Reviews of Islands of Siankaba

"What a shame we were only staying for one night! We were whisked efficiently by boat to the islands. Our tents on stilts over a backwater of the Zambezi were luxuriously appointed, and linked to the main restaurant by an exciting swaying suspension bridge.

A refreshing pool with lovely river views.

A fascinating little hideaway to recover from the excitement of the Kazangula crossing!" See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia; 9n in Zambia; 2n in Botswana

"What a wonderful place. We'd definitely go back here.

The location was magnificent, the rooms wonderful, the food amazing and plentiful. We had a great trip to visit the local village with absolutely no pressure to give money - which is so unusual. We loved the fact that the lodge gives so much support to the local villages.

Not a place for children but a wonderful opportunity to unwind and a great place to end our holiday." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia; 4n in Zambia; 1n in Botswana

"Accomodation was dismal, dark, dreary and depressing and looked unclean.

The new managers were overly ingratiating.

Our trips on the Zambesi were memorable and without fault. Two nights would have been sufficient. We would definitely not return." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia

"A good place to spend a relaxing couple of days at the end of our safari experience. We found that it was a good halfway house back to the "real world" and did feel more like a hotel/luxury resort than a top safari lodge. It wasn't quite such a personal and flexible service which we had at the bush camps we stayed in, but for what it was, it was really nice.

It's worth noting that because you are based on the islands in the middle of the river, it's a very relaxing place to be, but it's more tricky to arrange ad hoc activities off the island as this depends on boat/driver availability rather more than elsewhere. Our trip into Livingstone with a guide was very good, and the in-house masseuse was fantastic! The food here was also particularly good (though we never came close to finishing the three course breakfast!!), though the cake at afternoon tea was a bit stale.

There is a very good range of activities available, though it's worth mentioning that the majority of these are at an additional cost." See all these reviews: 7n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia

"We had been concerned about coming into Victoria Falls and finding ourselves in a more touristy environment. Well, we shouldn't have worried. Siankaba is very individual and 30 km away from the falls, so feels exceptionally peaceful.

The level of comfort might feel out of place in the bush but closer to Livingstone it felt fine and we appreciated the luxurious touches, such as the electric blanket! The staff are very well trained but delightfully warm. This is a water place. The sunset river cruise and the tour of Victoria Falls were great.

We were particularly interested in seeing the next door village, where many of the staff come from, and which has benefitted from the support of the Lodge and the guests. The new pre-school is impressive and it felt as if the village community were co-owners of the project, which made the village walk feel comfortable rather than voyeuristic.

This was a great place to end a trip. To sleep listening to the mighty Zambezi flooding past and to return to the UK with the spray from the Victoria Falls in your hair and clothes (yes, you will get a bit wet) was terrific." See all these reviews: 6n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia

"Stunning location on a couple of heavily wooded islands on the upper Zambezi which in May is a veritable torrent of water. Layout of the lodge one of best I have visited with excellent food and service standards. Rooms elevated and very nice with interconnecting walkways. Sunset boat-trip lovely and walks around the area and nearby village full of birdlife. Due to the high water levels, some of the walks were restricted and mokoro trips not possible. Vic Falls visit early in the morning a wonderful way to finish. Great place to relax and I wish we could have stayed longer!" See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia

"We had only 2 nights here and requested to be taken to the falls straight from the airport. Our flight was over one hour late but we were still able to do so. They even provided us with a picnic lunch. Sydney picked us up and took us for the tour of the falls. We were overwhelmed by the falls. The feeling of being completly drenched while walking in what feels like the fall itself is difficult to describe. Having seen lots of pictures of the falls we were surprised at how different you feel when you are actually walking there, in the spray, with the roar and the massive amount of water of the falls. Of course at this time you do not get a clear view of the falls, but you do get a feeling of its power!

The following morning Victor took us for a village tour and again this is an amazing experience, difficult to describe properly. We spent a couple of hours walking around the village and meeting the local people. We also met the headman (who offered to marry us and give us a big party!) and the school teacher Malindi. We were impressed by the school and its facilities. We visited on a Sunday so the children were not at school, but we had a chance to talk to Malindi and he explained to us what they do. Everything was really well organized. They were building an outside playing area as well. It seemed to us that they put a lot of effort in educating and teaching these children.

Everyone we talked to undelined what big difference the lodge has made. Most people working at the lodge are from local villages and the old school used to be just a tin roof, before the lodge. To us this a excellent example of running a "responsible" lodge, giving something back to the community. We really liked all this.

The lodge itself is beautiful, with "jungle-like" footbridges, a perfect terrace where meals are served, a nice pool and great location. Our "tent" was not short of luxury and the veranda is a private window on the river.

We missed our sunset cruise as the weather changed and it rained. We liked the remoteness of the lodge, but it may not be the place for people who want to be in the middle of the falls activities as it is about one hour drive from there.

Food quality was really good and they catered for vegetarian really well.
All the junior members of staff were great with us.

In our personal opinion the atmosphere created by the managers was too formal, especially at dinner, during which there were a few awkward conversations." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia; 5n in Zimbabwe

"A perfect way to end a trip. The rooms are luxury especially the baths! Food, company and optional activities really enjoyable." See all these reviews: 7n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia

"Staying on the Islands of Siankaba was the perfect relaxing end to our trip to Zambia. It is far enough away from Victoria Falls to feel very peaceful, but only took around 30 minutes to reach the Falls. The Islands provided both a tranquil setting and enough birdlife to keep my partner occupied! There were sightings of resident African Finfoots, four different species of Kingfisher and Orange-breasted bush-shrike among lots of others.

There are plenty of activities available or you can just sit on your deck watching the Zambezi rush by.

The staff are very friendly and attentive, but if you have a special dietary requirement it is best to keep reminding so you are not served fish for dinner, or meat at breakfast, when you are vegetarian! That aside the vegetarian menu was very good." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia

"From departing at the mainland to arriving by boat, it is an exceptionaly beatiful and well liad out camp. The accomodation is superb and waking up wit hthe sun straming in and seeing the river and wildlife so close by is an amazing experience.

All the staff are excellent and the guides are very knowledable. River trips by mokor are a must - what a great way to expeience the Zamezi! Evening sun downer trips, massages, swimming and great food! The local village expeience is well worthwhile and the ethos of the owners supporting the local community and school is very commendable.

Thoroughly enjoyed our experience here and we will return!!" See all these reviews: 17n in Zambia