Africa: Reviews from our travellers
Latest news: unedited reviews from Expert Africa's most recent travellers
"My May 2012 trip"
We enjoyed the people we met - both guests and Botswana people. A fantastic country.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
If it was not so expensive, we would be going back sooner rather than later - but we appreciate the need for the costs to be as they are. Perhaps there is a loyalty scheme for returning customers?" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari
"My May 2012 trip"
This was my fifth trip with Expert Africa, and every trip went perfectly. I have a lot of trust and confidence in Expert Africa and would highly recommend them to anyone considering a trip to Africa.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 6 on a Malawi trip
"The trip of a lifetime"
The local Namibians were so helpful, and really keen for us to enjoy their country.
Some of the places where we stayed were in the most stunning locations.
In retrospect, we might have been better staying 3 nights in some places (Doro Nawas and Erongo leap to mind). But then, what would we have missed out? Probably Swakopmund, which is really only worth 2 nights if you wish to undertake specific activities such as sand-boarding etc.
We appreciate your tolerance as we added more members of the family!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
The only bit of advice I would quibble with was the encouragement not to travel from Onguma to Windhoek in one day, but to take a break at Erongo. Onguma-Windhoek is only about 45 km further than Onguma-Erongo; and it is all on tarred road.
Having said that, we are so glad that we did visit Erongo (see that section) - we wouldn't have missed it for anything." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
"Our May 2012 trip"
This was an amazing experience for both of us. We were particularly pleased with the small number of people at each camp which gave a feeling of private game viewing and we particularly enjoyed the walking safaris at Linyanti. I was concerned that 2 weeks might be too long but, with the variety of camps chosen (with Megan's help and the Bradt Guide) we never tired.
We think that 3 nights in one place is beter than 2 nights. Without exception all camps were excellent. Staff attentive, food plentiful (too plentiful!); guides good. Comfortable beds and linen - with award for best hot water bottle going to Camp Kalahari. Food was very western (delicious soups) and some people commented that they would like to try local cuisine - that said, we understand the reason why camps stick to western food.
We would suggest that clear guidelines be given on tipping. The Bradt Guide seems a little out of date with what others were paying. Not knowing what staff and guides earn as basic wage, it's difficult, but can't help thinking that $20 pp/per day for guide and same amount for staff is a lot when you consider how many guests pass through a camp in a week. Some nationalities are more accustomed to tipping than others so clear (lower) guidelines would be good so that we know in advance how much to take and there is no awkwardness. Baines was the only camp to provide guidance on tipping in their in-room brochure but even that wasn't clear as to if it was pp or per member of staff.
We mistakenly left our Bradt Guide at Little Kwara. If you could send another, that would be very much appreciated Megan.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and were pleased to meet other Expert Africa travellers on the same trip - both of who had booked through NZ I believe due to time difference. Have already passed on your details to others so that's the best compliment. Thank you Megan. I know Nick (husband) enjoyed poring over the Bradt Guide and discussing various options with you. Can't think of any other suggestions but will let you know if we do!" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 11 on a Botswana safari
"My May 2012 trip"
Maruska listened to what we thought we wanted and she delivered. Every detail was covered, we had no worries or gaps. It was a memorable trip and we hope to be back, with Expert Africa, (and Maruska) of course!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari
"My May 2012 trip"
Thanks so much to Liz for organising our perfect Silver Wedding Anniversary trip, it surpassed all our expectations and was utterly memorable." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari
"Botswana & Vic Falls - A Wonderful Trip"
We (like everyone) have our favourite camps, and the places that we would love to go back to one day - and the help and advice that we received from Megan and Nick at Expert Africa has been excellent.
To anyone who is thinking about whether or not to go to Botswana, we would highly recommend it. This was our 11th Wildlife Watching holiday (our 7th trip into Africa), and we have had wildlife encounters here that we have not experienced anywhere else, and at very close quarters.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
It might be worth adding in a suggested tip allowance for the Trackers in Botswana. We had a tracker on every Game Drive in addition to our Driver/Guide - and they are not included in the general staff tips.
It would perhaps be helpful to include a suggestion within the notes that travellers make sure they pack their bags prior to going out for the morning game drive on the day they are departing the camp, as flight times change - often without much warning!
In Zimbabwe, the additional taxes are currently all included in the International Ticket Price, so we did not need to pay anything extra when we departed." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari
"A well balanced trip"
On the vacation element, we thought that we got the balance right between the more conventional South Luangwa leg and the more exotic Bangweulu/Kasanka leg.
Overall, we are very satisfied
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
On the website, the recent evolution (on which work is ongoing) is rapidly pushing it towards the 'very good' category." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zambia safari
"Our May 2012 Zambia Trip"
In the future we think we would spend less time travelling to different places but rather spend more time in certain localities. It all goes so quickly that time spent travelling between places feels like lost time.
This trip certainly confirms for us that we much prefer being in owner led, authentic, well managed, unpretentious lodges or camps like Tafika. We would certainly want to spend more time their on our next visit, there was so much to do and it would be good to do it at a more leisurely pace.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We feel that Expert Africa is as good as it can possibly be, we have always been extremely satisfied with your service and would not wish to use any other company to help us with our trips to Africa.
The level of knowledge processed by the team is second to none and is borne out of first hand experience which is invaluable." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zambia safari
"Botswana May 2012"
Suggestion - We would have liked to stay overnight in Maun to have a little experience of a Botswana town. May I also suggest a little phonetic crib sheet for speaking a little Setswana. It may be me but I found they usually did not understand my effotrts
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
I think I would have liked a little more direction about camps. It was our first time in Botswana and I did not realise that I chose three camps very close in area. If /when we go again I would chose camps in more different areas. I certainly would have liked say 2 nights on the Chobe waterfront and perhaps 2 nights to have a chance to see Rhinos. However these are quibbles becasue we saw a vast range of animals in their natural habitats including good viewing of leopard, cheetahs and wild dogs. Thank you for all the work your team did" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari