Zimbabwe: reviews from our travellers

"Time flew past all too quickly! South Africa as expected, although cooler than we would have wished - the electric blankets in Hermanus were most welcome! Botswana, undoubtedly depends on when you visit as far as game viewings are concerned, but based on our experiences we would not return having had better viewing experiences in South Africa, Tanzania and Naminia.

Victoria Falls - the only real problem on our trip. We planned our stay there to include a visit to Zambia, as there is a railway museum in Livingstone we wanted to see. In Botswana there were varying answers as to what Visas would be required. We travelled from Kasane to Victoria Falls with Wilderness.

At the Kazungula Border Post the driver gave us forms to complete and asked for US$ 55 visa fee from each of us. At the immigration counter I asked what Visa we would require as we wished to spend a day in Zambia, and was advised a dual entry Visa. I asked for a dual entry Visa and the Immigration clerk advised I could not have one. I asked why and he replied that such Visas were only issued at his discretion and his discretion was not to give us one. Reasoning did not help and I asked for the head of Immigration - he was at lunch but we waited for his return. I explained the issue, his clerk in the background was laughing throughout, but he said as we by now had the single entry Visa stuck in our passports he could not cancel them. He did however offer to sell us, in addition, dual entry Visas at a cost of US$ 80 each, or whatever. We declined.

I assume that this journey from Kasane to Victoria Falls is operated quite frequently. The driver of the Minibus ( on this occasion Big Boy) should be better informed on the options available beforehand so that such problems do not arise.

Regrettably, this finished our trip on a disappointing note." Read full review: 25 nights in Africa; 13 on a South Africa trip

"No more comment necessary

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Cannot comment on the web site as I only refer to your brochure and telephone discussions with staff. I also have extensive knowledge of many of the areas we go to." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zimbabwe safari

"Excellent. We plan on returning as soon as possible.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

none at this time." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari

"The itinerary worked really well - from a gentle start at Nkwali for my first time in the bush through to Nsefu, then microlighting at Tafika and culminating in an adventurous conclusion at Zebra Plains.

Seeing how local communities live also enhanced my experience as a whole.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

In the pre-departure information, there was very litttle about Zimbabwean visas. Although my daughter knew about these, I didn't and other customers may not." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari

"The political situation in Zimbabwe had kept us away from the country for 11 years, but after conferring with Expert Africa, now seemed the right time to go back.

On our previous visits, we loved the country and the people and had amazing wildlife encounters. We therefore had a certain fear that this viist would not live up to our previous experiences. Happily, these fears proved unfounded and we had one of our best trips ever to Africa.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

None. We have been very happy with Expert Africa for a number of years now and this is also reflected in what the camp owners and managers tell us about their experiences with you." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zimbabwe safari

"When the game is as good as it was in Hwange, the waterhole at Kanga so enthralling, the scenery at Mana Pools so beautiful and the company so much fun it's easy to forget the negatives.

In overall terms we had a really good time." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zimbabwe safari

"As covered on previous pages" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zimbabwe safari

"Everything we had hoped for!!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

All was perfect." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip

"This was our sixteenth trip to Africa and has been one of the most enjoyable. We love Zimbabwe and given the chance would certainly go back.

We have travelled several times with Expert Africa and would always recommend them to anyone planning a safari. Everything worked smoothly and without a hitch. The mixture of bush camps and lodges worked very well for us. We enjoyed meeting all the staff and guests and sharing experiences past and present.

Thank you to everyone involved, especially Claire and Chris.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Perhaps the Painted Dog Conservation Centre could be included in the brochure as a possible activity. They rely very largely on donations, and tourists could provide a valuable addition to their income. Local children stay for a week free of charge but children from private schools and schools farther afield pay.

Incidentally, for information, on the outward flight bags were checked straight through to Vic Falls without reclaiming at Johannesburg but on the way back it was clear we had to reclaim at Johannesburg and check them in again for Heathrow." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zimbabwe safari

"The whole trip was a superb experience.

I learnt a lot about the countries I visited, had some great experiences, saw some superb sights including brilliant views of birds, mammals and reptiles and had some insight into different cultures. I was looked after well and had the freedom to explore as I wanted. It was very well organised and ran smoothly.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

It is worth bearing in mind the difference in the cultures of the countries to be visited and the UK. Some people may be unprepared for what they may experience when compared to the UK and Europe." Read full review: 24 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip