Africa: Reviews from our travellers

"Thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Namibia; thanks Expert Africa, and Josh in particular, for helping out.

There wasn't a great connection between the map provided and the written description of the routes. For example, there were a couple of options shown for going between Aus and Swakapmund, but no description of the two routes in written material. As noted in the Bagetelle review, would strongly recommend the northern route (C21) rather than continuing south on the B1 and backtracking north.

We did see wildlife (including two separate sightings of zebras and one herd of about 50 oryx), but not usually at the lodges/camps; rather when we were driving between stays.

Though not included in our tour, we stayed at Tilla's guesthouse. It was 'no frills' as described in the guide book, but also noisy due to a caged parrot, and frankly the worst breakfast we had in our time in Africa. Staff very pleasant though." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 6 on a Namibia trip

"Only the trip to Chitabe Camp was organised by Expert Africa, but we vere very satisfied with its service. The reason we chose Expert Africa was that they show the open places in the Camps on their homepage and were able to provide us bookings in
our preferred Camp Chitabe (we first tried with another (Swiss) agency and were told that it is fully booked!). We were very satisfied with Expert Africa's service. Chitabe Concession was amazing. Also the rest of our holidays, partly organised by an operator, partly organised by ourselves, was very satisfactory and local people were always very friendly and helpful. We very much appreciated also the low criminality risk in Botswana." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 2 on a Botswana safari

"Expert Africa surpassed themselves yet again" Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 4 on a Rwanda safari

"Wonderful

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

We have found your company to be excellent." Read full review: 4 nights in Africa; 2 on a Botswana safari

"I enjoyed it very much despite the numerous bites I had at the end of the trip. S. Luangwa is a lovely park, amazing for leopard lovers. But it gets very hot this time of the year and hence, it is difficult to enthuse yourself and other guests to walk.

It was the first time to travel alone and I may say that I kind of liked it... I also liked the fact that the camps were pretty empty, I was only with one more guest. The downturn is that one of my fellow guests that I shared drive with she is an avid wildlife photographer, hence I had to compromise or stretch my patience often.... but as we say life is a compromise!

The night drives are interesting as well and it works out well as it gets dark by 6pm, so you can go about for an hour after the sun-downer before you return to the camp. You see wildlife that you wouldn't otherwise ( e.g beautiful genets)

If I return, most likely I will skip the Luangwa river camp." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zambia safari

"On our 3 week stay in Hwange our wish was to spend the maximum time game viewing. And this was what we got, from the moment we stepped off the aircraft at Manga airstrip until the time we left. Absolutely brilliant!

Expert Africa is very efficient and Tom took into account everything we wanted from the outset, spending some time to juggle things around to fit in with timings, availability and budget.

We were looking for small basic bush camps and the 4 camps we stayed in ranged from the more basic to those with slightly more comfort. Each provided their own unique experience, and even the more basic camps were extremely comfortable.

In a country that is currently experiencing a food and fuel shortage, it is unbelievable how these camps still manage to keep providing such an excellent service. And how they manage to provide such good food and in such quantities. We have both come back several pounds heavier!!

In all the camps, the staff were efficient and friendly and the guiding was exceptional. It was great to see that people living and working in that environment all the time are still so passionate about the wildlife around them. The available activities such as game drives, walks, and using the hides, gave a good variety, and made for an excellent experience with some extremely close encounters with the wildlife!

With all wildlife you can never guarantee what you will see, and it is very much dependent on time of year and weather conditions. Overall we had an abundant and excellent wildlife experience to make for a really great safari, and one we will never forget!

Apart from the wildlife survey list of species, we did see several other species that we would count as notable ‘sightings’, such as: some magnificent kudu, tortoise, honey badger, reedbuck, tsessebe, waterbuck, bat-eared fox, wild cat." Read full review: 23 nights in Africa; 21 on a Zimbabwe safari

"My daughter and I absolutely loved our safari and bush experiences. The bush camp staff were exceptionally committed, knowledgeable, and hospitable.

Unfortunately, we were terribly disappointed with the last part of the trip in Zanzibar." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari

"This was a wonderful trip and our first experience of a safari holiday. It exceeded all our expectations.

We didn't have to worry about any of the arrangements and were met when we were supposed to be met and given clear instructions of timings to be collected. The safari camps were different in their own way but were both most satisfactory. The free laundry service was an added bonus and our rooms (tents) were kept spotlessly clean and tidy. At Impala Camp we had our own Masai man to escort us to and from our tents in case there were any visiting animals. He was always there and yet was unobtrusive.

The only concern was the tipping system, particularly in Mwagusi Camp. Here it appears the staff were only given their tips once a year, including the guides. We would have preferred to tip the guides separately as we did in Impala. We were put in a difficult position and this needs to be sorted.

It is essential to have cash! Neither camp had the facility to pay by card. We also needed to pay by cash at the hotel in Dar es Salam because their internet was down.

Pongwe Beach Hotel was almost the icing on the cake." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari

"Overall we had a great time.

All the connections worked well.

All the accommodation was good, apart from the few details we have mentioned in the report" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 8 on a Seychelles holiday

"Our trip was absolutely wonderful! We saw all the animals we'd hoped to, except for a cheetah. That gives us the excuse we need to return one day.

Our itinerary worked well - about the right number of nights in each place.

Generally, very good food and wonderful, enthusiastic service." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip