Africa: Reviews from our travellers

"Going in the early season is quite different and well worth it

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Keep up the personal touch and the loads of advice, which everyone we met gets from Expert Africa." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zambia safari

"Having visited everywhere before you often wonder if things will change and not be as you remember them.
Well this did not happen and our memories once again have only been reinforced by this visit. The lure of Africa remains embedded in our blood and the sights and smells, sun rises and sunsets will never fade.This may be our last safari but you can never be certain.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Having used Expert Africa a number of times over the years we have never been able to criticize their service and thus do not have any suggestions to make." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 17 on a Zambia safari

"Loved the trip. Reminded me how much I like Hwange which was looking great and almost empty of other people (which was lovely for us but not so good for the Zimbabwe economy). Loved the flexibility and guiding at Camp Hwange and plan to return and perhaps do some more walking too.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Keep on doing what you're doing." Read full review: 6 nights in Africa; 6 on a Zimbabwe safari

"This was a truly wonderful holiday" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari

"The more we reflect on it, the better it was. We cannot speak highly enough of the trip and are busy saving for a return. Expert Africa has been great all through the process. Nick Hobbs has been patient and informative, and recommended an excellent first trip to us. We'll probably get better cameras for the next trip, and perhaps consider some different experiences - specific fishing or bird watching elements, and perhaps a trip to Livingstone. Obviously a very good model of trip has been developed, with early starts, some quite time in the afternoon, regular food and drink etc.

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

"I had been counting the hours until I left for my trip. It was exactly what I needed. I returned home re-engergized and reinvigorated.

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

"Probably the best family (of 4) holiday we have ever had. Great organisation from Expert Africa. Welcomed wherever we went.

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

"The best trip of our life.

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

"Oh dear - I've written all this once. Just went back on feedback to form to untick the 'happy to share with other travellers' and have lost what I originally wrote! Here goes again..

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

"Absolutely fantastic!

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