Reviews of Impala Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
278 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Impala Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Off roading at Impala"
Our guide, Mpogo was amazing. He worked so hard, wanting to show us the sights and sounds of the Selous, both by 4 x 4 and boat. His tracking skills and eyesight were legendary! He had a lifetime of knowledge of the area and answered our endless questions readily and in depth, giving us so much background information and many great photo opportunities. His patience on our fishing expedition was noteworthy! We certainly enjoyed his company and left (sadly) with a much greater understanding of this diverse environment and special memories of leopard sightings and a close encounter with at least thirty elephants. Even Mpogo took photos!
The meals and choice were excellent, with something for everyone and all dietary requests caterd for. Everyone went that extra mile (km?) to make my husbands 60th birthday a special event. A handmade card, cake and our own table in the bush, accompanied by an English and Kiswahilli rendition of Happy Birthday, made it a truly memorable occasion.
We would like to make just one suggestion. It would be nice to be given the option to sit with other 'campers', particularly at lunch and dinner. There were four of us and we did swop our experiences with others in the bar, but especially for those travelling alone or as couples, the opportunity to share a table and exchange stories, might really round of the day." See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania
"Perfect safari at Impala"
From the moment when Dennis picked us up from Mtemere to the (sad) moment when he drove us back on the last day, all the staff was incredibly helpful, reliable, friendly and professional. We did not personally meet everyone but here are a few names: Dennis who patiently drove us everywhere, constantly giving explanations and always finding whatever animal we were looking for. Mokamba who leads the walking safari and seems to know everything about the bush. Daudi who waited on us always with a smile (giving us some free Swahili lessons as well). The chef is great, we were spoiled with three excellent meals a day, bush breakfast and lunches. monica is vegetarian and she ate different dishes every day.
Matteo and Barbara are the perfect managers, always smiling and helpful; they chat with you but always make sure you have your privacy. Everyone seems to effortelessy do the extra mile for you with a smile. There are too many people and too many details to describe them all, so forgive us if we do not mention someone/something!
The camp is not described as luxurious but to us it was perfect - a beautiful tent, perfect location, en-suite hot shower, purified water. Andrea the hyppo walking around in the evening...the bush babies screaming during the night...the monkeys jumping on the roof of our tent...
The highlight of our stay were definetely the walking safari, they were just a overwhelming! We wish to go back and spend a few days in a fly camp. Another great detail is that you have the guide and driver for yourself and every day you can choose what activity you wish.
Despite the fact that it was officially low season we saw lions, a leopard, wild dogs (with puppies!), hyppos, crocs, giraffes, baboons, you name it! It maight be that we were really lucky! The landscape was still green and really beautiful. It is very difficult to describe the feelings and emotions in writing as our experience was so much better than these words!!
Asante sana to everyone. We love Impala Camp." See all these reviews: 4n in Tanzania; 2n in Zanzibar
"Great Safari at Impala camp"
The difference between here and Manze is that here they were much clearer on their roles and all pulled their weight - the result being a superbly ran 'hotel' in the middle of the Selous." See all these reviews: 6n in Tanzania; 3n in Zanzibar
"Selous Impala Camp review"
"Fabulous time at Selous Impala camp"
The food was lovely and well presented. Our waiter, Obani was very nice, friendly and attentive. We loved the fact that the camp is small and made you feel totally relaxed. The intimate numbers made it easy to chat with other guests about the days experiences whilst enjoying a refreshing drink.
Organising the following day's itinery with Chloe was great as it made you feel that you are in charge of you days rather than doing what everyone else is doing. Having more options (game drives, boat trips, guided walks or fishing) than other safaris we have done was wonderful. Ezra (our guide) was great and Raja really knows how to drive a 4x4. Going off road was new to us as we have always had to stick to the tracks in previous safaris and made the game drives extra special. We stayed for 6 nights and enjoyed not having to travel to other lodges. Although some people think that 4 days is enough in 1 place we feel that there is so much to see and experience there is no chance of getting bored. If we had stayed any less time we would have regretted it." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania
"Selous Impala Camp Review"
Our tent was very comfortable and provided everything we needed - including a very welcome fan! And the westerly view from its deck across the bend in the river was lovely. For us, the water safaris were again the high point but we did have great game drives and a lovely early morning walk.
And we became such good friends with one of the Maasai escorts that our final departure at the airstrip was rather emotional !" See all these reviews: 16n in Tanzania; 2n in Zanzibar
"Selous Safari Camp review"
The afternoon boat trips were fantastic and Hassan's knowledge of birds was first class. We were able to get very close to Malachite Kingfishers and Bee-eaters. The large flocks of Egrets and Open-billed Storks in the evening light was a wonderful sight to see.
Game viewing by vehicle was a bit more difficult as everywhere was very green and animals more difficult to find and see. However, the large flocks of Carmine Bee-eaters were fantastic flying around the vehicle. We saw a large pride of Lions and a Leopard.
I would like to return in September to see how different it is in the dry season." See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania
"Selous Impala Camp review"
The food was usually good, although occasionally dishes were a bit too ambitious and were not quite right. Sitting at your own table would not suit everyone, particularly someone travelling alone. I would have preferred communal eating. The breakfasts in the bush were excellent.
It was very hot when we were there, so the small pool was very welcome. I liked the fact that you kept the same waiter and guides for the entire stay as it enabled you to build a good rapport." See all these reviews: 15n in Tanzania
"What a view in the Selous"
The detailed knowledge of the guides about the eco systems was very thorough and they were happy to share this with us. One guide with such a good knowledge base and generosity of spirit took us out around the camp and talked in great detail about the plants, animals and birds - we were thrilled by this reaching out to us as visitors.
Thank heavens for the pool as the temperature got up to 38 most afternoons. The heat was on the edge of what we could manage, but we began to acclimatise. We had a good mix of walking, boating and game drives with most spectacular birds.
Most of the food was excellent and the bush meals great fun and hugely enjoyable - my only slight criticism is that all the breads were dense and very heavy, sitting in my stomach like lead weights. Maybe the climate is too hot for yeast?
WE felt this was a good camp for a honeymoon due to the wonderful atmosphere and facilities, but going at a cooler time of year would be more enjoyable." See all these reviews: 14n in Tanzania
"Fabulous Safari at Selous Impala Camp"
Paul was really pleased they gave him a meat alternative when fish was served at lunch time. I liked the barbeque when all the guests and some of the guides sat down together. I mentioned this to our hostess (apologise I can't remember her name) and she said some guests liked being alone especially if they were on honeymoon or were there for a special occasion. I said it was our wedding anniversary and the next evening we were treated to a romantic candle lit dinner complete with a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine.
All the staff, without exception, were kind, friendly and helpful and made the whole experience delightful.
Our only negative comment would be that it might have been nice to have a few more loungers round the pool." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania; 7n in Zambia; 3n in Zanzibar
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