Africa: Reviews from our travellers

"We couldn't have asked for a better honeymoon - adventure, relaxation, some fantastic sights and amazing food and drink.

The Expert Africa team delivered the honeymoon we were after and suggested the perfect resorts to suit the type of holiday we wanted, in line with our personalities and expectations. All flights, connections and bookings happened as promised and it was a smooth transition through each stage of our break.

We wanted to go away and start our married life together in a beautiful country and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime holiday, without having to worry about the admin and minor details of transfers, etc. Expert Africa delivered exactly what we wanted and I would recommend anyone considering a safari to get in touch with the team so they can use their experience to deliver exactly what you want.

uggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

None." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zanzibar holiday

"We had a fantastic two weeks experiencing wildlife and culture of Zambia and Malawi and we can't wait to return to Africa in the near future!

The highlight was the walking and the smooth organisation made our trip very comfortable and effort free. Little details were very thoughtful, and there was no chance of going hungry!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Perhaps a warning of cold weather in Malawi!" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zambia safari

"I had a terrific time in Mozambique, especially at Explore Gorongosa.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Not at this time." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 3 on a Mozambique holiday

"This is the second trip we have made with Expert Africa. Staff are helpful, patient and knowledgeable.

I like the fact that we can talk to a member of staff with first hand experience of the lodges we planned to visit.

Both trips we have undertaken have exceeded expectation. This last one was absolutely fantastic. Every detail was taken care of and we didn't have to worry about anything. All we had to do was pack our bags, turn up at the airport and have the time of our lives.

All three camps were exceptional - I do believe that we chose the best. Staff were efficient, friendly and did everything they could to make our stay very enjoyable. Meals were comparable to good city restaurants which is remarkable considering the logistics of getting supplies.

Expert Africa is the only company I have ever come across that gives travellers a card with Staff emergency telephone numbers. This reflects the care that the company takes to ensure that clients have the best possible service. I wouldn't travel to Africa with any other company.

Thanks everyone - we had a wonderful time. We hope to return." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zambia safari

"The whole trip was excellent - well planned, organised and executed.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

We had not been on a safari-type holiday before so I don't know if the Wilderness approach to engaging with the local staff is unusual, or whether that is just the Namibian way. It was all a pleasant surprise, although maybe a bit more information before travel about the Wilderness organisation might have been helpful and interesting.

The Namibia guidebook supplied before travel was great." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 7 on a Namibia trip

"Our trip was the trip of a lifetime. It more than met all of our expectations, and it was like a dream - a good one. In looking back at the whole thing, everything went almost flawlessly. We did not miss any flights, we were always expected when we arrived, and we felt that our needs were always being met. The items mentioned on the previous items [Ed: see individual reviews, below] did not detract from the magic of the trip, and we never missed any game drives. As I commented to my wife, we never felt bored at any time.

The agent from Wilderness Air who met us at the Maun airport (both times) was extremely helpful and professional. His help was almost essential to our transfer there; he really has to know what he's doing at that airport, which is somewhat chaotic.

On the other hand, we were somewhat confused when we arrived in Johannesburg on the flight from London. They gave instructions towards the end of the flight about whether to go to the transit line, etc. Since we had not checked our bags through, we had to just go through passport control and customs as if we were just going to Johannesburg. We figured it out, and got into the main terminal. Then, we were somewhat clueless about where to go next. A porter came up to us, and asked us where we needed to go. Although we are always cautious about being in unfamiliar airports in other countries, he took us to the right counter for Air Botswana, and we got checked in on time, and to our departure gate. It would have been difficult for us to find the right counter - it was at the very end of many closed counters.

I would recommend that, if possible, some more detailed instructions should be given for navigating the Johannesburg airport. It all went OK, but it was a bit tense. We did better on the way back. The lines were long, but we had plenty of time. Substantial layovers are well advised.

I did check my records. When I went to Botswana, including the Okavango Delta in 1991, the tour operator was Wilderness Safaris. And that was a wonderful trip, too, although the facilities were a lot more primitive.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Your organization did a first-rate job organizing our trip. Although we had no experience with you, I would highly recommend you services. Ms. Adye was excellent." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari

"We had an absolutely fantastic time. Nick (with additional help from Lucy in his absence) organised a superb trip for us at very short notice.

We are fairly experienced Africa travellers so we knew what we looking for and we got exactly what we asked for in terms of variety of environments and expert guiding etc (despite understandable limitations on camp availability caused by the very short lead-in/booking time).

I felt Nick quickly understood our objectives (specifically in terms of photographic opportunities, but also in terms of camp ambiance etc) and was very efficient in terms of putting options to us and getting confirmations etc.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Not particularly. I was very impressed with the service we received and would be very happy to book again with Expert Africa !" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"I initially used the Bradt guide to research our holiday and then selected Expert Africa from a shortlist of 3 companies -all of which had been given the same brief.

This meant I'd felt we had made good choices for our first trip to Botswana and others commented on what a good balance it was.

So the advice we received ensured we had a very good trip which exceeded expectaions which were alreay high.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

I cannot fault the help and advice given by Lucy Copson and Nick Hobbs - nothing was too much trouble and they really made every effort to meet my initila brief and provide alternative options.

Although i didnt choose Africa Travel Resource to book my holiday I did like the ranking system they used, which enabled us to refine our choices and keep within budget. Perhaps something like this would be a useful addition to your site." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 11 on a Botswana safari

"Unforgettable! Even now we are finding it difficult to assimilate evrything we have seen and done. Everyone at the camps went out of their way to ensure that we enjoyed every aspect of our stay, for example on our way back to Mfuwe we had lunch at Kapani and a room was made available for our use which was much appreciated. Andrew our guide turned our last morning into a special experience instead of just a sad farewell.

Also much appreciated the help given at Lusaka airport on our arrival. Would also recommend a visit to Tribal Textiles, the tour of the workshop was particularly interesting.

To summarise, we both have had the experience of a lifetime and will remember all the lovely people we have met for a very long time." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zambia safari

"We were really satisfied of our trip.

In Zimbabwe we found wonderful places, very friendly and reliable people, an attentive and personalized service.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

We think you did a very good job. Next trip to Africa will be booked with you again!" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zimbabwe safari