Reviews of safaris to South Luangwa National Park
896 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include South Luangwa.
Mr A.
United Kingdom
"My Aug 2022 trip"
I visited Zambia between 16 Aug 2022 and 27 Aug 2022
"The overall experience was exceptionally good. Our other comments are on the care and attention provided by Claire Scott at all times during the booking process and run up to the trip. It was also very evident that Expert Africa is viewed in very high regard by both Remote Africa and Sheldon Safaris who run the camps we stayed at, with there even having been a visit to the camps by Expert Africa not long before we were there. This reinforced our already strongly held view that Expert Africa know so much more about the camps and the walking than many other tour operators who seem to need to refer even the most basic question to their in-country agents.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
One reason we contacted with Expert Africa is because of the detail of the information on the website and the transparency with which you operate. Keep up the good work." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zambia safari
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
One reason we contacted with Expert Africa is because of the detail of the information on the website and the transparency with which you operate. Keep up the good work." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs V
Harlow
"Our Aug 2022 trip"
I visited Zambia between 14 Aug 2022 and 25 Aug 2022
"We chose the camps we went to based on past experience because we adore the bushcamp type of lodges rather than the all out 'luxury' lodges with Jacuzzis and so on. Such camps get harder to find nowadays. Good camps to us have relatively few guests so that game drives become leisurely and relaxing experiences.
Game can be hard to find - it is not unheard of to be out for an hour or two and see little so we have fostered our interest in African birds. They are always there even if the animals are being secretive. We always tell camps we are interested in birds as well as animals and the good camps (like these three) note this and give us knowledgeable guides and try to avoid putting us with the 'red meat' type of client s who only want to see lion and other predators. Result - we see the same amount of game but fill in the time between sightings with lots of the colourful and abundant African birds.
We go by past experience of safaris and often select our own itineraries however Expert Africa staff are actively send on fact finding missions to many of there camps and speak and advise from personal knowledge. If you do not have personal knowledge then use their staff - they are all helpful and will design trips for you having listened carefully to your preferences. We would not dream of using anyone else now.
Please note that our neutral recommendation for Megan reflects that we have admiration for all of Expert Africa staff and would trust them all to be excellent rather than pick one as better than another.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No, just keep doing what you do cos you do it well.
These travellers noted about their flights:
Emirates had a bad hair day on our flights out.
Our flight out of Heathrow was severely delayed although we were not warned until we were queuing in the check in. We managed to get on an earlier flight otherwise our Dubai connection would have been missed. Our Dubai to Lusaka flight was also several hours delayed so that we eventually missed our connection between Lusaka and Luangwa. Seems Dubai had had a severe sandstorm which severely affected all their flights. We were not kept informed about this and so became quite stressed at the prospect of missing flights.
What was very impressive about this episode is that we received texts from Chris McIntyre himself whilst this was evolving (boss of Expert Africa) telling us of the problems and what Expert Africa were doing for us. We were met in Lusaka by their agents who had booked us a hotel for the night, arranged transfer vehicles and arranged replacement flights for the next morning. Chris McIntyre continued to monitor the situation and ensured the camp we were going to were informed so we felt very well cared for by Expert Africa.
Things don't often go wrong in Africa nowadays and when they do a bit of patience and common sense usually get you through but this was seriously impressive service, sorting out the problem before we had even landed in Lusaka and keeping not only tabs on their clients in transit but being aware of the problems in the first place and having solutions to hand. Emirates had no problems on our return flights however their lack of information during this episode was disappointing." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zambia safari
Game can be hard to find - it is not unheard of to be out for an hour or two and see little so we have fostered our interest in African birds. They are always there even if the animals are being secretive. We always tell camps we are interested in birds as well as animals and the good camps (like these three) note this and give us knowledgeable guides and try to avoid putting us with the 'red meat' type of client s who only want to see lion and other predators. Result - we see the same amount of game but fill in the time between sightings with lots of the colourful and abundant African birds.
We go by past experience of safaris and often select our own itineraries however Expert Africa staff are actively send on fact finding missions to many of there camps and speak and advise from personal knowledge. If you do not have personal knowledge then use their staff - they are all helpful and will design trips for you having listened carefully to your preferences. We would not dream of using anyone else now.
Please note that our neutral recommendation for Megan reflects that we have admiration for all of Expert Africa staff and would trust them all to be excellent rather than pick one as better than another.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No, just keep doing what you do cos you do it well.
These travellers noted about their flights:
Emirates had a bad hair day on our flights out.
Our flight out of Heathrow was severely delayed although we were not warned until we were queuing in the check in. We managed to get on an earlier flight otherwise our Dubai connection would have been missed. Our Dubai to Lusaka flight was also several hours delayed so that we eventually missed our connection between Lusaka and Luangwa. Seems Dubai had had a severe sandstorm which severely affected all their flights. We were not kept informed about this and so became quite stressed at the prospect of missing flights.
What was very impressive about this episode is that we received texts from Chris McIntyre himself whilst this was evolving (boss of Expert Africa) telling us of the problems and what Expert Africa were doing for us. We were met in Lusaka by their agents who had booked us a hotel for the night, arranged transfer vehicles and arranged replacement flights for the next morning. Chris McIntyre continued to monitor the situation and ensured the camp we were going to were informed so we felt very well cared for by Expert Africa.
Things don't often go wrong in Africa nowadays and when they do a bit of patience and common sense usually get you through but this was seriously impressive service, sorting out the problem before we had even landed in Lusaka and keeping not only tabs on their clients in transit but being aware of the problems in the first place and having solutions to hand. Emirates had no problems on our return flights however their lack of information during this episode was disappointing." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs B
California
"My Aug 2022 trip"
I visited Zambia between 14 Aug 2022 and 24 Aug 2022
"We would highly recommend Expert Africa for anyone seriously looking to book an African safari.
All of our in-country travel and accommodations were arranged by Expert Africa. Upon our arrival in Lusaka we were met by kind and very helpful representatives from Expert Africa to get us to our hotel and to get us to the airport the next day. They helped us with our luggage and the entire check-in process. All in-country flights on Proflight Zambia were arranged by Expert Africa and coordinated with the bush camps to ensure we were met at each airport/airstrip.
Our experience with Expert Africa started in 2019 when we originally booked an August 2020 safari. That trip, due to COVID-19, did not happen but Lucy, our Expert Africa Travel Specialist, was able to coordinate the move of our reservations to 2021. In 2021, travel to and from the US to Africa was problematic due to COVID test requirements and frequent airline cancellations. Lucy was able to coordinate yet another extension of our reservations to August of 2022.
Throughout this entire timeframe we found the service provided by Expert Africa to be outstanding. Before our August 2022 safari, we thought a safari would be a once in a lifetime experience. After the amazing experiences we enjoyed at Anabezi Camp and Lion Camp it is now not a question of if we will return, but when. And when we do return, we will use Expert Africa to book the trip." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari
All of our in-country travel and accommodations were arranged by Expert Africa. Upon our arrival in Lusaka we were met by kind and very helpful representatives from Expert Africa to get us to our hotel and to get us to the airport the next day. They helped us with our luggage and the entire check-in process. All in-country flights on Proflight Zambia were arranged by Expert Africa and coordinated with the bush camps to ensure we were met at each airport/airstrip.
Our experience with Expert Africa started in 2019 when we originally booked an August 2020 safari. That trip, due to COVID-19, did not happen but Lucy, our Expert Africa Travel Specialist, was able to coordinate the move of our reservations to 2021. In 2021, travel to and from the US to Africa was problematic due to COVID test requirements and frequent airline cancellations. Lucy was able to coordinate yet another extension of our reservations to August of 2022.
Throughout this entire timeframe we found the service provided by Expert Africa to be outstanding. Before our August 2022 safari, we thought a safari would be a once in a lifetime experience. After the amazing experiences we enjoyed at Anabezi Camp and Lion Camp it is now not a question of if we will return, but when. And when we do return, we will use Expert Africa to book the trip." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mrs H
Surrey
"My trip with my 11 year old grandaughter"
I visited Zambia between 3 Aug 2022 and 20 Aug 2022
"Our trip was well planned and it all worked without a hitch.
It was an excellent combination of camps and Matilda loved every minute of it. She is a coeliac but we had no problems with food.
A very memorable trip.
This is the second time I have used Expert Africa and I could not fault either of my trips" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 15 on a Zambia safari
It was an excellent combination of camps and Matilda loved every minute of it. She is a coeliac but we had no problems with food.
A very memorable trip.
This is the second time I have used Expert Africa and I could not fault either of my trips" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 15 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs H
Kent
"My Aug 2022 trip"
I visited Zambia between 3 Aug 2022 and 18 Aug 2022
"We have been to Robin pope safaris many times now.
This has to be one of the best safaris we have had, the guides were excellent, the games viewing was good and the weather was not too hot for us!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a Zambia safari
This has to be one of the best safaris we have had, the guides were excellent, the games viewing was good and the weather was not too hot for us!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mrs & Mr L
Chicago
"My Jul 2022 trip"
I visited Zambia between 30 Jul 2022 and 11 Aug 2022
"I had an amazing experience on our safari and part of that is because of our wonderful agent Claire.
She helped steer me to Zambia for our safari and it was an amazing country and perfect for our animal-focused trip to Africa. She also helped guide me towards the camps we stayed at, and they all exceeded our expectations (which were very high).
I had been looking forward to going on a safari my entire life, and working with Expert Africa helped make my dreams come true. I would do the exact same trip, with the exact same itinerary all over again.
Thank you Claire for your guidance, help, patience, and answers for my many questions." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari
She helped steer me to Zambia for our safari and it was an amazing country and perfect for our animal-focused trip to Africa. She also helped guide me towards the camps we stayed at, and they all exceeded our expectations (which were very high).
I had been looking forward to going on a safari my entire life, and working with Expert Africa helped make my dreams come true. I would do the exact same trip, with the exact same itinerary all over again.
Thank you Claire for your guidance, help, patience, and answers for my many questions." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr and Mrs C
Kent
"My Jul 2022 trip"
I visited Zambia between 29 Jul 2022 and 10 Aug 2022
"This trip had been planned 3 years previously and delayed due to covid, so we had been looking forward to it for a long time and had high expectations. If anything these expectations were exceeded.
The quality of the accommodation was amazing. The mix of properties worked well and we really appreciated the change of scene when we moved from the South Luangwa to the Lower Zambezi.
Our teenage daughter found the communal dining very tiring so we might reconsider that if we travel again, however the rest of us enjoyed it.
It was an incredible holiday and so glad we used a company with so much first hand knowledge of the area.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No suggestions - all excellent" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zambia safari
The quality of the accommodation was amazing. The mix of properties worked well and we really appreciated the change of scene when we moved from the South Luangwa to the Lower Zambezi.
Our teenage daughter found the communal dining very tiring so we might reconsider that if we travel again, however the rest of us enjoyed it.
It was an incredible holiday and so glad we used a company with so much first hand knowledge of the area.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No suggestions - all excellent" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr C
EBMATINGEN
"Fantastic Zambia safari trip"
I visited Zambia between 12 Jul 2022 and 24 Jul 2022
"Start to finish the help and support we received from Lucy Copson was excellent.
We made several changes to our original idea, but Lucy was quick to advise and respond on each occasion.
The quality of process, confirmation and despatch of documents was very good.
Fortunately we never needed on the ground support, but with all the information we received, I always felt that EA was there in the background if we needed them.
All round excellent service." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari
We made several changes to our original idea, but Lucy was quick to advise and respond on each occasion.
The quality of process, confirmation and despatch of documents was very good.
Fortunately we never needed on the ground support, but with all the information we received, I always felt that EA was there in the background if we needed them.
All round excellent service." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr P & D
Australia
"Zambia - July 2022"
I visited Zambia between 10 Jul 2022 and 29 Jul 2022
"The trip was great. Zambia was really a great safari experience - beats Namibia, Botswana, Sth Africa but not the Congo (Gorrillas in Odzala were next level amazing), sorry.
Megan and the team at Expert Africa - you kept in touch, we felt at ease that our trip booked in 2019 was going to happen, albeit the Covid speed bump. Only took 2 extra years. We just wish that the trip cost was cheaper as we would choose these destinations more often.
Maybe consider trips for the "once in a lifetime" traveller or birthday trip versus "been there, done that, don't need the thrills, can stay in the staff quarters" (maybe for photographers etc) 2 levels of travellers? Not sure where the cost is. Is it flights, food, rooms? ......we would go back to Zambia - Kaingo, Mwamba and Old Mondoro in a flash - just the cash is the impediment.
And from Australia - distance is a pain in the bum!" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 16 on a Zambia safari
Megan and the team at Expert Africa - you kept in touch, we felt at ease that our trip booked in 2019 was going to happen, albeit the Covid speed bump. Only took 2 extra years. We just wish that the trip cost was cheaper as we would choose these destinations more often.
Maybe consider trips for the "once in a lifetime" traveller or birthday trip versus "been there, done that, don't need the thrills, can stay in the staff quarters" (maybe for photographers etc) 2 levels of travellers? Not sure where the cost is. Is it flights, food, rooms? ......we would go back to Zambia - Kaingo, Mwamba and Old Mondoro in a flash - just the cash is the impediment.
And from Australia - distance is a pain in the bum!" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 16 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs F
Maidstone
"My July 2022 trip"
I visited Zambia between 10 Jul 2022 and 24 Jul 2022
"As for all of our previous visits to Africa with you, we had an amazing time thanks to your knowledge of the options you could lay before us and your understanding of what we were looking for.
Although much delayed by Covid and changed by the demise of a business we had been particularly keen to walk with, you helped us to refine our plans and eventually delivered a wonderful, life affirming experience full of excitement and interest." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zambia safari
Although much delayed by Covid and changed by the demise of a business we had been particularly keen to walk with, you helped us to refine our plans and eventually delivered a wonderful, life affirming experience full of excitement and interest." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
896
reviews of South Luangwa by travellers since August 2007
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