Reviews of safaris to South Luangwa National Park
896 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include South Luangwa.
Ms S.
Missouri
"My May 2022 trip"
I visited Zambia and 2 other countries between 8 May 2022 and 27 May 2022
"Really good trip overall. The transport issue mentioned in Namibia did not set the best tone and I admit to being worried about how the rest of the trip would go after that happened.
Everything was great from there on out, except until the very end when two persons in my traveling party tested positive for COVID at Splash Camp, Botswana. There were a lot of details that needed help and attention for these two persons when they were told they had to stay in Botswana an extra five days, at a camp with zero internet availability. The camp does have a satellite phone for emergencies. They reached out to Expert Africa to request help in making alternative travel arrangements and important notifications to people at home and received zero assistance.
This lack of helpful response did not set well with us as a group of five travelers having spent a combined (approximate) $50k between us on this once in a lifetime type of travel experience. So the beginning and end of the trip were not the most shining examples of Expert Africa’s service. But the majority of our trip was great. So take that information any way you wish. Just sharing our true experiences." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari
Everything was great from there on out, except until the very end when two persons in my traveling party tested positive for COVID at Splash Camp, Botswana. There were a lot of details that needed help and attention for these two persons when they were told they had to stay in Botswana an extra five days, at a camp with zero internet availability. The camp does have a satellite phone for emergencies. They reached out to Expert Africa to request help in making alternative travel arrangements and important notifications to people at home and received zero assistance.
This lack of helpful response did not set well with us as a group of five travelers having spent a combined (approximate) $50k between us on this once in a lifetime type of travel experience. So the beginning and end of the trip were not the most shining examples of Expert Africa’s service. But the majority of our trip was great. So take that information any way you wish. Just sharing our true experiences." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Good
Mr & Mrs H
Caterham
"Long awaited return to Botswana, Zambia and Malawi"
I visited Malawi and 1 other country between 3 May 2022 and 14 May 2022
"As usual with Expert Africa every thing went like clockwork. We recommend you every time!
Only place I was not that happy with was Latitude 13 but not sure what other options there were to get a PCR test done even though we did not need it in the end." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 7 on a Malawi trip
Only place I was not that happy with was Latitude 13 but not sure what other options there were to get a PCR test done even though we did not need it in the end." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 7 on a Malawi trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr N.
London
"My Apr 2022 trip"
I visited Zambia between 16 Apr 2022 and 26 Apr 2022
"Amazing - exceeded my expectations."
Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Miss P
London
"Week at Nkwali"
I visited Zambia between 8 Apr 2022 and 18 Apr 2022
"My trip only involved one safari camp, and I loved my stay at Nkwali. I don't want to repeat what I have written in my individual review of the camp, but in general I think South Luangwa in green season is much under rated and at low season rates, great value for money. The big cats are more elusive than in dry season but the wild dog sightings were a match for those I've had anywhere else (eg Botswana), both on this trip and my 2018 trip at the same time of year. Of course, there are not so many options available, so a longer stay in one camp makes sense. No one would think twice about staying in one place for a week on another type of holiday, so why not on safari?
The mix of guests is always very interesting too, with more local residents or people visiting residents or adding on safari days to a business trip.
Although I have managed some trips during covid, Nkwali was quite busy during my stay, and this is the first time I've really felt like some sort of normality is returning to the safari world. With testing now dropped for most destinations, there was a sense of relief and optimism from staff and other guests alike.
Pioneer was the only low point of the trip, and I think perhaps it's time Expert Africa looked at some new options for overnights in Lusaka for guests who don't need a luxury boutique hotel." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zambia safari
The mix of guests is always very interesting too, with more local residents or people visiting residents or adding on safari days to a business trip.
Although I have managed some trips during covid, Nkwali was quite busy during my stay, and this is the first time I've really felt like some sort of normality is returning to the safari world. With testing now dropped for most destinations, there was a sense of relief and optimism from staff and other guests alike.
Pioneer was the only low point of the trip, and I think perhaps it's time Expert Africa looked at some new options for overnights in Lusaka for guests who don't need a luxury boutique hotel." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Family C
East Sussex
"Zambia Safari 2022"
I visited Zambia between 4 Apr 2022 and 13 Apr 2022
"Great advice from Lucy, responsive and efficient as we did book quite last minute but nothing was a problem
Up to date Covid and visa advice provided
Was a very easy process which is always good in my book - thank you Lucy." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari
Up to date Covid and visa advice provided
Was a very easy process which is always good in my book - thank you Lucy." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
L&M Canada
Dunham, QC
" Nov 2021 trip"
I visited Zambia between 7 Nov 2021 and 26 Nov 2021
"Luc and I had a wonderful trip to Kafue NP and South Luangwa NP in November 2021. The itinary created by Claire was excellent, first Kafue then South Luangwa.
Three weeks was an adequate time to appreciate the areas visited and to rest. We met dedicated people and visited beautiful landscapes.
We keep cherished memories of these three weeks.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Your services are excellent!" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 16 on a Zambia safari
Three weeks was an adequate time to appreciate the areas visited and to rest. We met dedicated people and visited beautiful landscapes.
We keep cherished memories of these three weeks.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Your services are excellent!" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 16 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Thor & Deb
BC Canada
"My Oct 2021 "Alone in Africa Because of Covid" trip"
I visited Zambia and 1 other country between 25 Oct 2021 and 16 Nov 2021
"A big shout-out to Maruska who held our hands through extraordinary times. We had to delay the trip by a year, and then became very much the vanguard of the African safari tourists because of Covid.
We felt as if we essentially had the continent to ourselves--which was wonderful but a bit weird too. The pandemic complicated things quite considerably because of the need for timely PCR tests, flights disappearing, places closing, etc., but Maruska helped get it all organized and all the facets of the trip she organized came together perfectly.
This is our second trip with Expert Africa, the first the result of a recommendation from a friend. Elizabeth, who organized our first trip, did a fabulous job, and now that high bar of service continues. We are likely to go on safari again, and we will most certainly use Expert Africa again--and will recommend your services to friends.
Again: thank you for taking such great care of us, Maruska. I very much appreciated your solicitous and friendly professionalism.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Maintain that high standard!" Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari
We felt as if we essentially had the continent to ourselves--which was wonderful but a bit weird too. The pandemic complicated things quite considerably because of the need for timely PCR tests, flights disappearing, places closing, etc., but Maruska helped get it all organized and all the facets of the trip she organized came together perfectly.
This is our second trip with Expert Africa, the first the result of a recommendation from a friend. Elizabeth, who organized our first trip, did a fabulous job, and now that high bar of service continues. We are likely to go on safari again, and we will most certainly use Expert Africa again--and will recommend your services to friends.
Again: thank you for taking such great care of us, Maruska. I very much appreciated your solicitous and friendly professionalism.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Maintain that high standard!" Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mrs K.
Bottmingen
"My Oct 2021 trip"
I visited Zambia between 21 Oct 2021 and 9 Nov 2021
"Zambia and all lodges were absolutely beautiful and we'd like to come back and recommend to everybody who is interested in.
We also were very lucky with the weather conditions.
Lusaka is not worth to see it. Typical big city with nice areas but nothing special.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
no you're just perfect !!!
we're very happy we found you in the internet under such a lot of different tour operators." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 17 on a Zambia safari
We also were very lucky with the weather conditions.
Lusaka is not worth to see it. Typical big city with nice areas but nothing special.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
no you're just perfect !!!
we're very happy we found you in the internet under such a lot of different tour operators." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 17 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Z
Z
"My Oct 2021 trip"
I visited Zambia between 17 Oct 2021 and 3 Nov 2021
"Overall, game is very good across 3 NPs (South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, Kafue).
- Numerous lion sightings, but lions are the most majestic at Busanga Plains
- 13 unique leopard sightings, some with cubs, one feeding on an impala kill on the tree.
- Carmine bee eater colony was a bit smaller than usual at Shenton's hide this year, but saw the one near to Nkwali Camp from across the river. That colony was bigger.
- Not much luck on dog sightings except seeing the same pack twice in Mfuwe sector, and they were resting
- Game appears to be the strongest at South Luangwa northern sector. Lions were feeding on buffalo or hippo kills everyday
I have no hesitation in recommending all camps to future travelers
- Except for Mukambi Lodge/Mukambi Plains Camp, until the guiding issues are addressed.
Other notes to assist future travelers: PCR test
- Nature By Nature DNA Research Laboratory delivered as promised.
- Returned to Lusaka at 12 noon
- Swabbed at 1 pm
- Received results electronically (email/whatsapp) at 3 pm
- Was hand-delivered hardcopy results at 4 pm
- Left for airport at 7 pm.
- Flew out same day without issues.
- Healit Zambia now has a test center at Lusaka Airport, but it is not yet fully operational. I think it will be be up and running by next year. It is on the right hand side as you enter the departure hall of the new airport.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
None" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 16 on a Zambia safari
- Numerous lion sightings, but lions are the most majestic at Busanga Plains
- 13 unique leopard sightings, some with cubs, one feeding on an impala kill on the tree.
- Carmine bee eater colony was a bit smaller than usual at Shenton's hide this year, but saw the one near to Nkwali Camp from across the river. That colony was bigger.
- Not much luck on dog sightings except seeing the same pack twice in Mfuwe sector, and they were resting
- Game appears to be the strongest at South Luangwa northern sector. Lions were feeding on buffalo or hippo kills everyday
I have no hesitation in recommending all camps to future travelers
- Except for Mukambi Lodge/Mukambi Plains Camp, until the guiding issues are addressed.
Other notes to assist future travelers: PCR test
- Nature By Nature DNA Research Laboratory delivered as promised.
- Returned to Lusaka at 12 noon
- Swabbed at 1 pm
- Received results electronically (email/whatsapp) at 3 pm
- Was hand-delivered hardcopy results at 4 pm
- Left for airport at 7 pm.
- Flew out same day without issues.
- Healit Zambia now has a test center at Lusaka Airport, but it is not yet fully operational. I think it will be be up and running by next year. It is on the right hand side as you enter the departure hall of the new airport.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
None" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 16 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs B
Singapore
"My Oct 2021 trip"
I visited Zambia between 13 Oct 2021 and 26 Oct 2021
"Overall a great trip, which was postponed several times. Camps and Expert Africa were flexible to accommodate the rescheduling requirements which I appreciate a lot. I had no issues with CoVID, the in-camp test was easy. All logistics worked smoothly. No problems whatsoever.
Compared to previous Zambia trips, this one rates slightly lower as the October heat, especially in the South Luangwa, was tough, in particular during Game Drives in the later morning and earlier afternoon. The heat was probably also a main contributor to a game viewing experience slightly below expectation, in particular leopards and lions were far less visible than in previous trips (during August/September). On the other site, sightings of Wild Dogs on four different days (even though it was always the same group of 21) was unexpected.
Hospitability in all camps and hotels was impeccable. Health (Covid) and safety (animals) protocols are in place and rigorously followed. Zambia is slowly recovering with international guests coming back. So there were days were I benefited from half-full camps, other days where I was happy to see camps full as it's vital for the camps. Zambia is definitely ready to welcome guests back. And it's also practical again to go on a safari." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 13 on a Zambia safari
Compared to previous Zambia trips, this one rates slightly lower as the October heat, especially in the South Luangwa, was tough, in particular during Game Drives in the later morning and earlier afternoon. The heat was probably also a main contributor to a game viewing experience slightly below expectation, in particular leopards and lions were far less visible than in previous trips (during August/September). On the other site, sightings of Wild Dogs on four different days (even though it was always the same group of 21) was unexpected.
Hospitability in all camps and hotels was impeccable. Health (Covid) and safety (animals) protocols are in place and rigorously followed. Zambia is slowly recovering with international guests coming back. So there were days were I benefited from half-full camps, other days where I was happy to see camps full as it's vital for the camps. Zambia is definitely ready to welcome guests back. And it's also practical again to go on a safari." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 13 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
896
reviews of South Luangwa by travellers since August 2007
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