Zambia: reviews from our travellers

"This trip was not quite as successful as previous trips to South Luangwa. The choice of camps was entirely mine and I take full responsibility for this.

In my own defence, there had been some surprise changes in camps I thought I knew and had visited previously - such as no communal dining at Kafunta and a management change at Lion Camp leading to the introduction of new dining arrangements and a new activity/meal schedule. This changed the whole experience of the camp, rather than just the cosmetic refurbishment I had been expecting.

A last minute switch to include Tafika in the itinerary really rescued the trip. Tafika is a class act. It's a comfortable, welcoming, characterful safari camp run by people who understand what's most important about the safari experience. It remains one of my favourite camps in Africa." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 15 on a Zambia safari

"We were delighted with our first trip to Zambia.
The people were all very helpful, open and friendly

The wilderness was immense and very impressive" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari

"A natural wonder. in the top three greatest family holiday experiences of our lives to date!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

We found Lucy to be an excellent support, she is clearly a really lovely person who is so knowlegable and worked so hard to refine our itinerary! She is a real professional too!

I would much prefer the detailed feedback we give to be over the phone or face to face rather than on a feedback form.

With this we will also ring Lucy for a chat with our feedback.

Thank you for all that you do, you we find you to be an excellent organisation with first class knowledge and a clear great passion for Africa.

Thank you so much for all you have done for us x" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zambia safari

"I believe this was as close to a perfect vacation as you can possibly have.

Every detail Freddie put together was amazing from the fishing to the helicopter tour to the hotels and safari camps. The accommodations were just amazing and the game drives were beyond all our expectations. Robin Pope Safaris clearly knows what they are doing and it shows in every detail of their camps and game drives.

The bar has been set so high for us that I don't expect any African vacation to ever surpass this one.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

I honestly can't think of anything that could have been better.

Keep up your amazing work and THANK YOU!" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zambia safari

"A great learning experience. Non expert Africa was volunteering in Madagascar and Livingstone. A different experience from safari." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari

"great trip

please note that Maruska did a great job last year also." Read full review: 28 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari

"The service of Amanda (and Freddie who filled in when Amanda was away) was very good. Communicating by email (after initial request for phone contact) was appreciated.

Request for accommodation in separate regions of the park was met. Understanding of transfers from Vic Falls lodge, accommodation standards and desire for separate rooms/tents was dealt with well.

Transfers went smoothly, no “no-shows”. Any concerns with food/cuisine was more related to the staff in the camps rather than the booking service." Read full review: 6 nights in Africa; 6 on a Zambia safari

"Great guides - and Robin Pope safaris highly commended



Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Wish i could afford to do it again !! Lack of direct flights from London to Lusaka a big hindrance. Hope BA starts flying there again soon." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari

"Amazing trip - even better than I expected.

I'm so glad I chose Zambia and specifically South Luangwa National Park for my first safari. I'm a little worried that I may have been spoiled - apparently it's not normal to see so many animals practically at will and sometimes you may have to wait.

I had already decided on Zambia, SLNP and Norman Carr Safaris before booking with Expert Africa. Lucy organised me beautifully and I didn't need much persuading to add a side trip to Victoria Falls. I was glad to have Lucy to fall back on when I managed to miss an internal flight, though fortunately I only needed her help (and reassurance!) to let the camp know my new arrival time.

At Livingstone, I stayed at Waterberry Lodge – loved my chalet with its verandah overlooking the lagoon, lunch on the deck serenaded by hippos grunting in the Zambezi. Had a wonderful helicopter flight over the falls and through the gorge.

Norman Carr Safaris were all they appear to be - truly excellent. I stayed at Kakuli, Mchenja and Nsolo. All three bushcamps were beautifully situated and well laid-out.

All the chalets I stayed in at each bushcamp were superbly comfortable - superking beds (given the full four-poster effect at night with mosquito nets) and hot water bottles if it was slightly chilly; solar-powered lamps and hot water; open air en-suite; inside and outside seating. Stupendously high roof, the beams and thatch are practically works of art themselves. Each room had fresh cold drinking water in a thermos, Peaceful Sleep mosquito spray and toiletries, I managed to resist the temptation to blow the emergency horn or whistle. There's a two-way cupboard in one of the walls where an early morning cup of tea/coffee will be delivered on request.

All the staff attached to the camps were so very welcoming and friendly, accommodating everyone's needs and wishes, and providing great meals. They really do work hard to ensure you are comfortable and get what you want out of your trip. I was unable to do any walking unfortunately, but there was no quibble about arranging an extra guide when needed. Quite often it was me, a guide and jeep and the beauty and bounty of SLNP - bliss.

As far as I'm concerned, the animals practically line up to greet you. It's just a constant parade of lions, hippos, elephants, leopards, giraffe, buffalo, hyena, wild dogs, kudu, puku, impala, mongoose, wildebeest, genets.... I'm terrible with bird names but there were many and often lovely (lilac-breasted roller, bee-eaters, fish eagle, giant eagle owl). Every game drive or walk is an adventure, as you don't know what you'll find but you know it'll be interesting!

My only concern is that safaris might become expensively addictive..." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari

"Have used expert Africa a few times and always impressed with efficiency and customer service. Very knowledgeable team and really listen to what you would like. Always respond promptly to emails." Read full review: 5 nights in Africa; 5 on a Zambia safari