Reviews of safaris to South Luangwa National Park
896 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include South Luangwa.
Woodpeckers
Kingston
"Zambia 2008"
I visited Zambia between 6 Jun 2008 and 17 Jun 2008
"This was our first safari and we were fortunate to see Lions/leopard/wild dogs in addition to Elephants, Baboons etc. So we consider ourselves very lucky indeed. We had not visited Zambia before but would certainly visit it again.
I think choosing more than one place to visit within Zambia was a great suggestion by Expert Africa and their recommendations for accommodation were excellent. Thanks to their suggestions we sampled very different experiences in each camp.
Suggestions for improvement:
If you sold holidays to all parts of the world we would not use anyone else." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari
I think choosing more than one place to visit within Zambia was a great suggestion by Expert Africa and their recommendations for accommodation were excellent. Thanks to their suggestions we sampled very different experiences in each camp.
Suggestions for improvement:
If you sold holidays to all parts of the world we would not use anyone else." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Ms L
Boston
"Absolutely amazing trip"
I visited Zambia between 28 May 2008 and 7 Jun 2008
"I loved every minute of my trip and can't wait to go back to Africa.
I have already informed my boss that I will be taking vacation time in June 2009." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zambia safari
I have already informed my boss that I will be taking vacation time in June 2009." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs R
W Sussex
"Superb all round!"
I visited Zambia between 23 May 2008 and 3 Jun 2008
"This is our third trip to Zambia and we were very pleased with the overall experience. We would go again and be happy to use Expert Africa who are very knowledgeable about this destination.
Suggestions for improvement:
Everything is so good already, that we cant think of anything else to add!" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari
Suggestions for improvement:
Everything is so good already, that we cant think of anything else to add!" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Wild dogs
Kinross
"Zambia Green Season Review"
I visited Zambia between 21 Mar 2008 and 3 Apr 2008
"Having been on a few safaris now we knew roughly what to expect, but Zambia was definitely a surprise hit.
The country, accomodation, wilderness and game viewing was excellent. The South Luangwa NP is good even in off season although on Easter holiday week with limited access some areas of the drives felt busy. It is so nice to see the park when it looks so pretty and the animals so healthy. We were continuously unlucky in missing wild dogs on 3 separate occassions but that is part of the addiction of safaris and why you always go on another one.
Expert Africa advised well and their outstanding level of knowledge of the area really helped to tailor a very good itinerary. Thanks." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zambia safari
The country, accomodation, wilderness and game viewing was excellent. The South Luangwa NP is good even in off season although on Easter holiday week with limited access some areas of the drives felt busy. It is so nice to see the park when it looks so pretty and the animals so healthy. We were continuously unlucky in missing wild dogs on 3 separate occassions but that is part of the addiction of safaris and why you always go on another one.
Expert Africa advised well and their outstanding level of knowledge of the area really helped to tailor a very good itinerary. Thanks." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
The Firefinches
Kent
"Zambia safari"
I visited Zambia between 21 Mar 2008 and 1 Apr 2008
"We had a wonderful time. The weather was perfect, everything worked in a spledid fashion and the experience was magnificent.
Suggestions for improvement:
Not really - we were impressed.
We met a couple who had been with you before, which is why they were travelling with your company again. That must be the best recommendation: repeat business from satisfied customers. I am sure when we can afford it we will be contacting Expert Africa again.
Thanks Anna for all your help, and sorry we did not have time to have a longer chat in the bar at Kapani." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari
Suggestions for improvement:
Not really - we were impressed.
We met a couple who had been with you before, which is why they were travelling with your company again. That must be the best recommendation: repeat business from satisfied customers. I am sure when we can afford it we will be contacting Expert Africa again.
Thanks Anna for all your help, and sorry we did not have time to have a longer chat in the bar at Kapani." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
The Hammerkops
Stoke
"Expert A keep us happy"
I visited Zambia and 1 other country between 12 Mar 2008 and 25 Mar 2008
"Another excellent holiday with Expert Africa. This was our 4th trip to southern Africa with Sunvil/Expert Africa since 1998 and it will not be our last. You get what it says on the box without any flannel; organisation is good and any querries are answered straightforwardly. All we have to do is get on the plane at this end.
Zambia is an excellent destination & the Luangwa Valley with it's expert guiding is superb in all seasons.
We and especially Sue think Norman Carr Safaris are a really excellent crew- it's a good operation and we hope it continues as such under it's 'new' investor ownership." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zambia safari
Zambia is an excellent destination & the Luangwa Valley with it's expert guiding is superb in all seasons.
We and especially Sue think Norman Carr Safaris are a really excellent crew- it's a good operation and we hope it continues as such under it's 'new' investor ownership." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mrs V
Cornwall
"1st trip with you and you delivered, thankyou"
I visited Zambia and 1 other country between 15 Feb 2008 and 1 Mar 2008
"We were the first of the season visitors at Mchenja with new camp managers, Richard and Susie. There were frought moments for them but they handled them well and we wish them every success.
Our flight and road transfers worked well and we should like to mention Geoff Chilongo who met us each time in Lusaka airport and smoothed our passage through.
Selinda provided two high spots, a cheetah stalk and kill and a group of 3 lionesses with 7 cubs. Lagoon provided the ultimate highlight of our trip with good sightings of a pack of wild dogs. Although the camp is beginning to look a little dated, this however is to its advantage in that it deters the spa safari clientele." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zambia safari
Our flight and road transfers worked well and we should like to mention Geoff Chilongo who met us each time in Lusaka airport and smoothed our passage through.
Selinda provided two high spots, a cheetah stalk and kill and a group of 3 lionesses with 7 cubs. Lagoon provided the ultimate highlight of our trip with good sightings of a pack of wild dogs. Although the camp is beginning to look a little dated, this however is to its advantage in that it deters the spa safari clientele." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs Lion
Maine
"A travel agency for the independent traveler"
I visited Namibia and 2 other countries between 15 Feb 2008 and 16 Mar 2008
"Our trip was extraordinary. Before the trip, friends asked us why we weren't content to visit zoos or somewhere like Animal Kingdom. Now I know it's worth the effort to visit Africa: the animals behave more normally in their wild native habitats than they do in captivity.
There were almost no glitches; it was difficult to come up with the extremely minor faults I've mentioned in the previous pages--I was trying not to be glib. [Ed: click onthe links below to access those 'previous pages']
We will return to Africa.
Here's an odd thing: everyone told us to visit Namibia for the scenery, not the wildlife-viewing. But we saw more wildlife in Etosha the 4 days we were there than we did the 8 days we spent in Botswana. The 2WD may have slowed us down enough to notice the animals; also we weren't rushing around trying to find lions, and were content to see whatever appeared.
For us, the more remote the better: I found myself being annoyed at Chitabe when I heard planes or helicopters.
We had thought someone was going to drive us from Muchenje in Botswana all the way to the Livingstone Airport. We were not looking forward to waiting in line for the ferry to cross the Zambezi. But as you know, there were a number of agents involved in getting us from the one place to the other. The transition progressed remarkably smoothly, and we enjoyed seeing a little of the everyday Africa one doesn't observe at safari camps.
That being said, the agent at Kazangula, Zambia was very kiind but he didn't seem to know that everyone has to pay a visa fee now. He behaved in a rushed manner, without explaining his intentions to us. I was locked in the van with our luggage then the agent took my husband to the customs office. Unfortunately, I hadn't told my husband about making sure our passports were stamped with the appropriate number of days, so they were stamped 7 rather than 8. When we left Lusaka to fly to London, we were scolded about this.
We couldn't cash travelers' checks at Livingstone Airport; we didn't have enough time to try at Lusaka; and at Mfuwe, the clerk wanted $20 to exchange $50. We had no luck at Kapani either.
FYI, Mr. Grellman at Etango Game Ranch mentioned that Windhoek plans to expand the airport across the road, more or less adjacent to his ranch.
I'm rambling.
I don't know what additional information would be helpful. We're used to setting our own schedules when we travel, and for that reason, we enjoyed having our own car and doing what we pleased when in Etosha. For 2 active people, it's difficult to spend 6+ hours in a jeep each day; and of course, during siesta, one usually can't walk around on one's own other than from the tent, to the dining hall, to the vehicle, back to the dining hall..... I suspect a walking safari is in our future. Also, we'd like to have our own vehicle, or have our own guide who wouldn't be bored sitting watching baboons or elephants for an hour. You can arrange all of this, can't you?
We had never used a travel agency before--for one thing, one of us is detail-oriented and enjoys the researching and planning of trips. But with the complexity of this trip and my slow-as-molasses dial-up laptop, I decided to try an agency. Chris McIntyre's guide books had impressed us not only because of all the truly helpful information, but also because of the lack of platitudes. To make a long story short, Expert Africa's services have been superb. The following remarks are nitpicking and I don't know if they'll be helpful or not.
I mentioned under the "Flights" section about the Zambian Airways vouchers. The Taj clerk also seemed confused about the voucher: she thought I was staying alone and she asked me how I was planning to pay for my night.
There are a few discrepancies between Mr. McIntyre's guidebooks and the Expert Africa website. For example, the books might state that a camp is only open seasonally, but the web site states otherwise.
Perhaps when an agent is going to be out of the office for an extended period, she might notify her current clients to contact so-and-so during her absence if they have questions.
Your turn -- rate us as clients.
Thanks for everything!" Read full review: 30 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip
There were almost no glitches; it was difficult to come up with the extremely minor faults I've mentioned in the previous pages--I was trying not to be glib. [Ed: click onthe links below to access those 'previous pages']
We will return to Africa.
Here's an odd thing: everyone told us to visit Namibia for the scenery, not the wildlife-viewing. But we saw more wildlife in Etosha the 4 days we were there than we did the 8 days we spent in Botswana. The 2WD may have slowed us down enough to notice the animals; also we weren't rushing around trying to find lions, and were content to see whatever appeared.
For us, the more remote the better: I found myself being annoyed at Chitabe when I heard planes or helicopters.
We had thought someone was going to drive us from Muchenje in Botswana all the way to the Livingstone Airport. We were not looking forward to waiting in line for the ferry to cross the Zambezi. But as you know, there were a number of agents involved in getting us from the one place to the other. The transition progressed remarkably smoothly, and we enjoyed seeing a little of the everyday Africa one doesn't observe at safari camps.
That being said, the agent at Kazangula, Zambia was very kiind but he didn't seem to know that everyone has to pay a visa fee now. He behaved in a rushed manner, without explaining his intentions to us. I was locked in the van with our luggage then the agent took my husband to the customs office. Unfortunately, I hadn't told my husband about making sure our passports were stamped with the appropriate number of days, so they were stamped 7 rather than 8. When we left Lusaka to fly to London, we were scolded about this.
We couldn't cash travelers' checks at Livingstone Airport; we didn't have enough time to try at Lusaka; and at Mfuwe, the clerk wanted $20 to exchange $50. We had no luck at Kapani either.
FYI, Mr. Grellman at Etango Game Ranch mentioned that Windhoek plans to expand the airport across the road, more or less adjacent to his ranch.
I'm rambling.
I don't know what additional information would be helpful. We're used to setting our own schedules when we travel, and for that reason, we enjoyed having our own car and doing what we pleased when in Etosha. For 2 active people, it's difficult to spend 6+ hours in a jeep each day; and of course, during siesta, one usually can't walk around on one's own other than from the tent, to the dining hall, to the vehicle, back to the dining hall..... I suspect a walking safari is in our future. Also, we'd like to have our own vehicle, or have our own guide who wouldn't be bored sitting watching baboons or elephants for an hour. You can arrange all of this, can't you?
We had never used a travel agency before--for one thing, one of us is detail-oriented and enjoys the researching and planning of trips. But with the complexity of this trip and my slow-as-molasses dial-up laptop, I decided to try an agency. Chris McIntyre's guide books had impressed us not only because of all the truly helpful information, but also because of the lack of platitudes. To make a long story short, Expert Africa's services have been superb. The following remarks are nitpicking and I don't know if they'll be helpful or not.
I mentioned under the "Flights" section about the Zambian Airways vouchers. The Taj clerk also seemed confused about the voucher: she thought I was staying alone and she asked me how I was planning to pay for my night.
There are a few discrepancies between Mr. McIntyre's guidebooks and the Expert Africa website. For example, the books might state that a camp is only open seasonally, but the web site states otherwise.
Perhaps when an agent is going to be out of the office for an extended period, she might notify her current clients to contact so-and-so during her absence if they have questions.
Your turn -- rate us as clients.
Thanks for everything!" Read full review: 30 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr W
Nottingham
""
I visited Zambia between 26 Dec 2007 and 5 Jan 2008
"Overall a great experience.
I would however rate the Bushcamp company much higher and the service felt alot more personal than with Norman Carr Safaris. All the staff at the Bushcamp company, including Andy the owner couldn't have done anything more to make my stay more enjoyable.
I went on my own as a single traveller and they did all they could to make sure I never felt out of place." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zambia safari
I would however rate the Bushcamp company much higher and the service felt alot more personal than with Norman Carr Safaris. All the staff at the Bushcamp company, including Andy the owner couldn't have done anything more to make my stay more enjoyable.
I went on my own as a single traveller and they did all they could to make sure I never felt out of place." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
The Otters
Somerset
""
I visited Zambia and 2 other countries between 14 Dec 2007 and 2 Jan 2008
"Before going, all the information and organisation had been extrremely good and this was refelected in the actual trip where everything went so smoothly and we could not fault it. The local agents (Wilderness, Kwando and Robin Pope) were wonderfully helpful and efficient.
However, one or two tips to pass on - firstly, forget travellers cheques on a trip like this - no one was interested in having or cashing them - cash dollars are king. Secondly, both in Nkwichi and Kaya Mawa, there are no advertised tariffs and although we could have asked, and we are aware that we had to pay for these extras, it would be helpful, particularly as cash is king, to know what you are letting yourself in for. Thirdly, forget immodium, carry Ciprin antibiotic for any stomach bug.
Finally many thanks to Claire for interpreting our requirements so well and ensuring that the places we went fulfilled all our ambitions for the trip. Oh and don't go to Luangwa or Nkwichi if you don't like snakes (particularly in your bedroom!)!" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 5 on a Zambia safari
However, one or two tips to pass on - firstly, forget travellers cheques on a trip like this - no one was interested in having or cashing them - cash dollars are king. Secondly, both in Nkwichi and Kaya Mawa, there are no advertised tariffs and although we could have asked, and we are aware that we had to pay for these extras, it would be helpful, particularly as cash is king, to know what you are letting yourself in for. Thirdly, forget immodium, carry Ciprin antibiotic for any stomach bug.
Finally many thanks to Claire for interpreting our requirements so well and ensuring that the places we went fulfilled all our ambitions for the trip. Oh and don't go to Luangwa or Nkwichi if you don't like snakes (particularly in your bedroom!)!" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 5 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
896
reviews of South Luangwa by travellers since August 2007
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