Africa: Reviews from our travellers

"Thoroughly enjoyed holiday but might have been disappointed at lack of game viewing if had not seen so much in Etosha in previous trips." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a South Africa trip

"Our first and foremost comment is that Expert Africa is the best!

From helping us plan a dream trip (great job of listening to our needs and wants) to executing all the details without any flaws. The entire trip went very smoothly, allowing us to enjoy the adventure travel without worry.

Their knowledge of Namibia and Botswana is excellent and this allowed them to place us at the best properties and have a great time. I highly recommend Expert Africa to all that plan a to southern part of the Africa continent." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip

"We enjoyed the diversity of the facilities, locations and animal viewing during the trip. Expert Africa was very helpful in the development of the itinerary and choose the camps to suit our interest and budget.

Coordination of our transfers went very well during the trip. We moved from one camp to the next seamlessly.

One point of communications that cause some confusing with our group as the ability to arrange trips to the crater floor from the Crater Lodge. We were told by Expert Africa that the lodge would make only one trip to the crater per day but we later found out the the Crater Lodge would accommodate any request that was made including morning, afternoon or all day trips to the crater floor. This simple clarification would have eliminated some anxiety by people in our group that wanted to maximize their time at the crater floor." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 13 on a Tanzania safari

"We were expecting great scenery and lots of wildlife and we weren't disappointed.

Private lodges perform far better than NWR lodges but this is no doubt reflected in the price. NWR lodges do have the best locations however in relation to National Parks (particularly Sossus / Deadvlei).

Late for dinner one day as we didn't know the clocks had changed!

The one disappointment was the kayaking trip. Booked with Jeanne Meintjies who was much recommended but was dumped at the last moment with another provider (still awaiting explanation from Expert Africa). I believe it was because I was the only person booked that day.

Bradt guide states that 200 rand notes are not accepted in Namibia. We only read this after we had obtained our currency (largely in 200 rand notes) and a couple of days before we travelled. Managed to exchange some notes at Heathrow thanks to Covent Garden FX but found in practice this was not necessary and out of date information.

Feedback response:
We have looked in to issue regarding the kayaking and can confirm that both of Jeanne's vehicles had to be taken in for repairs unexpectedly, hence this traveller was switched to another operator who offers the same excursion." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 18 on a Namibia trip

"This trip was planned by Tracy Laderer and myself. I told her what I wanted to see and she figured out the details.

This trip would not have been possible without Expert Africa and even with my experience I still would want to plan my trip with them. My satisfaction is described by my description of my Namibia Adventure. My pictures are on my Facebook page for John White.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Could not be more satisfied. Website was a big help." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip

"A wonderful trip which made me want to do it all again!" Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip

"Despite problems arising so near to departure this holiday lived up to our expectations. Highlights were camp waterholes and we were able to watch numerous animals and birds. As we were only able to get out of car at toilets we spent much of the day in the car with a/c on as temperatures reached over 30C. Also white dust got into everything.

Pleased car gave no problems and was comfortable

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Clocks changed on Sep 7tth and would be helpful to tell clients
Petrol can now be paid for by credit cards at all pumps in Etosha but there are no ATMs
Problems with getting cash from ATMs at airport and elsewhere.
No diesel at Waterberg for those needing it
Would be useful to have list of toilets in Etosha" Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip

"Once again Expert Africa has helped us plan a superior holiday. As we have more experience with safari travel, they have helped us zero in on those camps that fulfill our wants.

We enjoy small, intimate camps with great managers and varied activities and the Expert Africa staff has done a great job of guiding us to the right locations. Two of the camps on this trip are owned by Asilia and we recommend them highly. It seems that Asilia does a great job of allowing each of their camps to have its own distinct personality, while providing the staff and management with excellent training opportunities. The third camp we visited on this trip was independently owned and was equally spectacular.

A big thank you to Claire Scott and Richard Trillo, with an occasional assist from Eleanor Dunkels, too!

We look forward to working with you again when we plan our next trip." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari

"Our holiday as a whole was excellent and extremely enjoyable.

We saw a great variety of wildlife including some particular animals that we had hoped to see. The guides were all excellent and knowledgeable, and were keen to meet our expectations. We never felt rushed and were able to spend plenty of time at different sightings.

Accommodation was generally excellent and well run with good food. The camps were all open so that animals could wander through but we always felt safe with the camps' security arrangements.

The arrangements for travel between airports/airstrips and camps generally worked well. Camp guides were always at airstrips to meet us and took us to meet planes on time. The transfer between two internal flights at Dar was not as smooth as it could have been (see comments) but was sorted out without too much difficulty.

The first part of the holiday at Ngorogoro and Dunia was arranged by Asilia. Overall, we were impressed by what we learnt of the company and its community support, as well as the quality of its safaris.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

This is the second time we have arranged a holiday with Expert Africa and again we have been very impressed from original discussions to the trip itself. Liz was very helpful and knowledgeable in setting up the itinerary. The holiday more than met out expectations.

There is just one suggestion relating to internal flights. We had expected that we would find out about any plane changes as we took each internal flights which is what happened. However, you will see that we have commented on a bit of confusion in changing at Dar on our trip from Seronera to Selous. This was essentially because the pilot who took over our incoming plane said he was going to Selous and we did not realise at that time that Coastal planes do not call at all the Selous airstrips. We think it would be worth having a note in your Tanzania guidance notes to warn about this and the need to check-in at Dar (with luggage)." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari

"Our third safari trip to Botswana so high expectations and all were met or exceeded." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari