Zimbabwe: reviews from our travellers

"We both really enjoyed our holiday, didn't quite know what to expect.

We were pleasantly surprised especially with the food & accommodation. Would thoroughly recommend to family and friends.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Overall advice was good, information paperwork helpful re clothing and vaccines to be considered and researched." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a Zimbabwe safari

"Really great trip, memorable for all the right reasons. My second time to Zimbabwe and would go on the same itinerary again." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a Zimbabwe safari

"We had a wonderful holiday and recommend Expert Africa without reservation. We were glad that we went to Victoria Falls at the end of the holiday, as this was the most relaxing section of our trip." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari

"We have been to Africa before with Expert Africa and we knew what we wanted to see this time.

We then spent a long time with Richard Trillo and his team discussing options and then left it to him to put together an extended trip to hopefully tick all the boxes on our wish list.

ALL BOXES TICKED, this was a fantastic journey through 5 African countries, we have seen and experienced so much, so a VERY BIG THANK YOU to Expert Africa for arranging this for us.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No, just carry on doing what you're doing now - it would be very hard to improve what you're already doing so well." Read full review: 44 nights in Africa; 17 on a Kenya safari

"As Zimbabwe emerges from recent troubles we wanted to visit three of its classic locations of Matopo, Hwange and Mana Pools. We were particularly hopeful of seeing Painted Dog, although sadly this was not to be.

Matopo has some fabulous scenery, history and was a place to track rhino on foot - tick to all three. Rhino with calf was a highlight. It also gave us our best ever sighting of Elephant Shrew at Rhodes Grave! The National Park, however, has little game and incursions from cattle and humans are common. Locals roam the whole park on foot cutting grass for sale. It is still worth a visit and arguable needs more visitors to recover, so I’d still include it if you can.

Hwange with its pumped water holes and huge elephant population delivered more classic sightings, and a pride of lions with 6 cubs provided entertainment on all our game drives. Good antelope including Sable and Roan with huge buffalo herd of 500 plus were also a highlight. The open areas and mixed forest gave good variety to habitats.

Mana Pools was in drought in June so maybe not at its best. We were surprised at the number of self drivers and campers, some of whom are clearly not controlled effectively by the NP staff (much to the frustration of guides). No off road but you can off walk so great encounter with lions on a kill on foot was the highlight. If this is the jewel in the crown for Zimbabwe then it’s a little disappointing - at times it felt like a safari park - particularly as the unique environment offers so much.

Versus other neighbouring safari destinations, Zimbabwe still has some catching up to do if it is to return to its previous premier ranking. The amazing teams at African Bush Camps certainly warrant a visit." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zimbabwe safari

"Amazing trip which exceeded our expectations.

All the locations were great but each had their own distinctive feel and character. The landscapes were more impressive than we had expected and it was a real thrill to get to see so many animals and birds up close.

The people throughout Namibia were very friendly and the staff in the lodges were all very welcoming and made us feel at home. Even things like car hire went very smoothly, with great service from the Bidvest staff.

We highly recommend Namibia as a fantastic destination and will definitely be using Expert Africa for any other African adventures which we may have.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

The only thing I would change would be to hire a Toyota 4x4 or double cab next time.

The Nissan X Trail wasn't really robust enough for some of the rougher gravel roads." Read full review: 23 nights in Africa; 21 on a Namibia trip

"Fantastic memories - thank you Expert Africa. It’s hard to exaggerate the beauty of Africa.

Beguiling and awesome in equal measure. We loved watching the drama unfold everyday. Someone said, "you feel more alive living with lions”. I would add: "...particularly on a walking safari." Zambia appears to specialise in these and we found the guiding excellent, although thirty metres from a lion is plenty close enough for me.

The canoeing we loved too. A true escape from our provincial life where many of our friends only wish to be close to a crocodile if it were a handbag! I'm determined to get them to go on safari and spend their money more wisely. We are saving up for the next one!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Not really. I'll certainly choose to travel with you again." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari

"In planning this big trip for five people, I enjoyed working with Maruska, who was patient, responsive and knowledgeable over the course of a year. The time zone difference was a minor inconvenience for communication.

We loved Anabezi, really enjoyed Somalisa Acacia, were disappointed by Lion Camp, and appalled by Splash Camp. We paid a lot of money for four nights at Splash and felt it was largely a waste of money, except for seeing painted dog pups.

While much information was supplied, some of it was unclear or inaccurate and I found myself doing research instead of asking Expert Africa again (i.e. WiFi at each camp; what kind of plugs were needed; what are the current baggage requirements). I would have liked more precision about logistics (i.e. there are multiple vehicles involved in some transfers). I also made myself a map of camps and airstrips that would be a nice touch from you.

The little gift of luggage tag and passport holder was thoughtful but not very well designed!" Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 6 on a Zambia safari

"I suspect that if we had not had many years experience of safaris, I would have been (Very Satisfied). However, although there were several truly wonderful times, overall, the game viewing was "average" for much of the time .... long hours driving seeing not a great deal. Whether this was due to the time of year/local climate/bad luck ... who knows. This said, the guides were excellent, the camps comfortable and we were lucky to have a vehicle to ourselves for much of the time. Victoria Falls was lovely and as dramatic as expected." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zimbabwe safari

"We had a wonderful trip, stayed in lovely places, saw many animals and met lots of friendly people.

The arrangements made by Maruska, for the trip, were excellent. Lots of thought went into the itinerary, and everything worked well. All the transfers, all the lodges were super. We are so impressed by Maruska and will use her again in a heartbeat!!

The highlight must be the eles at Stanleys, just wonderful being so close to them.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Oops, never been to your website. Your name given to us by a friend who used you, and had an excellent trip. Will use you again, when the bank balance has recovered!!!

Many thanks, and especially to Maruska." Read full review: 33 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip