Travel reviews by Laura from Vienna
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
1
Countries visited
2
Lodges stayed in
5
Excursions taken
6
My Sep 2022 trip
Tanzania and 1 other country between 2 Sep 2022 and 17 Sep 2022
"I have already recommended Expert Africa (and Tanzanian ground partner) to friends. I love the bespoke approach to the planning and execution. Jessica, who organised it, was very helpful and knowledgable - and made us feel well taken care of. The whole trip was incredibly well organised every step of the way. We really enjoyed Tito's company, knowledge and driving skills in Rwanda and the same for Raj while we were in the mobile camp in the Serengeti! Even the PCR tests were handled well - hopefully they won't be necessary next time! In terms of what to bring and what to expect: not once were we asked to weigh our luggage (but do keep in mind that there's not a lot of storage room on the puddle-jumper planes); we also were not questioned re plastic bags; do minimise the clothing (pack your bag, then unpack half of what you thought you might want to bring - there are lots of laundry options - and no one really cares what you're wearing anyway!); bring a warm sweater/jacket and/or a waterproof windbreaker. Invest in really good binoculars - even if they are heavy - we didn't and regretted it.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No - it was terrific! As regards the mobile camp in the Serengeti, I was glad we stayed at the camp where we were - we visited the more "upscale" non-mobile camp nearby and were glad we were at the mobile one! Many thanks to Jessica - I've already passed her name onto friends of mine!"
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No - it was terrific! As regards the mobile camp in the Serengeti, I was glad we stayed at the camp where we were - we visited the more "upscale" non-mobile camp nearby and were glad we were at the mobile one! Many thanks to Jessica - I've already passed her name onto friends of mine!"
Arranged By Jessica Plumb
Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
"Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel review"
2 nights
Arrived
3 Sep 2022
"The staff were friendly and attentive - small matter of no internet in the rooms. Lovely view!"
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Excellent
Service
Good
Rooms
Good
Food
Excellent
Sightings report
Chimpanzee
1 sighting
King’s Palace & Museum Visit
"King’s Palace & Museum Visit review"
3 Sep 2022 • All-day excursion
Worth a visit - great tour guide.
Excellent
Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest
"Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest review"
4 Sep 2022 • All-day excursion
The chimps are a bit difficult to access, as they spend a lot of time in the trees - but we did actually get close to them as they travelled through the forest. Fascinating!!
Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest
"Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest review"
4 Sep 2022 • All-day excursion
It scared the hell out of me (I only did the first bridge and then backed out!), but my sister walked all 3 of the bridges - not for the faint of heart, but a spectacular view
Excellent
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
"Mountain Gorilla View Lodge review"
3 nights
Arrived
5 Sep 2022
"The room was lovely, with a fire every day and hot water bottle heaters each evening. The staff took great care in cleaning shoes and socks at the end of the treks. There was a minor problem with the water from one of the sinks, but it didn't interfere with our enjoyment of the place - and the shower was great. Food - excellent and plentiful!"
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Rooms
Good
Food
Excellent
Sightings report
Mountain Gorilla
1 sighting
Golden Monkey Trekking
"Golden Monkey Trekking review"
6 Sep 2022 • Morning excursion
Superb - very accessible and a real joy to be able to get so close to the monkeys - the guide was also great!
Gorilla Trekking Safari
"Gorilla Trekking Safari review"
7 Sep 2022 • Morning excursion
Not even the pouring down rain could dampen the excitement of being so close to the gorillas!! It's an amazing experience that simply should not be missed. The guides/trackers were excellent, making sure that we had all of our full hour with the gorilla family. Definitely hire a sherpa - the walk can be quite slippery and they know what they are doing!
Excellent
Nomad Serengeti Safari Camp
"Nomad Serengeti Safari Camp review"
4 nights
Arrived
9 Sep 2022
"Extraordinary - from the logistics to the mobile tents (complete with own toilet and bucket shower) to the guides! Raj - our guide and driver - was excellent - friendly, knowledgable and always looking out for the best sightings of animals."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Sightings report
Buffalo
4 sightings
Eland
10+ sightings
Elephant
7 sightings
Giraffe
6 sightings
Hippo
4 sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
Many sightings
Oryx
Many sightings
Roan antelope
10+ sightings
Spotted Hyena
10+ sightings
Wildebeest
10+ sightings
Zebra
10+ sightings
Plantation Lodge
"Plantation Lodge review"
2 nights
Arrived
13 Sep 2022
"What a gem!!! The suite was beautiful and enormous, with a wraparound terrace. We had a lovely tour of the grounds by the head gardener - the food was terrific - even if you aren't going to the crater, this hotel is a place to stay!! So peaceful!"
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Sightings report
Black Rhino
1 sighting
Buffalo
1 sighting
Eland
4 sightings
Elephant
4 sightings
Hippo
3 sightings
Lion
4 sightings
Wildebeest
10+ sightings
Zebra
10+ sightings
Safari in Ngorongoro Crater
"Safari in Ngorongoro Crater review"
14 Sep 2022 • All-day excursion
We had a number of amazing up close and personal encounters with elephants, a lioness (who actually approached our car) and a pregnant zebra with an itch! The crater is vast - we did a bit more than a half day ride, but not a full day outride. I think because it was near the end of our two-week trip and we'd seen so much in the Serengeti - but definitely worth the visit!!
Rivertrees Country Inn
"What a fun place to stay "
1 night
Arrived
15 Sep 2022
"What a fun place to stay - our last night in Tanzania - lucked out with a happy hour and lots of locals and expats. The food and service were terrific and the rooms very comfortable. Best of all: the three different kinds of monkeys that live on the grounds of the hotel - including a very hungry one that tried to get into our room!!"
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent