Reviews of safaris to South Luangwa National Park
896 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include South Luangwa.
Mr & Mrs H
Swansea
"My Sep 2012 trip"
I visited Zambia between 9 Sep 2012 and 23 Sep 2012
"A memorable experience.There are some things we would do differently, but not everyone has the same tastes or expectations.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
I think that all the lodges,camps etc need to be made aware of the problems involved in the usage of mobile phones.
It was a definite intrusion in one of our camps where a large party of guests insisted on being transported to an area where there was mobile reception.This so happened to be outside one of the Shenton hides.You can imagine what happened next.
I didn't make issue at the time because I felt the guide had been forced into this position.Surely the policy should be to deny all knowledge of reception." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 13 on a Zambia safari
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
I think that all the lodges,camps etc need to be made aware of the problems involved in the usage of mobile phones.
It was a definite intrusion in one of our camps where a large party of guests insisted on being transported to an area where there was mobile reception.This so happened to be outside one of the Shenton hides.You can imagine what happened next.
I didn't make issue at the time because I felt the guide had been forced into this position.Surely the policy should be to deny all knowledge of reception." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 13 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs G
Michigan
"My Sep 2012 trip"
I visited Zambia between 9 Sep 2012 and 22 Sep 2012
"This was our second Expert Africa safari, and we are as happy with the planning and service as we were on our first trip. We think that you have the best website and brochure available anywhere, and it makes the planning process much easier.
We initially had difficulty deciding whether to go to Botswana or Zambia, so when we called to discuss the differences we were connected with Chris McIntyre. Chris spent almost an hour on the telephone with us discussing the merits of each country, and thoroughly explaining the differences between the safari experiences in them. When we got off the phone, we were both captivated by the idea of travel in Zambia because of the possibility of walking treks with well-trained guides.
From there, Claire Scott became our contact and helped us decide which camps best suited our wishes. Her recommendations were perfect!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Only one minor thing...... Since we were visiting Victoria Falls in September at a time when the river flow is low, we wish that we had been advised that the viewing is better from Zimbabwe. We would have arranged for a 2-entry Zambian visa and allotted time to cross the border" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zambia safari
We initially had difficulty deciding whether to go to Botswana or Zambia, so when we called to discuss the differences we were connected with Chris McIntyre. Chris spent almost an hour on the telephone with us discussing the merits of each country, and thoroughly explaining the differences between the safari experiences in them. When we got off the phone, we were both captivated by the idea of travel in Zambia because of the possibility of walking treks with well-trained guides.
From there, Claire Scott became our contact and helped us decide which camps best suited our wishes. Her recommendations were perfect!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Only one minor thing...... Since we were visiting Victoria Falls in September at a time when the river flow is low, we wish that we had been advised that the viewing is better from Zimbabwe. We would have arranged for a 2-entry Zambian visa and allotted time to cross the border" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mrs W
Derbyshire
"My Sep 2012 trip"
I visited Zambia between 7 Sep 2012 and 24 Sep 2012
"I had a fantastic time saw so much learnt so much and met some wonderful people
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
I only want to say a huge thank you the holiday was all that you advertised but in fact it turn out better than I hoped so yes keep up the good work and thanks once again from a very happy client" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 15 on a Zambia safari
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
I only want to say a huge thank you the holiday was all that you advertised but in fact it turn out better than I hoped so yes keep up the good work and thanks once again from a very happy client" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 15 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr J & Mrs C
Streatha
"A wonderful trip to Zambia"
I visited Zambia between 5 Sep 2012 and 16 Sep 2012
"This was a wonderful trip. We were fortunate to have excellent lodges, very good service and some fantastic game viewing and guiding.
The only slightly disappointing part was aspects of our stay in Livingstone but overal these did very little to affect our impression that this was one of our best holidays ever.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
None" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari
The only slightly disappointing part was aspects of our stay in Livingstone but overal these did very little to affect our impression that this was one of our best holidays ever.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
None" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs M
Brussels
"Our trip to Zambia and Botswana October 2012"
I visited Zambia and 1 other country between 2 Sep 2012 and 24 Oct 2012
"DIfficult to know where to begin: it was such a wonderful experience: our first time on safari - total beginners: we didn't know what to expect.
The planning and organisation by Expert Africa was excellent: we felt that the EA team in London really gave us personal treatment. The mixture of different styles of camp and environments in Zambia and Botswana which Expert Africa suggested gave us a great perspective.
Overall, our preference was for the more remote camps with the close-to-nature feel. The combination of water and grass and woodlands was particularly interesting not only for their beauty but also for the variety of animals and birds to be seen. The Luangwa and the Zambezi rivers are stamped forever on our memories.
There seemed to be a very good team spirit particularly in the small, locally run camps. All 8 camps were impeccable, well run and there was always a warm welcome. We were amazed at the wonderful homemade food in such remote places. We only took 10kgs each of baggage (plus cameras) but could have managed with less as the same-day laundry facilities were very good and there was no time to "dress-up" in the evenings. We were impressed by the policy of training local staff from humble jobs right up to management: they all seemed very proud of their jobs and their country.
We had first-class guides everywhere - very skilled and well informed and good company.
We were amazed at how many guests had been on safari numerous times before, often to the same camps. We met some really nice people both local and guests from all over the world - which is important as you are all thrown together both in the jeeps and round the campfires. We were also amazed at how close one comes to the animals in the bush - even lions and leopard. We were not previously bird-watchers - but the variety of beautiful birds and the dawn chorus was so different to what we know in Europe.
Would we go back? We are starting a bit late in life but we have wonderful memories of this experience and hope we will be able to go back.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Some of the non-English-speaking guests could have been helped if the camps/guides had some field guides in other languages e.g. French. A couple of our guides (Dukes in Selinda, Bibi in Chitabe Lediba) were interested to learn French or Italian which could be a way of attracting more guests from other parts of Europe. The majority of guests were either from UK or USA.
A couple of ideas for the gift-shops: post-cards of the camps and of local scenery (+ stamps). If postcards were available they were mostly of animals. Small gifts such as letter openers, hair clips and hair accessories made of wood or bone. CD's of local music.
In two camps in Zambia (Tena Tena & Chiawa) we were given aluminium water bottles to use during our stay and keep as souvenirs. This was an excellent idea. Also the local filtered water was excellent and gave us no tummy problems. Only in Chitabe did the water have a strange smell and taste." Read full review: 52 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zambia safari
The planning and organisation by Expert Africa was excellent: we felt that the EA team in London really gave us personal treatment. The mixture of different styles of camp and environments in Zambia and Botswana which Expert Africa suggested gave us a great perspective.
Overall, our preference was for the more remote camps with the close-to-nature feel. The combination of water and grass and woodlands was particularly interesting not only for their beauty but also for the variety of animals and birds to be seen. The Luangwa and the Zambezi rivers are stamped forever on our memories.
There seemed to be a very good team spirit particularly in the small, locally run camps. All 8 camps were impeccable, well run and there was always a warm welcome. We were amazed at the wonderful homemade food in such remote places. We only took 10kgs each of baggage (plus cameras) but could have managed with less as the same-day laundry facilities were very good and there was no time to "dress-up" in the evenings. We were impressed by the policy of training local staff from humble jobs right up to management: they all seemed very proud of their jobs and their country.
We had first-class guides everywhere - very skilled and well informed and good company.
We were amazed at how many guests had been on safari numerous times before, often to the same camps. We met some really nice people both local and guests from all over the world - which is important as you are all thrown together both in the jeeps and round the campfires. We were also amazed at how close one comes to the animals in the bush - even lions and leopard. We were not previously bird-watchers - but the variety of beautiful birds and the dawn chorus was so different to what we know in Europe.
Would we go back? We are starting a bit late in life but we have wonderful memories of this experience and hope we will be able to go back.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Some of the non-English-speaking guests could have been helped if the camps/guides had some field guides in other languages e.g. French. A couple of our guides (Dukes in Selinda, Bibi in Chitabe Lediba) were interested to learn French or Italian which could be a way of attracting more guests from other parts of Europe. The majority of guests were either from UK or USA.
A couple of ideas for the gift-shops: post-cards of the camps and of local scenery (+ stamps). If postcards were available they were mostly of animals. Small gifts such as letter openers, hair clips and hair accessories made of wood or bone. CD's of local music.
In two camps in Zambia (Tena Tena & Chiawa) we were given aluminium water bottles to use during our stay and keep as souvenirs. This was an excellent idea. Also the local filtered water was excellent and gave us no tummy problems. Only in Chitabe did the water have a strange smell and taste." Read full review: 52 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs T
Glos
"Zambia 2012 Aug 31st to Sep 8th"
I visited Zambia between 31 Aug 2012 and 8 Sep 2012
"Once again, it was a great trip and we're missing the sound of the animals at night already!
By the way, we now have 3 copies of the Zambia book by Chris McIntyre - you offered us another book if we wanted and we would love to have a copy of any other book which you think might be useful." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari
By the way, we now have 3 copies of the Zambia book by Chris McIntyre - you offered us another book if we wanted and we would love to have a copy of any other book which you think might be useful." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Peacocks/LC
USA
"Our Safari to Zimbabwe and Zambia"
I visited Zambia and 1 other country between 28 Aug 2012 and 10 Sep 2012
"Excellent trip.
Claire Scott was careful to not overstate any details, and we are already beginning to plan next year's safari." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari
Claire Scott was careful to not overstate any details, and we are already beginning to plan next year's safari." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs W
Toronto
"My Aug 2012 trip"
I visited Zimbabwe and 1 other country between 25 Aug 2012 and 8 Sep 2012
"Trip was extremely well put together. Claire was very efficient and could not have been more helpful.
We had an issue with the transfer from Kaingo to Rukomechi. With hindsight had we realized it would take over 11 hours we would have probably made a different decision about the combination of Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Secondly, there was a mix-up between Executive Air (Safari Logistics) and the booking for the transfer from Mana Pools Airstrip to Hwange. The plane arrived at 11:00 AM, which was his scheduled arrival according to his sheet but was an hour before we were expected to be picked up. Luckily the pilot waited for us and the two other passengers. We arrived at Hwange Airport at 2:15pm and there was no vehicle there from Camp Hwange. Again the pilot waited as he did not want to leave us at a closed airport building with no means of contacting the Camp. Finally a vehicle arrived at 3:15 pm.(the driver said he had been told to arrive for 3:30pm). The pilot Janade Krarim left with the other two passengers bound for Victoria Falls. Without the kindness of the pilot we could have been stranded." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zimbabwe safari
We had an issue with the transfer from Kaingo to Rukomechi. With hindsight had we realized it would take over 11 hours we would have probably made a different decision about the combination of Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Secondly, there was a mix-up between Executive Air (Safari Logistics) and the booking for the transfer from Mana Pools Airstrip to Hwange. The plane arrived at 11:00 AM, which was his scheduled arrival according to his sheet but was an hour before we were expected to be picked up. Luckily the pilot waited for us and the two other passengers. We arrived at Hwange Airport at 2:15pm and there was no vehicle there from Camp Hwange. Again the pilot waited as he did not want to leave us at a closed airport building with no means of contacting the Camp. Finally a vehicle arrived at 3:15 pm.(the driver said he had been told to arrive for 3:30pm). The pilot Janade Krarim left with the other two passengers bound for Victoria Falls. Without the kindness of the pilot we could have been stranded." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zimbabwe safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr R & Ms Z
NL
"My Aug 2012 trip"
I visited Zambia and 2 other countries between 18 Aug 2012 and 13 Sep 2012
"Overall it was very good: the variety of locations and wild life mix, top guides, generally very good catering and personal attention.
Good advice from Expert Africa. The basic itineray was discussed and fixed with Lucy Copson. Nick Hobbs and Megan Ingoldby helped very active and constructively fixing issues and final arrangements.
I cannot select one team member (see below), so I indicated Chris McIntyre. You should change the question to the team members (multiple) who assisted."
Read full review: 26 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs H
Worthing
"My August 15th trip"
I visited Zambia and 1 other country between 15 Aug 2012 and 31 Aug 2012
"Excellent. This was a very special trip for us and it all came up to scratch. We wanted small remote camps and theey bothe fitted thee bill, especially Old Mondoro. Mondoro was special because thee guides were so good withe thee exception of thee guide we had once on thee 4the day who really showed how good thee otheer 2 were! Also thee activities were varied and thee walking very good and exciting yet safe.
Claire was very good coping withe my questions and worries and we got upgraded at Kaya Mawa , just as we did when we went to Sands River Selous 3 years ago. So Expert Africa have a certain magic about theem as far as I am concerned. We will use you again when we return to Africa. Kaya Mawa said thee EA staff who came last year were very theorough and wanted to know lots of details.
Thank you for delivering again" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari
Claire was very good coping withe my questions and worries and we got upgraded at Kaya Mawa , just as we did when we went to Sands River Selous 3 years ago. So Expert Africa have a certain magic about theem as far as I am concerned. We will use you again when we return to Africa. Kaya Mawa said thee EA staff who came last year were very theorough and wanted to know lots of details.
Thank you for delivering again" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
896
reviews of South Luangwa by travellers since August 2007
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