Reviews of trips to Livingstone & Victoria Falls

"As a whole it was an excellent trip. It wouldn't be everyone's idea of a good time. To see the shoebills required a slog for about a mile through a papyrus swamp which entailed sometimes sinking knee deep in the mire but the guides were excellent at trying to show us where we should step and very good at pulling us out when we didn't. The Kapani game drives were amazing. Just about the only game not seen was rhino. The fruit bats at Wasa were unbelievable.

We have a warning about Jo'berg airport that you may want to pass on to others.

Needing to re-check in on SA Airlines, it proved not at all easy to find the appropriate check in desk. Having just arrived from an over night flight and finally locating Terminal B we were pounced upon by a porter (in uniform) as soon as we walked through the door offering to help. This he duly did - it can be done via check in terminals arranged around the stair way. Having done so he then 'demanded' a tip of disproportionate size which being in an unprepared state ( due to the early hour and previous confusion) we proffered. Later calculations, of course, revealed that we'd been 'done'. We felt, upon reflection, that he had positioned himself in readiness to target expectedly confused travellers entering through that route from terminal A." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zambia safari

"Very satisfied with the lodges that we stayed at. The lodges, the guiding and the wildlife viewing exceeded our expectations.
I only wish we had scheduled more time at Kaingo and Mwamba, but we'll just have to come back.

The only other comment was about the time to drive from Tafika back to Mfuwe. See my comments on Remote Africa safari flights.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Can't think of anything right now." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zambia safari

"Our trip was excellent. The itinerary that we Maruska and I put together after much thought and many discussions and emails turned out to be perfect. It would be nice if you could get around more directly from one place to the next, instead of having to continuously go back to the starting airport to go the next place (like Shiwa to Mfuwe - that was good), as the one downside was that there was a LOT of time and energy taken up with travel. And on vacation, time is precious! But regardless, we loved each location we had chosen. The representatives were there to meet us without fail, and were very friendly, competent, and helpful. This was a really big help and allowed me to relax and not have to worry about how to navigate each step in the process.

One guy, who met us in Lusaka, was mixed up about where we were going the next day and caused a bit of angst as I don't think he'd done his homework and didn't know our itinerary like he should have. But it was resolved the next morning with no harm done. Also I should have mentioned that at Luangwa River Camp I requested to not do a game drive with six people, and Yona was incredibly responsive and organized an additional vehicle to keep the numbers down to 2 or 4 per vehicle (and actually ours turned out to be 2 on each drive, which was wonderful). And the only other thing I'd consider mentioning is that when Maruska went on leave, I felt that the ball got dropped a bit. We didn't receive our final package in the mail, didn't receive our guide book to read before leaving, etc. Didn't really end up impacting anything other than the last few days before the trip not being quite as smooth and pleasant as they could have been.

But overall, very very happy with the trip. Thank you Maruska and team!" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zambia safari

"Met the objective of matching the excellent trip to Tanzania organised by Expert Africa in 2009.

From the first contact with Megan to arrival back at Heathrow, the trip was professionally organised, exciting and seamless.

We found that visiting South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi was important. Dry and brown versus wet and green. We would have missed out by only visiting one of the National Parks. Zambia was a revelation. It was VERY HOT, as predicted, but we managed and are happy that we chose the dry season.

Catching 5 Tiger fish (largest 10.5 lbs) was great fun. The quantity and quality of game sightings throughout was staggering." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 17 on a Zambia safari

"Journey from Heathrow to Lower Zambezi took too long - three flights in one go is too many - and we arrived exhausted which did affect our first few days.

Once we had recovered we had a great trip." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 15 on a Zambia safari

"We spent a lot of time planning this trip with Tracy, and we really appreciated her expert knowledge and her patience as we narrowed down the options to finally make a selection. Because we had had such detailed discussions, we had high expectations of our trip, and we are delighted to say that those high expectations were not just met, but were exceeded. We had a truly wonderful time!

We knew that visiting 4 safari lodges in an 8 day period would be hectic, and so it proved to be. However, although Chitabe Lediba and Kwando Lagoon were our clear favourites, both Savute Safari Lodge and Little Kwara had unique features that we are really pleased were included in our itinerary.

We were exhilarated and exhausted in equal measures after 8 days of safari, so to be able to finish off the trip with a (relatively) relaxed 2 days at Tongabezi was an absolute delight. We are so thankful that Tracy encouraged us to stay there rather than at a hotel in Livingstone.

All of the transfers worked seamlessly, and we were particularly impressed by the coordination between Mack Air and the lodges to ensure that we never missed out on our game drives. The transfer between Botswana and Zambia was also very well managed." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari

"Our trip was one of the best things we have ever done! It was perfect and we couldn't have asked for more. It was an excellent experience. The terrain is gorgeous, the animals are fantastic, people wonderful - a dream come true. What lucky people we are to experience that part of Africa.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

We were just amazed. Everyone was where they were to be when they were to be. Africa is a really special place and I thought we lived in a really special place. The trip was great and Maruska gave us the best advice. We met so many people staying at the camps for just two days complaining that they were always on the move. One really should stay for three. That was a great piece of advice.

I really cannot think of anything one could do better - it was like I said earlier - perfect. You all know what you're doing. So glad I got Chris's book on Botswana and found you. Thank you so, so much.

Last question - so now that one has been there how do you keep from returning again and again? I think Africa has hooks and keeps you coming back again and again." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"This was our first safari. We stayed firstly in Zambia for the Victoria Falls, and then onto 3 lodges in Botswana. In all a fantastic experience which exceeded my expectations in every way.

In talking to others at our camps I did feel we had made the right decision in going to a national park (Chobe) first to get used to elephants, giraffes and zebras being everywhere, and that didn't fully realise the restrictions that applied within the Park. Consequently we really appreciated the freedom for game-viewing (at night and off road) offered by the second two camps which were on concessions. The concession model also limits the numbers of people who are able to stay in one area. This in turn made it seem we were really out in the wild and added to the experience. It just isn't the same at a National Park.

I didn't expect to be get so close to the animals and also to get involved in the story of the animals - what their behaviour was indicating, the various hunts and stalking, caring for the young, etc. At times I really did feel like I was living in a David Attenborough documentary. Botswana is a efficient African country, with good facilities. You could instantly see the difference between it and Zambia as we crossed the boarder. All the people we met - Zambians and Botswanans were polite, well spoken and helpful. They were all proud of their countries and welcoming.

A safari experience is simply wonderful, and I felt so privileged to be able to view the animals with such informed guides.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Although I have given the feedback on Maruska above, because of her maternity leave, we also had Nick Hobbs as our contact. Nick was also very helpful - and I would give him the same markings as above for Maruska - in particular I was grateful for his advice about what shoes to wear as I was receiving conflicting advice from friends and various websites, and nearly bought a pair of boots which would not have been needed, So a big thank you Nick.

We were also grateful for the assistance we received from Megan Ingoldby - as she really helped us plan our trip during an "early planning stage" phone call. So a big thank you to Expert Africa - both Anne and I thought you were helpful, patient and more importantly accurate. Everything worked like a dream." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"Maruska was no less than exceptional during all of our planning. And the best part, was that all the details of getting from Zambia to Botswana, and throughout the trip occurred flawlessly! I was a bit nervous traveling with just my husband but she guaranteed we would never be left "alone" and would be met everywhere as we passed from one point to the next and it was perfect! I would highly recommend Expert Africa. We loved the ability to travel independently, but still feel connected and safe throughout the journey.

When we were leaving Sandibe Camp one of the women who worked there said their is an expression in Africa; "Once the dust of Africa settles in your soul, you can never get it out."

Well it is in my soul, and we will return!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Definitely update the website on Sandibe with new photos, etc. Otherwise continue the excellent work and service. We hope to again go back to Botswana in the future....the high cost, but low impact of people is the best way to be on safari. We never saw more than two other vehicles in the bush and they are only allowed to have three at a sighting.

We also embrace and respect so much that Botswana is now a 100% "no kill" country that is working hard to protect the animals. I will always encourage others to spend their safari dollars in this country where the government understands the value of their animals and eco-system." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"I can't believe that a trip this complex went off without a hitch.

Expert Africa really knows their stuff and made great recommendations. Thanks, Tracy!" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 4 on a South Africa trip