Africa: Reviews from our travellers

"I've put Gwynneth down as my main contact, although Maruska did most of the up-front planning of the trip. They were both excellent, and the comments for Gwynneth should also apply to Maruska.

We had a great holiday overall and will treasure the memories from it for years to come. We had some of the best bird and mammal sightings we've ever had.

The mettle of a company is how they cope when things go wrong, and we did have 2 hiccups in our trip. The 1st being when the inbound SAA flight was delayed so we missed our connection in Jo'burg and the 1st night on safari, and then when my mother fell ill at the last camp. On both occasions, we were more than happy with the support we got.

In Jo'burg, we phoned Expert Africa in London and told them of our problems. They put us in contact with a local representative from Wilderness safaris called Dave - he was fantastic and ensured we made our connection the following day. If you could pass on our thanks to him, that would be appreciated. I've already said in our feedback on Vumbura Plains how supportive and professional the staff were there." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 11 on a Botswana safari

"Overall we enjoyed our time very much. All our transfers were excellent. All praise to Juma who was our principal driver. He was very reliable, helpfull and pleasant.

Suggestions for improvement:

We can't think of any." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zanzibar holiday

"We found Namibia surprisingly fascinating, although we have travelled a great deal in the region. We already consider going again." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 7 on a Namibia trip

"Overall, we got everything we wanted from this holiday. A great week's game viewing, then a short trip to a stunning beachside lodge on Lake Malawi for a week of luxury R&R.

The BA experience excluded, we were well looked after every inch of the way by Robin Pope and Expert Africa .
We would highly recommend Nikwali and Pumulani." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zambia safari

"We are first and foremost independent travellers and this is the first time that, due to making a late in the day travel decision, we have had somebody arrange a trip for us. While we enjoyed the venues the lack of independence that we experienced by e.g. not having our own vehicle would put us off going down this route again. This was acutely felt when we arrived at Chintheche and discovered that we would be 'stuck' there for 6 nights. Again, had it not been for Briony and her staff we are likely to have shortened our time there and headed off to SA earlier.

I think EA should spend a bit of time really understanding what type of travellers they have in front of them. E.g. I fully expected that as we were being driven between locations we would have a person standing with board with our names on when we came through arrivals. What we did not expect - and did not appreciate - was having somebody standing with a board on the runway tarmac to meet us and guide us through customs, baggage relclaim, etc as though we were unable to do this for ourselves. Nothing like the looks from your fellow travellers to drive this home.

Before we left I raised concerns that 6 days at Chitheche was too long a time and we would ideally liked to have spent an extra day at Mvuu and/or Mumbo only to be told that this was not possible as they were full. On leaving Mvuu Lodge, which caters for at least 12 people, we asked them if they were full only to be told that they only had 2 couples that night (so we could have stayed an extra night). Similarly on the day that we checked out of Mumbo there was space available. Having arrived at Chintheche, with the accommodation clearly in need of investment, we found this 'availability' irksome.

While at Chintheche we mountain biked (which by the way also need some investment in repairs) to Makuzi Beach. Why is this venue not offered by yourselves as it is so much better in terms of accommodation and communal areas verses the Inn? It is also much better placed for snorkelling, etc and their kyaks, etc, etc all appeared to be working.

The above comments are not aimed to be critical but constructive and I have to emphasis that we definitely both enjoyed our time in Malawi around the lake.

I think that if you are the type of person that likes to have everything arranged for you then I would recommend using Expert Africa. Everything did what it said it would do on the lable - and we cannot fault that.

I am happy to discuss any of the above with EA if you wish to discuss/expand/clarify anything." Read full review: 28 nights in Africa; 14 on a Malawi trip

"OUR trip exceeded all our expectations.

All arrangements were faultless, the people delightful and we had a trip of a lifetime. If money were no object, I would return very soon!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Tanzania safari

"Whenever we met anyone who had used Expert Africa, their comment was invariably "Wasn`t Ellie wonderful?"

I thought the whole trip had been brilliantly organised and all the information I had been given befrehand was accurate.

Suggestions for improvement:

No particular thoughts, I`m afraid. A very satisfied customer!" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 15 on a Tanzania safari

"All accommodation more than acceptable.
Expert Africa reputation held in high regard concerning honesty/arrangements etc.

Overall standard of food excellent but portion sizes greater than European norm, e.g. Ploughmans at Grootberg Lodge had excess meat.
Also cold puddings more acceptable than hot 'solid' puddings.

Suggestions for improvements:

No! We have been more than satisfied with service provided." Read full review: 49 nights in Africa; 21 on a Namibia trip

"We have had a marvellous holiday which went according to plan. Whenever we arrived at a new destination there was always someone to meet us and the whole experience was completely hassle free.

We were both very pleased we had been advised to go to the Selous and both the camps we visited were absolutely perfect for us. The only mistake we made was in deciding to stay at a beach resort for 4 nights. We are much happier where there are interesting places to potter around and we are keen to try and learn about the places we are visiting.

I think Ellie understood our requirements very well: she did not mind how many times we asked her opinion and never failed to answer our queries.

We used Sunvil last year to go to Chile and Argentina and are pleased that we had the same high standard of service again this year." Read full review: 23 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari

"Apart from Villa Verdi ,another good trip

Suggestions for improvements:

We are very happy with the service from Expert Africa for more than 10 years now" Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip