Africa: Reviews from our travellers

"The whole experience was 100% first class from my first enquiry with Claire, to her proposed plan, to slotting my Dad into the trip at a later date. For anyone a bit hesitant to travel to new places there was great ground support from when we landed in Lusaka to our departure at the end of our trip.

I have no hesitations about recommending Expert Africa and Robin Pope Safaris. It was without a doubt the trip of a life time!" Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zambia safari

"It was a truly wonderful and memorable experience which exceeded expectations. Although we were disappointed when the trip had to be cancelled in 2014, it worked out for the better as we received a more personalised trip, tailored to exactly what we wanted and included the stay in Nairobi which was a highlight in itself. Your hotel recommendations were perfect for what we wanted.

We appreciate the honest descriptions on the website and in the brochure and for all the help from Expert Africa, in particular with your flexibility over the transferring of the deposit to the following year, for all the advice on the phone and for your help when we were delayed at Heathrow.

We would like to mention the wonderful service we received from Edward at Southern Cross. He was so much more than the "driver" we had anticipated. He acted as a guide and friend to us during our time in Nairobi, fitting in all the things we wanted to do, which included the Giraffe Centre, Karen Blixen Museum and two visits to the Elephant Orphanage, where he somehow got us the front of the queue at the 11am session. He didn't just drop us off, but came with us to help buy tickets and was very helpful when depositing and collecting left luggage at Wilson. We were delighted when he was there to meet us at Wilson airport on our last day. We really enjoyed our time with him.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

We really can't think of anything that you could have done to make our trip better. Everything you organised for us was perfect.

In all my communications with Expert Africa, I always felt that I was dealing with experienced and knowledgeable people who I could trust and who genuinely wanted me to have an enjoyable holiday. Thank you." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 7 on a Kenya safari

"It was a great trip.

It was very easy to do it with a pregnant lady and a small child, and he had a great time as well.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Expert Africa's service is great as always. There are a few small things you could improve regarding travelling with (small) children. For example: after arrival in Windhoek we might have (in hindsight) preferred a lodge where we could have dinner and with the option for an early checkin. Also, the vehicle we used was a bit on the small side (everything fit, but only just).

Also, on the feedback form it would be great if you could easily switch between lodges by clicking on the name in the left side menu. Now you can only go back and forth using the 'Previous' and 'Continue' buttons, which is not so efficient if you want to add an extra comment to the first lodge." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip

"This was a very well put together trip. Although we spent a minimum number of nights at each camp (2) Robin Pope safaris moved all our luggage seamlessly and we were able to have a transfer and drive at the same time!

I would also highly commend Robin Pope for their ability to help us through Lusaka and Livingston airports.

Particularly helpful was their ability to get us through the diplomatic channel when getting our visa into Zambia!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No. Well done!" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari

"Really sensational trip !
Some of the best wildlife viewing I've ever had .
Lovely accommodation - would definitely go back to Rekero .
Feel a bit mean about comments I made regarding Little Governors , and I know it's very popular with many people , but
I just felt they are falling behind the competition somewhat. Particularly the food .
Many thanks to Richard Trillo for all his advice in the planning of this trip !
Will definitely use EA again

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Tell people that if they already have a visa when they arrive at Nairobi airport - do nand in the ""Visa"" line at immigration
Use the ""Other passports"" line
( go figure !)
Otherwise you will have to queue up twice!

Our transfer cars were absolutely great . Our driver Eddie said to say Hi to Richard Trillo.

We were told that the morning visit ( 11am - noon) to the David Sheldrick elephant orphanage was a bit of a bunfight and that as we had adopted two elephants and therefore qualified to visit at 5pm when they come home to bed ( by arrangement) - we should do that and not go at 11am.
The experience was great and there were only about 25 people there .
But the shop was closed at 5pm - and we had wanted to buy a hat that we had seen somebody else on our travels wearing.
So go early if you want to visit the shop too.

Nanyuki airport is really nice and has Wi-fi . Good restaurant and souvenir shop.

Nobody weighed our luggage anywhere except at Wilson airport - and even there they were not as strict as expected" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Kenya safari

"A well planned and executed trip, with every detail and eventuality carefully considered and expressed by Richard Trillo.

A pleasure dealing with Richard and the team who care passionately about Africa and the experience they provide, helped by the enormity of knowledge and experience so invaluable when advising others.

Would have no doubts in recommending to our friends and family. So glad we were recommended to them in the first instance. A huge thanks from us for what was a very provocative trip." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 11 on a Kenya safari

"Kenya has left an imprint on our souls. 20 years ago I came to Kenya, and have been dreaming about returning ever since. Being able to return with my husband and children in tow, is truly a dream come true. Any and all expectations I had, or we had as a family, were shattered. We were amazed by the beauty, the wildlife, the people of Kenya, and we will never be the same. We are truly better for it. The education my children received on this adventure is beyond anything we could have provided in books, and they will never forget it.

Richard Trillo is fantastic, knowledgeable, and worked hard for us to build us an itinerary that would fit our young family and our budget, not to mention putting it all together very last minute. He also worked behind the scenes with my mom to surprise me on my birthday for a spectacular Champagne bush breakfast, and went out of his way to secure little things like car seats in Nairobi, and I am sure many other things I am unaware of. There was not a single hiccup with all of the flights, transfers, cabs, drivers, hotels, camps, etc. Everything ran smoothly, we felt extremely well taken care of, and never had to worry about a thing. I would definitely recommend Expert Africa, and Richard Trillo, to anyone wanting to plan something truly special.

Special Thanks to Sweetwaters Serena Camp, Offbeat Mara and Pinewood Beach Resort for being the lead roles in our trip of a lifetime.

My only regret is having to come home. You will fall in love with Kenya, your heart and soul changed forever. We only hope to be able to visit again, and not 20 years from now. We wish to inspire others to travel to Africa, Kenya in particular, thru our stories and our photos on our website www.diagnosiswanderlust.com. We met solo travelers, honeymooners, couples, and families and it is a wonderful destination for all of the above. If you have been dreaming of an experience like this, don't wait, make a plan, and just do it. You will never regret it.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

I honestly cannot think of anything.

I promise to let you know if I think of anything. Everything was professional, complete, and fantastic." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Kenya safari

"Claire was a great help in putting together our itinerary.

We had a clear idea of the areas we wanted to visit and how long we wanted to spend at each location, but she provided insights and recommendations that improved our schedule. The accommodation recommended by Claire was wonderful and perfectly located at each place.

The trip went very smoothly and we would have no hesitation in recommending Expert Africa and Claire to others." Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 10 on a South Africa trip

"I can see no reason to consider any other travel company. Expert Africa are perfect and I've recommended them many times to family and friends. Friendly, helpful and very knowledgable.

I'm already thinking about our next trip." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a South Africa trip

"Our trip back to Tanzania after 7 years was every bit as wonderful as we expected.

Added bonus this time Leopard and Cheetah sightings. Both Impala in Selous and Mwagusi in Ruaha were exceptional camps and we would recommend them to anyone wishing to take a safari. Both areas have a diverse animal population giving a fantastic safari experience." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari