Africa: Reviews from our travellers

"Overall the trip was great.

Some gliches. Lots of traffic from Zanzibar because of arriving evening last day of Ramadan. Luggage broken into and things stolen from luggage at Nairobi airport. No museum visit at Olduvai gorge and no lunch provided last day of safai as outlined in itinerary. Lots of flight delays. Last Masai village visit we felt extorted for the suggested donation of $200.

However, this was the best trip we have ever taken and we travel extensively. Thanks again to the staff of expert Africa for matching us up once again with a like minded couple whose company we enjoyed and for providing a TRIP WHOSE WONDERFUL MEMORIES WILL LAST ALL OUR LIVES. We hope to do a 3rd trip with your company." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 5 on a Tanzania safari

"A great trip" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 13 on a Kenya safari

"Megan was exceptionally patient and helpful as we were planning our trip - we ended going to exactly the places that were right for us. Sometimes it is difficult to envisage each camp and their facilities and in this respect Megan was very supportive. The additional detailed information gained from Megan before our trip ensured everything ran smoothly and there were no nasty surprises.

We were pleased that our trip turned out to be very well balanced as we had hoped. South Luangwa obviously has greater game density than our other locations but the Lower Zambezi and Malawi gave different perspectives. The boat trips on the Zambezi were special and the friendliness and birding at Mkulumadzi were a great variation.

It was pleasing to feel that we not only visited an established camp in Zambia but also a brand new luxury camp in its first season. In addition we went to a reserve in Malawi that is trying hard to re-establish itself and really needs and deserves our support.

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The only point relates to photographic equipment. We did not have any problems but the weight issues could be a problem for other travellers or ourselves in future. It is almost impossible to stay within the 5 kgs hand luggage limit on the internal flights - it would be better if the airlines specified a maximum total weight including hold luggage. It is never really an issue on the flights as the hand luggage is stowed in the back of the plane." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari

"I won't lie, I was dubious about going to Namibia, it was my husband's dream holiday destination which is why we chose it but we both absolutely loved it!

Neither of us had ever been to Africa before and the fact that we could drive round on our own and do our own thing was priceless. We would go back in a heartbeat. Thank you to Expert Africa for everything!

We do think that a 4WD would have been better than a 2WD just because of some of the D roads. We had to turn back round on 2 occasions but this added to the adventure. If we did it again (or when we do it again!) we will be asking for a 4WD." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip

"And we think we got it.

A fantastic 9 day 3 location safari with light aircraft transfers between lodges. Clearly Zimbabwe is going through some troubled times but this in no way detracted from our trip, People are genuinely pleased to see you, none of our camps where full and the parks seemed very quiet in terms of visitors, but plenty of game. We had a fantastic trip that will live long in our memory.

A special word for Rhino Safari camp, spend 2 nights here for a totally different amazing experience.

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Difficult to suggest an improvement, our second Expert Africa trip, will definitely return." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zimbabwe safari

"A memorable fifth trip to Namibia and our first fully self driving.

Having travelled all round the country on previous visits, we deliberately confined this trip to the Otavi area & Etosha, so did not have huge distances to cover. Okonjima, Mundulea & Esther Farm were all return visits , eastern Etosha was new to us.

We will not be returning to Okonjima. It was a good stop on our first trip, but we would now prefer to take our chances on seeing truly wild animals, rather than stressed looked radio collared animals. Okonjima has become a large, very commercial operation and has lost its appeal to us.

We had a wonderful time at both Mundulea & Esther Farm - with focus on walking & soaking up all aspects of the ecosystem at both. It was good to spend a few days at Esther Farm as our hosts, Axel & Silkie, were keen to try out having their first purely walking guests. While it is a working farm, they are reducing stocking rates and taking down fences, so there are good numbers of game becoming established on a very varied terrain - including hills & mountains. Axel has a good knowledge of the flora, fauna and geology, so as with Bruno, much time on the walks is spent discussing how they all fit together. Likewise there was much discussion, over excellent meals, about life in modern Namibia.

As ever we had lots of new sightings & experiences from a Leopard Tortoise to hours of torrential rain.

Esther Farm was an easy drive and a good stop between Mundulea and Etosha on the old road to the Namutoni gate.

This was our first visit to Eastern Etosha (we stayed at Okaukuejo on our first trip). We were rewarded with excellent sightings of Rhino, Cheetah, Lions & Elephants as well as many birds & other game in large numbers. The Etosha experience complemented the walking part of the trip.

Special thanks to Bruno, Axel and Silke, and a thank you to Sabina for organising another excellent trip." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip

"7 nights in South Luangwa, Zambia with Robin Pope Safaris (3 different camps) followed by 7 nights chilling out at Likoma Island proved a great combination - Claire understood our interests and expectations well.

In game viewing terms we saw everything that we could have hoped for, and RPS are an efficient organisation with excellent guides. The 3 camps had very similar game and terrain - the contasts on our last trip between Selous and Ruaha in Tanzania were much greater. Nkwali and Tena Tena we would recommend, but Nsefu was spoilt by mosquito problems.

Kaya Mawa/Likoma Island is not for everyone (e.g.fussy N.Americans) but suited us perfectly with its laid back warm welcome, lack of commercialism, peaceful location and delightful staff - a great stress buster." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari

"Overall we had a great trip. Special thanks to our guide Ayoub who was with us up to and including Dunia - he was knowledgable, friendly, helpfull and even spoke Spanish which made things a lot more relaxing for Mila.

Ngorongoro was spectacular with early morning mist later giving way to brighter weather, and many interesting game sightings.

After an interesting side-trip to Oldupai Gorge, we entered the Serengeti which was really beautiful. The early rains meant it was already quite green. We saw quite a lot of game, especially from Dunia, including a lot of the migration. Quite large herds of wildebeest were already moving south through the central Serengeti.

Only one small negative point about the first part of the trip. The vehicle did not have a pop-up roof, as we had been told, but instead one that had to be removed and put back. This could have been more of a problem than it was, as only on the last day at Dunia did we have strong sun - the rest of the time with this vehicle it was fairly cloudy.

When we got to Olakira we were afraid there might not be any wildebeest left north of the Mara river. However no sooner had we got to our tent on arrival when we had to literally "scramble" to the vehicles to race to a crossing which was taking place just in front of the camp. Later we saw two more crossings during our stay. In one of these we followed a large herd for some time as they moved along the river bank. Occasionally some would go down to the waters edge, only to go back again up the bank. Finally they decided to stop teasing us, and all charged across the river right in front of us." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari

"Full marks again to Expert Africa, with whom we've travelled many times. We wanted to visit a less travelled part of Africa and the Selous fulfilled all our hopes. Our four accommodation locations were all satisfyingly different. What more can one say?

Sorry Angela is no longer with EA to receive our thanks for her wise and helpful advice." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari

"Very satisfied with the lodges that we stayed at. The lodges, the guiding and the wildlife viewing exceeded our expectations.
I only wish we had scheduled more time at Kaingo and Mwamba, but we'll just have to come back.

The only other comment was about the time to drive from Tafika back to Mfuwe. See my comments on Remote Africa safari flights.

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Can't think of anything right now." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zambia safari