Reviews of safaris to Victoria Falls
We have always listened to our travellers, and now you can learn from them also. Below are links to feedback from recent trips - these are their views, not ours! See what they think of us, and about our trips to Africa:
"Namibia road trip 2019"
All the locations were great but each had their own distinctive feel and character. The landscapes were more impressive than we had expected and it was a real thrill to get to see so many animals and birds up close.
The people throughout Namibia were very friendly and the staff in the lodges were all very welcoming and made us feel at home. Even things like car hire went very smoothly, with great service from the Bidvest staff.
We highly recommend Namibia as a fantastic destination and will definitely be using Expert Africa for any other African adventures which we may have.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
The only thing I would change would be to hire a Toyota 4x4 or double cab next time.
The Nissan X Trail wasn't really robust enough for some of the rougher gravel roads." Read full review: 23 nights in Africa; 21 on a Namibia trip
"Our June 2019 trip to Zambia and Malawi"
Beguiling and awesome in equal measure. We loved watching the drama unfold everyday. Someone said, "you feel more alive living with lions”. I would add: "...particularly on a walking safari." Zambia appears to specialise in these and we found the guiding excellent, although thirty metres from a lion is plenty close enough for me.
The canoeing we loved too. A true escape from our provincial life where many of our friends only wish to be close to a crocodile if it were a handbag! I'm determined to get them to go on safari and spend their money more wisely. We are saving up for the next one!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Not really. I'll certainly choose to travel with you again." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari
"My Jun 2019 trip"
The arrangements made by Maruska, for the trip, were excellent. Lots of thought went into the itinerary, and everything worked well. All the transfers, all the lodges were super. We are so impressed by Maruska and will use her again in a heartbeat!!
The highlight must be the eles at Stanleys, just wonderful being so close to them.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Oops, never been to your website. Your name given to us by a friend who used you, and had an excellent trip. Will use you again, when the bank balance has recovered!!!
Many thanks, and especially to Maruska." Read full review: 33 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
"Victoria Falls, Hwange and Mana Pools"
"My Jun 2019 trip"
The execution on the ground and air by the operators was flawless and any oddities that occurred were developments that could not be predicted by Expert Africa or their employees. Updates are required by direct observation and on site verification. We hope that we have provided them for you in this review in an objective manner that is factual without any bias or drama. Of course, there are always two sides to a story and after submission of our comments to any of the operators, if there is a discrepancy of the events that occurred, we are happy to respond or reply in kind. Our comments are also documented by photos of the elephants on the walkways and streets near the Vic Falls Hotel and in the case of the excessive call to prayer by the Imam near the Machweo hotel, we have a live, timed recording to document this annoyance.
Otherwise, it would be hard to improve upon the suggestion of camps recommended by Maruska in the Kalahari or Zambia for the quality of service and most importantly, for the wildlife that was observed.
We think we are seasoned travelers and it is not often that we would ever lavish such praise upon a an individual or company that helped us so much with the arrangements but Expert Africa and Maruska are to be commended. So please accept our sincerest thanks for an itinerary well planned and executed. If Maruska can put in the time and effort to plan this trip, we can certainly take the time and effort to evaluate in kind. Thank you.
Greg & Kathy
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service: We never looked at brochures, website or general literature etc. from Expert Africa. Perhaps we missed something. I think we have already given our suggestions in this extensive evaluation process on how to improve such trips. Fortunately, there was not much need for that." Read full review: 36 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
"Welcome to Africa Trip"
I was surprised by the beauty of the landscape in Namibia despite its dryness. It was easy to travel around, the people were so helpful at our accommodation places and the camping was a great experience. It worked well interspersing a couple of days camping between the lodges and everything that your company organised went to plan.
The planning was meticulous with lots of essential and background information provided to ensure we had a successful trip.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service: Adding the timing of the afternoon game drives/activities at the various lodges may be helpful as we missed some." Read full review: 27 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip
"Botswana safari"
It was much colder at night (between about 5.30 pm and 9.00 am) than we had expected. We just about had enough warm clothing, and the hot-water bottles were very welcome on both morning drives and for the night.
At Gomoti and Splash, we found the timing of evening drives, from 4.00 to 7.30, and dinner at 8.00 more difficult than at Shinde, where dinner was at 7.30. With the former, the wake--up call at 6.00 am seemed to come round too quickly.
Tipping: Your guidelines were clear and we followed them. But we were concerned that we did not see anyone else tipping their guides when they said their goodbyes. Perhaps they were very discreet, although we think not. Do some companies include the tipping in their prices, or are the guides not getting the tips which are an important part of their income?
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Megan was very helpful, including about aspects of our longer trip which were not her responsibility. We felt reassured that she was available to help as and when needed." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari
"Wonderful people, exclusive experiences"
Always felt very safe and welcome. Met wonderful people in camps, cities and along the roads.
Felt like we got the privilege of experiencing the wilderness almost completely alone with our hosts. And got interesting openhearted stories about everyday life in the country." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zimbabwe safari
"My May 2019 trip"
"The best holiday of our lives."
Freddie and Richard at Expert Africa were great, safari exceeded expectations guides knowledgeable especially Mott at Gomoti and the superb Andrew Harkness.
Accommodation first class everywhere." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari
Where to stay in Victoria Falls
Our suggestions for safari camps in Victoria Falls
Ilala Lodge
Exceptionally well located between the Victoria Falls and the town of the same name, Ilala Lodge has comfortable rooms, a friendly atmosphere & great food.
Victoria Falls Hotel
With its unique setting, authentic style and excellent service, the Victoria Falls is one of the world’s most iconic hotels.
Batonka Guest Lodge
Small, comfortable and in lovely gardens, Batonka Guest Lodge is a perfect base for exploring the Victoria Falls away from the bustle of the town.
Victoria Falls Lodge
High on a plateau a short distance outside Victoria Falls Town, the comfortable Victoria Falls Safari Lodge overlooks its own waterhole.
Sprayview Hotel
In close proximity to both the town and the Victoria Falls themselves, Sprayview is a value-for-money hotel in a convenient location.
The Elephant Camp
The Elephant Camp is a luxury tented camp in its own private concession within Victoria Falls National Park, just 15-minute's drive town.
Victoria Falls Club
Just outside of Victoria Falls Town, Victoria Falls Safari Club offers an exclusive, relaxing and luxurious base to explore the area.
Old Drift Lodge
A lovely addition to the options in Victoria Falls, the stylish Old Drift has a great location in Zimbabwe's Zambezi National Park, with a range of activities.
Gorges Lodge
Gorges Lodge has spectacular views from its perch on the edge of the Batoka Gorge. Although it is out of town it isn't too far from the main attractions.
Palm River
Palm River Hotel offers a high-quality stay in a picturesque location on the banks of the Zambezi, with excellent food and a shuttle to the Victoria Falls.
Pioneers
Located a five-minute drive from the buzz of Victoria Falls town, the mid-size Pioneers offers a relaxing stay in one of Zimbabwe's most iconic destinations.
Little Gorges
Set high above the Zambezi River, Little Gorges Tented Lodge is a tranquil spot to watch black eagles and from which to visit the Victoria Falls.
Zambezi Sands
Zambezi Sands is a stylish new camp with a range of activities on a remote stretch of the Zambezi River.
Matetsi River Lodge
Situated in the private Matetsi Reserve, Matetsi River Lodge offers luxury suites, game drives and river activities within reach of the Victoria Falls.
Victoria Falls Suites
Just out of the town, Victoria Falls Safari Suites offers an exclusive, relaxing and luxurious base from which to explore.
528 Victoria Falls
528 Victoria Falls is a charming, owner-run, boutique B&B in a leafy suburb of Victoria Falls town, offering an oasis of calm in an often-busy location.
Mpala Jena
In Zambezi National Park, Mpala Jena offers a luxurious but eco-friendly experience, within easy access of the Victoria Falls.
Matetsi River House
Situated in the Private Matetsi Reserve Matetsi River House offers families and small groups privacy, game drives and access to the falls.
