Africa: Reviews from our travellers

"In the words of my 10 year old son "the trip was epic!"

The safari was definitely the highlight of the whole trip - an absolutely amazing experience, where we could see the animals very close up. The Selous Park was great - not as busy as many other safari parks. I would definitely recommend the Impala Camp to any other travellers.

Zanzibar Island was a good relaxing time after the early mornings during the safari. Pongwe Beach is a beautiful hotel with delicious food, although the service could be improved a little.

I was impressed how Expert Africa were pro-active in rebooking our flights after the Nairobi Airport fire. Excellent service from your team on this!" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 6 on a Zanzibar holiday

"As this form does not have a section for our road transfers I would just like to mention them here. They absolutely made our trip the experience it was, namely thanks to our two drivers Shem (Nairobi) and Albert (Tsavo) who were punctual, friendly, extremely knowledgeable and expert, and did everything they could to make sure we had the best experience. Albert, for example, picked us up an hour early for one game drive in Tsavo because he had heard there were some lions we might see, giving us a full extra hour's drive - and we did see the lions!

On our way back from Tsavo, Tom and I wanted to spend some time in Mombasa which the bus driver was happy to facilitate, dropping us near Fort Jesus and giving directions then taking our luggage back to the hotel for us. We then took a taxi back to Diani later in the afternoon.

Franklin who was based at Pinewood told us about the bicycle trip to Kaya Kinondo mentioned earlier and booked it for us, and it ended up being one of the highlights of the trip. He also offered various other trips I am sure we would have done if we had been there longer. I wasn't sure about attending his 'briefing' meeting when they first asked us because I couldn't see the point, and only went because it mentioned needing to confirm our flights, but I would recommend other guests do pop down because of the trips he can arrange.

Overall, we had a wonderful time thanks to our drivers as well as the staff at both Pinewood and Satao. Also thanks to our taxi driver who took us back to Diani from whom we learned an enormous amount about Kenyan life, politics and culture!

But above all thanks to Richard and Expert Africa who created the perfect trip at relatively short notice and with a minimal amount of time needed to 'brief' him on our requirements. We have never used travel agents before, but being a bit further from our normal travelling comfort zone wanted to be sure we booked places that would be clean and well run, and that our payments and bookings were secure. I would recommend Expert Africa to anyone travelling to Africa (and in fact have now noticed that your brochure is on many of our friends' bookcases already!) and not hesitate to use you again for any African trip. Richard seemed to instinctively understand what we were looking for and our requirements, and we were very pleased with the final cost of the package - I think it was probably cheaper than if we had made the individual arrangements ourselves and whilst we may have found the locations ourselves through the Rough Guide we wouldn't have had the benefit of our drivers and all the timings/logistics working so well.

In the circumstances of the fire at Nairobi airport it was a huge comfort to know that not only where you watching the situation and keeping me informed, but also that had my travel been affected you would have made the necessary arrangements to rearrange bookings etc, and at a stressful time this was the kind of reassurance that money can't buy.

Thank you again" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 6 on a Kenya safari

"Nothing to add" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari

"It all went so well and we saw so much.

We have been enough times to know game sightings are not guaranteed but we saw more than ever before . The guiding all the way round was knowledgeable, tailored very much to our experience , enthusiastic and must have contributed to what we saw. Zambia just seem to have it right.

Walking is our passion and there did seem less on offer than before . Getting a game guard seemed to be a bit of a problem at times but nevertheless we always managed to go when we wanted.

Loved the camps. Can't wait till the next time!" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zambia safari

"We got exactly what we asked for with our Expert Africa trip. I am a seasoned Africa traveller and we were taking my mother in law and her 2 grandsons on safari for the first time. To keep the cost down Expert Africa recommended family accommodation and this was great, giving us plenty of space and privacy.

We got a great variety of terrain and game combining South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi (I particularly wanted to be close to rivers for the variety) and I felt Eleanor really understood our needs when recommending Flatdogs and Kasaka River Lodge. Both camps were open so game could walk through which gave it such an authentic feel as we had elephants passing through at both places and could hear the animals during the night.

I have to say the Hippo Pod at Kasaka is one of the finest places I have stayed in Africa!" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari

"Initially it was a nightmare trying to find out where to go and what to do, too many choices. We saw Expert Africa making comments to other travellers on Trip advisor and saw positive feedback so contacted EAfrica. This was a good idea as soon Claire was giving me ideas and options from the experienced people there.

We had already booked the London flights before we heard of EA so we need to fill in an itinerary from arrival. EA sorted all internal flights and our stay in Vic Falls and Safari. This was great and a big help. To be honest we would have booked the Cape Town end with you but the options you gave didn't fit my budget or what we wanted accommodation wise.

In the end we stayed at Cape Royal apart/hotel which was excellent and Lawhill apartments which were good too and very resonable perhaps you could add them to your list. We also booked direct with a lovely small b and b in Gansbaai called Cliff Lodge in De Kelders, this place is fantastic right on the sea great location and the owner Gideon could not do enough for you I highly recommend you contact him.

Anycase a big thanks to Claire and Expert Africa for all the help we would definitely use you again. We loved the pre flight pack you sent us with the bag tags and wallet really a nice touch. Sadly we didn't do the books you sent justice so to save paper perhaps give the client the choice if they would like the books or not as would have said no thanks" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 4 on a Zimbabwe safari

"This was our first experience with Expert Africa and we would happily use them again and recommend to others !

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Can' think of any comments at the moment, so you must be doing things pretty well. Thank you." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari

"This trip was a pleasure to arrange - thanks to Maruska. Very happy with the final product. Also very responsive to all my questions.

Then Claire et al helped to salvage the safari just when it looked like the Nairobi airport fire might sink us. Then your ground contractors really came through to tweak the itinerary - Wayo safaris - and get my bag back - Kearsley safaris. George our guide/driver was so much more than a driver - very knowledgable, gracious, patient and just a nice guy. We liked him a lot. The camp at Kogatende - not mentioned in this questionnaire - was excellent (my God it was remote) - time at the Mara will not be forgotten.

I cant think of a single negative and I can think of several things "above and beyond" - not least getting us to Tanzania in time for the safari.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

To my surprise, I cant think of a single thing.

I have a very positive view of our trip - and I am currently recommending it/you to 3 of my friends." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari

"The trip started off with a big Bang with planing with Expert Africa. Saskia was incredible! She planned the trip exactly the way we hoped for, with many additions / suggest to add to a fantastic experience. We wouldn't hesitate to go on Expert African trips again, or recommend to our friends.

Namibia has such diversity in landscape and people, providing an ever changing and intense experience from day to day. We have travelled to 40 countries in the last 3 years, and total of 75 countries in life time, we both would rate our experience in Namibia as top 5% of countries we visited and Expert Africa / Saskia as the best travel agency we have dealt with." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip

"Our trip was excellent. Eleanor Dunkels had given us excellent advice. On a number of occasions we commented how the order of the different parts of the trip was just right. Going to Kaingo before Bushcamp was a great order as we had never been on safari before - I think we needed the 'stepping stone' of Kaingo before going right into the bush. Going to the Victoria Falls after safari was just right - some rest and relaxation after the safari. Cannot fault anything.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No - everything was excellent" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari