Travel reviews by Mr T - Hertfordshire

A memorable safari

On this trip, I visited Zambia between 17-Mar-2013 and 30-Mar-2013 and I travelled alone.

I had been to Luangwa before, so knew roughly what to expect, and was not disappointed generally. There was not a great quantity of game around (or at least visible), which is perhaps to be expected at this time of year, but everyone tried very hard to ensure a good safari, and the river boat trips provided a very novel experience.

I would have no hesitation in recommending the area, and both RPS and NCS, to anyone contemplating a "real" Africa safari.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

I think you do a pretty good job as it is, no changes necessary.

I stayed at and have reviewed:

Place	Overall rating
Nkwali, Zambia 18-Mar-2013 review: A great start	Excellent
Nsefu, Zambia 20-Mar-2013 review: Drama at lunchtime	Excellent
Kakuli Bushcamp, Zambia 24-Mar-2013 review: Lovely to return after a few years	Excellent
Nkwali, Zambia 28-Mar-2013 review: Leopard at last!	Excellent
Pioneer Camp, Zambia 29-Mar-2013 review: A good last night	Excellent

Luangwa doesn't disappoint

On this trip, I visited Zambia between 30-Aug-2008 and 11-Sep-2008 and I travelled alone.

From start to finish, the whole trip went very smoothly, with all movements linking seamlessly, especially in the bush where the logistics of moving people and supplies around between camps must be a nightmare. Congratulations to the unseen logistics team.

As far as the safari experience went, the whole holiday was a marvellous experience. I consider it to be a privilege to be lucky enough to visit places as wild as Luangwa with such a high level of comfort, and with such friendly people, whose sole aim seemed to be my enjoyment. Poor Theresa was distraught when previous guests ran her out of Mosi, but we made do with red wine OK, until the truck arrived next morning with fresh supplies.

I know Anna was in the bushcamps at the same time as me, but unfortunately our paths never crossed. I hope her experience was on a par with mine. I returned home a happy bunny with lovely memories of a great part of Africa, apart from the Tetse bites which still itch a little!

Thankyou all.

Suggestions for improvement:

It is always helpful to have an up to date indication of tipping levels, and the fact that dollars are acceptable virtually everywhere.
Similarly with extra expenses eg airport/flight taxes. Then one can ensure one has the correct amounts available in the necesary denominations, with no nasty surprises at barriers.

There was a lot of uncertainty as to the obligation to tip or not, the armed scout ,as he is not employed by NCS. The requirement to tip the guide separately is covered in Chris's book, but perhaps all the above could be swept up into the 'Notes for travellers' booklet

I stayed at and have reviewed:

Place	Overall rating
Kapani Lodge, Zambia 31-Aug-2008 review: kick off	Excellent
Nsolo Bushcamp, Zambia 2-Sep-2008 review: Her father's daughter	Excellent
Kakuli Bushcamp, Zambia 4-Sep-2008 review: noisy hippos; great people	Excellent
Mchenja Bushcamp, Zambia 6-Sep-2008 review: just possibly the lovliest setting, but close	Excellent
Luwi Bushcamp, Zambia 8-Sep-2008 review: Luwi Bushcamp review	Excellent
Kapani Lodge, Zambia 10-Sep-2008 review: Final day	Excellent
Taj Pamodzi Hotel, Zambia 11-Sep-2008 review: Taj Pamodzi Hotel review	Excellent