Reviews of Impala Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
280 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Impala Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
94% success
12% success
56% success
100% success
100% success
94% success
94% success
94% success
94% success
89% success
69% success
13% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
"Selous Impala camp stay"
The guiding was personal with a knowledable and friendly guide (Ezra) and (separate but also knowledgable) driver dedicated to us for the whole stay and the guiding was deliberately designed to our personal likes with all effort made to find things we wanted to see and done with enthusiasm, empathy and really good regard for the environment- no driving fast past baby impala for instance. We also went on walking safaris and these were proper walks with guiding adapted to our level of knowledge
An excellent camp and a credit to Barbara and Makumba (the head guide). We would definitely go again" See all these reviews: 14n in Tanzania
"Selous Impala Camp review"
"Great Birds at Sellous Impala Camp"
As it was meant to be better than its sister camp manze we were slightly disappointed, We prefered manze that we visited last year." See all these reviews: 10n in Zanzibar; 6n in Tanzania
"Selous Impala Camp review"
I also got the impression that they were actively discouraging customers from going on game drives:
1) after our first full day we were asked what we wanted to do the next day (two game drives) to which the reply was "not a river cruise?"
2) when wanting to go out at 6.30am "not at 8am?"
3) and on our last day (short transfer to another camp) "would you like a lie-in, late breakfast and enjoy the use of the pool?". We had to argue for a game drive, which they then cut short by an hour - depositing us at our next camp an hour prior to what they had expected.
I do not pay the amount per night that these camps charge to be palmed off onto cheaper and easier activities. If I am staying 3 nights, I expect 6 game drives at my convenience.
The atmosphere was not as welcoming as the other camps.
According to the guide book, this camp is only fractionally cheaper than selous safari camp - if this is the case, then safari camp is infinitely better value for money" See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania
In regards to the activities from Impala Camp, we apologise as we think there must have been a misunderstanding between these travellers and the camp team. These travellers were keen to do a lot of driving, and the Impala team had wanted to make sure that they knew about the other activities on offer such as walking and boat safaris – as most travellers enjoy the variation of having different activities. They had not intended it to appear as though they were discouraging them from drives.
It is of course up to the traveller to choose their activities here, and Impala Camp are more than happy to facilitate this. The camp’s team apologise profusely if this did not come across properly and will try and be much clearer in the future.
The travellers also compare Impala to Selous Safari Camp. The latter is a much more luxurious tented camp, but it is usually between £70 – 120 per person per night more costly than Impala Camp.
"Selous Impala Camp review"
It was a bonus to have both a guide and driver which wasn't always the case in other locations. It allows more focus on finding wildlife.
The location of Impala with access to both the river and bush and the camp itself with its comfy tents made it the perfect introduction to an amazing country. There isn't one thing I would change about the place or the experience." See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania; 8n in Zanzibar
"Still the ideal safari destination"
The river settting adds such variety to the available activities, i.e boat safaris and fishing, plus wallking and all day safaris are available which we have found not to be the case in some other camps.
The food was very, very good and beautifully presented and we enjoyed being looked after by the same waiter throughout our stay. David was excellent. The Management were relaxed, chatty and helpful which set the tone of the whole camp.
Our guide Ezra is, judging from our experience of various camps, second to none and has a very good command of English. His knowlege of plants, animals and birds is extensive and he has the knack of telling stories and giving information about the small things while we are waiting to spot the big things. Hence you are never bored and always learning. He is also great fun and looked after us well at all times. He is ably assisted by Rajibu his driver and they are a great team.
We can't wait to go back!" See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania
"Amazing start to an amazing holiday!"
Our guides were fantastic - showing us all the things we wanted to see, plus educating us with their knowledge and understanding of the local enviroment and animals. It was really nice having the options for both game drives (the driving is very exhilarating compared to the UK roads!) and boat drives (which are very relaxing and chilled out after the bumping around in the 4by4s)
The tents were great - enjoyed falling asleep to the sound of the hippos and waking up to a giraffe eating the tree by the tent.
The food and service within the camp was varied and very tasty." See all these reviews: 7n in Tanzania; 7n in Zanzibar
"Selous Impala Camp"
We especially enjoyed being able to take river trips instead of going out in the vehicle twice a day; lovely birds including bee eaters nesting in the banks." See all these reviews: 14n in Tanzania
"Fantastic stay at Selous Impala Camp"
The only slight issue we had was with the power in our room which kept on breaking down leaving us with a funny beeping noise in the middle of the night! The staff were keen to try and resolve the issue so hopefully it was just a once off." See all these reviews: 6n in Zanzibar; 4n in Tanzania
"Outstanding safari at Impala Camp"
Our guide Dennis, who we had to ourselves, was very knowledgeable and had the sharpest eyes when it came to spotting some of the animals. We had the opportunity to do boat and walking safaris as well as the drives. It was very flexible. The tents were very comfortable and clean. The Maasi guards were on hand at all times to escort us to and from the main area. The managers Barbara and Andre were very hospitable too.
To wake up in the morning with the wonderful sounds of the hippo just down the bank and the snapping of the crocodiles jaws catching fish as well as the amazing birds was more than we could've imagined.
On our last night we were given a table set up away from the others with our own little fire with our last dinner ending with a song from our personal waiter Mohammad (a lovely genuine guy) along with the other waiters and presented with a delicious Annivesary cake. They were all truely wonderful people, we, as well as all the other guests, were made to feel really welcome. Even Brian the resident giraffe was an amazing sight to see everyday.
I would certainly recommend this camp to everyone. We couldn't have wished for more (except to have stayed longer)" See all these reviews: 6n in Zanzibar; 4n in Tanzania
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