Travel reviews by The Hammerkops from Stoke

"We specifically visited Luangwa at the end of rainy season on this trip in order to experience and contrast the gorgeous greenery of the bush and the full river with the scorched but open bush of July. It was excellent fun and very worthwhile; plenty of game which kind of strolls out of a clump of bush unexpectedly. Wonderful bird life - whatever you do take a good pair of binoculars. Our guides Abel and Aubrey were of course excellent and amazing at spotting the birds - we can spot a Hammerkop at 10 kilometres now!

We were, through choice, at Kapani for a total of 5 nights which on reflection was perhaps a bit too long for the wet season since many vehicle tracks are impassable thus preventing the Landcruisers to range far and wide as in the dry season. It would make for interesting variety to drive out as far as possible and go walkabout as at Mchenja. Do visit the school.

Even though staff do change over at Kapani there is the same delightful ambience. Rosie was a wonderful hostess to us and everyone else. Thank you to Mr A Banda who expertly runs a very first rate operation."

"Again, a second visit to Mchenja which is indeed a lovely spot. Being on the river is brilliant of itself and for the viewing and access to the bush. To top it all we drifted downstream one morning watching a mother leopard and cub strolling along the river bank just a few hundred meters south of Mchenja. Levi led us on some excellent, informative and entertaining walkabouts in the bush which was great fun. Ditto the boat 'safaris' in and around the creeks. Levi is a fine guy and a fine guide.

Richard and Sue were lovely and attentive hosts for which thanks to you both. The camp itself is just great and so are the chefs who produce wonderful food especially considering where the camp is. Next trip we shall walkabout between camps."

"This was a couple of nights stay after Mchenja and prior to leaving for Lake Malawi. The same comments apply as stated previously. If we visited in the wet season again I think we would prefer to spend more time at Mchenja primarily because of the availability of going on boat and foot safari which is a really good combination for close-up bush experience.

Norman Carr Safaris do have a consistent and well tuned 'product' which includes not cramming too many bodies onto the vehicles which we have often observed with other camp safari vehicles in Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi park."

"A beautifully scenic and relaxing white sand beach location wherin the main accommodation block could do with some updating to make the best of the place. Food quality and variety is good with evening dining outside in the garden or on the beach being very pleasant. Chintheche is very much a family lounge-about place very popular with expats from Lilongwe for a long weekend. The 4h 45m drive from Lilongwe airport is a bit of a 'hike'- the return journey seemed better.

The operator, Wilderness Safaris, meet/greet/transport/ driver & guide service was excellent & our compliments to Fetswani who looked after us courteously, engagingly and drove very well.

We understand that Wilderness Safaris, who have only operated Chintheche for a short while as franchisee, are indeed planning a major accommodation upgrade very soon. The location warrants and deserves it. We are pleased to have visited Malawi: nice people, scenery and climate and inexpensive (4 day bar & wine bill only $150)"