Reviews of Pelo Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
9 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Pelo Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa

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"Pelo Camp review"
Our welcome was not great and there were issues with catering for our dietary requirements due to (it would appear) our requests not being passed on to the kitchen. However, once we made our concerns known, the food dramatically improved, and we finished on a high with a celebratory last dinner on the deck replete with champagne – all delicious it was too. Chefs were superb. Food is help yourself buffet. Maybe better if like other camps, main course could be pre-ordered to save food being cooked unnecessarily?
Our guide Lesh was charming and knowledgeable. He was competent on birds but not outstanding. Nevertheless, the birding here was possibly the best of the three camps - which more than compensated for us for the lack of big predator sightings. While we were aware that his was supposed to be a ‘water-based’ activity camp, the water levels had fallen to such an extent that the camp had reverted to more traditional game driving. Take this into account when booking. Lesh did take us on a great walking safari as well.
Our tents (with solid sliding doors) were comfortable if not quite as well equipped as our previous camps. We think some attention to maintenance is due ( e.g. a broken shower bottle holder resulted in smashed glass in the shower).
To make up for the lack of game sightings – our mokoro trip on the last afternoon was a highlight – a beautiful languorous way to spot birds and animals (some great sightings of the rare Sitatunga antelope).
A
s we said previously, the camp staff were charming but some of them lacked confidence and initiative – and the standing and watching while you eat is a bit disconcerting. Probably better when the camp has more guests – after the first evening we were the sole guests in the camp.
Overall, we’ d say Pelo is a great camp for birding and, when the water levels are high, water-based activities. Not so great for more conventional game viewing through the landscape and flora are fascinating and worth exploring." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana

Buffalo
3 sightings

Elephant
4 sightings

Giraffe
Multiple sightings

Hippo
Multiple sightings

Sitatunga
1 sighting

Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
"Pelo Camp review Good substitute for Jacana"
Good sightings of wide variety of birds, and of many animals which aren't on the sighting list eg steenbok. bushbuck,lechwe, crocodiles, warthogs etc.
Lovely location.
Due to good level of water this year, the grass was rather too high to see much from mokoros, but still a lovely experience." See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana; 7n in Namibia

Buffalo
1 sighting

Elephant
9 sightings

Giraffe
1 sighting

Hippo
7 sightings

Sitatunga
2 sightings
"Pelo a lovely small camp"
We liked the small size of the camp and the staff were all very friendly. Due to the lack of water, game drives were on offer and again we had game drives to ourselves with Lech(?). He was very good at making sure I had my binoculars lined up for animal sightings. We saw 2 leopards, a sitatunga. wild dogs as well as many elephants, buffalo etc. We enjoyed a couple of mokoro trips and saw the rare Pels fishing owl, wattled crane and slatey egret.
Although there was wifi in the rooms this was not working whilst we were there.
The only concern was the lack of co-ordination for boat transfers to and from the lodge. When we arrived from the airport and arrived at the water one of the managers had just arrived and after introducing himself he said to Lech there was no petrol in one of the boats so he would have to transfer some from the other boat At the end of the trip we were ready 30 mins before departure and then heard the helicopter, for our return to Maun arrive, admittedly a bit early. However the lodge then realised there was no boat available for our transfer. Lech took us by mokoro so far and then we transferred to the boat which was returning with guests from their game drive. this was therefore a much slower journey and the helicopter pilot had to wait for our arrival and the other guests had longer in the boat." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia

Buffalo
4 sightings

Elephant
7 sightings

Giraffe
2 sightings

Hippo
4 sightings

Leopard
2 sightings

Lion
1 sighting

Sitatunga
2 sightings

Wild dog
1 sighting

Wildebeest
1 sighting

Zebra
2 sightings
"Pelo, a lovely island camp"
The camp is very small and intimate with only five tents. The food was excellent and the staff very friendly and helpful, one evening providing some excellent singing and dancing prior to dinner which took place outside in their boma.
The only downside were the clouds of mosquitoes which are prevalent at this time of year." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe

Buffalo
5 sightings

Elephant
6 sightings

Hippo
5 sightings

Lion
1 sighting

Wildebeest
2 sightings

Zebra
5 sightings
"Pelo Camp review"
We were there for 3 days and we were a bit surprised that we only had one mokoro trip in that time. With hindsight 2 nights here would probably have sufficed.
We really enjoyed our 'traditional' evening in the boma with the attendant choir." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"A world apart at Pelo Camp"
David, our guide, was superb. We saw lots of animals of antelopes and elephants and, of course, many wondrous birds. It was a thrill to encounter elephants hidden among the bush on the shore, but also crossing from island to island. The watery scenery with all its plant types--and the compete absence of any sign of humans--was essential to the experience.
The camp is intimate with just five tents so this is a personalized experience, not a group one. I rate the room as average because the toilet is not very private, separated by a curtain from the room. I prefer it to be in its own room as was the case at Sable Alley. However, the views, size and privacy were outstanding. The food was good but nothing special. This is not to complain as Pelo is, after all, a camp in a wilderness. All were excellent considering where we were." See all these reviews: 5n in Botswana
"Pelo Camp review"
The management team is well on top of everything and they are charming. Nothing was too much trouble. The guide who we had was very knowledgable and took great trouble to find out what we wanted to do and see." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana
"Pelo Camp review"
The staff were friendly and helpful. The guides were interesting and informative and the managers Newman and Rauve' were exceptionally friendly and welcoming.
I would thoroughly recommend this camp." See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana
"Pelo Camp review"
The camp tents are very nice and feel luxurious in many ways. The beds were really comfortable and placement of the bucket showers outside looking out on the water was a nice touch. All of the electricity is supplied by solar power and batteries, and is more than adequate for all the basic services.
The food and meals were very nice. The food was well prepared and very tasty. The staff was able to join us for lunch and dinner which we appreciated. We were able to enjoy many good conversations and really learn about the area that way.
Our guide John took us out for our boating safaris and did a great job explaining about the area and providing perspective on things. The wildlife viewing was quite good, especially for birds. And we got to do some fishing and take a mokoro trip, which is highly recommended." See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
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