South Africa: reviews from our travellers

"We have had the most amazing trip of our lives. We have travelled to many places but this holiday, to get a feel for South Africa, was very special.

Our itinerary was followed to the letter as we had expected and the whole trip just flowed so well. Pick-ups and drops offs were exceptionally well organised - Ilios is an excellent company. This was our first experience of South Africa - a BIG birthday present for my husband who has always wanted to visit South Africa based on the tales told to him as a boy by his late father.

The trip certainly exceeded all of our expectations - more in fact. We are already thinking of another trip maybe the same time next year in advance of another BIG birthday perhaps.

A very big thank you to Lucy and the Team in Cape Town for making this such a memorable experience

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

We can't think of anything which could have made this trip more enjoyable other than maybe an extra night in Kwandwe and Grootbos and one less night in Cape Town but nevertheless we enjoyed the whole whole experience.

Thank You" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a South Africa trip

"We went to watch cricket, but we enjoyed many other aspects of the Cape and had an excellent time.

The information we received was good and so were the driving instructions" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 8 on a South Africa trip

"Enjoyed every aspect of the safari and beach. The logistics worked seamlessly and we returned refreshed and planning our next trip." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 7 on a Mozambique holiday

"Our trip was mostly booked by Richard Ball, who was really helpful in organising with us a truly once in a lifetime holiday. He listened to what we wanted, advised and recommended, but would listen to us and accepted what we wanted. As it was our 30th anniversary, not sure how but we ended with private safari vehichle's, private dinners, cakes, and room upgrades. So many thanks.

Many thanks to everyone and all who were involved in making our trip so special.

The next time we visit Africa, will certainly put Expert Africa at the top of our list." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari

"This was a big trip for us and our expectations were high. But they were met in almost every respect, British Airways excepted.

It was a very memorable and exciting three weeks, at a very hot time of year and in a year of terrible drought in Botswana and Zimbabwe." Read full review: 24 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zimbabwe safari

"Everything went very well and to our expectations" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"Overall it was completely fantastic the slight bumps did not cause us any major issues.

The country is fantastic, the animals were amazing but the people win my vote. The Xhosa people are warm, friendly, helpful with a high work ethic and an eagerness to learn, a joy to interact with.

We went from the old world glamour of the Blue Train to the vibe of the modern city of Cape Town. Then we enjoyed the laid back artistic atmosphere of Franschoek followed by whale watching at Hermanus and the surfing town that is Plettenberg. We needed with the amazing waterhole watching at Gorah followed by the long drives into the bush to see a wide range of local fauna and flora at Kwandwe." Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 17 on a South Africa trip

"Wonderful introduction to the animals and landscapes of Botswana. Fantastic experience and will never forget it.

The camping was basic but one soon got used to it and appreciated the closeness to nature in all its forms. The guide and crew were excellent. Overall things were well organised. Have made a few comments for possible further thought." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 1 on a Botswana safari

"We were most impressed by the excellent advice and subsequent travel arrangements made by Expert Africa for our South African holiday. The attention to detail which produced a superb written travel itinerary down to the smallest details such as driving instructions from hotel to hotel was outstanding. We really had the impression Claire had a complete understanding of our requirements and, most importantly, personal knowledge that informed her advice.

We'd have no hesitation in recommending Expert Africa to all and sundry." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 7 on a South Africa trip

"Excellent. Everything we asked for. This is the third journey that Maruska has arranged for us. We can’t fault her work or the company.

We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Expert Africa to anyone." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip