Africa: Reviews from our travellers

"Namibia is an incredible country and Expert Africa organised everything very well and Martha in particular was there at the end of the phone whenever I had a question, her advice was invaluable.

A few negatives that are worth mentioning but should never stop any one from going are:

The gravel roads can be pretty hairy in a 2WD and had we had the funds, we would have much preferred to be in a 4WD as you feel every single bump in the road (so if you have the money get a 4WD). We had to drive extra slow in order to avoid damage to the car (especially the tyres) and the undercarriage (which is uninsurable) - with the gravel sometimes building up so high it's unavoidable to have a rock or two hit the underneath. The gravel roads can make the journeys tiresome, long and stressful. In sum, it is quite miraculous that there was no major damage to the car and in the end we only had a chip on the windscreen, so actually we are testament to the fact that the journey we did was do-able in a 2WD, it's just really not ideal. I felt like the mental stress the roads put on you should be emphasised more by the guide book and Expert Africa as we weren't quite prepared for how mentally exhausting the journeys would be as we were constantly worried we were going to seriously damage the car. When we hit tar roads again on the way to Windhoek we were elated!

Namibia is still very much in transition from its colonial days and much of the effects of colonialism are still present. Segregation of black and white people is still very much a part of life and almost all of the money / businesses are still in the hands of white Namibians. There's not much to be done about that as a tourist except be mindful of it. I felt I should have researched this before travelling so that it wasn't such an unpleasant surprise, it's very hard not to notice it. We came across blatant instances of racism from locals, especially at Bullsport (from a guest) but this is mostly among the older generation who still refer to Namibia vehemently as South West Africa. I feel silly for not having researched the country's colonial history more fully however i expected it to be just that, history, but considering the effects are still so prevalent, I think it should be emphasised more in the book and by Expert Africa, to younger, more naive travellers, like myself, admittedly. In Swakopmund it was most noticeable. We had some great chats to some black Namibians, who were happy to talk about their views on it and the staff at the Tug were so friendly, inviting and a lot of fun to while away an evening at the bar with.

On a Swakopmund note - the local tourist market in Swakopmund was quite overwhelming, they have some great things there and i bought some souvenirs but when we went we were pretty much the only tourists so all of the sellers were vying for our attention, it was difficult to get out of there, perhaps worth noting in the guide book.

As for the positives:

We were the only ones on the road for miles at some points, this country is still relatively un-visited by tourists so you feel like you're uncovering a hidden gem, everything is so pristine.

The different landscapes, the wildlife, the culture and the people are so amazing, i have never been any where like it. I often say I won't go back to the same place as there's too many other places to see but I might have to make an exception for Namibia. . .maybe when i can afford a 4wd!

It seemed mostly visited by retirees but we couldn't see why, this is the ultimate African road trip, everywhere we went was safe and friendly and it's cheap. The safari was first class, we saw every animal there was to see. Okonjima was fantastic and the landscapes second to none. Namibia has mountains, stunning desert dunes, cities, beaches and flat savannahs that stretch on for thousands of mile, it has everything.

I can't recommend this destination and Expert Africa highly enough, it's just a matter of time before the crowds discover it.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Martha was excellent, helpful, knowledgable and friendly, she helped us tailor our itinerary to our needs and budget, can't recommend her highly enough.

Two small things, there was a mix up at Sossus Dune Lodge where it was written on one of our itineraries that we were on a DBB basis but when we arrived they only had us down as BB so we aren't sure if we ended up paying twice?

The other thing again minor but worth noting, one day I called up to speak to Martha who wasn't available so I chatted to Sabina instead, who was very friendly and informative however, i called up to ask why it was that we couldn't fit Sandwich Harbour into our day seeing the seals and she explained it was because there wasn't enough time, completely fine however she wanted to emphasise the point by informing me some tourists were killed the week before rushing to get to Sandwich Harbour, which was information i probably could have done without having already been a bit nervous about the amount of driving on gravel roads we had to do, a case of too much information!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip

"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

"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

"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

"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