Africa: Reviews from our travellers

"I can’t imagine a better experience than the one we had. We are grateful to RPS, Shenton and Chiawa for giving us so many unforgettable moments, and to Megan for arranging and re-arranging everything so many times.

Deciding to travel so far during the pandemic was daunting, and we had so many questions and thought about postponing this trip again, especially as cases started to rise in Zambia. But now we are so happy that we went. It was truly the trip of a lifetime.

Testing and transiting were my biggest worries. But armed with a negative COVID test and vaccination card, everything was actually very easy. We had no problems transiting in Europe or Ethiopia, and going through the Zambia entry protocol took 15 minutes, and that included getting the visa on arrival. Getting the test in Lusaka was also extremely easy. The PCR test costs $95, and for a small fee ($30 per person), someone from the clinic will come to the hotel to do the swab, and then drop off the result and travel certificate the next day.

We couldn’t have felt safer while on safari, as every minute was spent essentially outdoors naturally socially distanced. All the guides had one shot of Astra Zeneca and most are getting their 2nd dose in July. The few other guests we did meet were all fully vaccinated, and all staff wore masks in camp. While in Lusaka we hunkered down at the gorgeous Latitude 15 hotel which had plenty of lovely outdoor spaces to relax, a nice restaurant, and strict COVID protocol.

So, for anyone reading this who is considering a trip to Zambia, I’d say go for it! The camps need our support, and you will have an amazing time." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari

"The trip as the whole was excellent, perfect organization, everything well prepared and on time, friendly and professional service." Read full review: 5 nights in Africa; 4 on a Rwanda safari

"More than 2 years ago someone in an African lodge recommended that we use a woman named Maruska from Expert Africa to help plan our first trip to Zambia. 2020 turned into 2021 and the changes and details which made this trip happen could not have been handled better. Patience and with professionalism and humour, Maruska pursued option after option to make this safari happen. We are so grateful.

And it was worth all the planning. Zambia was wonderful. The birds, the trees, the leopards, the huge number of hippo and crocodiles, the lodges, the people, the food! The Shoebills!! We have been on multiple safaris so the special Zebras, Wildebeest and Giraffe species were fascinating to us. Being almost the only guests in the lodges and parks was priceless. We enjoyed it so much we did not want to leave.

Oh, that is right, we almost did not get to leave. When Emirates suddenly cancelled our return flight from Lusaka in the middle of our trip that is when Expert Africa shone even brighter. Their great relationship with the lodge operators became apparent and with everyone's combined support we figured out an alternative routing, and testing, etc. and we made it home to Montana.

It was such a rewarding experience traveling in these challenging times and we felt so safe in the lodges that we are already planning another safari with Maruska's help for next month

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service: Was not clear of how to fill in the wildlife portion of this feedback. Was it number of elephants or sightings of groups of elephants? There you go, some feedback on the feedback. sign of the times!" Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 16 on a Zambia safari

"The trip was definitely a wonderful experience. The guide was very good, and that is one of the most important parts of a trip like this.

Ngorongoro and Serengeti are two fantastic places, and we had the rare privilege of visiting with very little tourism, really feeling and breathing the place.

With my current experience, I will change the first part of the trip avoiding lake Manyara and the long transfer of the first day, and planning at least two safaris in the crater." Read full review: 6 nights in Africa; 5 on a Tanzania safari

"This trip was just fantastic and we would recommend it unreservedly to anyone.
The mobile safari was beyond amazing.

Maruska was also extremely helpful, responsive, and patient during the planning process even when our plans changed multiple times due to work schedules.

She also helped us to arrange COVID tests in Maun and gave great recommendations for places to stay in Maun. Thank you!!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Not really - it was all fantastic!" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"Although it took a lot of perseverence at home with all the paperwork, it was well worth the effort. I was impressed by the organisation and very impressed by the warm and friendly nature of the Botswana people. Everywhere they were so happy to see us and welcome-ing and hospitable. Nature is overwhelmingly beautiful and serene and quiet.
My only negative point is the new Jack's Camp. All the camps had the tapestry and furniture like a camp signature, but Jack"s Camp was too big, too overdone and above all too dark! I am sure that I would have preferred the old camp." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a Botswana safari

"An impressive journey in a strange period of time. Lots of hurdles to take, endless paperwork and testing but very worth it in the end.

The Botswana people were very happy to welcome us and thanked us multiple times for taking the effort to come to their country in these complicated times.

Once there everything ran smoothly; a well organized trip and a great combination of camps giving a complete picture of Botswana." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a Botswana safari

"Travelling during Covid is challenging. It therefore felt good to have a knowledgeable and up to date partner like Expert Africa aside to plan and make this trip happen.

Glad we did the Serengeti during Covid as the destination would have certainly felt too busy in a regular year. May is further a lovely time to visit. Nature is lush and green, flowers in bloom, and there are many little ones amongst the herds. Rain was no problem at all as rainfalls did either occur at night or did hardly last for more than half an hour before the sun came through again.

The morning mist and the cloudy skies added a special atmosphere, while the bush babies kept us warm at night.

The itinerary was well balanced and met all our expectations ! Thank you Jessica :)

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No, just perfect. Thank you so much again !!!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari

"We had an excellent trip to Namibia with the assistance of Expert Africa.

We were fortunate to time our trip right in the middle of COVID waves and found Namibia to be operating largely as normal. Cities such as Swakop were quite strict on safety protocols. The remote camps were a bit more lax. But we found a self drive as a great way to vacation during the pandemic and were lucky to have many of the camps to ourselves with a full staff serving us.

Many thanks to Maruska for her excellent recommendations and her flexibility in dealing with passport issues - she truly went above and beyond. The highlight of our trip was the drive from Swakop up to Damaraland and through the Skeleton Coast park.

Self driving is an absolute must in Namibia!" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip

"The trip was perfect!

Everything was very well organized, i feel 100% safe and satisfied I was traveling alone but did not have any problems as everything was perfectly organized and under control!

I highly recommend to visit Kenya and see its beauty!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Richard did his best, was very helpful and fast in problems solving.

Richard Trillo is very very professional!" Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 8 on a Kenya safari