Zambia: reviews from our travellers

"We had our problems on this holiday, we lost a day due to confusion over our flight home and the lack of walking opportunities was a disappointment.The tetses and the bug in the ear also did not help. However the trip was immensely interesting and ultimately very enjoyable. We are pretty experienced travellers in Africa and not easily phased but I am not sure some clients might not have found some of our issues a little daunting. An interesting observation by a fellow traveller at Chongwe that his stay there had made his trip was a view we strongly supported." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zambia safari

"This holiday is with out doubt the best holiday either myself or Ross have ever been on. It ticked all of the boxes of things we wanted for our Honeymoon.

Neither of us had been on Safari before and it was such a fantastic experience. We felt well looked after at all of the camps and loved Zambia. The mix of camps and activities was perfect allowing us the right mix of adventure and relaxing." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari

"We were very happy with our honeymoon from Expert Africa. All the tinest details were attended to so that when we arrived in africa everyone knew where we were going and when to meet us/when our flights would be there extra. We enjoyed all of it.

From the first monent we spoke to Expert Africa we were made to feel that nothing was too much trouble and our requests were listened to - plus the advice we were given was excellent. It was welcoming to know that when we went to Linyanti camp someone from Expert Africa had also visited and had written very positive comments in the guest book!

Our only negative was that Bazzaruto Lodge had not been our first choice and that it was in fact the 3rd - but this was simply due to the cyclone earlier in the year and the booking availability. Other hotels were supposed to be closed however when in MZB we realised that some were open and wished we had re-considerd to make sure we were at the best option prior to coming - reason being we would have loved spa facilties for a 5 day relax but this was not meant to be." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"We had a fantastic and truly memorable holiday and we would like to thank everybody who made it possible. All the arrangements for the trip went very smoothly throughout. We found the standard of the accommodation excellent and greatly enjoyed the well presented and tasty food – particularly the freshly made bread every day.

All the staff at each place we stayed were very welcoming and went out of their way to be very helpful at all times. The activities were well organised and we were very impressed with the depth of knowledge of the guides who gave us a wealth of information about the mammals, reptiles, birds and trees.

The most rewarding feature of the holiday for us was the opportunity to walk in the bush as well as going on game drives by day and after dark. The walks gave us a different perspective from the game drives and we welcomed the chance they gave us to observe and learn about the smaller things as well as to see some big game at close quarters.

We would have welcomed more opportunities to walk (for example, as an alternative to the game drive before sundowners) and we could have walked further and at a greater pace, with the morning walk continuing for longer on some days, which would have been quite practicable, since to our pleasant surprise we did not find the heat to be a problem at any time.

We appreciate the need to balance the wishes of a variety of guests, but we were the only two guests on many of our walks. The balance of time between walking and stopping to observe and to hear about things was fine, but we felt we could have done more. Perhaps we should have been more assertive about this, but that was not necessarily easy with people who were new to us, given that we went out with many different guides (which, of course, had many advantages).

We were a little surprised that there were no restrictions on smoking both at Kapani and the bush camps. We felt that this was a significant fire risk in the bush camps and unpleasant for non-smokers like us at meal times and when sharing vehicles.

Although we have made a number of critical comments, these must be taken in the context of a superb and well organised holiday which we enjoyed immensely and which we will continue to enjoy as we look back at our photographs and the journals we wrote up during siesta time each day." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zambia safari

"Overall it was a wonderful and magical experience, especially being deep in the bush and listening to the noises of the night and dawn.

Definitely a sarong and flip flops next time.

Would like to go to Chongwe again (visited the River House on the way to the landing strip... WOW!) and would do more walks, looking at small things rather than the big beasts.

We liked the house party atmosphere and meeting different people all the time. That was an important part of the holiday .

We would single out Simon (Nsefu) and Catherine and Rocky (Tena Tena) for dealing so smoothly with the
Vikings - they'll know (as will Robin!) who and what we mean!!!!!!!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 13 on a Zambia safari

"All worked well and we think it was rhe best yet" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 5 on a Zambia safari

"I thoroughly enjoyed my trip which was my first visit to Zambia and I would definitely recommend it to other people for a safari and I would also recommend Expert Africa who were knowledgeable and provided an excellent service. Stayed at 2 good lodges and saw some great wildlife." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari

"We really enjoyed our trip, and feel privilaged to have experienced the wilderness in Botswana. It was amazing to see the animals at such close proximatey.

A holiday that we will always remember." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari

"I booked this on a whim after reading about walking safaris in the FT. It was our first trip to Africa, first safari and I would go back. Meeting other travellers and hearing their tales and recommendations makes us want to see other parts of the country.

Next time I would not do a safari every day, now I know what is involved, but perhap see a little more of the country.

I initially thought the trip was expensive but looking back and on what we got for our money it was very good value." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zambia safari

"I talked to various people" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 4 on a Botswana safari