Africa: Reviews from our travellers

"All went very smoothly. A few days of hard work in the first week but with a succesful outcome. Full report to follow." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 13 on a Botswana safari

"The trip was great - excellent experience in Tau Camp, lots of wildlife in Okavango and a huge Victoria Falls towards the end of the rainy season.

Looking forward to go back - maybe in a couple of years, possibly to Namibia and Botswana.

A well planned trip - all the bookings and transfers worked like clock work!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

I am looking forward for the update of the excellent guide for Botswana - due this year 2010
maybe in two-three years (when I might visit Namibia) there will be an update for Namibia as well - especially that I am planning to rent a 4WD." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"Virtually every aspect of our holiday was wonderful.

We knew what to expect from Kapani and Kakuli from our previous visits, and we weren't disappointed; in fact, if anything, we'd forgotten just how marvellous a place Kakuli is. At both lodges, the Norman Carr staff - especially the guides - are an inspiring lot!

We are delighted we 'took the plunge' and went in the rainy season. As foreseen, the bird viewing was extraordinary, but the big game viewing was equally fruitful and - on occasions - dramatic." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari

"We were very pleased with the overall selection of camps and the pacing of the holiday generally. We felt that going to the Kalahari first was a good move as it might have seemed a bit low key if we had ended here. The efficiency of the transfer arrangements including help with immigration was outstanding.

The advice regarding the "green season" was good and we have no regrets about going at this time. We only had two occasions when the heavens opened and one of the game drives had to be abandoned. Several times we had spectacular lightning without any rain. Viewing at the Victoria Falls was restricted due to the very high water levels.

It would have been nice to have spent a little time in Maun before flying onwards as it seems to be the centre of the universe as far as the Delta is concerned. The Kwando Safari organisation (including Moremi Air) seemed well organised and we liked their camps. We enjoyed meeting Sue Smart at Kwara.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

The warnings about space in passports for visas etc proved unnecessary. We took wet weather jackets but this was not really necessary as ponchos and umbrellas were provided at all camps." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"We had a thoroughly enjoyable trip to Botswana.

We look forward to returning to Africa soon, perhaps to Lagoon & Lebala or the migration in Tanzania or Kenya." Read full review: 6 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"We were able to select our own itinerary in the Okavango delta, with first Susannah then Lucy Copson taking account of every aspect. Un-anticipated health issues led to on-off-on reservations, which were handled with patience, understanding and efficiency while we negotiated with hospitals and insurers. This provided much re-assurance at a time of some anxiety.

The unexpected closure of Mapula camp (early flood) meant a change of plan, which was handled with exemplary efficiency by Expert Africa and every consideration by Eve at Nxamaseri as we re-scheduled for Kanana. (Eve and Jack at Nxamaseri commented that Expert Africa is the best agency which they deal with.)

We understand that the Botswana government policy of restricting tourist access to the Oakvango delta - which appears to be working - does not exclude Botswana residents from visiting and using less up-market facilities. We could not help being aware of our privileged status, and hope that the country and in particular local communities are able to benefit.

We were impressed with the professional expertise of the three chief guides who cared for us, different personalities as they were. They had excellent English, as well as detailed knowledge to impart on particular species and the ecology of the delta as a whole.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Keep up the good work!" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 14 on a Botswana safari

"We had a great time in general but was a bit surprised at the difference in level between the Kwando camps and Xakanaxa. I would put a 4 star against Xakanaxa and 2/3 for the Kwando camps.

My comments are relevant being in the hotel industry and feel that if the issues are addressed, they can rise to a 4 star." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari

"Well organised and just what we wanted.
Actually it was 2 weeks of 5 star treatment in 5 Star locations.

While we were rather concerned that the BA return flight would be cancelled we had to phone your office and tell them we were at risk. In the end all was well.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Second holiday with Expert Africa and again you came up trumps........though I suspect that my wife had a lot of input as well!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zanzibar holiday

"We only booked part of our trip to Tanzania through Expert Africa - the final week (of three in total) on Zanzibar (we booked the rest elsewhere as we were climbing Kilimanjaro). We really enjoyed all three weeks - Tanzania is a great country to visit. The people are really friendly, the wildlife and countryside is amazing and the Swahili cuisine was delicious. Oh, and the sun shone while it was winter back in England! Zanzibar, with its beautiful beaches, was a great place to relax after a couple of more active weeks on the mainland. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip and would love to return one day.

Suggestions for improvement:

Not really - we were extremely impressed with the service we received and have already recommended Expert Africa to others. We had problems while we were way as our flights to and from Zanzibar were cancelled - Liz did an excellent job of helping sort out alternative travel, ensuring our honeymoon was not spoilt in anyway by these problems." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 2 on a Zanzibar holiday

"The whole trip went like clockwork. No hold ups at all.

We were met when we arrived at Zanzibar airport by Soloman our driver from Eco&Culture Tours.

A very good driver, he collected and delivered us on time. no problems" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 6 on a Zanzibar holiday