Zambia: reviews from our travellers

"We could have done with a bit more advice on tipping at the camps. We were a little unprepared as to this cost but certainly did not begrudge anyone their tips!

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Thank s to Megan for all her superb help." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"The trip was very good.

The Silver Tours transfer to and from the Hwange Main Camp were 1/2 to 1 hour late each way. Next time, we would likely schedule and earlier pickup time than 10:30 AM, since they're likely to be late anyway. We would also fly in and out of Livingstone Airport. Even with the construction, it seemed better to us than Victoria Falls Airport. We would probably arrange the Devil's Pool activity later in the day, since it includes breakfast on the island in the morning - when we already have breakfast provided at the hotel." Read full review: 6 nights in Africa; 5 on a Zimbabwe safari

"Zambia was amazing and I would highly recommend it to people who want to go on safari in Africa.

Expert put together a great trip for us. Everything was so well arranged, we didn't have to think or worry about anything from the time we arrived to the time we left.

Robin Pope Safaris are a great company. They have everything planned and thought out for you. The staff are amazing, from the hosts to the guides to the chefs and the waiting staff. No stone is left unturned. You are made to feel totally at home when you arrive at the camp. I travelled with my parents and for them it was a trip of a life time. They didn't know what to expect so were totally blown away when they arrived.

Thanks to everyone for a great holiday

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Nothing comes to mind!" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari

"This was our first trip to Africa and first safari trip. Expert Africa had been recommended by a friend, and after the first discussion with Nick Hobbs, I had no desire to explore further travel agents.

The brochure, whilst lovely, is confusing when you've never done this before - there are so many options. This on top of the website gives an overwhelming set of options even when you have narrowed it down to the country you want to visit. This is where Nick's knowledge and skill really came into its own. He listened to what I told him regarding what we wanted, and also to what I didn't explicitly say about my own values etc. He put together a holiday for us that was truly fabulous. Not only did we see incredible wildlife (including wild dogs which I particularly wanted to see) but also the choice of the Kwando Safari camps whose ethos of recruiting locally and responsible tourism was in line with my personal values. The staff at both Kwando Safari camps were exceptional, partly due to their strategy of recruiting a certain type of person.

The way the trip was organised by Nick made this a completely stress free holiday for us - it was quite complicated but everything happened when it was supposed to and I didn't feel I need to worry about a thing (it only started going wrong on the bits after the safari which I booked myself!)

I cannot recommend Nick and Expert Africa highly enough.

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I can't think of a single thing." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 5 on a Botswana safari

"We enjoyed our trip to Zambia.

Expert Africa did a great job with the organisation and recommendations." Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 21 on a Zambia safari

"We were extremely pleased with our holiday and really recommend Zambia as a safari destination. The locals were very friendly, the game viewing was varied and exciting, and the 3 camps we visited (Kaingo, Mwamba and Old Mondoro) really complimented one another.

We were glad we experienced 2 national parks, as South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi offer completely different landscapes. We saw perhaps more game in South Luangwa but there was the added bonus of water activities in Lower Zambezi.

Everything was well organised and worked out very smoothly." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zambia safari

"We had a fabulous adventure in Zambia - we feel that Expert Africa's organisation and attention to detail made the logistics a breeze.

The camps we chose more than met our expectations in terms of location, comfort and facilities. The guiding was, without exception, superb - not just the spotting but the sharing of experience and the clear passion all the guides had for their job.

This must surely be one of our very best holiday experiences and makes us wish for further safari adventures ... just hard to chose our next destination as we are sorely tempted to return.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Not really - it's your area of expertise and your business and this experience of EA tells us that you've got it cracked for travellers like us!" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zambia safari

"All arrangements made by Expert Africa worked flawlessly. We are very impressed with the level of service and follow-up, and certainly would use them again. Thank you!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zambia safari

"The trip was one of our best holidays ever. Zambia fulfilled all our expectations and more. The camps were fabulous and the game viewing must be some of the best in Africa.

The trip went without a hitch and all connections were carried out perfectly.

It would have been good to get information beforehand on how breakfast was to be handled at 8 Reedbuck as the staff did not seem to be sure.

The only really annoying thing was that we were told that our bags for Proflight could not have wheels so we spent £50 buying new bags only to find that about 90% of passengers on both flights were using bags with wheels despite the aircraft being full. This was very annoying as there were times when we had to carry our bags some distances while others used wheels.

I think Expert Africa need to question Proflight on their rules and ask why they do not adhere to them." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zambia safari

"Amazing. We never thought it could possibly be this good. We just couldn't believe that our holiday got better and better as we moved from camp to camp.

Right from the start, being met even before going through immigration and carefully ushered through all the formalities, changing currency, domestic air taxes, etc. right to the departure gate for Proflight.

On arrival Mfuwe,we were met by Norman Carr Safaris and taken care of thereafter.

There was always a welcome at each camp - cool cloth, drinks, and friendly staff. The guides were superb, exceptionally knowledgeable and a pleasure to be with. We learned so much from them.

We were also impressed with the fact that all the staff introduced themselves, and remembered our names throughout our stay.
The food was magnificent at all the camps, and we loved the freshly baked bread and cakes. Morning coffee in the bush and sundowners, too.

We enjoyed the walks between camps, the morning treks and evening drives, and were overcome by the number of animals - we didn't go looking for them - they were all around us, and even in the camps at times.

This holiday surpassed all our expectations. We would thoroughly recommend it to others" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari