Africa: Reviews from our travellers

"Overall, and in every detail, this trip truly turned out much better than we had expected - and our expectations were high.

Maruska went the extra mile, several times, to ensure that our itinerary was precisely what we wanted. When the initial camp selections turned out to be more expensive than we wanted, Maruska proposed alternatives that worked out very well.

Our safaris to Botswana and Namibia couldn't have been better.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We never received a brochure, but did receive a glossy guide to your offerings, after we had returned home. Since we used your web site, and it's very good, it wasn't really an issue.

There were a number of comments about various camps that were only for Expert Africa, but there wasn't a place to put them. So we were obliged to just put them at the end of reviews. Ditto for some suggestions regarding improvements at camps, probably only of interest to camp managers. These things could be removed before posting the reviews, if you like.

We'd like to thank the Expert Africa team, and Maruska in particular, for arranging this very special trip for us." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 8 on a Namibia trip

"This was mainly a practice run for a trip with our grandson when he is old enough. We will be back.

Sabina dealt with the final days prior to our trip, but it was Martha who made all the arrangements so we cannot really comment about Sabina." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip

"Outstanding in every respect

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

They only thing which took us by surprise was how cold it was in Hwange, particularly in an open vehicle in the early morning and evening. An really warm jacket, gloves and headgear such as a beanie would be things I would pack next time - but perhaps I missed that advice." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zimbabwe safari

"Namibia is a great country to visit. We enjoyed it all, and always felt welcomed.

Early June seemed to be a good time to go, with plenty of wildlife to be seen and the weather cooling down.

We would love to go back." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip

"Once again Expert Africa delivered a memorable holiday and we would have no hesitation in booking again." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip

"This was definitely a trip of a lifetime.

We had such a good time we will be looking to do something similar again.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

We have both travelled to several areas in Southern Africa and this has to be the easiest trip we have arranged, keep it up." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zimbabwe safari

"Brilliant. I would highly recommend" Read full review: 3 nights in Africa; 3 on a Kenya safari

"Overall this was a great trip.

Kgalagadi is a magical park which generates a feeling of camaraderie among the visitors. Drivers still wave to each other like they are sharing some closely guarded secret. It would be possible to spend two weeks there, with at least three days at each camp. This would make the trip more relaxed and give more time to appreciate each area. Put in the hours in this park and you will get some fantastic sightings. There's no elephant, buffalo or rhino but it's great for birds, predators and the smaller critters. Tiny creatures can get in the chalets, although gratefully for us these were mainly the friendly, cuter end of the spectrum. Shouldn't bother most but might not be for everyone.

If you can book into a Kgalagadi widerness camp you can leave the modern world behind. Forget smartphones and the internet, at present there is no network coverage, apart from in Twee Rivieren.

If possible hire a 4x4. You don't have to but it will enhance the trip enormously. The road can be rough and the elevated driving position is great for spotting. If you can, get a double cab so you can easily stow your drinks, cool box, camera etc. For photography it's doubtful you can can beat Kgalagadi and Etosha.

The weather in late May to early June was fantastic for us, warm in the day and cool at night. It getting dry at this time of year so the waterholes in both parks are populated with small and large herds of animals. In Etosha the numbers seem astounding at times.

The timing was tricky and when our heathrow flight was delayed we could easily have missed our connection from Joburg to Upington. Luckily we traveled with hand luggage only and made it with a half hour to spare. Likewise, you probably need to stop over in Upington as we did, especially if you need to stock up before heading to Kgalagadi.

No fault of Expert Africa but it may have included just a bit too much driving. It was our choice to include Kgalagadi and Etosha. Not particularly the driving in the parks but between the two. However, this is a balancing act between time and resources and we don't regret it all." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 8 on a Namibia trip

"This trip was fabulous. We were knocked out by the diversity and beauty of the scenery.

Friendliness of the people, and the high levels of service.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

A lot of companies are perfect when everything is running smoothly and one only finds out their failings when things go wrong.

Expert Africa and your team were compassionate and caring when because of my husbands death I wasn't sure if I would be able to or wanted to take the trip. When we had problems in Windhoek constructive help was offered quickly from Chris and enabled us to rationalize the event and not allow it to either colour our view of the country or it's people.

On that note it is hard for me to see how you could improve." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 18 on a Namibia trip

"We had a wonderful trip. It was a great adventure and a truly memorable experience. We loved the country - magnificent scenery, lovely people, gorgeous sun rise and sunsets, delicious food and wonderful wildlife.

The staff at Wilderness Safari's were really helpful at the beginning when we had a problem." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 18 on a Namibia trip