Reviews of safaris to South Luangwa National Park
896 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include South Luangwa.
Ms V
Oslo
"My Jun 2017 trip"
I visited Zambia and 1 other country between 9 Jun 2017 and 17 Jun 2017
"We had a wonderful stay in Zambia, only wished it could have lasted longer... We had only one problem and that was due to the delayed KLM flight from Oslo to Amsterdam which made us miss our connecting flight to Johannesburg. Consequently we lost an entire day of our safari. Fortunately, we got very efficient and professional help from Megan at Expert Africa; she did the necessart re-bookings and informed Musekese Camp of our one day delay.
We were very pleased with both of the camps we were staying, indeed, at Tafika we had stayed before and knew its high standard. All the transfers went without problems, we were met by representatives of the camps at the airports and transported safely to the camps. Everything was well organized.
Of course, quite a few hours were spent travelling from one camp to the other, but that is only what has to be expected when you like to visit places that are really remote. The good thing about all our hours on the road, was that we felt we saw a lot of the country, which is interesting in itself." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari
We were very pleased with both of the camps we were staying, indeed, at Tafika we had stayed before and knew its high standard. All the transfers went without problems, we were met by representatives of the camps at the airports and transported safely to the camps. Everything was well organized.
Of course, quite a few hours were spent travelling from one camp to the other, but that is only what has to be expected when you like to visit places that are really remote. The good thing about all our hours on the road, was that we felt we saw a lot of the country, which is interesting in itself." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Partridge family
Kent
"Amazing - a life-changing experience"
I visited Zambia between 28 May 2017 and 4 Jun 2017
Overall trip
Excellent
Family
Atlanta
"African Five"
I visited Zambia between 26 May 2017 and 4 Jun 2017
"Our first African holiday couldn't have been better. Thanks Expert Africa for arranging it all for us, responding to our myriad of questions, and being willing to change aspects of our itinerary."
Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 5 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr F
Hampshire
"Zambia 2017"
I visited Zambia between 25 May 2017 and 9 Jun 2017
"We have visited Africa several times and enjoyed these visits immensely, but this trip was really exceptional.
The way that we were looked after, the game viewing and other activities provided a holiday that we will never forget.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We use Expert Africa because of their Knowledge and efficiency, nothing is ever too much trouble, they know what we want and design a holiday to suit.
As always very impressed indeed." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a Zambia safari
The way that we were looked after, the game viewing and other activities provided a holiday that we will never forget.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We use Expert Africa because of their Knowledge and efficiency, nothing is ever too much trouble, they know what we want and design a holiday to suit.
As always very impressed indeed." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Ms S & Mr K
USA
"Finaliy-Wild Dogs!"
I visited Malawi and 2 other countries between 19 May 2017 and 4 Jun 2017
"On this trip I traveled with one other person to Botswana, Livingstone, South Luangwa and Malawi from May 17-June 4,2017.
Everything went smoothly-no delays or cancellations.
Highlights: New sightings that included: meerkats, brown hyena, porcupines, genet cat and wild dogs.
This was our third trip to Africa and first to South Luangwa and Malawi. Loved Malawi. It is a beautiful country with beautiful, happy people altho quite poor. The highlights here were the village walk and beautiful relaxing stay at Pumalani. Also loved the staff and surroundings at Mkulumadzi.
Was somewhat disappointed in the lack of wildlife at South Luangwa since we had read about the abundance of wildlife. Also -didn't realize there were no cheetahs(my favorite). However seeing the pack of wild dogs made up for everything.
Botswana-seems to be getting more and more expensive so will probably be my last trip there." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 6 on a Malawi trip
Everything went smoothly-no delays or cancellations.
Highlights: New sightings that included: meerkats, brown hyena, porcupines, genet cat and wild dogs.
This was our third trip to Africa and first to South Luangwa and Malawi. Loved Malawi. It is a beautiful country with beautiful, happy people altho quite poor. The highlights here were the village walk and beautiful relaxing stay at Pumalani. Also loved the staff and surroundings at Mkulumadzi.
Was somewhat disappointed in the lack of wildlife at South Luangwa since we had read about the abundance of wildlife. Also -didn't realize there were no cheetahs(my favorite). However seeing the pack of wild dogs made up for everything.
Botswana-seems to be getting more and more expensive so will probably be my last trip there." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 6 on a Malawi trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Family L
Kansas
"Exceptional trip"
I visited Zambia and 1 other country between 14 May 2017 and 28 May 2017
"This was a trip I've dreamed of taking for 50 years, and it did not disappoint. Our team member, Maruska, was exceptional--as an example, when I first spoke with her, I rambled for about 15 minutes telling her all I wanted our trip to be. She listened patiently, then said she'd like to summarize what I've said to see if she understood correctly. In 3 minutes flat, she succinctly and accurately summarized all I had said AND attempted to say far more accurately than I did. That was the first indication of her insight, and every single dealing that followed reflected her keen professionalism and knowledge, plus she was always pleasant to deal with. Another example--my husband hadn't done any research on safaris, so was surprised and disappointed at first to learn what the trip should cost, even though the price was quite reasonable by safari standards. I suggested we schedule a conversation with Maruska so that he could discuss his concerns with her. After talking with her for 5-8 minutes, he relaxed, for he could tell from her comments and how she answered his questions and the options she presented that she was well versed in what she did and had truly put together an excellent package for us. When our daughter became ill at our first stop and the medic recommended we delay our trip by a day, so I sent an SOS to Maruska. Within an hour she telephoned me back, and within the second hour she made all of the necessary changes to our itinerary. She is a delight to work with, remarkably knowledgeable, efficient, helpful, and ever so pleasant!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Can't think of a thing, we are 4 very satisfied customers." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zambia safari
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Can't think of a thing, we are 4 very satisfied customers." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs S
Oxon
"My May 2017 trip"
I visited Zambia between 14 May 2017 and 28 May 2017
"This is our third trip to Zambia with Expert Africa using Robin Pope Safaris. We enjoyed this trip just as much as the previous two.
Everything ran smoothly and we hope to repeat it next year.
Thank you Freddie especially for helping us to keep the costs within budget." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 13 on a Zambia safari
Everything ran smoothly and we hope to repeat it next year.
Thank you Freddie especially for helping us to keep the costs within budget." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 13 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mrs P & Mr K
Hamilton
"Totally safisfied "
I visited Zambia between 12 Apr 2017 and 30 Apr 2017
"Really appreciated Maruska's help at putting together our itinerary. We had a fantastic trip and would love to return. Highly recommend Expert Africa (especially for first timers like ourselves)."
Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Claire M
Toronto
"Fantastic trip"
I visited Zambia between 22 Dec 2016 and 31 Dec 2016
"The trip was fantastic and probably exceeded our expectations. There were so many details that made it special and we have come home with warm feelings about Zambia, thanks to this and to the people we interacted with at the various places we stayed. I will certainly be recommending both the country and the individual places we stayed to others. The number of animal sightings was incredible!
We also felt our experience with Expert Africa was very positive as well.
One point I'd like to mention - when we arrived at Lilayi Lodge we were told that lunch was not included in what we had already paid, which I had not realized. We arrived at 3 pm on Dec 22, so we had not expected it to be included that day but we thought it would be on Dec 23, when we spent the whole day at the lodge. This is probably confusion on my part, as the documents we were sent stated "half board" and Lilayi staff explained that half board to them meant dinner/breakfast.
However we were not familiar with this term so I had assumed it meant all meals, just no activities. It is not a big deal as we simply paid for lunch that day, however I'd like to suggest that this be clearly stated on documents for other guests who stay there ie. that it is only dinner and breakfast - to avoid others experiencing the same confusion." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zambia safari
We also felt our experience with Expert Africa was very positive as well.
One point I'd like to mention - when we arrived at Lilayi Lodge we were told that lunch was not included in what we had already paid, which I had not realized. We arrived at 3 pm on Dec 22, so we had not expected it to be included that day but we thought it would be on Dec 23, when we spent the whole day at the lodge. This is probably confusion on my part, as the documents we were sent stated "half board" and Lilayi staff explained that half board to them meant dinner/breakfast.
However we were not familiar with this term so I had assumed it meant all meals, just no activities. It is not a big deal as we simply paid for lunch that day, however I'd like to suggest that this be clearly stated on documents for other guests who stay there ie. that it is only dinner and breakfast - to avoid others experiencing the same confusion." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr B
Hertfordshire
"Excellent support"
I visited Kenya and 2 other countries between 11 Dec 2016 and 28 Dec 2016
"Very well constructed itinerary which for most part ran smoothly.
We were disappointed with Malawi for the reasons mentioned and also for the costs associated with Lilongwe airport. The actual internal flight departure tax is $7 per person and the external departure tax is $35 per person. Visa charge is $75 per person.
Considering the country is regarded as 'poor' and want to encourage tourism the Tourism Board should consider requesting the Government to reduce the fees involved. Suppose the UK equivalent is Air Passenger Duty (APD) which is £13 per person for flights of less than 2000 miles." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 7 on a Kenya safari
We were disappointed with Malawi for the reasons mentioned and also for the costs associated with Lilongwe airport. The actual internal flight departure tax is $7 per person and the external departure tax is $35 per person. Visa charge is $75 per person.
Considering the country is regarded as 'poor' and want to encourage tourism the Tourism Board should consider requesting the Government to reduce the fees involved. Suppose the UK equivalent is Air Passenger Duty (APD) which is £13 per person for flights of less than 2000 miles." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 7 on a Kenya safari
Overall trip
Excellent
896
reviews of South Luangwa by travellers since August 2007
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