Reviews of trips to Livingstone & Victoria Falls
567 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Livingstone.
Mr & Mrs D
Bogogno
""
I visited Botswana and 1 other country between 31 Aug 2008 and 8 Sep 2008
"Fantastic trip
Suggestions for improvement:
We could not dream of a better travel agent.
Thank you Susannah" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari
Suggestions for improvement:
We could not dream of a better travel agent.
Thank you Susannah" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Crested Cranes
UK
""
I visited Botswana and 1 other country between 26 Aug 2008 and 13 Sep 2008
"Met all out expectations - great trip!"
Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs IS
USA
"Trip of a lifetime"
I visited Botswana and 1 other country between 26 Aug 2008 and 14 Sep 2008
"If you are interested in birds or anything other than just large game animals, consider arranging a private guide. With a group, the guide does not tend to devote much time to small birds.
Late August/early September daytime weather was perfect, but night game drives were much cooler than we expected: bring warm clothing!
We never saw a single mosquito (or any other insect).
Although not covered in this questionnaire, we also enjoyed our stay at !Xaus Lodge in Kgalagadi TransFrontier Park in South Africa. Less game-intensive than the Botswana camps, and slightly more modest accommodations, but still a great nature experience of the Kalahari desert---plants, wildlife, start, and native people (Bushmen & Meir). Even a nature walk (impossible in Botswana camps). Wonderful managers Arne & Pieter, both 10th generation South Africans. Food surprisingly good. More European guests, fewer Americans. Less expensive than Botswana camps.
Also highly recommended for a late August/early September visit are Goegap Nature Reserve and Namaqua National Park (Skilpad), both near Springbok, S.A. for fantastic wildflower displays.
Northern & Western suburbs of Johannesburg were much nicer than we had been led to believe. We had no problems driving our rented car." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari
Late August/early September daytime weather was perfect, but night game drives were much cooler than we expected: bring warm clothing!
We never saw a single mosquito (or any other insect).
Although not covered in this questionnaire, we also enjoyed our stay at !Xaus Lodge in Kgalagadi TransFrontier Park in South Africa. Less game-intensive than the Botswana camps, and slightly more modest accommodations, but still a great nature experience of the Kalahari desert---plants, wildlife, start, and native people (Bushmen & Meir). Even a nature walk (impossible in Botswana camps). Wonderful managers Arne & Pieter, both 10th generation South Africans. Food surprisingly good. More European guests, fewer Americans. Less expensive than Botswana camps.
Also highly recommended for a late August/early September visit are Goegap Nature Reserve and Namaqua National Park (Skilpad), both near Springbok, S.A. for fantastic wildflower displays.
Northern & Western suburbs of Johannesburg were much nicer than we had been led to believe. We had no problems driving our rented car." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr G
Oxfordshire
"Zambian trip of a lifetime."
I visited Zambia between 20 Aug 2008 and 31 Aug 2008
"Amazing trip, amazing service and easy planning with Anna of Expert Africa.
Have found the Zambian experience to meet and exceed every expectation. As our first trip to Africa we found the Zambian people a refreshing change, who seem to never stop smiling and great pride in such a magical country. Safri with Norman Carr Safaris was a trip we will never forget.
The Norman Carr 'magic button' seems to always bring out the best wildlife, the best behaviour and the best safari experience. We found it quite emotional to be leaving a place that felt more home than England. Next time we will try losing our passports to at least stay that bit longer.
A wonderful trip only exceeded by the fact we are now engaged to be wed!
Suggestions for improvement:
Help us to stay longer next time!" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari
Have found the Zambian experience to meet and exceed every expectation. As our first trip to Africa we found the Zambian people a refreshing change, who seem to never stop smiling and great pride in such a magical country. Safri with Norman Carr Safaris was a trip we will never forget.
The Norman Carr 'magic button' seems to always bring out the best wildlife, the best behaviour and the best safari experience. We found it quite emotional to be leaving a place that felt more home than England. Next time we will try losing our passports to at least stay that bit longer.
A wonderful trip only exceeded by the fact we are now engaged to be wed!
Suggestions for improvement:
Help us to stay longer next time!" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs B
Bucks.
""
I visited Botswana and 1 other country between 14 Aug 2008 and 26 Aug 2008
"In fact I would go higher than this if the choices allowed and say that it was truely memorable. The key factors were:
1. The initial conversation with Chris and and Anna to help make our choices.
2. The Expert Africa web site is just brilliant at providing information for making informed choices.
3. The way that Anna coomunicated with us and when necessary made changes to accommodate our preferences.
4. The Lodges did just what it says on the tin.
5. The wildlife was beyond our expectations
6. The Delta and Chobe are a good combination
If I could improve on this the only thing I would need is a trip that geared to the needs of a video enthusiast. Guides that don't talk too much and fellow tourists that can avoide asking questions or chating when I am filming. Not many tourists take video so don't understand how much a microphone can pick up. The only answer is to have a truck to yourslef but at $500 a day at Duba is a bit too much on top of the trip cost.
This was our second trip organised with Expert Africa. My comments above reflect the high satisfaction we have with both the individuals and the company. This was also reflected by others whom we met on this trip who had booked with Expert Africa. We particualrly appreciate the care in making selections geared to what we like doing. The two way communication feels more like a partnership than a traditional customer relationship. You have proved that this standard can be maintained so we would have no hesitation in both coming to you again and recommending others to save themselves a lot of trouble and use Expert Africa." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari
1. The initial conversation with Chris and and Anna to help make our choices.
2. The Expert Africa web site is just brilliant at providing information for making informed choices.
3. The way that Anna coomunicated with us and when necessary made changes to accommodate our preferences.
4. The Lodges did just what it says on the tin.
5. The wildlife was beyond our expectations
6. The Delta and Chobe are a good combination
If I could improve on this the only thing I would need is a trip that geared to the needs of a video enthusiast. Guides that don't talk too much and fellow tourists that can avoide asking questions or chating when I am filming. Not many tourists take video so don't understand how much a microphone can pick up. The only answer is to have a truck to yourslef but at $500 a day at Duba is a bit too much on top of the trip cost.
This was our second trip organised with Expert Africa. My comments above reflect the high satisfaction we have with both the individuals and the company. This was also reflected by others whom we met on this trip who had booked with Expert Africa. We particualrly appreciate the care in making selections geared to what we like doing. The two way communication feels more like a partnership than a traditional customer relationship. You have proved that this standard can be maintained so we would have no hesitation in both coming to you again and recommending others to save themselves a lot of trouble and use Expert Africa." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs I
Henley
"Wonderful"
I visited Botswana and 1 other country between 14 Aug 2008 and 27 Aug 2008
"A most wonderful trip but slightly tainted by a very dissapointing visit to Kings Pool Premier Camp. The pure extravagance and oppulance does not compensate for poor game viewing.
If Wilderness Safaris are moving to towards more and bigger Premier camps I trust they retain some of the Clasics." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari
If Wilderness Safaris are moving to towards more and bigger Premier camps I trust they retain some of the Clasics." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs S
Jersey
"Wow"
I visited Botswana and 1 other country between 14 Aug 2008 and 27 Aug 2008
"Wonderful. We have had a short game trip in the Kruger many years ago but this exceeded our expectations. Ian used to live in Zambia as a teenager and this was his first visit back there for 45 years. He now wishes he had returned earlier. Gloria had never seen the Victoria Falls and she thought it was fantastic.
We thought Botswana and its people were delightful and would not hesitate to recommend this trip to our friends.
Thank you everyone.
Suggestions for improvement:
No very happy with the way the trip was organised." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari
We thought Botswana and its people were delightful and would not hesitate to recommend this trip to our friends.
Thank you everyone.
Suggestions for improvement:
No very happy with the way the trip was organised." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Night Herons
Surrey
"A dream honeymoon"
I visited Zambia between 11 Aug 2008 and 26 Aug 2008
"In a word - excellent.
We were also most impressed to receive a signed copy of Chris's book and about him giving up a hour or two after hours one friday evening to talk everything through and answer all our initial questions. We also found Lucy a fountain of useful information and suggestions, who also gave prompt answers to any queries I had." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a Zambia safari
We were also most impressed to receive a signed copy of Chris's book and about him giving up a hour or two after hours one friday evening to talk everything through and answer all our initial questions. We also found Lucy a fountain of useful information and suggestions, who also gave prompt answers to any queries I had." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs Delta
Spain
"Fantastic!"
I visited Botswana and 1 other country between 10 Aug 2008 and 23 Aug 2008
"We had a fantastic trip. All the logistics worked out perfectly, our flights from camp to camp were all in the middle of the day so we didn't miss any activities and all the flights except the last one were without any stops and we were the only passengers. The only incident came on the trip back home, when our BA flight from joburg to heathrow had a 4 hour delay, so we missed our connection to Madrid and had to take a later flight. At least they didn't lose our bags!
We really liked the lodges & camps, most of them met or exceeded our expectations, and we will recommend them to friends, except perhaps Jack's Camp, which we didn't like that much: it's too stuffy and snobbish for our taste, the people there need to loosen up a bit. Also, we didn't like that they plan all the activities for you and don't tell you what the plan is when you arrive, it's like they want everything to be a big secret surprise, a bit childish and condescending.
All the rest were fine, our favorite was Duma Tau. I also loved Mapula because of its very relaxed and laid-back atmosphere and its focus on game viewing; my wife also liked it though she found it too rustic and less tidy than the others.
Expert Africa did an excellent job in organizing this trip, keeping us informed of changes (e.g., when NationWide Air went bankrupt and the flight was changed to BA), submitting all the info, etc. I especially liked the "camp availability chart" they sent us so we could figure out how to fit our preferred camps in the itinerary, that was a most useful tool for urs." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari
We really liked the lodges & camps, most of them met or exceeded our expectations, and we will recommend them to friends, except perhaps Jack's Camp, which we didn't like that much: it's too stuffy and snobbish for our taste, the people there need to loosen up a bit. Also, we didn't like that they plan all the activities for you and don't tell you what the plan is when you arrive, it's like they want everything to be a big secret surprise, a bit childish and condescending.
All the rest were fine, our favorite was Duma Tau. I also loved Mapula because of its very relaxed and laid-back atmosphere and its focus on game viewing; my wife also liked it though she found it too rustic and less tidy than the others.
Expert Africa did an excellent job in organizing this trip, keeping us informed of changes (e.g., when NationWide Air went bankrupt and the flight was changed to BA), submitting all the info, etc. I especially liked the "camp availability chart" they sent us so we could figure out how to fit our preferred camps in the itinerary, that was a most useful tool for urs." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs M
Kingston
"A great trip"
I visited Zambia between 10 Aug 2008 and 21 Aug 2008
"We had a great trip. Good transport, great game viewing, excellent food and accomodation, very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable guides/lodge staff."
Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
567
reviews of Livingstone by travellers since August 2007
Overall rating by our travellers
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Where to stay in Livingstone
Our suggestions for places to stay in Livingstone & Victoria Falls
Avani Victoria Falls
Just a few minutes' walk from the Victoria Falls, with access for guests included, the Avani features good facilities in peaceful grounds at a modest price.
Royal Livingstone Hotel
Conveniently located just a short walk from the Zambia. side of the Victoria Falls, the colonial-style Royal Livingstone has beautiful grounds and small but quite luxurious rooms.
Tongabezi
Secluded on the banks of the Zambezi, less than 20km from the Victoria Falls, Tongabezi is one of the most exclusive lodges in Zambia.
Waterberry Lodge
Offering great value for money and within easy reach of the Victoria Falls, Waterberry is a small, family-friendly lodge on the banks of the Zambezi River.
Islands of Siankaba
In a lovely location on the Zambezi upriver of the Victoria Falls, Islands of Siankaba provides a tranquil setting to relax at the start or end of a safari to Botswana or Zambia.
Toka Leya Camp
The new Toka Leya Camp stands beside the Zambezi inside Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park – so wildlife often passes through. It's a comfortable tented camp which has great service and includes a range of activities.
Stanley Safari Lodge
Stanley Safari Lodge has views of Victoria Falls spray from all the rooms, and is a convenient base for exploring the Zambezi River area.
The River Club
The River Club, near Zambia's town of Livingstone and the Victoria Falls, overlooks the Zambezi River.
Sindabezi
Sindabezi, near Zambia's town of Livingstone and the Victoria Falls, is an island in the middle of the Zambezi River
David Livingstone Lodge
The four-star David Livingstone Safari Lodge is in a lovely spot on the edge of the Zambezi River in Zambia, close to the Victoria Falls.
Thorntree River Lodge
Rebuilt in 2017, Thorntree River Lodge is one of the best riverside lodges in Livingstone, with a strong sense of the environment and straightforward access to the Falls.
Tangala House
Tangala House, the family home near Zambia's town of Livingstone and the Victoria Falls
Sussi & Chuma
Sussi & Chuma combines a luxurious, laid-back camp with a good location on the Zambezi River, with quick access to the Victoria Falls.
