Africa: Reviews from our travellers
Latest news: unedited reviews from Expert Africa's most recent travellers
"Another wonderful trip"
One thing we did notice however, was that, while the standard of guiding remains generally very good, there seem now to be some guides who are doing the job just to make enough money to be able to fund other business/life plans. As a result we encountered one or two without the old passion/feel for the job. While their knowledge was probably very good, it was in a bit of a textbook style and seemed to lack an empathy with the animals/environment.
Possibly because the good rains had meant animals were more dispersed and therefore a bit more difficult to find, there seemed to be a lot of racing around trying to find things without stopping to evaluate the surroundings and potential. I also felt that there was a bit more harrassing animals by changing position to let people get a different shot rather than just sitting quietly to observe, again perhaps because of the perceived need to move on to try to find something else. Also because there were possibly fewer 'opportunities to view' there tended to be several vehicles at each sighting.
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Difficult to think of anything Expert Africa could do better. We are always delighted with the service and have recommended you to lots of friends.
It would have been helpful to have seen the questionnaire before we went so that we could make notes on relevant points as we went along. After three weeks and lots of locations it is a bit difficult to remember precise details for" Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari
"A fantastic African honeymoon!"
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Your service is faultless - keep doing what you're doing!" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zanzibar holiday
"Perakani"
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None, I think the fact that Anna knew the places well was crucial to choosing two of the smaller operators and gave us an exceptional holiday" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zambia safari
"Feedback"
This was one of the best holidays I have had and would definately reccomend it to others and certainly with Expert Africa
I would like to have known that when in towns it is usual to pay a guard $10 to look after the car.
There was a little confusion as Brandberg white lady were expecting us for 2 nights, which is what we wanted, so there was some mis communication here. we had to pack up and leave for Omoruru." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 8 on a Namibia trip
"The trip of a life time in Namibia."
Expert Africa (Maruska) had done a great job in doing the bookings and in giving us information about where we were going. It was excellent having the map with the route shown and the accomodation wriitten in. Chris McIntyre's book was invaluable. I have recommended Expert Africa to many people and haven't been able to praise them highly enough.
Many thanks Maruska." Read full review: 27 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip
"Zambia - Bush experience at its best"
This was a great trip, but then again I have never had a bad trip in Africa. The dilema, as ever, is whether to return again or move on and extend your experiences. Would we go back - no question!
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This was a trip difficult to criticise - and certainly in terms of planning and booking there were no questions left unanswered and no issues that caused a problem. You know when the ref has had a good game, you don't hear the whistle. Expert seem to handle things much the same way. Thank you." Read full review: 27 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zambia safari
"Overall trip"
Based on the Guide book I must admit I was fairly concerned about driving in Zambia, and seriously considered the use of a driver. However, I found the roads to be in excellent condition, except for the Great North Road north of the turnoff to Mansa, at which point one had to carefully watch for potholes. I realize the Guide book does need to be cautious (and certainly I never considered any serious off-track adventures) but it ended up being quite a bit easier to get around than I originally expected.
Second, I emailed three car rental agencies in Zambia (Limohire (who responded immediately), Livingstone 4x4 Hire (who also responded immediately but had no vehicles), and Voyagers (who never responded). So I went with Limohire. The cost for a Nissan Safari was $140/day (500km) plus fuel. We handled everything by email and, when in Zambia, by phone, and I was completely satisfied (in other words we never met in person). He did not accept credit cards so I had to wire transfer half the rental fee as deposit before the trip, and then pay the remainder plus a $1000 deposit when I received the car at the airport upon arrival. Hans, the owner, is an honest individual. Because of logistical problems I had to leave the vehicle for him to pick it up at Pioneer Camp (without getting back my deposit) so he arranged for one of his employees to meet us at the airport upon our return from Livingstone, and he was there with our deposit. Were I to visit Zambia again (and I may since my daughter may extend for another year) I would definitely do business with Hans.
Finally, just a couple comments regarding the Guide. The Sweetwater Guesthouse near Mkushi is 'no more'. The owner, Vernon Cantlay (not sure about spelling) is the father of friends of my daughter and we happened to meet him at a barbecue when we were there. He continues to own and farm the property but does not run a guesthouse any more. Also, you might want to consider checking out the Shaolom Takeaway as a funky, friendly little cafe in Mkushi. I understand the Peace Corps volunteers like it because it serves more chicken with its nshima than other cafes/restaurants in town. By the way, we enjoyed our meal there!" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zambia safari
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"Third visit to the Valley"
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Your service is excellent. We always recommend you when asked about our trips to Africa." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zambia safari
"Wonderful"
The planning was perfect - we had been closely advised by Expert Africa and found the timings to be spot on - no stay in one place was too short, no stay too long. We were priviledged to have 40 days and the luxury of being able to enjoy two countries, we felt, at our leisure." Read full review: 39 nights in Africa; 22 on a Namibia trip

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