Africa: Reviews from our travellers

"Nothing was asked about ground arrangements here, which were perfect with one troublesome exception, given that it was our introduction to the trip. When we landed at Windhoek, no one was there to meet us. I figured out we should find Wilderness Safari's lounge, where someone scrambled to get us to our hotel, sending us in a small, hot, crowded taxi whose driver drove a long distance beyond the center to drop off the other passenger first; when I complained he said it was more convenient for him to return to the airport from Olive Grove.

This meant it took an hour (which mattered to us after a long flight from Munich). Wilderness also didn't notify us of our departure time the next morning; we had to take the initiative to find out. When a van and driver picked us up the next morning we realized that we didn't have the service and transportation upon arrival we had paid for. But, thereafter, all went smoothly.

A tip for those going on to S. Africa. The Parker Guest House in Cape Town is a gem: in a handsome home built by a distinguished architect, it's brilliantly managed with excellent rooms and top rate breakfasts. Likewise, I cannot recommend more highly the Cascade Manor in Paarl (wine land): set in a landscape as beautiful as the best of Tuscany, it is luxuriously comfortable with very good food and modestly priced for its category.

In all, our trip was everything we had hope for. The only regret were our two-night stays; if one has the time and money, I'd strongly recommend at least three nights everywhere. Expert Africa's handling of our trip was really first rate (thanks to Maruska) and we strongly recommend using the company to anyone visiting Namibia.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

For someone who's usually critical of lapses in service, I am happy to say I can't suggest how you could have done better!" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip

"Another fabulous memorable trip to Africa." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari

"My trip to Botswana and South Africa far exceeded my expectations and was certainly a trip of a lifetime. All travel arrangements handled by Expert Africa was perfect.

Please give feedback to the camps: I would highly recommend an on-site nurse. There was one day when I arrived to Duma Tua where I suffered from heat exhaustion. It happened to be the hottest day of the trip and we left Vumbura at high heat and landed in high heat so the plane was extremely hot. Upon arrival to the camp after driving about 45 minutes also in high heat, my body literally shut down. I was unable to go to the night drive and the next morning drive. Although the staff was more than accomodating and worried for me, they were unable to get a hold of the nurse.

Luckily, I was prepared with re-hydration salts which allowed me to recover in less than 24 hours. It will give Visitors a good peace of mind and I did feel that Duma Tau was overstaffed with Managers so I don't think it would have been noticed that there was one less Manager but certainly would make a considerable impact with a Nurse on site. If this is not an option, I do recommend that all camps do keep re-hydration salts as part of their first aid kits.

Overall, I was thoroughly impressed with the Wildnerness Camps and staff and I would 200% recommend them. I have so many irreplaceable memories and I look forward to the next trip." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 5 on a Botswana safari

"Our holiday was the experience of a lifetime. We would go back to both camps in a heartbeat and sincerely thank Expert Africa, and especially Maruska Adye, for organizing such a wonderful experience for us.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No - everything was perfect!" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"Overall - a great trip. Highlights for us were the country and the animials. It was great to be back in Africa and the bush!

We loved the size, space and sheer amount of unspoilt and pristine wilderness in Botswana. The sightings of animals were very good and we got physically closer to the animals (about 10 feet away) in Botswana than on previous trips to Namibia and Tanzania. It was a pleasant surprise to see so much water (we were around the Delta area) in the dry season.

Sightings included 4 packs of wild dog - 2 at Little Kwara, where we saw 1 pack hunt and kill 2 impala. 2 other packs at Lebala including a sighting on foot - amazing. Also 2 unsuccessful attempts to hunt impala - the dogs chased the impala into the lake! Other hightlights were seeing large herd of elephant (30 - 40) at Lagoon and Lebala), cheetah (2 sets of 3 brothers at Little Kwara and Lagoon) and leopard (1 female at Lagoon and 1 female at Lebala). Lions at Little Kwara and Lagoon. Plus a lot of antelope, including sable, impala, birds, bufalo and wildebeest.

The animals were well fed (end of the dry season) and relaxed. The guides all gave the animals space and respect, which gave us great sightings without disturbing the animals. Having been on safari in other countries where the guides give the animals less space and respect, we appreciated the African style of guiding more on this trip." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"What a country! It felt like reading a really good book - each page was exciting.When we got to the end we wanted to re-read it and savour it more." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip

"The trip was one of our best holidays ever. Zambia fulfilled all our expectations and more. The camps were fabulous and the game viewing must be some of the best in Africa.

The trip went without a hitch and all connections were carried out perfectly.

It would have been good to get information beforehand on how breakfast was to be handled at 8 Reedbuck as the staff did not seem to be sure.

The only really annoying thing was that we were told that our bags for Proflight could not have wheels so we spent £50 buying new bags only to find that about 90% of passengers on both flights were using bags with wheels despite the aircraft being full. This was very annoying as there were times when we had to carry our bags some distances while others used wheels.

I think Expert Africa need to question Proflight on their rules and ask why they do not adhere to them." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zambia safari

"All arrangements made by Expert Africa worked flawlessly. We are very impressed with the level of service and follow-up, and certainly would use them again. Thank you!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zambia safari

"Amazing. We never thought it could possibly be this good. We just couldn't believe that our holiday got better and better as we moved from camp to camp.

Right from the start, being met even before going through immigration and carefully ushered through all the formalities, changing currency, domestic air taxes, etc. right to the departure gate for Proflight.

On arrival Mfuwe,we were met by Norman Carr Safaris and taken care of thereafter.

There was always a welcome at each camp - cool cloth, drinks, and friendly staff. The guides were superb, exceptionally knowledgeable and a pleasure to be with. We learned so much from them.

We were also impressed with the fact that all the staff introduced themselves, and remembered our names throughout our stay.
The food was magnificent at all the camps, and we loved the freshly baked bread and cakes. Morning coffee in the bush and sundowners, too.

We enjoyed the walks between camps, the morning treks and evening drives, and were overcome by the number of animals - we didn't go looking for them - they were all around us, and even in the camps at times.

This holiday surpassed all our expectations. We would thoroughly recommend it to others" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari

""Wow". Words fail me when it comes to summarising our trip to Zambia and Zimbabwe.

We had done our homework before engaging the assistance of Expert Africa with Claire and the team including a lenghty chat with Chris where we asked many questions, so while we were first time safari travellers we did know what we wanted and we recognized and truly appreciated the expertise and the great suggestions offered. We planned our three week trip as our one chance to go to Africa and we wanted to do it right, and see the majesty and the wildness of Southern Africa while it was still there.

The two main areas we visited, South Luangwa in Zambia and Mana Pools in Zimbabwe provided us exactly what we were hoping for and in many ways exceeded our expectations. The grandeur of the vistas and the abundance and variety of the wildlife was impressive. The staff at each of the camps couldn't do enough in their genuine desire to make your stay pleasureable and memorable.

We were chatting with one of the other guests staying at the Tafika camp. They had a similar ideas to us a few years earlier which was to come once and make it good. They have been back many times since. I think we may also he headed down that same path. They offered up a quote I have re-used a few times since. "If you don't want to come back to Africa, then don't go to Africa."

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

We returned home just yesterday from our trip.

The only hassles we experienced were due to airline troubles (delayed flights - LOST BAGGAGE!) and these had nothing to do with the great plans and logistics made by Expert Africa that made getting around remarkably simple.

Just as a side note. I am not one who is prone to exaggeration, and rarely give ratings of 'Excellent' as there are usually areas where improvements can be made. But here I have made an exception. We had the time of our lives on these safaris. It is difficult to point out where Expert Arfica could have improved our experience - and my rating reflect that.

Congratulations on a job well done. If (when) we go back to Africa, you will be the first call we make after we figure out where and when we will go. I have already recommended Expert Africa to my relatives who are considering a Southern Africa trip in 2013." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari