Zambia: reviews from our travellers

"We had a wonderful time in Zambia, stayed in beautiful stylish lodges, learned a lot about Zambia, its national parks and culture. Everything was seamless from beginning to end. Expert Africa excelled themselves again in the recommendations and arrangements on the ground." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zambia safari

"Overall we had an excellent trip and experience. The main aim was to see rhino and we certainly managed that. The staff at all the camps and hotels couldn’t have been more friendly and helpful.

Travelling in Namibia was quite easy, even for oldies like us. A combination of the map, directions in the paperwork and Maps.Me worked very well. There are phone charging usb’s in the car and at all the camps. Tarmac roads from Windhoek to Etosha are all good. The only problem we had was in Etosha. The roads are very rutted and uncomfortable to drive on. Those turnoffs to the waterholes are even worse, and although they can be traversed with care, it does take time.

I think that the estimated time to travel from the Namutomi gate to Okaukuejo of 3hrs direct is quite optimistic. We stopped at three waterholes at the start then realised that we were well behind time, so just drove directly to the camp. That took about 6hrs overall. Despite that we did see some wildlife on the way, including two leopards under a tree. It seems that the park fees cover you for 26 rather than 24 hours. Having spent the night in the park we were going to go to the waterholes close to Okaukuejo, so checked with the staff there who wrote our latest departure time on our receipt, which was 26 hours after our entry. Incidentally the park fees were N$350 per day, not the N$170 we were expecting.

Although there was no diesel in Etosha when we were there, there is now a new filling station just a few kilometres from the Andersson gate. On the way back to Windhoek we stop the Village Boutique Coffee shop in Otjiwarongo which was very nice.

It was very slow getting in via Windhoek airport, with long queues to get through passport control (an hour). Fortunately for us a local official took pity on us and allowed us through earlier. You need to fill in a form on the way in, which they take, and fill in the same form on the way out, which you can collect just before passport control.

Lusaka airport was good. We were met on arrival and looked after before our flight to Anabezi and on the way back we were able to sit in Dave’s office with coffee and snacks, and helped with all the boarding requirements. All much appreciated

So, overall we did what we wanted to do and saw pretty well everything we wanted. The accommodation and people were great and despite the tedium of the long haul there and back, we had a fabulous time. Many thanks to Megan for putting it all together for us and always being helpful and available" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 8 on a Namibia trip

"It was a fabulous return trip to Zambia!" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari

"I always recommend your company to others and did so again on this trip!

Lucy was so helpful as health challenges kept cropping up prior to departure. She was reassuring and helpful with dealing with a cancellation of my other traveler. She encouraged me to travel solo and I am so grateful she did, as it was an amazing trip.

I would also like to thank her for having people on the ground meeting me in Lusaka and Jburg to navigate airports when there were tight connections, and transfer to hotel in Lusaka.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

None. I loved the trip and Lucy was terrific!" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zambia safari

"Very well planned. Everything worked flawlessly.

No complaints at all.

Thank you very much." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zambia safari

"Didn't really know what we wanted to do so were reliant on Amanda's advice. We loved all aspects of Nkwali Lodge ...the Lodge, the staff. the food, the location, the safari trips, walking safari and our guide Perry. He was so enthusiastic about his job and making sure we really enjoyed our stay. Also the hostess Bianca arranged for us to having a morning in town to do a craft workshop and visit a school. Perfect 4 days.

Palm Ridge was a bit of a contrast and we enjoyed relaxing by the Zambezi after several 530am starts. Again the staff were excellent and Tina at activities desk arranged several outings once we recuperated.

There were no hiccups throughout the trip ...we were met at airports, picked up in hotels, Zimbabwe visa organised. All ran very smoothly.

If I had to change one thing I would have stayed an extra night in Lusaka. For 2 reasons ...we loved the Latitude 15 hotel and also it would have been interesting to see centre of Lusaka. However we accept total responsibility as at no point did we ask Amanda to do that for us and also we had a limited no of days for trip.

The whole trip was amazing and far exceeded expectations. Shall thank Keith Drew for recommending Expert Africa." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 5 on a Zambia safari

"This was another wonderful trip booked by Maruska. Her suggestions were great and she patiently put up with us changing things around until we had the perfect itinerary. Thank you so much Maruska!

We also thank Maruska for re-booking hotels and transfers when we had our international flight cancelled. And thank you to Chris when an internal flight was delayed and onward travel arrangements had to be re-booked. Aside from those flight problems our whole trip was wonderful. Accommodation was excellent and transfers went smoothly.

We were so happy with this trip that Maruska has just booked another safari for us next year." Read full review: 38 nights in Africa; 20 on a Zambia safari

"What an adventure!!

Put together expertly by Lucy the entire trip was fabulous from start to finish (with the exception of Pro Flight) including all the local transport arrangements that went smoothly with very nice representatives and drivers.

Unfortunately we were unlucky with water activities due to the unfortunate drought Zambia is currently experiencing but so much to see and do otherwise it did not matter to us.

We can't recommend the camps we stayed at enough they were all different and wonderful in their own way. We thought it was a very good overall combination.

I don't think we would ever go this time of year again as it was far too hot for us. We thought it would be in the mid 30's but many days hit 44+ and without any cooling facilities we found this very uncomfortable. It didn't cool down much at night either. To keep cool they recommend a wet Kikoy laid over you which did help us.

We really don't think you can improve on anything. As always your service is top notch!" Read full review: 23 nights in Africa; 17 on a Zambia safari

"This was my eighth visit to the RPS camps in the South Luangwa, and the second now on my own.

To me, it is like going home to the places I love. I know that I will be welcomed, guided extremely well, and have some memorable experiences in the bush. The predators -lions, leopards and wild dogs were in abundance. Huge numbers of impala, puku, kudu and zebra were everywhere. And the elephants were as magnificent, as ever. I enjoyed my trip immensely.

My thanks to Amanda for arranging my trip in such an efficient, professional and friendly way." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a Zambia safari

"Absolutely life changing. Although, it wouldn't have been possible without Amanda, and I am extremely grateful for her help and kind guidance on what to take and the programme once I was there. Also, I had a quick question once there and this was answered immediately by Amanda .

There is no highlight to this trip - the ENTIRE trip was the highlight and one to be repeated. This is an experience that no amount of money would ever cover what it has given me. I have never been so connected to the earth.

More about the trip - words cannot express enough thanks to Expert Africa and Robin Pope Safaris. I have been out with guides who are in the premier league of what they do, the hospitality staff also - people who take real pride in their jobs. This holiday has not only left an imprint, but I have made friends who I will see again. Please note that this is not a colonial style 'big 5' lets drive around the park in a jeep and mark animals of our list - this is a true class act. Nothing too much trouble.

I would also encourage other guests to interact with the guides and other staff to get a real insight to life in Zambia. Also, would really advise Robin Pope to look after the catering / facilities staff as these guys are so brilliant that they could work anywhere.

It was clear to me on the trip that Expert Africa, Amanda had made sure I was more prepared for the trip than other agents had with their guests. Whilst it is not a competition, Expert Africa deserves to be in business and I will be booking again and really suggest you do the same." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zambia safari