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
Email Colleen S. | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Thoughtfully crafted safari experience that provided amazing variety and took care of all the detail
From the time I contacted Silence and Oscar to inquire about their services, they communicated clearly and responded promptly, and provided information so as I could trust I was getting the experience I was looking for. Their service exceeded my expectations and my family of 5 had a once in a lifetime experience. We chose the Maun to Victoria Falls tour and each location was so special it was hard to choose our favourite. Our guide Francis was professional, knowledgeable and went the extra mile to provide just the right touch to our experience. He is such a kind soul with passion for his work and by the end of the tour, our family was very sad to say goodbye to him. He helped us feel comfortable, safe and helped us trouble shoot our onward journey through to the Midlands of Zimbabwe. He really saw what my family needed in this experience and took care of all the details for us. He was a joy to be around. The accomodation provided along the way was very nice, especially Elephant Sands and Chobe Safari Lodge. The game drives were amazing and we absolutely loved the Mokoro boat ride and walk in the Okavango delta. This company incorporates the community services into what they provide so that the people of the land also benefit from the tourism. Botswana was so beautiful and teaming with wildlife, especially elephants and giraffes and impalas so there was something to see every corner we took. I would highly recommend choosing this company and location if you are after an amazing African experience with a company you can trust to make it a very memorable trip! Thank you Francis!
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Email Dr. Henry Kamagy | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Superb and amazing
This was the best experience. The drivers were always timely, courteous and very professional. They made our entire tour an experience that is unforgettable. On our last day as we drove from Victoria falls to the airport, the Manager had the courtesy to request if we would pass by their offices so he personally appreciates us choosing them for our travels. Highly recommend Zambezi Expeditions anytime, any day. They are the absolute best
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Email Zineb | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
needs to significantly improve the organization of their safari trips and the overall quality of the
We recently participated in a safari tour with Zambezi Expedition Tour and Travel for 9 days from June 6th to 15th, and we want to express our disappointment with several aspects of the experience. As experienced safari travelers, we expected better.
Firstly, we booked and committed to this trip for a specific amount, but once there, Oscar asked for an additional 1000 euros. I had to send the signed quote for him to remember the agreed amount.
The accommodation plan for Chobe National Park, as published on Safari Booking, indicated lodges. However, upon arrival, it turned out to be a camping lodge, which did not match the pictures of the rooms shown in the plan.
We complained to Oscar about this, but he claimed it wasn't mentioned in the commitment plan. Eventually, he upgraded us to the room specified in the plan and the quotes. The game drive in Chobe National Park was organized by another safari company. They asked us to be at the hotel reception at 8:30 AM for an 8:45 AM pick-up, but the driver was 40 minutes late, resulting in a shortened game drive in the morning.
The accommodation at Victoria Falls was also supposed to be a lodge, but again, we were surprised to find it was a tent. It was too warm during the day and too cold at night, making it very uncomfortable.
All the tour plans and activities were organized by other travel companies, giving the impression that Zambezi Expedition is merely an intermediary that finds clients for other travel companies without caring about the quality of service offered to their clients.
On a positive note, the best activity of the trip was the Okavango Delta. It was well organized, and the guide and cook were very nice people.
We chose our trip with Zambezi Expedition Tour and Travel after reading all the good reviews on Safari Booking, but we were disappointed. We have been on many other safaris and enjoyed them, but this one did not meet our expectations.
Reply from Zambezi Expedition Travel and Tours
Posted on Jul 1, 2024Thank you very much for the review expressing your disappointment with the safari which you chose,it is our duty to ensure all our Guest receive a quality service as per our previous Guest experienced exceptional service with all our safari experiences, Zambezi expedition Travel and tours is very committed in making sure all our Guest enjoy and we take each complain seriously. For the safari which you selected was a Budget Camping tour and it is heighted on the tour you selected. Camping within lodges apparently site the pictures of the hotel however the itinerary itself explains clearly that it is camping tour within these facilities. I understand that camping during our winter time is sometimes uncomfortable, as an organisation we understood where you did not want to stay in a tent and you opted to stay in a lodge and we had to pay an upgrade for you whereas we were not supposed to do so as we are selling this tour as a Budget camping. Again when you arrived in Victoria falls we explained your itinerary and you understood that you were staying in a tent and you seemed to be happy. in our previous communication you were aware that you will be camping and that was the reason why you asked us to book an upgrade at Rainbow Hotel for your last night. i would like to express my apologies for your late pick up in Botswana for your Safari that was due to the first pickup Guests delayed to come out from the room, i will talk to our partners to make sure they always keep time when they pick our Guests, I am very happy that you enjoyed your trip in Okavango Delta.
Email Washington Masveta | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great!
The people at Zambezi Expedition were very friendly and helpful. Arranging our tour with them was a breeze, and their communication was on point. The tour itself was the day trip to Hwange from Victoria Falls, and we couldn’t have asked for better! The guide was knowledgeable, patient and went above and beyond to accommodate the needs of my family. We saw lions, dozens of elephants , giraffes , Zebras, wildebeest and a lot more smaller game. Highly recommend Zambezi Expeditions!
I can’t say enough about Zambezi Expeditions! Highly recommended !
Our guide Frances took amazing care of us the whole trip. So professional and showed such an eye for detail. We learned so much from him because of the way he shared his knowledge with us. A trip of a lifetime that me and my family will remember forever! We now have a new saying “Think like Frances “ 😂. Thank you Zambezi Expeditions and thank you Frances ! Highly recommended 😉
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Email Pietro | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
AMAZING 6 DAYS - ZIMBABWE/BOTSWANA
Oscar with his whole staff were really kind and helpful, they’ve programmed every step of the tour in the best way and the outcome was amazing! Thank you very much!
Email Vincent Lao | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very accommodating to our needs, budget price with option to upgrade
Everything is good, they had accommodated to our every need. We were kept very busy and tired (in a good way ofcourse) during our 3 days tour, the tent provided is rather basic, but you can upgrade to a proper room by paying a bit more so that's not a big deal considering the price of the package.
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Email David | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent Service
From the moment we got off of the plane at VFA airport we were looked after superbly by the team at Zambezi Expeditions. All of the team were friendly and helpful but I would particularly like to mention Silence and Nomvula in the office (very responsive to all enquiries) and Moses, Alpha and Felicitas who guided us on our various activities. Good value for money and I highly recommend them
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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).
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Email Emma Hofmann | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Customized Safari Bostswana & Zimbabwe
We booked our 9 day tour after a lot of research with Zambezi tours HQ located in Victoria Falls. Oscar and Silence were very responsive to all our questions via email, whatapp text and phone calls. Our 9 days customized tour was beyond our expectations. Francis met us directly at the Maun airport (after long flights from CA to NY to to Johannesburg to Maun) and took us to our first night in Audi Camp. Restful night in Audi Camp we started our safari in Okavango Delta where we had a very knowledgeable guide (Jackie) who taught us the history, flora, and guided us to see elephants, hippos, giraffe, zebras, and too many birds to list. After a magical 2 days we were transported to Elephant Sands and spent 1night seeing up close and personal elephants from our lovely room overlooking the wildlife watering hole. Another 2 nights in Chobe National park with guided safari tours both on land and via the river we saw kudo, impalas, hippos, crocodiles, elephants and lions. And lastly we were transported to Victoria Falls Zimbabwe to finish the tour with seeing the 7th natural wonder of the world was breathtaking. I highly recommend Zambezi tours for their personalized service, responsiveness, the ability to customize your tour. Oscar (owner) was very helpful throughout the whole planning and everyone one of his staff (guides, drivers etc) were knowledgeable and excited to share their backgrounds and knowledge. THANK YOU for an amazing 9 days.
