Travel reviews by Dr & Mrs H from UK

"We are seasoned safari hands and deliberately chose Lake Manze Camp for two reasons.

Firstly because it offers a more authentic 'bush' experience than some of the more luxurious camps. This proved to be the case - we were able to watch elephants bathing and giraffes passing in front of our tent. The camp blends well with the surroundings giving a feel of fly camping but with added facilities! The tent has no electricity but is spacious and well appointed.

Secondly because we hoped it would provide good game viewing and guiding. The guiding was first class both on land and on the lake. We had stayed at other camps in Selous and had to travel longish distances to see much game. At Lake Manze the game was on the doorstep.

Nothing was too much trouble for the managers - who were under pressure due to lack of water (now resolved). Food was the only negative - not very high quality although vegetarians might be happy."

"This was our second visit to Kwihala and the first time we have ever made a return visit to a safari camp. We were not disappointed.

The guides (we had Lorenzo and Saidi) are among the very best we have come across and demonstrate what a difference good guiding makes. Not just been able to spot game but to 'think' like the game and through patience and persistence make unforgettable memories for guests.

The camp is run extremely well and the small size makes for a family atmosphere with tales being shared around the camp fire before a first class dinner in the evening.

We hope the new owners keep Kwihala as it is - as we plan to return!"

"We stayed at Butiama for 4 nights after a safari. It is lovely place to relax and Maura and the staff were welcoming and helpful. The room was spacious and well appointed with a lovely veranda with sofa and hammock. A few strides took us to the glorious beach where we could take a stroll or just relax. A light lunch is offered and can be taken by the pool, on the beach or in your room.

Information was given to us on the activities verbally on the first evening.. We assumed all activities were available every day but this was not the case. However when we did ask for a different activity to those on offer they did accommodate us.

A folder in the room with all information would have been helpful and easier than having to ask for prices etc. at the bar.

All in all an excellent end to out Tanzanian holiday."

"Selous Impala was a really good first stop for a safari holiday.

Ideally situated overlooking the river the camp offers both driving and water activilies. We enjoyed both - the variety of birdlife and the fishing on the water and the beautiful game drives around the acacia forests. We were fortunate to see the wild dogs en route from the airstrip and Gerrard came up trumps with an excellent lion sighing.

The camp is very well run with excellent service (personal waiters and Masai warriers to escort us to bed.)"

"A lovely experience. A friendly efficient team catered for our needs.

It was wonderful to get up at sunrise and watch the wildlife wake!"

"good"

"This camp was the highlight of our stay in Tanzania. Beautiful tents were widely spaced to give maximum privacy. Service was exceptional - even the drawers were tidied and clothes refolded.

The bucket showers provided a touch of the real bush experience. Without doubt, however, our stay was made 'special' by the guiding of Marius. Marius has a true passion and is very happy to share it liberally. We were happilly riisng each day at 5 to be off by half past to experience the African sunrise.

Game viewing was excellent - two lion prides, leopards and 700+ buffalo - lots of bird life. We are old African hands but we found we still had much to learn."

"We really enjoyed our stay at Pole Pole after staying in safari camps. It was very relaxed and designed to allow visitors to chill out. Excellent room with a terrace and day bed. With the package comes a free activity each day - we chose a snorkeling trip in a dhow followed by lunch on a deserted island and a trip to Chole island where we saw the remains of the old slave market, a modern dhow building and hundreds of fruit bats.

A trip to swim with the whale sharks (not free) was a wonderful experience.

The down side of Pole Pole as mentioned elswhere is the tidal nature of the site. Activity timings depend on the tide and swimming from the beach is not easy. We were disappointed that the new swimming pool was not available - we understood it was to be finished in January."

"We chose to end our stay in Tanzania in Zanzibar instead of spending a night in Dar es Salaam and it was well worth the extra short plane hop. We had just enough time to explore and get lost in Stone Town - a fascinating place.

The Zanzibar Palace lived up to its reputation - a beautiful room with enormous bath, excellent service and the best meal of the holiday."

"Enjoyed the water based activities very much, fishing and canoeong excellent. Night drives disappointing and long. Wildlife viewings from the canoe excellent.

Visit to village and cultural centre a highlight - to be recommended."