am not one who is prone to exaggeration, and rarely give ratings of 'Excellent' as there are usually areas where improvements can be made. But here I have made an exception. We had the time of our lives on these safaris. It is difficult to point out where Expert Arfica could have improved our experience - and my rating reflect that.
Congratulations on a job well done. If (when) we go back to Africa, you will be the first call we make after we figure out where and when we will go. I have already recommended Expert Africa to my relatives who are considering a Southern Africa trip in 2013." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari
We had done our homework before engaging the assistance of Expert Africa with Claire and the team including a lenghty chat with Chris where we asked many questions, so while we were first time safari travellers we did know what we wanted and we recognized and truly appreciated the expertise and the great suggestions offered. We planned our three week trip as our one chance to go to Africa and we wanted to do it right, and see the majesty and the wildness of Southern Africa while it was still there.
The two main areas we visited, South Luangwa in Zambia and Mana Pools in Zimbabwe provided us exactly what we were hoping for and in many ways exceeded our expectations. The grandeur of the vistas and the abundance and variety of the wildlife was impressive. The staff at each of the camps couldn't do enough in their genuine desire to make your stay pleasureable and memorable.
We were chatting with one of the other guests staying at the Tafika camp. They had a similar ideas to us a few years earlier which was to come once and make it good. They have been back many times since. I think we may also he headed down that same path. They offered up a quote I have re-used a few times since. "If you don't want to come back to Africa, then don't go to Africa."
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We returned home just yesterday from our trip.
The only hassles we experienced were due to airline troubles (delayed flights - LOST BAGGAGE!) and these had nothing to do with the great plans and logistics made by Expert Africa that made getting around remarkably simple.
Just as a side note. I am not one who is prone to exaggeration, and rarely give ratings of 'Excellent' as there are usually areas where improvements can be made. But here I have made an exception. We had the time of our lives on these safaris. It is difficult to point out where Expert Arfica could have improved our experience - and my rating reflect that.
Congratulations on a job well done. If (when) we go back to Africa, you will be the first call we make after we figure out where and when we will go. I have already recommended Expert Africa to my relatives who are considering a Southern Africa trip in 2013." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs B
Northants
"Good destination for game viewing"
I visited Zimbabwe between 18 Sep 2012 and 29 Sep 2012
"We enjoyed our stay in Zimbabwe and found a very warm welcome from everyone we met. There is obviously a strong desire to promote tourism and in Victoria we were thanked for going there.
Many friends questioned the safety of our choice of destination before we went and so we ended up saying safari in Africa after a while! We encountered no problems nor any hostility towards us at all. We will now be able to tell people so.
Cash purchasing is all important so take plenty of it - 4 of the places we stayed had safe facilities. No one wanted travellers cheques, and credit machines seldom worked.
In Victoria, vendors are persistent but not aggressive - just keep in mind they just want to make a $. There are plenty of tourist police on hand if need be.
The Falls are stunning and well worth the visit. We had 3 nights in Victoria. Two is more than enough if it is only the Falls that you wish to see and in fact we did that on arrival so 1 night would have been sufficient for us with more time on safari.
Importantly the game viewing is excellent and the regions offer a great deal of contrast so it is worth doing as much as you can afford! I would not recommend less than 3 nights in any camp/area if travelling between regions as the travelling is long and tiring. Travel arrangements need improving overall including communication about them.
The guiding was all of a very good standard with obvious enthusiasm.
We had hoped to do more walking, but were constrained by our travel arrangements. This is a great pity. For the nervous, think carefully before choosing Goliath as the proximity to wildlife is challenging and could be very uncomfortable for some. For those who would like the experience, it is awesome.
We would recommend Zimbabwe from the experience we had. Just plan your route carefully" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zimbabwe safari
Many friends questioned the safety of our choice of destination before we went and so we ended up saying safari in Africa after a while! We encountered no problems nor any hostility towards us at all. We will now be able to tell people so.
Cash purchasing is all important so take plenty of it - 4 of the places we stayed had safe facilities. No one wanted travellers cheques, and credit machines seldom worked.
In Victoria, vendors are persistent but not aggressive - just keep in mind they just want to make a $. There are plenty of tourist police on hand if need be.
The Falls are stunning and well worth the visit. We had 3 nights in Victoria. Two is more than enough if it is only the Falls that you wish to see and in fact we did that on arrival so 1 night would have been sufficient for us with more time on safari.
Importantly the game viewing is excellent and the regions offer a great deal of contrast so it is worth doing as much as you can afford! I would not recommend less than 3 nights in any camp/area if travelling between regions as the travelling is long and tiring. Travel arrangements need improving overall including communication about them.
The guiding was all of a very good standard with obvious enthusiasm.
We had hoped to do more walking, but were constrained by our travel arrangements. This is a great pity. For the nervous, think carefully before choosing Goliath as the proximity to wildlife is challenging and could be very uncomfortable for some. For those who would like the experience, it is awesome.
We would recommend Zimbabwe from the experience we had. Just plan your route carefully" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zimbabwe safari
Overall trip
Good
Mr & Mrs W
Croydon
"Excellent holiday - exceeding expectations"
I visited Namibia and 2 other countries between 16 Sep 2012 and 4 Oct 2012
"Overall, we had an extremely enjoyable holiday. The variety of wildlife experiences exceeded our expectations. Accommodation was all very good or excellent. All the arrangements within the control of Expert Africa, whether for accommodation or transfers, worked out fine, without any problems.
The holiday wasn't one of Expert Africa's standard holidays. We spent some time working out the itinerary with them. That was time well spent and their expert advice was invaluable. Thanks very much to Gwynneth and also Nick for his advice on Botswana early on.
A couple of specific comments which don't fit in elsewhere:
1. We had two flights with Mack Air and had a good experience with them both times: friendly pilots and good flights. In addition, we had arranged for suitcases to be flown on separately from Maun to Kasane. This was handled efficiently and there was no difficulty retreiving the suitcases at Kasane airport.
2. We had a transfer with Wilderness Safaris from Kasane airport to Victorial Falls. This was handled efficiently so that we were able to complete the border formalities on entering Zimbabwe without a hitch.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No - well organised holiday, plenty of helpful information." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 7 on a Namibia trip
The holiday wasn't one of Expert Africa's standard holidays. We spent some time working out the itinerary with them. That was time well spent and their expert advice was invaluable. Thanks very much to Gwynneth and also Nick for his advice on Botswana early on.
A couple of specific comments which don't fit in elsewhere:
1. We had two flights with Mack Air and had a good experience with them both times: friendly pilots and good flights. In addition, we had arranged for suitcases to be flown on separately from Maun to Kasane. This was handled efficiently and there was no difficulty retreiving the suitcases at Kasane airport.
2. We had a transfer with Wilderness Safaris from Kasane airport to Victorial Falls. This was handled efficiently so that we were able to complete the border formalities on entering Zimbabwe without a hitch.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No - well organised holiday, plenty of helpful information." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 7 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mrs N
Much Hadham
"My September 2012 trip"
I visited Botswana and 1 other country between 7 Sep 2012 and 17 Sep 2012
"We had the most wonderful trip - all the camps far exceeded our expectations - the staff were lovely, and couldn't be more helpful - the guides were knowledgeible, expecially at Kwara - and we enjoyed every minure of the trip, even being chased by an elephant which was a bit scary!!!
Thank you for being able to assess the sort of thing we wanted, making a trip which suited us and giving us a trip of a lifetime. All three of us had the best holiday we have ever had.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Just need to add that the booklet you sent us with tips for the trips was extremely helpful, but we took your advice about only taking low denominations in dollars literally, and then had to spend ages dolling out one dollars for our visas. Maybe a slightly wider mix of bills might have been helpful. However, that is the only suggestion - everything else were great, even though I couldn't believe that we might need gloves - next time I'll take them!!" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari
Thank you for being able to assess the sort of thing we wanted, making a trip which suited us and giving us a trip of a lifetime. All three of us had the best holiday we have ever had.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Just need to add that the booklet you sent us with tips for the trips was extremely helpful, but we took your advice about only taking low denominations in dollars literally, and then had to spend ages dolling out one dollars for our visas. Maybe a slightly wider mix of bills might have been helpful. However, that is the only suggestion - everything else were great, even though I couldn't believe that we might need gloves - next time I'll take them!!" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr M
Massachusetts
"My Sep 2012 trip"
I visited Namibia and 1 other country between 4 Sep 2012 and 19 Sep 2012
"A fantastic trip, with only a few minor bumps."
Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs W
Toronto
"My Aug 2012 trip"
I visited Zimbabwe and 1 other country between 25 Aug 2012 and 8 Sep 2012
"Trip was extremely well put together. Claire was very efficient and could not have been more helpful.
We had an issue with the transfer from Kaingo to Rukomechi. With hindsight had we realized it would take over 11 hours we would have probably made a different decision about the combination of Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Secondly, there was a mix-up between Executive Air (Safari Logistics) and the booking for the transfer from Mana Pools Airstrip to Hwange. The plane arrived at 11:00 AM, which was his scheduled arrival according to his sheet but was an hour before we were expected to be picked up. Luckily the pilot waited for us and the two other passengers. We arrived at Hwange Airport at 2:15pm and there was no vehicle there from Camp Hwange. Again the pilot waited as he did not want to leave us at a closed airport building with no means of contacting the Camp. Finally a vehicle arrived at 3:15 pm.(the driver said he had been told to arrive for 3:30pm). The pilot Janade Krarim left with the other two passengers bound for Victoria Falls. Without the kindness of the pilot we could have been stranded." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zimbabwe safari
We had an issue with the transfer from Kaingo to Rukomechi. With hindsight had we realized it would take over 11 hours we would have probably made a different decision about the combination of Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Secondly, there was a mix-up between Executive Air (Safari Logistics) and the booking for the transfer from Mana Pools Airstrip to Hwange. The plane arrived at 11:00 AM, which was his scheduled arrival according to his sheet but was an hour before we were expected to be picked up. Luckily the pilot waited for us and the two other passengers. We arrived at Hwange Airport at 2:15pm and there was no vehicle there from Camp Hwange. Again the pilot waited as he did not want to leave us at a closed airport building with no means of contacting the Camp. Finally a vehicle arrived at 3:15 pm.(the driver said he had been told to arrive for 3:30pm). The pilot Janade Krarim left with the other two passengers bound for Victoria Falls. Without the kindness of the pilot we could have been stranded." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zimbabwe safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr R & Ms Z
NL
"My Aug 2012 trip"
I visited Zambia and 2 other countries between 18 Aug 2012 and 13 Sep 2012
"Overall it was very good: the variety of locations and wild life mix, top guides, generally very good catering and personal attention.
Good advice from Expert Africa. The basic itineray was discussed and fixed with Lucy Copson. Nick Hobbs and Megan Ingoldby helped very active and constructively fixing issues and final arrangements.
I cannot select one team member (see below), so I indicated Chris McIntyre. You should change the question to the team members (multiple) who assisted."
Read full review: 26 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Uli
Germany
"Amazing trip to Zimbabwe / Botswana"
I visited Botswana and 1 other country between 30 Jul 2012 and 13 Aug 2012
"Since many years it was a dream for me to visit Botswana and the Okavango delta.
I've read many travel guides (also the very recommendable one of Chris McIntyre!) and had contact to many travel agencies.
Although living in Germany I've chosen Expert Africa to help me and organize this trip for us.
From the first contacts I knew that it was the right decision - it couldn't have been better somewhere else:
Lucy and Megan were always helpful, patient and with great knowledge about the different locations and accommodations.
The organisation of the trip was excellent - we've had no problems, everything worked perfectly and in conclusion the trip was the one we've hoped to have. All the places we've visited had their own and special atmosphere and showing something different.
Thanks again to the people of Expert Africa who made an excellent job!
I can recommend Expert Africa not highly enough and whenever I/we will return to Africa I will ask them to manage it for me." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Botswana safari
I've read many travel guides (also the very recommendable one of Chris McIntyre!) and had contact to many travel agencies.
Although living in Germany I've chosen Expert Africa to help me and organize this trip for us.
From the first contacts I knew that it was the right decision - it couldn't have been better somewhere else:
Lucy and Megan were always helpful, patient and with great knowledge about the different locations and accommodations.
The organisation of the trip was excellent - we've had no problems, everything worked perfectly and in conclusion the trip was the one we've hoped to have. All the places we've visited had their own and special atmosphere and showing something different.
Thanks again to the people of Expert Africa who made an excellent job!
I can recommend Expert Africa not highly enough and whenever I/we will return to Africa I will ask them to manage it for me." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
548
reviews of Victoria Falls by travellers since August 2007
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Inspire meWhere to stay in Victoria Falls
Our suggestions for safari camps in Victoria Falls
Ilala Lodge
Exceptionally well located between the Victoria Falls and the town of the same name, Ilala Lodge has comfortable rooms, a friendly atmosphere & great food.
Victoria Falls Hotel
With its unique setting, authentic style and excellent service, the Victoria Falls is one of the world’s most iconic hotels.
Batonka Guest Lodge
Small, comfortable and in lovely gardens, Batonka Guest Lodge is a perfect base for exploring the Victoria Falls away from the bustle of the town.
Victoria Falls Lodge
High on a plateau a short distance outside Victoria Falls Town, the comfortable Victoria Falls Safari Lodge overlooks its own waterhole.
Sprayview Hotel
In close proximity to both the town and the Victoria Falls themselves, Sprayview is a value-for-money hotel in a convenient location.
The Elephant Camp
The Elephant Camp is a luxury tented camp in its own private concession within Victoria Falls National Park, just 15-minute's drive town.
Old Drift Lodge
A lovely addition to the options in Victoria Falls, the stylish Old Drift has a great location in Zimbabwe's Zambezi National Park, with a range of activities.
Victoria Falls Club
Just outside of Victoria Falls Town, Victoria Falls Safari Club offers an exclusive, relaxing and luxurious base to explore the area.
Palm River
Palm River Hotel offers a high-quality stay in a picturesque location on the banks of the Zambezi, with excellent food and a shuttle to the Victoria Falls.
Gorges Lodge
Gorges Lodge has spectacular views from its perch on the edge of the Batoka Gorge. Although it is out of town it isn't too far from the main attractions.
Pioneers
Located a five-minute drive from the buzz of Victoria Falls town, the mid-size Pioneers offers a relaxing stay in one of Zimbabwe's most iconic destinations.
Zambezi Sands
Zambezi Sands is a stylish new camp with a range of activities on a remote stretch of the Zambezi River.
528 Victoria Falls
528 Victoria Falls is a charming, owner-run, boutique B&B in a leafy suburb of Victoria Falls town, offering an oasis of calm in an often-busy location.
Matetsi River Lodge
Situated in the private Matetsi Reserve, Matetsi River Lodge offers luxury suites, game drives and river activities within reach of the Victoria Falls.
Victoria Falls Suites
Just out of the town, Victoria Falls Safari Suites offers an exclusive, relaxing and luxurious base from which to explore.
Mpala Jena
In Zambezi National Park, Mpala Jena offers a luxurious but eco-friendly experience, within easy access of the Victoria Falls.
Matetsi River House
Situated in the Private Matetsi Reserve Matetsi River House offers families and small groups privacy, game drives and access to the falls.
