Africa: Reviews from our travellers

"Trip was great as can be read on the comments/reviews. I have learnt a lot and would definitely change a few things next time; particularly the sequencing of how everything was planned. Also it got a little travel hectic at times which kind of effected the flow of things. For example flying from Sossusvlei Desert Lodge to Windhoek, then transferring to Johannesburg, waking up at 3am, flying to lusaka, then transferring to Chongwe was not that fun, also i would have chosen Luwi or Nsolo (dependent on who I'm traveling with) for 3 nights rather then split them up, we ended up spending 1 night in Luwi (after our full day travel from Chongwe), 1 night on the sleep out and technically we were meant to stay 1 night at Nsolo before moving to Chinzombo. So the combination of the traveling from Sossusvlei with the bush camp split up meant that we were frequently in transit. Not that big of a deal but would definitely mellow it out a little. Perhaps i should have chosen closer more connected neighboring countries and focused on staying a places for more then one night. We got on 15 different flights from leaving home to returning, so you could imagine that we got over it. Also learnt how much i prefer being isolated rather then being with other game drive lodge vehicles. As mentioned earlier, it was a shame that i didn't end up seeing many cats, nature told me otherwise, one of the main considerations of choosing the destination was based on my obsession for lions an well as my mission in working a conservation program to protect them. Happy to have meet with the Zambian carnivore project team. That was fantastic, i'm glad we ended up linking before we left. Now ready to plan my next escape." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari

"This is my second trip with Expert Africa, and i would without question use them again for any other trip's to that magnificent continent, as a solo traveller alway's feel looked after!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Not really, your doing pretty well as it is." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zimbabwe safari

"The trip was a real delight and a privilege.

Botswana and its people are inspiring and the scenery and wildlife experience, spectacular.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

None.

This is our second trip with Expert Africa and probably not our last.we have already recommended EA to others in the UK and abroad." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"The whole trip was excellent and that was down to your professional expertise and efficiency. I must say you have been one of the best companies I have ever dealt with and it has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience..

Top marks to Josh for his overall efficiency and very engaging personality. It was always a pleasure chatting to him and nothing was too much trouble.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

To be honest I'm finding it difficult to suggest anything and that is because everything was perfect. The service we received from yourselves was exceptional and I say this as someone (not trying to sound big headed) who has travelled a lot since I began in 1973 ! Just keep up the good work. I'll be back !

Just one small point. I don't know what is happening with the proposed newsletter which I signed up for but I would recommend that you get it up and running as a priority. I think this is an ideal way of keeping past customers informed and a very effective way of getting new ones." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip

"The trip was my first safari and, indeed, my very first trip to Africa. It was an absolutely outstanding experience which was, without doubt, life enhancing, if not life changing.

I was extremely fortunate to go with friends who are experienced travellers in Africa and that certainly added much to the trip. They had spoken incredibly highly of both Expert Africa, in particular Freddie Sutton, and Robin Pope Safaris. I can certainly see why. I was very impressed from my very first contact with Freddie and this positive view has not waivered once throughout the booking process or on my return to the UK.

Expert Africa provided comprehensive information about the trip including a very useful guide book to Zambia which I particularly appreciated as a "first timer".

I was totally overwhelmed by the sheer majesty of the country in South Luangwa and the massive skies during the day and night. The animal life was, of course, wonderful but I hadn't expected to be as knocked out by the small details and the inter-realtionshop of all the elements of the eco systems.

I can find no fault with any of the travel arrangements, it all went very smoothly. The accommodation and food were excellent and I felt my every need was catered for.

One my over-riding memories will be of the sheer quality of the Robin Pope staff. They are exceptional. I can't remember learning so much in such a short time. The staff are so well informed and are equally generous with their knowledge.

Thank you one and all." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a Zambia safari

"This is our fourth trip to Zambia staying at Robin Pope camps and the experience just keeps on getting better & better! Everything ran smoothly from the moment I contacted Freddie to our return flight home. (Even the Emirates emergency cancellation was well managed). The Tour Africa staff at Lusaka airport were there waiting for us at the beginning of our trip and available to help when we flew home. They provided a great service.

The staff at Robin Pope Safaris are fantastic - they looked after us so well. I only hope that the new owners fully appreciate what a good job they are all doing and that they are able to retain such experienced and professional staff. We hope to return next year.

Thank you Expert Africa for making it all possible.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

A full set of wildlife guide books would be useful at Nkwali - there are a few - but birds, insects and reptiles were missing." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a Zambia safari

"This was a wonderful holiday and a great experience. Many thanks to Tracy Lederer for her excellent advice in creating our itinerary.

Victoria Falls was a great way to start the holiday. The Wilderness Safari camps at Little Vumbura and particularly Chitabe Lediba were fantastic, giving us a great combination of water and land based activities. We are big fans of Wilderness Safaris - their camps are obviously not cheap but are truly spectacular.

Chobe was also a good way to relax at the end of the holiday. We have done several safaris before but Botswana is without doubt the most spectacular destination - the wildlife, bird life, scenery and landscapes and the people are wonderful.

We hope to return one day and will definitely use Expert Africa." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"Initially was a little concerned about lack of wildlife sightings however dunes fantastic and despite the slapshod way okaukuejo camp appeared to be run the waterhole was a revelation. we saw rhino each night, 3 on the first night and 2 the second night plus a male lion then 4 females.

Highlight was the cheetah kill. Etosha fulfilled my expectations and more.

No one could foresee the torrential rain and subsequent flooding which lead us to being advised to travel the longer route to Doro Nawas which made it feel like an unnecessary out of the way stop. Given a good run up the skeleton coast this view would not be as jaded.

All the accommodation was good and the extra night at erongo was well worth it

Would recommend this trip to others" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip

"Our holiday was exactly what we wanted, and we had an amazing time.

Expert Africa's staff are hugely knowledgeable, and clearly wanted to understand our needs in order to make all the right recommendations. The whole process felt collaborative, and was like talking to an experienced traveller rather than a traditional travel agent; we never felt under any sales pressure. Staff were responsive and helpful, including during the trip.

We are already thinking about another trip, and have every intention of using Expert Africa again." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 11 on a Kenya safari

"We have always loved the bush and we will always return. The bush restores ones sole. It is always a privilege to be part of an adventure like experiencing Sable Alley.

We rate this camp as one of our better camps we have experienced in Botswana. (We have had the privilege to experienced premier camps etc)

Overall experience; trip as a whole:

Keep up the good work.

As it is always a pleasure dealing with someone who makes you feel that they are in control and they know exactly what you want." Read full review: 4 nights in Africa; 4 on a Botswana safari