Zambia: reviews from our travellers

"From start to finish, the whole trip went very smoothly, with all movements linking seamlessly, especially in the bush where the logistics of moving people and supplies around between camps must be a nightmare. Congratulations to the unseen logistics team.

As far as the safari experience went, the whole holiday was a marvellous experience. I consider it to be a privilege to be lucky enough to visit places as wild as Luangwa with such a high level of comfort, and with such friendly people, whose sole aim seemed to be my enjoyment. Poor Theresa was distraught when previous guests ran her out of Mosi, but we made do with red wine OK, until the truck arrived next morning with fresh supplies.

I know Anna was in the bushcamps at the same time as me, but unfortunately our paths never crossed. I hope her experience was on a par with mine. I returned home a happy bunny with lovely memories of a great part of Africa, apart from the Tetse bites which still itch a little!

Thankyou all.

Suggestions for improvement:

It is always helpful to have an up to date indication of tipping levels, and the fact that dollars are acceptable virtually everywhere.
Similarly with extra expenses eg airport/flight taxes. Then one can ensure one has the correct amounts available in the necesary denominations, with no nasty surprises at barriers.

There was a lot of uncertainty as to the obligation to tip or not, the armed scout ,as he is not employed by NCS. The requirement to tip the guide separately is covered in Chris's book, but perhaps all the above could be swept up into the 'Notes for travellers' booklet" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zambia safari

"This. for all was a tremendous trip, loved by all. We could not have wished for anything better. The locations, accomodation, Staff, Guides were outstanding

Most of the trips success must be attributed to Anna Devereux-Baker, who has the patience of Job when dealing with clients like us, her suggestions on camps to visit, duration of stay and travel arrangements were from the Top Draw. She is to be congratulated!

We even saw the animal that all wanted to see - The Leopard not once , but four times, how about that!! Did Anna arrange this we ask?

Suggestions for improvement:

How can one improve on the perfect holiday? If only you were in charge of the catering on BA. (You probably would not want this tankless task)." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari

"Very enjoyable" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zambia safari

"Met all out expectations - great trip!" Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari

"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

"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

"We have been fortunate that we have been on Safari on a number of occasions and have a great love of Africa. We have always had a great experience and a fair few adrenalin rushes when out in the Bush.

From the start of itinery planning with Expert Africa until the time we reluctantly have to come home we have always received friendly firstclass care and treatment.

Suggestions for improvement:

I cannot think of any improvements as I have always had firstclass treatment." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 16 on a Zambia safari

"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

"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

"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