Zambia: reviews from our travellers

"Having visited everywhere before you often wonder if things will change and not be as you remember them.
Well this did not happen and our memories once again have only been reinforced by this visit. The lure of Africa remains embedded in our blood and the sights and smells, sun rises and sunsets will never fade.This may be our last safari but you can never be certain.

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Having used Expert Africa a number of times over the years we have never been able to criticize their service and thus do not have any suggestions to make." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 17 on a Zambia safari

"This was a truly wonderful holiday" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari

"I had been counting the hours until I left for my trip. It was exactly what I needed. I returned home re-engergized and reinvigorated.

This was my fifth trip with Expert Africa, and every trip went perfectly. I have a lot of trust and confidence in Expert Africa and would highly recommend them to anyone considering a trip to Africa.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 6 on a Malawi trip

"The best trip of our life.

Maruska listened to what we thought we wanted and she delivered. Every detail was covered, we had no worries or gaps. It was a memorable trip and we hope to be back, with Expert Africa, (and Maruska) of course!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"Oh dear - I've written all this once. Just went back on feedback to form to untick the 'happy to share with other travellers' and have lost what I originally wrote! Here goes again..

This was an amazing experience for both of us. We were particularly pleased with the small number of people at each camp which gave a feeling of private game viewing and we particularly enjoyed the walking safaris at Linyanti. I was concerned that 2 weeks might be too long but, with the variety of camps chosen (with Megan's help and the Bradt Guide) we never tired.

We think that 3 nights in one place is beter than 2 nights. Without exception all camps were excellent. Staff attentive, food plentiful (too plentiful!); guides good. Comfortable beds and linen - with award for best hot water bottle going to Camp Kalahari. Food was very western (delicious soups) and some people commented that they would like to try local cuisine - that said, we understand the reason why camps stick to western food.

We would suggest that clear guidelines be given on tipping. The Bradt Guide seems a little out of date with what others were paying. Not knowing what staff and guides earn as basic wage, it's difficult, but can't help thinking that $20 pp/per day for guide and same amount for staff is a lot when you consider how many guests pass through a camp in a week. Some nationalities are more accustomed to tipping than others so clear (lower) guidelines would be good so that we know in advance how much to take and there is no awkwardness. Baines was the only camp to provide guidance on tipping in their in-room brochure but even that wasn't clear as to if it was pp or per member of staff.

We mistakenly left our Bradt Guide at Little Kwara. If you could send another, that would be very much appreciated Megan.

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We thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and were pleased to meet other Expert Africa travellers on the same trip - both of who had booked through NZ I believe due to time difference. Have already passed on your details to others so that's the best compliment. Thank you Megan. I know Nick (husband) enjoyed poring over the Bradt Guide and discussing various options with you. Can't think of any other suggestions but will let you know if we do!" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 11 on a Botswana safari

"Our fourth visit to Zambia in less than three years was built partly around 'pure' vacation and partly around one or two other interests we wanted to follow. We were able to pursue satisfactorily our non-vacation objectives and have a most enjoyable break in the process, not least thanks to the - as always first rate - advice we gleaned from Expert Africa while we were planning this, our ninth, trip with the firm.

On the vacation element, we thought that we got the balance right between the more conventional South Luangwa leg and the more exotic Bangweulu/Kasanka leg.

Overall, we are very satisfied

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

On the website, the recent evolution (on which work is ongoing) is rapidly pushing it towards the 'very good' category." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zambia safari

"We had a great trip.

In the future we think we would spend less time travelling to different places but rather spend more time in certain localities. It all goes so quickly that time spent travelling between places feels like lost time.

This trip certainly confirms for us that we much prefer being in owner led, authentic, well managed, unpretentious lodges or camps like Tafika. We would certainly want to spend more time their on our next visit, there was so much to do and it would be good to do it at a more leisurely pace.

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We feel that Expert Africa is as good as it can possibly be, we have always been extremely satisfied with your service and would not wish to use any other company to help us with our trips to Africa.

The level of knowledge processed by the team is second to none and is borne out of first hand experience which is invaluable." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zambia safari

"This was around our seventh trip to the valley, and everything was managed the way it should be. A very enjoyable holiday.

The ground agents made our progress through immigration on the way out and check-in on the way home, quick and easy" Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zambia safari

"Liuwa is a sensational destination - remote, peaceful and with outstanding birdlife and large mammals. That is is not a 'Big Five' park (you won't see rhino, leopard or elephant, and as yet only a handful of buffalo are being reintroduced), it's a wonderful place to see vast numbers of wildebeest and zebra, astonishingly diverse bird species and predators in action.

Robin Pope and his team provide an outstanding service, and the overall experience is quite unique." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 5 on a Zambia safari

"It was although expensive it was good value.

The organisation of the trip was spot on and logistics were superb." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari