Travel reviews by The Otters from Somerset

"Despite being the only guests we were made to feel extremely welcome and nothing was too much trouble for Emmanuel and his staff.

Our visit to the museum was really interesting and they are justifiably proud of it. The connection with the village is real and vital - and the tour and meeting with the head woman was an importnat contribution to understanding what is at stake.

The craft market has expanded to sell more than just those items carved in the village - this is to its detriment as some of the stuff (copper bracelets) is readily available in town at much cheaper rates (despite haggling). In fact the whole set up of the craft market is slightly unsettling and they should focus on their carvings.

One other of the inclusive actvities which we found a little tacky was the Sunset cruise - undeniably beautiful but after the tranquility of Songwe and the magnificence of the falls, it was rather too 'touristy'.

However theese are minor criticisms and do not in any way take away from what is a really special place - the baths are unbelievable and we were only sorry that our singing was so embarrassingly inadequate against that of the staff!"

"We were looked after so well in every way possible at Nkwali and nothing was too much trouble. The food was absolutely first class and the breakfast toast over the charcoal brazier is the best in the world.

Everyone we met there was very friendly and helpful from the top man Robin Pope who gave us a tour of the camp garden to the boys who helped around the place. Our guide Bertame was very knowledgable particularly about birdlife and we had some great game drives.

Nkwali is a top place to stay and to enjoy the South Luangwa even when it is raining!"

"Nkwichi is an extraordinary place - and will long be so as long as it remains a hassle to get to! The journey is not for the faint hearted or for those who want things to happen quickly. Once you have found the right immigration officers and received the appropriate stamps, and chugged up the Mozambican coastline, you cannot imagine what a wonderful place this is to arrive at.

Shari and Simon and Douglas and all the rest of the staff make it such a relaxed place to be. The way the rooms are sculpted into the landscape is amazing and none of us will ever forget Christmas night, having a drink on the beach, being entertained by the choir from the local church and lightning and fireflies providing the light show.

What makes the place even more special is the work that is going on with the local communities - the farm was really interesting and in three days it was difficult to tear oneself away from the beauty and calm in order to see some of the other Manda Wilderness projects. This may just be the perfect place."

"Although Kaya Mawa initially seemed somewhat crowded (!) after the tranquility of Nkwichi, it was just another great venue.

The staff, and James and Susie in particular, were exemplary in ensuring that you always had what you wanted. Nothing was too much trouble and it was lovely to dine out under the stars in surprise locations each night. New Years Eve dinner was a fantastic meal - almost matched by the hilarity of the fireworks.

If you find steps hard, don't go to Chalet 3 but for relaxation, good food, water activities and for the shopping experience in town, this is a wonderful place."