Zambezi Expedition, Victoria Falls
Zambezi Expedition Travel and Tours
- Office In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2016)
- Tour Types:
- Small & medium group tours (Mid-range & luxury)
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $100 to $600 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
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Email Stephan Daus | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An amazing trip with lots of activities, great people and service
Note: The following may seem detailed, direct and at times harsh. Please focus on the positives, because we are generally very satisfied with the agency. This is an attempt to be honest in an attempt at continuous improvement, and also to offer advice to other travelers.
Communications
- Meeting at agency office was friendly, we met the manager, who was very communicative throughout the trip, with quick replies on WhatsApp.
- Guides are not always reminding us tourists of the obvious: Always bring warm clothes (sweater/jacket, thin gloves, pants, etc) for morning drives, it gets surprisingly cold in the backseat of a 4x4 at 80 km/h 06:30. Also, boat trips sometimes lack adequate shade, so always bring sunscreen and sunglasses. And of course, ALWAYS bring binoculars (~10x30).
- Our drivers do not seem to know whether they or someone else will be picking us up the next morning. It makes it seem a bit disorganized, and we never really know whether we should say goodbye and tip them or just wait and see.
- Dietary restrictions had not been communicated to the chef at the Okavango delta camp, so one breakfast had yoghurt cereals which one of us could not eat, but went fine.
- The agency arranged bungee jumping for me, which I strongly recommend trying. The company in charge of the bungee jump has plenty of people involved, they film the safety checks, it is a big company in Victoria Falls, and you feel a lot safer than you would think when you waiver any liabilities.
Activities
- All our guides were local of the specific areas and were very knowledgeable about animals and all kinds of birds. We observed (and got the names of) 35 land animals and 49 bird species!
- First boat trip in Victoria Falls is ok, probably great if you like a free bar and socializing. For non-drinkers enjoying tranquility it is not the highlight of the trip. The bar lacked various juices and non-alcoholic beverages. But main problem is not the organizers but perhaps other tourists with a different focus than ours. We would prefer to either have more nature-watching or some tasting session of local fruits, berries, drinks, foods, etc.
- In general Victoria Falls as a tourist destination risks becoming too touristy. The government should better control it so that it becomes sustainable. Too much garbage in the streets, poor lighting for walking around in the evening, endless souvenir shops and westernized restaurants lacking local culture.
- Trip around the falls was nice, though the guide is not strictly needed. I would instead suggest Zimbabwe increasing the entrance fees and use some of that money on improving Victoria Falls. The obligatory group of local dancers on arrival at the falls is perhaps for some people enjoyable, but awkward for our group as there is the usual expectation for tipping.
- Game drives and boat trips in Chobe were amazing – do not miss them. Our favorites were the boat trips as we got to see a queue of buffalos running in the swamp.
- Walking in the Okavango Delta was thrilling, especially after sitting a lot in the previous days. Our guide Top Dog is a local with excellent English and knowledge of the species and places to go.
- What we miss from this otherwise excellent trip are:
o A tasting session where we could try local fruits, berries, vegetables, etc and some information about them. It should be an optional activity for us food-adventurous tourists.
o Meerkats should be part of trip. Had we known beforehand that it was not, we would have tried to plan differently.
Accommodations and meals
- Budget lodge/tenting is actually pretty good quality, and you usually get a clean toilet/shower. Tent beds are “proper” military grade beds with mattresses. Might get a bit cold at 04:00 in the morning so keep socks nearby. Otherwise quite warm.
- Victoria Falls (Shearwater Explorers Village): Very nice. Exceptionally clean in restroom/showers. Guards/staff walking by frequently, felt very safe. Was quiet at night. Breakfast ok and pool area nice.
- We recommend to try the Nyota Zimbabwean Cousine for some authentic, clean and family-based restaurant with a couple of cute cats.
- Kasane in Chobe (Kwalape Safari Lodge): Very disappointing. Needs new manager. 1) Dangerous small nails under bed frame that you might step on/touch. 2) Door to restroom cannot be closed without locked, and lock only on the outside! So can basically lock someone inside there. 3) First dinner at the lodge was disappointing and 4) waitress seemed to want us out of the restaurant as quickly as possible – even though there were empty tables. Bit too eager to take our plates, and did not seem to enjoy her job. 5) House cleaners too eager to make themselves present. Even on day of checkout (they should know) they drop by, wanting to clean when we are packing – then reminding us we are checking out… 6) Returning the towels for our deposit during our checkout took 35 min because the towel guy was late and receptionist did not have our USD 20. 7) Garbage in the otherwise nice gardens. 8) Faucet is inconvenient British style which makes it impossible to mix cold/hot water.
- Elephant Sands: The “tent” we got is huge, luxurious and has a nice view to the Elephants from a balcony. However, the water pumped to the Elephants is artificial, and you are guaranteed to see plenty of Elephants anyway on this trip. So try to arrange a trip to the place with meerkats instead of staying all day at the Sands, it gets a bit boring. Though interesting to observe the hierarchy among the Elephants contending for the little water available. Dinner was generally very nice except for the over-grilled steaks.
- Overstay in Maun at Audi Camp: Nice place.
- Okavango Delta camp: Bit small tent (2x2), could have been nicer with 3x3 for 2 people, but acceptable. Food made by Gee (woman) really good. Camp generally fine and organized. Bush toilet (seat + hole in ground) quite ok, but perhaps a bit too close to camp (not a big issue).
- Zimbabwean and Botswanan tour operators should not underestimate local cuisine, not all tourists want to eat European food when travelling to Africa.
Other experiences
- Garbage is a huge problem (everywhere in the world). It's sad when seeing it right outside (and sometimes inside) the parks. Local and central government must step up and fix this.
- Noise pollution is also becoming a problem. There are "constantly" helicopters flying around the Okavango Delta, too close to the ground, which disturbs people walking and the animals. The government should tax these helicopter flights more to reduce the number of flights, or force them to fly higher.
- We generally felt secure and safe in both countries. In particular in Botswana, we did not feel annoyed by anyone – everyone were so helpful and friendly. Also counting the days there after the trip.
Transportation
- Pickup from airport to the agency/hotel was on time, friendly and funny, and flexible enough to meet our request to drop by a local market.
- Drivers/guides MB and Francis were really nice, friendly and service-minded.
- Trip from Victoria Falls to Kasane/Chobe went nice. Vehicles are generally good, with the exception that there is often a safety belt malfunctioning. Road safety matters for many tourists. Air condition works well.
- Pickup from Kasane was 30 min late, with no notification, due to some border delay. Then some inefficient use of the time when withdrawing money/snacks-shopping. In general the agency needs a bit more effort on using the time wisely (African time can be cute but also frustrating for tourists).
OM
Email Joy kristine | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic!
Zambezi Expedition came across when I was searching for travel tours that can accomodate our African trip/adventure this month of April. Luckily, I was able to get in touch with Oscar who’s very accomodating and helpful even during the process of our Visa applications to Zimbabwe and Botswana even I haven’t completed the booking with them but he genuinely tried his best to help us with all the information that we need for the said trip. Our family trip went very smoothly and he gave us the best accomodation and experience. You can customize your trip and let him know about your budget as well and he won’t hesitate to help and give you good offers. Also, our tour guide in Zimbabwe, Francis was very informative and active during the entire trip. Zambezi Expedition deserves a 5-star overall rating! Thanks for making our African Safari unforgettable and memorable! God bless!
Email Alana | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Well organised, well priced and professional
We had an amazing experience. All communication was clear and prompt. Our tours were great value for money and extremely enjoyable. Great for those travelling with children. Highly recommend.
SE
Email Jack Soderberg | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Smooth and Easy with fantastic guides
We enjoyed a fantastic tour in Chobe National Park, the guys at Zambesi tours had everything well organised and helped us with all border formalities. The guide in Chobe was extremely knowledgeable and fun to hang out with and the chef's food was delicious too. We just hope we can redo it sometime soon.
RU
Email Valentin Barko | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Reliable, honest and trustworthy
I really enjoyed working with Mr. Oscar. In addition to being polite and honest, he is very reliable, always arrived or sent a driver on time, all excursions and tours began and ended according to the program. We felt completely safe and were surrounded by care and attention. I will definitely come back again and address only Oscar. I recommend him and his company!
US
Email Sandra Ayers | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
PERFECT in every way
Oscar and staff were wonderful to work with. They adapted to my never ending additions to the tour and made sure that all was in order for our "Trip of a lifetime". They responded to my questions and requests even in the night time. The accommodations, meals, transport, knowledge, and superb customer service, was beyond ANY we have experienced and we have traveled a lot. I am already planning my next adventure and will only contact Oscar and crew!
Don't be fooled by the low price of the adventures. Consider it like striking gold! The VERY best!
US
Email Dawn | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Oskar took great care of us for dinner cruise and zip lining!
During covid everyone was so slow during covid. Oskar said he would come right to our lodge and took total care of us...even offered us a personal dinner cruise!..they all were so attentive and we loved them all!
CN
Email Liu | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent!
Oscar took good care of us throughout the journey. Although our budget was limited, he did his best to arrange the 9-day itinerary to the fullest. Despite the rainy season, we saw many animals in Chobe, including lions. Our whole family enjoyed the trip very much!
US
Email Amy Biddick | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic one day Safari
We had a great Safari experience. Their was an issues with logistics, however, the owner personally came to apologize and did everything in his power to fix no problem. Thank you for the wonderful experience
SG
Email Jeremy | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Highly committed staff, excellent customer service
I chose Zambezi out of several tour operators shortlisted because Laura was responsive and followed up with me closely in the 2 weeks leading up to my trip. My planned itinerary ran smoothly and the staff went the extra mile to ensure my land transfers and game drives went ahead, even though there was an ad-hoc change i.e. I requested for an afternoon game drive in Botswana to be changed to early morning. Laura and Oscar effected the change and also arranged the required transport to pick me from Botswana back to Zimbabwe. In addition, at the game drive in Zimbabwe, Norman waited patiently for me as the game drive ended an hour later than usual. The staff at Zambezi worked throughout the Christmas hols and were committed in ensuring I had a great safari experience. Thank you Laura, Norman and Oscar, you guys are awesome!