Zimbabwe: reviews from our travellers

"I have to admit that the wildlife was not overwhelming--I knew the rainy season would have an effect, but I think we were also just unlucky.

I'm sure in the dry season the Hwange camps in particular, with their waterfalls, would offer outstanding experiences. That said, the landscape was lovely--despite the drought, there had been recent rains in Hwange to green up the plains (and also create standing water) and there were several highlights to remember--the group of sable (an antelope I had never seen), the jackals and dozens of vultures diving into the bushes where the remains of a buffalo lay, then exploding outward as someone took fright--the highly vocal lion cubs yowling and yowling--the staredown between a giraffe and lion. . .

I particularly enjoyed the vast open spaces of Hwange and the frequent sense of being alone in the landscape (i.e. no other vehicles around)." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zimbabwe safari

"I have recommended Expert Africa and Tracy Lederer several times to travellers I met on this trip. The first part in Namibia at the Namib-Naukluft Park was even more rewarding than I expected. It was very hot, however, I had 6 clear nights and took advantage of them to do my astrophotography with some excellent results. Being allowed to enter the main park early at 4.30am was a huge bonus. After that I was a little sleep deprived, but it was worth it Both Sossus Dune Lodge and Sossusvlei Desert Lodge were excellent.

The two "cat" related lodges Okonjima Bush Camp and Cheetah View Lodge were interesting and worth visiting. I spent 6 days at Cheetah View Lodge, 3 days at both lodges would have been sufficient.

Olive Grove Guesthouse and Ilala Lodge were repeat visits and I enjoyed both.

The disappointment of the tour was the Pangolin Photo Tour. It should have been excellent but the combination of an inexperienced Photo Host and poor drivers at the Ker and Downey camps was not effective. I would recommend the Chobe River as a wildlife photography site, however, I would be less enthusiastic about Pangolin Tour Company unless you were assured of an experienced photo host. The two Ker and Downey camps were OK, however, I've stayed in better camps in the Moremi and Kalahari areas." Read full review: 33 nights in Africa; 19 on a Namibia trip

"In 1 word: epic." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip

"Great trip which lived up to our expectations entirely.

We can't wait to go back." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 4 on a Botswana safari

"Great apart from upset stomach for a couple - should have sent the egg Bach to have it cooked more.
Beautiful birds and knowledgeable guides at 2 lodges in particular

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Please provide clearer guidelines on tipping." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zimbabwe safari

"Overall our trip was excellent.

Looking back, perhaps the most wonderful thing was the feeling that someone was in control and we didn’t have to worry about anything.

It was wonderful. Thanks a lot!!!" Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 7 on a Kenya safari

"I think my earlier comments [Ed: in the individual camp reviews] have captured the mood of our trip.

It was the most memorable time and the organisation from Expert Africa was super.

All connections were seamless with cars to meet planes, planes to meet helicopters and planes to meet planes.

The camps we stayed in were both wonderful and the trip more than matched our expectations" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 6 on a Zimbabwe safari

"This was our third trip to Zimbabwe using Expert Africa, previously having visited Somalisa/Mana Pools and Somalisa Acacia/Amalinda, and this might just have been the best we have ever done. The combination of a bush camp and 2 more comfortable camps worked really well for us. Hwange Bush Camp gave us the raw Africa experience. Camp Hwange provided a truly exceptional game viewing experience, and the Hide is a unique place. Our thanks to Tom for putting this trip together for us." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zimbabwe safari

"For us personally there was a bit of (healthy?) tension regarding this trip.

It was the exact same one we did 10 years ago, which had a very unfortunate start. However, the days that remained were memorable and worth repeating. So we did and were definately not disappointed.

The trip as a whole went very smoothly and brought us exactly what we hoped for. We've come to rely on Expert Africa for just these reasons and will be doing so in the future. In fact, even before ending this trip we started planning the next one. If that's not a vote of confidence, I don't know what is.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

The service is impeccable, I can't think of any suggestions.

Regarding the trips; also pretty difficult. Maybe widen the range of countries you cater to?" Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zimbabwe safari

"The entire trip was amazing - eight nights at Hwange Bush Camp in Zimbabwe including three nights fly camping at Mandavu followed by nine days on a mobile safari through Chobe, Savuti and Kwai.

The service throughout was outstanding.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Please keep it the way it is." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zimbabwe safari