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:
"Thank goodness we used ExpertAfrica!"
We really enjoyed our trip, and while we planned out the basic areas we wanted to visit, ExpertAfrica was able to help us connect the dots and help make our trip that much better. The areas we visited were truly wonderful.
FYI, since we had a large party, all three children (two aged 7 and one aged 2.5) were able to attend the game drives at Sandibe because we had our own party and own vehicle. Our kids had a wonderful time and loved the safaris (as did we) and with all the smooth transfers, we were happy that everything went according to plan. (Also, children under 3 were free for activities that allowed children at Victoria Falls, which made our helicopter ride over the Falls slightly less $ painful!)
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Tipping policies are still a bit of a mystery for us, as there is always a great variable involved as far as how the service was. I'm not sure if guidelines for each area of travel is feasible, but it would be helpful to find out what other visitors tipped." Read full review: 5 nights in Africa; 3 on a Botswana safari
"Africa - overall experience"
She is knowlegeable about the countries we visited, patinet with questions, and fast in her responses." Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari
"Great trip"
Everything worked like clockwork, I was well looked after by camp staff and guides and had some great experiences. Because the camps are small and organised so that you all eat together I met some really interesting people and had a great time.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
You might add that it is worth taking a beanie hat for the cold - I had to buy one in the Kalahari. Also not being used to taiylor made trips I needed to ask if I had to get a taxi from Victoria Falls Airport to my hotel - it was not clear from the itinerary that there would be driver there for me. Otherwise it was all fine." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 11 on a Botswana safari
"A great adventure"
The arrangements through Expert Africa were simple despite a change of schedule due to availability, communications were easy - mostly email with the occasional phone call, and everything went to plan whilst I was there, with all transfers working perfectly.
I normally plan and book my own holidays directly but as this was my first time in Africa, I wanted some local knowledge and expertise, and Expert Africa provided this to make it all painless. I don't hesitate to recommend them." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 3 on a Botswana safari
"Unforgettable trip that never disappointed"
"The emerald trip"
This was a longer trip (2 weeks) visiting two Countries and several places. This involved a lot of organization and we are once again impressed by how well every little details is sorted in advance. We spent a lot of time asking Ellie a million questions and debating about options and she never ever gets tired of answering my emails...and usually in a matter of hours if not minutes! Every suggestion she gives us is great.
Having been to Tanzania previously in June, we wanted to see different places and the green season. The landscape is fantastic and as expected it is a bit harder to see animals, but we still saw a lot. Of course this is not the best season for walks, as it is a bit hot (at least for us) and some roads and area are not accessible or not safe for walking but we did enjoy morning walks. The bonus is there are very few people and you have the places for yourself.
The game behaviour is very different in South Luangwa and Hwange: in SL they are almost tame, for example impala are in the middle of the road and do not move away from you, while in Hwange they are more skittish. On the other hand Hwange feels a lot wilder (even if they created artificial waterholes). It is good to see different places and landscapes and their contrasts.
We got the biggest safari bug and we are already dreaming about another trip, with Expert Africa of course!
As a last comment I would like to add that everywhere we went everyone (including a couple of tour operator from Australia) spoke highly of the Expert Africa team, not surprisingly!
Thanks a million!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No matter how hard I think I cannot find any suggestion- no need to improve!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zambia safari
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Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
As mentioned in feedback from previous trips we do think the website could be usefully updated more frequently. But we would congratulate you on the 2011 brochure which is a step up from the still very good 20010 version." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zimbabwe safari
"Botswana"
Everywhere we went there was someone waiting to collect us and carry our bags to our next destination. It was extremely well-organised with a good blend of different activities / game / environments.
Thank you Lucy for putting it all together for us, we can't thank you enough! We will be back I am sure!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
N/A" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari
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One major recommendation - go in November! It is supposedly low season, but we saw a huge amount and had a fantastic time, with the greatly added benefit of having the vehicles and often camp to ourselves in the vast majority of places.
We have never been on an organised tour holiday, so I was apprehensive that we would be herded around like pack animals and miss out on the unique experience you get when you travel individually. This was not the case. I was very happy with Expert Africa and would certainly use you again if we booked another luxury trip." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari
Where 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.
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.
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 House
Situated in the Private Matetsi Reserve Matetsi River House offers families and small groups privacy, game drives and access to the falls.
