Reviews of safaris to Matobo National Park

"Once again, Maruska came up trumps (the first time by recommending Flatdogs in Zambia).

This was a totally different, but fascinating experience.

It was a little wet at Amalinda but not enough to spoil it, and they badly need the rain." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zimbabwe safari

"This was a special, month-long trip to revisit some of our favourite places in Zimbabwe, Botswana and Western Cape. We were joined for part of it by 6 family members, including one son-in-law and two grandchildren (aged 8 & 10) who were having their first experience of Africa.

Lucy took a lot of trouble putting together an itinerary in which everyone’s requests could be included. She made some excellent suggestions for accommodation and activities, which we all enjoyed. The Zambezi cruise on New Year’s Eve was just one example.

As there were eight of us for almost half of the tour, we were treated as a ‘group’. This meant we had our own vehicle and guide for safaris, which was very relaxing and we all had a lot of fun.

A major flight delay at the start threatened to seriously derail our itinerary. It was a couple of days before Christmas, but the team at Expert Africa sprang into action and got everything back on track incredibly quickly.

The South African part of the holiday was just the two of us. It included a hire car and some very high quality accommodation.

We had very high expectations of this trip and were not disappointed, thanks to Lucy and her colleagues." Read full review: 32 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zimbabwe safari

"Really great trip. I discussed what I wanted to see with Anton before the trip, and we planned the itinerary together. The accommodation was great, and we packed a lot into three and a half days.
Very happy with a memorable trip!" Read full review: 5 nights in Africa; 4 on a Zimbabwe safari

"I think it was thanks to Tom Morris and his suggestions that we had one of the best holidays we have ever had. He really listened to what I wanted out of this holiday and tailored it to perfection - it could not be improved. it was everything we wanted from a safari and more. I had a lot of questions for Tom about general things such as wildfires, trophy hunting, the political regime etc before signing up and he answered them all, comprehensively and honestly.
When the documentation arrived in our leather travel pouch we were so impressed by the level of detail - all those names and phone numbers provided really did inspire confidence and reassurance. We felt we were in safe hands. Never before , no mater how much we have paid, have we had such a level of detailed input. And this was very much appreciated.
Thank you to everybody who might have been involved in putting together our unforgettable holiday and a special thanks to Tom!" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zimbabwe safari

"Great trip to Zimbabwe perfectly organized by Expert Africa once again, with the highlights of Victoria Falls and Motobo Hills. Enjoyed the superb hospitality of all camps with impeccable services, beautiful lodges and tasty meals." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 13 on a Zimbabwe safari

"Everything about the trip was great apart from the transfer from Hwange to Amalinda. We were taken in a car belonging to Mother Africa and we sat behind the driver and one of the staff with very little legroom. The drive took over 5 hours and was very uncomfortable although Lucky, the driver, was excellent.

We complained at the time to Jay from Amalinda as they have very nice mini buses which would have made the journey more tolerable. Also, we were flexible with the dates of our trip so if flights had been available, we would have much preferred them." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zimbabwe safari

"This was our seventh trip to Africa since 2016, which we decided to split between Zimbabwe and Botswana. Some of our friends have asked us whether we haven’t seen enough of Africa by now. I’m fully aware of the fact that there are countries in Africa that aren’t safe and better avoided, but our answer would be: no, we haven’t. As strange as it may sound, visiting Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Zambia and Kenya has always felt to us like coming home. And this is due not just to the charismatic megafauna that can be experienced here, but to the people living here. In our seven trips we have spent more than half a year in Africa, and we have only experienced a healthy curiosity, kindness and open-mindedness.

That said, as outlined above in the detailed comments on individual camps, this trip wasn’t short on highlights in terms of wildlife sightings, but I would like to add a few general remarks.

Shortly before our trip, President Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe declared a national desaster because of the drought experienced in the previous rainy season. Considering that Zimbabwe has a government with a questionable reputation and a poor economy, we were a bit apprehensive about coming here. But our worries were unfounded. Granted, en route to our first camp, we drove through villages with hundreds of people gathering around big bags of cornmeal donated by the UN. We were told that if this country would be run by a decent and effective government, this desperate step wouldn’t have been necessary.

Given these rather bleak economic circumstances it is all the more astounding that whoever we met along the way was kind-hearted and of good spirits.

Shortly before our trip, Botswana’s president Masisi jokingly threatened to send 10,000 elephants to London’s Hyde Park and 20,000 elephants to Germany, because allegedly, they have too many of them. Without question, there is evidence for human-elephant conflict, but I doubt whether the solution is to allow trophy hunting (Botswana re-introduced trophy hunting in 2019 after a five-year ban).

When I raised this subject in Zimbabwe, everybody had an opinion on this controversial topic, whereas in Botswana, they would rather not talk about it.


Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

I have nothing but praise for all the freely given advice before the trip and the organization of the trips themselves." Read full review: 28 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zimbabwe safari

"Great apart from upset stomach for a couple - should have sent the egg Bach to have it cooked more.
Beautiful birds and knowledgeable guides at 2 lodges in particular

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Please provide clearer guidelines on tipping." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zimbabwe safari

"This was an amazing trip, delivering everything we asked for and more. Each camp we stayed at was brilliant, the staff in each camp made it for us.

The guides at each of the camps were very knowledgeable about the local area, it's history and the wildlife. We visited a school, orphanage and a homestead whilst staying in the Matobo National Park which was very humbling and joined the anti poaching team at Hwange.

Lots of thoughtful touches at each of the camps. The organisation of the trip was seamless.

Just a big thank you for making this so special and we will be back." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zimbabwe safari

"At last after 2 years of cancellations and delays we made it!
Wonderful trip for 6 close friends, thank you Tom for all the arrangements and advice.
Great decision to have 2 game lodges with a slightly different experience separating them.
We loved Zimbabwe and felt totally safe travelling there." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zimbabwe safari