Travel reviews by Mr & Mrs K from Maidstone
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
11
Countries visited
6
Lodges stayed in
59
Excursions taken
2
2024 - a return visit to Ngorongoro and Serengeti
Tanzania between 27 Feb 2024 and 10 Mar 2024
Let's start with the positives.
For thirty years now we have been making almost annual trips to Africa to see and photograph wildlife visiting many different countries. Of all those visited there is no question in our opinion that the Tanzanians are the very best people when it comes to friendliness and the provision of hospitality and service.
The next major plus point is the service provided by Expert Africa's agents in Tanzania. You really felt looked after by their staff - staffing levels are excellent. As an example, we needed some medical advice which resulted in the need for some antibiotic medicine. No problem - they just flew it up from Arusha on the next flight.
Other ways they provided satisfaction was in the way little changes to the daily plan were taken on board and executed.
We choose to go to these areas in Tanzania to enable us to see cheetah. This is where our first disappointment happened. There seem to be fewer sightings compared with many years ago (we readily accept that no animal sighting can be guaranteed anywhere).
Years ago we would see two or even three separate cheetah sightings on any one day. On this trip we saw only six sightings over an eight day visit to the area.
In this same period over the years there has been a gradual increase in the number of lion sightings and total lion numbers. This puts greater pressure on the cheetah who are often killed by lions. Also this means that when a cheetah is found it is immediately surrounded by vehicles and this pressure may be driving them away.
We witnessed one outrageous situation where three cheetah on a kill were corralled by twenty vehicles in three concentric circles with a clear area of no more than 10 to 12 meters diameter. The stress levels shown on the poor animal's faces was clear to see. This behaviour by tourists has got to be controlled! But the commercial interests rule. Years ago there were some four or five operating companies, now it seems there are forty five - you see a new name on a vehicle numerous times a day."
Arranged By Claire Scott
Arusha Serena Hotel
"Arusha Serena Hotel review"
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
"Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge review"
Safari in Ngorongoro Crater
"Safari in Ngorongoro Crater review"
29 Feb 2024 • All-day excursion
We only had time for a three hour visit so did not explore as much as on previous visits.
Olakira
"Olakira review"
Nonetheless the camp works well and is located in a prime location for access to interesting areas.
Absolutely first class service levels."
Namiri Plains Camp
"Namiri Plains Camp review"
A high level of accommodation throughout and with flexibility in the ability to discuss menu selection and to take on special requests.
Once again excellent service levels."
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
"Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge review"
Tanzania revisited Feb 2023
Tanzania between 20 Feb 2023 and 4 Mar 2023
We were pleased to find that you are still able to traverse "off-road" in the Ngorongoro Conservation area (round the Ndutu area) and this enables you to get closer to some of the sightings and to get optimum camera angles. You are not allowed to go off-road in the Crater itself nor indeed in the Serengeti so with somewhat fewer animals in the Serengeti at this time this year we did not get as many photo opportunities as on previous occasions. The number of animals in the Crater does not vary much from year to year as they tend to remain within the crater.
On a personal note we were very pleased with the way in which my wife was assisted as she is partially disabled and the assistance provided at all locations and by our guide ensured she was able to participate fully in all viewings."
Arranged By Claire Scott
Rivertrees Country Inn
"Rivertrees Country Inn review"
Location is not too far from airport so was convenient. Standard of accommodation food and service was good. Would use it again."
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
"Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge review"
Excellent service provided for my wife who required wheelchair assistance."
Ndutu Safari Lodge
"Ndutu Safari Lodge review"
It is possible there are more luxurious locations to stay in this area but they would probably be more expensive (no doubt Expert Africa would advise on this).
Service provided by staff was excellent."
Safari in Ngorongoro Crater
"Safari in Ngorongoro Crater review"
22 Feb 2023 • All-day excursion
Things are changing. Imagine our surprise to see a mobile refreshment van and trailer pull into a lay-by and start supplying customers! How long before McDonald's opens up a branch?
Namiri Plains Camp
"Namiri Plains Camp review"
A good location for finding cheetah. We had the opportunity to witness a successful chase - the first time in 25 years of going on safari that we have had that experience. Our guide used his experience to position us to excellent effect."
Dunia Camp
"Dunia Camp review"
The Asilia Group set good standards.
A different part of the Serengeti from Namiri Plains with a different background for some of the photographs to provide variety."
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
"Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge review"
Zambia, Chobe and South Africa
Zambia and 2 other countries between 21 Oct 2018 and 12 Nov 2018
It is reassuring to have the expertise of Expert Africa to arrange all the local contacts, meet & greet personnel and transfers that ensures all the elements fit together."
Arranged By Claire Scott
Latitude 15
"Latitude 15"
It is a smaller operation being more of a boutique hotel with good quality food and staff who were most pleasant.
Although a bit of a longer journey to the airport it was worth the extra time needed and this was hardly noticeable as we were going for early morning flights and were on the road before rush hour."
Kaingo Camp
"Kaingo Camp"
See my more detailed comments on previous years reviews.
One little point to look out for is that if you wish to visit the hide at Mwamba bushcamp (and it is a good location) but you are staying at the main camp at Kaingo then your ability to access this hide cannot be guaranteed as residents at Mwamba have priority."
Latitude 15
"Latitude 15"
Chobe River Lodge
"Garden Lodge"
Over that time the Kasane area has grown enormously with more and more visitors and hotels so it was a great surprise to find this excellent small hotel operation together with its own land and river safari facilities.
It has the advantage of being "family run" with the owners keen to discuss all aspects of your stay and excursion planning."
InterContinental O.R. Tambo
"Intercontinental JNB airport"
As we have one person in the party requiring assistance with mobility the location suits us perfectly."
Ngala Safari Lodge (Not currently featured by Expert Africa)
"Ngala Safari Lodge review"
The location of the main lodge is at the end of a "panhandle" attached to the main traversing area and this means that each game drive uses up something like 20 minutes at start and finish passing through a narrow part of the territory where there is less opportunity to see animals. However, the total time on each drive takes account of this relatively dead time so total viewing time is acceptable.
There is another camp (the Tented Camp) more centrally located within the Ngala territory."
Not currently featured by Expert Africa
Lower Zambezi trip October 2017
Zambia and 1 other country between 17 Oct 2017 and 7 Nov 2017
Arranged By Claire Scott
InterContinental O.R. Tambo
"Intercontinental O.R. Tambo"
Radisson Blu Hotel
"Radisson Blu Hotel Lusaka"
Expert Africa confirm this is not the first time they have had problems with this group's administration and it is unlikely we will use them again."
Amanzi
"Amanzi Review"
Their policy aim is to give each party their own vehicle and it felt that the whole stay was being made into a personalised safari experience.
This even extended to the catering where you could choose beforehand your meal and even select ingredients for the cooking of your dish. Food quality was excellent - some of the best we have experienced in recent years.
Service and attention to your needs was high class.
If there is a slight downside it is in the fact that they are at one end of the traversing area so that the viewing activities mostly need to travel in one direction or have to go further to change the environment."
Old Mondoro Bushcamp
"Old Mondoro Bushcamp review"
A high level of service and attention to needs and they created an activity program to meet specific client needs.
Like Amanzi (see previous) being a small camp of 4 tents this enables a very personalised safari experience to be achieved.
The camp is located more centrally in their traversing area and this enables different terrains to be experienced and the animals which locate in these different environments are more varied.
Game viewing was good and we achieved excellent photographs. There were large numbers of elephants, buffalo, waterbuck and impala, but we would have liked to see a greater variety of animals - we were told some had dispersed to the hills and further areas away from the river areas. Good leopard sightings but lions are a bit scarce at current times due to a higher proportion of males present and this has led to the females keeping a low profile to try to keep their cubs safe."
3 camp trip to Zambia and Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe and 1 other country between 22 Oct 2015 and 9 Nov 2015
The two new camps exceeded our expectations and will feature for certain on any future visit to the areas."
Arranged By Claire Scott
Radisson Blu Hotel
"Radisson Blu Hotel review"
Convenient for the airport.
We felt the evening menu could have had a bit more choice."
Kaingo Camp
"Kaingo Camp review"
In our opinion Kaingo is the best location in the area and this must be a view shared by many other guests as we have never seen so many photographers with "serious photo kit" at a camp before. The explanation for this lies in the camp having constructed 5 separate hides to enable photographers to get close to their subjects and the fact that the river and its banks provide an excellent backdrop for many photos. Having reviewed our photos we can only confirm that this is an excellent photographic environment.
The camp is well run and operates in a flexible way so that guest preferences for activities can be organised to suit. There is always plenty to do.
The rooms are of a standard which is common to camps in the area.
Food is varied with much supplied from the camp's farm on the outskirts of Mfuwe. The standard is good - one must remember that this is a wildlife safari and not a gastronomic tour.
We can highly recommend this Camp and hope to return very soon"
Ilala Lodge
"Ilala Lodge review"
A little bit quieter than the larger hotels in the area.
Their menu and range of choice has improved since our last visit."
The Hide
"The Hide review"
A very well run operation with good flexibility in offering choice to guests. They have two hides for close encounters with the wildlife. A big feature is a large pan in front of the main facilities which brings the wildlife almost into your room.
Having experienced many lodges and camps over many trips to Africa this pan with its size and location is probably the best front door waterhole/pan view we have come across. We visited at a good time of year when the wildlife was having to use the watering facilities as there had not been rain for several months and so there were only a few locations available for drinking. There will be times of the year when the availability of more natural water holes appear after rainfall and the game will stretch out over a wider area.
Rooms are typical of many camps.
Food is varied and of a good standard. (See also our previous comments on Kaingo Camp) .
Whilst The Hide has some "concessionary territory" where it can go off road much of the daily trips on the game drives is in the National Park area and there are restrictions on how much it is possible to stray away from the main tracks.
Nevertheless game viewing opportunities were good at this time of year."
Camp Hwange
"Camp Hwange review"
Their emphasis is very much on providing a full experience,
We do not go on guided walks which is one of their regular features, but concentrate on game driving on which we can comment. Game drives last more or less as long as you want from 3 or 4 hours up to 6 hours and if required a whole day with packed lunches ( you can even discuss your meal requirements with management). Note: there are formal toilet facilities at one or two sites you may pass by during the day.
Camp Hwange offers good flexibility and a full day of activity if you want.
They have a large area of "concession" where they can search for animals plus the formal waterholes and pans which are located in National Park area and which we found provided good scenic backgrounds for photography. Rooms and food are typical of this type of camp and we would rate as good.
This was our first visit and we would hope to return again in the near future."
My Jan 2014 trip
Kenya between 27 Jan 2014 and 13 Feb 2014
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We have used Expert Africa for many years and have utmost confidence in their organising abilities and information for our trips."
Arranged By Richard Trillo
Ole-Sereni
"Ole Sereni comments"
The bed was the hardest thing I have ever slept on - seriously uncomfortable and I hardly slept despite being tired after a long haul flight.
Three items in the room were broken or did not work - the most important being the door lock which in the current security environment in Kenya worried me quite some."
We contacted the hotel for an explanation of the other points in particular the fact that the room did not lock, which is totally unacceptable and we have had no explanation as to how Mr and Mrs K were given a room in this condition. However the hotel has agreed to refund these travellers for their very sub-standard stay and the general manager has asked us to pass on his sincere apologies and his assurances that he will ensure a much better experience for our travellers in future.
Tortilis Camp
"Tortilis Camp review"
Game viewing is fine, helped by the fact that they can off-road in the concessionary area. Elephants predominate and we were fortunate to see one with quite the largest tusks we have ever seen.
Tortilis are designing their vehicles for no more than two persons on a row so those guests with lots of camera equipment can be accommodated well. Our vehicle had adjustable support platforms for cameras.
Extremely attentive service from the staff."
Zimbabwe & S.Africa trip Oct 2013
Zimbabwe and 2 other countries between 10 Oct 2013 and 31 Oct 2013
Arranged By Claire Scott
Chobe Safari Lodge
"Chobe Safari Lodge review"
Staff were very attentive to our needs and particularly on our arrival when, due to a delay on our flight, we had missed a game drive and they organised a separate vehicle and driver for us.
Food was typical of a mass catering operation although one evening buffet was outstanding in the choices and quality offered - sadly the next night was not so good."
The Hide
"The Hide review"
Over more than twenty years we have travelled extensively to southern Africa on safari and in certain locations have found camps or lodges to which we keep returning. The Hide falls into that category.
We feel that the Hide benefits from the ownership being a privately/family owned operation and we were made to feel "at home" and the organisation of the events for the day is very relaxed and personalised.
The location in terms of the view from the main facility is one of the best we have met and it is possible (at the right time of year) to virtually stay at the camp and watch all the animals come to you. The waterhole in front of the camp is large and well frequented and provides excellent photographic opportunities.
We consider the Hide to be very good value and look forward to a return soon."
Little Makalolo Camp
"Little Makalolo review"
Ilala Lodge
"Ilala Lodge review"
Service levels were good."
InterContinental O.R. Tambo
"InterContinental OR Tambo review"
This was our first use of this hotel.
On previous visits we have used other hotels very close to the airport and we now wonder why it has taken so long to get round to using the InterContinental. Whilst more expensive the extra cost was well worth paying. The standard of staff and quality of food were in a higher league when compared with other hotels nearby."
Own arrangements (Not currently featured by Expert Africa)
"Visit to Hluhluwe and Umfolozi"
Despite the current high levels of rhino poaching we were able to find good sightings."
Not currently featured by Expert Africa
Phinda Vlei Lodge (Not currently featured by Expert Africa)
"Phinda Vlei lodge review"
The staff really go out of their way to please and on several occasions we were asked to compose our own menu for a meal as there was some flexibility in the cooking arrangements at the time of our visit. It also helped that within Phinda this is a small lodge (the other small one is Rock lodge) and it is easier to give guests personal attention.
Game viewing was excellent with good sightings of cheetah and black rhino which were the main reasons for visiting the area.
We feel that the standards, which previously had been very good had increased even higher.
As regular safari travellers we seek out good value for money locations as we cannot afford too many nights at higher cost lodges or camps. The &Beyond group have set high standards and the prices reflect these levels. We would only use this Company if we could get a discounted rate or offer. On this occasion there was an offer available (6 nights for the price of 4)."
Not currently featured by Expert Africa
Phinda Rock Lodge (Not currently featured by Expert Africa)
"Phinda Rock Lodge review"
The location is a major feature here."
Not currently featured by Expert Africa
Trip Review
Zimbabwe and 1 other country between 30 Oct 2011 and 20 Nov 2011
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Cannot comment on the web site as I only refer to your brochure and telephone discussions with staff. I also have extensive knowledge of many of the areas we go to."
Arranged By Claire Scott
Ilala Lodge
"Ilala Lodge"
The meal menus were imaginative (not too many dishes) but the actual quality was not quite as good as I had anticipated having read the menu particularly when considering the price which I felt was pretty expensive."
The Hide
"The Hide"
In our opinion, when considering the charges for this lodge, it punches well above its weight.
The quality of the food was very high and its presentation made one feel you were in a quality restaurant. Not large quantities and you don't need that when there are so many meals in a day, but absolute superb quality.
The Manager, Ian, was always available to communicate with guests and arranged our programme which had considerable flexibility and options.
We had the advantage of being present at a time of year when game sightings were plentiful in the area due to water being concentrated at the water holes. I do not know how good the sightings would be when there is rain and water available in more widespread areas.
The lodge provides several options for the length of game drives so, if you are up for it, you can spend a large part of the day game driving or however long you wish depending on your energy levels. They have 2hour, 3 hour and 4 hour drives scheduled each day plus a variety of other activities including walks, community visits, and an excellent hide right alongside the main water hole in front of the lodge from where you can get superb pictures - it seems you can almost touch the animals as the drink at the waters edge.
This a privately run operation, not part of a group, and that ensures attention to guest needs is high on their list of priorities.
You have to remember that the lodge is within the National Park and they are not allowed to go "off road" so some of the trips may appear to cover the same ground but this did not appear too much of a problem as the sightings were plentiful. However, this comment will apply to all the lodges in the Park."
Davison's Camp
"Davisons Camp review"
Management were able to respond well to certain requests when we had particular requirements.
On the game drives we had to travel frequently through a part of the Park which had little animal activity but we did not lose out on the total amount of time spent in the more interesting parts of their territory as the game drives gave plenty of time in the areas where animal activity was greater."
Ilala Lodge
"Ilala lodge review"
City Lodge OR Tambo
"City Lodge OR Tambo Johannesburg"
Very limited dining facilities for evening meal with small menu. Cannot comment on breakfast as we had to depart before breakfast was served."
own arrangements (Not currently featured by Expert Africa)
"Overall trip review"
Not currently featured by Expert Africa
Overall comments
Botswana between 14 Feb 2011 and 2 Mar 2011
We know what we expect from certain areas we visit and plan our locations with the objective of seeing particular types of animal and bird.
We also know that "nothing is guaranteed".
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Regarding the "I can't comment" fields, I have not used your website much at all - perhaps I should have done - I tend to rely on direct telephone contact with the EA staff. On quotations, again I discuss at length with the staff to get the location and accommodation which I think meets our needs and is right on price."
Arranged By Lucy Copson
Little Vumbura
"Little Vumbura review"
In February there was still a lot of water left over from above average summer rains and this prevented the whole area being available to traverse, but the loss of amenity did not restrict us too much - the additional water provided a very different scene for our photography and took us away from some of the traditional photo scenes so giving us pictures of the animals walking and running through water.
The game viewing was still very good (including wild dog on our first game drive) and the bird photography opportunities were excellent."
Little Kwara (Not currently featured by Expert Africa)
"Little Kwara review"
Had a rare occurrence happen when compared with today's "throw away society" whereby one of the fitters was able to perform a first class shoe repair for me in circumstances where in the UK we would have discarded the broken shoe, but I was travelling light with only one pair of shoes so I was in a hole. Therefore in Africa the "make do and mend" attitude proved my saviour!"
Not currently featured by Expert Africa
Xakanaxa
"Xakanaxa review"
The boat activity had plenty of scope to get excellent pictures.
Also, we transferred to Xakanaxa from Little Kwara by boat which made a pleasant change from the light aircraft transfers elsewhere in the delta."
Tau Pan Camp
"Tau Pan camp review"
This is a new camp and the facilities were more modern than we have found elsewhere.
It was certainly well worth making the trip and there were plenty of animals at that time but not as much variety as in the Delta.
As the area is relatively new for having a camp, I felt that there should be a few more tracks to ensure easier access to some sightings. This is something which may develop with time. In the event we were fortunate with our sightings and obtained good lion and cheetah pictures.
I think it advisable to discuss in detail with your agent contact when best to visit and what you are likely to find."
Overall satisfaction
Zambia and 1 other country between 29 Sep 2008 and 18 Oct 2008
If I were arranging it again I would not have put Tafika, Nsefu and Tena Tena all together - just two of the three would have sufficed - probably Tafika plus Tena Tena to give a slight variation of environment."
Arranged By Lucy Copson
Tafika
"Tafika review"
A slight downside is that the game drives tend to always go into the same direction as this is defined by their location at the top end of the viewing territory. On this trip, as we had not previously visited Nsefu or Tena Tena, we combined all three and this combined grouping did not produce enough variety of scenery or environment to be fully successful. (For example, by the end of our fourth day, which means 8 separate game drives, we had been to see the same group of mating lions eight times!).
I would not attempt to classify the rooms in terms of luxury accommodation as they are rustic and localised style but nonetheless are clean and comfortable for where we are."
Nsefu
"Nsefu review"
Tena Tena
"Tena Tena review"
Tena Tena had taken the trouble to construct a hide on the river bank close to a carmine bee-eater colony which gave us a wonderful opportunity to get close to the action.
Of a slight concern is the proximity of the camp to an area where hunting is taking place and this seems to be having an effect on certain of the species and their behaviour - particularly the lions."
Avani Victoria Falls
"Zambezi Sun review"
Lebala Camp
"Lebala review"
This was our first experience of the Kwando group of camps and we were very satisfied with their attitude and principles that the game viewing is of prime importance and the food can wait until you have finished the game drive (no rushing back to in case the meal gets spoilt!). As your brochure has said, the staff are very dedicated and go to great lengths to try to find suitable sightings - this we can confirm.
We also visited Little Kwara (part of the same group) and found similar attitude regarding the game viewing. This is something which will cause us to choose their camps again on future visits."
Little Vumbura
"Little Vumbura review"
Little Kwara (Not currently featured by Expert Africa)
"Little Kwara review"
We particularly enjoyed the river trip here. Whilst we have been on many such trips over the years, for this one there was a variety of scenery and environment through which we passed which provided good photographic opportunities and in our opinion it is one of the best we have come across.
There was one thing wrong and I have made the comment to local management and will repeat to their Head Office and that is the need to start this trip probably half an hour earlier. Inevitably some of those participating are slow to arrive in time being rather laid back and treating the whole experience as a bit of a holiday as opposed to serious game driving (in this case cruising). Such delays and any need during the duration of the cruise to stop to take photographs means that, as happened to us, we arrived at the heronry too late to take good photographs - it was almost dark. This was a missed opportunity as the double-deck boat gives an excellent platform to photograph the heronry and there was a lot happening there."
Not currently featured by Expert Africa
Trip feedback
Zambia and 1 other country between 1 Oct 2007 and 19 Oct 2007
Please come back to me to discuss in detail."
Feedback response
We’re delighted that these travellers enjoyed their trip (and rated it as 'Excellent'), but sorry that they didn’t succeed in getting their visa fee waived by the Zambian immigration officials. Sadly this is never guaranteed. That’s why we always ask our travellers to carry enough US dollars on them to be able to purchase a visa if necessary.
That said, it’s thankfully rare for our travellers not to get their visa fee waived, and having learned from this traveller’s experience, we have adjusted our notes and procedures slightly – to further increase the chances of a fee-waived visa.
Tafika
"Tafika review"
We made a slight error in that as we were staying for 4 nights and only using the 4WD activities and as their 4WD journeys tend to go in the same direction from the camp there became a feeling of "repetitveness" . In view of this comment we feel that 3 nights is probably a better period for the current location if you are just using 4WD trips.
(There are other activities eg walking trips in addition to 4WD)
We will return."
Lunga River Lodge, Zambia (this camp has since closed)
"Lunga River Lodge review"
1. The river trip has limited viewing and photographic opportunities - both banks are hemmed in by trees with few occasions where the banks flatten out to provide animal access, so, while pretty in itself the repetitive scenery quickly became boring.
2. The area did not appear to be particularly strong on game viewing - the poorest location of the five camps we used on this trip.
On a more positive side the rooms,food and attention from the camp management were excellent.
The tsetse flies were a bit of a problem."
Not currently featured by Expert Africa
Shumba Camp
"Shumba Camp review"
Our Guide/Ranger was keen to find out our particular preferences and worked hard to meet these objectives.
Out on the plains there were no problems with the tsetse flies but there were occasions where it was necessary to venture into tsetse territory to get the sightings we required."
Lunga River Lodge, Zambia (this camp has since closed)
"Lunga River Lodge review"
Not currently featured by Expert Africa
Avani Victoria Falls
"Zambezi Sun"
The prices for extras (drinks) seemed quite expensive."
Muchenje Safari Lodge
"Muchenje Safari Lodge review"
If there is a negative it is that the location means that for the trips into the Chobe park area it is necessary to make a road journey (variable length 10 -30 mins), however the Lodge's location at the western end of the sector is far better than to be in the Kasane sector where the masses of vehicles from the large hotels in that area reduce the sense of "being in the wild".
The Lodge has a fine view being on the top of an escarpment. The rooms are a bit cramped compared with some other locations but still contain all that is required and to a good standard."