Africa: Reviews from our travellers

"After 12 years since my last visit, there is a danger that perhaps I was seeing Namibia through rose-tinted lenses, but no. It came up to all my expectations and did not disappoint me at all.

One point, I gave a few hitchhikers a lift, but I was unsure if this invalidated my car insurance policy. Perhaps, you mention this in the materials you send but it might be made clearer, even if this may mean that some people will choose not to give lifts in the future, which would be a pity.

Suggestions for improvements:

Yes just one and it is not said in anger. At Okahandja at the largest of the two sets of stalls at either end of the town that sell carvings, trinkets, etc, the level from which one had to bargain was ridiculous. I wanted 4 items of moderate size and value, and the opening price from the young stall holder was $1,200. I eventually left with the goods having paid 450 Namibian dollars, and I'm sure the stall holder wasn't losing money even at that price.

I met two touring couples at a cafe right opposite the site shortly afterwards who asked me about the place. After I told them, they refused to go there! Setting such very high initial prices for items that are frankly not worth the equivalent of £100 not only is far too greedy but not even in the interests of the stall holders since I think their attitudes may deter some tourists. In any event, your customers should be warned about what they can expect if they 'go shopping' there." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 8 on a Namibia trip

"Outward flight was awful and not a good start to our holiday.

Both Shenton Camps were excellent - special to Tom in the bush camp - he was a wonderful host.

6 nights at Chongwe was too long, but this happened due to the Bush Buck Camp not opening.

Return flight very uncomfortable - in fact BA was the only reason our level of satisfactory was not higher.

Suggestions for improvements:

No - you are doing a good job!" Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 16 on a Zambia safari

"On past trips we have tended to prefer smaller, individually run places and I was not sure how I would like these two "top of the range" places. However, I was very impressed by Nomad. Good policies on local involvement (running trips for local kids and dignitaries into the park at Chada, gifts in the "shop" made by local women and sold with profits fed back to the village school) and well trained local camp staff. A cheery greeting from the lowly night watchman says a lot about how a camp is run.

All the Nomad guides (including the one who took us for a day trip into Arusha NP) were very knowledgeable and wanted to share this - for instance they all preferred to "talk you through" identification of a bird (flight pattern, habitat, solitary or group) rather than just giving you a name. The guides at Greystoke really did know the chimps individually and were most keen to point out their favourites, but also really knew their stuff on other species and birds." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 13 on a Tanzania safari

"It was great to be back with the Tafica team and their 3 bushcamps. Walking is the activity to do at every opportunity, once you have seen most animals from a truck.

Suggestions for improvements:

lets talk about next year's trip and how about an increasing discount for faithful clients?" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Zambia safari

"Thank you Sabina and Expert Africa! You certainly have the right company name.

Thanks to your faultless arrangements we had an excellent holiday. From all the communication prior to our trip, to the pack we received with all our vouchers and information regarding our travel, there was nothing else we could have asked for or needed.

I would have no hesitation in using your company again or recommending you to anyone else.

Thank you.

Suggestions for improvements:

How can you improve on the excellent job you do already?" Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip

"If only I could forget the missing luggage!

However this does not distract from the experience as a whole, which was outstanding. We are not weathy people, we have worked hard and spent the money on a unique experience that will give us many happy memories for the rest of our lives.

I would repeat the trip without hesitation. Thanks to all staff at Expert Africa and at Kwando.

Suggestions for improvements:

No. A great company to deal with. First class service.

(Make it cheaper next time please - but I'm bound to say that)." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari

"We had a fantastic trip.

If we were organising again I think we would do 3-4 days in Zanzibar first to wind down and get into holiday mode and then go to the Ruaha and Selous to get maximum benefit from the safari. We loved both parks and they provide an excellent combination with contrasting scenery, fantastic game viewing and game animals and different activities. The camps were quite exceptional and we would love to visit them and perhaps go all the way to Katavi.

The organisation and those all involved in it here and locally went entirely smoothly.

Suggestions for improvement:

I know this is probably not that helpful but this is the third trip you have organised for us and on each occasion your service has been exceptional, we would not dream of going to Africa with anyone else - many thanks." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari

"We had a wonderful time, one the best holidays that we had in a long time.

The service we received from Expert Africa was excellent and the trip ran very smoothly and to the itinerary that was provided beforehand." Read full review: 6 nights in Africa; 1 on a Zanzibar holiday

"We on the whole enjoyed our holiday apart from the stay of Sossus Dune Lodge.

We would suggest Expert Africa check out the service before sending any guest to them. Or at least a word of warning to them if they insist of staying there." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip

"A brilliant holiday many thanks" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zambia safari