Africa: Reviews from our travellers

"Overall, our trip to Namibia was amazing. The accommodations were as expected and mostly first class, with two notable exceptions: Olive Grove Guesthouse and Damaraland Camp.

The scenery and wildlife in Namibia were exceptional and we would love to return again and again and again. If we did return, however, there are some aspects of the trip that would merit closer attention.

For example, the transitions between camps were sometimes problematic. As mentioned in my review of Scenic Air, the fact that they do not inform passengers of their flight times more than a day in advance makes planning arrival times very difficult. In order to catch our flight to Sossusvlei, which we expected would be in the early morning, we arrived in Windhoek the previous day and overnighted at the Olive Grove. Check out time was 10 am yet we weren't picked up until 12:30 so since late check out had not been arranged, we sat in the reception area waiting for two and a half hours (after already having spent the previous afternoon in transit as well as killing time all morning waiting for our pick up).

When I emailed Tracey, she explained that no other scheduled flights serviced airports close to Sossusvlei Desert Lodge but what frustrated us was not so much the wait as not having a choice about the wait. If Tracey had mentioned during our trip deliberations that we had a choice of a regularly scheduled flight to an airport 30 or 60 minutes drive away from the Lodge versus Scenic Air's unpredictable scheduling to the Lodge's airstrip, we at least would have been prepared for the wait. Furthermore, once we got to Sossusvlei, we discovered a fairly major airport within about 30 minutes of the lodge and another within about 60 minutes of the Lodge, both of which offered regularly scheduled morning flights. Our group came to the clear consensus that we would have preferred a flight to one of these airstrips as that would have saved us at least a half day of waiting.

Our return connection between Sossusvlei and Windhoek and then onward from Windhoek to Hoanib also seemed to be less efficient than it could have been. During trip deliberations, Tracy told us that the only way to get directly between Sossusvlei and Hoanib was via expensive charter flight so we elected to spend a night in Windhoek. But, while waiting on the tarmac at Doro Nowas, we encountered a couple who had flown in from Sossusvlei and were about to board the Wilderness Safari flight to Hoanib. I understand that these people did not fly from Sossusvlei Desert Lodge airstrip but it just seems that a little creativity - and perhaps an hour long drive from the Lodge to a different air strip - could have saved us another day in transit.

We also encountered more problems with our transfers than should have been the case; when we arrived at Eros from Sossusvlei, no one was there to pick us up. Our pilot had to call Wilderness Safaris, who then had to call a subcontractor/cab to come get us. When we arrived at Eros from Okonjima, Barnabus (from Wilderness Safaris), gave us cards that indicated we'd be picked up from the Olive Grove the next morning at 5:30 am. When we told him that we had to catch a flight leaving Windhoek International Airport that afternoon at 3, he called the office and arranged for us to be picked up at noon. When no car had arrived by 12:15, we had an Olive Grove staff member call Wilderness on our behalf and found out that they didn't plan to pick us up until the following day at noon!

Bruce and I were also frustrated that our Expert Africa package did not arrive prior to our departure. Tracy explained the late mailing by saying that she didn't realize we planned to travel within South Africa before arriving in Namibia but in our trip planning deliberations, I did tell her of our plans. Even Peter only received his package a day before he departed Australia and complained that it would have been nice to receive the package at least a bit in advance in order to have an opportunity to read and review the materials.

Another frustration concerned luggage restrictions. We are seasoned Africa travellers so well aware of the luggage limits required when travelling by small aircraft. However, Tracy insisted that even more strict limits applied to Namibia and our luggage must not exceed 10 X 12 X 24 so we ditched our much used Africa travel bags and bought smaller ones. Yet, when we arrived in Namibia, we found that everyone - including our travel companions - exceeded the 10 X 12 X 24 limits at least somewhat. Our old, reliable, Africa travel bags would have been perfectly fine - and would have made our packing much easier and our travel much more comfortable.

Another issue that arose during trip deliberations that turned out to be a false issue concerned our weight. Even though we provided Tracy with our weights before we made the final payment on our trip, we were later told that because we as a party exceeded the weight limits normally allowed for two men and one woman, we would need to either limit our total luggage weight to 15 kg per person or pay an extra $1,650 US. Needless to say, we were shocked, both because we are not particularly large people and because this felt like a bit of a scam having come up after having paid our full fare.

After some back and forth, Tracy managed to get the company to "acquiesce" to allowing us 20 kgs luggage per person which at the time seemed like a win. But, when we boarded each of the Scenic Air flights, we discovered that the "fourth" seat they had wanted us to pay $1,650 US for was never even used as a seat. For each and every flight we were on, it was folded down and part of the luggage compartment. Never was there a fourth passenger and never was our luggage even weighed!

I understand this issue has everything to do with safety; however, we can't be the only Expert Africa clients affected and I don't understand why this isn't dealt with before a quote is provided. Alternately, Tracy should have negotiated the outcome on her own before asking us to pay an extra $1,650. Only if she were not able to achieve the ultimate outcome (which was essentially no change) should she have gotten us involved and stressed out! In light of all the issues surrounding luggage size and weight, we packed less than we would have otherwise and found ourselves less comfortable throughout our travels. I sighed several times wishing I had a warmer sweater or a nicer outfit to wear to dinner. Small things, I know, but they add to the comfort and enjoyment of a trip." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip

"The highlights in some sort of order :
Hoanib Camp *****

Edo's Camp ****
Ongava Tented Camp****
andBeyond Soussusvlei Desert Lodge ****
Mack Air ****
Desert Air ****

Okonjima Bush Camp ***
Olive Grove Guest House ***

Wilderness Air **
Damaraland Camp *

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Tracy organised my/our safari really well. She had to blend in two different itineraries and there was a fair bit of juggling to be sorted through and she did it well.

The only arrangement that I found a bit frustrating was to find out that Wilderness Air did fly direct from Sousessvlei through to Hoanib, albeit from an airstrip a bit of a drive from Soussusvlei Desert Lodge. I felt that it should have been feasible to organise a transfer (perhaps at extra cost) to fly direct from Soussusvlei and avoid an overnight at Olive Grove in Windhoek which was really a """"wasted"""" travel day which might have been better spent at Hoanib.

And I think Expert Africa need to talk closely with Wilderness Air - the latter seems to have some problems." Read full review: 23 nights in Africa; 18 on a Namibia trip

"Our experience in Botswana and Vic Falls was excellent throughout - great accommodation, smooth transfers and wonderful safari.

We greatly appreciated all the work that Nick Hobbs from Expert Africa put into advising us on our itinerary to meet our requirements and budget. We hope to do it all again soon." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 5 on a Botswana safari

"We had attempted to book a two way stay with a car hire for a good part of it, and the first few either refused or discouraged that idea even though our daughter is serving for two years in Botswana. Maruska was a pleasure to deal with, encouraged and supported what we wanted to do, and pulled together a seamless trip from start to finish.

The transfers by Wild Horizons were spot on and she worked to find the exact vehicle we wanted. All of our accommodation bookings were perfect. The only wrinkle we experienced was the car hire company who claimed they never received a voucher they needed and tried yo charge our card a 1000 deposit, requiring several calls to expertafrica to clear the issue up" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 3 on a Botswana safari

"It was great, we saw a leopard up a tree which we have been wanting to see for 20 years of visiting Africa! All the camps were excellent and flights on time. (We had 11 flights in 14 days)

This is the 6th holiday that we have booked with Expert Africa and I must emphasise that you are the best. From the time I make my first enquiry to the final documents your staff are helpful, polite and kind enough to put up with me wanting more information, changing my mind and just giving us so much useful advice. I always recommend Expert Africa to our friends and other travellers.

We had decided that this was going to be our last holiday in Africa and indeed on our arrival at Joburg airport British Airways gave us wrong information for immigration/transit and we spent a long time in the wrong queue only to be directed to an even longer one. At this stage we said never again!

However the holiday was super and we have changed our minds and will probably be contacting you for another holiday in 2018 to celebrate our Golden Wedding.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

As I have said above you are the best.

A small point on the feedback form 'flights' is spelt incorrectly!" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"Top notch!

Everything was well organised and well planned - a very thorough and professional service by Expert Africa.

Our special thanks must go to Maruska for her individual attention. We will highly recommend this service to our friends." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip

"This was the best organised and most enjoyable trip we have ever experienced! The service from Expert Africa was professional, sympathetic and extremely knowledgeable.

The packed breakfast from Roys Restcamp and indifferent management at Ngepi were the only incidents (and not controllable by EA) which were not perfect in a safari which gave us a range of excellent accommodation, a kaleidoscope of stunning locations and landscapes and an unforgettable selection of activities. Transfers and flights were seamless and on time, all bookings were recognised and honoured. Everything worked better than expected!

We have been extremely impressed with the efficiency of the EA service, the response to queries and information provided and overall knowledge available to us in dealing with Maruska who did a superb job in putting together the package for such a disparate group.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Can't think of any." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip

"Maruska did an excellent job in putting together a varied itinerary for our mixed group. We had a fantastic trip!! One of the highlights of our seven months away. Such a wonderful balance of comfort and adventure. Highlights included the balloon ride over the Namib desert, game drives in Etosha and Chobe, fishing on the Okavango panhandle and enjoying sundowners as a family each evening.

Although more expensive than other trips we had done, we can confidently say that it was excellent value for money. Simply put, Maruska made everything easy for us - things worked like clockwork!

Namibia is an easy country to do a self drive. The flexibility this gave us was refreshing. Given the long distances, everyone shared the driving. The pacing of the trip was spot on!

We were also pleasantly surprised with how much we loved the Okavango panhandle. It really was the 'Delta' experience we were looking for.

Thank you once again Mush for a great holiday!" Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip

"Lived up to, and in many ways exceeded our expectations. Stunning, often remote desert scenery and ever-changing landscapes. Super, comfortable, imaginative lodges in some exceptional settings, staffed by really friendly, well trained and helpful people.

Some memorable experiences and excursions with knowledgeable, professional guides at sensible prices.

All the Expert Africa arrangements worked perfectly, and your descriptions of lodges, activities etc were accurate and realistic. We were particularly impressed by the Wilderness Safari lodges and their people. No anxieties or disappointments whatsoever. Sabina was helpful and knowledgeable, but never 'pushy' - which was one factor which swung us towards you and away from another operator.

Would certainly recommend you, just as you were recommended to us by a friend." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip

"Two travellers with very different past experiences of safaris, we set off a little nervously. We returned with all our expectations surpassed.

We were so impressed by your understanding of our situation and the care you had taken to meet our wishes. We absolutely fell in love with Namibia and its people who, without exception, were a delight.

The team member, and organiser of our trip, was Martha Young initially. She guided us through the world of Namibia and chose for us a really good itinerary. My comments below relate to her, but subsequent colleagues who dealt with us did so most efficiently, too." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip