Reviews of Pioneer Camp
(76%) From 62 travellersThey do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.
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Pioneer Camp review
Efficient and friendly 'front of house', especially the man who organised getting everyone to the airport. But the food was not very good and the service in the restaurant was distinctly average eg when we arrived we were offered tea but there was no milk and none appeared when requested, there was no tea or coffee after the evening meal, which came with veg instead of salad, various choices at breakfast had run out etc.
Overall as a stopover it was convenient and reasonably priced, and the room was comfortable if a little characterless, but I can not imagine wanting to stay there except to get to the airport.
most depressing place we've ever had to stay
This was awful and not really our first choice for our last night in Lusaka before flying out the next morning. Your Expert Africa representative advised us to stay there because of its proximity to the airport. However, that should not be the guiding factor in helping a client select accomodation.
We were out in the middle of nowhere and didn't have access to Lusaka as information provided suggested, so instead of getting a late afternoon in Lusaka for shopping, we were left with nothing to do. The room was very basic -- holes in the mosquito netting, hard to get hot water, even with every light on, the room was poorly lit. And Expert Africa should not put people out there in the middle of a Zambian winter as the windows only have screens, so as the temps dropped to 5-6 degrees, we froze. There were blankets which we used despite their musty-damp smell.
I would have preferred getting up earlier and leaving from Lusaka rather than suffering a poor night's sleep at Pioneer Camp. This really let you down.
Expert Africa comments
We have had a response to these comments from Paul, the owner of Pioneer Camp. He has sincerely apologised to us and directly to the travellers for the poor level of the accommodation that they experienced during their stay. He has told us that he will be addressing the issues raised immediately, as he understands that some of them are unacceptable.
As a gesture of goodwill he has also offered these travellers a complimentary stay at Pioneer Camp, should they be in Lusaka any time in the future.
Pioneer Camp is currently quite a simple lodge, and some people may prefer a more upmarket city hotel like the Taj Pamodzi albeit at a higher cost. That said, we understand that Pioneer Camp may undergo some changes during the course of next year - upgrading the rooms and also building a new restaurant. Speak to us for the latest news on these upgrades.
OK as an overnight stop before flying home
We had been undoubtedly spoilt with the four previous accomodations, and the Pioneer Camp was a bit of a disappointment. The "luxury" chalets are in need of renovation and refurbishment (damaged blinds, scruffy bedding and towels). Paul the manager was helpful in doing our BA check-in.
The evening meal was more pub than restaurant. It was a bit of a disappointment all round at the end of an otherwise perfect holiday. In its favour it was nearer the airport than the hotels of Lusaka. It is a campsite and looks like one.
Pioneer Camp review
It was very nice to go to another camp rather than a hotel in Lusaka and the owner and food were very good.
However, the room we were given was very dark and curtains would not draw. Also the bedside lampshade was burnt at the top. It just needed a bit of cosmetic tender loving care!
Pioneer Camp review
The last night is always a difficult one and we've tried Taj Pamodzi and Chaminuka before. It's hard for us to judge because we arrived after dark and had to leave very early in the morning.
One thing we didn't appreciate was being dumped late at night with our bags and then trying to find our way back to the dining area in the dark. Turns out there was a portable light in the room, but we didn't recognise it as such.
The owner was friendly and realising our tiredness began cooking our dinner order whilst we were being taken to the chalet so that we could just eat and go to bed.
very convenient for airport
pick up[ service from airport was good, accomodation was to a high standard and very quiet. Evening meals were good and chef can do veggie specials upon request
Read more about the whole tripPioneer Camp was a quiet out of the way place
The camp was very accomodating for us. The food was good.
The matresses in the room were quite old and used - we got a lot of insect bites from the mattresses??
The rest of the facility was good.
It was quite far from the city of Lusaka, so visitors have to be aware that a taxi ride to anywhere will cost more than 150,000 kwacha ($30) one way.
Pioneer Camp review
Nice and quite place.
The staff has been very kind. The room was very spacious and extremely confortable.
Great food!
Pioneer Camp review
Not much to say, really. It was somewhere to stay at the end of our trip.
Much more backpacker/laptop/mobile phone/just out of town atmosphere.
Good location being handy for the airport but out of town.
Pioneer Camp review
Nice camp in a calm and quite area. The room was spacious and very confortable.
Read more about the whole trip
We have always believed that acting responsibly is the only way to approach tourism and we're one of
the few companies to hold AITO's original coveted 5-star status for responsible tourism. It's a lead
that others are now following.
