Africa: Reviews from our travellers

"A once in a lifetime experience. Though of course do hope to go back (to the private concessions). I love the Africa that I saw!!!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 11 on a Botswana safari

"We spent a lot of time planning this trip with Tracy, and we really appreciated her expert knowledge and her patience as we narrowed down the options to finally make a selection. Because we had had such detailed discussions, we had high expectations of our trip, and we are delighted to say that those high expectations were not just met, but were exceeded. We had a truly wonderful time!

We knew that visiting 4 safari lodges in an 8 day period would be hectic, and so it proved to be. However, although Chitabe Lediba and Kwando Lagoon were our clear favourites, both Savute Safari Lodge and Little Kwara had unique features that we are really pleased were included in our itinerary.

We were exhilarated and exhausted in equal measures after 8 days of safari, so to be able to finish off the trip with a (relatively) relaxed 2 days at Tongabezi was an absolute delight. We are so thankful that Tracy encouraged us to stay there rather than at a hotel in Livingstone.

All of the transfers worked seamlessly, and we were particularly impressed by the coordination between Mack Air and the lodges to ensure that we never missed out on our game drives. The transfer between Botswana and Zambia was also very well managed." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari

"Good trip.

Everyone to whom I spoke thinks Expert Africa does a great job Tom at Hoodia and Frau Hoffman were particularly effusive. Well done you lot, paricularly Sabina. Ask Chris for a pay rise !!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Chris's book is excellent. No suggestions." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip

"Our trip was one of the best things we have ever done! It was perfect and we couldn't have asked for more. It was an excellent experience. The terrain is gorgeous, the animals are fantastic, people wonderful - a dream come true. What lucky people we are to experience that part of Africa.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

We were just amazed. Everyone was where they were to be when they were to be. Africa is a really special place and I thought we lived in a really special place. The trip was great and Maruska gave us the best advice. We met so many people staying at the camps for just two days complaining that they were always on the move. One really should stay for three. That was a great piece of advice.

I really cannot think of anything one could do better - it was like I said earlier - perfect. You all know what you're doing. So glad I got Chris's book on Botswana and found you. Thank you so, so much.

Last question - so now that one has been there how do you keep from returning again and again? I think Africa has hooks and keeps you coming back again and again." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"We'd not used Expert Africa before but our experience was excellent and we'd certainly use them should we decide to take another safari.

We had a good conversation initially talking about what we'd done before and wanted to do on this safari - they understood our requirements and put together a great itinerary for us.

Any emails we sent were replied to very quickly.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

As I've indicated we had a very enjoyable experience and can't really suggest any ways to improve your service." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari

"Apart from the British Airways initial seating 'hiccup', the whole trip was wonderful.

Worth mentioning: one couple arriving at Kaingo after us (travel agent unknown) had flown with Emirates and said the change in Dubai had been very tight with only 1.5 hours. Having been to Dubai a few times, this made sense to us.

Later, at Sausage Tree Camp, another couple had suffered a slightly late departure from Heathrow and were actually prevented from flying onwards from Dubai because their bags would not make it to the connecting plane. This meant that they missed a night in camp and all the activities for the 24-hour period involved. Extremely disappointing for them.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

It might be worth including in the standard letter as a matter of course that Tours Africa meet your clients airside on arrival at Lusaka.

They waved us through without further queuing, took passports and visa fee to the immigration officer for us, adding on a few extra days in case of emergency and really made the process painless. They were so friendly and helpful with luggage etc. The service was barely different from our visit in 2006." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 20 on a Zambia safari

"This holiday ( planned over almost 2 years - to celebrate a 'special' birthday) proved to be be all we hoped for and more. It was fantastic

Throughout the long planning period Eleanor was wonderful. She gave us a great insight into the places we wished to visit, her advice was perfect e.g. It was definitely better to visit Katavi before Mahale. Thank you Ellie you were great !

We have used Expert Africa on many occasions and have always been delighted with our trips. Chris and his team are efficient and very knowledgeable - Chris ensures that any place that clients wish to visit have been vetted by him or one of his team.

We look forward to our next Expert Africa trip though it will not be somewhat different as we are hoping to take our young grandchildren to introduce them to the wonders of this great country.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Keep up the good work!" Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 17 on a Tanzania safari

"We had a great trip and some very nice memories." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip

"Out of this world! We will definitely be contacting James again in the near future, funds permitting!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari

"We thought we might be trying to do too much in too short a time, but the reality was, it was just perfect for us. It didn't hurt that I was named "Chief" at Tubu Tree Camp's Monday evening Boma event. Anna also enjoyed the perks that came with being the Chief's wife, except for the part about presenting me my dinner on one knee, along with all the other wives in attendance;)!

Based on this experience, we're committed to returning to Botswana at some point in the future, perhaps with other family members in tow.

Nick and Expert Africa could not have been more helpful and patient as we felt our way through the booking process, and the result was a truly memorable & magical experience.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Of course, I'd suggest you jump on BA and sort out their "confirmation" requirement, and I'd also recommend pricing "business/first-class" as the primary choice of seating, rather than as the "default."

All in all, a truly special adventure for Anna & me...Thank You!!!" Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 2 on a Botswana safari