Travel reviews by Mr & Mrs U from Guildford

"Very friendly camp. Accommodation and location excellent. Game drives enjoyable, knowledgeable guides. Having a local tracker an added bonus.

Lions not in town but did see Cheetah and Giraffe, but not too disappointed as saw plenty of varied antelope and many interesting small mammals. Teeming with bird life. Night skies were awesome - have never seen so many stars!

Very enjoyable stay. Would recommend."

"Chiefs was amazing. The camp was of the highest quality in terms of everything you would need for a great wildlife experience.

Staff attentive without being overbearing, rooms and general areas of highest quality. Although this was undeniably the most luxurious camp we stayed at, it was the guides and the wildlife that set it apart. Our bucket list included the elusive Leopard and the very difficult to see (please be aware you're not very likely everyone warned) African Wild dog, Marian's absolute favourite. With our knowledgeable guide Rex, Christmas came in early and all our wishes came true. We saw dogs every day, in hunting and babysitting mode not at all bothered by our presence.

Think we spotted almost everything Chiefs Island had to offer, including a Serval hunting, except the Carmine Bee-eaters which had already moved on towards Chobe, but think we can forgive them for that. Game drives were relaxed as we stopped often to take in as much as this place could throw at us, very informative and jam packed with animals and birds.

Would thoroughly recommend and would return in a heartbeat."

"This was the only camp that failed to fulfill our expectations. The architecture and layout of this place was fabulous, with the boma and eating areas designed to use the beautiful backdrop of the location. However on our visit we found the standard of food better at other camps and although the staff were attentive, a few were a little inexperienced and some requests took several attempts to correct. The Management however, were highly trained and very personable.

For us, however, it was the game drives that were disappointing. We spent most of the time racing from one location to another looking for the big cats - quite often without success and became a bit boring, but perhaps this is what most guests want? On the first drive we hardly slowed down let alone stopped to look at anything else and trying to spot birds in the trees or bushes was a non starter. Asked guides the following day to slow down and stop more, which in fairness they did and we saw more game, including Leopard!

The afternoon drives ended with approximately 45 mins night viewing but we didn't see much. This got us back to the lodge late most nights so didn't have time to change or freshen up before dinner and getting up early the following morning didn't make for leisurely evenings. Most guests okay with set up but it wasn't for us, all felt a bit rushed. This was the only camp where our guide didn't join us for meals and discuss what we might like to see and do for the day if possible.

A guide from another camp told us 'if you go too fast you might leave the good things behind'. Couldn't have said it better."

"Were told by other travellers that this would be the most 'informal' of all the camps we stayed at. Was certainly very relaxed but not at all unprofessional. Food and service excellent. Little gem in the middle of nowhere!

The staff were passionate about their camp and their wildlife and it was infectious! Everyone seemed to know something about the area or the things that lived there and we learned much about the ecology of the place and how everything fitted together. Game drives great with lots to see, but it was the guides and the camp staff that made it special. Staff would join us for meals if possible and our guide was always with us. Made us feel like part of one happy family as well as guests. Had elephants and hippos in the camp at night, noisy but exciting.

Sadly no wild dogs in the area since end of last year but Matt our guide did find a Carmine Bee-eater. Saw a huge variety of animals and birds. Grass getting a bit tall this time of year so might be a bit restricting for spotting smaller critters!

We were a little rushed leaving camp because we had to take the jeep back to the airstrip instead of the boat so forgot to sign the visitors book. Have contacted Dorian at GP office to pass our thanks on to ALL the staff for a truly unforgettable end to our holiday in Botswana."

"This hotel is packed with charm and history and has probably the best back garden in the world! We ate in the patio area both evenings, food was good - service mixed. First night was a bit curt and indifferent by our server but the second night we had a different waiter and he was excellent.

View of the bridge lit up at night was wonderful. Breakfast on both mornings taken at Jungle Junction, buffet style lots of choice everything cooked to order.

You have to excuse this hotel for some of her faults, noisy and inefficient plumbing, squeaking floors etc. as she is showing her age a little but magnificent all the same.

Very convenient to walk to the Falls from the hotel gate if you don't mind being harassed by the vendors all the time."