Africa: Reviews from our travellers

"This trip exceeded our expectations and indeed blew them out of that water. This was high bar to set as we had travelled to the Galapagos Islands last year and had the the most amazing adventure.

It is horses for courses but for someone who adores remote raw landscape and tries to get to places relatively untouched by human interference Namibia delivered. We felt so welcomed by all the people we did meet who in most circumstances were going above and beyond their job descriptions and genuinely cared about showing us their country in the best possible light. I hope it remains a difficult country to travel in and the creeping influx of tick box tourists is held at bay.

Were appalled by some of the behaviour we witnessed of folk who clearly didn't appreciate the country for what it is. How difficult it is and how hard people work to provide what we thought were amazing facilities under challenging circumstances." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip

"A great learning experience. Non expert Africa was volunteering in Madagascar and Livingstone. A different experience from safari." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari

"This was our 5th and best trip." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip

"great trip

please note that Maruska did a great job last year also." Read full review: 28 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari

"The service of Amanda (and Freddie who filled in when Amanda was away) was very good. Communicating by email (after initial request for phone contact) was appreciated.

Request for accommodation in separate regions of the park was met. Understanding of transfers from Vic Falls lodge, accommodation standards and desire for separate rooms/tents was dealt with well.

Transfers went smoothly, no “no-shows”. Any concerns with food/cuisine was more related to the staff in the camps rather than the booking service." Read full review: 6 nights in Africa; 6 on a Zambia safari

"The trip was better than I could have expected. I loved it!

I talked to several different safari consultants, and based on the guidance of Olivia and Ellie, I went with Naboisho Conservancy over something in the north of Kenya or in the Mara Reserve itself. Both of those would have been far inferior to what I ended up experiencing, and I feel grateful for the expertise!

Other than the AirKenya flights being delayed and very poorly communicated, it was wonderful." Read full review: 3 nights in Africa; 3 on a Kenya safari

"This trip was so different, but so special for us.

We had never self-driven anywhere while on vacation, so this was a first. It allowed us to see the country in a different way. There is so much to do in Namibia, and we wish we could have stayed longer & seen more, but that just gives us a reason to come back.

Expert Africa continued to provide amazing service, on this, our third trip with them." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip

"We went to Malawi after many visits to the RPS camps in Zambia. Whilst we did not expect to see rhinos or big cats in Malawi, we did see many species of antelopes, including sable, roan and nyala for the first time, and also many new birds.

Photography in Majete was more difficult than we had anticipated, because of the dense woodland.

Our impression was that the camps were underresourced in terms of vehicles and guides, and therefore could not offer the standards set by the RPS camps in Zambia. But in each camp, the camp managers were doing their best with the limited resources available to them.

Potential guests should be aware that RPS has no age limit for children in their camps, and wants to promote them as family destinations." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Malawi trip

"Great guides - and Robin Pope safaris highly commended



Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Wish i could afford to do it again !! Lack of direct flights from London to Lusaka a big hindrance. Hope BA starts flying there again soon." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari

"Amazing trip - even better than I expected.

I'm so glad I chose Zambia and specifically South Luangwa National Park for my first safari. I'm a little worried that I may have been spoiled - apparently it's not normal to see so many animals practically at will and sometimes you may have to wait.

I had already decided on Zambia, SLNP and Norman Carr Safaris before booking with Expert Africa. Lucy organised me beautifully and I didn't need much persuading to add a side trip to Victoria Falls. I was glad to have Lucy to fall back on when I managed to miss an internal flight, though fortunately I only needed her help (and reassurance!) to let the camp know my new arrival time.

At Livingstone, I stayed at Waterberry Lodge – loved my chalet with its verandah overlooking the lagoon, lunch on the deck serenaded by hippos grunting in the Zambezi. Had a wonderful helicopter flight over the falls and through the gorge.

Norman Carr Safaris were all they appear to be - truly excellent. I stayed at Kakuli, Mchenja and Nsolo. All three bushcamps were beautifully situated and well laid-out.

All the chalets I stayed in at each bushcamp were superbly comfortable - superking beds (given the full four-poster effect at night with mosquito nets) and hot water bottles if it was slightly chilly; solar-powered lamps and hot water; open air en-suite; inside and outside seating. Stupendously high roof, the beams and thatch are practically works of art themselves. Each room had fresh cold drinking water in a thermos, Peaceful Sleep mosquito spray and toiletries, I managed to resist the temptation to blow the emergency horn or whistle. There's a two-way cupboard in one of the walls where an early morning cup of tea/coffee will be delivered on request.

All the staff attached to the camps were so very welcoming and friendly, accommodating everyone's needs and wishes, and providing great meals. They really do work hard to ensure you are comfortable and get what you want out of your trip. I was unable to do any walking unfortunately, but there was no quibble about arranging an extra guide when needed. Quite often it was me, a guide and jeep and the beauty and bounty of SLNP - bliss.

As far as I'm concerned, the animals practically line up to greet you. It's just a constant parade of lions, hippos, elephants, leopards, giraffe, buffalo, hyena, wild dogs, kudu, puku, impala, mongoose, wildebeest, genets.... I'm terrible with bird names but there were many and often lovely (lilac-breasted roller, bee-eaters, fish eagle, giant eagle owl). Every game drive or walk is an adventure, as you don't know what you'll find but you know it'll be interesting!

My only concern is that safaris might become expensively addictive..." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari