Africa: Reviews from our travellers

"First and foremost we enjoyed our trip immensely and have no regrets about having gone to The Seychelles.

The comments we have made above are therefore intended to be constructive. We did however feel that, like so many other places, we were visiting about 30 years too late and that what we really wanted to see, like the wildlife, peaceful places and the real Seychelles, had been overtaken by events, tourists and tourist facilities. We are not beach people. Knowing what we know now, we would have revised our itinerary somewhat. But for the poor food, we could have stayed on Bird Island for at least one more night but would definitely have added two days to the Coco de Mer on Praslin. We would however have excluded any nights on La Digue and just covered that island by a day trip from Praslin and a taxi tour.

Mason's Travel had made all our local arrangements and these generally went well and efficiently as did the local trips we booked through the good island representatives. The one hiccough was caused by our delayed Bird Island to Mahe to Praslin flights. We were supported well at Mahe Airport but no message from there to Praslin with our revised details seemed to have got through and we, a French family and a French group were kept waiting at the Mason's desk for some time until staff eventually arrived and transportation or hired cars were sorted out. The staff member at the Praslin Jetty could also have been more helpful and friendly on our last day on that island. Trips to Aride did not seem to be operating while those to Cousin were heavily booked. We did not attempt to go because of my mobility problems, the number of noisy participants, and a major mosquito presence. Chris had already reacted badly to sandfly bites on Bird Island and we didn't want a further similar occurrence. We made quite detailed lists of the wildlife we did see and those I shall send separately to Lucy soon.


Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

None. I shall use Expert Africa again." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 17 on a Seychelles holiday

"We were most impressed by the excellent advice and subsequent travel arrangements made by Expert Africa for our South African holiday. The attention to detail which produced a superb written travel itinerary down to the smallest details such as driving instructions from hotel to hotel was outstanding. We really had the impression Claire had a complete understanding of our requirements and, most importantly, personal knowledge that informed her advice.

We'd have no hesitation in recommending Expert Africa to all and sundry." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 7 on a South Africa trip

"I thoroughly enjoyed my trip. Everyday that I spend in the bush is a wonder and I loved every moment that I was in Kafue. I would not hesitate to recommend my trip: starting in Livingstone and finishing in Lusaka, or vice versa and travelling the length of the park. I would have liked to have stayed longer at each property, but that would have been greedy.

All four lodges offered something very special and I believe that Nanzhila Plains was equal to the other properties that I stayed at. I believe that it would be a worthwhile addition to your portfolio and especially if anyone wants to experience the full extent of the park.

Kafue did not disappoint, it is a true wilderness with an incredible variety of species that is so far removed from some of the artificial game parks. Every sighting is very special as the experience of being there.

I did suffer from Tsetse fly bites, more so in Ntemwa Busanga Camp and KaingU Lodge, but nothing disrupted my enjoyment.

To conclude my trip exceeded my expectation, I loved every moment, from the tours I arranged myself in Johannesburg to the exceptional arrangements that yo made for me. Thank you.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Please keep doing what you are doing. I will recommend you to anyone who will listen and I can not wait to travel with you again." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zambia safari

"Excellent. Everything we asked for. This is the third journey that Maruska has arranged for us. We can’t fault her work or the company.

We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Expert Africa to anyone." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip

"Excellent trip!

Expert Africa (Sabina) were very responsive, attentive, and did a great job preparing us for the trip." Read full review: 4 nights in Africa; 4 on a Namibia trip

"We had been saving for this trip for 5yrs and booked it almost a year ago so the anticipation was palpable. The trip to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary was truly wonderful. Everywhere you go, you feel looked after and even the blip in the service level at Mkulumadzi lodge was quickly sorted out.

We met lots of lovely people and saw loads of animals - 164 species recorded in my notebook! Our guides were all extremely eagle eyed and did their utmost to get you in the best position for taking photos. In 3 of the 4 camps, we were lucky enough to not have to share a jeep which really helps build up a good relationship with your guide.

We only put on 3lb in weight each which is astonishing when all the camps feed you every 2-3hrs with tempting food. Each park we stayed in offered different scenery and new animals and birds to see. Whilst some animals such as cheetahs and rhino remained elusive, we have some amazing memories and photos to remind of us this fabulous trip. Roll on the next safari!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Not really - Lucy was incredibly helpful and patient with my endless questions.

Occasionally there was a bit of a delay getting a response but it was never a major issue." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zambia safari

"The whole trip was well organised from start to finish.

The information supplied covered everything we needed to know, and the whole itinerary worked like clockwork" Read full review: 5 nights in Africa; 5 on a Zambia safari

"The Safari exceeded our expectations entirely.

It was an incredible experience with our 3 young children (9,7,4). The 7 day itinerary was perfect, and glad we got to spend 3 days in the Serengeti (our favourite of the 4 parks). We didn't feel rushed at all, or pressured to see animals.

Our driver was fantastic. He drove safely and was knowledgeable, and passionate about his job. He was patient and great with the kids. Also the vehicle was in great condition (better than almost all others we saw) which helped make it comfortable.

The lodges were great, really comfortable without being over the top luxurious." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari

"We totally enjoyed the trip overall. This was a terrific agenda, thank you to Tracy at Expert Africa for all her hard work and our many changes.

Johann, our private guide, was absolutely super. We could not have asked for a better person to manage our way and maximize our stay in Namibia. Highlights were numerous, and we would not have missed any. Outstanding for all of us was our stay at Huab under Canvas, Driving the Dunes at Sandwich Harbour, Sossusvlei & Deadvlei and Kolmannskuppe.

Elephant and Rhino tracking were once in a lifetime experiences, and we appreciate all the efforts involved to allow us those opportunities. We would highly recommend the trip, and both the care & service provided by Tracy before we got there, and by Johann once we were in country." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip

"Very satisfactory is not even close to describing our satisfaction with our experience with Expert Africa. Maruska did a superb job in communicating with us whether over the phone or by email. She answered all our questions promptly, stuck to our budget, fulfilled our request for a self guided tour and the areas we wanted to visit and provided many more useful suggestions. We followed her itinerary to a T and was never disappointed. Still there was plenty of opportunity to use the Bradt guide and add extra excursions when we wanted. I think that was only possible because of her careful, knowledgeable planning. Our group of three visited from Oct 5 - Nov 1, 2019

If we know of anyone going to Africa we would not hesitate to point out the excellent service that Expert Africa provided us.

Thank You Expert Africa and especially Maruska! You made our vacation hassle free and memorable." Read full review: 30 nights in Africa; 18 on a Namibia trip