Reviews of Little Vumbura
(96%) From 53 travellersThey do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.
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Little Vumbura review
This was the highlight of our trip. The setting was perfect and we had the best guide, a thoughtful, serious man who shared his country with us. We were so impressed with his knowledge and sensitivity. He went out of his way to find the animals we wanted to see, and provided them all - even our elusive leopard. He was great company at meals, explaining details of life in the delta.
Management was terrific, helping when I was a bit sick, and the staff were all happy - eager to see everyone enjoy a good time. It was an extremely well run camp but beautiful accommodation. The 20 minute boat ride to and from camp added to the whole experience, peaceful remote beauty. And we loved the hippos and elephants sloshing past our tent every night.
We were amazed by the quality of food, presentation, service, and entertaining staff.
Breath taking location
In many ways this was the best camp of the three. But was somewhat spoilt by the lack of flexibility shown by management/staff however this was overcome.
Did not appreciate the style of approach of staff initially experienced when we arrived.
An Island Gem
This was probably our fourth visit to Little Vumbura in 10 years and once again it lived up to expectations in every respect. The intimacy provided by being in a camp only accessible by boat is still very real and coupled with the 'small camp' feel makes it very special indeed.
Everything worked; the rooms, the staff, the food and the guiding were all special. Knowing we had just fallen out of a mind numbing journey, a gentle boat trip to a spectacular sundowner via hippo, malachite and crocodile was exactly what we needed as our first activity. Such is the professionalism of the Little V team, that it was fed to us by osmosis so that we thought it was our own idea!
A special thanks needs to go to Kay our guide. He is, like all his fellow guides in Wilderness, a consummate professional. We saw all that there was to see with the highlights being no less than two herds of sable with enchanting young and hunting wild dogs returned that day from an absence of 2 months. However the absolute icing on the cake was the utterly awesome (in the true sense of the word rather than the modern excuse for poor vocabulary) sight of the coalition of 4 mature, male brother lions currently dominating the Vumbura concession. Their total disdain of any potential competition is palpable and to see them focused and acting as a well drilled team on a buffalo hunt was mesmerising. We felt especially privileged.
Do we recommend Little Vumbura? Oh yes, very strongly.
Little Vumbura review
Another beautiful location. White knuckle ride in the dark one evening getting back to camp.
Our guide was not always quite as polite as he could have been.
Little Vumbura review
Great for game drives. Very friendly small camp.
Read more about the whole safariLittle Vumbura review
Once again, friendly and excellent staff. Unusual and beautiful setting.
We particularly appreciated Frank - one of the managers.
Sevara was a superb guide. On one occasion, he spotted lioness tracks which we started to follow. He then noticed zebra tracks alongside. We continued for some time, and finally came across the lioness, her 4 cubs and a half-eaten zebra. Very impressive!
Little Vumbura review
We did not feel that the camp was up to the usual standard and rather disappointing compared with our previous visit.
The staff did their best but we felt they required more training/backup from managers.
The guide - Sam - was great and we thoroughly enjoyed our game drives with him.
Expert Africa comments
We passed on these comments to Little Vumbura and they were naturally disappointed to hear this less than positive feedback about the camp. Little Vumbura acknowledged that during the month in question a relief duty manager had had a difficult time engaging and working with staff and that this could be put down to “a clash of personalities”. We have been assured that these matters have since been dealt with and that the usual general manager has now returned to the helm. Both management and staff have looked closely at their own performance during these guests’ stay and identified where they can improve in the future. The lodge accepted however that this unfortunate episode was unacceptable and have apologised unreservedly.
We were very happy to hear that these travellers had a good first visit to Little Vumbura but disappointed to read that the next experience didn't meet expectations. We do have great confidence in the management and staff of Little Vumbura though and are glad to hear the issues have been dealt with quickly.
Little Vumbura review
Overall, as indicated above, we really had a wonderful time in Little Vumbura. This was the first camp on our trip, and the staff really helped orient us, since we were a bit jet-lagged a that point. The wildlife viewing was outstanding - especially the leopard with the fresh baboon kill. Our guide, Ka, was experienced and informative; we always felt we were in good hands with him.
All of our meals and "teas" were excellent, and we feel that, overall, it was probably the best food of all three camps. On our third evening, the dinner was served in their boma. They created a special, celebratory atmosphere; the food, service. and attention to detail were wonderful.
The only problem that occurred was the water supply - twice an elephant that roamed the camp broke a pipe. However, they fixed the breaks quickly, and none of them happened while we were showering!
Little Vumbura
Oustanding. Great friendly staff who were very attentive with excellent attention to small details.
As with Duma Tau, the game viewing rules made for good game viewing and we saw leopard on three consecutive days again as well as most other game. Would go back!
The 'visitors' to camp (elephant, hippo and kudu) made things 'interesting'!
Also a lovely camp
After Kwetsani, was difficult to follow. Room was even nicer - but low boardwalks and view not as terrific as Kwetsani.
Our guide was fabulous, but most of other staff not as engaging.
We have always believed that acting responsibly is the only way to approach tourism and we're one of
the few companies to hold AITO's original coveted 5-star status for responsible tourism. It's a lead
that others are now following.
