Reviews of Shoebill Island Camp
(90%) From 2 travellersThey do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.
| 
Remarkable wetlands, remarkable wildlife
In common with, we suspect, the significant majority of visitors there, we went to Bangweulu with a specific objective, ie to see shoebills. With two sightings - one good, one excellent - we came away after our two-night stay well satisfied that we had achieved our goal. The bonuses were: the spectacular wetlands scenery; the literally thousands of black lechwe grazing the grasslands; abundant birdlife in addition to the shoebills (including some notable rarities); and the fascinating dynamic between the wetlands and its wildlife on the one hand and the fishing communities much in evidence there on the other.
Our guide, Webby, and boatmen did an excellent job on our outings into the wetlands; and the chief steward, Paul, looked after us well in the mess tent.
As for the accommodation, meals etc, Shoebill is - as advertised - fairly basic; but that certainly did not detract from our enjoyment of the whole experience.
Shoebill Island Camp review
Wonderful location and trips by boat and vehicle. We saw three Shoebiills and many other beautiful birds. The meories of gliding in a boat through the water lillies will stay with us for a long time. The tranquil atmosphere may have been even better than usual becasue we were the only guests. Frank, our guide was excellent, finding a Sitatunga very close to the camp and a spotted eagle owl on the island.
The camp staff were also very attentive, the tents were comfortable and hot water available when needed. Food was very good and the supply of hot and cold drinks plentiful.
We had been warned that the landing strip near the camp was not usable, so we had a 60km trip by vehicle in both directions on fairly poor roads, but this gave us the opportunity to see some more of the countryside and the villages. It was interesting to be able to compare them with the much samller fishing villages in the wetlands themselves.
Very relaxing, a great experience.
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.
