Zambia: reviews from our travellers
Unedited reviews written by our most recent Zambia travellers
"My Sep 2014 trip"
From the first contact with Megan to arrival back at Heathrow, the trip was professionally organised, exciting and seamless.
We found that visiting South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi was important. Dry and brown versus wet and green. We would have missed out by only visiting one of the National Parks. Zambia was a revelation. It was VERY HOT, as predicted, but we managed and are happy that we chose the dry season.
Catching 5 Tiger fish (largest 10.5 lbs) was great fun. The quantity and quality of game sightings throughout was staggering." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 17 on a Zambia safari
"Very satisfactory"
Lovely to be met at all stages of the journey, and thank you Ellie and Martha for all your help." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari
"Wonderful wildlife but exhausting"
Once we had recovered we had a great trip." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 15 on a Zambia safari
"A great holiday in Zambia's best parks"
"Five weeks in Zambia"
The wildlife and birds were incredible most especially at South Luangwa. We thoroughly enjoyed the contrasts between the three national parks and in the case of Kafue the contrasts between Kaingu, Musekese and Busanga Plains. Victoria Falls is not to be missed on any trip to Zambia.
We travelled independently for part of our trip on coaches, local minibuses and taxis. I would like to finish with a tribute to the Zambian people. Everywhere we went the warmth and friendliness of these gentle people shone through. As I said earlier I long to return.
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No everything was perfect" Read full review: 36 nights in Africa; 21 on a Zambia safari
"Botswana & Victoria Falls September 2014"
We knew that visiting 4 safari lodges in an 8 day period would be hectic, and so it proved to be. However, although Chitabe Lediba and Kwando Lagoon were our clear favourites, both Savute Safari Lodge and Little Kwara had unique features that we are really pleased were included in our itinerary.
We were exhilarated and exhausted in equal measures after 8 days of safari, so to be able to finish off the trip with a (relatively) relaxed 2 days at Tongabezi was an absolute delight. We are so thankful that Tracy encouraged us to stay there rather than at a hotel in Livingstone.
All of the transfers worked seamlessly, and we were particularly impressed by the coordination between Mack Air and the lodges to ensure that we never missed out on our game drives. The transfer between Botswana and Zambia was also very well managed." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari
"My Sep 2014 trip"
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We were just amazed. Everyone was where they were to be when they were to be. Africa is a really special place and I thought we lived in a really special place. The trip was great and Maruska gave us the best advice. We met so many people staying at the camps for just two days complaining that they were always on the move. One really should stay for three. That was a great piece of advice.
I really cannot think of anything one could do better - it was like I said earlier - perfect. You all know what you're doing. So glad I got Chris's book on Botswana and found you. Thank you so, so much.
Last question - so now that one has been there how do you keep from returning again and again? I think Africa has hooks and keeps you coming back again and again." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari
"Our September 2014 Safari to Zambia"
Worth mentioning: one couple arriving at Kaingo after us (travel agent unknown) had flown with Emirates and said the change in Dubai had been very tight with only 1.5 hours. Having been to Dubai a few times, this made sense to us.
Later, at Sausage Tree Camp, another couple had suffered a slightly late departure from Heathrow and were actually prevented from flying onwards from Dubai because their bags would not make it to the connecting plane. This meant that they missed a night in camp and all the activities for the 24-hour period involved. Extremely disappointing for them.
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It might be worth including in the standard letter as a matter of course that Tours Africa meet your clients airside on arrival at Lusaka.
They waved us through without further queuing, took passports and visa fee to the immigration officer for us, adding on a few extra days in case of emergency and really made the process painless. They were so friendly and helpful with luggage etc. The service was barely different from our visit in 2006." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 20 on a Zambia safari
"September 2014 Botswana trip"
In talking to others at our camps I did feel we had made the right decision in going to a national park (Chobe) first to get used to elephants, giraffes and zebras being everywhere, and that didn't fully realise the restrictions that applied within the Park. Consequently we really appreciated the freedom for game-viewing (at night and off road) offered by the second two camps which were on concessions. The concession model also limits the numbers of people who are able to stay in one area. This in turn made it seem we were really out in the wild and added to the experience. It just isn't the same at a National Park.
I didn't expect to be get so close to the animals and also to get involved in the story of the animals - what their behaviour was indicating, the various hunts and stalking, caring for the young, etc. At times I really did feel like I was living in a David Attenborough documentary. Botswana is a efficient African country, with good facilities. You could instantly see the difference between it and Zambia as we crossed the boarder. All the people we met - Zambians and Botswanans were polite, well spoken and helpful. They were all proud of their countries and welcoming.
A safari experience is simply wonderful, and I felt so privileged to be able to view the animals with such informed guides.
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Although I have given the feedback on Maruska above, because of her maternity leave, we also had Nick Hobbs as our contact. Nick was also very helpful - and I would give him the same markings as above for Maruska - in particular I was grateful for his advice about what shoes to wear as I was receiving conflicting advice from friends and various websites, and nearly bought a pair of boots which would not have been needed, So a big thank you Nick.
We were also grateful for the assistance we received from Megan Ingoldby - as she really helped us plan our trip during an "early planning stage" phone call. So a big thank you to Expert Africa - both Anne and I thought you were helpful, patient and more importantly accurate. Everything worked like a dream." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari
"Vicki & Rocky Dream Come True - Sept, 2014"
When we were leaving Sandibe Camp one of the women who worked there said their is an expression in Africa; "Once the dust of Africa settles in your soul, you can never get it out."
Well it is in my soul, and we will return!
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Definitely update the website on Sandibe with new photos, etc. Otherwise continue the excellent work and service. We hope to again go back to Botswana in the future....the high cost, but low impact of people is the best way to be on safari. We never saw more than two other vehicles in the bush and they are only allowed to have three at a sighting.
We also embrace and respect so much that Botswana is now a 100% "no kill" country that is working hard to protect the animals. I will always encourage others to spend their safari dollars in this country where the government understands the value of their animals and eco-system." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari