Africa: Reviews from our travellers

"This trip was organised last minute to replace cancelled trips to Zambia.

I picked Kenya due to direct flights and because I saw an opportunity to catch the wild dog pack at Laikipia Wilderness with their puppies fresh out of the den. I knew Laikipia Wilderness could be accessed by road transfer, so I could be picked up straight from the airport. It was a good decision to avoid internal flights - it seems they are subject to cancellations if passenger numbers are low- another couple I met had their flight to Amboseli cancelled. Overall, everything went smoothly and it was a relief to be back in the bush.

The trip was a massive success in terms of finding the dogs with their puppies, and the pandemic has provided me with an opportunity to travel at a time of year that would usually be out of my budget, especially as a solo traveler with single supplements to contend with (all waived now due to so few travelers).

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a safari in Kenya to anyone who wants to travel at the moment - it's the ultimate "socially distanced" holiday and Kenya is easy to get to from the UK and the testing requirements for entry to Kenya provide some peace of mind that all passengers on the flight should have a negative test." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 13 on a Kenya safari

"We are extremely pleased to confirm that travelling under COVID is not only possible, but in fact 200% worth-while with Expert Africa one's side ! Travelling during Covid might require a bit flexibility, but it definitely pays-off in many ways:
- Supporting conservation, lodges & locals
- Experiencing parks/camps in a very exclusive & distinguished manner
- Being pampered & appreciated
- Getting a bit of distance from the news at home

We also like to emphasize that all camps did make a tremendous effort to make our stay as convenient and as safe as possible. This included wearing face masks, using sanitizers, respecting social distancing, 24h room vacancy prior to new guests arriving, 10 day staff quarantine prior service. So all together not any different of what you would expect at home in order to feel safe !." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zambia safari

"Maruska put together a trip in 3 days and did an exceptional job. We had enormous fun and everything was private as there were very few tourists.....I highly recommend you plan a trip soon....can you imagine walking 80k in the Serengeti and never seeing another tourist or hearing a car.....go now and I promise an incredible experience." Read full review: 28 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari

"Our trip was well planned, organized and presented and surpassed our expectations.

An absolute highlight !" Read full review: 3 nights in Africa; 3 on a Namibia trip

"We were able to complete two weeks of a four week trip before having to leave at short notice because of the travel restrictions imposed due to the Coronavirus.

What we saw and did in those two weeks we loved.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Nothing at all. Sabina worked tirelessly to sort out flights for us to get us out of Namibia and back to the UK. The situation was changing every few hours as did the airline timetables and seats were very limited indeed. We absolutely could not have done this ourselves. I should point out that we had booked our flights independently and were not meant to be flying out of Windhoek at all so Expert Africa really did go above and beyond in helping us.

We have used Expert Africa a number of times over the years and always recommeded to friends. This trip absolutely highlighted why !" Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip

"Overall it was jolly good.

We would not, however, choose to go with RPS again. The cars and boats were on their last legs. The outboard needed both fuel and oil refills to get up and down the river. Nkwali needs a thorough clean. Braston was excellent but Daudi was a very average guide. The overall standard was not up to Bushcamps in our view.

The service from Expert Africa was exemplary, especially the enormously helpful and professional way in which Claire Scott rearranged the home flights at a time of massive global uncertainty and pressure.

We were slightly apprehensive about going in the emerald season but it was fabulous. You see Africa in a totally different light" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari

"As mentioned, corona played in and we could not get the Malawi extension as planned - of course a disappointment.
The change of flights was costly and NO refund for not used flights were very disappointing.
The fact that things may change should be factored in when making bookings (Expert Africa feedback)

In total 11 night in South Luangwa is a few nights too many.
Game and bird viewing was better than expected - green season is nice, not to be underestimated.

Tour Africa support in Lusaka was excellent - especially upon our return to Lusaka airport." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zambia safari

"This was a very good 'Taster' of Namibia while en route to ZA. Its a big country and we didn't want to spend all of our time in the vehicle, our itinerary turned out well, but the dirt roads are long and dusty, probably not for the feint at heart. I worried about getting a puncture or breaking down, luckily neither happened. Its no joke given the remoteness and temperatures. SO its vital to have a well prepared 4 x 4 vehicle and good back up, if needed. We started in Windhoek and ended in Walvis Bay, flying direct to Cape town, ZA, this proved a great way of doing it and removed any need of retracing our steps. Air Namibia were bang on time and gave us great service in a modern aircraft.

Its a beautiful country, just magnificent scenery that changes frequently. Friendly people and a very different way of life. The corona virus started to emerge as we were there 2nd week of March 2020, it seemed a better place to be than Europe !" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 7 on a Namibia trip

"Excellent trip! To be honest, I can't recall an Expert Africa trip that wasn't, but this was right up there.

Both Lucy and your properties worked brilliantly with respect to Making it easy for Sheila's limited mobility. I think every property managed to put give us the closest room/suite/villa to keep distance down, and Sanbona allocated the front passenger suite in the land cruiser to Sheila.

Great combination of properties locations scenery etc. By the way, Bontebok Reserve was worth the visit - not lots of animals, but lived up to its bontebok moniker with plenty of good views of them.

I know Sanbona isn't one of your regular properties. So here's my perspective (having visited a wide range in the past - Addo, Kariega, Etosha, Selous etc).
Ok, so it doesn't compete with these for scale.
The scenery was great, if you like your geology on the surface (I do).
Limited numbers of antelope visible - a few kudu and not much else.
Great views of the big beasts (elephants, rhino, giraffe - and the white lions are truly special).
The guide was very good, and I think did a great job with a group of people who were only there overnight and therefore a focus on seeing the big ones. I'm sure we would have seen more of the smaller animals if we'd been there longer. We also didn't have time to spend around the dam and lake, so there would be plenty to see over a longer stay.
It's very dry, and unsurprisingly it's some time since they've operated boat trips (still showing on their publicity) - not a problem but worth noting in case someone's heart was set on it.
The accommodation/suite was fabulous. I imagine the Dwyka Tentedd camp would be similarly amazing.

So, pretty much as we'd discussed with Lucy, if you'd more time and the inclination to head to the Eastern Cape, the Addo / Kariega option is the better bet. But if not, Sanbona is definitely worth one or two nights for anyone interested in a safari (and even for those who've visited much bigger safari areas).

Ok I think that's about it for feedback - other than a huge thank you to Lucy and everyone's go contributed for putting together a great trip.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Nah, it's brilliant.

I hope the current virus problems don't impact you and your partners/properties too severely, and indeed you all keep safe." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 8 on a South Africa trip

"The whole trip was very enjoyable, with some excellent wildlife sightings, good accommodation and delicious food.

It met all our hopes and expectations for going out on foot, driving after dark and generally being flexible with the activities on offer.

As Oliver Twist might say, please can we do it some more?

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No, the service is more than satisfactory." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 7 on a Kenya safari