Africa: Reviews from our travellers

"Overall very positive, most enjoyable and memorable trip. Some exceptional animal and bird sightings - eg leopard with young one.

The only negative points were the transfer from Kasane airport to Chobe Game Lodge, our stay at Lianshulu, and the stopover at Ghanzi, which we felt was unnecessary and not particularly enjoyable (though we did get to see another side of Botswana!)" Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip

"Africa - what a wonderful place. Expert Africa lived up to their reputation once again. We will definitely be back! Holiday of a lifetime!!!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Although it may be difficult to advise journey times we do feel that this would be very useful in ensuring people can make the most out of their day. Fo example if there are any major roadworks happening this info would be invaluable. Also if info on times of activites could be given in advance this may prevent guests missing out. Eg we only just made it in time to Africat for first activity." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip

"I booked this trip as a Birthday treat for my partner. I wanted it to be spectactular, exciting, interesting, and memorable. It was all of those things and more.

Claire Scott listened to my wishlist and produced an itinerary which allowed us to see more than we thought possible in the limited time we had available.

One of the reasons I chose Expert Africa was I wanted someone else to do the organising this time, so as not to have to worry about connections bookings etc. Well, it certainly was properly organised. We even had someone meet us BEFORE passport control in Lusaka who organised our visas for us, and we didn't have a raise a finger on our own behalf for the whole trip.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Not really, but thanks to Claire for not laughing when I told her how much I expected to pay for the trip! ;)" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zambia safari

"We thoroughly enjoyed our holiday which generally met or exceeded our expectations. There were no hitches in any of the arrangements made by Expert Africa." Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 19 on a Tanzania safari

"The arrangements from the outset were carefully researched, and you put together a fairly complex itinerary in which we tried to fill time between BA flights in and out of Lusaka on the available days. It is unfortunate that no longer will BA fly Lusaka direct.

For us Premium Economy was an advantage, though others may well find economy is satisfactory.

Each of the arrivals, transfers and departures was eased by the reps involved, looking out for us, and aware of our plan ahead.

The choice of game parks was excellent for us and staff were outstanding. Good value for money compared with our experience of two hotels. The small numbers at Lodges made a better holiday of it, and contact with staff was informal, informative and careful attention was given to individuals. So often a hotel visit is a commercial exercise, Lodges at once suggest they are there for us.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

I do not recall seeing a brochure, wish I had one, but might have passed it to another member of our party of four, but we could not find it. The Bradt guide was an excellent companion in advance, and will be a fine reference book.

I could have done with more detail in breakdown in price. After an estimate we were shown minor differences, as adjustments were made. If I had done everything myself I may have saved some money, but your price gave us the confidence of expertise and back up that was essential for a trip of this complexity not least since our combined age is over 320! We were at no time anxious about planning or arrangements as they happened without problems, and with the assistance we anticipated at every stage." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zambia safari

"The advice we received from Gwynneth was excellent (even if we did not always follow it - and in retrospect wish we had). She showed great persistence in getting our places booked, even when they were already full.

When things went wrong during our trip (cancelled booking due to error of local agent) she negotiated on our behalf and we received a very good upgrade. Gwynneth took the trouble of calling us and keeping us well informed through this process.

The whole experience in selecting the itinerary, booking and organising the trip was very professional and from our point of view straightforward. This was our first time in Africa, and the ease of booking (even from Germany) will mean we will look into booking with Expert Africa again in the future." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 19 on a Namibia trip

"A brilliant trip--very varied with excellent mix of activities. A great experience and highly recommended.

Tracy put together a great itinerary which responded to our desires." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip

"Very, very good trip. Met and exceeded all of our expectations.

One comment. When trips have been organised, even though we were taken to the locations by the organisers, the people meeting us at the trip required vouchers. The documents that we had were enough for them and we had a few furrowed brows. So there is. Need for a voucher for each trip.

The transfer from Zambezi Sun to Botswana was a bit of a worry as we had heard from anybody about the pick up time. the hotel had to phone Munchenje. We we got back to our rom at 11:00pm there was a message waiting from the transfer company.

All trips organised were fantastic. all highly recommended, white water rafting, micro light flights." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 4 on a Botswana safari

"This was a second holiday booked with Expert Africa. For the first trip they were excellent, but this time not so good. Three comments -
1. this second trip was across two countries and Expert Africa staff seem organised by country. I was passed from one person to another and initially nobody seemed responsible for the whole trip
2. lack of answers to e-mails. On a couple of occasions I gave up waiting and had to phone
3. I booked 10 months in advance and even that far out some lodges were already fully booked. We were wait listed. A month before departure I contacted Expert Africa to make a final check of our wait list status and was somewhat surprised to find that in 10 months Expert Africa had not followed up on the bookings. By lucky chance only, we eventually got our first choice lodges, but only because I followed up" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Namibia trip

"Everything worked well apart from not being collected by Eco-Tours at Zanzibar airport, as booked. Eventually sorted but had great difficulty in contacting the organisation. Instructions on phone use /current phone numbers to use in such circumstances would have been helpful.

Eco-Tours trips were excellent - Jambiani Village tour and Spice Tour." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 4 on a Zanzibar holiday