Zambia: reviews from our travellers

"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; 10 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

"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

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

"An absolutely brilliant trip, everything and more than I could have hoped for.

Expert Africa's Anna Devereux Baker was exceptionally helpful when flight times changed, the Post Office went on strike and I needed a flight upgrade arranged due to back problems." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zambia safari

"It was an excellent, really well planned, balanced and interesting trip. We came back both stimulated and relaxed.

Your advice was very sound. We felt well looked after but also a little bit adventurous.

We have hundreds of digital photos to sort through!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari

"An outstanding holiday with a lovely mix of different things. Very glad we went to Cape Town first. Stayed at Constantia Uitsig whoich was truly outstanding for food and comfort.

Victoria Falls was well worth seeing.

Botswana really was brilliant and I cannot recommend it more. Sandibe was the only disapointing part and not all their fault." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari

"The visa waiver situation did not work on this occasion. This needs to be discused and further clarification made.
Please come back to me to discuss in detail." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zambia safari

"Really good destination, good game, good camps, met some nice people, Tafika a five star experience.

Wilderness somewhat corporate experience.

Pleased that most people were veterans - no honeymooners.

Very very hot - quite a lot of tsetse." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zambia safari