Reviews of Lake Manze Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
221 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Lake Manze Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Wonderful stay at Lake Manze"
Our driver and guide were first class. Found us wonderful game to view.
Really enjoyed our stay." See all these reviews: 14n in Tanzania
"Lake Manze Adventure Camp review"
Although wifi is available, the need for all of that drops away with the basic tent camp, outdoor adventuring, flame lighting and good social surroundings. We had a really good time (w/ 9 yr. old daughter). Time of year makes a difference. Manze is good yr round except in heavy monsoon, but when its dry season the location on a lake makes it a wildlife magnet." See all these reviews: 7n in Zanzibar; 4n in Tanzania
"Lake Manza"
Our guide and driver were very knowledgable. The camp staff were helpful. We did see our fair share of game though we followed the guide's advice of "we shall see what we shall see." Some days were full of events and some not so much. We were able to take a day just resting at the camp. I would say that four days was the right length of time to visit.
We came a little before the big crowds, so there was plenty of staff to see to our needs. I liked staying in the tents, but did not enjoying sharing dinner with bugs. I don't suppose there is much that can be done, but I would have liked to have been better prepared.
Overall a great experience." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania; 4n in Zanzibar
"Great start to trip at Lake Manze Adv Camp"
Also pleased that when we passed them later in the week from another camp they acknowledged us and exchanged words (with nothing to gain from doing so and with new clients onboard their vehicle). Second favourite camp of the holiday" See all these reviews: 14n in Tanzania
"Lake Manze Tented Camp review"
The location of the camp by the lake, where our tent had a great view of, it is very nice. The first night we were visited by elephants that they really came very close to our tent. Lake Manze is a simple camp that offers a variety of short activities, walking, boat and drive safaris. We did enjoy the rides with the boat in the lake, its rather far to venture to the Rufiji river, giving us the opportunity to enjoy bird-life, hippos, crocs and various insects. The staff and the guides are doing their best, we are thankful to Viktor and Abou for enjoyable breakfasts in the bush and by the river and Rashid for the boat rides.
There seems to be less game than Ruaha and harder to see it through the woods. Certainly the leopard watching under a bush that got annoyed circled by 7 vehicles and fled in no time at the top of a tree, 20m +, and then harassed by a male baboon was a memorable moment. Being in the 3rd jeep coming into the scene I definitely feel guilty than those in the 7th - game-watching has to become more sustainable and sensible for all!" See all these reviews: 7n in Tanzania
"Lake Manze Tented Camp review"
The accommodation was excellent and the staff did well in their day to day efforts to clean and generally service the tent..
Not having electricity available was something of a novelty to those from more developed areas but ii was not a problem and facilities for recharging batteries were easily available" See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania
"Lake Manze Adventure Camp review"
The camp can seem a bit busy not just a result of its size but also because it seems to be popular for late bookings from Dar of one and two nights. Due to the flexibilty of activities it also means you aren't always with the same guide or guests. Together with the 'guest turnover' this can make the camp can seem less intimate than smaller camps." See all these reviews: 14n in Tanzania
"a totally satisfying stay at Lake Manze camp"
- its overall situation in the Lake Manze environment as a wildlife habitat.
- the fine setting of the camp by the water like that.
- occupying tent no. 1 at the end of the line that became part of the intimate experience of game we had in camp, day and night.
- the staffs gentleness and good humour that made spontaneous interaction and conversation an easy and unforgettable part of the experience, and, in the case of the guides and drivers, this includes their knowlegeableness and care for the animals. I would thank each and every person we had contact with in this respect, not just in general but in some particular way too. (this point was probably the defining point of the safari, the cream topping an already fine experience, as far as I was concerned.)
My only discomfort was the evening banquet table.
I would have felt happier in the dining area.
Still dining with others, the meal would have been quieter for me, therefore more in keeping with the overall experience.
I would have more easily escaped afterwards to sit in the tent porch and listen to the night sounds of Africa before turning in.
This is a very personal comment, not a criticism, because I think that socialising at the banquet table was a helpful way of signing out after the other-world experiences of the day for many people.
My grading of the experience below is totally subjective, simply meaning that in each case I was totally content with things as they were in those circumstances, not wishing anything to have been otherwise." See all these reviews: 6n in Zanzibar; 4n in Tanzania
"Lake Manze Tented Camp review"
Excellent vehicles and boats, but other camps do have a swimming pool!" See all these reviews: 14n in Tanzania
"Safari as it should be"
Lighting in the tents is minimal (a lamp and some candles, plus a paraffin lamp in the bathroom). You soon get used to it though and I think it adds to the charm as well as reducing the impact on the environment. Its hot, hot, hot in Selous in Sept so the solar powered fans in the tents were a welcome addition! We found a small torch with a wriststrap came in handy to hang above the bathroom mirror on near the shower, they also come in handy when rooting through a bag in the dark.
The activities at Manze are the best feature with a good mix of options. I personally wasn't too impressed with the walk, but that maybe because I have been on a two day walking Safari before. If Manze is your first Safari then the walk might be more rewarding. The boat trips were excellent and better than anything I experienced in the Okavango, we did three and all were rewarding with close encounters with Elephants, watching Giraffe crossings, close to hippos (boat was bumped by one) and lots and lots of crocs.
The drives are excellent and starting early with a packed breakfast to have in the bush gives you a 6 hour drive in the morning which is a very decent amount of time indeed. Its nice to couple this with a Boat safari in the afternoon. I liked that you could mix and match the activities, go for an early morning boat trip, followed by breakfast back and camp and then out on a 3 hour drive. We did find the game quite skittish in Selous and some more than others, Zebra, Wilderbeast and Impala tended to keep a distance - although the Impala eventually seemed to relax. Giraffe are everywhere though and I was astounded by how many there are. One evening stretching our legs by the river we counted over 50 on the opposite river bank.
We had a top notch Leopard sighting and excellent Lion sightings, no dogs, but you win some you lose some. Selous as a park is very beautiful and I was surprised by the breadth of different terrain. I thought it had a wilder more untamed feel to it than the Northern circuit which is difficult to articulate, it just felt a more challenging life out there.
A final word for the guides and staff, we had a great guide and driver (Samuel and Emanuel) and our boat guid (Omari) was exceptional at getting us close to game on the banks. Its a big plus for me that Manze run a two person guide and driver system, some camps just have one person do both jobs and I much prefer having one person keeping an eye on the road and another on the game. All the staff were without exception delightful and it was nice to share a few days with people who are clearly committed to the camp and friendly and relaxed around guests.
I can't imagine any reason not to stay at Manze, its a proper Safari as it should be." See all these reviews: 5n in Tanzania; 3n in Rwanda; 1n in Zanzibar
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